Epiclesis

Dr. Ellen Koehler was the guest for this edition of the Ancient-Future Faith radio program as the topic focused on the ascension of Christ and a wonderful fall retreat. Each year, Epiclesis hosts a retreat for the Sacramento Christian community and Dr. Jack Van Marion will be the guest this coming October 13-14. Titled "Lift Up Your Hearts," the retreat will be a refreshing and life-changing look at the ascension of Christ and the impact it has on, well, most everything! Join us....

In this Sunday teaching, Pastor Chris continues his look at what makes us Ancient-Future with an examination of Christus Victor theology, and encourages us to restore a more historical, fulsome balance to our consideration of what Jesus has done on the cross. Could your atonement mosaic have a missing tile or two? Join us!

Pastor Chris took a look at Psalm 89 and it gave us a chance to talk about one of the things that makes us Ancient-Future: The importance of time. In Jesus, God took time up into eternity, and because of the Spirit's down payment we have confidence in a future reality. So what do we do in the Kingdom meantime-- the "dash"?

Rev. Robert Brown brought this teaching to Epiclesis, talking about Romans-- an important and consequential passage from Paul-- and Ancient-Future Faith. What does it mean that we are standing in a faith-- in a spiritual reality in Christ-- that is ancient, and present, and future? Join us!

On this Trinity Sunday Pastor Chris took a look at several passages of Scripture that point to the wonder and mystery that our God is one, and our God is three. We also looked closely at the marvelous Rublev icon of the Trinity to help (at least try to) see something about the nature of the First Family, the Trinity. Join us!

Pentecost matters. Did you ever think about why, or maybe consider how it wonderfully, and miraculously, reversed some Old Testament antecedents? Join Pastor Chris for a Pentecost Sunday teaching on the importance of Pentecost.

On this Ascension Sunday, Pastor Chris took a look at three important theological truths that might get lost if we suffer from "Ascension Deficit Disorder." Does the bodily ascension of Christ really matter, or is it a lesser-important, even obscure footnote to the life of Jesus?

During the Season of Eastertide, we're looking more broadly at that post-resurrection story of the travelers on the road to Emmaus. They surely were experiencing loss and sadness, but then Jesus showed up and most everything changed. Pastor Chris took a look at John 14 and 15 to flesh out the story-- and show how both being and doing are part of the Christian's Emmaus road experience. At the end, Epiclesis member Kathleen shared some of her story, and also some prose she wrote during a time of loss and sadness in her life, that was shaped by the Emmaus Road journey.

On this fifth Sunday after Easter, we got around to the remarkable story of Stephen. He was bold, he stood firm when the time came for him to bear witness to the Lordship of Christ. You can, too!

On this fourth Sunday of Easter, Rev. Robert Brown brought us a lesson on the parable that Jesus tells about sheep and shepherds. But Robert also asked us to think about where we "placed" ourselves in the story and looked at the familiar parable that you might not have considered before.