The Narthex

Welcome to another episode of the Narthex! Today, we delve into a thought-provoking question submitted by our listeners: Are the Ten Commandments the law? Join us as we explore Martin Luther's theological perspective on the law and the gospel, and how they function within the framework of salvation. We discuss the seeming contradiction between the law's demands and the gospel's message of grace, a...

Join Dan & Pastor David Norland, a former pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran from 1999-2006, as he discusses his top five picks from the Bible if stranded on a deserted island. In this episode of "The Narthex," Pastor Norland shares the essential books he would choose and the reasons behind his selections. From the practical wisdom of Ephesians to the immediacy of Mark's Gospel, Pastor Norland explores t...

In this episode of The Narthex, we dive deep into the complexities of the Fruit of the Spirit and the concept of self-salvation. Our discussion builds upon the recent sermon on the Fruit of the Spirit, exploring how spiritual growth is often disrupted by our inherent tendency towards self-salvation. We examine theological insights from figures like C.S. Lewis and Martin Luther, discussing the dual...

We are continuing another fun episode of The Deserted Island, this time with Darin and Samantha Hanson. We are both children’s ministry leaders at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, attend the same University and are both moms! What better way to get some rest than to be stranded on a deserted island. We are discussing the 5 books of the Bible we would choose to have and why. We also venture off and talk a...

Continuing into our conversation from last week on conversion stories, this week we are talking about what we all tend to think is a dramatic and instant conversion of the Apostle Paul but through Scripture, we see that there was quite a process involved. Sometimes the pain of our experiences going our own way and kicking back at the Good Shepherd causes us a lot of anger but when His love breaks...

Do you know your personal story of conversion? On this episode we discuss how to get through to someone who is delusional and the sin of self-deceit. King David, the an unlikely choice for a king, was a man after God’s own heart who committed some pretty serious offenses which ultimately resulted in his repentance and turning towards God. God is mighty to save!

If you were on a deserted island and you could only have 5 of the 66 books of the Bible, which ones would you choose? The Revd Dr Daniel Shaw & the Revd Dr Michael Adams of Faith International University chat about which ones they would choose and why. Fun conversation!!

With current news surrounding the assassination attempt of President Trump, we are covering how Christians can navigate their faith, with Jesus as center focus and ultimate authority and avoid political polarization by not giving their heart away to anything or anyone but Jesus. But how do we find the sweet spot between our faith and avoid joining in on political polarization?

What’s the difference between a career and a calling? When we are justified by faith by Christ, He cleans up our past for the hope of a future to serve His Kingdom. Dan shares the events leading up to becoming Chaplain after graduating Luther Seminary in 2002. Sometimes we look around and ask ourselves “how did I even get here?” We look back and realize it was God’s course correction the entire ti...

A conversation of disordered love that leads to knowing what true love is, being saved by God’s amazing and unbounded grace.

With reports of pastoral moral failure circulating in the media, we are discussing the qualifications of a pastor & when things go wrong.

In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the often misunderstood concept of judgment within modern and historical contexts. We explore how judgment is perceived negatively in today's culture, particularly when it pertains to personal lifestyles and identities, and contrast it with historical perspectives where judgment was seen as a hopeful assurance of justice. Through an in-depth discussi...

Special episode of Devo with Darin on The Narthex talking about last week’s episode “The Exchange”, having faith in a “woke culture” and President Roosevelt’s D Day prayer gospel application.

“The war between the selves before you meet Christ is a world without hope. You cannot win…The war after you meet Christ you cannot lose.” -Timothy Keller. Those who know the Lord should remember our righteousness is loaned to us and to not let it become a barrier between us and others. Christ loves sinners so proclaim the Gospel and let the Holy Spirit do His work. Dan recognizes what Luther refe...

From Dr. Gerhard Forde’s article “Is Forgiveness Enough?” We discuss what forgiveness really means and the signs which point to unforgiveness in our lives.

In a heartfelt conversational approach, we look at the significance of prayer and forgiveness in teaching our children to be responsible and compassionate. Further discussions cast a spotlight on trials of harmonizing faith and marriage, when spouses possess varying levels of belief. The episode concludes with the comforting reflection on God's divine purpose and plan, while encouraging believers...

Is Galatians‬ ‭3‬:‭24‬-‭25‬ ‭only intended to mean historically or through an immediate witness of being touched by the Holy Spirit through the word of God preached to you, for you? Yes and Yes. The German Philosopher, Gotthold Lessing’s called this the “ugly broad ditch” of doubt.

God’s name is to be used to call upon Him in every trouble, to pray, and give thanks. On this episode, we are discussing what it means to misuse the name of the Lord our God.

Gospel truth for moms! Mother’s Day special episode with Dan and his wife, Kim Shaw, discussing the 5 mothers in the genealogy of Jesus Christ.

On this episode we are discussing idols or what sits on the throne of our hearts. Discussing the story of the woman at the well who was set free by Jesus, the LIVING water, a well that never runs dry. Jesus loves you too much to allow someone or something else to be your god.

Discussion around The Sickness unto Death, a book written by Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard in 1849. Kierkegaard's concept of despair, which he equates with the Christian concept of sin, which he terms "the sin of despair".

“Too Late Have I Loved You” St. Augustin. Have you realized how much time you spent in despair before coming to the Lord? We never realize the depth of this until we surrender. The end of us is where God can begin!

Discussing Paul’s letter to the Galatians. People who once received the Gospel and were told by Christians they were not doing enough to be saved causing them to be ready to walk out the door and leave Jesus.