Knowing God With Heart and Mind

Episode 36: Distorted Gospels and the Kingdom of Christ

The Echo Podcast Episode 36: Distorted Gospels and the Kingdom of Christ

In this episode, Adrienne Tarullo and Pastor Dan Sinkhorn delve into the complexities of the "distorted gospels" as outlined in Frank Viola's book, The Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. They explore the historical and contemporary manifestations of these distortions, primarily focusing on legalism and libertinism, and contrast them with the Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ.

---

Key Discussion Points

• The Nature of Distorted Gospels: Pastor Dan explains that distorted gospels have existed since the time of Jesus, often arising from people's desire for God to conform to their own plans and interpretations rather than accepting His true message.

• The Two Primary Camps of Distortion:

  • Legalism: A relationship with Jesus defined by allegiance to external rule-keeping and religious duty.

  • Libertinism: A view of Jesus as a mere supplement to a busy life, where belief is based on personal happiness and desires rather than the central tenets of Christ.

• The Concept of "Bondage": Both legalism and libertinism lead to a form of bondage—either to rigid rules or to one's own desires.

• The Gospel of the Kingdom: The true gospel centers on the Kingship of Jesus Christ, where He is the ultimate authority, rather than the law or the flesh.

• The Significance of Self-Reflection: The hosts emphasize the importance of examining which version of the gospel one truly believes and the role of the Bible as a "roadmap" for understanding Christ's message.

---

Historical and Modern Context

The conversation touches upon how these distortions were present in the early church, with the Pharisees and Sadducees representing a legalistic interpretation of righteousness, while others embraced a "gospel of the flesh". They also discuss how modern religious traditions and societal norms can influence one's perception of the gospel, often leading back to legalistic or libertine tendencies.

Concluding Thoughts

The episode concludes with a powerful reflection on why people throughout history have been willing to sacrifice everything for the Gospel of the Kingdom. It’s the realization that true peace and righteousness are found only in Jesus, leading to a revolutionary shift in one's life and values.

• Viola, Frank. Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2018.

Book Details

• Title: Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom

• Author: Frank Viola

• Publisher: Baker Books

• Publication Date: June 5, 2018

• ISBN-13: 9780801077012

Hang On, Let Go: Anchored Beyond the Veil

Pastor Dan Sinkhorn launches a sermon series based on Frank Viola's book, exploring how to 'hang on and let go' when life forces us to make a new plan. It contrasts everyday disruptions (type 1 crises) with major life-altering events (type 2 crises) and includes a personal story of sudden change to illustrate the point.

The message points listeners to Hebrews 6 and the image of an anchor beyond the veil — urging us to tether our souls to God’s unchanging character rather than temporary outcomes, and to trust that faith in crisis can be a powerful witness.

Echo 35: Reclaiming the Kingdom: From Ritual to Insurgency

In this episode of the Echo Podcast, Pastor Dan Sinkhorn and Adrienne Tarullo of Shiloh Church in Jasper, Indiana explore the transformative power of reclaiming the Gospel through the lens of faith confirmation and Frank Viola’s book, Insurgence. Moving beyond traditional "checkbox" rituals, the hosts discuss how they use confirmation to help both teens and adults transition from rote legalism to a radical, personal commitment to the Kingdom of God. By framing the Christian life as a constructive "insurgency," they challenge listeners to prioritize their citizenship in Christ’s present kingdom over cultural or national identities, ultimately offering a roadmap for fostering authentic, transformative faith in a modern world.

Renewing Our Covenant: Shiloh's Annual Call to Discipleship

Pastor Dan speaks to Shiloh Church's annual covenant renewal by reciting the historic Wesley Covenant Prayer and inviting members into a deeper, intentional relationship with God and one another.

The episode explains changes inspired by the Global Methodist Church’s membership guidelines, outlines four membership pillars—spiritual formation (discipleship), worship, stewardship, and service—and offers a call to renewed commitment, repentance, and grace-filled restoration.

Embrace Holy Serendipity: God’s Plan in the Unplanned

Pastor Dan reflects on Isaiah 55 and his renewal leave, sharing a personal mountaintop story and the surprising moment when God met him in the valley. The sermon traces biblical examples—Ruth, Joseph, Mary—and shows how God's grace often arrives in unplanned, humble moments.

He urges listeners to embrace "holy serendipity" by surrendering rigid plans, deepening prayer and scripture, and expecting God's unexpected work in the year ahead as they go further up and further in.

Longest Night, Steady Light

On the winter solstice, this message acknowledges the pain and grief many feel during the holiday season and invites the congregation to sit with one another in presence rather than offering empty words. The preacher emphasizes that grief is a natural response to permanent change, that God is present in our sorrow, and that the light of Christ offers enduring hope even through the longest nights.

Rejoice Always: Rediscovering Christmas Joy

This sermon for the third Sunday of Advent invites listeners to rediscover the joy of Christmas by embracing Christ’s presence and the Holy Spirit’s work in the world.

It urges Christians to live with calm reasonableness, recognize Christ in both sacred and secular moments, and become a peaceful, generous presence wherever they go.

Deep Dive: Shalom In the Shadow; Now, and Not Yet

This is a "Deep Dive" AI generated discussion of the message delivered on December 7, 2025 (also available here). It was created using Google's NotebookLM. Enjoy! 

Shalom in the Shadows: Finding Peace in the In‑Between

Readings from Isaiah 9 and James 5 frame a message about shalom — the deep, lasting peace offered through Christ — and how that peace shines in the shadows of our uncertain world.

The episode explores living in the "in‑between" (the now and the not yet), calling listeners to patience, humility, and faithful witness as they wait for Christ’s return.

Advent: Waiting for the Coming King — Beyond the Baby

Pastor Dan explores the meaning of Advent through Isaiah 2, Romans 13, and Matthew 24, contrasting modern Christmas consumerism with the early Christian expectation of Christ’s return. It emphasizes the promise of God’s final judgment over evil and the hope of Christ reigning over all creation.

Listeners are called to move from merely believing in Jesus to believing Jesus—being born again, living watchfully, and preparing their hearts for the coming King.