130 - Impressionist Eschatology
At the beginning of a new sermon series on the Olivet Discourse, Mark suggested that biblical prophecy is a lot like an impressionist painting: it’s designed to be interpreted only from the proper distance. In this episode, Cameron and Mark explore this comparison and ask how it might be helpful for people who want to understand what the Bible says about the “last days” but are intimidated by all the complex theories and enigmatic solutions that often accompany the topic.
At the beginning of a new sermon series on the Olivet Discourse, Mark suggested that biblical prophecy is a lot like an impressionist painting: it’s designed to be interpreted only from the proper distance. In this episode, Cameron and Mark explore this comparison and ask how it might be helpful for people who want to understand what the Bible says about the “last days” but are intimidated by all the complex theories and enigmatic solutions that often accompany the topic.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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129 - Living With Death
“All men are mortal,” or so the syllogism goes. But that’s easy to forget in the modern world, where the realities of suffering and death are concealed behind euphemisms and often hidden from sight. As Christians we acknowledge that death is inevitable — “it is appointed unto man once to die” — but also that death is a consequence of sin, the last enemy Christ will overcome. How do we live faithfully with the reality of death? That’s the question Mark and Cameron explore in this episode.
“All men are mortal,” or so the syllogism goes. But that’s easy to forget in the modern world, where the realities of suffering and death are concealed behind euphemisms and often hidden from sight. As Christians we acknowledge that death is inevitable — “it is appointed unto man once to die” — but also that death is a consequence of sin, the last enemy Christ will overcome. How do we live faithfully with the reality of death? That’s the question Mark and Cameron explore in this episode.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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128 - The Tomb and the Temple
In this short episode at the beginning of Lent, Mark shares from the latest volume of Jonathan Gibson’s series of liturgies for daily worship, O Sacred Head Now Wounded, and then follows up with a recording of his reflection from this week’s Ash Wednesday service at Grace.
In this short episode at the beginning of Lent, Mark shares from the latest volume of Jonathan Gibson’s series of liturgies for daily worship, O Sacred Head Now Wounded, and then follows up with a recording of his reflection from this week’s Ash Wednesday service at Grace.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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127 - What Are Sermons For?
Is it a lecture? Is it a TED talk? Is it an entertaining bit of folksy wisdom? People have all sorts of ideas about what a sermon is, and what it’s for — most of them quite wrong! In this episode, Cameron and Mark talk about the sermon as an act of worship, one of the ordinary means of grace. What does this signify, and how does it influence the way a sermon is prepared, delivered, and heard? Let’s find out.
Is it a lecture? Is it a TED talk? Is it an entertaining bit of folksy wisdom? People have all sorts of ideas about what a sermon is, and what it’s for — most of them quite wrong! In this episode, Cameron and Mark talk about the sermon as an act of worship, one of the ordinary means of grace. What does this signify, and how does it influence the way a sermon is prepared, delivered, and heard? Let’s find out.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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126 - The Order of Worship
Your commenters are back! When people visit Grace, one of the unique features they often comment on is the Order of Worship, a multi-page printed booklet that contains our liturgy for the service, including music, prayers, texts, and all the usual announcements you’d expect to find in a church bulletin. In the first episode of 2024, Mark and Cameron explain why we produce these booklets every week rather than using screens or hymnals, and how you can use them to enhance your worship.
Your commenters are back! When people visit Grace, one of the unique features they often comment on is the Order of Worship, a multi-page printed booklet that contains our liturgy for the service, including music, prayers, texts, and all the usual announcements you’d expect to find in a church bulletin. In the first episode of 2024, Mark and Cameron explain why we produce these booklets every week rather than using screens or hymnals, and how you can use them to enhance your worship.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
Subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or Spotify
125 - Taking Census of the Senses
For the final episode of 2023, something a little more light-hearted than usual: Cameron and Mark review their personal bests (and in some cases, worsts) of the year through the lens of the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. Prepare to enter a little too deeply into the minds of our hosts — and enjoy a year-end roundup to tide you over until we return in January.
For the final episode of 2023, something a little more light-hearted than usual: Cameron and Mark review their personal bests (and in some cases, worsts) of the year through the lens of the five senses: sight, smell, hearing, taste, and touch. Prepare to enter a little too deeply into the minds of our hosts — and enjoy a year-end roundup to tide you over until we return in January.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
Subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or Spotify
124 - Finding Your Place
Mark and Cameron grasp toward a theology of "place" in this episode, looking at the way human beings are situated in places throughout Scripture and trying to apply the duties and joys observed there to our own quest to find a place in the world. As we increasingly work outside the office and have options to live wherever we choose, what does it mean to be committed to (and rooted in) a particular place?
Mark and Cameron grasp toward a theology of "place" in this episode, looking at the way human beings are situated in places throughout Scripture and trying to apply the duties and joys observed there to our own quest to find a place in the world. As we increasingly work outside the office and have options to live wherever we choose, what does it mean to be committed to (and rooted in) a particular place?
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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123 - O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Following up on our last episode, Cameron and Mark talk about the experience of using Jonathan Gibson’s liturgy for daily worship O Come, O Come Emmanuel during the season of Advent. What is a book like this for, and how is this new volume different from the earlier one, Be Thou My Vision?
Following up on our last episode, Cameron and Mark talk about the experience of using Jonathan Gibson’s liturgy for daily worship O Come, O Come Emmanuel during the season of Advent. What is a book like this for, and how is this new volume different from the earlier one, Be Thou My Vision? We cover those questions, and also talk about what to do if you miss a day, or don’t have time to get through the entire liturgy in one sitting.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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122 - Expecting Jesus
As we begin the season of Advent, Cameron poses a question: Is it quite right to describe this season as a time of “longing,” or would a better way to think of Advent be to to consider it a season of expectation. In this episode, he and Mark distinguish between longing and expectation, discuss the similarities and differences between Advent and Lent, and mix it up over how early in the year listening to Christmas music is permitted.
As we begin the season of Advent, Cameron poses a question: Is it quite right to describe this season as a time of “longing,” or would a better way to think of Advent be to to consider it a season of expectation. In this episode, he and Mark distinguish between longing and expectation, discuss the similarities and differences between Advent and Lent, and mix it up over how early in the year listening to Christmas music is permitted.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
Subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or Spotify
121 - Faith, Power, and Plan
Mark’s recent sermon on the cursing of a fig tree in Matthew 21 left some unanswered questions about prayer, faith, and how the power of God relates to the plan of God. In this episode, he and Cameron return to the passage to consider an interesting point: when Jesus claimed that with a little faith mountains could be moved, was he simply wrong, or is it that no one has had enough faith (even through the bar is set so low)? Or is there another explanation entirely?
Mark’s recent sermon on the cursing of a fig tree in Matthew 21 left some unanswered questions about prayer, faith, and how the power of God relates to the plan of God. In this episode, he and Cameron return to the passage to consider an interesting point: when Jesus claimed that with a little faith mountains could be moved, was he simply wrong, or is it that no one has had enough faith (even through the bar is set so low)? Or is there another explanation entirely?
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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120 - Enemies of the Novel
It’s hard to write a great novel these days, and those who manage find that the public isn’t exactly waiting with bated breath. In his recent book The Novel, Who Needs It? critic Joseph Epstein catalogs a list of what he terms “enemies of the novel.” In this episode, Mark tries to convince Cameron that these enemies threaten more than just the novel, though; they menace faithfulness and flourishing in general.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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119 - Anti Social Media, Or "Ad Mundus!"
Earlier this week, Cameron made the momentous announcement that he was deactivating his social media accounts — something many of us have thought about, though few carry it out. In this episode, Mark (who hasn’t followed suit) asks about Cameron’s reasoning, and together they discuss whether social media is more a tool to be used wisely or a rigged game.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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118 - Tradition Without Traditionalism
Tradition may start as a supplement to Scripture, but it has a tendency over time to serve as a replacement. At the same time, since tradition amounts to interpretation passed down through time, its presence is inescapable. In other words, you’re going to have a tradition. The question is, what will you do with it? In this episode, Mark and Cameron will talk about how we can benefit from tradition without lapsing into mere traditionalism.
Tradition may start as a supplement to Scripture, but it has a tendency over time to serve as a replacement. At the same time, since tradition amounts to interpretation passed down through time, its presence is inescapable. In other words, you’re going to have a tradition. The question is, what will you do with it? In this episode, Mark and Cameron will talk about how we can benefit from tradition without lapsing into mere traditionalism.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
Subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or Spotify
117 - Monergism or Synergism?
One of the most fundamental questions when it comes to salvation is: “Who does the work?” Is salvation entirely a divine effort, or are we called upon to contribute — and if so, how much? In this episode, Cameron and Mark unpack the distinction between monergism and synergism, and how it relates to justification, sanctification, grace, and the call to obedience.
One of the most fundamental questions when it comes to salvation is: “Who does the work?” Is salvation entirely a divine effort, or are we called upon to contribute — and if so, how much? In this episode, Cameron and Mark unpack the distinction between monergism and synergism, and how it relates to justification, sanctification, grace, and the call to obedience.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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116 - Work, Risk, and Calling
In this episode, Mark speaks to Worldview Academy co-founder Jeff Baldwin about work, risk, and the sense of calling. A longtime friend, Jeff takes a unique approach to risk, and as provost of Worldview at the Abbey, he’s counseled many young people at the start of their professional lives on how to pursue excellence and faithfulness in their work. Mark asks about the role of providence and not hedging your bets, as well as the virtue of endurance.
In this episode, Mark speaks to Worldview Academy co-founder Jeff Baldwin about work, risk, and the sense of calling. A longtime friend, Jeff takes a unique approach to risk, and as provost of Worldview at the Abbey, he’s counseled many young people at the start of their professional lives on how to pursue excellence and faithfulness in their work. Mark asks about the role of providence and not hedging your bets, as well as the virtue of endurance.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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115 - And So We Are
When he was invited to a chapel service at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Mark spoke on 1 John 2.28-3.3. Between the text and some reminiscences about grad school days, he explored the relationship between how God names things and what they are. In this episode, we share that talk, titled “And So We Are.”
When he was invited to a chapel service at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Mark spoke on 1 John 2.28-3.3. Between the text and some reminiscences about grad school days, he explored the relationship between how God names things and what they are. In this episode, we share that talk, titled “And So We Are.”
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
Subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or Spotify
114 - The Journey to Adoption
Cameron and his wife Jenny are new parents, and in this episode they talk to Mark about the challenges and the rewards of their journey through infertility to adoption. Sometimes hardship opens our eyes to the struggles of people all around us. It also compels us to rely on God when we have no power over our circumstances. If you’ve ever struggled with the unfulfilled longing, or the need to discern a new path forward, you’ll find encouragement in this conversation.
Cameron and his wife Jenny are new parents, and in this episode they talk to Mark about the challenges and the rewards of their journey through infertility to adoption. Sometimes hardship opens our eyes to the struggles of people all around us. It also compels us to rely on God when we have no power over our circumstances. If you’ve ever struggled with the unfulfilled longing, or the need to discern a new path forward, you’ll find encouragement in this conversation.
Mentioned in this episode:
Adopted for Life: The Priority of Adoption for Christian Families & Churches, by Russell Moore
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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113 - Room to Grow
If you’d asked at any point over the past few years what the greatest need of our church was, one of the top answers would have been room to grow. We’ve needed a larger space to meet, and now we have one. Grace has only been in the new digs for a little over a month, but already we have seen both the benefits and the questions. In this episode, Mark and Cameron chat about the blessings and challenges of the move.
If you’d asked at any point over the past few years what the greatest need of our church was, one of the top answers would have been room to grow. We’ve needed a larger space to meet, and now we have one. Grace has only been in the new digs for a little over a month, but already we have seen both the benefits and the questions. In this episode, Mark and Cameron chat about the blessings and challenges of the move.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
Subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or Spotify
112 - Forming A Forgiving Church
The Commentary is back after our summer break, and Mark and Cameron tackle an essential topic inspired by Grace’s study of Matthew 18: the challenge of forming a forgiving church. For individual believers to practice the forgiveness we’re called to, we need a community that supports this Christ-like impulse. But culture doesn’t just happen. It has to be cultivated. What are we doing to make our church a place where forgiveness is not just talked about but practiced?
The Commentary is back after our summer break, and Mark and Cameron tackle an essential topic inspired by Grace’s study of Matthew 18: the challenge of forming a forgiving church. For individual believers to practice the forgiveness we’re called to, we need a community that supports this Christ-like impulse. But culture doesn’t just happen. It has to be cultivated. What are we doing to make our church a place where forgiveness is not just talked about but practiced?
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
Subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or Spotify
111 - Warm Welcomes and Hard Farewells
In this episode, Mark checks in with Grace’s new associate pastor Dan Reed to hear about the back-to-back experience of graduating from seminary one day and being ordained and installed as a teaching elder the next. Then he joins Cameron in the studio to talk about the passing of Tim Keller, and the lasting legacy of his example of faithfulness.
In this episode, Mark checks in with Grace’s new associate pastor Dan Reed to hear about the back-to-back experience of graduating from seminary one day and being ordained and installed as a teaching elder the next. Then he joins Cameron in the studio to talk about the passing of Tim Keller, and the lasting legacy of his example of faithfulness.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
Subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or Spotify