The Commentary

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.

Mentioned in this episode: Reimagining Apologetics , by Justin Ariel Bailey Apologetics at the Cross , by Josh Chatraw and Mark D. Allen

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.

Mentioned in this episode: “Lost Friendships Break Hearts and Nations,” by David French

Mentioned in this episode: The Art of Manliness Culture and the Death of God, by Terry Eagleton Smalls Groups at Grace

Mentioned in this episode ESV Reader’s Bible https://www.christianbook.com/esv-readers-bible-cloth-hardcover/9781433544149/pd/544149 Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties , by Gleason Archer https://www.christianbook.com/new-international-encyclopedia-of-bible-difficulties/gleason-archer/9780310241461/pd/41464 Exegetical Fallacies, by D. A. Carson https://www.christianbook.com/exegetical-fallacies-se...

Resources mentioned in this episode: Paul Kingsnorth’s “ The Cross and the Machine”

Resources mentioned in this episode: Pastor Mark’s book, Rethinking Worldview

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. 

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 Zechari...

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.

Mentioned in this episode: “The Fading of Forgiveness,” by Tim Keller https://www.cardus.ca/comment/article/the-fading-of-forgiveness/

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...

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. 

As we work through the “fasting oracles” in Zechariah 7-8, Mark and Cameron dig into the all-too-human habit of substituting man-made rituals for what God commands. From prescriptive musical pronouncements to prohibitions on smoking, drinking, and dancing, this episode tries to understand the reasons we add to Scripture … and what to do about it.  

To read Cameron’s poem and see Zach’s accompanying painting, visit the Vanora Project online here: https://www.vanoraproject.com/works/remember-i-the-end-of-confession The exhibition of their work at Coffea Roasterie in downtown Sioux Falls begins May 2 and runs through Summer 2021.

Mark and Cameron comment on ways to observe the season of Easter … after Easter Sunday is done. They also discuss how the world, in John Calvin’s phrase, is “the theater of God’s glory,” and why there is no square inch of creation over which Jesus doesn’t say: “This is mine.”

Mark and Cameron are joined once again by Dan Reed to unpack an unusual topic: mountains. Mountains are a recurring image throughout Scripture, and in this episode we try to understand what these geographical high points have to do with spiritual reality.

The South Dakota Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Haydn’s The Seven Last Words of Christ on the Cross begins at the 1:22:40 mark here: https://www.facebook.com/SDSymphony/videos/923279091767716/ To listen to Mark’s podcast with SDSO’s Maestro Delta David Gier about Bach’s St John Passion, visit: https://www.hearingthemusic.org

The conversation references a series of questions and answers from the Westminster Shorter Catechism (Q. 23-26). You can find the catechism online in PDF form here: https://www.pcaac.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ShorterCatechismwithScriptureProofs.pdf

To listen to Dan’s sermon “The Serpent and the Savior,” follow this link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-serpent-and-the-savior/id601540290?i=1000512938357

In this episode, Mark and Cameron are joined by Dan Reed to talk about how to prepare for worship—especially for hearing a sermon. We’ll also share some eureka moments from seminary education, and explain why you should always take the Order of Worship home with you after a worship service.

In this episode, Cameron asks Mark about how the sacrament of baptism in the Reformed faith works as a means of grace. They unpack how this differs from both the stereotypical Roman Catholic and Evangelical/Baptist perspectives. This leads to some commentary on the Lord’s Supper, too — particularly how to think about Christ’s “real, but spiritual” presence at the Table.

In this episode, Cameron and Mark comment on the way that fasting physical fasting can make room in your life for spiritual feasting. They also discuss why Christians need to recover an understanding of ourselves as sojourners and exiles. And, if you’re looking for some extra reading between now and Easter, they make a challenging suggestion: Dostoevsky. Mentioned in this episode … Stop Reading th...