Knowing God With Heart and Mind

Insurgence: Recasting the Gospel Story

Experience an eye-opening exploration of the grace, mercy, and transformative power of Jesus Christ in our enlightening sermon, "Insurgence: Recasting the Gospel Story". This sermon provides profound insights derived from the compassionate deeds and teachings of Jesus, demonstrating how He turned societal outcasts into beacons of His unconditional love.

Touching on moving stories such as the Samaritan woman, the paralyzed outcast, and the woman caught in adultery, we explore the implications of spiritual adultery in our lives. We dissect the damaging effects of selfishness that undermine our relationships with God and fellow beings, as well as the importance of dignifying others before ourselves.

Diving into the lives of traditionally marginalized individuals like the ill woman and Matthew the tax collector, we see the transformative reality of Jesus' forgiveness and acceptance. Herein lies a stark reminder of our tendency to act as judge and jury, often unknowingly contributing to a culture of blame.

Throughout the sermon, we encourage deep introspection into the complexities of our mentality and perception of self-worth. Unmasking the realities of entitlement, societal pressures, and external influences, we seek to foster a culture of understanding, empathy, and acceptance.

Culminating in the emotionally charged parable of the prodigal son, the sermon explores themes of self-absorption, redemption, and powerful reunion with the Father. We celebrate the joyous heavenly tumult created when a lost soul finds its way back into the loving embrace of God. Embrace this transformative journey and see your true self through the eyes of Christ, free from worldly judgment and filled with divine love.

Echo 21--Discovering the Profound Beauty in God's Love and Grace

Join Pastor Dan Sinkhorn and Adrienne Tarullo in this riveting episode of the Echo Podcast, as they delve into the transcendent beauty of God's essence. They draw from Isaac's enlightening vision, challenging listeners to contemplate the experiences and emotions within God's realm. Savour Pastor Dan's insights on our encounters with God and reflect on the paradox of comprehending Jesus' boundless love amid our sins and brokenness.

Embark on a transformative journey exploring the symbolism of Isaiah's redemption and the magnificence of heaven's unmatched glory. Contemplate the divine purpose laid out by Frank Viola and the extraordinary love God has for His Son. Let the narrative of Adam's creation, conceived to be the perfect companion for Christ, inspire you with a renewed perspective of our spiritual beauty in God's eyes.

Embrace the mystery and captivating allure that encompasses God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Grasp an understanding of God's foresight and His grand orchestration of redemption, centered around the Son of Man. Conclusively, ruminate on the biblical interpretation of 'beauty', leading towards the affirmation of Christ’s profound and powerful love.

The podcast delves into the understanding of beauty from a Christian perspective, ranging from societal norms to spiritual values. The conversation touches base on aspects like physical allure, ancient civilizations, surgeries, and societal vanity that distort our perceptions of beauty. It highlights the Judeo-Christian worldview that redefines beauty, encompassing wisdom, humility, old age, and vulnerabilities.

The episode wraps up with an in-depth look at the pivotal role beauty plays in our lives, its perceptions, and the impact on our relationship with God. Joined by our guest, who shares the actions of the Holy Spirit in his church, the conversation prompts you to surrender self-will, care for the underprivileged, and lean on God's grace.

Insurgence:The King's Beauty

Dive deep into the majesty and splendor of God's glory as we explore the mysterious union of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Let's reflect on the beauty, splendor, and love that define our Lord, a receivers of His undeserved grace.

Discover the unique rule of God's kingdom, governed not by force and fear but by His glory and absolute freedom. Reflect on the profound question: What leads us to love and serve with genuine devotion?

Explore the transformative power of unveiling Jesus' beauty, a journey that captivates hearts and leads to a resurgence of devotion. Imagine worship that stems from a deep, genuine allegiance, not fueled by guilt or fear but by the compelling sight of the King's beauty.

At the core of God's wisdom lies a heart pulsating with love. Ephesians 2:4-5 and John 17:23 reveal God's rich mercy and great love toward us, leaving us awestruck and helpless. Therefore, let's surrender to Christ's lordship, grounded in the assurance of His genuine love.

Join us as we strive to worship the Lord with an adoration and devotion meant to be forever and always. Let us contemplate the Lord's love for us and express our love back to Him.

Let's embrace a fresh realization of the Lord's beauty, sparking renewed humility, consecration, and mission. Pray for enlightenment, that the eyes of your heart may grasp the hope and glorious inheritance in the Lord's holy people.

Echo 20--Echoing God's Heart and Mind

Adrienne and Pastor Dan discuss the 2nd message in a series based on Frank Viola's "Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom." The two consider Frank's concept of a legalistic gospel and a libertine gospel, and the true gospel of the Kingdom that is recognized in the echo of God's heart and mind. 

Insurgence: Three Gospels, One Truth

In this message, we will consider "The Three Gospels" mentioned in Frank Viola's "Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom." (BakerPublishing)
Legalism: Are you caught in a performance-based Christianity? Let's unravel the pitfalls of legalism, where salvation is by grace, but holiness becomes an individual effort. It's time to break free from judgmentalism and embrace the true gospel's insurgence.
Libertinism: For those who think "anything goes" under grace, we'll address the pitfalls of libertinism. It's not about living as we please but submitting to the lordship of Christ. Discover how true freedom in Christ doesn't excuse indulgence but transforms lives.
The Third Gospel, the explosive gospel of the kingdom, brings a profound change. Let's ask ourselves some tough questions, preparing our hearts for the next part of this series. Do legalistic or libertine tendencies lurk within us? Let's seek the Lord's light to reveal where we stand.

Echo 19 -- Christians on the Treadmill to Oblivion

Adrienne and Pastor Dan discuss the new preaching series, "Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom" based on the book by the same name written by Frank Viola. 

Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom

Join the Shiloh family this Sunday, January 7, 2024, as we kick off an electrifying sermon series: "Insurgence: Reclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom." 📖 Mark 1:16-27 will be our guide as we explore a groundbreaking message that has the potential to shake nations, alter lives, and liberate countless individuals.

Ever wondered why radical terrorists display more dedication than some contemporary Christians? Let's delve into the possibility that we've traded the vibrant Gospel of the Kingdom for a subdued version. This series promises a transformative journey, challenging the diluted expressions of Christianity prevalent today.

📚 Drawing inspiration from a profound book that left many of is in the Shiloh family in jaw-dropping awe since its publication, we'll share insights that have revolutionized lives. 🌪️

Defined as an organized opposition against existing authority, insurgency calls for a paradigm shift. Explore the stories of Christian insurgents like Martin Luther and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, who took enormous risks for the sake of the Gospel. Their convictions resonate with the call for Christians to actively and courageously pursue God's will.

🌍 Are you ready for a whole new paradigm? Most Christians are raised on a doctrinal diet that requires religious affiliation more than a total renunciation of worldly affairs and an affirmation of commitment to the authentic, true Gospel. Joining the insurgency demands a visible severance of ties with worldly systems and a wholehearted embrace of the pure gospel's power.

👉 This series will challenge you to consider your zeal for Christ, introduce the concept of insurgency against diluted expressions of the Gospel, and advocate for a necessary paradigm shift. Embrace this new perspective with open eyes, comprehending earthly realities while maintaining a farsighted focus on heaven and the resurrection.

🛑 Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a movement fighting for the Kingdom of Christ with unwavering commitment and a complete embrace of the Lord Jesus Christ. Join us this Sunday and let's embark on this profound journey together! 🙏 #InsurgenceSeries #GospelRevolution #KingdomWarriors

Echo 18 - Get Serious!

Adrienne and Pastor Dan talk about the significance of a covenant relationship with Christ. What does it mean to pledge allegiance to the Kingdom of Christ? What if you are called to one allegiance, and it's to the Lord Jesus? 

Renewing Our Covenant with God

Sunday, December 31, 2023 ~ Sermon Notes

Renewing Our Covenant with God ~ Psalm 103

Today, we gather to reflect on the tradition of John Wesley's Covenant Renewal Service. In this timeless ritual, Wesley invited believers to reaffirm their commitment to God—a commitment not taken lightly but embraced with deep conviction. Wesley believed in the power of intentional relationship with God, and the Covenant Renewal Service became a pivotal moment for Methodists to renew their vows of love, faith, and obedience. It's a reminder that our journey of faith is not a one-time decision but a continuous, intentional walk with our Creator. As we engage in this service, we echo the words spoken by those who have gone before us, committing ourselves afresh to God's guidance, grace, and love. It's a moment to examine our hearts, acknowledging areas where we may have strayed, and seeking forgiveness and renewal.
The Wesleyan Covenant Prayer was adapted by John Wesley for the renewal of the believer's covenant with God. Wesley says that The prayer was first used in a covenant renewal service held on Monday, August 11, 1755, in London, with 1800 people present. Since then, the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer is often used in Methodist churches around the world on the first Sunday of the year, or in watch night services on New Year’s Eve. 

Not to Be Taken Lightly
In Wesley's words, this covenant is not a human invention but a divine promise. It's an acknowledgment that God's faithfulness far surpasses our own, and in our weaknesses, His strength is made perfect. Consider the scriptural foundation of covenant renewal. In the Old Testament, we see the Israelites renewing their commitment to God, and in the New Testament, Jesus inaugurates a new covenant through His sacrifice on the cross. The Covenant Renewal Service aligns us with this biblical tradition, emphasizing the continuity of God's redemptive plan. Today, as we partake in this sacred act, let us reflect on the blessings and challenges of the past year. Let's remember that our God is a God of second chances, and His mercies are new every morning. We are not defined by our mistakes but by the grace that abounds in Christ.

Conclusion
May this Covenant Renewal Service be a catalyst for personal and communal revival. Let it strengthen the bonds of our family of faith and inspire us to live out our Christian calling with passion and purpose. Let this be a simple way to tell others what we are about here at Shiloh Church; we are people living out a shared covenant of total devotion to Jesus Christ. So, let us embrace this sacred moment with open hearts, understanding that our covenant with God is not a static commitment but a dynamic relationship that grows and deepens with each passing day. Let’s suppose that what will say is recorded in Heaven and will be used in the LORD’s court on the day of judgment. I dare you to take the words you’re about to say so seriously that you can imagine them being heard and written down in God’s book of life.

A Covenant Prayer in the Wesleyan Tradition
I am no longer my own, but thine. Put me to what thou wilt, rank me with whom thou wilt. Put me to doing, put me to suffering. Let me be employed by thee or laid aside for thee, exalted for thee or brought low for thee. Let me be full, let me be empty. Let me have all things, let me have nothing. I freely and heartily yield all things to thy pleasure and disposal. And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thou art mine, and I am thine. So be it. And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in heaven. Amen. ~ 

Echo 17 - Why Me, Lord?

Adrienne and Pastor Dan discuss the age old question of why bad things happen to "good" people. As always, we'll take a broad view and narrow it down to the fundamentals. Here, it could be a matter of unrealistic expectations.