What is the meaning of Advent? Why do some Christian traditions celebrate it and others don't?

Christians believe that the Triune God is the Creator of seasons. Winter and Spring don't come about by accident. He controls the weather, and "Nature" obeys Him.

We also believe that the Triune God is Lord of "History." And that He has acted in time to shape its course. The liturgical calendar marks and memorializes these acts, these events.

Advent is a season to celebrate Jesus' first coming and to anticipate and wait for His second coming. We remember His Incarnation and hope for His Coming Judgment of the living and the dead.

In this episode, Peter, Kyle, and Pastor Nate reflect on the season of Advent, the purpose of the liturgical calendar, and key features of Christian hope.

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Did Judas ruin the Lord’s Supper?

Seems like it.

The modern Church’s posture toward the Lord’s Supper is like a penitential whipping. We crucify ourselves for our sins as we remember His death. Heads hang low. Smiles are restrained. It’s all quite dour.

But this is not how the ancient Church practiced the Lord’s Supper. For them, it was a thanksgiving meal. It was a celebration of their Lord's life, death, and resurrection. They feasted, sang their lungs out, and they rejoiced.

Join Peter, Kyle, and Pastor Nate as they reflect on weekly communion, the command to celebrate, and how to eat the body and drink the blood of Christ as we remember our Lord until He returns.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/

Wingtip Oxfords need shining.

Dishes need washing.

Suits need dry cleaning.

The Temple needs cleansing.

Don't be afraid of reformation in the Church.

Join Kyle, Peter, and Pastor Nate as they discuss division in the local church, reformation and transformation, and the need for revival in this Season One finale of We Make Christians.

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Is it okay to get angry? Should Christians get angry?

Anger is a God-given emotion. And there are times and circumstances in which the most Christian thing you can do is to get angry. (Christians should never become complacent when it comes to corruption, crime, and bad behavior.) But when you let the emotion rise to the level of passion, it becomes a problem. Anger isn't sinful, but it could lead to sin. Don’t let it go there.

Join Kyle, Peter, and Pastor Nate as they discuss righteous anger, how anxiety can help you trust Jesus, and what it means to be sober-minded in this episode of We Make Christians.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/

Are pastors allowed to make mistakes? What does it look like for a congregation to forgive? In our neighborhood—the South Hills of Pittsburgh—performism and perfectionism are the soup of the day. Every day. How has this influenced our expectations of others in the church? Do we, as Christians, have the gracious margin for allowing mistakes and welcoming healing? Or are saints expected to operate in a mistake-free zone? Join Kyle, Peter, and Pastor Nate as they discuss holiness, forgiveness, cancel culture, and the tyranny of perfectionism in this tenth episode of We Make Christians.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/

Parenting is ardous and laborious. But it's also rewarding and significant. The Lord has blessed our congregation with a heritage and we get to form tiny image-bearers, prepare future worshippers, and educate citizens of His kingdom. When it comes to the worship service on the Lord's Day, don't buy the lie that children are a distraction or disruption. That's not how Jesus sees things. But how do we incorporate them into the Body while we worship? Join Kyle, Peter, and Pastor Nate as they discuss parenting in the pew and making little Christians in this ninth episode of We Make Christians.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/

Jesus isn't wondering who will win this 2024 Presidential Election. He isn't worried that He will be ousted from His throne. He is in control, and we can have proper confidence that He is actively reigning, no matter the outcome. But how shall we then vote? How should Christians think about Church and State relations? Are we allowed to stick our heads in the sand for a while? In this eighth episode of We Make Christians, join Kyle, Peter, and Pastor Nate as they discuss how to be a faithful and active church in the midst of a tumultuous election season.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/

What do you do when you get frustrated, disappointed, angry, or sad? What do you tell yourself? “Get over it.” “It’s their fault.” “This is too much to handle, Lord.” Or, "He is sovereign." "Lord, help me let go and give this to you." In this seventh episode of We Make Christians, join Kyle, Peter, and Pastor Nate as they discuss trusting in the Lord during difficult times and the need for Christians to repent, believe, and forgive on a daily basis.

https://beverlyheights.org/ | https://theparrhesians.com/