Epiclesis

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.

What are you holding on to? On this Sunday we explore the worldly challenges that faced Abraham and Nicodemus as they discovered what it meant to follow after the Lord. How do your identity, community, and inheritance shape and challenge your faith?

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.