In this episode, we dive deep into the parable that challenges our notions of fairness and generosity. Why do we feel envy when others receive blessings we think they don’t deserve? This story isn’t just about labourers; it’s a message about the kingdom of God where everyone has enough.

What if the true essence of this parable is a reminder that generosity can redefine our understanding of fairness? It’s not about what we earn but the grace we receive.

So, let’s reflect: Are we ready to embrace a world where generosity reigns over competition? What does that look like for you?

This series was originally preached at James’ church Wellspring Worship Centre - a diverse and Jesus loving community found in Toronto.

In this engaging interview, Meredith Miller shares her insights on teaching the Bible to children and adults, emphasizing wonder, imagination, and faithfulness. Discover how her approach transforms biblical storytelling into a space of curiosity and trust, fostering a deeper connection with God’s story.

You can check out Meredith’s substack here (and you really should)

And you can subscribe to Danielle’s substack below

Mark 10

And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” And the disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said to them again, “Children, how difficult it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.” And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” Peter began to say to him, “See, we have left everything and followed you.” Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Summary

In this episode of "Right Side Up," Danielle Strickland and James Sholl explore the concept of viewing the world through a different lens, particularly in how we interpret the Bible. They discuss the importance of challenging traditional perspectives and the impact of wealth on spiritual life.

The conversation delves into the story of the rich man in the Bible, emphasizing Jesus' unique expression of love towards him and the broader implications of wealth as a perceived blessing. The hosts reflect on societal norms, inherited wealth, and the transformative power of generosity, encouraging listeners to practice giving as a way to combat scarcity mindsets. They also touch on cultural insights from the Blackfoot tribe, contrasting them with Western individualism.

This series was originally preached at James’ church Wellspring Worship Centre - a diverse and Jesus loving community found in Toronto.

Acts 6

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Summary

In this episode of "Right Side Up," Danielle Strickland and James Sholl explore themes of inclusion, power dynamics, and community within the early church, as depicted in Acts 6. They discuss how the early church addressed issues of neglect and racism by empowering marginalized groups, specifically the Hellenists, to lead and distribute resources. This approach is highlighted as a model for modern communities to correct systemic imbalances and foster inclusivity. The conversation emphasizes the importance of listening to underrepresented voices and sharing power to reflect the spirit of the gospel.

This series was originally preached at James’ church Wellspring Worship Centre - a diverse and Jesus loving community found in Toronto.

John 4

Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John— although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples. So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.

Now he had to go through Samaria. So he came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.)

The Samaritan woman said to him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?”

Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

“I have no husband,” she replied.

Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

“Sir,” the woman said, “I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews. Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”

The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you—I am he.”

Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

Then, leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward him.

Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something.”

But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”

Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food?”

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest. Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they urged him to stay with them, and he stayed two days. And because of his words many more became believers.

They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

This series was originally preached at James’ church Wellspring Worship Centre - a diverse and Jesus loving community found in Toronto.

John 8:2-11

At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Painting by Yongsung Kim

This series was originally preached at James’ church Wellspring Worship Centre - a diverse and Jesus loving community found in Toronto.

Matthew 14:22-31

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 23. Later that night, he was there alone, 24 and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25 Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

27 But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

28 “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

29 “Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Can’t you just hear the disappointment

Once again Peter you’ve tried and you failed.

Much better to be those disciples who didn’t try at all. And the artwork around this…really reflects Peter’s failure.

But what if we read this differently. What if read this as Jesus helps Peter walk on water.

This series was originally preached at James’ church Wellspring Worship Centre - a diverse and Jesus loving community found in Toronto.

For the next few weeks we shall be focusing on some of the sub-headings in the bible - things that translators have added to help make the bible more accessible. But also take a closer look at how they can sometimes miss a lot of the story.

These sub-headings shape our reading of the text. If a sub- heading tells me about a prodigal son I’m not likely to pay as much attention to the other characters in the parable. Ultimately these subtitles were put there by people, often with very good intentions to help make the bible easier to read…but sometimes they miss the point. And sometimes scripture is just so rich that there is no way that a few words could sum it up.

So join us as we flip the script and dig deeper into the scripture that we love so much.

Here is the picture of the NIV translation team that we mentioned in the podcast

This series was originally preached at James’ church Wellspring Worship Centre - a diverse and Jesus loving community found in Toronto.

Summary

Pastor Brian Zahnd shares his spiritual journey from the Jesus movement to a more contemplative faith, emphasizing the importance of prayer, pilgrimage, and prophetic witness in today’s church. The discussion explores themes of deconstruction, renewal, and the transformative power of slow, intentional spiritual practices.

“I try to write what I cannot not write.”

Key Topics

Spiritual journey from the Jesus movement to contemplative faith

The role of prayer and prayer school in spiritual renewal

Pilgrimage as a spiritual discipline and renewal tool

The impact of cultural and political shifts on faith and church

This book looks even more beautiful in real life!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Brian Zahnd

02:51 Brian’s Journey and Transformation

05:43 Critique of American Christianity

08:32 The Role of Prayer in Spiritual Awakening

11:09 The Importance of Liturgy and Community

13:42 The Future of Brian’s Work and Writing

16:36 Pilgrimage and Spiritual Practices

24:09 The Camino de Santiago: A Journey of Transformation

28:33 Walking into Peace: The Impact of Pilgrimage

30:03 The Slow Pace of Life: Embracing Simplicity

33:36 Contemplative Leadership: A New Model for the Church

38:12 Navigating Conflict with Grace: The Cost of Compassion

43:16 Finding Wisdom in Stillness: A Prayer for Patience

Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Summary

In this episode of "The Right Side Up," hosts James Sholl and Danielle Strickland engage in a profound conversation with Dorothy Greco about her book, "For the Love of Women: Uprooting and Healing Misogyny in America." The discussion delves into the complexities of misogyny, exploring its pervasive impact across various spheres of life, including healthcare, the workplace, and the church. Greco shares her personal journey, highlighting her experiences as a woman navigating a male-dominated world and the importance of addressing misogyny to foster healing and empowerment for women. The conversation emphasizes the need for men to listen, learn, and become allies in the fight against misogyny, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and equitable society.

'You can't heal what you won't name and talk about.'

Takeaways

* ‘You can’t heal what you won’t name and talk about.’

* ‘Misogyny is a persistent, insidious belief that men’s ideas are more important than women’s.’

* ‘If you don’t fit the stereotype, you feel the effects of rejection and identity issues.’

* ‘Change is hard work, and it takes a long time to challenge presuppositions.’

* ‘Men need to learn what it means to listen to and value women.’

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dorothy Greco and Her Book

01:04 Dorothy’s Background and Journey

08:55 Defining Misogyny and Its Impact

16:37 Men as Allies in the Fight Against Misogyny

23:55 The Role of the Church in Addressing Misogyny

30:16 Transformative Change and Empowerment for Women

40:35 Hope for Future Generations

Follow more of Dorothy’s work here

James, Danielle’s co-host, is the pastor of Wellspring Worship Centre in Toronto which you can find out more about here

Right Side Up: Danielle Strickland is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Summary

In this conversation, James Sholl and Danielle Strickland engage with Brian Recker, author of ‘Hell Bent’, discussing his journey from fundamentalism to a more expansive understanding of faith. They explore themes of deconstruction, the implications of hell in Christianity, and the importance of justice over punishment. The conversation emphasizes the need for authenticity in spirituality and the liberating experience of finding Jesus beyond traditional frameworks.

‘I began, very strongly, to feel that who we were in Evangelicalism did not reflect the spirituality of Jesus’

Takeaways

* Brian Recker’s book ‘Hell Bent’ explores the fear of hell in Christianity.

* Deconstruction often begins with questioning fundamental beliefs.

* The political climate can significantly impact one’s faith journey.

* Grieving the loss of traditional faith structures is a common experience.

* Finding Jesus outside of traditional frameworks can be liberating.

* The concept of hell often reflects a punitive view of God.

* Justice in Christianity should focus on restoration, not punishment.

* Fear-based spirituality can hinder genuine connection with God.

* Authenticity in faith leads to deeper belonging and community.

* The journey of faith can be both challenging and transformative.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background Noise

01:53 Introducing Brian Recker and His Book

03:51 Brian’s Journey from Fundamentalism to Evangelicalism

07:26 The Impact of Politics on Faith

11:23 Deconstruction and the Search for Authenticity

14:45 Encountering Jesus Amidst Deconstruction

18:33 Prayer and Spiritual Practices

22:04 Listening to Marginalized Voices

25:40 The Concept of Hell and Its Implications

29:57 The Nature of God’s Justice

32:20 Rethinking Judgment and Redemption

33:56 God vs. Empire: A New Perspective

35:56 The Consequences of Spirituality

37:48 The Role of Hell in Faith

42:56 Love Over Fear: A New Approach to Faith

47:36 Connecting with the Right God

53:51 Finding Genuine Belonging