Epiphany Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Epiphany Church, Ligonier
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There is no other God who keeps his promises like the God of the Bible, and Jesus's death and resurrection is proof of this. Also: Pastor Bryan watches a kid's show and can't hold back the tears. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
Truth without love is cruel. Love without truth is sentimentality. Love and truth together is forgiveness. In Mark 14, Jesus offers premature forgiveness to his disciples, as everyone is exposed for their unworthiness compared to his obedience. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
One of the key themes of Mark's gospel, and one of the key principles in reading the Bible, is that Jesus is unique. We can't identify with him like every other character or person in every other story. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
Stay awake! Be on guard! Don't stray! Jesus tells his disciples that the end is near, and their faith and trust in him has never been more important. Also: Pastor Bryan misses the bus. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
Winged eyeballs, chaos dragons, zombie lambs, and resurrected skeletons. The Bible has it all! Here's a bit of background behind some of the zanier parts of the Bible, and why even they contain good news for Christians in every age. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
If you've ever been a part of a bad church, Jesus can relate. Nearly three full chapters of Mark's gospel, over 20% of the book, catalogues Jesus's condemnation of the corrupt and worthless worship of Jerusalem's temple. Here are Jesus's main critiques, which every church should read with sobering humility. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
An introduction into why Christians can rely on the modern Bible as an accurate source for the apostle's teachings and God's word. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
Jesus has revealed his plan to save the world through his death and resurrection, but the disciples don't get it. When it comes to many of life's most intimate matters - such as marriage, family and finances - God's kingdom changes everything. The disciples (and we who read Mark's gospel!) find these texts to be challenging. But stick with them - behind Jesus's ethical framework lies is a glimpse into the kingdom of God. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
Our reading from Mark this week presents a challenge - what happens when nobody understands the meaning of one of Jesus's sayings? Here's why it's OK to say "I don't know," and why Christians don't have to be anxious about these few tricky verses. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
If Jesus's words "Take up your cross and follow me" don't shock us, it's because time has softened his attention-grabbing words. Also: Jesus is not Diet Coke, nor is he a Drill Seargent. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
Exploring how a Christian should understand Jesus's ministry and work when they have access to four primary accounts of his life. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
Jesus's frustration at the Pharisees boils over, and in the process, he reveals one of Christianity's great countercultural teachings. The source of human suffering and worldly ills is not what we think it is. Also: how Cheap Trick's 1977 hit I Want You to Want Me has more theological insight than they could possibly have known. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
Is Jesus really calling a woman a dog? Does the Lord and Savior have a sexist streak? These are the questions someone might ask if they are reading the Bible like a book of pithy sayings instead of a narrative about history. This week, four tips on how to better understand the context of a passage, and by proxy, understand God's love for the world (and you too!). To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
One of the key aspects of Israel's social life was God's designation between status of clean and unclean. And for our reading this week in Mark 4-6, the miracles that Jesus offers take on a deeper significance when you remember this important social structure. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
Famed artiest Vincent Van Gogh had hoped to be a minister, but things didn't go so well for him. A lesson for him, and for anyone doing Christian ministry, from Mark 4. Also, St. Monica, and Pastor Bryan's garden. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
In the dictionary, the definition of the word "parable" includes a mention of Jesus. If we're going to understand Mark's gospel, or any of the gospels, we'll need to make sure we understand how to read the parables. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
Jesus famously argued that "a house divided cannot stand," but in Mark's gospel, that truth applies to his own household as much as anyone else's. Also: what we learn from buckets full of crabs. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
Jesus does not mince words when the scribes attribute his power and ministry to Satan instead of God. The result: a condemnation from Jesus so strong it makes Christians squirm even in 2023. Should we be worried about an unforgivable sin? To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
In this section of Mark's gospel, Jesus addresses five religious practices that the crowds, especially the scribes and Pharisees, have misunderstood. Also: why Footloose (1984) is the greatest film ever made about Pharisees. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
In our reading this week, Jesus corrects the Pharisees five separate times. The Pharisees are the staunchest and most direct opponents of Jesus's teaching, and so learning more about this denomination within ancient Judaism will help us understand more about Jesus too. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/).
When Jesus heals a leper for the first time, it gives us insight into how things are made "clean" in his ministry. Also, Dr. Seuss phones it in with the ending to one of his lesser known children's books.
Imagine turning off The Wizard of Oz in the first 20 minutes of the film - how much would you have missed? The transition to color film, the famous friends, the battle against the Wicked Witch of the West... Jesus's ministry has just started, and people are already forming opinions about who he is and what he's come to accomplish. But by looking at a particular theme in Mark's gospel, we see that Jesus doesn't want people to be so hasty with their assessments. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/). Fredson Falls by Mr Smith is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/mr-smith/fever-dreams-1/fredson-falls/).
As Jesus is baptized, the fabric of reality is torn, and we get a brief glimpse of God in three persons. How Mark's Gospel, C.S. Lewis, Jonathan Edwards, and new wave punk rocker Billy Idol help us understand the Trinity. Also: Pastor Bryan's first dance with a girl. To learn more about Learning from the Lion, visit Epiphany's website (https://www.epiphanyligonier.org/2023/05/18/mark/). To sign up for Learning from the Lion emails, join Epiphany's email list (https://epiphanyligonier.us18.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=6deab5ff3fb36b536f224d4a7&id=e67d04679b), and unsubscribe anytime. Say Grace For Me by Derek Clegg is licensed under a Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Derek_Clegg/old-town-worry/say-grace-for-me/). Fredson Falls by Mr Smith is licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License, and can be found at freemusicarchive.org (https://freemusicarchive.org/music/mr-smith/fever-dreams-1/fredson-falls/).
When they can't find food in the wilderness, Israel is angry with Moses. Or are they? An exploration of transference, a psychological concept identified by modern scientists and explained God himself.
After the plagues, after the Passover, after the partying, Israel is daunted by the challenges of life as God's free people. Sure, God can part the Red Sea, but what about water in the desert? Part 1 of Prone to Wander, a sermon series exploring the life of Israel after The Exodus.
Epiphany welcomes The Rev. Claire Megles, director of spiritual care at Kindred Hospice in New Castle, PA. There's a difference between giving God "thanks" and "praise," and that difference has profound consequences for the spiritual life. Also: a sketchy piece of advice from a 1980's church marriage retreat.
After John gets a vision of the great destiny of all Christians, Jesus gives him Funkytown instructions: talk about it! Also: Pippin and Gandalf dream of the world to come.
Don't let the archaic language of "curse" fool you. Ours is a world of curses, but the next world will be defined by a lack of "everything accursed." Also: Pastor Bryan spoils Citizen Kane.
Epiphany welcomes Mr. Greg Davis to the pulpit. Greg is the director of Pine Springs Camp in Jennerstown PA, and today he shares with the church about the power of sacrifice in building a Christian community.
Did you know that famous jazz number has no discernable origin? People just started singing it back around 1900. But Revelation 7 is the source, and frankly, don't we all want to be "in the number"?
A conversation about worthiness. Wayne and Garth are not worthy to party with Alice Cooper. Nobody, save Arthur, was worthy to pull the sword from the stone. And we are not worthy to open The Scroll. Shout out to our special guests this week from Light of Life Rescue Mission.
"Why do you seek the living among the dead?" ask the angels on the first Easter Sunday. That's like trying to find chicken drumsticks at Lowes, or cheeseburgers at Chick Fil A. Only in the Resurrected Jesus is there Zoeh life.
Pastor Bryan gives up his Protestant card. Defeat is the plan all along. Also: where do we find Jesus in a warzone in Ukraine?
Napoleon redefines the coronation ceremony. Jesus redefines the Passover. Malcus has a simple request.
We often think of the righteous as being heralded as kings and receiving all the social blessings therein. Jesus demonstrates that the opposite is most often true: the righteous are most often targets for our resentments and anger.
The Rev. Karen Stevenson revisits a classic Christian text. Just because we're moral doesn't mean we aren't lost. But God loves his lost children and will go to any length to bring them him.
Moses and Aaron face a rebellion in the ranks, and God is not to happy about it. Also - it is human nature to fight against laws.
Jesus talks about hell an awful lot. But let's be honest - a lot of people ask him about hell too. Also: how to get into secular heaven in 2022.
The disciples get a true vision of who Jesus really is, like a reverse version of The Wizard of Oz. But Jesus is content to hide his glory and come down the mountain, returning to a humble ministry. Also: prayers for peace between Ukraine and Russia.
Sticks and Stones may break our bones, but words have the power to save a soul. Also: a quote St. Francis never said, a passage about preaching that St. Paul actually said, and the difference between a spiritual experience and kayaking endorphins.
Graham Sutherland's portrait of Winston Churchill was not well received by its subject. Jeremiah's words about the human heart were not well received by his people.
Nobody likes to be told what to do. But after an encounter of grace with Jesus, Peter has a change of heart, and a change of language.
Jesus can heal the sick, raise the dead, calm storms, and cast out demons. But he can also... turn water into wine? A look at one of the Bible's most mundane miracles, with the help of O Henry and a bit of very boozy math.
Just who exactly was it that gave Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh? They weren't kings, they probably weren't wise, but God moves heaven and earth to bring them to worship the newborn king.
Mary unexpectedly finds the baby Jesus taken from her arms as Simeon and Anna affirm God's claim on this remarkable firstborn child. The Rev. David Ketter fills in this week and shares the comfort he takes in God's claim on his life as well.
What does it mean that the first people invited to meet the baby Jesus are dirty, unclean, blue collar shepherds?
St. John answers the question Joan Osborne asked in 1995 - "What if God was one of us?" Also, Jim and Pam from the Office help explain the incarnation.
Joy is a better place than happiness, but it comes at a cost. But Jesus himself and "all the saints" were willing to pay it.
An Irish family feud, a door in St. Patrick's Dublin, and "the chanced arm" of God on Reformation Sunday.
Janet Jackson was in control in 1986. St. Paul, however, never felt in control, and that's OK by God. A reevaluation of weakness, courtesy of Jesus Christ himself.
A sermon series debriefing what the heck happened over our exhausting last year and a half. It's been said that wounded people wound people. But it's also true that reconciled people can reconcile with other people. Nobody else, except Christians, are ambassadors for this gracious character of God.
A new sermon series debriefing what the heck happened over our exhausting last year and a half. Humility may be the most biblical virtue, but how does one actually become humble? And how is humility different from self-loathing? C.S. Lewis, Martin Luther, Tim Keller, Rick Warren, and a self-righteous Buddhist monk help answer those questions. Psalm 25, Philippians 2, Luke 18.
A new sermon series debriefing what the heck happened over our exhausting last year and a half. Jesus tells us that anxiety won't add a minute to our lives, but also, prays about his death with such anxiety that he sweats blood. Anxiety, faith, and Pastor Bryan's newly discovered fear of heights. Psalm 46, 2 Chronicles 20, Luke 22.
A new sermon series debriefing what the heck happened over our exhausting last year and a half. William Cowper battles crippling depression, and so does the Prophet Elijah. Pastor Bryan's PCP shares the inside scoop on COVID-19 and mental illness. Psalm 6, 1 Kings 19, John 11.
A new sermon series debriefing what the heck happened over our exhausting last year and a half. Pastor Bryan becomes a modern American heretic, challenging the conventional wisdom of this age. Do not "listen to your heart" or "follow your dreams" or "trust your gut." Also: why you can't eat just one potato chip.
A new sermon series debriefing what the heck happened over our exhausting last year and a half. Alongside the pandemic, our public conversations about race have reached a fever pitch. What does the bible say about race and ethnicity? Also, Pastor Bryan visits Ferguson Missouri.
A "shibboleth" is a modern word with an Old Testament root and plenty of contemporary equivalents. Pastor Bryan reminds everyone in Ligonier that it's not a gazebo, it's a bandstand. Our readings this week: Judges 12, Psalm 55, Romans 14, and Luke 9.
A new sermon series debriefing what the heck happened over our exhausting last year and a half. A warm welcome to The Rev. Eric Phillips, who is in the pulpit this week while Pastor Bryan is away. Our podcast is a recording of a similar sermon Eric preached at his home church, Grace Anglican Grove City, a few weeks back. Our readings this week: Job 42, Psalm 107, Revelation 7, and Mark 10.
Can we say that the pandemic was harder to endure because of the politics? Looking for inspiration on church and state matters from The Bible, John Boehner, Billy Graham, and John Stott. 2 Samuel 23, Psalm 2, 2 Peter 2, John 6.
A new sermon series debriefing what the heck happened over our exhausting last year and a half. It could have been worse though: in 1721, a minister had his house bombed during a smallpox pandemic. The readings: Numbers 16, Psalm 38, Revelation 15, Luke 7.
In the conclusion to our Kerygma Series in Acts: What happens when life huffs and puffs and blows your house down? Three golden threads make a big difference. Also: Pastor Bryan passes on a house.
What exactly is The Kingdom of God? And what does it have to do with The Book of Acts? Also: RC Sproul gets stopped at the border, and an unimaginable royal wedding.
St. Paul tries to win friends and influence people. Pastor Bryan gets a job he doesn't want. You are more than your demographics.
Paul preaches the Gospel to an unjust judge. Nightbirde finds God on the bathroom floor. Pastor Bryan explores his calling.
St. Paul tells his Testimony to a hostile crowd. Pastor Bryan shares a testimony too. Aristotle and Sy Sperling help out.
St. Paul has one last chance to address the church in Ephesus before his impending arrest, trial, and death. Have you ever considered what your last words would be before your death? Harriet Tubman, Charles Foster Kane, and The Mellon Family guest star.
Paul preaches a sermon to people who have never read the Bible. Will he change his message accordingly? Also: Pastor Bryan shares the best sermon illustration he ever heard.
A new apostle steps up to the plate and takes over the preaching duties in the book of Acts. His sermons land well with first century Jews, but will they land with 21st century Americans? Bob Dylan, Tony Danza, and John Lennon assist.
Shakespeare invented the phrase "strange bedfellows" in Act 2 of The Tempest. But Peter and Cornelius lived out that ideal a thousand years prior.
A warm welcome The Rev. Lauren Weidenboerner, adjunct professor at Trinity School for Ministry, as she helps Epiphany celebrate Trinity Sunday.
Is this the best sermon ever preached? Not the one Pastor Bryan shares, but the one St. Peter proclaims on Pentecost.
Stephen's martyrdom highlights a spiritual truth that's as pleasant and as beloved as a colonoscopy. Also: Pastor Bryan shares about a past defeat.
Pastor Bryan's Talk from the Mockingbird Festival in Tyler, TX., where he pitches a most unpopular bit of Christian theology. Also: if Pelagius the heretic had an Instagram account.
Mr. John Bryant, Evangelist with Church Army USA, explains the difficulty of Jesus's admonition to "abide" in him.
Eight weeks ago, Peter denied knowing who Jesus was. But now, he's telling off Jesus's executioners with unexpected boldness. Also: Pastor Bryan's hippie friend takes potatoes into his own hands.
Did you know that The Monkees had Jimi Hendrix open for them over six shows in 1967? Also: quick lesson in distinguishing between The Gospel and the implications of The Gospel.
A new sermon series begins today with an exploration of the very first words St. Paul shared with the people of Corinth. Also: Pastor Bryan has a favorite statue.
Please welcome Seminarian Brandon Daily to Epiphany's pulpit this week! Thomas was already crushed by doubt before missing Jesus's resurrection appearance. But it turns out, there's a community of people who are very good at making space for his hesitation.
The original Easter Sunday changed the world in profound ways. How might it change us too? Also: the Hallmark Channel tries to make Easter Movies a thing.
What do we make of the fact that Christ sat silent before his accusers? Also: Pastor Bryan tries to argue with atheists online.
With his dying breath, Jesus fulfills the fifth commandment and honors his mother. (In the podcast itself, Pastor Bryan accidentally says sixth commandment).
God wants Moses and Aaron to update their calendar. GK Chesterton teases Auguste Comte.
One condemned and crucified thief is less than 24 hours away from a total reversal of fortune.
Just how far would you go to silence an enemy? If you're a chief priest or a temple authority, the answer is: "pretty far."
Hosanna! Barbara Bush, Alexander the Great, and a look at the political subtext behind the original Palm Sunday. Also, what Pastor Bryan doesn't do at the gym.
One year and 52 sermons (and bonus podcasts!) later, our series The Gospel According to Genesis comes to a conclusion. Also: learn how to make the veins pop out on Pastor Bryan's forehead.
What's with all the hand crossing? Is Grandpa Jacob going senile? Also: Pastor Bryan's friend wins a beauty contest she never entered.
Joseph's dad meets Joseph's boss. Being old has its benefits. Pastor Bryan hopes his midlife crisis comes early.
In one of the most explicit passages of the Bible, the forth of Jacob's 12 sons, Judah, finds his wicked heart exposed. All of the ancient world, and all of world history, behold his actions with jaw agape. And yet, God can foreshadow Good News in even the most humiliating of circumstances. This episode teaches on a biblical story which has its locus is human sexuality, sexual assault, and incest. Please listen to the content advisory warning at the beginning of the podcast before moving forward.
Surprisingly, Joseph does not blame his brothers for the events of the past 20 years. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band makes an appearance. So does Rachael Denhollander.
The power of contrition is underrated, and the power of Judah's contrition cracks open Joseph's heart of stone. Also: Pastor Bryan makes a big financial mistake.
An Ash Wednesday reflection. In J.K Rowling's Harry Potter universe, only those who have seen death firsthand can see the mythical beasts called Thestrals. This year, in light of COVID-19, it's like we've all seen Thestrals. Also: Pastor Bryan's first Ash Wednesday service.
The tables have turned. Joseph's brothers lay prostrate before him. Will Joseph take his just revenge out on the men who sold him into slavery? Also: Pastor Bryan can't sing country music.
Things finally take a turn in Joseph's life. Maybe the story sounds familiar? Also: Pastor Bryan dunks on Marcion. Again.
Joseph interprets a dream and makes a friend in a high place. Pastor Bryan shares his reoccurring nightmares.
Joseph has a cushy gig, but his boss's wife may ruin it for him. Luckily, God is lookin' out. Bob Dylan and Billy Graham guest star.
Guest preacher Mr. John Bryant, evangelist with Church Army USA, offers two readings on a heartbreaking text of family tragedy.
Favoritism can destroy a family. Just ask Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine. Or, just ask Joseph's brothers.
An R-rated Bible story that focuses on an R-rated moral offense. What happens when we cause a moral injury that we cannot repay? This episode examines a passage from the Bible that includes sexual assault.
The baton of God's promise passes from Jacob to his 12 kiddos. Also: what the Goo Goo Dolls and Puritan John Bunyan have in common.
White Christmas is 78 years old. Why do we love it so much? Also: sad tidings for Jacob and Rachel.
A Christmas Eve Sermon for anyone who couldn't make it to church this year. Merry Christmas from Epiphany!
Is Les Mis right? "To love another person is to see the face of God?" Jacob, Esau, and the Ministry of Reconciliation.
Both Jacob and Pastor Bryan have wrestled with God before. Both walked away with an injury and a blessing.
A rude awakening for anyone who's tried to buy a stairway to heaven. Also: Scientology is cruel.
Esau, the firstborn son of Isaac, despises his birthright. Pastor Bryan stops preaching and starts meddling.
The third (and final) time in Genesis a wife is passed off as a sister. Also: you are more than the sins of your fathers.
Isaac decides to trust his father's God. Also, the mother of guest preacher The Rev. Lauren Scharf loves her whether she could do it or not.
Not even Abraham escapes the onslaught of bureaucracy after his wife Sarah dies. Also: get a will.
Never say Pastor Bryan doesn't shy away from the hard passages. Here's what happens to Lot after the destruction of Sodom. This sermon acknowledges the existence of sexual assault and incest.
Something sneaky is going on with God's latest commandment. Also: Pastor Bryan's top five things.
Laughter is the language of the free -- so what is Sarah free from? Delivered outdoors on Sunday, September 13.
Once again, Abraham violates his marriage vows. Also, Pastor Bryan used to like Star Wars.
God visits Sodom to see what's going on. It's not good. Note: this sermon acknowledges the existence sexual assault.
Don't let Abraham fool you. The conversation isn't about 50 or 40 or 20 or 10 people. Also: Pastor Bryan applies to Governor's School.
Abraham rolls out the red carpet. Pastor Bryan smokes cigars with a famous rapper. Put on your stretchy pants.
God gives Abraham a new name and a new religious rite. Also: Pastor Bryan buys a 5 gallon bucket of laundry detergent.
Abram starts to think God's promises are too good to be true. Also: did you sign up for the Colombia House Record Club back in the 80's?
How Noah's trauma post-flood helps us understand God. Also: don't read Genesis if you're under the age of 30.
What's better than having a boat? Having a friend with a boat! Also: Pastor Bryan is personally attacked in the grocery store.
When Pastor Bryan wants to restart his garden, it's no problem. But what if God wants to start over his creation from scratch? That is quite a problem!
Early Christians had trouble teaching the Anglo-Saxons about the forbidden fruit. But their light bulbs clicked when they read the story of Cain and Abel.
It's the darkest chapter of the Bible. Is there any hope for the accursed this side of Eden?
Our Sunday Sermon Series, The Gospel According to Genesis, continues on into Genesis 2. Also, Pastor Bryan loses a fight with his dog.
In the beginning God created... you know the story. Find out today what you would have learned if you were in Babylonian pagan Sunday School.
Our Philippians Devotional Series Returns! Paul shares his relief that Epaphroditus has recovered from serious illness.
Reflections on The Gospel of Luke, Acts 1, and the doctors outfit projected onto Christ the Redeemer statute in Brazil.
The Homily preached at the Ligonier Community Drive-In Easter Service on Sunday, April 12. Your forgiveness in advance for less-than-stellar audio quality.
There are two kinds of people in this world. People who chew with their mouths closed and horrible, terrible people who need to leave and eat in another room. So which one is Jesus? Also: Palm Sunday
Children's books are fonts of wisdom. Just ask the Pollywog. Also- how to be like Jesus.
It's easy to confuse real discipleship with performance. Jesus has no time for that. Also, Smokey Robinson.
St. Paul has a word of empathy for the church in Philippi - their persecution is just like his. When two people suffer together, it creates a profound bond.
Philippians 1:19-21. St Paul, in the midst of his hardship, wants to honor Jesus with his body. How does one honor Jesus in their body in the midst of a virus pandemic?
A devotional for the single members of Epiphany. It's hard to do this alone. St. Paul knows what you're going through.
How did St. Paul's letter to the church in Philippi come about? A look into the themes of Philippians and a relationship marked by joy and suffering for The Gospel.
It's our first audio version of a Sunday worship service. Thanks to Teri T., Marj M., and Beth J., for their help recording the service. Stay tuned next Sunday for our second Sunday worship gathering!