Center Church SGF

In the final episode of this short series, Jeremy discusses divine forgiveness. This wide-ranging episode explores the imagery of divine forgiveness, divine forgiveness and God's anger, and how we forgive in response to the nature of God. Scripture References: Exodus 34 Additional Sources: Handbook of Moral Behavior and Development, Volume One (Kurtines and Gewirtz) Divine Anger and Walter Brueggeman's Biblical Theology (Peck) Essay on Forgiveness (Lewis) The Doors fo the Sea (Hart)

In this episode, Jeremy explores the tricky topic of ambition. For some, ambition has been a useful tool to spur positive change in the world; for others, it has been a source of frustration and unwellness. A short literary survey frames the discussion. Following this is a biblical treatment on the topic. Scripture References: Philippians 1 and 2; Romans 2 and 15; 1 Thessalonians 4 Additional Sources: On the Road (Smith) "Literary Themes: Ambition"

This is episode one of a three part series where we dive into a few topics which have been requested at Center. We begin with something broad, indeed; Jeremy offers a few ways of thinking creatively and biblically about the complex topic of fatherhood. Scripture References: Luke 15; Matthew 7 and 17; John 4; Proverbs 1 Additional Sources: Dictionary of Biblical Imagery On the Road (Smith) Short Stories by Jesus (Levine) The Bluest Eye (Morrison) The Invention of Solitude (Auster) "Fatherhood and the Literary Imagination" (Osuji)

In this episode, Jeremy discusses the ways the Spirit of God pulls hope down into the very core of our being, into all parts of our lived experience. This discussion includes a critique of how Christiany is usually presented in our current moment, and then commentary on the sacred practice of contemplative prayer, as framed by Thomas Keating. Scripture References: Proverbs 28; 1 Kings 19; 2 Corinthians 12 Additional Sources: "The Method of Centering Prayer" (Keating) A Passion for Truth: "A World of Veils" (Heschel) Desiring the Kingdom (Smith) The Experience of God (Hart)

In this episode, Jeremy begins to conclude his series on expectancy by discussing what it means to become experts in the love and fullness of God. He discusses how the things that one loves and desires objectively shape the world one inhabits and subjectively inform one's experience of it. Scripture References: Galatians 2; 2 Corinthians 4; Romans 8; Matthew 28; Acts 17 Additional Sources: Desiring the Kingdom (Smith) Modern Social Imaginaries, excerpts (Taylor) The Experience of God (Hart)

Zadie Smith says, "we are creatures of consequence." In this episode, Jeremy concludes his two part treatment on Christian anthropology by offering a better epistemology for how we should understand what it is to be in the world as creatures of consequence. Part of this work includes differentiating between believing beings and thinking beings, and adopting non-cognitive ways of knowing. Scripture References: James 1; 1 Peter 2 Additional Sources: Desiring the Kingdom (Smith) A Secular Age (Taylor) Contemplating God with the Great Tradition (Carter) Rudolph Otto

In this episode, Jeremy discusses the reasons so many churches have been reduced to spaces where attendees experience little more than a mediocre hybrid between a TED Talk and an inspirational speech. For part one, we talk about what we are not: we are not merely consuming things; we are not merely tribal things; and, we are not merely thinking or believing things. Taylor and Smith serve as guides to clarify how churches have misunderstood our basic Christian anthropology. Scripture References: Romans 7; 1 Peter 2 Additional Sources: Desiring the Kingdom (Smith) A Secular Age (Taylor) Contemplating God with the Great Tradition (Carter) Political Tribes (Chua)

In this episode, Jeremy interacts with Smith's chapter on self and friendship, and deals with our notions of authentic and inauthentic selfhood. Scripture References: James 1.23-25 Romans 12.2 Additional Sources: On the Road with Saint Augustine (Smith) The Secular Age (Taylor) Being and Time (Heidegger)

In this episode, Jeremy gives us a number of big ideas to help frame the ways we experience the Trinitarian God, and how God might be known through the material world. Scripture References: Job 12.7-12, 38-ff Genesis 2 Psalm 8, 104 Romans 8.18 Additional Sources: Animal Dreams (Kingsolver) The Invention of Nature (Wulf) The Experience of God (Hart)

In this episode, Jeremy offers an abbreviated teaching of the sermon given at Center Church this Easter. The message takes place across four short movements and was heavily influenced by the excellent DBH lecture "Death, Sacrifice, and the Resurrection." Scripture References: John 19 Genesis 22 1 Corinthians 15 Additional Sources: This is Why I Came (Rakow) "Death is Nothing at All" (Holland)

In this episode, we take a look at the Chalcedonian Creed. (What you've all been waiting for.) From there, Jeremy discusses the ways in which a trinitarian picture of God informs our perspective on humanity and the universe. Scripture References: John 14.20-21 2 Peter 1.4 Additional Sources: On the Road with Saint Augustine (Smith) Atheist Delusions (Hart)

In this episode, Jeremy discusses the ways in which we have misunderstood freedom in culture, popular construels of freedom, self-actualization masquerading as freedom, and the "outward and upward" turn of Christian freedom. Scripture References: John 8.36 Additional Sources: On the Road with Saint Augustine (Smith) Desiring the Kingdom (Smith) Atheist Delusions (Hart)

In this episode, Jeremy discusses the guiding thesis of this short series. He addresses challenges of the age and ethical monotheism. Scripture References: John 12; Jeremiah 6; Psalm 139 Additional Sources: No Future Without Forgiveness (Tutu); Atheist Delusions (Hart)

Scripture Reference: Matthew 18.12-14 Additional Sources: Moral Clarity (Neiman) Works of Love (Kierkegaard) The Spirit of the Disciplines (Willard) Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation (Young)

Scripture Reference: Matthew 18.1-14 Additional Sources: Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation (Young) Kingdom, Grace, Judgment (Capon) Center Church (Keller)

Scripture References: Isaiah 9 and Romans 8 Additional Sources: Divine Eros (Saint Symeon) This is Why I Came (Rakow) Hidden Christmas (Keller) Cyril of Alexandria

Scripture Reference: Luke 15.4-10 Additional Sources: Short Stories by Jesus (Levine) Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation (Young) Kingdom, Grace, Judgment (Capon) The Habit of Being (O'Connor)

Sources/references: Brad Young, Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation Robert Farrar Capon, The Parables of the Kingdom Amy-Jill Levine, The Short Stories of Jesus Ben Witherington III Luke 16:19

In this episode, Jeremy continues the discussion on the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus found in Luke 16:19. Sources/references: Luke 16:19 Brad Young, Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation Robert Farrar Capon, The Parables of the Kingdom Amy-Jill Levine, The Short Stories of Jesus Ben Witherington III

In this episode, Jeremy discusses the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus found in Luke 16:19. Sources/references: Luke 16:19 Brad Young, "Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation" Robert Farrar Capon, "The Parables of the Kingdom" Amy-Jill Levine, "The Short Stories by Jesus" Ben Witherington III

In this episode, Jeremy continues the discussion on the parable of the leaven. Scriptural reference: Matthew 13 Sources: Amy-Jill Levine Brad Young Ben Witherington III Robert Farrar Capon

In this episode, Jeremy discusses the parable of the leaven. Scriptural reference: Matthew 13 Sources: Amy-Jill Levine Brad Young Ben Witherington III Robert Farrar Capon

In this week's episode, Jeremy discussed the parable of the pharisee and the tax collector. Sources: Amy-Jill Levine Brad Young Ben Witherington III Robert Farrar Capon Luke 18:9-14

The Parables | The Laborers In The Vineyard Scriptural Reference: Matthew 20 In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy discusses the Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard found in Matthew chapter 20.

The Parable of the Contemptible Friend and the Corrupt Judge, Part Three. Sources/references: Brad Young, Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation Robert Farrar Capon, The Parables of the Kingdom Amy-Jill Levine, The Short Stories of Jesus Paul Tillich’s idea of ultimate concern Luke 11:5-8 Luke 18 2:48 Summary of previous weeks 12:30 Point One: The focal point of your faith must be what God is like [1 John 1:5-2:11 Romans 1:18ff Psalm 90 Hebrews 1:1ff Romans 8:28ff; Genesis 1] 28:00 Point Two: The first obstacle to prayer is the most difficult obstacle to prayer; orienting the whole of yourself on who God is instead of who we have constructed him to be 36:40 Point Three: God does not help, God does 51:10 Point Four: Pray because you are in Jesus and see God as your Father John 14:13ff James 4:2

The Parable of the Contemptible Friend and the Corrupt Judge, Part Two. Sources: Brad Young, Parables: Jewish Tradition and Christian Interpretation Amy-Jill Levine, The Short Stories of Jesus Luke 18:1-8 Luke 11 1:00 Review of last week; this week commentary of authentic faith and prayer 5:35 The light and the waiting 8:00 Observation One: Prayer is inevitable and universal but must not be viewed homogeneously. 11:45 Discussion question - Is all prayer equally effective? 13:10 Matthew 4:1 19:13 Observation Two: Faith and prayer must be understood as two parts of the same whole 21:50 Objections to this observation 29:05 Observation Three: Don’t reject persistence in prayer because you have adopted its caricature as the authentic article 39:38 What constitutes a successful prayer? 43:00 Observation Four: You must embrace your experience of the divine 48:55 Hebrews 11:39

The Parable of the Contemptible Friend and the Corrupt Judge, Part One. Sources: Joachim Jeremias Kenneth E. Bailey Amy-Jill Levine Luke 18:1-8 3:00 Stylistic notes 4:15 Three layers of meaning: sociological/anthropological commentary, a commentary on authentic faith and prayer, a commentary on what God is like 7:31 Sociological/anthropological commentary 12:48 What does the widow actually want? 16:40 What will the widow do? 27:10 Light to heavy 29:30 Judges and the system they represent are not viewed favorably in the NT 31:20 What is the provocation? 33:00 Two points to bring its all together 33:15 Prioritize the individual over their affiliations 44:30 How to dismantle stereotypes 45:40 Resistance against systematic oppression requires a commitment to justice over vengeance 51:30 Luke 6:36

The Parables | The Mustard Seed Mark 4:30-32, Matthew 13:31-32, Luke 13:18-19 In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy continues the series on the parables with a discussion of story of the mustard seed. Resources mentioned in this podcast: Amy-Jill Levine, Short Stories by Jesus https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/short-stories-by-jesus-amy-jill-levine/1115558916 Robert Farrar Capon, Kingdom, Grace, Judgement: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780802839497 Miroslav Volf, Exclusion and Embrace https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781501861079 Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ https://www.academia.edu/6175260/The_Imitation_of_Christ_1427_by_Thomas_A_Kempis_Book_Summary 2:05 Content begins 10:45 The first major interpretive approach: contrast between small and large/growth 13:15 Christological [def: of the study of Jesus] 15:40 Soteriological [def: of the doctrine of salvation] 23:40 The second major interpretive approach: the symbolism of the imagery/subversion and overthrow 31:45 Tropes 33:10 A strong interpretive approach: a seed is a seed, a bird is a bird, a tree is a tree 37:30 Observation one: the invitation is universal 44:20 Observation two: we are all invited to become people who would be unrecognizable to our current selves 49:50 Observation three: we can survive this, too 57:05 Observation four: take on the burden of others and step out of the spotlight as much as possible The Center Church podcast, like many podcasts, features issues and words you may not have familiarized your children with yet. You may want to preview before you listen together. Same goes for any media recommended in the podcast or notes.

In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy continues the series on the parables with insights on the pearl of great price. Resources mentioned in this podcast: Amy Jill Levine, Short Stories by Jesus https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/short-stories-by-jesus-amy-jill-levine/1115558916 Brad Young, The Parables: Jewish Interpretation and Christian Interpretation https://www.bookdepository.com/Parables-Brad-H-Young/9780801048203 4:05 De-allegorize this parable 6:06 1. Orientation, 2. Confrontation, 3. Redirection, => 4. Reimagining of identity, and 5. Revelation of ultimate concern 7:45 Groundwork [a little bit about merchants, a little bit about pearls] 17:20 The merchant and the pearl 24:45 Orientation, confrontation, and redirection 29:30 An aside on discipleship 32:50 Mt 12:34; 13:52 36:33 Reimagining of identity and revelation of ultimate concern 38:25 Descriptive/prescriptive 38:58 Descriptive reading one: our wants are ephemeral 46:40 Descriptive reading two: exploring our ultimate concern will uncover our image of the Kingdom of God 52:00 For what would you sell everything you own? The Center Church podcast, like many podcasts, features issues and words you may not have familiarized your children with yet. You may want to preview before you listen together. Same goes for any media recommended in the podcast or notes.

In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy continues the series on the parables with insights on the story of the Good Samaritan. Resources mentioned in this podcast: Amy Jill Levine, Short Stories by Jesus https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/short-stories-by-jesus-amy-jill-levine/1115558916 Brad Young, The Parables: Jewish Interpretation and Christian Interpretation https://www.bookdepository.com/Parables-Brad-H-Young/9780801048203 Ben Witherington III, Sermons and Homilies for Jewish Christians https://www.ivpress.com/letters-and-homilies-for-jewish-christians 5:38 - Observation one: We are compelled to meet the needs of others 11:00 - Common but wrong readings 22:00 - Who would help me? 24:00 - The rule of three (Ezra 10:5, Neh. 11:3) 27:35 - Observation two: We must cultivate compassion that expands and endures 30:45 - Another wrong reading 34:25 - Who were the Samaritans? 39:20 - Observation three: We make our neighbors 43:25 - Dial in to the needs of others in our midst 45:00 - Have the moral and ethical courage to dial in to our emotional register 45:45 - Compassion is an ongoing action The Center Church podcast, like many podcasts, features issues and words you may not have familiarized your children with yet. You may want to preview before you listen together. Same goes for any media recommended in the podcast or notes.

In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy introduces the new series: The Parables, with insights into the parable of the good samaritan. Resources mentioned in this podcast: Amy Jill Levine, Short Stories by Jesus https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/short-stories-by-jesus-amy-jill-levine/1115558916 Brad Young, The Parables: Jewish Interpretation and Christian Interpretation https://www.bookdepository.com/Parables-Brad-H-Young/9780801048203 Robert Farrar Capon, Kingdom, Grace, Judgement: Paradox, Outrage, and Vindication https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780802839497 4:45 — The Parables of Jesus have a surplus of meaning, but they do not mean whatever we want them to mean [Mark 4:33-34] 11:10 — The Parable of the Good Samaritan [Luke 10:25] 14:15 — Question one: How do we approach God? 30:00 — Question two: How do you read? [Luke 10:26-27, Deuteronomy 6, Leviticus 19, Mark 12] 37:15 — Question three: What questions do you ask? [Luke 10:28-29] 46:30 — Verse 29: Who is my neighbor? The Center Church podcast, like many podcasts, features issues and words you may not have familiarized your children with yet. You may want to preview before you listen together. Same goes for any media recommended in the podcast or notes.

In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy talks to Darby Trask on the topic of self-care, sabbath, and community-care. 3:40 Society and self-care 6:00 The church and self-care 7:00 Self-discovery and self-knowing 9:25 Sabbath lip service 11:00 Suffering 12:05 Defining terms: self-care and sabbath 19:40 Mindfulness, mental presence 24:28 Self-care as a prescription for the survivalist mentality 26:00 Sabbath/self-care as a disruptive practice 28:15 Busy as a badge of honor 30:40 Self-care as a discipline 34:45 What is real sabbath rest? 40:00 The privilege of self-care 52:00 Personal relationship with jesus, personal relationship with self, and community care The author Jeremy mentions in the podcast is Walter Brueggemann The Center Church podcast, like many podcasts, features issues and words you may not have familiarized your children with yet. You may want to preview before you listen together. Same goes for any media recommended in the podcast or notes.

In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy talks to Cameron Enochs about ancient Judaism. This is part two of two. Cameron graciously provided us with an extensive bibliography and recommended reading list. You can see it here: https://github.com/CharlieEcho/center-church-early-judaism The Center Church podcast, like many podcasts, features issues and words you may not have familiarized your children with yet. You may want to preview before you listen together. Same goes for any media recommended in the podcast or notes.

In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy talks to Cameron Enochs about ancient Judaism. This is part one of two. The Center Church podcast, like many podcasts, features issues and words you may not have familiarized your children with yet. You may want to preview before you listen together. Same goes for any media recommended in the podcast or notes. Show notes: 6:40 How to get into the Bible (or anything else) 9:12 A history of Judaism 15:00 The evangelical church and Judaism 19:45 The New Testament as Jewish literature 28:21 Core beliefs in early Judaism 40:35 Judaism versus Judaism(s) 44:27 Legalism 58:45 Building a fence around the Torah 1:00:05 Ceremonial and moral laws 1:00:10 Disagreement Join us next week for part two!

In this week's episode, Jeremy talks to himself about the Sacramental Imagination References James K.A. Smith "Imagining the Kingdom" https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780801035784 Dietrich Bonhoeffer "Meditations on the Psalms" https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780310267034 Gerard Manley Hopkins "God's Grandeur" https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44395/gods-grandeur Track notes: Themes - The Sacramental Imagination and the Joy of Faith 1. What do we mean when we say "the sacramental imagination"? 2. Truth is found in more than faith claims and belief statements 3. The natural world is more than just nature 4. Creation is sacramental, but not equally so 5. The sacramental imagination is the path to authentic courage and joy We'll be returning to the conversations series next week!

In today's episode, Jeremy talks to Brad Cook about complacency and stagnation. Biblical references: Proverbs 1:29-33 Isaiah 32:9 Literary references: Adam Grant "Originals" https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780525429562 Gene Edward Veith, Jr. "God at Work" https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781433524479 Episode notes 1:40:00 Complacency defined 5:20:00 Is complacency a catalyst 8:35:00 Chasing meaning 12:00:00 Complacency and stagnation 14:30:00 Vocation 20:30:00 Complacency and a misunderstanding of vocation 29:50:00 How we feel about vocation 32:00:00 A useful tool 34:00:00 Trust 39:00:00 Being smug, trusting in the wrong thing 44:00:00 How to respond to complacency 47:40:00 Putting trust in systems rather than the Lord 50:00:00 Immaturity and hubris 55:50:00 How to talk to others, how to listen to others

In today's podcast episode, Jeremy talks to Phillip Bulger about guilt. Some of the topics they discuss are our motivation to follow Christ and engage in Spiritual disciplines, freedom in Christ, collective/subjective guilt, and how we experience faith and guilt. The titles they mention in the podcast are: The Dangers of Christian Practice by Lauren F. Winner (Yale University Press) The Liturgy of the Ordinary by Tish Harrison Warren (IVP Books) The Spirit of the Disciplines by Dallas Willard (HarperOne)

In this week's podcast, Jeremy talks to Jason Morrison about the film: A Hidden Life (2019), written and directed by Terrence Malick. The film depicts the life of Franz and Fanny, Austrian farmers and devout catholics, and the consequences of Franz's refusal to fight for the Nazis in WWII. This podcast does contain spoilers for this film. Note: if you don't watch the film prior to listening to the podcast, you will still enjoy the conversation, as it contains ideas inspired by but not specific to the film. However, you will hear references to the film and spoilers. If you want to skip the initial analysis of the film and stick to the conversation, skip from minute 3:00:00 to around 23:45:00. A note we've decided to add for families: The Center Church podcast, like many podcasts, features issues and words you may not have familiarized your children with yet. You may want to preview before you listen together. Same goes for any media recommended in the podcast or notes.

In this episode of the podcast, Jeremy talks to Alyssah Morrison about power and control. Some names dropped (for further reading) are: Sigmund Freud, David McClelland, Michel Foucault, Jeremy Bentham, Martin Heidegger, Toni Morrison, and Andy Crouch (not that Andy from Cornell, the other one). A note we've decided to add for families: The Center Church podcast, like many podcasts, features issues and words you may not have familiarized your children with yet. You may want to preview before you listen together. Same goes for any media recommended in the podcast or notes. Show notes: 1:40 - Needs Theory 5:10 - Power and control 10:10 - Negative constructs of power 13:50 - Power and systems 20:00 - Power shaping the self 20:40 - Loss of control/power 23:10 - Is powerlessness essential to the Christian experience? 24:50 - Temptation to react/motivation 29:30 - Insecurity and power, displacement 34:30 - Are White people utilizing the national tragedy of violence against Black and BIPOC people as a tool to establish an identity? 40:00 - Domination and power dynamics 45:10 - Should a Christian person aspire to power? 56:10 - Are you in close proximity to powerlessness? 57:40 - Jesus and power Recommended listening - Code Switch podcast "Why Now, White People?" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/code-switch/id1112190608

In the second installment of our series of conversations with members of the Center Church community, Jon talks to Jeremy about love.

This week, we are beginning a series of conversations with members of the Center Church community. These conversations will provide us an opportunity to engage in and hear insights on a variety of issues, and learn more about the diversity of thought present in our church. Today’s podcast features Jeremy in conversation with Ben Huelskamp, discussing a more expanded view of missions.

In this week's podcast, Jeremy and Kate discuss issues surrounding justice and oppression.

On this week's podcast, Kate and Jeremy request the community listen to, begin to process, and discuss two videos. The first is a conversation on Grace, Justice, and Mercy with Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, and Rev. Tim Keller. The second is Pastor Léonce Crump of Renovation Church in Atlanta, GA, with a sermon "The Gospel for the Oppressed". Both are linked here: https://youtu.be/32CHZiVFmB4 - Stevenson and Keller https://youtu.be/KWoQcimbcnQ - Crump

In this week's podcast, Jeremy and Kate discuss Ecclesiastes 12:9-12, the Epilogue and the Post Script. Conversation points include: how to share wisdom, how to receive wisdom, and where to find wisdom.

In todays podcast, Jeremy discusses Ecclesiastes 12:1-8. He offers a details analysis of the poem, and presents 3 different takeaways and a controversial pronunciation of the word gyre.

In this week's Center Church podcast, Jeremy discusses Ecclesiastes 11:7-10. How do we affirm the goodness of life, even when as we encounter situations and crises that would seem to challenge this?

In this episode of the podcast, Kate receives feedback from Jeremy on her choice for sermon title and Jeremy talks about Tarkovsky (not Tartakovsky, the other one) and Kate talks about Saffo (not Sappho, the other one). This sermon covers Ecclesiastes 11:1-6.

Pastor Jeremy discusses Ecclesiastes 10:16-20: Leadership, Money, and Living in Peace during order and chaos.

In this podcast, Pastors Jeremy and Kate talk for ALMOST AN HOUR about Ecclesiastes 10:12-15. They discuss foolishness, the importance of the heart behind our words, and analyzing our speech (and motivation). Just a few weeks left in this series!

Pastor Jeremy discusses Ecclesiastes 10:8-11

Pastor Jeremy discusses the resurrection