94 - Literal Hell
In this episode, Mark and Cameron take on a difficult topic: literal hell. The Bible says less about heaven and hell than you might expect — and a lot of what it teaches comes to us in the form of analogy, where things that are too wonderful (or too terrible) for the human mind are revealed through comparison to what we do understand. But if we’re going to pass down the faith once for all delivered to the saints, the Bible’s teaching about final judgment is something we need to address.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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93 - The Problem with 'Mere' Christianity
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity.” In this episode, Mark and Cameron interrogate this hierarchy of doctrine and ask whether applying the ‘non-essential’ label to anything in Scripture is really such a good idea.
“In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; and in all things, charity.” This famous saying has been attributed to various Church figures, including Augustine of Hippo — who did not say it. Whatever the source, it’s become a popular sentiment in the modern church. There’s just one problem, though: the Bible doesn’t flag its essential and non-essential teachings for us. That’s up to the interpreter … and one person’s essential may be another’s non-essential, and vice versa. In this episode, Mark and Cameron interrogate this hierarchy of doctrine and ask whether applying the ‘non-essential’ label to anything in Scripture is really such a good idea.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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92 - In Search of Lost Time
Feel like you don’t have enough time for the things that really matter? You’re not alone. Most of us have a sense that time is passing too quickly, that we’re missing out — a feeling made worse by images all around us of other people having a meaningful time. In this episode, Cameron and Mark discuss the tension between two Greek concepts — kairos and chronos — to find out how we can recover some of our lost time.
Feel like you don’t have enough time for the things that really matter? You’re not alone. Most of us have a sense that time is passing too quickly, that we’re missing out — a feeling made worse by images all around us of other people having a meaningful time. In this episode, Cameron and Mark discuss the tension between two Greek concepts — kairos and chronos — to find out how we can recover some of our lost time.
Mentioned in this episode:
Living by Kairos Time in a Chronos World by Josh Pauling
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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91 - Optimistic Exiles
Scripture compares believers in Christ to strangers and exiles, people whose home is not in this world or this time. What does it mean to be an exile, though? Apathy, alienation, and powerlessness are all associated with this idea … but what about hope? In this episode, Mark and Cameron think through the implications of the exile metaphor for Christian life.
Scripture compares believers in Christ to strangers and exiles, people whose home is not in this world or this time. What does it mean to be an exile, though? Apathy, alienation, and powerlessness are all associated with this idea … but what about hope? In this episode, Mark and Cameron think through the implications of the exile metaphor for Christian life.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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90 - Canceling for Christmas
Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, which has led to a debate on the Internet about canceling church services. At Grace, we’ll be meeting for worship this Sunday. In this episode, Mark and Cameron discuss why this is — and try to unpack the assumptions about holidays and worship that make the dispute so illuminating.
Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, which has led to a debate on the Internet about canceling church services. At Grace, we’ll be meeting for worship this Sunday. In this episode, Mark and Cameron discuss why this is — and try to unpack the assumptions about holidays and worship that make the dispute so illuminating.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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89 - When Disagreement Comes to Your Doorstep
Last time we discussed disagreement on the internet, but what happens when it shows up on your doorstep? In this episode, Cameron shares a recent experience talking to some door-to-door evangelists and asks Mark for advice on how to balance the needs of apologetics and missional persuasion.
Last time we discussed disagreement on the internet, but what happens when it shows up on your doorstep? In this episode, Cameron shares a recent experience talking to some door-to-door evangelists and asks Mark for advice on how to balance the needs of apologetics and missional persuasion.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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88 - Staying Christian on Social Media
There is no square inch over which Christ does not declare his sovereignty — including social media! In this episode, Mark and Cameron confront the double standard that allows us to treat people decently when we’re face to face but abominably when we’re on the internet. Before you post another angry rant, let’s think about how to stay Christian on social media.
There is no square inch over which Christ does not declare his sovereignty — including social media! In this episode, Mark and Cameron confront the double standard that allows us to treat people decently when we’re face to face but abominably when we’re on the internet. Before you post another angry rant, let’s think about how to stay Christian on social media.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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87 - Human Sacrifice
Who would you be willing to throw under the bus for the greater good? Who could we get rid of to enjoy a more united, more harmonious community? Who would you be willing to trade to accomplish something you really believe in? Questions like this sound pretty abhorrent in the abstract … but in our everyday lives, we entertain them more often than we’d like to admit. This is Human Sacrifice — not in the literal sense, but metaphorically — and in this episode we discuss the way Jesus confronts the many ways we devalue the people all around us.
Who would you be willing to throw under the bus for the greater good? Who could we get rid of to enjoy a more united, more harmonious community? Who would you be willing to trade to accomplish something you really believe in? Questions like this sound pretty abhorrent in the abstract … but in our everyday lives, we entertain them more often than we’d like to admit. This is Human Sacrifice — not in the literal sense, but metaphorically — and in this episode we discuss the way Jesus confronts the many ways we devalue the people all around us.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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86 - An Ingrate's Guide to Gratitude
“What are you thankful for? Have you counted your many blessings and named them one by one?” These are the inevitable questions whenever the Thanksgiving holiday rolls around, and for many of us, they spark an uncomfortable realization: that we do not feel as grateful as we should. In this episode, we approach the topic of gratitude from the perspective of those who struggle with it. Where does gratitude come from? What are the obstacles in its way? And is there anything an ingrate can do to cultivate a greater sense of thankfulness?
“What are you thankful for? Have you counted your many blessings and named them one by one?” These are the inevitable questions whenever the Thanksgiving holiday rolls around, and for many of us, they spark an uncomfortable realization: that we do not feel as grateful as we should. In this episode, we approach the topic of gratitude from the perspective of those who struggle with it. Where does gratitude come from? What are the obstacles in its way? And is there anything an ingrate can do to cultivate a greater sense of thankfulness?
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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85 - In Love He Predestined Us
In Matthew 11, Jesus hints at the unfolding mystery of divine election — a timely topic for Mark, who is writing a devotional on Ephesians 1.4 at the moment. In this episode, Cameron asks Mark about the doctrine of election and predestination. Is it an inexplicable puzzle better left unexplored? Why does the Bible teach these things in the first place? And how should we feel about the idea of God choosing us?
In Matthew 11, Jesus hints at the unfolding mystery of divine election — a timely topic for Mark, who is writing a devotional on Ephesians 1.4 at the moment. In this episode, Cameron asks Mark about the doctrine of election and predestination. Is it an inexplicable puzzle better left unexplored? Why does the Bible teach these things in the first place? And how should we feel about the idea of God choosing us?
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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084 - The Complexities of Conscience
“A Good Confession” is the name the adult Sunday School class Mark teaches, a line-by-line exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith. As the class reaches Chapter 20, devoted to the freedom of the Christian conscience, a complex picture is emerging of how the divines apply the Bible’s teaching on this subject. In this episode, Mark and Cameron explore some of the tensions inherent in trying to balance the demands of duty and the constraints of conscience.
“A Good Confession” is the name the adult Sunday School class Mark teaches, a line-by-line exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith. As the class reaches Chapter 20, devoted to the freedom of the Christian conscience, a complex picture is emerging of how the divines apply the Bible’s teaching on this subject. In this episode, Mark and Cameron explore some of the tensions inherent in trying to balance the demands of duty and the constraints of conscience.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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083 - Trick or Treat?
We’ve tackled some serious topics in past episodes of The Commentary — but this is not one of those conversations. Instead, Cameron and Mark will tackle the heady subject of Halloween. Are the traditions of this controversial celebration at odds with Christian faith, or is it okay to dress up in a costume and go trick-or-treating? And can we agree to disagree on matters like this without violating sensitive consciences?
We’ve tackled some serious topics in past episodes of The Commentary — but this is not one of those conversations. Instead, Cameron and Mark will tackle the heady subject of Halloween. Are the traditions of this controversial celebration at odds with Christian faith, or is it okay to dress up in a costume and go trick-or-treating? And can we agree to disagree on matters like this without violating sensitive consciences?
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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082 - Religious Liberty
It’s often said that the Reformers — and later, the Pilgrims — advocated for religious liberty, which is understood to mean “the freedom to believe whatever you want.” But is this really the kind of freedom they had in mind? In this episode, Mark and Cameron discuss the tensions between the biblical (and classical) understanding of liberty as the freedom to pursue the good versus the later enlightenment idea of liberty as the freedom to pursue whatever you want.
It’s often said that the Reformers — and later, the Pilgrims — advocated for religious liberty, which is understood to mean “the freedom to believe whatever you want.” But is this really the kind of freedom they had in mind? In this episode, Mark and Cameron discuss the tensions between the biblical (and classical) understanding of liberty as the freedom to pursue the good versus the later enlightenment idea of liberty as the freedom to pursue whatever you want.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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081 - Vacationing for God's Glory
As Mark prepares for a long-anticipated Paris vacation, Cameron asks what our theology can teach us about the role of work, rest, refreshment, and (yes!) vacation. Is the God-given purpose of leisure merely to recharge our batteries for more work, or does it point us toward something deeper? Is rest more than just the absence of work? In this episode, we explore these questions and more.
As Mark prepares for a long-anticipated Paris vacation, Cameron asks what our theology can teach us about the role of work, rest, refreshment, and (yes!) vacation. Is the God-given purpose of leisure merely to recharge our batteries for more work, or does it point us toward something deeper? Is rest more than just the absence of work? In this episode, we explore these questions and more.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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080 - Man's Chief End
The Shorter Catechism famously asserts that “man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” It sounds great — but what does it mean? In this episode, Cameron asks Mark to explain what the Westminster perspective on human purpose really is, and how we might actually go about fulfilling that purpose.
The Shorter Catechism famously asserts that “man’s chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.” It sounds great — but what does it mean? In this episode, Cameron asks Mark to explain what the Westminster perspective on human purpose really is, and how we might actually go about fulfilling that purpose.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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079 - The Coming of the Son of Man
In Matthew 10.23, Jesus says: “You will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” What does Jesus mean when he refers to the coming of the Son of Man? Scholars debate the interpretation of this reference, and in this episode Cameron and Mark will weigh three of the major theories and explain why our sermon series at Grace has chosen the third as most compelling.
In Matthew 10.23, Jesus says: “You will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.” What does Jesus mean when he refers to the coming of the Son of Man? Scholars debate the interpretation of this reference, and in this episode Cameron and Mark will weigh three of the major theories and explain why our sermon series at Grace has chosen the third as most compelling.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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078 - Pastor Mark Goes to Washington
It’s time for a recap of Mark’s trip to Washington, D.C. for the Bible Craftsmanship Conference. In this episode, Mark tells Cameron about what it was like to visit the Museum of the Bible for the first time, and describes the tours and talks accompanying the launch of the Society of Bible Craftsmanship.
It’s time for a recap of Mark’s trip to Washington, D.C. for the Bible Craftsmanship Conference. In this episode, Mark tells Cameron about what it was like to visit the Museum of the Bible for the first time, and describes the tours and talks accompanying the launch of the Society of Bible Craftsmanship.
Mentioned in this episode:
Lectio - Read Mark’s writing on the topic of Bible design
“What Makes a Good, Readable Bible?” - Mark’s interview on the Museum of the Bible’s podcast
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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077 - Knowing God and Knowing Ourselves
Calvin’s Institutes famously opens with the assertion that all human knowledge consists of knowing God and knowing ourselves. These two forms of knowledge are interconnected and possibly inseparable — and they are the focus of this episode of The Commentary. Here, Mark and Cameron reflect on the many different areas of life where this fundamental observation of Calvin’s shines a light on our thinking.
Calvin’s Institutes famously opens with the assertion that all human knowledge consists of knowing God and knowing ourselves. These two forms of knowledge are interconnected and possibly inseparable — and they are the focus of this episode of The Commentary. Here, Mark and Cameron reflect on the many different areas of life where this fundamental observation of Calvin’s shines a light on our thinking.
Mentioned in this episode:
Institutes of the Christian Religion (1541 Edition) from Banner of Truth
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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076 - Mystery and Mysticism
If you can get past the poor audio quality in this episode, you’ll hear a wide-ranging discussion of Christian mysticism. What is the role of mystery in the Christian faith? For those of us with a bent toward systematic theology and precise doctrinal formulations, mysticism often raises red flags. Is this skepticism justified, or is there a danger of mission out on something vital if we take too dismissive a stance toward mystery and mysticism? Mark and Cameron try to unravel a mystery or two in this conversation.
If you can get past the poor audio quality in this episode, you’ll hear a wide-ranging discussion of Christian mysticism. What is the role of mystery in the Christian faith? For those of us with a bent toward systematic theology and precise doctrinal formulations, mysticism often raises red flags. Is this skepticism justified, or is there a danger of mission out on something vital if we take too dismissive a stance toward mystery and mysticism? Mark and Cameron try to unravel a mystery or two in this conversation.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
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075 - What's Missing from the Missionary Discourse?
The Missionary Discourse in Matthew 10 gives Jesus’s instructions to the apostles as he sends them out to proclaim the presence of the kingdom. Imagine a whole chapter devoted to practical preparation on how to do the mission of the Church well! The strange thing is, Jesus doesn’t talk about a lot of topics we might consider essential for that kind of instruction — and he includes things we wouldn’t, as well. In this episode, Mark reflects on what’s missing from the missionary discourse, why it’s missing, and what we might be missing about the mission of the Church.
The Missionary Discourse in Matthew 10 gives Jesus’s instructions to the apostles as he sends them out to proclaim the presence of the kingdom. Imagine a whole chapter devoted to practical preparation on how to do the mission of the Church well! The strange thing is, Jesus doesn’t talk about a lot of topics we might consider essential for that kind of instruction — and he includes things we wouldn’t, as well. In this episode, Mark reflects on what’s missing from the missionary discourse, why it’s missing, and what we might be missing about the mission of the Church.
THE COMMENTARY is a weekly conversation about vision, worship, and life at Grace Presbyterian Church.
Subscribe on Stitcher, Apple Podcasts or Spotify