Epiclesis: Recent Episodes
Epiclesis
Can you imagine the crowd's astonishment, how they must have been utterly dumbfounded, by the multiplication miracle by Jesus of those famous five loaves and two fishes?No matter whether that crowd could perceive it fully, the Kingdom was in fact near. The Messiah, Jesus, had come, and He had compassion on His people. The covenant was being renewed. The 12 tribes of Israel were being reconstituted with 12 of the King’s followers. Fragments— leftovers and remnants— the broken pieces of God’s people were being gathered up.Join Pastor Chris as he looks at the multiplication-- and its implications-- that happened on the shore of the Sea of Galilee so very long ago.Note: The artwork associated with this podcast/sermon is of the mosaic beneath the altar at the Church of the Multiplication in Tabgha.The images referred to in the sermon:1. Sea of Galilee with towns. 2. Outside the Church of the Multiplication. 3. Inside Church of the Multiplication. 4. Altar of the church. 5. Mosaic beneath the altar.
In the Roman Empire, patience was not a prized virtue. But it was very important to the early Christians.Early Christians often talked about patience. It was the first virtue they wrote a treatise about —at least three, evidently— and they called patience the "highest virtue," "the greatest of all virtues," the virtue that was "peculiarly Christian."Patience was so important to the early church that at least one author says that it is one of the chief reasons it grew.Join Pastor Chris for a look at three little parables of Jesus that have the strong, but perhaps not so obvious, theme of patience running through them.Note: The work of art associated with this podcast/sermon is titled "The Evolution of a Pearl" by Heidi Heiser.
Why is there evil if the Kingdom is present? And what are we to do about it? In His parable of the weeds among the wheat, the Lord Jesus teaches us that the answer to the weeds around us in the world is... to plant more good seeds: patiently, lovingly, perseveringly, and abundantly, in the hope that in the end, the kingdom of this world will indeed become the Kingdom of our Lord. Our work is to sow wheat, not pluck weeds… except for the weeds inside our own hearts.Note: The painting associated with this sermon/podcast is "The Harvest" by celebrated Romanian artist Arthur Garguromin Verona.
One commentator has said that a parable is “storytelling with a message,” that also declares a truth, and that also asks for a response. So, when Jesus is telling a parable, it’s not just a literary exercise or a brain teaser. He’s using a story to call His listeners into some kind of transformation. But whether it ends up being an "ah-hah" moment for the listener depends upon their heart.Maybe parables are the ultimate heart detectors. Art credit: "Heart and Soul" by Jan Camerone.Other photos Pastor Chris referred to in this sermon:1. Model of a working first century Judean fishing boat. 2. Model of the “Jesus Boat” they found at the Sea of Galilee in 1986. 3. The actual “Jesus Boat” on display. 4. The Sea of Galilee from Capernaum. 5. Farther up the hill looking down toward Capernaum. 6. “The Sower” by Millet (1850). 7. “The Sower” by Van Gogh (1888). 8. “The Sower” by Melani Pyke (contemporary).
In this continuing series, we see Jesus ministering in and around the Sea of Galilee. That’s where He set up his home base (Capernaum), and it’s the region where He sent out the disciples as apostles to drive out demons, heal diseases, and spread the word that the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.In this installment, we also see the disciples of John the Baptist come and ask Jesus a very important question. What Jesus says in return includes a curious story of children in the marketplace. What did He mean? And how might it have been an encouragement to John?Art credit: "Christ Preaching on the Galilee" by Minerva Teichert.Other photos that Pastor Chris referred to in this sermon:1: Globe2: Israel map3: Galilee/Tahoe4: Sea of Galilee5: Tiberias6: Magdala7: Capernaum8: Galilee and Dead Sea9: Israel map with dots: Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, baptism site, Machaerus
On this Sunday, we came to three little verses that cap off Matthew 10. And it’s the last thing— the last bit of instruction, the final words if commission— that Jesus gave before He sent His Apostles off on their mission.Wonder if the apostles were trying to grapple with the fact that their lives truly were no longer their own? Now they had to take on the same mission— and even the destiny— of their Master.
Jesus is saying it very plainly— He’s laying it right out there—that His messengers, His apostles, should expect persecution. Jesus even goes as far to say that His apostles should expect being flogged. Should we expect persecution as modern-day followers of Jesus? Join us as we look at a passage in Matthew 10, and along the way we also think about what it means to pledge our allegience to Christ.
As Jesus traveled around through the villages of Galilee, large crowds gathered around Him. Matthew describes those people as confused and helpless. Why did Jesus begin His ministry there, and why does the Gospel compare the people to sheep? Join Pastor Chris as he continue our series where we're "telling the story of Jesus," as the beloved old hymn says.The artwork associated with this podcast/sermon is "The Good Shepherd" by Daniel Bonnell, one of our favorites at Epiclesis. You can find his art at www.BonnellArt.com.
We're in the long season after Pentecost and on this particular Sunday, Pastor Chris began a short series examining the Gospel readings. Matthew's account of the person and work of Jesus is full of wonderful stories. Our first story records Jesus healing several people, and one of them in particular is praised by Jesus for her faith. The Greek word is "pistis." But does our word "faith" adequately and fully describe what the Bible means? Let's dive in and learn!The painting associated with this sermon/podcast is titled "The Encounter" by Daniel Cariola. It is displayed in the chapel's lower level (recently excavated down to street level at the time of Jesus) in Magdala. The scene is the healing of the woman with the "issue of blood."Other photos Pastor Chris referred to: Duc in Altum Chapel exteriorDuc in Altum Chapel interiorDuc in Altum Chapel lower level
The Holy Spirit was surely present and at work many times in God's Story throughout the Old Testament. So, what made the giving of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost different than previous times? Join Pastor Chris as he looks at three Old Testament characters, radically empowered by the Holy Sprit, as a lens through which to look at the breathtaking events of that first Pentecost Sunday.The image posted with this sermon/podcast is a mosaic depicting the Day of Pentecost. The artist and location are unknown.
In the week leading up to this Sunday, Pastor Chris wrote the congregation asking if folks needed some encouragement. We could probably all use something like that. The world out there seems awfully prickly and tense these days. Getting a blessing would be, well, a blessing.Paul's second letter to Timothy was an encouragement and a blessing-- even though the circumstances around its writing were grim. Join Pastor Chris as he encourages the congregation to be blessed for their faith, to rekindle their gift, and to trust in God and not be ashamed.Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord! Note: The artwork associated with this podcast (viewable on the Epiclesis website but not through Apple iTunes) is "Uplift a Friend" (detail) by Cynthia Christine (see "ColorsofCynthiaChristine" for additional information.
On this Sunday, Pastor Chris took a close look at Psalm 113, one of the "Hallel" Psalms, and also called the "Egyptian Hallel." Our marvelous God is both transcendent and immanent. What else can we learn about God the Father and His divine name through this psalm? Praise the Lord! And join us.
If we’re not careful, we can teach others, by the way we live, that Christianity is a means to something else. C.S. Lewis writes about avoiding a "Christianity And..." way of living-- in other words Christianity plus something else for some kind of gain.Lewis was always arguing toward truth from "merely" Christianity. Christianity, alone, doesn’t need any additions, no matter how noble they seem.And yet Paul writes to his young protégé Timothy about how godliness combined with contentment is great gain. Living out both of those things sound hard. So, what are some things we can do to experience that gain? Join us!
The events of the past week in the United States were shocking and sickening. The murder of innocents: Two school children, a young war refugee, a conservative activist. And that's not even the whole list. Many people are hurting and even afraid. And, it would seem, many people are also celebrating murder and reveling in extremely divisive politics.What in the world is a Christian to do?Pastor Chris gave a heart-felt and pastoral response to the rawness of the world by starting with a look at Moses and one of the (many) times he interceded for his nation.Join us for what we hope will be an encouraging and hopeful message. The artwork associated with this sermon/podcast is titled "Moses Pleading" by Yitchok Schmukler (viewable on the Epiclesis podcast page but not in iTunes).
Dallas Willard asks, "How many people are radically and permanently repelled from The Way by Christians who are unfeeling, stiff, unapproachable, boringly lifeless, obsessive, and dissatisfied? Yet such Christians are everywhere . . ." bearing not the slightest resemblance to Jesus. This sermon explores the spectrum of simple to profound enjoyments Jesus knew in His life and ministry, and suggests that Jesus is not the problem, but the solution to the problem as we make Him the leader of our emotional lives.The artwork associated with this sermon/podcast (viewable on the Epiclesis podcast page but not in the Apple app) is "Joy" by Yongsung Kim.
“Lord of the Rings, Politics, and What’s a Christian to Do?” That’s the theme for our annual Fall Retreat (October 17-18) with special guest teacher Rev. Steve Pearson.Back for a fourth and final conversation in the series, Steve joined Pastor Chris to talk about the third movie in the trilogy, “The Return of the King.” Steve summarized the plot and characters, then he talked about themes in the movie through the lenses we’ve been using: power (the nature of); fellowship; and sovereignty and freedom.We're hoping that these conversations are a blessing to you, and most especially you'll think about joining us for the retreat in October. Join us!For more information about both the retreat and Steve, please go here.
Memory, and also remembering, are important parts of our faith and worship. Always have been. So, what happens when we forget? Or worse, what happens when God's people seem to have willful amnesia? This Old Testament reading in Jeremiah is a rebuke by God to His people for their willful amnesia. And they are about to be harshly and devastatingly judged for it.One question: Where is a critical place in Christian worship where we purposefully remember? Join us and find out!The artwork associated with this podcast/sermon (seen on the Epiclesis website posting, not in iTunes) is titled "Willful Amnesia" (detail) by Shadia Derbyshire.
We often speak at Epiclesis about our being "Ancient-Future." And being Ancient-Future brings along with it a collection of things that we think are important when it comes to recovering an historic, orthodox faith. Crucial to that recovery is worship, and central to God's big, colorful story in worship is the person and work of Jesus Christ.So, what are some features of “Ancient-Future” worship? Join Pastor Chris as he shares three. Along the way, we looked at two passages of Scripture that show the breathtaking, Ancient-Future sweep of salvation history.
These days, it seems like everything is political. So, what's a Christian to do in such contentious and divisive times? Join Pastor Chris as he looks at Psalm 80 for some direction. Some of the observations may seem obvious. But as God’s people— People who belong to God and His kingdom— we need to hear them again.
This particular Sunday's reading from Hebrews presented us with the classic definition of faith. Can you call it to mind?Faith is far more than a feeling. Scripture labels as faith a thing or ability that “sees” a long, long way beyond what human senses can confirm in the moment. In other words, it’s Holy Spirit-inspired perceiving/believing. Language fails, but somehow faith is a thing you can stand on and trust that you won’t fall, but at the same time it’s a super sense can gaze far into the unknown.That's what the ancients were commended for. They never received the promised made to them while living, but they still saw them way off in the distance and waved at them. Waiving at the future. What faith!Do you have the faith to wave at the future God has prepared for you? Join us!
Where do we go when we die? Are we going to get new bodies? Who do we live for in the meantime? Paul's second letter to the Corinthians is full of very practical theology. It's also full of a lot of plain, personal talk from Paul. In making his case for the ministry and mission that Christ gave him, he's taking on what must have been serious charges from some detractors in Corinth.In this teaching from our series on 2 Corinthians, we hear from Paul about our future home and body, the Spirit's work in us, death, judgement, and living for Christ in the meantime.The photo posted here is of ruins of ancient Corinth and comes from Theodoros Karasavvas.
We're in the middle of a little series on Paul's second letter to the church in Corinth. There are plenty of places in this very personal letter where Paul is primarily defending his ministry against Corinthians detractors. But there are also plenty of places where that plain, practical language breaks out into beautiful theology-- even foundational theology.Our focus in this teaching is the promises of God met in Christ, our being like jars of clay, and speaking the truth because we believe.Join Pastor Chris as he takes a look at spots in 2 Corinthians 1, 3, and 4.The artwork associated with this posting is "St. Paul the Apostle Writing His Epistles" and is attributed to Valentin de Boulogne (1591-1632).
Pastor Chris began a series looking at the second of Paul's letters to the church at Corinth. Along the way, he shared some treasured excerpts from letters he had received many years ago from his parents, and also shared a curious passage about a mythical archaeological dig. What might any of those things have to do with Paul's correspondence with a Greek church long ago? Join us!The map of the Mediterranean and Corinth that Pastor Chris referred to can be found here, and the humorous "archeological drawing" from Motel of the Mysteries can be found here.The photo attached to this podcast post is a detail of the "Papyrus 46," an early third century Greek New Testament manuscript. This particular fragment is part of a folio that contains a portion of 2 Corinthians 11.
The familiar story of Jesus’ nighttime conversation with the Pharisaic leader, Nicodemus, centers on the “birth from above,” a birth that allows us both to see and enter the Kingdom of God. Audible whispers of the One True God as Triune echo throughout the conversational exchange. Although the Church’s teaching on the Trinity is so deeply rooted in the Scriptures and the deepest theological reflections of the Church, and although trinitarian teaching is one of the most foundational and distinctive teachings of the Christian faith, it is a doctrine that, while surely acknowledged by orthodox believers, is avoided and neglected.The doctrine of the Trinity is thought to be merely abstract and philosophical, largely detached from day-to-day living. But trinitarian thought is at the center of God’s Being, as the God who “loves [us] and gave himself for [us]“ (Gal 2:20). God is love [agape]” (1 John 4:7), and agape love requires an “Other” to whom and for whom One offers Oneself in self-giving, humble, Other-centered service. This God of eternal, loving, communion is the One who gives us new birth, into the kingdom of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and into a new family of brothers and sisters in Messiah Jesus.The image associated with this podcast is "Jesus and Nicodemus (a study)" by Henry Ossawa Tanner.
How do you respond to discomfort, discouragement, and disinformation in your life? Where do you turn to for comfort, encouragement, and guidance? On this Pentecost Sunday, we explored the roles and responsibilities of the Holy Spirit as outlined by Jesus. We also looked at four foundational disciplines that enable us to experience the Holy Spirit's comfort, encouragement, and guidance in our lives.
Cyprian of Carthage once wrote, "No one can have God for his Father who does not have the Church for his mother." Ever think of the church as being our mother? And here's another question we pondered on this Mother's Day (that was also Ascension Sunday): To whom did Jesus leave the gift of the Holy Spirit? Join Pastor Chris as he talks about the ways the church is, indeed, our mother-- and he recalls some tender (and funny) moments from childhood courtesy of his mom.
A popular worship song contains the line, "the Father turns His face away." Did God turn away from or abandon Jesus on the cross? The scope of what happened on Mount Calvary is such a deep mystery. Yet, Jesus Himself showed us on the cross through His words and actions an especially astonishing truth about what was taking place. Join us as we consider the crucifixion, take a brief look at four classic atonement theories, and ultimately go in depth with Psalm 22 to get a beautiful perspective on Christ's work on the cross.The work of art associated with this podcast/post is by Edward Knippers and is titled "Christ Whipped" (detail).
Sheep and shepherds make frequent appearances in Scripture. Jesus called Himself a "Good Shepherd." So, who were the "bad shepherds"? Join Pastor Chris for a fresh look at Psalm 23 and at least one surprising thing about shepherds.The picture associated with this podcast is an historic photo of a sheep cave and shepherd from Bethlehem. Date unknown. Library of Congress.
What are we Christians supposed to do in a world full of cynicism that seems to be falling apart? And what about the unfair successes of the ungodly all around us? The psalmist has some very simple, practical, and even profound advice for the godly in times like these.Join Pastor Chris and learn about an addition or two to your evening prayer and devotional time.A couple of notes: The hymn text that Pastor Chris read at the end of his concluding prayer is the ages old "Phos Hilaron" ("O Gladsome Light"), an ancient evening song of praise, perhaps a lamp lighting hymn, that in its original Greek dates back even to the second century.The artwork associated with this podcast is a woodblock print (one in a series for each of the psalms) by American artist Kreg Yingst. The work is called "Psalm 4."
Christ's work on the cross-- His death, burial, and resurrection-- means that God has dealt with death once and for all. Yet Christ's work also means a reversal of what happened in the Garden. A whole new world has come into being. Join Pastor Chris for an Easter Sunday sermon focusing on the re-creation that happens because of the person and work of Jesus.The artwork associated with this podcast/post is titled "A Symphony of Praise," by Yongsung Kim.
On this Palm Sunday, Pastor Chris took a look at the prophetic things the crowd shouted when Jesus came riding into the Holy City at His Triumphal Entry. Question: How is the Davidic Dynasty tied to the events of Palm Sunday, and might they be they relevant to us today? Join us as we focus on bending the knee to ultimate King.
Remember the episode in the Bible about the "snake on a stake"? So many questions: Why snakes? What did the Children of Israel do to deserve that? And why did Jesus use that odd event in the desert to describe His coming into the world to the Pharisee Nicodemus?Join Pastor Chris for this sermon, and spend some time with us as we consider our own wilderness journeys.The image associated with this podcast is "Moses and the Brass Serpent." Oil on canvas, date unknown. Arthur Sussman.
As we continue our Lenten Season theme of "The Covenant and the Cross," we come to Mount Sinai. God had used Moses to deliver the people from Egypt. They were the descendants, for the most part, of one man, Jacob-- a kind of extended family. But they weren't a nation yet. That happened at the mountain. Join Pastor Chris as he took us through the Sinaitic Covenant, examined the Nation of Israel's faithfulness to it, and then He asked the question, "Has the Sinaitic Covenant been fulfilled?"Grab your Bible and dig in with us!The artwork attached to this podcast is Marc Chagall's "Moses Receiving the Tablets of Law" (1966).
In the Old Testament there are promises God made to Israel or to Abraham. But did you ever think about how they might be for you, too? The promises made to Abraham and his seed in the long ago have been fulfilled in a remarkable and wonderful way. Along the way we defined "Christian" and "The Church"-- and we also talked about the amazing inheritance that is ours in Christ.The artwork associated with this podcast post is by the wonderful He Qi titled "Look Toward the Heavens," his interpretation of God showing Abraham the stars of the sky in describing the patriarch's descendants. Currently a California resident, He Qi Studied at Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing Art Institute in China and Hamburg Art Institute in Germany. Now He is currently an Artist-in-Residence at Fuller Theological Seminary.
On this first Sunday in Lent, 2024, Epiclesis embarked on a series for the season we titled "The Cross and the Covenant." Guest preacher Dr. Jay Dudley brought a message that treated the four lectionary passages appointed for the day as if they were discrete and unrelated. This resulted in four brief messages--one on each passage. In the process, it became apparent how the passages connect to the Lenten themes of our covenant-keeping God and His suffering Son, our Savior-- all while finally suggesting a way that atonement actually occurs-- allowing us to see the vast span of the Son's journey from eternal glory, to incarnation/atonement, and back to the Father's side.
Here's a little quiz: Where do new things, mountains, and thin places come together? Answer: The Mountain of Transfiguration. Join Pastor Chris as he takes us on a journey from Deuteronomy and Moses to the Gospel of Mark and Jesus as we discover why the Transfiguration of Christ is so critically important to our faith.Art credit: The beautiful painting associated with this post is called "Transfiguration" by Lewis Bowman (one of our favorites at Epiclesis).
Once again, Jesus shows us something important: We can’t speak with authority, transform lives, bring healing, or find victory over sin in our own lives if we don’t build a rich, strong foundation of intentional prayer. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talked about finding a quiet place, a tameion in the Greek, to pray. And He did. Often. Near the Galilean town of Capernaum, there is a quiet place, a cave called the "Eremos Grotto," where tradition says Jesus would go to pray. What specific things can we learn from His example?The image you see attached to this podcast is a view from the Capernaum grotto.
In the first of a three-part series, Pastor Chris looks at something that's making quite a splash in the news these days: the possibility of spacecraft and extraterrestrial visitors visiting the Earth. In recent on-the-record, public hearings in Washington D.C., various whistleblowers have alleged that the U.S. Government is in possession of alien "biologics," or bodies, and spacecraft of non-human origin-- allegedly of a vastly superior intelligence.
Rather than especially focusing on the what, why, and how of potential alien life visiting Earth, Pastor Chris shares that it's vital for Christians to set the narrative when it comes to the very big questions being asked. Whistleblowers and scientists and government officials and the media are raising very important existential questions, not to mention making assumptions, such as "Where did we come from and what is our place in the cosmos?" "Are we alone in the universe?" and "Humans will view alien intelligence like God."
In this first sermon of the set, Pastor Chris looks very carefully at God's story, The Divine Narrative, that gives meaning to the whole of creation.
Here is the outline/handout that was provided for this sermon.
And here is a transcription of the sermon.
The psalmist makes some bold claims about God's intervention in the life of Israel. But can anyone prove what would have happened IF He had not been on their side? Pastor Chris looks at Psalm 124 and teaches three things this marvelous passage can show us about faith and worship. Sometimes, in order to have confidence about what will happen out ahead of us in the future, we have to turn around and look behind us. Along the way, Pastor Chris also talked about unicorns, tea pots, and John Lennon. Sound intriguing? Join us!
If you'd like a transcript of this sermon, please click here.
Oil and water don't mix. So how can they be symbols of unity? Join Pastor Chris for a look at Psalm 133 in a continuing series. And along the way we managed to talk about C.S. Lewis and the second book in his remarkable "Space Trilogy" titled Perelandra. One day there will be a new heavens and a new earth. Until then, we believers must be oil and water and engage in the only act truly capable of bringing about unity.
If you'd like a written transcript of the sermon, please click here.
Thank God that he is all around us. And yet, sometimes it’s also really encouraging to see some more specific places, according to Scripture, where he is also located. Join Pastor Chris as he looks at portions of Psalm 85, 139, and 23 and points out some wonderful truths about where God is.
Author and passionate genealogist William "Bill" Cole was in the Chapter House studio to talk about his latest book, Puritans, Plagues, and Promises. It'd be a fascinating enough-- and historically consequential-- story if it was about someone else's ancestors. But that the tale involves his own family and an important piece of Christian history makes Bill's story all the more remarkable. In this first of what we hope will be several conversations, we talk about King Henry VIII, the Church of England, the dreaded "Star Chamber," and religious freedom. Join us!
Aubrey Asche was on hand in the Ancient-Future Faith studio to talk about her recent missions appointment in Spain. Daughter of Rick and Deanne Asche, Aubrey's last nine months have been a whirl, really, with a Christian-based mission-minded trip to Ecuador followed by a lengthy appointment in Santiago de Compostela. The international destination city is the finish line for the famous "Camino de Santiago," the Way of St. James. Aubrey joins us for a conversation about her work there to help pilgrims finish their Camino well-- and process their often life-changing journeys.
What if your struggle is actually part of God’s plan to bless you? This Sunday, Dr. Rick Asche looked at Jacob’s first encounter with God. God shows up, not as a wise guest or a Savior, but as a combatant who wrestles with Jacob. Learn how Jacob’s unusual encounter with God can help shape our view of our circumstances and our view of who God really is.
Very special guest Susan McCrary was at Epiclesis on this Sunday to talk about her work in Europe with "TeachBeyond." Serving as a Member Care Coordinator with the organization, Susan is one of three missionaries we support. TeachBeyond recruits and sends Christian educators, administrators, and workers to serve in many different schools and organizations across the globe. She and husband Larry live in Madrid, Spain.
Join us as we hear from Susan!
Missionary Susan McCrary was in town to meet the church family at Epiclesis. A lifelong friend of Pastor Chris, the two carved out some time during her short stay in Sacramento to sit down and have a conversation about her life and work.
Susan serves as the Europe Regional Member Care Coordinator with TeachBeyond and she and husband Larry live in Madrid, Spain, loving their urban lifestyle.
In 2001, following 11 years of church planting with the North American Mission Board, they partnered with the IMB (International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention) and moved to Madrid with their two children, then 6 and 9, to begin church planting among urban professionals.
After their affiliation with the IMB ended in 2019, Susan began to seek God’s will for where she could work that would allow them to remain in Madrid and continue their vibrant local ministry. She soon began work with TeachBeyond, responsible for ensuring that staff in Europe have the resources and care needed to thrive in their overseas ministry and service.
TeachBeyond is an organization that recruits and sends Christian educators, administrators, and workers to serve in many different schools and organizations across the globe.
Less a sermon and more a practical teaching session, Pastor Chris used this occasion to show the congregation some of the ways we can sing the psalms. The lesson included a look at how hymns and their tunes are categorized, how Gregorian Chant works and sounds, and finally how to use a simple melody to sing Psalm 86.
Pastor Chris refers throughout the teaching to a sheet that he passed out to the congregation. If you'd like to see and use what they did, please click here: (.pdf file, front/back).
Listener warning: Pastor Chris "sings" a lot during this teaching. He's not a professional singer. Try to push through the pain and listen anyway.
Pastor Chris continued his look at the psalms with a brief discussion of... Beethoven's sixth symphony? Well, you'll just have to listen. Along the way we also found places and ways that the psalm points to the Word made Flesh, Jesus Christ. Join us for another excursion into the psalms.
Is anxiety a sin? Curtis Chang says we should see it as a possible pathway to spiritual growth... and a pathway to a better understanding of our future. How might we go about "holding" anxiety? Join Pastor Chris as he continues a look at the psalms, and a familiar episode in the life of Christ, to discover how Jesus dealt with His own anxiousness.
Pastor Chris continued his series on the Psalms with a look at.... satellite dishes? In a sermon about the "motion of the soul," we talked about good receptivity and the good activity that results. As sinful, fallen creatures, our natural inclination is inward and toward ourselves. But what happens when our "satellite dishes" point straight to the source?
Join Pastor Chris and the Rev. Donald Richmond for a wonderful conversation about the essentials of the faith-- and the importance of today's evangelical church to return to them. Is that even possible, and can Christians agree on what the essentials are? Don brings a lifetime of wisdom and scholarship, not to mention a pastor's heart, to this very important topic.
You don't have to fear death. This sermon began a series of looking at the psalm texts in our lectionary readings. Can the psalms comfort and teach and encourage, even about something like death? Join us!
Is your relationship with Jesus a contract or covenant? On this Sunday, we explore how God’s promise to Abraham impacts our lives in three very specific ways. Find out what it means to live in the power of God’s promise.
Do you think most Christians spend much time considering the Trinity? Theologian James B. Torrance (and others) have said that most Christians actually are effectively practicing Unitarians-- that God is a single being-- or some practicing monotheists—that a single God operates in three different ways. Do you agree with Torrance?
Join Pastor Chris on this Trinity Sunday as he looks at least one group of people who seem to be obsessed with the Trinity: Muslims. What can we learn from what they say about those of us who believe in our Triune God?
Join us for an important, but also difficult, conversation with a Canadian pastor who is wrestling firsthand with the political reality of government-assisted death. What are the details of the Canadian MAID program (Medical Assistance in Dying)? What is it like to be present-- what happens-- at one of these deaths? What are the philosophical considerations, and how is a pastor to respond scripturally? Listen in to a 60-minute conversation with Rev. Steve Pearson about his recent experience with this very real, pastoral issue.
Pastor Chris concluded his series on how the Holy Land acts as a kind of "fifth gospel" in telling, and showing, God's story. On this Ascension Sunday we looked not only at the ascension of Christ but also many other features and events on the Mount of Olives that add to the ascension's significance.
One of our very own, Aubry Asche (and daughter of Rick and Deanne Asche), is just back from a missions opportunity in Ecuador. Now she's getting ready to head out to Spain with missions organization "One Collective!" for yet another life-changing trip. She will be walking the end of the "Way of St. James," the Camino de Santiago, for twelve days and serving in the Pilgrim House helping travelers process their pilgrimages.Would you like to learn more? Join us for a great conversation (and be encouraged by a truly remarkable young woman). And think you might like to contribute toward her mission? Click here to make a tax deductible gift through her page at One Collective.
The Bible talks about Baptism saving us. The early church used language like this. What does it mean? Join Pastor Chris for a close look at baptism, first through a Jewish lens, including the community at Qumran, through the New Testament's teaching.Baptism is a sacramental extension of what happened on the cross. It’s been handed down to us stretching all the way back to our Jewish roots, even before John the Baptist. It’s given to us by Jesus Himself by example. It’s our pattern, it’s the code for daily life in Christ, and it’s our entryway into the household of faith—the Church—and it’s our initiation into the Kingdom of God.
The Southern Steps at the Temple Mount in Jerusalem have a lot to teach us about worship. And so does the remarkable story of those mournful travelers on the Road to Emmaus on that first Easter Sunday afternoon. Along the way, we also looked at the topography of the land and considered what it means to "go up" to Jerusalem. Join Pastor Chris as he continues a series of teachings on how the "Land of the Bible" preaches.
Pastor Chris continued a series of sermons showing how the land (and also the architecture) of Israel is a kind of gospel because it helps tell God's story. In this teaching, we look at a clash of kingdoms, their foundations, and how everything once again comes together in the person and work of Jesus.
It's been said that the Holy Land is a kind of fifth gospel because of the way it helps to tell God’s story. What might rocks have to say about the person and work of Jesus Christ? From the Triumphal Entry to the day of crucifixion to Resurrection Sunday, rocks actually preach-- and what they said in the long ago can still be heard and seen today. Join us!
Is God really good? Why and how do I give Him thanks and praise? Is there a spiritual discipline to help me deal with all the evil I experience in my life and the world? On this Palm Sunday we explore three key elements of Psalm 118:1. Join us as we embrace a battle cry of hope in a broken and upside down world.
Pastors Chris Alford and Carl Peters are producing a series of conversations about their recent trip the Holy Land. They jointly led, along with colleague Dr. Teresa Gardner, a two-week tour of some of the most glorious sites in Israel. Here's the first episode: They talk about planning for the trip, the first night in Tel Aviv, then the first day's full agenda that included Caesarea Maritima, Mount Carmel, Nazareth, and Cana of Galilee.
As Lent draws to a close and Holy Week lies before us, Pastor Chris took an example from his recent trip to the Holy Land to look at Jesus' "becoming nothing" in great humility-- his kenosis. Kenosis is the Greek word that describes Jesus "emptying himself" to become like us-- to identify and find solidarity with us. Just how low did Jesus stoop in his kenosis? Even to the pit of despair and shame. Along the way we read some stunning words of advice about why God allows us to be shamed from the great theologian Helmut Thielicke.
In the valley, you stop talking about God and start talking to him! On this Sunday, we unpack one of the most well-known chapters in all of the Bible. We explore how you are in 1 of 3 places in life right now, how each place impacts your faith, and how you need to be ready when the Lord calls you to move on.
The Epiclesis pastors got together for a roundtable discussion about the Beatitudes-- a section of Jesus' most noteworthy teaching from the Sermon on the Mount-- that they are asking folks at Epiclesis to consider during the season of Lent. Join us for a conversation that pulls in some interesting and hopefully helpful ideas and connections that reach back all the way to Abraham.
We often think of the experience at the Mount of Transfiguration from the perspective of Peter James and John. Much later, Peter writes in his epistle about Christ’s glory and the “great and precious promises” He has given us that enable us to “share in His divine nature.” Surely Peter saw and heard something of it on that day on the mountain.But what if we look at this momentous moment in the life of Jesus from His perspective— and why, in part, were Moses and Elijah there?Join Pastor Chris as he looks at Moses, Elijah, Jesus, and mountains.
Jesus says that He’s not come to do away with the Scriptures-- to abolish the law or the prophets. But what God started with in the Old Testament, the first covenant, is going to be fully accomplished by Jesus in the New Covenant. Jesus is fulFILLING things. What might that mean? Along the way we looked at a very helpful (and practical) quote from one of the most prolific of the Church Fathers. Join us!
There are times in the Old Testament when the word says that God’s glory departed the Temple. And then there's the time when God's glory returned.... But it might not have looked like the way we-- or most people at the time-- would have imagined it. Join Pastor Chris for a breathtaking look at the remarkable, prophecy-fulfilling episode of Simeon and the baby Jesus. It's a very important story: There was an act of purification and presentation-- and in it, we see OUR purification and our presentation to the Father through Jesus.
On this particular Sunday, one of our members Gerald Ward brought his insights into The Beatitudes with a look at what they might show and tell us about the person and work of Jesus Himself. Join us for an Epiphany look at an important part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.
Throughout salvation history, God’s holy house— literally and figuratively— had been divided and destroyed over and over again. But we’re not waiting on some miraculous future restoration of the house of David. The divided and dilapidated house, even all of creation, has been restored IN Christ. One of the important places it started was in Capernaum, just as the prophecy foretold.Join Pastor Chris as he looks at the wonderful ways Jesus restores and remakes all things.
John had baptized Jesus the day before there at the Jordan River. But the next day, John saw Jesus again and said some curious things. How does John describe Him? Pastor Chris looks at three things that John says about Jesus and shows us what we can learn about our King and Servant. Along the way we looked at Passover and Isaiah's "Suffering Servant." Join us!
Paul talks about our being united with Christ in His death and in His resurrection. It happens in baptism, so surely baptism does matter. But do we take it seriously enough? And what in the world does covenant and circumcision have to do with any of this? Join Pastor Chris for a close look at why baptism matters.
Some very, very wise men saw some remarkable things in the sky and risked a long journey to worship the Christ Child. What can we learn from their observations and example? And one more thing: How much do you know about the actual celestial wonders they saw? Join Pastor Chris for an encouraging and challenging lesson on things we can learn from some very, very wise men.
On this final Sunday of Advent, where peace is the focus, Pastor Rick Asche remembers a scene from childhood that brought him peace. What is peace? And how might your definition of it be challenged when you know that the word in Greek includes the idea "to join"? Along the way we also listened to an audio portion of "The Book of God: The Bible as a Novel" by Walter Wangerin: A look at Joseph and his words and actions around the birth of the Christ Child helped paint a beautiful picture of peace. Join us!
It's the third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday-- the Sunday of joy. Why are we rejoicing? And what in the world is there to be joyful about? In this sermon, Pastor Chris sets out to "boil down" joy. Want a short description for how to have it? Join us! Along the way we listened to J.S. Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, too a brief look at Psalm 16, and finally landed on the Magnificat of Mary.
What is love? On this Sunday, we explore Romans 15 and pay special attention to God’s gifts of patience and encouragement. Join us as we continue our journey through the season of Advent.
What does it mean to walk in the light of the Lord? How does this discipline cultivate hope in a dark world? Join us for the first Sunday of Advent as we explore a biblical theology of light and ask a few questions about life during the Advent season.
It’s time we had a king. The last time we had a king, we also had a revolution. So, maybe it’s time for another revolution. But this revolution is not one to make the nation over in our own image, but rather a revolution to be and to behave in the image of our King—to make ourselves over in His image. Join Pastor Chris as he talks about a radical alternative to earthly politics.
The exiles who have returned to Jerusalem are rebuilding the walls and they’re encouraged by Haggai and Zechariah. But is there something we can learn from Malachi's words to them? And who in the world is "Ahura Mazda"? Join us!
Ever feel like the best is in the past? What were the 3 things the prophet Haggai spoke to a people who didn’t believe they had much of a future? Join us as we explore Haggai’s big 3 challenges to a discouraged people and how they can radically refocus your life and faith today.
It's been this way even since the Garden: Where there is the sacred, where there is a sacrament, the enemy creates an upside-down version to twist God’s image. There is a historical, biblical, Christian alternative to Halloween. What is it, and how should we observe it? We should keep our deaths before us while planting the cross of Christ right into the middle of cultural Halloween.
Dr. Teresa Gardner, in town to lead a retreat about the Feasts, shared about the mysterious ways that God is both love and a consuming fire. We quite rightly embrace and find comfort in the truth that God is love, but should we rejoice that God is also a fire? Join us for this encouraging teaching.
The Founder and Director of the Zion Center for Worship and the Arts, Dr. Teresa Gardner, was live in the studio to talk about an upcoming retreat in Sacramento. Along the way, we learned about her passion for excellence in the arts and her many trips to the Holy Land. Join us!
Do you think about—or maybe even count and celebrate and give thanks--for God's saving acts and deeds? The Children of Israel surely did during their desert journey. The psalmist knew where his help came from. What might Jesus' words and actions at the Feast of Sukkot say about His being the Messiah and the Ultimate Tabernacle? Join us for this sermon from Pastor Chris.
You have to admire a worship leader who isn't afraid of telling the whole world to praise the God is Israel. Back in Israel’s history, God’s saving acts and deeds were done in a particular place and for a particular people. But Christians mustn't ignore the Jewish feasts. Why They point to Jesus. We can see Psalm 66 as a psalm of resurrection, too— not just Christ’s once for all Resurrection, but all the little upside-down-to-right-side-up resurrections in God’s story of salvation history, not to mention the even smaller but resurrections we experience every day.
Do you want more faith? Maybe that's not what you really, truly need. In this sermon on Jesus' words about the little mustard seed, Pastor Chris takes a close look at the kind of faith one has rather than its size. By the way, do you think mustard seeds have faith? Join us for a refreshing look at faith and purpose.
Just because you are going through tough times does not mean you are doing something wrong or being punished. God could be making room in your life for a blessing. But blessings often come with testing, and through this process we can experience the presence of Jesus. Your problems might be your promotion.
Growing up, Pastor Chris was taught that you just don’t ask a person how much something costs. It was rude-- or even worse, tacky. But in today's Scripture, Jesus talks about asking what something costs, and he encourages his disciples to do some budgeting on one particular and important item... Join us!
Jesus dines with Pharisees and turns upside down the notion of community shared meals. He challenges them to consider God’s kingdom values of humility, compassion, joy, and other-centered love. Freedom from slavery to self, anxiety based on one’s relative importance to others, seeking recognition and the obligation to oneself by others is found in submitting oneself to the reign of God!
Ever been called a hypocrite? Jesus surely called out some in this passage of Scripture. He's been preaching about the Kingdom of God, and now in spectacular fashion He shows just how radical it is.
The world surely is changing all around us. But do you still see the Kingdom?
Join Pastor Chris for a look at the meaning of the word "hypocrite" and at the Kingdom of God.
In John 12, Jesus is speaking in parables and talking about the Kingdom of God. Then things seem to change radically: He says, "I have come to set the world on fire," and "Do you think I have come to bring peace to the earth? No, I have come to divide people against each other!" Ever think of Jesus as a divider? Join us!
Just after telling the parable of the rich man building bigger barns, Jesus tells His followers not to fear because God has been pleased to give them the Kingdom. Then comes another parable-- a story about a good master and his ready servants. Join Pastor Chris as he shares what we can learn about the Ultimate Master and why we don't need to FOMO-- fear of missing out.
Jesus had a great sense of humor, and Pastor Chris says that you might have to look a little more closely to see it-- and hear it. But you might also have to push past some embedded theology and hear Scripture read in a different way. Join him as he reads a familiar parable of Jesus, then points out some wonderfully funny places that will delight and challenge you. How are you spending "your" resources? Are you building bigger barns?
The Scripture passage is a wonderful, well-known story, and it involves a meal. But it also involves a culture shock. Ever thought about the episode of Mary and Martha in Luke 10 as clash of cultures? Join Pastor Chris as he looks at the radical nature of the Kingdom of God and the values it calls us to.
Part three of a trio of a conversations with Dr. Teresa Gardner about the fall retreat she's leading for us titled "Finding Jesus in the Feasts." Teresa is the director of the Zion Center for Worship and the Arts and is coming to Sacramento with ten of her dancers on October 21-22, 2022. In this final installment, Teresa talks about the third feast we'll be focusing on: Tabernacles. Did you know that Teresa is bringing a troupe of dancers with her to help us learn and celebrate the feasts?!
Part two of a conversation with Dr. Teresa Gardner about the retreat she's leading for us in the fall titled "Finding Jesus in the Feasts." Teresa is the director of the Zion Center for Worship and the Arts and is coming to Sacramento with ten of her dancers on October 21-22, 2022. In this episode, Teresa talks about the second feast we'll be focusing on: Pentecost. Did you know that Pentecost also has images and echoes of a wedding? Join us!
Part one of a conversation with Dr. Teresa Gardner about the retreat she's leading for us in the fall titled "Finding Jesus in the Feasts." Teresa is the director of the Zion Center for Worship and the Arts and is coming to Sacramento with ten of her dancers on October 21-22, 2022. In this installment, Teresa gives a broad overview of the retreat then talks about the first feast we'll be focusing on: Passover. Join us!
Brenda Zamorano was back in the studio to talk about a wonderful retreat she recently led for the Epiclesis women. Join us for a great conversation about how so many of the decisions women face right now go all the way back to the Garden of Eden. By the way, do you know why so many women's church retreats can be difficult go badly? Brenda tells us why!
Who has bewitched you? That's the question Paul asked the Galatians (...and that just after he called them "foolish"). Join Pastor Chris as he talks about the role and purpose of Jewish law, Paul's astonishment at the Galatian Christians, and the curious story of one of literature's most famous bewitchers, Svengali.
Jesus told the disciples that it was good for them that He was leaving the earth because He was going to send the Holy Spirit. Ever wondered what things would be like for us if He hadn't? Join Pastor Chris for a look at Scripture and a careful examination of the implications. We are part of the Eternal Divine Family!
Should evangelicals care about Pentecost, and should its observance be a part of our "church culture"? Pastor Chris points out some breathtaking-- and critically important-- connections between the Old Covenant and the New. Ever think of yourself as a "Living Menorah"? Pentecost defines who were are as the Body of Christ. Join us for a terrific teaching!
Dr. Carl Peters was back at Ancient-Future Faith radio to talk about the extreme importance of the the Day of Pentecost. True story: Once, when asked about why their congregation didn't observe the day, an evangelical pastor replied, "That's not really in our culture here at our church." Join Pastor Chris and Carl Peters for a conversation about the deep meaning and implications of Pentecost, and why it must be a central part of faith and our worship practice. Why should we care about Pentecost? Come along and listen!
On this Sunday, the Apostle Paul shares three ways the ascension of Jesus can transform our lives today. We also consider the three prayers he prayed for the Ephesian church and how they can lead us to a more full and complete life in Christ.
What makes your heart sing? And what would you say to someone who's looking for peace? Pastor Chris takes a close look at what Jesus says about peace, and looks at what our position in Christ means for finding it. Can there be peace in the time of Monkeypox, for heaven's sake? Yes, when you set your heart, and let the peace.... But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Join us!
Are you vexed? Do you feel a heaviness and urgency these days and don't know quite what to do? You may be trying to control things around you. It's a natural response, but it also has lack of trust (and fear) at its root. Join Pastor Chris for a heartfelt message about vexation, control, trust, and peace.
Biblical prayer counselor Brenda Zamorano was back in the studio to talk about control-- and trust. Do you possess any of the symptoms of someone who's trying to control things around them? And just what are some of those symptoms and what can we do about them? We're living in days that weigh especially heavily on us. Join us as we talk frankly about control, trust, fear, unmet expectations, and turning to the Holy Spirit.
How are you experiencing the heart of Jesus towards you? On this Sunday we explore the cycle of blessing, revelation, fellowship and restoration found in John 21:1-19. We unpack how each phase of the cycle is an invitation to discipleship. So, where are you at in the Follow Me cycle?
Where do you worship? Seems like an obvious question. We worship at church or home or some other physical location. But there's a biblical principle and truth about worship that will change the way you approach it if you learn and live it. Join Dr. Carl Peters as he walks us through the profound revelation of where true worship is located. (Spoiler alert: It's not a private, personal place somewhere deep within you).
“One of the common elements of the resurrection stories across the gospels is that no one expects the resurrection," one commentator has said. When the women returned to tell the disciples what they saw at the tomb on resurrection morning, even those who had been close to Jesus reacted by saying it was an "idle tale." Join Pastor Chris as we explore doubt, growth, and the need to tell the "idle tale" even if the world doesn't believe it.
There are three days in Holy Week that are lesser known but just as critically important as the others. Do you know what happened on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of the week of Jesus' Passion? Join Pastor Chris as he shows how the events on these days play a major part in God's big story of re-righting an upside-down world.
Where do you find your confidence? What makes you feel valuable? What do you count on? According to Philippians 3:4-16, we are called to let go of all substitutes for faith in Jesus. Even good things can pull us away from Him. Join us as we explore the power of a “forgetting faith."
Dr. Ellen Koehler was back in the Ancient-Future Faith studio to talk about encouragement... and Lent! Is Lent even the time to talk about encouragement? Well, yes, says Pastor Ellen. And in some ways, it's the perfect time to reflect on how we can be an encouragement to others. Join us!
The parable of the Prodigal Son is a familiar one with many different layers of meaning and interpretation. But have you ever looked at the story through the lens of "covenant"? Covenant relationships are woven throughout the parable, and we can learn a lot about our relationship, through the New Covenant in Jesus, with our Father. Join us!
The Prodigal Son is a well-known and beloved parable of Jesus. Did you ever consider it in light of covenant? Join Chris and Dr. Carl Peters as they tease out themes and ideas that would have been familiar to the audience in Jesus' day-- and most especially that of covenant and our heavenly Father.
Did you know that you have a peculiar calling from the Lord? And, according to Scripture, it has an anatomy made up of 4 very important parts. Want to know what the Lord is asking you to do in a specific time and place with specific people and resources? Join Pastor Rick Asche, take a listen, and find out.
How would you describe your relationship with your emotions? Biblical prayer counselor Brenda Zamorano says people usually have one of two extreme reactions to that question: Either "I'm very emotional about everything," or "I hate my emotions and suppress them." Yet our emotions are an important part of our God-given nature. So how do we cultivate healthy emotions and not let them "be the boss"? Join us for a wonderful conversation!
What if God called—or at least you thought He did—and then you answered the call—or at least you thought you did—and then He didn’t call again for years? Pastor Chris talks about calling, and self-worth, and even tombstones. Along the way we took a look at the remarkable "hidden" life of Abraham and talked about waiting.
We often think about the many ways that God calls us. But does Satan call, too? In some ways, spotting Satan's calls is easy because they seem to follow a pattern. John gives it to us in his first epistle, and then you can see our ancient adversary's ways going all the way back to the Garden. One more thing: Taking a careful look at Jesus' temptation in the desert is another invaluable way of avoiding Satan's calls.
Pastor Chris drew some parallels between Adam and Jesus as we continued an Epiphany Season emphasis on "calling." Ever think about the similarities between the first Adam and the Second, Ultimate Adam? And what in the world might Jesus' teaching on the Kingdom of God have to do with His calling or our own? Join us!
Both Isaiah and Simon Peter were called of God, and their callings were amazingly similar. Is God calling you? Join us as we look further at "calling" and what we can learn from two giants of the faith.
Dr. Carl Peters talks with Pastor Chris about the similarities between the calling of both Isaiah and Simon Peter. What does it mean for our own calling? And how can we know what God wants us to do? Join us for a look at calling... and humility.
Christians are called, but what exactly is the calling? In this teaching, we look at the calling of Jeremiah and find similarities with Jesus and also make some observations about both "call" and "calling." Wondering what your calling might be? Join us!
Are you angry? On this third Sunday of Epiphany, we took a look at one of the most radical reorientations that ever happened to the Children of Israel. They had every reason to be angry with others, but their repentance and radical reorientation to the word made for one of the most seminal moments in their history. The Jews of Jesus' day also had an opportunity for radical reorientation to the Word, but did they seize the opportunity? Join us for an important teaching about what we believers in this day and age must do.
Mercy, we all need mercy. But mercy is not a "mood" of God, as biblical prayer counselor Brenda Zamorano says. It's one of His attributes. And just why do we need mercy? What is mercy, really? Join us for a wonderful conversation about shame and pain and, surprisingly, pride.
In a previous sermon, we looked at the ways that Jesus brought about a renewal of creation at His Baptism. Now, at His first miracle at the Wedding of Cana, we see a similar thing-- and more. Why was Jesus' first "sign" a miracle at a wedding? And how might His miracle both fulfill prophecy and point to a future feast? Join us!
Jesus does a breathtaking work of re-creation at the time of His baptism. On the annual Sunday that we focus on the Baptism of Jesus, Pastor Chris took a close look at the remarkable ways that Christ renews the whole of creation. Can you find earth, air, fire, and water-- the classic elements of creation-- at the Jordan River? Yes! Join us for a deep look at some very important theological truths, and then discover what they mean for walking out our baptisms in the world.
Do you need to find peace? On this fourth Sunday of Advent, the Sunday of Peace, Pastor Chris took a look at what he called "peace's opposite:" Striving. Along the way he talked about the symptoms of striving (you're going to want to hear those) and then the antidote. Where do you find peace? Join us!
On the third Sunday of Advent Pastor Rick asked, “What if some of us miss the other half of joy?” Looking at the season of Advent as an equation, we discover there are three “Rs” that are necessary for us to experience and express true joy and peace.
To access the musical refrain/chorus, "The Joy of the Lord," that Pastor Rick referred to, please click here.
You need to stop striving. But then that's easier said than done. What is striving, anyway, and isn't hard work and effort a good thing? Join Brenda Zamorano as she returns to the studio for another practical and powerful conversation.
On this second Sunday of Advent, we take a close look at love. "Love does," Pastor Chris says. So, what does love do? Join us for a look at Paul's letter to the Philippian church.