Epiclesis

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.

The photo attached to this podcast posting is of Pastor Chris and his mom, Lois, in about 1975.

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.