![Red, White, And BBQ July 12th [Tons of Fun]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1781874374517-KQLIDD18LRNMB4C7U8A8/Announcments+grace+%283%29.png)
Red, White, And BBQ July 12th [Tons of Fun]
Let’s celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary together with good food, good friends, and good fun!
Get ready to keep the patriotic celebrations going! Join us for an afternoon of incredible food, hilarious games, and community fun at our Red, White, and Barbecue gathering. We’re beating the heat by hosting the main event indoors, with plenty of epic outdoor water games to cool off!
When: Sunday, July 12th
Time: 4:30 PM
Where: The ACC Building (and the back lawn!)
Cost: Free! (A freewill offering will be available, plus bring some cash for our awesome fundraisers!)
🍖 The Feast: A Guided Potluck
Come hungry! We are providing the main courses, including Jerry’s famous pulled pork and pulled chicken, plus hot dogs for the kids. For dessert, we’ll be slicing into a massive cake and serving up some homemade ice cream!
How you can help: We are hosting a "Guided Potluck" for our side dishes! We need your best potato salads, coleslaws, baked beans, and fruit.
🎯 Games, Shenanigans, & Raffle
Brisket Raffle: Jerry is smoking a gorgeous brisket, and we are raffling off TWO halves!
Best Hat Contest: Wear your wildest, most patriotic headwear!
All-American Trivia: Test your knowledge of US history, sports, and pop culture.
The Grand Finale Water Battle: We’re heading to the back lawn for bucket relays, sponge tosses, and a massive water balloon battle! (Parents: Be warned, the kids WILL get wet!)
![[Sunday] Psalm 23: The Lord is - Richer](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1783088642177-I9I04LF6EKJOK2VD2IIT/richer+26+1a.jpg)
[Sunday] Psalm 23: The Lord is - Richer
Psalm 23 is a beautiful song of trust, declaring true freedom, daily provision, and a grace that aggressively pursues us in every season of life.
Psalm 23 is a beautiful song of trust, declaring true freedom, daily provision, and a grace that aggressively pursues us in every season of life.
Questions for the Week: Psalm 23 - The Lord is
Read Psalm 23: It is usually read at funerals, but it helps us trust God every single day. Which part of Psalm 23 brings you the most comfort on a normal, average day?
The Israelites had manna from heaven but still complained that they lacked meat, even wishing to go back to slavery. Where in your life do you struggle with a scarcity mindset, believing that God hasn't given you enough?
When faced with the "presence of our enemies" or dark valleys, our instinct is to fight, defend ourselves, or take control. How does the image of Jesus calmly setting a table for you in the middle of chaos change how you handle conflict?
The Hebrew word for "follow" (as in "goodness and mercy shall follow me") means to aggressively pursue or chase down. How does it feel to know that God is actively chasing you with grace, rather than you having to constantly pursue Him?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![Vicar Claubert’s Family Welcomes at House warming Party [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1783087135773-2A4Y3NCMD7H705TEG6XO/IMG_2084.jpeg)
![[Sunday] All things Good - 2 Kings 9-10 & Romans 8:28 - Foolish Wisdom](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1782425800701-ZKA0ZIGTYXT03KWDYE7E/FW10a.jpg)
![Vicar Claubert is Moved in and Lots happening around Grace [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1782485561689-A63EJT6X8P3DLNWVSJD1/PXL_20260625_142451905.jpg)
Summery Kids Bible Club Week 4!
We just wrapped up Week 4 of our Summer Kids' Bible Club!
"We just wrapped up Week 4 of our Summer Kids' Bible Club! We explored the resurrection of Jesus and the gift of life He offers us. The kids had a blast with our games, especially the one where they climbed out from under the tarp. As always, our tropical fruit tasting was a hit—this week we tried guava!
Vicar Claubert’s Family Welcomes at House warming Party [Photos]
It was wonderful to have about 60 people from Grace come together on Sunday, June 28th, to help warm the Varcas family’s new home.
"It was wonderful to have about 60 people from Grace come together on Sunday, June 28th, to help warm the Varcas family’s new home. They were so touched and grateful for all the home essentials they received. Thank you all for making them feel so welcome in our community. A special highlight of the day was Violene singing for us all!"
Guys Night At Lefty’s in July 26
"Had such a great time meeting up with everyone at Lefty’s in PSL. We were a rowdy crew for sure, but that just added to the fun! Lots of laughs trying to read Paul’s mind and great conversation all around. Can’t wait for next month!"
"Had such a great time meeting up with everyone at Lefty’s in PSL. We were a rowdy crew for sure, but that just added to the fun! Lots of laughs trying to read Paul’s mind and great conversation all around. Can’t wait for next month!"
The Great Divorce Conclusion Overview - Thursday Bible Study
Our Bible study concluded C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce, exploring how our present-day choices regarding forgiveness, attachments, and community shape our eternal reality, contrasting the misery of Hell (a self-imposed prison locked from the inside) with the joyful, solid reality of Heaven.
Great Divorce Conclusion overview
This is our 9th class on The Book
This is an AI Recap of the class.
Some things may be incorrect.
Short Summary of the Whole Class
On July 2, 2026, the class held its final discussion on C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce before a summer break, with plans to reconvene on July 30, 2026, to study the book of Philippians. The session was dedicated to reflecting on the book’s major themes, interpreting the "Grey Town" as a metaphor for our current world, filled with loneliness and unforgiveness. We discussed how free will, earthly attachments, and preconceived notions can prevent us from embracing God's kingdom. Participants shared that the book served as a mirror for recognizing personal flaws and the necessity of radical forgiveness, as taught in the Lord's Prayer. The group concluded that true spiritual growth is a process, found in tangible community and the difficult but freeing surrender of sin, which transforms us from isolated "ghosts" into "solid" citizens of Heaven.
Detailed Class Summary
Here is a breakdown of the topics we discussed during our class on July 2, 2026.
Housekeeping and Future Plans
The class began with some housekeeping announcements. It was noted that this would be the last Thursday class until July 30, 2026, when the group will reconvene. The instructor, Cris, mentioned he would be traveling to Phoenix and Las Vegas during the break. After some discussion, the group decided that upon their return, they would begin a new study on the book of Philippians.
Section Summary: The class announced a summer hiatus, with the final meeting being on July 2, 2026. The group will resume on July 30, 2026, and will begin studying the book of Philippians.
Opening Reflections: The Book as a Modern Parable
Cris opened the main discussion by framing it as a final reflection on C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce. He shared that the book reinforced a key concept for him, rooted in the Lord’s Prayer: "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." He explained that Christianity isn’t just about securing a spot in a "good place" after death, but about actively participating in making our current world reflect the values and reality of heaven.
This led to the perspective that the "Grey Town" in the book isn't just a depiction of Hell, but a powerful allegory for our current world. In our society, there is a relentless pressure to always want more and achieve more, which can drive people away from God, creating a spiritual "Grey Town" characterized by dissatisfaction. The choices the characters, or "ghosts," make are symbolic of decisions we make in our daily lives—whether we choose to live in the fullness of God’s forgiveness or cling to our own brokenness.
Section Summary: The discussion began by linking the book's core message to the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing that our faith is about bringing Heaven's reality to Earth now. The book's "Grey Town" was interpreted as a metaphor for modern life, where societal pressures for constant improvement create a spiritual emptiness that distances people from God.
Bible Scripture: The Lord's Prayer, specifically "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."
Free Will, Sin, and Recognizing Our Flaws
A class member pointed out that a major focus of the book is free will. The ghosts from the grey town consistently had the choice to stay in heaven or return to their misery. They could choose to let go of their defining sin or remain attached to it. Cris expanded on this, noting that many of the sins depicted were good things taken to an extreme. For example, a mother’s love for her son or an artist’s passion for his craft became idols that blocked them from God.
This discussion highlighted how the book makes us aware of our own faults, as we can see parts of ourselves in the "ghosts." This self-recognition is the first step toward change. Stories were shared illustrating how people are often trapped by negative labels and past experiences. For instance, a man from Jamaica whose negative perception of white people was changed by a single act of kindness, and a "Little Brother" who believed he was "stupid" because his father constantly told him so, becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Section Summary: The group discussed the central theme of free will, where each character's destiny is their own choice. Sin is often a good thing elevated above God, becoming an idol. The book acts as a mirror, helping us recognize our own flaws, and personal stories were shared about how ingrained prejudices and negative self-perceptions can be overcome.
Stories Mentioned:
* The mother's possessive love for her son.
* The artist more concerned with his reputation than with experiencing the light.
* A man from Jamaica whose prejudice was overcome by a tourist's kindness.
* A boy in the Big Brothers program who internalized his father's negative label of being "stupid."
The Tangible Reality of Heaven vs. The "Easy" Emptiness of Hell
One participant expressed a concern that the book makes Heaven seem unappealingly difficult, with imagery of grass too hard to walk on. This might discourage a reader, making the journey seem like "a mess."
Other members countered that this difficulty is purposeful. The "grey town" was deceptively easy—a place where you could have anything you imagined, leading to isolation and emptiness. In contrast, Heaven is "solid" and has a "price of admission": the difficult but necessary act of surrendering one's self. The journey towards spiritual maturity was compared to a new Christian's walk, moving from the "milk" to the "meat" of the word. Faith isn't instant perfection but a continuous process. This journey of self-confrontation was compared to literary works like Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, and Alice in Wonderland—all dream-like journeys forcing a choice upon "waking up." This was connected to John 3:19-21, which states that people love darkness because their deeds are evil and they fear exposure by the light.
Section Summary: A critique was raised that Heaven seems harsh, but the response was that its "solidity" contrasts with the easy emptiness of Hell. This difficulty represents the real, sometimes painful, process of spiritual growth, moving from "milk" to "meat." The story was compared to allegorical works like A Christmas Carol and linked to the biblical idea that people who love darkness avoid the light.
Bible Scriptures:
* **John 3:19-21**: "People loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil..."
* The concept of needing "milk of the word" before "meat," alluding to **1 Corinthians 3:2** and **Hebrews 5:12-14**.
Stories Mentioned:
* ***A Christmas Carol*** by Charles Dickens
* ***Pilgrim’s Progress*** by John Bunyan
* ***Alice in Wonderland*** by Lewis Carroll
Hell Locked from the Inside and the Power of Community
The discussion shifted to the idea that Hell is a place "locked from the inside." Cris explained that people choose Hell because they love their darkness—their grudges, pride, and self-pity—more than the light of God, which would expose and heal them. This led to a conversation about the necessity of forgiveness and community. If Heaven includes people we despise, our inability to forgive them now reveals an unwillingness to accept Heaven's reality.
The danger of demanding strict adherence and creating division was described as the fastest way to kill a church, mirroring how the residents of Grey Town move farther apart into deeper loneliness. To illustrate the power of community, the "Rat Park" experiment was mentioned, where rats in a vibrant community chose plain water over morphine-laced water, suggesting connection is an antidote to self-destructive habits. Our church aims to foster this community to combat loneliness.
Section Summary: The group explored the concept of Hell as a self-imposed prison chosen by those who refuse God's light. This highlighted the importance of forgiveness and community, as unforgiveness is incompatible with Heaven. Demanding perfection leads to isolation, the essence of the Grey Town. In contrast, a healthy community, like in the "Rat Park" experiment, can help people overcome destructive behaviors.
Stories Mentioned:
* The "Rat Park" experiment from the 1970s.
* ***Dante's Inferno*** was contrasted with Lewis's idea of Heaven.
* The character of Scrooge from *A Christmas Carol* and his isolating house.
Transformation and Encouraging Growth
A key difference between Heaven's "solid people" and the "ghosts" is how they handle misery. The solid people are compassionate but are not blackmailed by the ghosts' self-pity. They sit with them and gently encourage them to let go of what holds them back. This is exemplified by the ghost with the lizard of lust on his shoulder. He is encouraged to let an angel kill it. The act is painful, but the lizard is transformed into a magnificent steed, and the man becomes solid. This shows that surrendering sin, though difficult, brings sudden and glorious transformation.
This imagery of transformation led to a brief discussion of different faith traditions, such as the Baptist declaration of being "saved" and the Lutheran balance of law and gospel. The ultimate call is to practice forgiveness in all aspects of life—from minor annoyances like a neighbor mowing late to deep hurts. By forgiving, we align with God's will, move out of the "Grey Town," and experience a more heavenly life now.
Section Summary: The "solid people" model compassionate encouragement without enabling self-pity. The story of the man with the lizard illustrates that surrendering sin, though hard, leads to glorious transformation. This call to change connects to our need to practice radical forgiveness in daily life, fulfilling the Lord's Prayer and moving from the "Grey Town" to a heavenly reality.
Bible Scripture: The Lord’s Prayer, specifically "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive others."
Stories Mentioned:
* The man with the lizard on his shoulder.
* Hypothetical examples of forgiving daily frustrations (late-night mowing, slow self-checkout lines).
Final Medium-Length Summary
In our final session on C.S. Lewis's The Great Divorce on July 2, 2026, our church group engaged in a deep reflection on the book's allegorical portrayal of Heaven, Hell, and the human condition. We saw the "Grey Town" not just as an afterlife, but as a metaphor for our modern world, defined by loneliness, constant striving, and unforgiveness. The discussion heavily emphasized that Hell is "locked from the inside"—a state of being chosen by those who, as described in John 3, love darkness more than light because they refuse to let go of earthly attachments and sins.
We affirmed that true faith is found not in demanding perfection, which leads to isolation, but in building a supportive community that helps us overcome our self-destructive tendencies. The central theme of free will was a major point of discussion, alongside the necessity of practicing radical forgiveness, as taught in the Lord's Prayer. While the "hardness" of Heaven represents the challenging but necessary surrender of self, the book's ultimate message is one of hope. As modeled by the "bright spirits" and the story of the man with the lizard, letting go of our sins leads to a glorious and liberating transformation, allowing us to move from being an isolated "ghost" to a "solid" citizen of God's kingdom, here and now.
Main Points
The class will take a summer break and resume on July 30, 2026, to study the Book of Philippians.
The Great Divorce is an allegory for our present spiritual choices and our modern world, not just the afterlife.
The "Grey Town" represents a state of loneliness, dissatisfaction, and unforgiveness driven by worldly pressures.
Free will is central: characters choose their own eternal destiny by either clinging to or surrendering their sins.
Sin is often a good thing (like love or art) that has been distorted into an "ultimate thing."
Heaven is depicted as "hard" or "solid" because it is more real, requiring us to become more real through surrender and growth (moving from "milk" to "meat").
Hell is "locked from the inside"; it is a choice made by those who refuse to let go of their darkness.
Community is a powerful tool against loneliness and self-destructive behaviors.
A forgiving heart is essential, as holding grudges is incompatible with the communal reality of Heaven.
Surrendering our sins to God, though difficult, leads to glorious and immediate transformation.
Scriptures and Stories Mentioned
Bible Scriptures:
The Lord's Prayer: Specifically the lines, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" and "Forgive us our sins, as we forgive others."
John 3:19-21: "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil..."
1 Corinthians 3:2 and Hebrews 5:12-14: Alluded to in the discussion of moving from the "milk" to the "meat" of the word.
Stories and Analogies:
The Man with the Lizard: The character with a lizard of lust on his shoulder who must allow an angel to kill it, after which it is transformed into a magnificent horse.
The Mother's Love: The story of the mother whose possessive love for her son becomes an idol.
The Artist: The artist who is more concerned with his reputation and painting the light than in experiencing it.
A man from Jamaica: His prejudice against white people was changed by a tourist giving him a dollar.
A boy in the Big Brothers program: He believed he was stupid because his father constantly told him so.
The "Rat Park" experiment: Rats in a community setting overcame morphine addiction, highlighting the power of connection.
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens: Compared to The Great Divorce as a story of redemption from a "Greytown" of despair to light and joy.
Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan: Mentioned as another allegorical journey of spiritual struggle and redemption.
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll: Used as an example of a dream-like journey that leads to self-discovery.
Dante's Inferno: The sign "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here" was contrasted with Lewis's ideas.
Hypothetical modern-day stories: Practicing forgiveness for a neighbor mowing late or for a person slow at self-checkout.
The Chosen Study Episode 5 - Summer Bible Club Study
We explored Episode 5 of The Chosen (“The Wedding at Cana”), examining themes of calling, community, faith, and Jesus’s patient leadership through the cultural and scriptural lens of the Gospel of John.
The Chosen Season 1 Episode 5
This is our 4rd class on The Chosen
This is an AI Recap of the class.
Some things may be incorrect.
Short Summary of the Whole Class
On July 1, 2026 at 6:06:24 PM, our class discussed The Chosen, Season 1, Episode 5 (“The Wedding at Cana”), focusing on how the show illuminates first-century culture and discipleship. We explored themes of calling imperfect people, the honor/shame dynamics of a wedding crisis, and Jesus's patient, compassionate leadership. Key topics included the prophetic language of John the Baptist, the characterization of Thomas as meticulous and doubting, Mary’s pivotal role in prompting Jesus's first miracle, and how the episode weaves biblical themes from the Gospel of John and the Old Testament into relatable character arcs.
Section-by-Section Summary
1) Opening: Episode Focus and Unlikely Beginnings
We began by welcoming everyone and setting the focus on Episode 5 of The Chosen: “The Wedding at Cana.” The leader praised how the series visually and narratively explains the culture of the time, helping modern viewers grasp biblical stories and the everyday realities and social tensions that make the text more intelligible.
Discussion highlights included the humor and humanity in the episode, from awkward first meetings among disciples to the observation that Jesus isn’t choosing “the best” by worldly standards but gathering ruffians and misfits. This resonates with the Gospels’ portrayal of His followers.
Peter’s early mindset was noted as longing for importance, expecting a militant messiah, and seeking power and recognition. It was also noted that Jesus was portrayed as accessible, even "building a ramp so that people could get up to him," and the Greek word for craftsman and carpenter being the same added a layer to his background as a stonemason in the show.
Short Summary of Section:
We introduced Episode 5, affirming The Chosen’s value in portraying first-century culture and how it captures the messy, humble beginnings of discipleship as Jesus calls imperfect people.
Stories/Bible Verses Mentioned:
Story: Early interactions among the disciples forming an uneasy, diverse group.
2) John the Baptist, Nicodemus, and Prophetic Witness
A clip was referenced showing Nicodemus speaking with John the Baptist in prison, touching on the phrase “make straight the way,” echoing Roman imperial processions where roads were prepared for Caesar. John’s prophetic language (“Prepare the way of the Lord”) resonates within Roman occupation, highlighting how people were used by ruling powers.
Another discussion examined the powerful exchange where John the Baptist confronts Nicodemus with prophetic questions from Proverbs 30:4 about the One who gathers the wind and establishes the earth, pressing the issue of God’s Son. The pushback—“God doesn’t have a son except Israel”—exposed the tension over sonship.
This was connected to the Gospel of John's central claims about Jesus' identity as the Light, calling people to awaken. John 1:1-14 was read aloud and discussed, focusing on the Word, creation, life, light, witness, and the right to become children of God by receiving the Son.
Short Summary of Section:
We connected John the Baptist’s call to “prepare the way” with Roman practices and explored his prophetic witness to Nicodemus, which presses the question of Jesus's divine identity and sonship, calling hearers from darkness into light.
Stories/Bible Verses Mentioned:
John the Baptist’s call: Isaiah 40:3; echoed in John 1:23; Mark 1:2–3; Matthew 3:3; Luke 3:4
Jesus's Identity and Sonship: John 1:1–14
Prophetic Questions: Proverbs 30:4 ("What is his name, and what is his son’s name?")
Scene: Nicodemus and John in prison (The Chosen depiction)
3) Peter’s Call and Eden’s Faith: Echoes of Elisha
A clip was focused on where Simon (Peter) explains his call to follow Jesus to his wife, Eden, with a conviction that signals genuine change.
This was connected to the calling of Elisha in 1 Kings 19:19–21, who leaves his wealth, slaughters his oxen, and follows Elijah. This prefigures the way of the Messiah: a turn from kings and war to prophetic humility and transformative obedience.
Eden’s discernment and trust were seen as symbolizing the church’s faith—recognizing authentic repentance and supporting costly discipleship. Her name suggests a vision of the church as a foretaste of restored Eden.
Short Summary of Section:
We saw Peter’s call mirrored in Elisha’s, noted Eden’s faith as a model for the church, and reflected on how true calling reorients a life from power to Messiah-shaped obedience.
Stories/Bible Verses Mentioned:
Elijah's Call of Elisha: 1 Kings 19:19–21
Peter's Call: Luke 5:1–11 (Miraculous catch of fish)
John's Testimony: John 1:29 (“Behold, the Lamb of God”)
Story: Peter's confession and call; Eden’s supportive faith.
4) The Wedding at Cana: Honor, Humility, and Mary's Faith
The discussion highlighted the honor/shame dynamics at ancient weddings—running out of wine was a community crisis, not a simple inconvenience. The show contrasted a wealthy family’s perfectionism with the bride’s family’s acceptance of beauty in brokenness (e.g., decorating a crooked "kupa" canopy with flowers).
It was noted that Jesus attended the wedding solely because of his mother. We discussed the callback to an earlier scene where a young Jesus tells Mary, "If not now, then when?" which she uses to prompt him. Mary's request was private and faith-filled ("They have no wine," and "Do whatever he tells you"), born of a genuine need to save the family from dishonor.
The group praised the visual portrayal of the look between Mary and Jesus, conveying her faith and his empathetic response. Mary’s calm trust anticipated Jesus’ provision.
Short Summary of Section:
We discussed Mary’s pivotal role, her faith-filled prompt to Jesus, and how the wedding’s honor/shame culture illuminated the significance of Jesus’ compassionate, private miracle.
Stories/Bible Verses Mentioned:
The Wedding at Cana: John 2:1–11
Mary at Cana: John 2:1–5
Story: Wedding preparations, social tensions, and the beautifying of the crooked "kupa."
5) Thomas’s Character: Meticulous Doubt and a New Calling
Group observations noted Thomas as a meticulous, calculative, and consistently doubting wine server, concerned about logistics. This was seen as setting up his well-known "doubting" theme.
Jesus performs the miracle discreetly while Thomas is away. This was significant because Thomas, who needs to measure everything, couldn't explain the miracle away and was left simply amazed.
When Thomas expresses confusion, Jesus responds with kindness, affirming, "It's good to ask. It's good to measure," then tells him, "I'll give you a different way to measure this time." This was seen as Jesus compassionately calling Thomas from his nature of doubt, just as he called Peter to a new way of fishing.
The thematic connection was made to the post-resurrection story in John 20, showing a narrative thread in John's Gospel of signs, belief, and skepticism.
Short Summary of Section:
We examined Thomas’s portrayal as a careful, questioning planner, and admired how Jesus met him with kindness, validating his nature while calling him to a new kind of faith beyond measurement.
Stories/Bible Verses Mentioned:
Thomas’s doubt post-resurrection: John 20:24–29
Wedding at Cana: John 2:1–11
Story: Context of Cana miracle with Thomas present in The Chosen (narrative adaptation)
6) Jesus's Leadership: Patience, Humility, and Service
The discussion reflected on how Jesus leads people who think in “old ways” with patient redirection rather than rebuke, often using parables or gentle instruction. He avoids sarcasm and harshness, declining self-promotion to keep focus on the Father’s purpose.
This was contrasted with Simon’s ambition to leverage the wedding to gather powerful allies. Jesus’s quiet resistance showed him prioritizing the couple’s day over public strategy, redirecting Simon toward servanthood.
Jesus is shown working humbly as a craftsman, building what serves the vulnerable (like accessible latrines), and distinguishing private miracles from public ministry with the words, "My time has not yet come."
A member shared appreciation for a non-biblical scene where Jesus jokes with the disciples, delivering a "Jesus burn." This humorous, relatable side changed perceptions from a stoic figure to someone joyful.
Short Summary of Section:
We saw Jesus reshape Simon’s ambition toward humble service, modeling patient, non-rebuking leadership, and serving the vulnerable while waiting for the Father’s timing.
Stories/Bible Verses Mentioned:
Jesus's Timing: John 2:4 (“My hour has not yet come”)
Greatness as Service: Luke 22:24–27
Story: Discipleship table talk about Jesus' work as a craftsman and building accessible facilities.
7) Discipleship Growth and Concluding Thoughts
The disciples' default to "watch and learn" was contrasted with Jesus’s later commissioning of them "two by two." The class concluded that while observation is foundational, growth requires being sent, risking mistakes, and learning obedience through practice.
The instructor challenged the class to consider why John’s Gospel places the joyful wedding at Cana (turning water into wine) immediately before the cleansing of the temple in John 2.
A question was raised about why the show intentionally never depicts Jesus drinking alcohol, seen as a deliberate choice to be sensitive to certain Christian denominations.
The schedule for the next classes was announced: July 8, 2026 for episodes six and seven, and July 15, 2026 for episode eight.
Short Summary of Section:
We contrasted passive observation with active mission in discipleship and ended with a theological question about the structure of John 2, a note on the show's creative choices, and an announcement of future classes.
Stories/Bible Verses Mentioned:
Sending the Disciples: Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1–3
Juxtaposed Events in John 2: The Wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11) and The Cleansing of the Temple (John 2:13-22)
Medium-Length Summary of the Class
On July 1, 2026, our Bible study used The Chosen’s Cana episode to explore how Jesus forms disciples amid awkward starts, mixed motives, and cultural pressures. We began by appreciating the show's humanizing portrayal of Jesus and the disciples. A key discussion connected Peter’s call to the story of Elijah and Elisha, highlighting a shift from worldly power to Messiah-shaped obedience, with Peter's wife Eden modeling the church's supportive faith. We then explored the honor/shame dynamics at the wedding, recognizing that running out of wine was a social crisis and that Mary’s quiet confidence ushered in Jesus’s first sign. We examined the character of Thomas, whose need to "measure" was met with Jesus's compassionate call to a new kind of faith. The study also highlighted the prophetic confrontation between John the Baptist and Nicodemus over Jesus's identity as the Son of God. Throughout, we observed how Jesus patiently redirects ambition toward humble service, subverting expectations of status and power, and intentionally choosing unlikely people while waiting for his "hour" to come. The class concluded by reflecting on the growth from "watching" to being "sent," and the theological pairing of the Cana miracle with the temple cleansing in John 2.
Main Points
The Chosen effectively portrays first-century cultural context, Roman-Jewish tensions, and the humble, messy beginnings of discipleship.
Jesus calls imperfect, unlikely people and forms them into a community of faith, patiently redirecting their worldly ambitions toward humble service.
Peter’s call mirrors Elisha’s decisive obedience, signaling a shift from power and war to the Messiah-shaped way of service.
Honor/shame dynamics at Cana explain the crisis of running out of wine and the compassionate significance of Jesus’s first sign.
Mary’s initiative at Cana was a private act of faith that prompted Jesus’s first sign and saved a family from dishonor.
Thomas is depicted as a meticulous, doubting planner, and Jesus meets his skepticism with kindness, calling him to a faith beyond empirical measurement.
John the Baptist’s witness to Nicodemus stresses Jesus’s divine identity and sonship, calling people from darkness into light.
Discipleship matures when observation leads to being sent on active mission.
Jesus’s timing is deliberate, distinguishing private miracles from his public ministry, which had "not yet come."
Bible Scriptures Mentioned
John 1:1–14: The Word, light, witness, and becoming children of God.
John 1:23: John the Baptist: “Make straight the way of the Lord.”
John 1:29: “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”
John 2:1–11: The Wedding at Cana; Jesus’s first sign.
John 2:4: “My hour has not yet come.”
John 2:13-22: The Cleansing of the Temple.
John 20:24–29: Thomas’s doubt and confession after the resurrection.
Luke 5:1–11: Miraculous catch of fish; Peter’s confession and call.
Luke 10:1–3: Jesus appoints seventy-two and sends them two by two.
Luke 22:24–27: Greatness through serving.
Mark 6:7: Jesus sends the twelve two by two.
Synoptics on "Prepare the Way": Mark 1:2–3; Matthew 3:3; Luke 3:4.
1 Kings 19:19–21: Elijah’s call of Elisha.
Isaiah 40:3: Prophetic source for “prepare the way.”
Proverbs 30:4: Oracle of Agur: “What is his name, and what is his son’s name?”
Stories Discussed
The Wedding at Cana: The wine crisis, Mary’s intercession, Jesus bringing more guests, the discreet miracle, and honoring the family.
Discipleship and Calling: Awkward beginnings among misfits; Peter's call after the miraculous catch; Eden’s supportive faith; moving from "watching" to being "sent two by two."
Elijah and Elisha: Prophetic calling and Elisha’s decisive break with his past.
John the Baptist and Nicodemus: The interaction in prison in The Chosen, highlighting Roman context and the question of sonship.
Doubting Thomas: His depiction at Cana and the connection to his post-resurrection encounter with Jesus.
Jesus's Character and Leadership: Patient teaching style; working as a craftsman; building accessible facilities; redirecting Simon's ambition; his humor and relatability.
Humble Wedding Details: Beautifying the crooked “kupa” with flowers; the pride of the wealthy father (Abner) versus the family’s humility.
Guys Night - 5:45pm 1st Thursdays
Thursday, July 2nd 5:45pm at Lefty’s Grill in PSL
July 2nd - 5:45pm
Lefty’s Wings and Grill
1034 SE Port St Lucie Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34952
https://maps.app.goo.gl/APcounWApa4inpDW6
[Sunday] All things Good - 2 Kings 9-10 & Romans 8:28 - Foolish Wisdom
"All things work together for good." What does this famous promise actually mean? God brings true good, not through our overzealous striving, but through the empty tomb.
"All things work together for good." What does this famous promise actually mean? God brings true good, not through our overzealous striving, but through the empty tomb.
Questions for the Week: Naaman: All Things Good
Read Romans 8:18-39. We often think Romans 8:28 means "everything will work out good" or "if I do good, God will bless me." How does reading this verse in the context of suffering and human failure change how you understand God's promise?
Read 2 Kings Chapters 9 and 10. Jehu was incredibly proud of his violent zeal for the Lord, but it ended up destroying his own people. Where have you seen "righteous zeal" (in parenting, marriage, or politics) go too far and end up damaging relationships?
When Elisha's servant anointed Jehu, he added his own angry words to God's command, which fueled Jehu's rampage. How much of our own "zealous" action is actually driven by God's Word, and how much is driven by the angry, polarized voices we surround ourselves with?
Our human zeal is so destructive that it literally crucified Jesus. Yet, God used that exact moment of darkness to bring good to you and the world. How does knowing that God can bring life out of our worst messes give you peace in your current struggles?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Vicar Claubert is Moved in and Lots happening around Grace [Photos]
A Busy and Blessed Week at Grace!
A Busy and Great Week at Grace! 🌟
Last Monday, Vicar Claubert signed his lease and moved into his new rental house. Since then, we’ve been keeping him incredibly busy as he attends Bible studies and learns the ins and outs of week-to-week life here at Grace.
On Thursday, Pam and Mike teamed up to pull up the old bushes around the property, and Vicar Claubert jumped right in to help! They are hard at work making way for some beautiful new landscaping.
Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who came to Sunday Service. We know the grass was long and parking next to the road wasn't ideal, but the driveway looks fantastic and is now set to last for years to come. We appreciate your patience and flexibility!
![Summer Kids Bible Club 26’ Week 2&3 [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1782483288400-4SLNAZM3JAS5M8KOPBJA/PXL_20260624_230100754.jpg)
Summer Kids Bible Club 26’ Week 2&3 [Photos]
We’ve had a wonderful couple of weeks learning about baby Moses and Zacchaeus climbing the tree to see Jesus!
Summer Kids Bible Club Update: Weeks 2 & 3 🌴
We’ve had a wonderful couple of weeks learning about baby Moses and Zacchaeus climbing the tree to see Jesus! A highlight of this year's club is our tropical fruit tasting adventure, where the kids are loving the chance to try unique, exotic fruits they've never tasted before.
The Great Divorce Chapters 12-13 - Thursday Bible Study
On June 18, 2026, our class explored sin’s inward curve, creation’s praise, and the redemptive power of Christ through C. S. Lewis’s imagery in The Great Divorce, discussing how unresolved grief and lust can become idolatry and how surrendering our deepest attachments leads to glorious transformation.
Great Divorce Chapters 12-13
This is our 8th class on The Book
This is an AI Recap of the class.
Some things may be incorrect.
Short Summary of the Class
On June 25, 2026, our class delved into chapters 12 and 13 of C.S. Lewis's "The Great Divorce," focusing on the characters of Sarah Smith and her husband, the Dwarf/Tragedian. We discussed the contrast between Sarah's radiant, non-possessive love and her husband's manipulative self-pity, which functions as a self-forged chain reminiscent of Marley in A Christmas Carol. We explored how his behavior exemplifies "emotional blackmail" and how true, selfless love, like God's, comes from fullness, not neediness. The conversation highlighted the immense difficulty of surrendering our earthly griefs to God, the necessity of setting boundaries so that "hell cannot veto heaven," and the striking image of hell's ultimate smallness. We concluded that God’s will is not a formula but a reality to be lived, with our hope resting firmly in Christ's victory over darkness.
Detailed Class Summary
Here is a breakdown of the topics we covered during our discussion.
1) Setting the Study: Continuing The Great Divorce (Chs. 12–13)
Our discussion began by noting we were likely finishing the study of The Great Divorce and that chapters 12 and 13 are deeply intertwined. We acknowledged the difficulty of Lewis’s euphemistic, layered language, especially for newer readers, and how his interwoven poetry, while "not epic," is "quite lovely" and enhances the metaphorical narrative. The group reflected on the central question posed by the story: Is it tolerable that the woman in heaven (Sarah Smith) remains untouched by her husband's self-made misery? The consensus was that love in heaven must not be subject to manipulation from hell.
Summary: We framed the session around the connected narrative of chapters 12–13, set expectations for Lewis’s dense, poetic style, and affirmed that heaven’s love cannot be ruled by another’s self-chosen misery.
Bible Verses Mentioned: None cited in this opening frame.
Stories Mentioned: Class logistics and reading challenges.
2) Sarah Smith’s Quiet Sainthood and Expansive Love
We identified Sarah Smith as a figure of quiet, unnoticed sainthood. This resonated with a participant's childhood memory of a kind church woman who welcomed children. Cris shared a story from Texas about an unassuming youth leader whose massive funeral revealed his hidden, widespread impact, highlighting how true holiness is often humble and recognized late. We observed that Lewis’s choice of a common name, "Sarah Smith," signals that great saints are often ordinary in worldly terms. Her sainthood is expressed through expansive, non-possessive love. Her motherhood doesn't "steal" children but enlarges their capacity to love their own families more, a model of investing in people without controlling them. This love overflows to creation itself; as the text says, every beast and bird "in her became themselves," which we connected to the Franciscan tradition of care for all creatures.
Summary: We recognized Sarah Smith as a type of unnoticed, ordinary saint whose humble, non-possessive love multiplies affection, restores creation, and shapes many lives, echoing real-world experiences of hidden, impactful servants.
Bible Verses Mentioned:
Matthew 6:1–4 (giving in secret; hidden righteousness)
Matthew 23:11–12 (the greatest is the servant)
Hebrews 13:2 (hospitality to strangers)
1 Peter 5:5–6 (humility exalted by God)
1 Samuel 16:7 (God looks on the heart)
1 Corinthians 1:26–29 (God chooses the lowly)
Philippians 2:3–4 (looking to others’ interests)
1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 (gentle, sharing life)
Galatians 6:2 (bearing burdens)
Genesis 1:28; 2:15 (care for creation)
Romans 8:19–22 (creation longing for restoration)
Proverbs 12:10 (the righteous care for animals)
Stories Mentioned:
Texas youth leader’s funeral revealing wide impact.
St. Francis of Assisi’s care for animals.
Personal anecdotes about the commonness of the name "Smith."
3) Radiance and Edenic Innocence
Reading the description of Sarah Smith's appearance, we noted the question, "Is she naked? Is she clothed?" Cris connected this to the Edenic state of being "naked without shame," where one's presence is no longer about fear or concealment but about glory. Her robe and crown are as natural as lips or eyes, embodying a restored, shame-free existence in the kingdom.
Summary: Sarah’s radiance evokes Eden restored—a shame-free, glory-clothed presence that embodies life in the kingdom.
Bible Verses Mentioned:
Genesis 2:25 (naked and not ashamed)
Psalm 8:5 (crowned with glory and honor)
Revelation 19:7–8 (the bride’s fine linen—righteous acts)
Stories Mentioned: Eden imagery.
4) The Dwarf and the Tragedian: Emotional Blackmail vs. Authentic Love
We analyzed the character of Sarah’s husband, who appears as both the Dwarf (the true self) and the Tragedian (a theatrical persona). His pouting and emotional neediness were identified as a form of manipulation, which someone aptly called "emotional blackmail." This lifelong tool for control started in his childhood, where he would sulk to make his sisters feel sorry for him. The Dwarf holds the chain of this self-pity, while the Tragedian wears the collar, performing to avoid genuine engagement. Sarah addresses the Dwarf, the true self, ignoring the persona. We contrasted this manipulative "love" with the true, selfless love his wife now possesses. On page 126, she explains she is "full now," "in love itself," no longer needing him but freely wanting him to share her joy. This mirrors God’s love for us: He is already completely full but still desires a relationship.
Summary: The scene contrasts Sarah’s genuine, "full" love with her husband’s manipulative performance. We identified his behavior as "emotional blackmail"—a destructive tactic rooted in neediness that stands in opposition to the selfless, giving nature of God's love.
Bible Verses Mentioned:
Ephesians 4:22–24 (put off the old self; put on the new)
Matthew 5:37 (simple truth without theatrics)
John 1:39 (The wife's invitation to "Come and see" was compared to Jesus's invitation to His disciples).
Stories Mentioned: The story of the Tragedian's childhood manipulation of his sisters.
5) Chains We Forge: Self-Pity, Grief, and Surrender
The discussion turned to the chain the Dwarf carries, representing his self-pity. We drew a parallel to Marley's self-forged chains of greed in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. The Dwarf clings to his chain, using pity to manipulate and control, shrinking as he rejects heaven. This led to a vulnerable conversation about the difficulty of surrender, especially in the face of profound loss, like the death of a child or spouse. We acknowledged that true peace comes only through Christ, which requires surrendering what we hold tightly. Personal testimonies were shared about how faith provides comfort, knowing a loved one is with the Lord. We also noted how the pressure to grieve "perfectly" can feel like being forced to be an actor, just like the Tragedian.
Summary: Self-pity and a ledger of grievances become self-forged chains that pull us from grace. Surrendering these attachments and our deepest griefs to God is incredibly difficult but essential, and faith in Christ is the only source of true comfort and freedom.
Bible Verses Mentioned:
Galatians 5:1 (Christ sets us free; do not be entangled again)
2 Corinthians 7:10 (godly sorrow vs. worldly sorrow)
James 3:14–16 (selfish ambition breeds disorder)
1 Corinthians 13:5 (love keeps no record of wrongs)
Stories Mentioned:
Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol (Marley’s chains).
A woman grieving the loss of her child (referenced from another part of "The Great Divorce").
Personal stories of losing family members and finding comfort in faith.
6) Resisting Hell's Veto: Pity, Boundaries, and Coercion
We explored how the Tragedian uses pity to hold others' joy for ransom. The class noted how guilt and self-pity are used to force conformity in relationships, which was compared to historical lobotomy practices—a metaphor for coercive change rather than invited transformation. Sarah Smith establishes a firm boundary, declaring she "cannot bring hell into me." This resonated with Lewis's larger point that hell cannot be allowed to "veto heaven." True Christian service was distinguished from enabling dysfunction; enabling is not love. The Tragedian ultimately chooses his self-pity, and the Dwarf disappears, swallowed by the persona.
Summary: We defined pity as a chain the Tragedian used for emotional blackmail. Sarah’s refusal to let his misery corrupt her joy served as a powerful lesson on setting boundaries and distinguishing true love from enabling or coercion.
Bible Verses Mentioned:
Colossians 3:12–14 (compassion bound with love)
Romans 12:2 (transformation by renewal, not coercion)
Stories Mentioned:
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (lobotomy reference).
General historical notes on lobotomy practices.
7) The Smallness of Hell and the Power of Light
The class was moved by Lewis's striking image of hell's true size. The guide reveals that the bus from hell came through a fissure in the soil "no bigger than" a blade of grass, and that "all hell is smaller than one pebble" of the earthly world. This underscored heaven’s vastness and hell’s impotence, which we connected to the biblical truth that "the darkness cannot overcome the light." Cris shared a pastoral story of comforting a grieving friend, illustrating that even a tiny light (a Bic lighter in a dark field) pierces overwhelming darkness. The takeaway was that light doesn't strain to overcome darkness; it simply shines.
Summary: Lewis’s vision portrays hell as infinitesimally small before heaven’s reality, reinforcing the biblical truth that light inevitably overcomes darkness; a pastoral story made this hope concrete.
Bible Verses Mentioned:
John 1:5 (the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it) — referenced conceptually.
Stories Mentioned:
Cris’s pastoral visit to a grieving friend; the "field and Bic lighter" illustration.
8) Living God's Will in Reality
Finally, we discussed Lewis’s caution against defining eternal reality, quoting from the end of p. 141: “it must be lived.” Lewis isn't focusing on universalism or predestination but on lived obedience and love. Cris emphasized a “live life” theology: we discern God’s will through faithful living and hindsight more than abstract certainty. This was illustrated with a participant's career path from chemical engineering to firefighting and the quip, “man plans and God laughs.” We concluded that perfection isn’t the requirement for our assurance, which rests solely in Jesus’ death and resurrection. The session ended with an agreement to continue with a full debrief next week.
Summary: Lewis reframes debates about eternal destiny, calling us to live reality with God. The class affirmed that God’s will is discerned through faithful living, with our ultimate confidence rooted in Christ’s finished work.
Bible Verses Mentioned (Implied/Alluded to):
Romans 8:28 (God works all things for good)
John 11:25 or 1 Corinthians 15 (Christ’s death and resurrection)
Psalm 37:23 (steps ordered by the Lord)
Stories Mentioned:
Speaker 4’s vocational journey (engineering to firefighting).
Class quip: “man plans and God laughs.”
Final Summary
Our study session on June 25, 2026, was a profound exploration of C. S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce (chapters 12–13), focusing on love, manipulation, and surrender. We dissected the character of the Tragedian, identifying his behavior as "emotional blackmail"—a toxic form of control rooted in manufactured neediness and self-pity. This was contrasted with Sarah Smith, a figure of radiant, Eden-like innocence whose ordinary name belies an extraordinary holiness expressed through expansive, non-possessive love. Her love comes from a place of fullness, modeling God's own selfless love for us. The discussion led to a vulnerable look at the difficulty of surrendering our earthly attachments and griefs, with members sharing how faith in Christ is the only true way to find peace. We were moved by Lewis’s breathtaking image of hell as a minuscule crack set against the immeasurable reality of heaven, reinforcing the gospel truth that light overcomes darkness. We concluded with Lewis’s call to live out God’s will rather than merely defining it, recognizing that our assurance rests not in our perfection but in Christ’s death and resurrection.
Main Points
Lewis’s language in The Great Divorce is dense and poetic; chapters 12–13 are tightly connected.
Sarah Smith exemplifies humble, radiant sainthood; her expansive love multiplies affection and restores creation.
Emotional manipulation, or "emotional blackmail," is a destructive tool that creates unhealthy relationships.
True love, like God’s, comes from fullness, not neediness, and gives freely.
Chains of self-pity are self-forged through manipulation and keeping ledgers of slights.
Surrendering our deepest pains and griefs to God is difficult but necessary for true peace.
We must set boundaries to prevent misery from corrupting God-given joy; hell cannot be allowed to veto heaven.
Hell is unimaginably small before heaven’s reality; light overcomes darkness.
God’s will is a reality to be lived and is often discerned in hindsight.
Our assurance rests in Jesus’ death and resurrection, not in human perfection.
Bible Scriptures Mentioned
Genesis 1:28; 2:15 — Care for creation.
Genesis 2:25 — Naked and not ashamed.
1 Samuel 16:7 — God looks at the heart.
Psalm 8:5 — Crowned with glory and honor.
Proverbs 12:10 — The righteous care for animals.
Matthew 5:37 — Let your “Yes” be yes.
Matthew 6:1–4 — Giving in secret; hidden righteousness.
Matthew 23:11–12 — The greatest is the servant.
John 1:5 — The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it (referenced conceptually).
John 1:39 — Referenced in the context of the invitation to "Come and see."
Romans 8:19–22 — Creation’s longing for restoration.
Romans 12:2 — Transformation by renewing the mind.
1 Corinthians 1:26–29 — God chooses the lowly.
1 Corinthians 13:5 — Love keeps no record of wrongs.
2 Corinthians 7:10 — Godly sorrow versus worldly sorrow.
Galatians 5:1 — Freedom in Christ; do not be entangled again.
Galatians 6:2 — Bearing burdens.
Ephesians 4:22–24 — Put off the old self; put on the new.
Philippians 2:3–4 — Looking to others’ interests.
Colossians 3:12–14 — Compassion bound in love.
1 Thessalonians 2:7–8 — Gentle, sharing life.
Hebrews 13:2 — Hospitality to strangers.
James 3:14–16 — Selfish ambition and disorder.
1 Peter 5:5–6 — Humility and exaltation.
Resurrection assurance (allusions to passages like John 11:25; 1 Corinthians 15).
Providence and guidance themes (conceptual allusions such as Romans 8:28; Psalm 37:23).
Stories Referenced
C. S. Lewis, The Great Divorce (chapters 12–13): The primary text, focusing on Sarah Smith, the Dwarf, and the Tragedian.
Texas story: A quiet youth leader with a large funeral due to his hidden investments in people.
St. Francis of Assisi: Referenced for his care for animals.
Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol: Used as an analogy for self-forged chains (Marley’s chains).
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and historical lobotomy: Used as a metaphor for coercive conformity.
Cris’s pastoral story: An illustration of light overcoming darkness using a Bic lighter in a field.
A woman grieving her child: Referenced from another part of The Great Divorce to discuss surrendering loss.
Vocational journey story: A class member's path from studying chemical engineering to becoming a firefighter.
Personal Stories: Members shared experiences of losing loved ones and finding comfort in their faith.
Class quip: “Man plans and God laughs,” highlighting God’s providence.
The Chosen Study Episode 4 - Summer Bible Club Study
Scenes from The Chosen to explore Jesus’ compassionate mission to outcasts, the meaning of the Sabbath, the power of personal transformation and testimony, childlike discipleship, and the tension between comforting mercy and costly allegiance to Christ.
The Chosen Season 1 Episode 4
This is our 3rd class on The Chosen
This is an AI Recap of the class.
Some things may be incorrect.
Short Summary of the Whole Class
The group analyzes an episode of "The Chosen," focusing on its portrayal of Simon Peter's struggles, the early proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah, and the show's blending of various gospel accounts. Key discussion points include the creative liberties taken with scripture, the thematic representation of Israel's history through Peter's lament, and the narrative setup for future character dynamics.
Character Analysis of Simon Peter
This section covers the group's discussion on the depiction of Simon Peter, exploring his character arc within the episode. The analysis begins by highlighting Peter's emotional state, which one speaker likens to a personal "dark patch" where an individual becomes consumed with trying to control their own life and fix problems single-handedly. This is exemplified in the episode as Peter, despondent and on the verge of financial ruin, returns to fishing alone as a last resort. The group notes his desperation is captured in the thought, "I might as well look for a miracle out on the water," or simply to "at least let me do what I've been born to do."
A significant scene discussed is Peter's monologue while fishing at night, which is characterized as a lament that mirrors the historical struggles of Israel. He recounts a pattern of divine deliverance followed by suffering: enslavement in Egypt, wandering in the desert, exile in Babylon, and oppression under Rome. Cris views this lament as a positive, psalm-like form of questioning God. The discussion also identifies a key moment of foreshadowing where Peter's ear is struck during his arrest, an allusion to the Garden of Gethsemane where he will cut off the ear of the high priest's servant. This detail is seen as a clever way to show Peter's potential to become a "brute like the Romans."
The Early Proclamation of the Messiah
This section focuses on the central debate regarding the show's decision to have Jesus and his followers openly declare him as the Messiah early in the narrative. Participants noted that the show "bends full into calling him the Messiah from the very beginning," which felt odd compared to the accounts in Mark and Matthew where Jesus often commands silence about his identity. The discussion highlights the scene where Andrew runs to Simon, proclaiming he has seen the "Lamb of God," and later when Peter confesses Jesus's identity, to which Jesus explicitly confirms, "I am."
The group explores the theological and narrative implications of this creative choice. One speaker suggests this early declaration serves to contrast Jesus's true nature with the Pharisees' expectations of a messiah. Another speaker, however, argues it would have been more powerful if Jesus had remained "coy," forcing the disciples into a deeper journey of faith while still questioning "who is this man?" The conversation delves into scriptural sources, noting that John 1:40-42 does record Andrew telling Peter, "We have found the Messiah." The group concludes the show is homogenizing various gospel accounts. Additionally, Cris explains that when Peter says "Go away from me, Lord" in Luke 5, the Greek word used is "Kyrie," signifying a supreme authority or master, which supports the show's depiction of Peter's immediate recognition.
Deconstruction of Key Parables and Scenes
This section details the analysis of specific parables and scenes used in the episode, with a primary focus on Jesus's sermon from the boat. The group found the inclusion of the "parable of the net" from Matthew 13 to be an "odd" choice for this point in the story, particularly due to its severe language about separating good and bad fish and casting the latter into a "fiery furnace." The consensus was that its placement was intentional, serving as a direct message targeted at Simon Peter, who was struggling with his own path and trying to control his destiny.
The discussion also examined a monologue by the Roman official Quintus, who asserts that the Israelites are a "miserable lot" who inherently "want to be ruled" and "want an excuse to complain." Cris praised this as an effective way to highlight two major themes from the Old Testament: the Israelites' demand for a king and their history of complaining. The portrayal of Matthew as a universally hated tax collector and Roman informant was also analyzed, with the group noting the show's success in setting up the social isolation he would have faced. On a lighter note, Cris critiqued the scene of Jesus preaching, pointing out that the small number of extras did not convincingly portray the large crowd described in scripture, though acknowledging the production constraints.
The Miraculous Catch and Disciples' Calling
This section covers the climactic scene where Jesus directs the miraculous catch of fish, which is primarily based on Luke 5:1-11. The group analyzed how the show blends elements from different gospels, noting that while the tearing nets are from Luke, Peter's nakedness and jumping into the water reference the post-resurrection account in John 21. This homogenization was seen as a way to create a more cohesive and emotionally impactful narrative for the calling of the first disciples.
The emotional core of the scene, where Peter falls to his knees and says, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man," was deemed well-executed and touching. However, the creative liberty of having Jesus explicitly confirm his identity with "I am" was debated. Cris suggested the scene would have been more powerful if Jesus had simply responded with "Follow me," leaving the disciples to continue their journey of discovery. The speakers also appreciated the show's inclusion of relatable details, such as Zebedee's sons worrying about what their mother would say when they missed supper, and Zebedee's own "nice little touch" of suggesting they could escape to Egypt, referencing the Holy Family's flight.
![[Sunday] Naaman, The Mighty Leper - 2 Kings 5 - Foolish Wisdom](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1781838581516-H86L5TX0CZW62SNK9OIL/FW9a.jpg)
[Sunday] Naaman, The Mighty Leper - 2 Kings 5 - Foolish Wisdom
Naaman the mighty man of war has leprosy, but his story shows us how human pride expects a show while God brings true healing through the small, ordinary, and unimpressive things.
Naaman the mighty man of war has leprosy, but his story shows us how human pride expects a show while God brings true healing through the small, ordinary, and unimpressive things.
Questions for the Week: Naaman: The Mighty Leper.
Describe a time when your ego got in the way of God working.
Read 2 Kings 5:1-19. Naaman scoffed at the Jordan River because it wasn't impressive enough. Why does human pride struggle so much with God using simple, ordinary things (like regular water in baptism or bread and wine) to deliver His grace?
Naaman tried to buy his healing with gold and political letters. Even though we know salvation is free, in what subtle ways do we still try to "pay" God for His blessings?
When Naaman worried about having to work in a pagan environment, Elisha didn't tell him to quit his job or start a culture war; he just said, "Go in peace." How does knowing you are a secure, new creation in Christ’s resurrection free you to calmly love and serve the people in your secular workplace or neighborhood?
What Had happened at Grace this week.
Grace Driveway Work. Happening this weekend 21st.
Upcoming Driveway Closure: Sunday, Postponed due to weather
Driveway Project Update: June 20th
The Work is happening.
We may be parking next to the road.
We will be able to walk down the driveway
On Friday, May 29th, work officially began on our driveway at Grace. The crew cut out the old, damaged sections and filled the holes with fresh asphalt.
Upcoming Driveway Closure: Sunday, June 14th
The next step is sealing and restriping, which will take place starting Friday evening, June 12th, and run through the weekend. This means we will not have access to the driveway on Sunday, June 14th.
For that Sunday, we will park in the grass near our sign on Cashmere Blvd. The back door to the fellowship hall will be open for entry.
When scheduling this project, we had to choose between blocking access during the week or over the weekend. Closing the driveway during the week would have disrupted the Alzheimer’s daycare. Because it is difficult for many of those patients to walk long distances, we decided it was best to have the work affect the church over the weekend instead.
The Chosen Study Episode 2 - Summer Bible Club Study
Scenes from The Chosen to explore Jesus’ compassionate mission to outcasts, the meaning of the Sabbath, the power of personal transformation and testimony, childlike discipleship, and the tension between comforting mercy and costly allegiance to Christ.
The Chosen Season 1 Episode 2-3
This is our 1st class on The Chosen
This is an AI Recap of the class.
Some things may be incorrect.
Short Summary of the Whole Class
On June 18, 2026 at 14:47:33, our Bible study examined episodes two and three of The Chosen, reflecting on Mary Magdalene’s redemption, multiple Sabbath tables, Matthew’s isolation, and Nicodemus’s crisis of faith. We discussed Isaiah 61 and the Beatitudes, the power of testimony and miracles, Jesus’s teaching of children as a model for discipleship, and the paradox of Jesus bringing peace and yet a “sword” that can divide families. We concluded with an exhortation to “give them Jesus”—presenting both His compassion for the broken and His demanding call to follow Him fully.
Section-by-Section Walkthrough with Summaries
1) The Power of Redemption and Storytelling
We revisited the end of episode one where Jesus finds Mary Magdalene, calls her by name, and redeems her. The emotional impact of this scene illustrated how narrative can communicate Jesus’s redemptive power more effectively than merely quoting verses. We noted The Chosen’s strength in crafting resonant, Jesus-centered stories, even while recognizing artistic liberties.
Summary: Mary’s redemption scene modeled Jesus-oriented storytelling, showing how narratives about His meaning and mercy can deeply move hearts.
Bible verses mentioned: Isaiah 43:1 (“I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”)
Stories discussed: Mary Magdalene’s deliverance (Lilith) when Jesus casts out her demons.
2) The Sabbath and Its Many Tables
Episode two centers on Shabbat, showing four Sabbath meals: Jesus with His group, Mary hosting her first Sabbath in years, Matthew eating alone with his dog, and Nicodemus at a formal dinner. We examined how each table revealed the social and spiritual realities of its participants. A key conversation was Nicodemus’s wife reflecting on beauty created amid imperfection (tapestry from the Maccabees era), raising questions about art, morality, and religious practice.
Summary: The varied Sabbath scenes highlight community, exclusion, and formality, contrasting hollow ritual with humble, grace-filled fellowship.
Bible verses mentioned: Deuteronomy 6:4 (the Shema, in the broader Sabbath context noted later); Proverbs 31 (recited by Nicodemus); references to Sabbath themes.
Stories discussed: The four Sabbath meals; Nicodemus’s wife and the tapestry (Maccabees reference).
3) The Humanity of Jesus and the Misfits
We noted Jesus’s relatable humanity—such as His playful wink after the “Nazareth” joke. Mary’s Sabbath table portrayed the awkward reintegration of someone long excluded, echoing the woman who bled for twelve years. The scene captured a community of outcasts and misfits drawn together by Jesus’s call. We also addressed the show’s artistic license (e.g., who calls Jesus “teacher” first, Mary’s early calling) and the need to distinguish narrative choices from strict biblical chronology.
Summary: Jesus’s warm humanity and His fellowship with misfits show the nature of His kingdom—welcoming the unclean and marginalized into grace-filled community.
Bible verses mentioned: Allusion to the healing narrative in the Gospels (woman with the issue of blood); general references to Jesus calling disciples.
Stories discussed: The woman who bled for twelve years; Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners; early disciple interactions.
4) The Isolation and Character of Matthew
Matthew appears on the spectrum, explaining his rule-bound logic and fearless confrontation with Roman official Quintus. He experiences deep familial estrangement—his father says he “has no son.” A poignant scene shows Matthew buying a Sabbath meal, looking in on his family’s celebration, then returning to eat with his dog in an alley. The group connected this to the pain some feel on holidays like Father’s Day.
Summary: Matthew’s isolation and precise logic underscore the ache of estrangement and the longing for home that Jesus’s call ultimately answers.
Bible verses mentioned: None explicitly tied to Matthew’s scene here, though themes relate to Jesus calling sinners.
Stories discussed: Matthew’s life before being called; Matthew’s lonely Sabbath meal with his dog.
5) Nicodemus’s Search for Truth
Nicodemus initially believes he healed Mary but learns from her that “someone else” called her by name and said, “You are mine.” This shatters his pride and reveals the emptiness of his formal Sabbath observance, pushing him toward genuine pursuit of truth and an encounter with divine power beyond his understanding.
Summary: Nicodemus moves from pride to humility, recognizing the limits of ritual and the necessity of a true encounter with Jesus.
Bible verses mentioned: Isaiah 43:1 (echoed through Mary’s testimony); Proverbs 31 (earlier at his Sabbath table).
Stories discussed: Nicodemus’s encounter with healed Mary Magdalene.
6) A Transformed Life vs. Empty Ritual
We contrasted Mary’s heartfelt, freedom-filled Sabbath with Nicodemus’s scholarly, rote observance. Mary’s testimony—“I was one way, and now I am completely different”—captured the essence of transformation. Nicodemus’s lifeless recitation of Proverbs 31 highlighted the difference between duty and devotion.
Summary: True faith is relational and transformative, moving us from hollow performance to joyful worship born of grace.
Bible verses mentioned: Proverbs 31.
Stories discussed: Mary Magdalene’s healing and first Sabbath celebration; Nicodemus’s ritualistic Sabbath.
7) The Power of Testimony and Miracles
We affirmed that a changed life is a powerful witness. Miracles validate Jesus’s authority—“if you don’t believe me, believe the miracle.” Mary’s deliverance connects with John 9’s healed blind man: once blind, now seeing. Testimony and miracles together point to Jesus’s identity.
Summary: Personal testimony, confirmed by miracles, is compelling evidence of Jesus’s divinity and transformative power.
Bible verses mentioned: John 9 (man born blind).
Stories discussed: Jesus healing the sick and casting out demons; the blind man’s testimony.
8) Isolation and Community
Sin isolates—seen in Matthew (with his dog), Simon fishing on the Sabbath, and Nicodemus’s scholarly solitude. In contrast, Mary’s Sabbath meal models the community Jesus creates, even symbolically placing Jesus in Elijah’s seat, pointing to fulfillment and presence.
Summary: Jesus breaks isolation and builds fellowship, drawing the excluded into a new family centered on His presence.
Bible verses mentioned: Deuteronomy 6:4 (the Shema); liturgical blessings over bread and wine (Sabbath prayers).
Stories discussed: Mary hosting a communal Sabbath dinner; Simon fishing on the Sabbath.
9) Jesus and the Children: A Model for Discipleship
We discussed the episode where Jesus teaches children, showing how one must become like a child to enter the kingdom. He teaches foundational truths (the Lord’s Prayer, the Shema), reframes “eye for an eye” with God’s justice and mercy, and references David sparing Saul. The children’s quick grasp was noted: “It seems like the kids caught on quicker than the disciples did.”
Summary: Childlike humility and teachability exemplify how Jesus forms disciples—patiently revealing a kingdom of mercy over vengeance.
Bible verses mentioned: Matthew 18:3 (become like children); Matthew 6:9–13 (the Lord’s Prayer); Deuteronomy 6:4 (the Shema); Deuteronomy 32:35 (“Vengeance is mine”); background texts on “eye for an eye” (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21).
Stories discussed: Jesus teaching children; David sparing King Saul’s life.
10) Isaiah 61 and Jesus’s Mission
We read Isaiah 61:1–2: good news to the poor, binding up the brokenhearted, freedom for captives, release from darkness, the year of the Lord’s favor. This framed Jesus’s compassion for outcasts and the lowly, contrasting human retribution with God’s comforting justice.
Summary: Isaiah 61 encapsulates Jesus’s liberating mission—mercy, healing, and favor for the marginalized.
Bible verses mentioned: Isaiah 61:1–2; Romans 12:19 (“Vengeance is mine”); “eye for an eye” background (Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21).
Stories discussed: Episode depictions of ministry to the poor and outcast.
11) The Tension in Jesus’s Teaching: Peace and Division
We wrestled with Jesus blessing peacemakers (Beatitudes) while also saying He brings a “sword” that can divide families (Matthew 10:34–36). Faithful discipleship may require separation from sinful influences and challenging cultural norms. The Chosen’s comfort emphasis was balanced by the cost of allegiance to Jesus.
Summary: Discipleship embraces paradox—Jesus’s peace alongside the real divisions that allegiance to Him can cause.
Bible verses mentioned: Matthew 5:3–12 (Beatitudes), especially Matthew 5:9; Matthew 10:34–36.
Stories discussed: Episode imagery of peacemaking and relational strain due to following Jesus.
12) Concluding Exhortation: “Give Them Jesus”
We closed by urging a holistic witness: present Jesus in His fullness—compassion for the broken, miracles and mercy, and a demanding call to repentance and loyal discipleship.
Summary: Our call is to give people Jesus Himself—His tender heart and His uncompromising claim on our lives.
Medium-Length Final Summary
On June 18, 2026 at 14:47:33, our Bible study used The Chosen to explore the heart of Jesus’s ministry and the nature of true discipleship. We began with Mary Magdalene’s redemption, recognizing the power of storytelling to convey Jesus’s mercy. Episode two’s Shabbat scenes contrasted hollow ritual with humble fellowship, highlighting Matthew’s isolation, Nicodemus’s emerging humility, and a table of misfits finding belonging. We affirmed that testimony and miracles together witness to Christ’s identity, while sin isolates and Jesus builds community. Jesus’s interactions with children modeled discipleship—humble, teachable, grounded in foundational truths like the Shema and the Lord’s Prayer, moving from “eye for an eye” to mercy, as seen when David spared Saul. Isaiah 61 framed His mission to the poor and brokenhearted, and the Beatitudes reminded us He blesses peacemakers, even as Matthew 10:34–36 warns that allegiance to Him can create familial division. We concluded with “give them Jesus,” committing to present both His compassionate heart for outcasts and His costly call to follow Him.
Main Points
Storytelling over dogma: narrative power communicates Jesus’s redemption deeply.
The meaning of the Sabbath: beyond ritual—community, rest, presence with God.
Jesus and the misfits: He gathers outcasts into a grace-filled community.
The pain of exclusion: Mary and Matthew embody estrangement and longing for home.
Search for truth: Nicodemus moves from prideful ritual to genuine pursuit of Jesus.
A changed life is powerful testimony; miracles validate Jesus’s authority.
Sin isolates; faith in Christ builds fellowship.
Childlike discipleship: humility and teachability are essential.
Jesus’s kingdom emphasizes mercy over vengeance.
Discipleship’s tension: peacemaking alongside divisions caused by allegiance to Jesus.
Artistic license: The Chosen reorders events for narrative aims—distinguish from literal chronology.
Exhortation: “Give them Jesus”—present His compassion and His call.
Bible Scriptures Mentioned
Isaiah 43:1
Isaiah 61:1–2
Deuteronomy 6:4 (the Shema)
Matthew 6:9–13 (the Lord’s Prayer)
Matthew 5:3–12 (Beatitudes), especially Matthew 5:9
Matthew 10:34–36
Matthew 18:3
John 9 (man born blind)
Deuteronomy 32:35 (“Vengeance is mine”)
Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21 (“eye for an eye” background)
Proverbs 31
Stories and Images Discussed
Mary Magdalene’s deliverance and first Sabbath celebration
The woman who bled for twelve years and was healed
Jesus eating with tax collectors and sinners
The calling and early interactions of disciples (Thaddeus, James, Peter)
The four Sabbath meals (Jesus’s group, Mary’s table, Matthew’s lonely meal with his dog, Nicodemus’s formal dinner)
Nicodemus’s encounter with healed Mary and his ritualistic Sabbath
Matthew’s estrangement and alley meal
Simon fishing on the Sabbath
Jesus teaching children; children grasping the message quickly
David sparing King Saul’s life
Isaiah 61 imagery of mercy and liberation
Beatitudes and the tension of peace and division
The tapestry story (Maccabees reference) and art amid imperfection
The Great Divorce Chapters 11 - Thursday Bible Study
On June 18, 2026, our class explored sin’s inward curve, creation’s praise, and the redemptive power of Christ through C. S. Lewis’s imagery in The Great Divorce, discussing how unresolved grief and lust can become idolatry and how surrendering our deepest attachments leads to glorious transformation.
Great Divorce Chapters 11
This is our 7th class on The Book
This is an AI Recap of the class.
Some things may be incorrect.
Short Summary of the Whole Class
During our Bible study session on June 18, 2026, we delved into the latter half of chapter 11 of C. S. Lewis’s The Great Divorce. The conversation centered on the difficult themes of grief, lust, and idolatry, connecting the story of a grieving mother with a man carrying a red lizard on his shoulder. We discussed Martin Luther's concept of sin as "curving inward" and how this self-absorption creates isolation. The central idea was the necessity of "letting go" and surrendering our controlling desires to God, as symbolized by the painful but liberating killing of the lizard, which ultimately transforms into a magnificent stallion. We reflected on how redeemed desire is not erased but made new and powerful, why we must hold earthly loves loosely, and how creation itself rejoices in God's redemptive work.
Section-by-Section Walkthrough
Here is a breakdown of the discussion from our class on June 18, 2026.
1. The Dangers of Misguided Love and Grief
We began by revisiting the story of the mother whose love for her deceased son has become an all-consuming, controlling force. The key quote framing our discussion was, "You cannot love a fellow creature, fully until you love God." This led to a debate about the nature of her grief. It was argued that the issue was not the grief itself, but that it had become misguided and possessive, a "deficit" of true love that would drag a loved one into misery. Her sorrow stemmed from a loss of control over her son’s life rather than simply his absence. She wanted him back to satisfy her own need to possess and manage him, turning her love into a form of idolatry. This was contrasted with the upward call of discipleship, where love relinquishes control and trusts Christ’s transforming work. We noted the Christian call is to grieve, but to do so "with hope."
Section Summary: The mother’s story illustrates that even a powerful, natural love can become corrupt when it isn’t centered on God. Her grief was less about her son’s well-being and more about her loss of control, highlighting the danger of allowing our attachments to become idols that consume us.
Bible Verses Mentioned: 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Colossians 3:1-3, Matthew 10:37-39.
Stories Mentioned: The story of the grieving mother in The Great Divorce.
2. Sin as Curving Inward: Agency, Grief, and Idolatry
A significant portion of our discussion revolved around the concept of sin as "curving inward," a theme from Luther and Augustine that creates isolation and self-focus. This was linked to the "gray town" image where people, by grasping for themselves, breed loneliness. We questioned whether grief, which often feels passive, has "agency" like active sins such as lust. The conversation shifted to how grief can become a sin when we refuse to move forward and instead use it as a tool, turning it into our entire identity. Lewis’s point is that any good thing—a mother's love, patriotism, art—can become demonic if it turns away from God. The root of all these struggles is the fundamental human sin: the desire to be God, controlling our own lives and those of others. This desire is a violation of the first commandment. We also touched on the intellectual idolatry of making certainty itself an idol, rather than trusting in Jesus.
Section Summary: Sin curves us inward, creating isolation. While grief is a natural response, it becomes sinful when we actively choose to let it define us, placing our sorrow and desire for control above God. This rebellion, making something other than God our ultimate focus, is where sin's agency lies, stemming from a desire to be our own god.
Bible Verses Mentioned: Exodus 20:3 (The Ten Commandments), Luke 14:26-27, Philippians 3:7-8, Romans 7 (thematic connection).
Stories Mentioned: The "gray town" imagery; Pete Enns's "The Sin of Certainty."
3. Letting Go: The Story of the Man and the Lizard
The discussion then moved to the second story in the chapter: the man with the chattering red lizard on his shoulder, which represents lust. This serves as a powerful metaphor for surrendering sin. The man is hesitant to let the angel kill the lizard, fearing the pain and loss of his identity. This echoes Christian discipleship: taking up the cross and dying to self to follow Jesus. The angel's statement, "I cannot kill that against your will," emphasizes that our transformation requires consent. We drew a parallel to addiction recovery, where confession—like AA’s “I am an alcoholic”—is the honest naming that opens the door to change, and the lizard’s lie, “It’ll be different this time,” mirrors the cycle of addiction.
Section Summary: The man and the lizard illustrate that sanctification requires our willing participation. True freedom begins with honest confession and courageous surrender, echoing the gospel call to die to self rather than live enslaved by sin.
Bible Verses Mentioned: Genesis 3, Luke 9:23, Romans 6:6-11, Galatians 2:20.
Stories Mentioned: The man with the red lizard; addiction and recovery narratives (AA).
4. The Crimson Grip and Transformed Desire
We explored the imagery of the angel seizing the lizard with a "crimson grip." We discussed whether "crimson" evokes Christ’s blood, cleansing, and sacrificial love, connecting it to hymns about the "crimson flow" and scriptural imagery of the Lamb who was slain. The man’s eventual permission leads to a painful "death" of the lizard, which is then resurrected into a magnificent, white stallion. The man becomes a "new-made man"—solid and whole. This symbolizes that when we surrender our twisted desires, they are not merely destroyed but are transformed into something powerful and glorious that carries us closer to Him. We noted Lewis’s contrast: lust is a “poor, weak, whispering thing” compared to the richness of true desire that arises when lust is killed and raised.
Section Summary: The "crimson" language points to Christ’s costly, purifying work. When we surrender our sin to God, it is not just destroyed but is redeemed and transformed—lizard to stallion—into a strength that propels us toward holiness.
Bible Verses Mentioned: Revelation 5:6, Revelation 19:13, Hebrews 9:14, Romans 12:1-2, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Stories Mentioned: The "crimson grip" imagery; Mary Magdalene’s line from The Chosen: “I was one thing, but now I am another.”
5. Death, Resurrection, and Creation's Song
The lizard-to-horse image illustrates the principle of death and resurrection. Cris read a passage describing how "nothing—not even the lowest—will not be raised if it submits to death." We clarified that choosing "death" (separation from God) can be final, but death in Christ leads to resurrection. This connects to Paul’s teaching: "It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body." This transformation is not just personal; Cris also read a passage describing creation itself rejoicing with a song "too large to hear," shaking with praise. This echoes the biblical theme that all creation celebrates God. The "song" speaks of mastery and rest, where what once opposed becomes "obedient fire," tying to the biblical promise to "the one who overcomes."
Section Summary: True spiritual strength emerges through death and resurrection. When disordered desires die, they are raised into powerful, holy desires. This redemptive pattern is celebrated by all of creation, which joins in a song of praise, echoing the biblical promise that those who overcome share in Christ's reign.
Bible Verses Mentioned: 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 1 Corinthians 15:50, Luke 19:40, Revelation 2-3.
Stories Mentioned: Lewis’s lizard-to-horse transformation; Lewis’s descriptive scene of creation singing; mentions of the Narnia series.
6. Holding Gifts Loosely and Closing
We turned to practical application: hold blessings—people, possessions, ministries—loosely. We referenced Luther’s hymn "A Mighty Fortress" ("should they take our house, goods, honor, child, or spouse… they cannot win the day"), emphasizing that Christ’s victory stands even when earthly things are lost. A seminary professor’s illustration of hurricanes as "mighty winds" reframes fear, reminding us that not all loss is ultimate defeat. This applies to parenting ("If you love someone, set them free") and avoiding the temptation to clutch our homes or ministries too tightly. The call to repentance is always in the present moment. We concluded by acknowledging the chapter's depth and planned to continue with the "Sarah Smith" episode next time.
Section Summary: We applied Lewis’s insights to daily discipleship: trusting Christ’s victory, releasing our grip on people and possessions, and practicing vigilant, non-possessive love. We must act in the "now" and prepare to continue our study next session.
Bible Verses Mentioned: Psalm 46 (themes in "A Mighty Fortress").
Stories Mentioned: Luther’s hymn "A Mighty Fortress"; a seminary professor’s "mighty wind" metaphor; anecdotes about parenting and ministry; anticipation of the "Sarah Smith" episode.
Medium-Length Summary of the Class
On June 18, 2026, our Bible study traced the spiritual arc in C. S. Lewis's The Great Divorce from sin’s self-curving isolation to liberating surrender. Beginning with Luther’s insight, we connected inward-turning sin to loneliness and the “gray town” of grasping selves. We examined how even a noble emotion like a mother's love can become a "false religion" when it turns into a selfish desire for control. Reading Lewis’s vivid scene of the angel and the lizard, we confronted the fear that killing our lusts will kill us, recognizing the gospel truth that it is better to die to sin than live enslaved. The "crimson grip" led us into Scripture’s blood imagery, seeing Christ’s costly purification at the heart of transformation. We rejoiced that redeemed desire doesn’t vanish but is transfigured—lizard to stallion—carrying the new-made person toward the mountains. Practically, we emphasized holding blessings and relationships loosely, trusting Christ’s victory even when earthly things are shaken, echoing themes from Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress.” The class closed by noting the chapter’s intensity and preparing to study the “Sarah Smith” episode next.
Main Points
Sin curves us inward, producing isolation and self-absorption.
Any created thing or natural love can become a source of evil if not centered on God.
True transformation and freedom from sin require our active consent and willingness to "let go."
Discipleship involves death to self; surrender may feel like death but leads to true life.
Christ’s “crimson” work (His blood) purifies and empowers transformation.
Desire is redeemed, not erased—transformed from a weak lust into a powerful strength for the journey toward God.
Good loves become idols when absolutized; we must trust Christ over certainty and control.
True love follows Christ upward, relinquishing possessive demands and embracing transformation.
The call to repentance is always in the present moment.
Bible Scriptures Mentioned
Genesis 3: The serpent’s temptation in the Garden of Eden.
Exodus 20:3: The first commandment: no other gods before Me.
Psalm 46: Themes reflected in “A Mighty Fortress.”
1 Thessalonians 4:13: Grieving with hope.
Matthew 10:37-39: Lose your life for Christ to find it.
Luke 9:23: Take up the cross and follow Jesus.
Luke 14:26-27: Allegiance to Christ above all.
Luke 19:40: "The stones will cry out."
Romans 6:6-11: Die to sin, live to God in Christ.
Romans 12:1-2: Be transformed by the renewing of the mind.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20: Glorify God in your body.
1 Corinthians 15:42-44: "Sown a natural body, raised a spiritual body."
1 Corinthians 15:50: "Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God."
2 Corinthians 5:17: New creation in Christ.
Galatians 2:20: Crucified with Christ; Christ lives in me.
Philippians 3:7-8: Counting all as loss for the sake of Christ.
Colossians 3:1-3: Seek the things that are above.
Hebrews 9:14: The blood of Christ purifies our conscience.
Revelation 2-3: Promises to "the one who overcomes."
Revelation 5:6: The Lamb who was slain.
Revelation 19:13: Christ’s robe dipped in blood.
Stories and References Discussed
C. S. Lewis Imagery: The grieving mother, the man with the red lizard, the "gray town," the "crimson grip," and the lizard’s transformation into a stallion.
Narnia series: Mentioned as an example of Lewis’s creativity.
The Chosen: Mary Magdalene’s testimony, “I was one thing, but now I am another.”
AA/Recovery narratives: The role of confession (“I am an alcoholic”) and long-term sobriety.
Martin Luther's hymn "A Mighty Fortress": Referenced for its theme of trusting God amid loss.
Pete Enns’s “The Sin of Certainty”: A warning against making certainty an idol.
A seminary professor's "mighty wind" illustration: A metaphor for reframing fear and loss.
Westerns and Far Side humor: Playful images of riding into the sunset.
Anticipation of the "Sarah Smith" episode: For the next class session.
![[Sunday] The Lord is My Shepherd - Psalm 23 - Foolish Wisdom](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1781221669135-RXD6QONVXVWRHXC34MS0/FW8a.jpg)
[Sunday] The Lord is My Shepherd - Psalm 23 - Foolish Wisdom
A more in depth look at the most popular psalm in the Bible, and also one that you have probably never heard discussed in a sermon.
A more in depth look at the most popular psalm in the Bible, and also one that you have probably never heard discussed in a sermon.
What Had happened at Grace this week.
![Guys Night in June [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1781220668311-KH8J8SKXE1SJXMN19XQE/20260604_180022.jpg)
Guys Night in June [Photos]
We had a great time at guys' night at the Thirsty Turtle
Between celebrating Pastor Cris's birthday and eating plenty of wings thanks to the "Baldy" deal, we had a great time at guys' night at the Thirsty Turtle and can't wait for the next one!
![Summer Bible Club 26’ First Night [Photos]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5852f18a20099e30cd2c01dc/1781220283245-F3EU4HOWBS2HBOOXB211/IMG_8080.jpeg)
Summer Bible Club 26’ First Night [Photos]
For our first night of Summer Bible Club, the kids had a blast learning about Moses through crafts, games, and their guide parrot Beacon, while the adults kicked off a great new study on The Chosen.
Summer Bible Club is officially underway, and our first night was a great success!
The kids enjoyed a wonderful lesson with their guide parrot, Beacon, learning about Moses in the basket through engaging crafts and games.
At the same time, our adult group began their new study on The Chosen. Thank you to everyone who joined us for a great kickoff!
Let’s celebrate our country’s 250th anniversary together with good food, good friends, and good fun!