034 - The Mark of the Beast
Cameron returns after a two-episode break with questions on Mark’s two most recent sermons. First comes the suggestion that Joseph, husband of Mary, despite his relatively brief time on stage in the gospel narrative, may offer an excellent model for biblical manhood. Then the conversation turns to the “mark of the beast.” Is it a literal marking of the flesh, or should we interpret the mark differently? What context does the rest of Scripture give us for thinking about the significance of marked foreheads?
Cameron returns after a two-episode break with questions on Mark’s two most recent sermons. First comes the suggestion that Joseph, husband of Mary, despite his relatively brief time on stage in the gospel narrative, may offer an excellent model for biblical manhood. Then the conversation turns to the “mark of the beast.” Is it a literal marking of the flesh, or should we interpret the mark differently? What context does the rest of Scripture give us for thinking about the significance of marked foreheads?
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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033 - Retractions and Clarifications
Grace’s new sermon series on the Gospel According to Matthew just began last Sunday, and Mark is already issuing retractions and clarifications. In this episode, his wife Laurie — a woman with plenty of experience pointing out his errors — asks a series a questions about the genealogy at the beginning of Matthew 1. Then, Mark and Laurie discuss the upcoming women’s discipleship book group on Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God.
Grace’s new sermon series on the Gospel According to Matthew just began last Sunday, and Mark is already issuing retractions and clarifications. In this episode, his wife Laurie — a woman with plenty of experience pointing out his errors — asks a series a questions about the genealogy at the beginning of Matthew 1. Then, Mark and Laurie discuss the upcoming women’s discipleship book group on Tim Keller’s The Prodigal God.
Mentioned in this episode:
Grace Women’s Discipleship Fall 2021 Reading Group
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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032 - The Liberating "Pressure" of History
Mark’s special guest in this episode is Rev. Ethan Sayler, a fellow PCA pastor who recently explained the denomination to the YouTube channel “Ten Minute Bible Hour.” Ethan shares some behind-the-scenes details of the experience, and then engages with Mark over the question of whether our sense of history and our commitment to the Westminster Confession is a “pressure,” an anchor, or both!
Mark’s special guest in this episode is Rev. Ethan Sayler, a fellow PCA pastor who recently explained the denomination to the YouTube channel “Ten Minute Bible Hour.” Ethan shares some behind-the-scenes details of the experience, and then engages with Mark over the question of whether our sense of history and our commitment to the Westminster Confession is a “pressure,” an anchor, or both!
Mentioned in this episode:
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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031 - The Beauty of In-Person Worship
The pandemic has introduced a new term to the church lexicon: in-person worship. While we’re grateful for the technology to livestream services when necessary, no change comes without a trade-off. In this episode, Mark and Cameron discuss the beauty of in-person worship and the benefits that a lifestream simply cannot replicate.
The pandemic has introduced a new term to the church lexicon: in-person worship. While we’re grateful for the technology to livestream services when necessary, no change comes without a trade-off. In this episode, Mark and Cameron discuss the beauty of in-person worship and the benefits that a lifestream simply cannot replicate.
Mentioned in this episode:
What We Lose When We Livestream Church, by Collin Hansen
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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030 - The Case for Lyrical Theology
If music in Christian worship serves as “sung prayer,” then it makes sense that we should pay close attention to the lyrics we sing. In this episode, Cameron and Mark unpack the theological layers of a hymn sung recently at Grace, and try to explain how lyrical theology can strengthen us just as much as the systematic kind.
If music in Christian worship serves as “sung prayer,” then it makes sense that we should pay close attention to the lyrics we sing. In this episode, Cameron and Mark unpack the theological layers of a hymn sung recently at Grace, and try to explain how lyrical theology can strengthen us just as much as the systematic kind.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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029 - Interpreting Spiritual Things Spiritually
Is a literal reading of Scripture always best? In this episode, Mark and Cameron discuss the challenges of accurate interpretation, especially when it comes to poetry and prophetic literature. As we approach the end of our study of Zechariah, it’s a good time to reflect on the importance of interpreting spiritual things spiritually.
Is a literal reading of Scripture always best? In this episode, Mark and Cameron discuss the challenges of accurate interpretation, especially when it comes to poetry and prophetic literature. As we approach the end of our study of Zechariah, it’s a good time to reflect on the importance of interpreting spiritual things spiritually.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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028 - Don't Get Defensive
Cameron has been reading a new book about apologetics that sparks our conversation in this episode. Instead of seeing the task as “sanctified argumentation,” perhaps there’s a bigger way to conceive what defending the faith is all about — a way that brings imagination to the forefront. Mark shares his thoughts, as always, and has a book to recommend, too.
Cameron has been reading a new book about apologetics that sparks our conversation in this episode. Instead of seeing the task as “sanctified argumentation,” perhaps there’s a bigger way to conceive what defending the faith is all about — a way that brings imagination to the forefront. Mark shares his thoughts, as always, and has a book to recommend, too.
Mentioned in this episode:
Reimagining Apologetics, by Justin Ariel Bailey
Apologetics at the Cross, by Josh Chatraw and Mark D. Allen
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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027 - God's Work In The Broader Church
Some Christians give the impression that the only true believers are the ones who belong to their particular church — or perhaps their denomination. At Grace, we have a more optimistic view of God’s work in the broader body of Christ. In this episode, Mark and Cameron discuss that optimism, and the confidence from which it flows.
Some Christians give the impression that the only true believers are the ones who belong to their particular church — or perhaps their denomination. At Grace, we have a more optimistic view of God’s work in the broader body of Christ. In this episode, Mark and Cameron discuss that optimism, and the confidence from which it flows.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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026 - A Community of Friends
In this follow-up to last week’s episode on the crisis of masculinity, Mark and Cameron look at the growing epidemic of “friendlessness.” Inspired by an essay by David French, they discuss the decline of deep friendship, its causes, and possible solutions — with a special emphasis on building friendships in the body of Christ.
In this follow-up to last week’s episode on the crisis of masculinity, Mark and Cameron look at the growing epidemic of “friendlessness.” Inspired by an essay by David French, they discuss the decline of deep friendship, its causes, and possible solutions — with a special emphasis on building friendships in the body of Christ.
Mentioned in this episode:
“Lost Friendships Break Hearts and Nations,” by David French
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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025 - When the Man Comes Around
Cameron and Mark tackle a topic in this episode that they’ve been kicking around behind the scenes for some time: the so-called “crisis of masculinity.” How should we think about what it means to be a man? Is there a larger crisis this question shines light on — and could biology settle the matter once and for all? Mark also talks with Dan about the official re-launch of Grace’s small groups this Sunday, and what this means for our quest for “more community.”
Cameron and Mark tackle a topic in this episode that they’ve been kicking around behind the scenes for some time: the so-called “crisis of masculinity.” How should we think about what it means to be a man? Is there a larger crisis this question shines light on — and could biology settle the matter once and for all? Mark also talks with Dan about the official re-launch of Grace’s small groups this Sunday, and what this means for our quest for “more community.”
Mentioned in this episode:
Culture and the Death of God, by Terry Eagleton
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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024 - Reading the Bible
In this episode, Cameron quizzes Mark on a detail from his most recent sermon on Zechariah 11. Then Mark talks to Dan about what to expect in his upcoming sermon on Titus 3. After that, Cameron about why Grace gives new members of the church copies of the ESV Reader’s Bible. What is the goal behind this gift?
In this episode, Cameron quizzes Mark on a detail from his most recent sermon on Zechariah 11. Then Mark talks to Dan about what to expect in his upcoming sermon on Titus 3. After that, Cameron about why Grace gives new members of the church copies of the ESV Reader’s Bible. What is the goal behind this gift?
Mentioned in this episode:
Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, by Gleason Archer
Exegetical Fallacies, by D. A. Carson
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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023 - Restored to Worship
This Sunday (July 4) worship at Grace will be restored to our pre-pandemic norms. In this episode, Mark explains what that restoration will look like. In addition, Mark and Cameron talk about a recent essay by the novelist Paul Kingsnorth on his conversion to Christianity — and how it is that intelligent, well-informed people can nevertheless fail to grasp what the Gospel is really about.
This Sunday (July 4) worship at Grace will be restored to our pre-pandemic norms. In this episode, Mark explains what that restoration will look like. In addition, Mark and Cameron talk about a recent essay by the novelist Paul Kingsnorth on his conversion to Christianity — and how it is that intelligent, well-informed people can nevertheless fail to grasp what the Gospel is really about.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Paul Kingsnorth’s “The Cross and the Machine”
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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022 - The Right Assumptions About Reality
Cameron and Mark take a deep dive in this episode on the topic of “worldview,” asking what it really means to make the right assumptions about reality. We contrast the traditional approach’s emphasis on philosophical abstractions to a more organic focus on the presuppositions of biblical authors. Also, we check in with Dan prior to his next sermon on Titus, previewing a shift from the leadership of the church in the last chapter to the faithful lives of its members in Titus 2.
Cameron and Mark take a deep dive in this episode on the topic of “worldview,” asking what it really means to make the right assumptions about reality. We contrast the traditional approach’s emphasis on philosophical abstractions to a more organic focus on the presuppositions of biblical authors. Also, we check in with Dan prior to his next sermon on Titus, previewing a shift from the leadership of the church in the last chapter to the faithful lives of its members in Titus 2.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Pastor Mark’s book, Rethinking Worldview
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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021 - The Ecosystem of Discipleship
in this episode, Mark talks to Cameron about strategies for understanding the “big picture” of the biblical story. Then he quizzes Dan about our new sermon series on Titus, and how the Apostle Paul’s approach to cultural influences can teach us how to relate to our own setting. They also discuss how Paul’s teaching on authority in the church hints at the larger ecosystem of discipleship — and make connections to Zechariah 10.
in this episode, Mark talks to Cameron about strategies for understanding the “big picture” of the biblical story. Then he quizzes Dan about our new sermon series on Titus, and how the Apostle Paul’s approach to cultural influences can teach us how to relate to our own setting. They also discuss how Paul’s teaching on authority in the church hints at the larger ecosystem of discipleship — and make connections to Zechariah 10.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
The Bible Project: Titus
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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020 - Covenant Theology and the Gracious Community
In this episode, Cameron and Mark discuss covenant theology, the distinctive lens through which we read the story of Scripture. Mark also talks with Dan Reed about the church as a gracious community, introducing Dan’s new sermon series on the book of Titus.
In this episode, Cameron and Mark discuss covenant theology, the distinctive lens through which we read the story of Scripture. Mark also talks with Dan Reed about the church as a gracious community, introducing Dan’s new sermon series on the book of Titus.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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019 - Doctrine of Scripture and Doxology
How you interpret the Bible will ultimately rest on what you perceive the Bible to be. In this episode, Mark and Cameron contrast the Westminster Confession’s strong affirmation of biblical inspiration and authority with those who take Scripture to be merely a human document. They also discuss why doxology is so important to our worship, and what to expect in Grace’s final sermon series on Zechariah.
How you interpret the Bible will ultimately rest on what you perceive the Bible to be. In this episode, Mark and Cameron contrast the Westminster Confession’s strong affirmation of biblical inspiration and authority with those who take Scripture to be merely a human document. They also discuss why doxology is so important to our worship, and what to expect in Grace’s final sermon series on Zechariah.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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018 - Rebuilding Relationships Post-Pandemic
The task of rebuilding our community in the post-pandemic world is immense. There are so many needs! In this episode, Cameron and Mark talk about why we should start by rebuilding relationships. Starting with rebuilding lessons from Haggai and Zechariah, they discuss simple, practical ways to get the process started.
The task of rebuilding our community in the post-pandemic world is immense. There are so many needs! In this episode, Cameron and Mark talk about why we should start by rebuilding relationships. Starting with rebuilding lessons from Haggai and Zechariah, they discuss simple, practical ways to get the process started.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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017 - Opening A Door To Grace
In a recent sermon, Mark contrasted “moralists” — like the ones we discussed in our “Empty Moralism” episode — with “realists,” whose awareness of their spiritual shortcomings can make it hard to stay hopeful. This episode unpacks those categories while asking what it takes to turn a moralist into a realist. Cameron and Mark also talk about how a true assessment of our shortcomings can open a door to God’s grace.
Mentioned in this episode:
“The Fading of Forgiveness,” by Tim Keller
https://www.cardus.ca/comment/article/the-fading-of-forgiveness/
In a recent sermon, Mark contrasted “moralists” — like the ones we discussed in our “Empty Moralism” episode — with “realists,” whose awareness of their spiritual shortcomings can make it hard to stay hopeful. This episode unpacks those categories while asking what it takes to turn a moralist into a realist. Cameron and Mark also talk about how a true assessment of our shortcomings can open a door to God’s grace.
Mentioned in this episode:
“The Fading of Forgiveness,” by Tim Keller
https://www.cardus.ca/comment/article/the-fading-of-forgiveness/
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
Subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or Spotify
016 - Too Conservative or Not Conservative Enough?
In this episode, Mark and Cameron tackle the question of whether a church like Grace is too conservative, or not conservative enough. Do political labels like this translate well to theology, or is there a better way of understanding who we are? In an age where “everything is political,” are there still some things — the gospel, for example — which transcend politics? In addition, following up on last week’s episode, we will suggest addition resources to help cultivate a life of prayer.
In this episode, Mark and Cameron tackle the question of whether a church like Grace is too conservative, or not conservative enough. Do political labels like this translate well to theology, or is there a better way of understanding who we are? In an age where “everything is political,” are there still some things — the gospel, for example — which transcend politics? In addition, following up on last week’s episode, we will suggest more resources to help cultivate a life of prayer.
Mentioned in this episode:
Practical Religion, by J. C. Ryle
https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/practical-religion-2/
A Guide to Prayer, by Issac Watts
https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/a-guide-to-prayer/
A Way to Pray: A Biblical Method for Enriching Your Prayer Life, by Matthew Henry and O. Palmer Robertson
https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/christian-living/way-to-pray/
Prayers on the Psalms: From the Scottish Psalter of 1595
https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/devotional-books/prayers-on-the-psalms/
The Piety of John Calvin: A Collection of His Spiritual Prose, Poems, and Hymns, edited by Ford Lewis Battles
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0875520596
A Christian Directory, by Richard Baxter (Online Edition)
http://digitalpuritan.net/richard-baxter/
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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015 - A Primer on Prayer
All too often, our conversations about prayer focus on how to think about it rather than how to do it. In this episode, Cameron and Mark do their best to focus on the practical, commenting on what prayer actually is, how it is learned, and what resources are helpful for cultivating a habit of prayer.
All too often, our conversations about prayer focus on how to think about it rather than how to do it. In this episode, Cameron and Mark do their best to focus on the practical, commenting on what prayer actually is, how it is learned, and what resources are helpful for cultivating a habit of prayer.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Martin Luther’s “A Simple Way to Pray”
Tim Keller’s Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God
The Psalms (a psalter you can write in!)
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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