Knowing God With Heart and Mind

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.

The Unexpected Throne: Christ Reigns from the Cross

On Christ the King Sunday Pastor Dan reads Luke 23:33–43 and reflects on Jesus’s paradoxical kingship—reigning not with worldly power but through sacrificial love on the cross. He contrasts the mocking thief who sought earthly rescue with the penitent thief who trusted Jesus and received the promise of paradise.

Drawing from Colossians and Revelation, the sermon encourages gratitude for temporary blessings while keeping hope in the eternal kingdom, urging listeners to live under Christ’s sovereign reign.

Further Up, Further In: Finding God in the Waypoints of Life

Using readings from Exodus, Hebrews, and Revelation, this sermon explores how spiritual life is not about reaching a final arrival but about recognizing God in each waypoint of the journey.

The speaker shares lessons from a renewal leave, urging daily discipleship, active pursuit of holiness, and the invitation to move "further up and further in" toward deeper intimacy with God now.