John the Baptist had heralded Jesus as the Lamb of God, the Coming One, and the Messiah. John had pointed to the Advent of the Christ. But in our reading on this third Sunday of Advent, we see John in a much different setting. You have to wonder if John, who was now sitting in a dungeon, had begun to think he might have made one of the biggest mistakes in history. And you can also imagine that he had a great need to know that the person he’d been prophesying about was the real thing. Join Pastor Chris as he compares Blind Bartimaeus and John the Baptist in their encounter with joy in this sermon for Gaudete Sunday. Note: The artwork associated with this podcast (viewable on the Epiclesis website, but not in the Apple Podcast platform), is  "St. John the Baptist in Prison Visited by Two Disciples" (detail) by Giovanni di Paolo.

Can people, places, things point to Jesus-- even non-Christian things? Paul tells us that all of nature does that in Romans 1:20. But what about myths and stories and characters from from other cultures? Pastor Chris reflected some on his recent trip to Japan where about 98% of the people are not religious (but love Christmas). Could there be some things in their culture that we could pray that God would use to point them to the Christ of Christmas? Join us as we look at the intriguing and beloved character named Jizo and, along the way, we look at the remarkable story of John the Baptist.   The painting associated with this sermon, and the one Pastor Chris referred to, is da Vinci's "St. John the Baptist" (detail) and is viewable in the Epiclesis platform but not in iTunes Podcasts. Pastor Chris's off the cuff memory that it was by Rembrandt was mistaken.

On this first Sunday in Advent, 2025, Dr. Jay Dudley introduced us to a fascinating person: the Chinese diplomat, politician, and lawyer Wellington Koo. What matters most when it comes to being ready for the return of Jesus? The essence of readiness appears in a discernible pattern in some crucial words of the Lord Himself.   The image associated with this sermon is a public domain photograph of the Chinese diplomat Wellington Koo. It is viewable on the Epiclesis website but not through the iTunes podcast platform.  

We are already living in the "Kingdom of already-but-not-yet." But who is the king? In this sermon, one week before "Christ the King Sunday," Pastor Chris took a look at a Scripture passage where Jesus' disciples asked Him about Herod's Temple. His answer was packed full of meaning and importance, not only for them, but also for all time. What does it mean that "Christ is King," and just which king are we talking about?   The painting associated with this sermon is titled "Crystal Sea" (detail) by Ron Richardson. It can be seen on the Epiclesis podcast page but does not appear in the iTunes application.

The Sadducees, who were convinced that they knew the Scriptures better than Jesus, came to Him with a trick question. Actually, it was more like inviting Him to a game of chess. They thought they could corner Jesus into an unwinnable position and, at the same time, prove their own beliefs. But they learned that day that you don't play chess with the King. Join Pastor Chris for a look at one of the most breathtaking examples of Jesus' teaching-- and yet another glimpse of His kingly authority.

"Zacchaeus was a wee little man...." Do you remember that children's song from church in days gone by? If not, you do probably know the story of Zacchaeus. But did you stop to think that, in some ways, he was at least trying to behave something like a king? As we lead up to Christ the King Sunday, we're taking a look at the gospel readings and discovering more about our Sovereign. Zacchaeus had a lot of power in his little town. But then the ultimate King came along and changed everything. What happens when the ultimate, real Sovereign shows up in your life? We can learn something from this little tax collector in the long ago. Along the way, we also talked about the British Monarchy, some of the troubling things that are happening there, and drew some parallels in our own lives. Join us!

Marva Dawn writes, "To worship the Lord is— in the world's eyes— a waste of time. It is a royal waste of time, but a waste, nonetheless." We assume that wasting is a bad thing, and when it comes to everyday things like time, we'd probably be right. But in this sermon, Pastor Chris encourages us to waste time royally. And there’s a big difference between a Royal Waste and a regular one. Join us for a look at what it means to be poured out like a sacrifice and engage in royal wastes of time.   Note: The painting associated with this sermon is titled "Waste of Time" (detail) by Benny Kacerovsky. It is viewable on the Epiclesis podcast page but not in the iTunes app.

Rev. Steve Pearson was with us on this weekend to lead a wonderful retreat for Epiclesis. This sermon, from Sunday, focuses on a dramatic and also tender scene after the resurrection. On the beach by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus reveals Himself to the disciples for the third time. On that beautiful morning, he challenges Peter on what it means to follow Him and live the cruciform life. We hear the same call to us today, to love Jesus above all else. He is our North Star. The painting associated with this podcast (viewable on the Epiclesis website but not in the iTunes podcast app) is titled "Cast Your Nets on the Right Side" by Greg Olson.

Pastor Chris says that he can't get the Apostle Paul out of his mind. The prison from where Paul was writing Timothy is hard to forget, too. What Paul writes to Timothy in our Scripture passage for today takes on extra meaning when you consider that dark place where Paul was incarcerated. Isn't it ironic that the very last thing the faithful, chained saint gave his young colleague was the ultimate Key? Join us as we look at some of the remarkable insights that the Apostle Paul gives Timothy, and us, in this last piece of correspondence before his execution.

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.