Knowing God With Heart and Mind

Insurgence: Embodying the Kingdom

In this profound message, Pastor Dan dives deep into the roles of the Church and our individual responsibilities as Christians in manifesting the kingdom of God. Drawing upon spiritual insights from Frank Viola's book ‘Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom', he presents an illuminating exposition of the Book of Colossians, emphasizing the centrality of personal sanctification, steadfast agape for Jesus, and living by His internal abiding presence.

This episode powerfully advocates for a peaceful, yet transformative revolution within the Church, grounded on tenets of love, unity, and countering godlessness. Pastor Dan underlines the high calling of Christians to serve as the corporal embodiment of Christ - engaging actively in deeds of love, fairness, and compassion, much like early Christians.

According to his interpretation, the Church is not merely an informational epicenter but a living demonstration of God's kingdom, adding a holy dimension to worldly pursuits. The core essence of this sermon is encapsulated in a significant principle - to live out our love for Jesus and by His indwelling life, consistently emulating His mission and conveying God’s image and authority to the world.

Based also on some key concepts from Frank Viola's 'From Eternity to Here', he suggests that the fundamental objective of the Church is to spread the intense life and love within the Trinitarian family, symbolizing the Three-in-One unity of God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

This sermon culminates in a call to action, challenging listeners to overhaul their understanding of the Church’s mission, inspiring them to act as catalysts for change that is anchored in love for Jesus, replacing legalistic practices with personal sanctification. This message calls upon everyone to become part of an 'insurgence', underpinned by love and powered by the Holy Spirit, that can transform the faith landscape, providing a fresh interpretation of what it means be the body of Christ.

Echo 26 -- Going the 2nd Mile

Here's another insightful conversation between Adrienne and Pastor Dan about last weekend's worship and learning.  They discuss going the extra mile and what Jesus meant to accomplish under the new covenant manifesto, which led to a discussion of God's Levitical manifesto for the chosen people heading toward the Promised Land. There's a lively side chat about snakes on a pole and the pandemic, too. 

Embracing the Insurgent's Path and Amplifying God's Glory

Be inspired as we delve deeper into the powerful messages hidden within the scriptures and explore Christ's call in Matthew chapter 5 for believers to go the 'extra mile'. We examine Jesus's teachings on service, generosity, and the cultivation of a second-mile mentality. This sermon highlights the importance of doing more than is expected as an act of honoring God while confounding those harboring ill will towards us.

Through a thoughtful examination of Psalm 34, we offer an insightful understanding of why we should engage in good deeds and exceed expectations. It isn't just about fulfilling obligations of faith, it is an expression of our eternal gratitude, and a testimony to God's limitless generosity. Furthermore, we discuss the need for Christians to present a radically different lifestyle, representing Christ in ways that puzzle others into asking soul-searching questions.

We reiterate the urgent call to discipleship by connecting the concepts in Psalm 34 with Matthew 28. Our faith shouldn't be a secret kept hidden and our love for Christ shouldn't be muted. This sermon urges listeners to rise to the role of disciples with deep-seated conviction, unashamed love, and unrestrained expression of faith. It challenges the hesitation to share the magnitude of God's transformative power with the world, encouraging believers to inspire others to 'taste and see' the goodness of the Lord.

Our call to action resonates on two fronts. First, to commit to financial giving in support of the church’s various outreach missions. Second, to pledge discipleship, inviting others to experience and comprehend the life-altering impact of embracing the Gospel of Christ. The sermon ends with a heartfelt prayer, seeking God's blessings and guidance as we go an extra mile to ensure the light of His love illuminates the darkest corners of the world.

Echo 25 -- Living the Insurgent Lifestyle

Adrienne and Pastor Dan discuss points from his recent message urging insurgents to be a non-violent resistance movement. Using gifts of the Holy Spirit, Christi Believers undermined the world's corruption with grace, love, joy, self control. 

Insurgence: Enter the Kingdom Pt. 2

In this transformative sermon drawn on biblical teachings, we delve into the profound wisdom of Jesus' 'sermon on the mount'. Emphasizing the teachings "Blessed are the meek; blessed are the merciful", the discourse unravels a refreshing interpretation of the gospel of the kingdom based on Frank Viola's work 'The Insurgents'.

Beyond a mere religious narrative, this discussion vividly challenges the contemporary paradigms. The gospel of the kingdom transcends the flesh, inviting us to be citizens of a world that exists here and now, yet offers a promised reality yet to unfold. Explore this fascinating dichotomy, grasping the enigmatic coexistence of reality and promise.

Focusing on the intriguing concept of being covert emissaries of the kingdom, we muse about the responsibility bestowed upon us to spread the kingdom message. Drawing a parallel to the courageous resistance movements during World War II, the sermon unfolds the concept of Christian insurgence against evil.

Envisaging a future where Christians act as guerrillas against the looming darkness, the sermon urges us to uphold the values and virtues gifted by the Holy Spirit. Immerse yourself in this reflective discourse on faith, unity, and love- essential tools in the ongoing struggle against spiritual and worldly oppression.

Provoking a monumental thought: what if it's time for the church to evolve into an assertive insurgency? Drawing parallels with the French resistance movements against the Nazis of the 1930s and 40s, the sermon emphasizes the necessity of resisting forces that seek to undermine faith in God and halt the kingdom's progress.

Culminating with the message of united stand and shared devotion to Christ, this timely sermon provides practical strategies for resisting evil and expanding Christ's kingdom. Discover the transformative power of graceful encounters, gentle conviction, self-control, and spiritual discernment within the context of resistance and learn about the undeniable role of small groups, Bible studies, and regular gatherings in sculpting effective combat strategies against spiritual evil.

Echo 24 -- Living in the Freedom of Christ

We've got another fascinating topic lined up that echoes our recent conversation. In our last episode, we delved into the significance of shedding life's "cockleburs" during the season of Lent and how fasting plays a crucial role in that process. Adrienne brought up the idea of fasting as a means to decrease drag and distractions, allowing us to focus on what truly matters in our journey toward God's lap. We explored the personal and intimate nature of fasting, drawing parallels to Jesus' teachings on humility and the importance of private spiritual practices. So, if you missed our last chat or if you're just joining us, you're in for a treat. Grab a cup of coffee, find a comfy spot, and let's continue exploring the echoes of God's heart and mind together. Adrienne, anything you'd like to kick off with today as we dive into this topic?

Insurgence: Enter the Kingdom

In the captivating episode of our Insurgence series, we dive into the deep and compelling metaphor of spiritual vision from a Christian perspective. We explore the profound truths hidden within gospel passages and Jesus's depiction of the Kingdom of God as an unseen reality present in believers' lives.

Pastor Dan's message sheds light on the intriguing concept of spiritual vision and its similarities to physical blindness and the experience of newborn babies whose vision gradually sharpens. We delve into the effects of spiritual enlightenment after rebirth in Christ and its transformative impact on our perception, as if we were wearing spiritual reality goggles.

Understand the Judeo-Christian concept of Christ's Kingdom, an existing but distinctive reality. Learn about the widespread spiritual impairment and it's reflection of God's Kingdom. Engage in debunking theories such as simulation theory while emphasizing the necessity of commitment over interpretations that fail to account for God's undeniable presence.

We unfold the concept of 'redemption' where, being reborn Christians, we experience life in a world created by God but damaged by sin. As Christians, we are on a journey towards the complete realization of God's Kingdom, living in an 'already but not yet' state where the full realization of Christ's Kingdom is eagerly anticipated.

The episode also points out the misguided efforts of those who attempt to hasten the coming of God's Kingdom, resulting in distrust and conflict. We further discuss the effects of 'legalism', encouraging personal spiritual growth and mutual grace over forced conformity.

We conclude the episode with unique insights from Christian author Frank on 'fearing the Lord,' putting forth an alternate perspective on divine submission and surrendering to God's love and safety.

Echo 23: Journeying Towards Personal Holiness in Christ

Join Pastor Dan Sinkhorn and Adrienne Tarullo in the Echo Podcast as they delve into our spiritual identities as new creations in Christ. Drawing metaphoric parallels from the Insurgent series and Frank Viola's book, this episode sets the stage for spiritual rebirth, acknowledging the profound shift within us post-salvation. Scripture-based analysis leads to an exploration of transformation through Jesus, creating significant change and endless spiritual possibilities.

Our discussion further illuminates God's nature of adoption and highlights our roles as co-heirs with Christ. The narrative weaves in fascinating streams of ancient Roman legal traditions and Jewish tradition with modern-day legal systems. The episode also unpacks the concept of original sin, the human spiritual DNA, and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ, shedding light on our spiritual evolution.

We unravel the metaphor of shedding our 'outer garment' of sin, embodying the ideas presented through the transformation of believers. The journey from a corrupt state to an incorruptible being through the Holy Spirit equips us with a new inner framework, transforming our spiritual realities. The conversation also visits the concept of 'Ecclesia' in the Christian world, emphasizing its relevance in individual and global spirituality.

The heart of the episode lies in its exploration of sin and redemption, underlined by personal encounters, experiences, and rich Biblical analogies. It is an invitation to all listeners to strive for personal holiness, embrace Christ's given freedoms, and ascend to divine standards. Shed those remnants of a sin-laden past and embrace the journey back to the 'Garden of Eden' — towards God's immediate presence. This is your spiritual quest towards personal transformation, driven by an irresistible desire to move ever closer to God.

Insurgence: Embracing Our Identity in Christ and the Ecclesia

In this episode of the Insurgence series, we begin by exploring the hymn 'I Know Whom I've Believed' and discuss its meaning in relation to faith and salvation. Then, in 2 Corinthians chapter 5, we see how they can lead to a profound spiritual transformation in Christ.

From exploring our new identity in Christ, we transition to dissect the groundbreaking concept of the 'third race.' This enlightening perspective shatters traditional divisions of good versus evil and introduces the idea of the unique Christian race – the ecclesia. In this discussion, believers are encouraged to recognize and value their unique identity, which reflects their shared faith in Christ and God's plan for His Kingdom.

This episode is a call to action, encouraging listeners to introspect and question their spiritual commitments. Are we merely partaking in religious activities or are we genuinely living as the true image of God - the ecclesia? Drawing inspiration from real-life examples, the speaker challenges the listeners to let the transformative power of Christ's love be evident in their everyday lives, thus redefining our relationship with God.

In conclusion, Pastor Dan prompts introspective exploration of our spiritual journeys. Emphasizing the cardinal difference between mere church membership and being a part of the ecclesia, this episode encourages believers to live by love and obedience to Christ, thereby embracing their true identity – members of the body of Christ, the family of God.

Echo 22: Counteracting Counterfeit Faith

In the latest installment of the Echo Podcast, Pastor Dan Sinkhorn and Adrienne Tarullo from Shiloh Church of Jasper, Indiana, take listeners on a profound journey into the essence of Christian faith in contemporary times. This insightful episode explores the allure and danger of counterfeit Christianity, the spiritual confusion prevalent in society, and encouragingly suggests a revival of authentic faith.

Drawing fascinating parallels between the evolution of monetary anti-counterfeit technology and the church, the conversation ultimately encourages Christians to vigilant scrutiny of their practices against the gold standard of the Bible to ensure genuine faith. It also highlights the empowerment and growth that embracing personal vulnerability can bring in one's spiritual journey.

The episode further illuminates a critical takeaway - the concept of the church as a gathering that transcends physical locations. It promotes a view of community that extends beyond the walls of a traditional church into more unconventional spaces. The conversation intrigues with its emphasis on humility, acceptance, and true fellowship, nudging listeners to see church as a place where they truly belong.

Listen to 'Diving into Authentic Christianity: Counteracting Counterfeit Faith on Echo Podcast--22 to unravel a fresh perspective on the essence of Christianity. This thought-provoking episode will leave you contemplating your faith journey and inspire you to seek and establish a deeply personal relationship with God.