Faith at Work

In this episode of Faith at Work, Pastor Harry Jarrett reflects on Paul’s visit to Athens in Acts 17 and the altar dedicated “to an unknown God.” Rather than beginning with condemnation, Paul begins with attention. He walks, observes, listens, and notices that the people of Athens are already reaching toward something holy, even if they cannot yet name it.Pastor Harry connects that story to our own lives in the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. Many of us know the feeling that something is missing, something worth our devotion, our creativity, and our love. This sermon invites us to see that longing not as failure, but as a doorway. God is not far away. As Paul says, “In him we live and move and have our being.” The sermon centers on the claim that our lives are already held inside the life of God.Drawing on Richard Rohr’s The Universal Christ, Pastor Harry explores the idea that Christ reveals what has always been true: God is present to creation, with creation, and within creation. The incarnation is not God’s sudden arrival after a long absence. It is the clearest revelation of God’s eternal nearness, love, and presence.This episode also reflects on the Trinity as a vision of divine relationship. At the center of the universe, Pastor Harry says, there is no lonely God. There is relationship, conversation, mutual love, and self-giving. If we are made in the image of this God, then we are made for “we,” not for an us-versus-them world.Faith at Work is the weekly sermon podcast from Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Virginia. Listen, like, share, and join the conversation. Subscribe on Substack at https://pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/podcast, learn more about Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren at https://pleasantvalleyalive.org/, and find online discussion and study guides at https://discipleship.pleasantvalleyalive.org. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s Faith at Work sermon, Pastor Harry Jarrett reflects on John 14 and Acts 7 to ask one of the questions many of us carry quietly into worship: Am I going to be okay?Jesus does not answer that question by promising that nothing painful will happen. Stephen’s story makes that clear. As the stones are coming toward him, Stephen is not temporally safe. Yet he sees heaven opened, sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and finds a kind of freedom that even violence cannot touch.This episode explores the difference between temporal safety and timeless safety. Temporal safety is what we usually mean when we pray for protection: keep danger away, keep illness away, keep conflict away, keep the people we love safe. Those are honest prayers. But the gospel offers something deeper than temporary protection. It offers the abiding presence of Christ at every waypoint in the journey.Drawing on John 14, Acts 7, Richard Rohr’s contemplative wisdom, and the prayer traditionally known as St. Patrick’s Breastplate, Pastor Harry invites us to trust that God’s safety is not the absence of suffering, but the presence of the One who has gone through suffering, death, and resurrection and remains with us still.Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation. Like, share, and comment wherever you listen. You can also follow along at Pastor Harry’s Substack, learn more about Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren at pleasantvalleyalive.org, and find online discussion and study guides at discipleship.pleasantvalleyalive.org. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s Faith at Work sermon from Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren, Pastor Harry Jarrett reflects on John 10:1–10 and Jesus’ surprising words, “I am the gate.” Rather than treating the image of the gate mainly as a boundary marker for who is in and who is out, this sermon returns to the physical world behind Jesus’ metaphor: a sheepfold with stone walls, thorn-covered edges, and no hinged door. The shepherd himself became the gate by lying across the opening, placing his own body between the sheep and whatever threatened them.From there, Pastor Harry invites us to hear Jesus’ claim as a promise of protection, freedom, and abundant life. The gate is not a theological toll booth. The gate is a person. Jesus stands in the vulnerable place, resisting thieves, bandits, false shepherds, abusive religious power, and everything that steals, kills, and destroys. In light of Easter, the cross becomes the ultimate expression of Jesus as the gate, the one who places himself between the flock and death, and the resurrection becomes the promise that the gate still holds.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt penned in by religion, wounded by spiritual authority, or unsure whether Jesus came to control us or set us free. The good news of John 10 is that Jesus is not here to lock the sheep away. He is here to keep them safe, lead them into pasture, and bring them into the fullness of life.Listen, like, share, and join the conversation. Subscribe at Pastor Harry’s Substack, learn more about Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren at pleasantvalleyalive.org, and continue the conversation with online discussion and study guides at discipleship.pleasantvalleyalive.org. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Faith at Work, Pastor Harry Jarrett of Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Virginia reflects on John 20 and the powerful truth that the life of Jesus cannot be contained by words alone. While the recorded words of Jesus in the Gospels can be read in just a few hours, the works of Jesus overflow the pages of scripture and continue into the life of the church today.This sermon explores the difference between admiring what Jesus said and actually doing what Jesus did. From the locked room where the risen Christ breathes peace on frightened disciples, to the ongoing call to continue the work of Jesus peacefully, simply, and together, this message invites listeners to see faith not as mere belief or correct doctrine, but as embodied action.What if the story of Jesus is not a closed archive, but a living account still being written through acts of mercy, welcome, healing, forgiveness, and love? This episode calls the church to move beyond talk and into practice, carrying forward the work of Christ in everyday life.Listen, reflect, and join the conversation at:https://pleasantvalleyalive.org/https://discipleship.pleasantvalleyalive.org/If this episode encourages you, please like, share, and comment. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

On this Easter episode of Faith at Work, Pastor Harry Jarrett of Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Virginia, invites listeners to reconsider one of life’s biggest questions. So much of modern life trains us to ask what should I do, what is my purpose, what path should I take? But Easter tells a deeper story. The most important question is not what. It is who.Drawing from the resurrection story of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, Pastor Harry reflects on how the risen Christ meets us not as an abstract idea, but as the One who knows us by name. In a world driven by achievement, productivity, and self-construction, this message offers a different center for life. We are not primarily made to accomplish, but to belong. We are not saved by building a perfect purpose. We are found in a relationship with the living Christ.This sermon explores grief, identity, purpose, and the healing power of presence. Mary stays at the tomb in love and sorrow, and there she becomes the first to hear her name spoken by the risen Jesus. Easter becomes not just a declaration that Christ is alive, but a personal invitation to reorient our lives around the One who has gone into the darkness ahead of us and returned.If you have ever felt exhausted, disoriented, or unsure whether all your striving has really brought you peace, this Easter message offers good news. Christ is risen. He knows your name. And even now, he asks, who are you looking for?Listen and subscribe: https://pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/podcastLearn more about Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren: https://pleasantvalleyalive.org/Explore the online discussion and study guides:https://discipleship.pleasantvalleyalive.org/Like, share, and comment to help more people discover this Easter message of hope. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

On this Palm Sunday episode of Faith at Work, Pastor Harry Jarrett of Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Virginia reflects on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and the question at the center of Holy Week. The crowd wanted to know what Jesus would do, but the deeper question was who Jesus truly is. As the city trembled with expectation, Jesus rode in not on a war horse but on a borrowed donkey, choosing humility, love, and surrender over force and spectacle.This message invites us to see Palm Sunday not simply as a celebration, but as a moment of decision. It is not enough to admire Jesus or agree with him. The real question is whether our beliefs are shaping the direction of our lives. Are we following Jesus only when he fits our expectations, or are we willing to walk with him all the way toward the cross, the table, the towel, and the difficult road of love?In this sermon, Pastor Harry explores the tension between the crowd’s hopes for power and Jesus’ way of sacrificial love. He reminds us that the distance between “Hosanna” and “Crucify Him” is shorter than we like to imagine, and that Holy Week calls us to more than sincere praise. It calls us to follow.Listen now, then join the conversation. Like, share, and comment. Subscribe at https://pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/podcastLearn more about the church at https://pleasantvalleyalive.org/Explore the online discussion and study guides at https://discipleship.pleasantvalleyalive.org/ Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s Faith at Work message, Pastor Harry Jarrett of Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Virginia reflects on Ezekiel 37 and John 11, bringing together the valley of dry bones and the raising of Lazarus in a sermon about hope, resurrection, and the calling of the church. In both texts, the picture is clear. What lies before God’s people seems beyond saving, beyond restoring, beyond hope. It is not just dead. It is dead dead.Yet this sermon does not stop at the possibility of God’s power. It presses deeper into the role of discipleship. Pastor Harry explores how God invites human participation in the work of restoration. Ezekiel is told to prophesy to the bones. The people around Lazarus are told to unbind him. Resurrection belongs to God, but the community is called to speak life, move stones, and help set people free.As the church approaches Holy Week, this message offers both comfort and challenge. Where do we see dry bones in our own lives, in our communities, and in the church? Where is God already at work bringing life, and where are we being called to show up with courage, patience, and open hands? This episode is a reminder that because we know God, we do not give up on what seems lost. We speak hope. We trust resurrection. And we join in the work of unbinding others for new life.Listen and subscribe on Substack:pastorharryjarrett.substack.comLearn more about Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren:pleasantvalleyalive.orgFind online discussion and study guides for this sermon:discipleship.pleasantvalleyalive.orgLike, share, and comment to help more people join the conversation. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

In this week’s message from Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Virginia, Pastor Harry Jarrett reflects on John 9, and the troubling question Jesus’ disciples ask when they encounter a man born blind: “Who sinned?” Rather than accepting a theology that blames suffering on personal failure or family guilt, Jesus refuses the framework entirely and turns toward the hurting person with compassion, presence, and healing.This sermon invites us to examine the kinds of questions we ask when we are faced with pain, loss, or hardship. Are we asking questions that assign blame, keep our distance, and protect our assumptions? Or are we asking better questions, questions that move us closer to those who suffer and open us to the healing work of God?With pastoral depth and vivid imagery, Pastor Harry explores how Jesus responds not with abstract explanation but with embodied grace. Kneeling in the dirt, making mud, and touching what others avoid, Jesus reveals a way of love that is personal, courageous, and restorative. This episode challenges listeners to let go of harmful spiritual assumptions and to follow Christ into the mud of real human need.This is a message for anyone wrestling with suffering, faith, healing, and the call to be present with others in their pain. It is also a timely word for the church as we learn again how to seek compassion over condemnation and presence over easy answers.Listen, reflect, and consider what better questions God may be calling you to ask.Subscribe and listen on Substack:https://pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/podcastLearn more about Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren:https://pleasantvalleyalive.org/Explore the online discussion and study guides for this sermon:https://discipleship.pleasantvalleyalive.org/Like, share, and comment to help others join the conversation. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Faith at Work, Pastor Harry Jarrett of Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Virginia, reflects on Jesus’ powerful encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well in John 4. Set in the heat of midday, this familiar story opens into a deeper invitation to see the humanity, dignity, and spiritual insight of the woman at the well in a fresh way.Pastor Harry explores how Jesus crosses boundaries of ethnicity, gender, religion, and social expectation, not with force, but with vulnerability. Jesus begins not by offering something, but by asking for something: “Give me a drink.” In that simple request, we discover a Savior who honors the gifts of others, challenges the walls we build, and invites us into the living water of God’s grace.This sermon speaks directly to Lent as a season of honest questions, spiritual thirst, and courageous encounter. What walls need to be named? What is Jesus asking of us? What do we most deeply need from God right now? Through this text, Pastor Harry invites listeners to consider how Christ still meets us at the wells of ordinary life and calls us into transformation, reconciliation, and witness.Listen, reflect, and join the conversation as we seek the living water that keeps giving.Subscribe and listen on Substack:https://pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/podcastLearn more about Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren:https://pleasantvalleyalive.org/Explore the online discussion and study guides for this sermon:https://discipleship.pleasantvalleyalive.orgLike, share, and comment to help more people join the conversation. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

What is the re-formation movement we are living through right now, and how should we participate as the Church of the Brethren? In this sermon, Pastor Harry Jarrett wraps up the Story of Movements series and offers a grounded picture of the church in our time: not a ruined barn, but a barn that needs sorting so the tools of mission are not buried under yesterday’s clutter.Turning to 1 Peter, we hear a call that is less about winning and more about becoming. We are named as a chosen people and a royal priesthood, and then given a simple, demanding way of life: live such good lives among your neighbors that goodness is visible even when you are misunderstood.From there, the message moves straight into the long night so many people are carrying, both privately and publicly. Instead of quick answers, we are invited into living hope at midnight, and into three practices for the road: do not be surprised by the fire, respond with gentleness and respect, and turn suffering into serving through love, hospitality, and humble acts of care.Listen in, and then join the conversation and the next faithful step.Substack podcast: https://pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/podcastPleasant Valley Church of the Brethren: https://pleasantvalleyalive.org/Online discussion and study guides: https://discipleship.pleasantvalleyalive.orgIf this episode encouraged you, please like, share, and comment so others can find it too. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Faith at Work, Pastor Harry Jarrett of Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren in Weyers Cave, Virginia, takes us back 500 years to the Great Reformation and asks what it means for our discipleship right now. Beginning with Martin Luther’s 95 Theses, Harry explores how a church in crisis became the birthplace of multiple reform movements, including the Anabaptists, who insisted on voluntary faith, a church separate from state power, and a costly commitment to peace.Along the way, Harry highlights a fascinating shared thread across reformers: the book of Galatians. Luther read Galatians as the heartbeat of justification by grace through faith; the Anabaptists embraced that grace while emphasizing Galatians as freedom for Spirit-shaped obedience, community, and enemy love. Harry then connects these streams to the Church of the Brethren, clarifying our roots in Radical Pietism and the founding witness of Alexander Mack, with practices like believer's baptism, the love feast, and feet washing, anointing for healing, simple living, and a radical peace testimony.This is not just a history lesson. It is an invitation. What reformation does God require of us today? If we have lost conversion, costly discipleship, distinctive practices, separation from cultural captivity, or the substance of our peace witness, what might faithfulness look like now? With urgency and hope, Harry calls listeners to a fresh reformation marked by trust in Christ, daily cross bearing, genuine community, reconciliation, and generous simplicity. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Faith at Work, we explore one of Christianity’s most pivotal moments—the Great Schism of 1054, when Eastern and Western Christianity formally separated after centuries of growing tension.Journey back 500 years before the split to understand how different circumstances shaped two distinct Christian traditions. Discover how the collapse of the Western Roman Empire led to centralized church leadership in Rome, while the continuing Byzantine Empire in Constantinople fostered a more mystical, collaborative approach to faith.At the heart of this division was a seemingly small theological phrase—the Filioque (”and the Son”)—that carried massive consequences. Learn why this addition to the Nicene Creed sparked such intense debate and how scripture itself became weaponized in theological disputes.This historical exploration offers profound lessons for today’s fractured religious landscape. As we navigate our own divisions over doctrine, politics, and identity, the Great Schism reminds us what happens when certainty replaces humility, when fear governs faith, and when winning arguments becomes more important than maintaining community.Drawing wisdom from the Gospel of John, this message challenges us to choose conversation over condemnation, communion over control, and trust over fear. It’s a timely call to resist repeating history’s mistakes and to remember that unity doesn’t require uniformity—it requires love. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

What happens when everything falls apart? In this powerful episode, we explore how the sixth-century church found hope amid the collapse of Rome through the ancient wisdom of the Book of Job.Discover how Pope Gregory the Great turned to Job's story during one of history's most catastrophic periods—teaching Christians that suffering isn't divine punishment, honest lament is faithful prayer, and resurrection hope endures when civilizations crumble.From the desert fathers to Benedictine monasteries, learn how early Christians created islands of stability through voluntary poverty, contemplation, and patient endurance. Their response to chaos offers profound lessons for our own age of upheaval.This episode examines:• Why Job's story became foundational to medieval Christianity• How Gregory the Great's "Moralia in Job" reshaped theological thinking• The connection between Job's suffering and Jesus's innocent sacrifice• What the Beatitudes reveal about God's kingdom economics• How monastic communities preserved hope during the Dark Ages• Practical wisdom for navigating our own uncertain timesWhether you're wrestling with personal suffering, watching institutions crumble, or seeking faithful community in chaotic times, this episode offers theological depth and practical hope anchored in resurrection faith.If this episode resonated with you, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, share it with a friend wrestling with hard questions, or join the conversation on Substack where we dive deeper into faith, work, and the intersection of ancient wisdom and contemporary life.Subscribe so you never miss an episode exploring how faith shapes our work and our world. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Faith at Work: The New Kin-dom - Early Church Practices and WitnessEpisode DescriptionDiscover how the early Christian church lived out their faith in the first and second centuries through this compelling exploration of ancient Christian apologetics and historical accounts.Drawing from the remarkable Epistle to Diognetus (discovered in 1436 as fish market wrapping paper in Constantinople), alongside writings from Pliny the Younger and the book of Acts, this episode examines the distinctive practices that defined early Christian communities. Learn how these believers created a “new kinship, a new kin-dom of sorts” that transcended traditional royal consciousness and kingdom rule—establishing radical relationships between humanity and humanity, and humanity and God.The episode challenges modern Christians to ask the same questions early believers wrestled with: What is the movement of God among us, and how do we become part of it? Over 60 years of discernment following Pentecost, early Christians developed practices of shared meals, worship, catechesis, and ethical living that drew people to faith not through political power, but through an attractive, countercultural way of life rooted in kinship rather than domination.Discover why their actions matched Jesus’s words, how they balanced exclusivity with invitation during times of persecution, and what lessons their witness holds for contemporary faith communities seeking to embody the gospel today through a kin-dom vision of beloved community.Topics covered:* Historical Christian apologetics and the Epistle to Diognetus* Early church practices from Acts 2:42-47* Roman perspectives on Christianity (Pliny the Younger)* Catechesis and faith formation in the early church* Living as “resident aliens” and citizens of heaven* Radical hospitality and communal care* Patient witness versus political evangelism* Kin-dom theology and beloved community* Becoming a discerning church in modern times#FaithAtWork #EarlyChurch #ChurchHistory #ChristianApologetics #Discipleship #FaithFormation #MissionalLiving #ChristianPodcast #BiblicalStudies #ActsOfTheApostles #SpiritualFormation #Catechesis #ResidentAliens #ChristianWitness #FaithJourney #ChurchPractices #EarlyChristianity #GospelLiving #DiscerningChurch #ChristianCommunity #FaithAndCulture #AuthenticFaith #TransformativeWorship #ChristianHistory #SacredHistory #KindomTheology #BelovedCommunity #KindomNotKingdom Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

In a world dominated by empire and oppression, Jesus emerged with a radical message that challenged every assumption about power, religion, and society. His ministry wasn’t just about personal salvation—it was a complete reimagining of how God’s kingdom operates in direct opposition to the empires of this world.What Historical Context Led to Jesus’ Ministry?To understand Jesus’ revolutionary message, we must first grasp the 400-500 years of foreign domination that preceded his arrival. This period shaped the world into which Jesus spoke his famous words: “You have heard it said, but I say unto you.”The Persian Period (460-332 BC)When the prophet Malachi delivered his message in 460 BC, Judah was merely a small Persian province called Yehud, home to only 30,000-50,000 people. The Jewish people had already lost their independence and were learning to survive under foreign rule.Greek Influence and Cultural Pressure (332-200 BC)In 332 BC, Alexander the Great conquered the region, introducing Hellenism—Greek culture, language, philosophy, and customs. This cultural force began seeping into Jewish life, especially among the urban elite, creating tension between traditional Jewish practices and the dominant Greek worldview.The Maccabean Revolt (167-164 BC)The situation reached a breaking point when Antiochus IV Epiphanes outlawed Jewish practices like Sabbath observance and circumcision. He went further by desecrating the temple, sacrificing a pig on the altar and consecrating it to Zeus. This sparked the Maccabean Revolt, led by Judah “the Hammer” Maccabee, which successfully drove out the oppressors and rededicated the temple in 164 BC—an event still celebrated as Hanukkah.Roman Domination (63 BC onward)The brief period of Jewish independence didn’t last. In 63 BC, Rome’s General Pompey marched into Jerusalem, ending Jewish independence once again. Rome appointed Herod the Great as “king of the Jews” in 37 BC, a ruler so power-hungry he killed his own family members and later ordered the massacre of infants in Bethlehem.What Was the Religious Landscape When Jesus Arrived?By Jesus’ time, the Jewish people had endured nearly 600 years of foreign rule. This prolonged oppression had created various religious responses:* The Sadducees: Priestly aristocracy who collaborated with Rome* The Pharisees: Focused on making holiness accessible through careful Torah observance* The Essenes: Withdrew to desert communities as separatists* The Zealots: Advocated armed resistance against Rome* The Crowd: The numbed peasantry crushed by taxation, debt, and abuseWhat Is Royal Consciousness?Royal consciousness is empire in the form of ideology—a story that power tells about what is normal, acceptable, and justifiable. It’s the belief that order must be preserved, even if it requires casualties. This consciousness trains entire communities to stop feeling, stop grieving, and stop noticing what suffering costs.When numbness becomes a civic virtue, truth becomes a threat to empire. Royal consciousness makes pain invisible and teaches people to accept injustice as “the price we pay” without questioning who actually pays that price.How Did Jesus Challenge Royal Consciousness?Jesus presented the ultimate criticism of royal consciousness through decisive solidarity with marginalized people. He didn’t critique empire as a commentator but as someone who refused its numbness and entered the pain it created.1. He Made Suffering Visible and AudibleWhile royal consciousness trains people to stop feeling and grieving, Jesus refused that numbness. He touched lepers when purity codes forbade it, healed on the Sabbath when religious leaders objected, and wept over Jerusalem even as it prepared to kill him. He made the groans of the marginalized impossible to ignore.2. He Practiced Solidarity, Not CommentaryJesus ate with tax collectors and sinners—people society had written off. He dignified women in a patriarchal culture, welcomed children when disciples tried to dismiss them, and crossed ethnic boundaries. This wasn’t charity that maintains emotional distance; it was solidarity that accepts vulnerability. Jesus identified so completely with the marginalized that helping them meant helping him.3. He Confronted Debt as Both Spiritual and Political RealityWhen Jesus taught his disciples to pray “forgive our debts,” he meant actual economic debt crushing peasant families. Debt is empire’s most powerful tool of quiet domination—it disciplines imagination and limits futures. Jesus imagined Jubilee, the biblical vision of debt cancellation and economic reset, challenging systems that treat human beings as revenue streams.4. He Refused Civil Religion’s GuaranteesThe temple had become a guarantee of God’s presence, the nation was “chosen,” and violence in God’s name was considered righteous. Jesus disrupted these assumptions by prophesying the temple’s destruction and challenging the idea that religious infrastructure equals God’s presence. He offered not national guarantees but the cross and the hope of resurrection.5. He Centered Grief as Public SpeechEmpire cannot or will not grieve, but prophets must grieve because grief tells the truth that empire needs us not to tell. Jesus wept over Jerusalem, pronounced woes over the powerful while blessing mourners, and moved his entire ministry toward the cross—the ultimate act of human solidarity through entering suffering rather than denying it.Why Does Compassion Threaten Empire?Compassion constitutes a radical form of criticism because empires can easily accommodate charity—they can fund or defund it as crowd control. They can celebrate service as long as it never questions the system. But solidarity with pain, the willingness to be made vulnerable by suffering with others, is much harder to manage.When we make groans audible, the consciousness of domination is already jeopardized. This is why Jesus’ way of compassionate solidarity was so threatening to both religious and political authorities of his time.Life ApplicationThe prophetic imagination of Jesus calls us to practice a radical alternative to the royal consciousness that still operates in our world today. This week, challenge yourself to move beyond charity toward solidarity. Instead of simply helping from a distance, ask yourself: How can I enter into the pain and struggles of those around me?Consider these questions as you reflect on Jesus’ prophetic imagination:* Where in my life have I become numb to suffering that I should be grieving?* How can I practice solidarity rather than just charity with marginalized people in my community?* What “royal consciousness” messages have I accepted as normal that Jesus would challenge?* How can I make space for grief and lament as acts of truthful worship?* In what ways can I build tables where enemies become neighbors, following Jesus’ example of radical inclusion?The church has a unique opportunity to practice the politics of Jesus through solidarity, forgiveness, Sabbath freedom, and tables big enough to threaten empire simply by eating meals together. The question remains: Can we become the place where groans are heard and God’s alternative imagination takes root? Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

When Faith Becomes Routine: Lessons from the Prophet MalachiIn the final book of the Old Testament, the prophet Malachi addresses a community that had grown spiritually numb despite outward religious success. Unlike other prophets who ministered during times of crisis, Malachi spoke to people living in a period of political stability and religious prosperity—yet something was fundamentally wrongThe Historical Context: A Time of Comfort and ComplacencyTo understand Malachi’s message, we need to grasp the historical backdrop. After centuries of upheaval—including the destruction of the northern kingdom of Israel, the Babylonian exile, and the eventual return to Jerusalem—the people of Judah had finally achieved stability under Persian rule.The temple had been rebuilt, the economy was thriving, and religious activities were flourishing. By the 5th century BC, Judah had become a small but prosperous nation of perhaps 30,000-50,000 people, with Jerusalem housing only 1,500-2,500 residents. The priests, representing about 1% of the population, had been given authority by Persia to maintain order through religious control.What Happens When Everything Seems Fine?On the surface, everything appeared to be going well for the people of Judah. They had economic prosperity, religious infrastructure, and political peace. But according to Malachi, something crucial was missing: God’s presence had not returned to fill the temple with glory as promised.The people had moved back to their land, but there was no movement of God among them. The visible signs of God’s presence—the column of fire and smoke that had once hovered over the temple—had not returned since departing in 592 BC.The Problem of Spiritual NumbnessMalachi identified a dangerous condition among God’s people: they had become numb to the ways of God. While maintaining all the outward forms of religion, their hearts had grown cold. They were going through the motions of worship without genuine devotion, giving offerings without generosity, and following religious practices without spiritual transformation.This numbness wasn’t born from hardship or persecution, but from comfort and routine. The people had been “duped by Empire and the priests” into accepting a watered-down version of faith that served political purposes rather than fostering genuine relationship with God.Questions That Reveal the HeartThe book of Malachi is structured around a series of challenging questions and responses. God makes claims, the people push back with questions, and God responds by exposing their assumptions and calling them back to covenant faithfulness.“How Have You Loved Us?”The people questioned God’s love, seeing their Persian liberators as more reliable than their covenant God. Malachi’s response pointed them back to their covenant history, urging them to remember God’s faithfulness in the past as a foundation for trust in the present.“How Have We Defiled You?”When confronted about corrupt worship practices, the priests defended their half-hearted approach to ministry. They treated worship as an obligation rather than a gift, offering God their leftovers instead of their best.“How Shall We Return?”When called to repentance, the people resisted, asking what repentance would even look like. This question revealed their belief that nothing was truly wrong—they saw themselves as fine with God despite clear evidence to the contrary.“What Do We Gain?”Perhaps most tellingly, the people confessed that serving God seemed futile. They saw evildoers prospering and blasphemers being blessed, leading them to conclude that righteousness brought no tangible benefits.The Heart of the Problem: A Broken CovenantCentral to Malachi’s message is the concept of covenant—a sacred agreement between God and His people. Malachi saw clear signs that this covenant had been broken and was in disarray. The covenant wasn’t working because the people weren’t working the covenant.Despite God’s desire to bless His people, their apathy, boredom with worship, and meanness in giving had created barriers. The result was “a mean, self-centered society with all the ornaments of religiosity, but none of the true fruits of true spirituality.”A Religion of Numbness vs. Covenant ImaginationMalachi contrasted two approaches to faith:The Religion of Numbness was characterized by:* Cheap worship* Compromised leadership* Optional ethics* Doubted justice* Cynicism and convenienceCovenant Imagination was built on:* God’s foundational love* Reverent worship* Leadership accountable to people, not empire* Faithful community life* Hope anchored in God’s refining presenceLooking Forward: A Message of HopeDespite his harsh critiques, Malachi’s message was ultimately hopeful. He served as both a last word calling the Jewish community back to the law of Moses and a first word looking forward to a Messianic Messenger. His prophecy about the return of Elijah would later be understood as referring to John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus.Malachi reminded the faithful remnant to place their hope in God rather than in earthly empires—a theme that would become central to Jesus’ ministry centuries later.Life ApplicationMalachi’s message challenges us to examine our own spiritual condition. In times of comfort and stability, we can easily slip into spiritual numbness, going through religious motions without genuine heart engagement.This week, honestly evaluate your relationship with God. Are you treating worship as an obligation or a gift? Are you giving God your best or your leftovers? Have you become so comfortable with routine that you’ve lost sight of God’s active presence in your life?Consider these questions:* When did you last experience genuine awe in worship rather than just going through the motions?* Are you more trusting in your circumstances and comfort than in God’s covenant faithfulness?* What would it look like for you to move from spiritual numbness to covenant imagination?* How might God be calling you to return to authentic faith rather than settling for religious routine?The challenge is to resist the temptation of spiritual complacency and instead cultivate a heart that responds to God’s love with warmth, spontaneity, and genuine devotion. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Becoming a Discerning Church: Finding God’s Movement in Our TimeIn a world where many church leaders struggle to identify where God is moving, instead, I believe there’s always a divine movement happening - we just need to learn how to recognize it and join it. This message introduces a year-long journey toward becoming a more discerning church community.What Does It Mean to Be a Discerning Church?The call to become a discerning church centers on three fundamental questions that should guide our spiritual journey:* Where is the movement of God these days?* What exactly is that movement?* How do we jump on board and foster that movement in our worship, groups, outreach, and service?Many pastors today admit they have no idea where God is moving, but this shouldn’t discourage us. Instead, it should motivate us to develop our spiritual discernment more intentionally.Why Is Discernment So Important Right Now?If you already feel your church community is discerning, the challenge becomes even greater: to become more discerning. This isn’t about reaching a destination but about continually growing in our ability to recognize God’s work in the world around us.The goal is to help lead the way for others in the church, using the Spirit’s guidance to develop deeper spiritual insight and wisdom.How Can We Develop Better Discernment?Through Historical UnderstandingOne powerful approach to developing discernment involves studying how God has worked throughout history. The Bible serves as a history book, showing us patterns of how God has deconstructed and reconstructed the focus and practices of God’s people.These changes seem to happen in waves of approximately 400-500 years, creating what some scholars call “rummage sales” of Christian faith and practice.Through Examining Biblical PatternsA seven-week historical study reveals fascinating patterns in how God works:Ancient Foundations (400 BCE): The book of Malachi shows us God’s people grappling with spiritual renewal after exile.Jesus’ Prophetic Imagination: The Gospels of Luke and Matthew reveal how Jesus challenged existing religious structures.Early Church Response: The Book of Acts demonstrates how the early church responded to Jesus’ prophetic vision.Medieval Transitions (589 CE): The rise of popes and monks, with the Book of Job providing crucial insights.The Great Schism (1054): When Christianity split, the Gospel of John offered important guidance.The Great Reformation (1517): The Book of Galatians became central to understanding faith and grace.Modern Emergence (2006): First Peter provides wisdom for today’s missional church movement.Are We Living in a Time of Spiritual Reconstruction?The key questions we must wrestle with are:* Are we currently in a moment of deconstruction and reconstruction of our faith, focus, and practice?* If yes, what should we do about it?Understanding these historical patterns helps us recognize that periods of spiritual upheaval and renewal are normal parts of God’s work in the world. Rather than fearing change, we can learn to discern God’s movement within it.What Resources Can Help Us Grow in Discernment?Several key resources can deepen our understanding:* “The Great Emergence” by Phyllis Tickle explores how Christianity undergoes major shifts every 500 years* Historical works by Josephus provide context for biblical times* “A History of Christianity” by Justo González offers comprehensive church history* “The Prophetic Imagination” by Walter Brueggemann examines how prophets challenged and renewed faithThese resources help us understand that spiritual discernment isn’t just about personal insight - it’s about understanding God’s broader work throughout history.How Can Church Communities Practice Discernment Together?Developing discernment works best as a community effort. When church members study together, discuss insights, and pray collectively about God’s direction, the entire community grows stronger.This might involve:* Small group discussions about biblical themes* Book studies that explore spiritual discernment* Ministry teams aligning their activities with biblical themes* Regular reflection on where God might be leading the communityLife ApplicationThis week, challenge yourself to become more intentionally discerning about God’s movement in your life and community. Start by paying attention to patterns - both in Scripture and in your daily experience.Consider these reflection questions:* Where do I see God working in my personal life right now?* What patterns of God’s faithfulness can I identify in my past experiences?* How might understanding historical patterns of faith help me navigate current challenges?* What would it look like for me to “jump on board” with God’s movement in my community?* How can I contribute to making my church community more discerning?The journey toward becoming a discerning church isn’t about having all the answers immediately. It’s about developing the spiritual muscles to recognize God’s work, even in times of change and uncertainty. As we study how God has moved throughout history, we become better equipped to recognize and participate in God’s movement today. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Finding Peace Through Awe: The Joseph Story and God’s PresenceThe Christmas story offers us more than just a beautiful narrative—it provides profound insights into how encountering God can transform our deepest anxieties into lasting peace. Through Joseph’s experience, we discover how awe in God’s presence can shift us from isolation to connection, from stress to serenity.What Does Science Tell Us About Awe?Recent research from King’s College London reveals something remarkable about the human experience of awe. When people viewed incredible works of art in museums, their bodies responded in measurable ways:* Stress hormones dropped by 22% on average* Inflammation markers decreased even more significantly* Heart rhythms showed greater relaxation patternsThe study concluded that experiencing awe clinically brings peace into our lives. This scientific finding provides a fascinating backdrop for understanding what happened to Joseph in the Christmas story.Joseph’s Overwhelming StressWhy Was Joseph So Anxious?Joseph found himself in an impossible situation. His fiancée Mary was pregnant, and he knew he wasn’t the father. In his cultural context, this created immense stress and anxiety. The social implications were severe, and Joseph faced a heartbreaking decision about what to do next.This wasn’t just relationship drama—it was a crisis that threatened everything Joseph thought he knew about his future, his reputation, and his faith.The Moment Everything ChangedMatthew chapter one tells us that after Joseph had considered his options, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream with a life-changing message:“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”From Stress to Awe: Joseph’s TransformationWhat Happened When Joseph Woke Up?Imagine Joseph waking up after that dream. The overwhelming stress and anxiety that had consumed him would have been replaced by something entirely different—extreme awe and amazement at what he had just experienced.According to the research we discussed, this awe would have:* Reduced his stress hormones* Decreased inflammation in his body* Created a sense of peace and calmBut more than just physical benefits, Joseph experienced something spiritual and relational.From “I” to “We”: The Power of EmmanuelJoseph’s experience transformed his solitary stress into what we can call “we-ness”—the profound realization that God was with him. His sense of being alone in an impossible situation shifted to an awestruck awareness of God’s presence.This is the meaning of Emmanuel: “God with us.” Joseph wasn’t just given information about Jesus’ identity; he experienced the reality of God’s presence in his most difficult moment.How Does Awe Change Our Perspective?Moving Beyond IsolationWhen we encounter God in moments of awe, something similar happens to us. Our problems don’t necessarily disappear, but our perspective shifts dramatically. We move from feeling alone with our struggles to recognizing that we’re not facing them by ourselves.The Peace That Comes with God’s PresenceJust as Joseph found peace through his awe-inspiring encounter with God, we too can experience this transformation. When we’re struck by the reality of God’s presence in our lives, our stress and anxiety can give way to a deeper sense of peace and connection.What Does This Mean for Our Daily Lives?The Joseph story isn’t just ancient history—it’s a template for how God wants to meet us in our own moments of stress and uncertainty. When we open ourselves to experiencing awe in God’s presence, we can move from isolation to connection, from anxiety to peace.This doesn’t mean our problems disappear, but it means we don’t face them alone. Like Joseph, we can proclaim “Emmanuel”—God is with us.Life ApplicationThis week, challenge yourself to actively seek moments of awe in God’s presence. Whether through prayer, worship, time in nature, or reading Scripture, create space for God to meet you in your stress and anxiety.When you feel overwhelmed or alone, remember Joseph’s transformation from solitary stress to awestruck “we-ness” with God. Look for ways to shift from “I am facing this alone” to “God is with me in this.”Ask yourself these questions:* Where in my life do I feel most alone or stressed right now?* How might God be inviting me to experience His presence in these difficult areas?* What would change in my perspective if I truly believed “Emmanuel—God is with us” in my current circumstances?* How can I create more opportunities this week to experience awe in God’s presence?Remember, the same God who met Joseph in his moment of greatest need wants to meet you in yours. You are not alone—Emmanuel, God is with us. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, The Dawn Draws Near, we sit with John the Baptizer’s haunting question from Matthew 11:2 to 11: Are you the One, or should we expect someone else? From a prison cell, the forerunner who once pointed so clearly at Jesus now wrestles with what it means to follow when the story is not unfolding the way he expected.Rather than offering a simple proof, Jesus points to what is happening in the world: sight restored, bodies strengthened, outsiders welcomed, and good news reaching the poor. The conversation turns toward optics and vocation, how our expectations shape what we can see, and how faithfulness in an old season does not automatically become discipleship in a new one.You will hear a fresh way to understand doubt, not as failure, but as faith refusing to live on old answers. Along the way, Pastor Harry shares a personal moment of questioning from a difficult season, and reflects on how lived testimony and transformed lives can carry a weight that arguments alone cannot.Scripture: Matthew 11:2 to 11Theme: Discipleship, discernment, doubt, and the dawning of God’s kingdom Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Restoration rarely arrives with fireworks. It usually begins quietly, in ordinary places, long before we notice what God is doing.In this Advent message, Pastor Harry Jarrett explores what he calls “courageous restoration” - the movement from scarcity to abundance that requires vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to start small.Drawing on the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33 and Peter’s encounter with the risen Christ in John 21, Harry reflects on how restoration:* Faces the harm that has been done instead of pretending it never happened* Centers on love, invitation, and responsibility instead of accusation and shame* Sends ripples of blessing far beyond the first act of courageAlong the way, he shares the modern “layaway angel” movement, where simple acts of generosity at Christmastime grew into a wave of restored hope for families whose debts were quietly paid off. Together, these stories invite us to trust that small seeds of generosity can become abundant fields of blessing.This episode is the final movement in our stewardship journey, “Our Money Story,” where we have:* Remembered our stories* Released what binds us* Reimagined what is possible* And now seek restoration for what is brokenScriptures* Genesis 33:1-17* John 21:1-19In this episode you will:* Reflect on where restoration needs to begin in your own money story* Consider how honesty and repair can open the way to healing* Be invited to small acts of generosity that participate in God’s larger workIf this message encourages you, please follow or subscribe, leave a rating or review, and share the episode with a friend. Your support helps this ministry reach more people with Christ’s restoring love. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Reimagining Our Faith: Moving Beyond “Does It Have to Be This Way?”When life feels unfair or limited, there’s a sacred question we can ask: “Does it have to be this way?” This question opens the door to reimagining—not wishful thinking, but a core practice of faith that runs throughout Scripture.What Does It Mean to Reimagine in Faith?Reimagining is at the heart of biblical faith. It’s what the prophets did, what Jesus practiced, and what the Spirit continues to do—working newness into old places until hope is born. This isn’t about denying reality; it’s about seeing beyond current circumstances to God’s greater possibilities.The Widow’s Offering: A Story of Systemic CritiqueLooking Beyond the SurfaceIn Mark 12, Jesus watches people give at the temple treasury. The wealthy drop in large, impressive sums while a poor widow places two small coins in the offering. But Jesus sees more than amounts—he sees the story behind each gift.Understanding the ContextWhat we often miss is what comes right before this story. Jesus warns about leaders who “devour widows’ houses.” He’s not romanticizing the widow’s desperation or spiritualizing her poverty. Instead, he’s critiquing a broken system that left her with only two coins to begin with.This scene calls for imagination—Jesus is saying we need to look hard at this reality and recognize it’s not how God intended the world to work. We need to reimagine a different story.God’s Vision: The Jubilee EconomyWhat Was Jubilee?Before temples, taxation, and modern economic systems, God commanded Israel to observe Jubilee every 50 years. This meant:* Releasing debts* Freeing captives* Returning land* Rebalancing inequality* Allowing the soil to restThe Message Behind JubileeJubilee was God’s way of saying: “You will not recreate Pharaoh’s economy. You will not build a world where the vulnerable are forgotten. You will build a world of enough for everyone.”Leaving Margins: The Edges of Our FieldsIn Leviticus, God instructed farmers to leave the edges of their fields for the poor and immigrants—gleanings deliberately left behind so others could harvest with dignity. This wasn’t charity; it was system-level reimagination of human equity.The metaphorical edges of our life fields shouldn’t be accidental either. We should intentionally create margins in our lives for those in need—spaces of compassion and shared dignity.Rewriting Our Money StoriesWhat Stories Have We Inherited?Every person inherits a money story. Some inherit:* Scarcity mindset* Shame around finances* Anxiety about provision* The belief that worth equals wealthFinding Freedom Through ReimaginingHere’s where freedom lies: stories can be rewritten. Reimagining asks:* What if God’s dream for me is bigger than the story I’ve carried?* What if my money isn’t just about survival, but about connection, compassion, and justice?* What if the Spirit is inviting me to participate in Jubilee, even in small ways?Small Acts, Kingdom ImpactWhen a church community was given $10 bills to use imaginatively, the results demonstrated kingdom principles in action:* Someone bought poinsettias for the church* Another took a friend to lunch for spiritual conversation* One person supported youth fundraising efforts* Someone helped a teacher buy turkey for students learning about Thanksgiving* Others tipped service workers generously or helped with book club expensesThese weren’t grand gestures—they were small, deliberate acts of kingdom imagination. They show how manna becomes seed, how small gifts plant Jubilee in the making.Three Ways to Practice Reimagining1. Reimagine What “Enough” MeansThink of “enough” not as a quantity, but as a level of trust in God and in the community of believers around you. In Scripture, enough is always tied to God, not to accumulation.2. Reimagine the Edges of Your FieldWhere can you create margin in your life? Where can you intentionally leave space for another person’s flourishing? This applies both literally and figuratively to how we structure our resources and time.3. Reimagine CommunityWhat would your faith community look like if Jubilee wasn’t just a metaphor, but a lived reality? What if no one had to suffer alone? What if we truly believed God’s abundance can flow in unexpected ways?Life ApplicationThis week, challenge yourself to practice reimagining in one specific area of your life. Look at your resources—time, money, skills, or relationships—and ask: “Where can I create margins for others to flourish?”Consider these questions:* What money story have I inherited, and how might God want to rewrite it?* Where in my life am I asking “Does it have to be this way?” and how might I begin to reimagine possibilities?* How can I participate in creating “Jubilee moments” for others in my community?* What would change if I truly believed that God’s abundance can work through small, faithful acts?Remember, reimagining isn’t naive—it’s resurrection faith. It’s what disciples do when they believe God is still working in our story, transforming scarcity into abundance and despair into hope. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

The Power of Release: Finding Freedom Through Letting GoHave you ever held your breath so long that your chest tightened and your head began to spin? That desperate need for release reminds us of something profound: letting go isn’t just good—it’s necessary for life itself.We live in a culture obsessed with control. We’re told to “hang in there” and hold tight to our possessions, opinions, grudges, and fears. But the gospel calls us to a different rhythm—the rhythm of release.Why Do We Struggle to Let Go?Modern life has conditioned us to make everything controllable, predictable, and efficient. We manage our time, try to control outcomes, and even attempt to control our relationships. There’s an algorithm for everything these days.But here’s the problem: when we try to make everything controllable, we lose our capacity for wonder, surprise, and amazement. We become disconnected from the divine voice in our lives. The world becomes mute when we grip it too tightly.What Does the Bible Say About Release?The Year of Release in DeuteronomyIn Deuteronomy 15:1-11, we discover that God commanded the Israelites to cancel all debts every seven years. This wasn’t an economic loophole—it was a spiritual practice called the “year of release.”Imagine no foreclosures, no debt collectors, no crushing interest payments, and most importantly, no systemic poverty. God built release into the rhythm of community life because He knew how quickly we forget that everything is a gift.The Israelites carried the memory of slavery in their bones. Pharaoh’s economy had been built on endless production, hoarding, exploitation, and fear. But God was inviting them into a new story—one of enough, where systemic release became the antidote to Egypt’s anxiety.The Rich Young Man’s StruggleIn Matthew 19:16-22, we meet a wealthy man who asks Jesus, “What must I do to have eternal life?” He was moral, successful, religious, and wealthy—but also restless.Jesus told him to sell his possessions, give to the poor, and follow Him. The man walked away grieving because he couldn’t let go. The tragedy wasn’t his wealth—it was that his possessions had captured his heart.He had confused possessions with purpose, security with salvation, and personal piety with true discipleship. His abundance had become armor, and his grasping had silenced the divine song in his life.What Does It Mean to Practice Release?The Hebrew word for release literally means “to open the hand.” Think about the difference between a clenched fist and an open palm. A clenched fist cannot receive a gift, nor can it give one. Only an open hand can do both.Release isn’t carelessness—it’s trust. It means loosening our grip so that God’s Spirit can move through our lives like breath moves through our lungs.What Should We Release?We need to practice releasing:* Our fear of not having enough* Our guilt when we’ve made financial mistakes* Our need to control how God will use what we have* Resentment and shame about our circumstances* The belief that our worth depends on our workHow Does Release Lead to Freedom?Both Deuteronomy and Matthew confront the same lie: that security and salvation come from control. God’s economy says otherwise. Freedom comes from trust and release.When we practice release, we make room for grace. And when grace moves in, we find peace. Release creates space—the unclenching—where grace can breathe.This isn’t just about money; it’s about freedom. When we release, we are released. When we forgive, we are forgiven. When we give, we discover abundance.What Would Happen If We Released Together?Imagine if we practiced release as a community:* Released shame about our finances and started honest conversations* Released fear about the future and embraced faith in God’s provision* Released the myth that generosity is only for those who have extraEveryone has something to release. Some need to release possessions, others need to release resentment or the pressure to prove themselves through productivity.Can Our Stories Change?The rich young man walked away sad, but that doesn’t have to be the end of his story. Sometimes grief becomes the doorway to change. Sometimes leaving to think is the first step toward transformation.Our stories can change too. When we practice release, when we move from control to trust, we begin to live in tune with God’s melody in the world.Resonance with the divine cannot be produced at will—it can only be received. The same is true for grace. We can’t force it; we can only make space for it by releasing what burdens us.Life ApplicationThis week, practice the rhythm of release like breathing. Inhale deeply, feeling your lungs expand with God’s goodness. Then exhale, letting go of fear, guilt, and the need to prove yourself.Jesus said, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” May your heart be found not in clenched fists, but in open hands. Practice release until generosity becomes your second nature.Ask yourself these questions:* What am I gripping too tightly that’s preventing me from experiencing God’s grace?* How has my need for control silenced wonder and joy in my life?* What would it look like for me to practice release in one specific area this week?* How might releasing my fears about money or security actually lead to greater freedom?Remember: release is not a one-time event but a rhythm we learn through repetition. Start small, but start today. Your life can tell the story God is writing—a story of liberation, joy, and peace. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

In a world where financial anxiety keeps us awake at 3 AM doing “anxious math,” we need to remember God’s story about money. This isn’t just about budgets and bank accounts—it’s about discipleship and the narratives that shape our hearts.Why Jesus Talked So Much About MoneyJesus spoke frequently about money, not because he was obsessed with finances, but because how we handle money reveals our spiritual condition. The way we approach money is never just about math—it’s about discipleship. Our money story is fundamentally a spiritual story.What Are the Stories We Carry About Money?We all carry narratives about money that were formed by family scripts, cultural assumptions, and church experiences. These stories quietly steer our giving, saving, spending, and fears. Many of us in the church carry memories of offerings used to control, budgets used to shame, and appeals drenched in anxiety.The Power of RememberingWe are forgetful people who need to be reminded of truth repeatedly. Just as Jesus gave us communion and said “do this in remembrance of me,” some truths about God’s provision need to be told again and again until love has time to sink into us.Two Biblical Money Stories That Change EverythingThe Upper Room: Grace at the TableIn Luke 22, we see a stark contrast. At the beginning of the chapter, religious leaders use money to fuel corruption, enlisting Judas with silver to betray Jesus. But by the end, Jesus gathers his friends—including Judas—and shares bread and cup with them all.This scene shows us Jesus’ new economy: a table where there is enough for everyone, even the betrayers. No one earns their seat. Grace is never rationed. The feast is given, not earned or bought.Manna in the Wilderness: Learning God’s Economy of EnoughIn Exodus 16, the Israelites stumble into the desert carrying Pharaoh’s slavery and scarcity mindset. God responds to their fear with bread from heaven—enough for each day, not more and not less.The command was simple: take what you need, trust God for tomorrow, and keep the Sabbath so no one has to hoard. God moved his people from an economy of scarcity to an economy of enough.What Does God’s Economy Look Like?God’s economy operates on different principles than the world’s:* Enough over excess: There will be enough for today when we stop hoarding* Sabbath over striving: Rest protects us and others from our grasping tendencies* Sharing over storing: Provision is meant to be shared provision* Grace over earning: No one earns their place at God’s tableHow Do We Experience Manna Moments Today?Manna moments are times when provision shows up just when we need it, when community becomes our safety net. These moments remind us that God is still in the business of providing enough.Look for these moments in your life:* Unexpected help when finances were tight* Community support during difficult times* Resources appearing just when needed* Opportunities to be generous when you thought you couldn’t afford itPractical Ways to Remember God’s Story This WeekPractice Remembering PrayerAt each meal, pray simply: “Tell us again, Lord,” and add what you need to hear:* Tell us of the manna* Tell us of the table* Tell us of your love* Tell us that there is enoughChoose One Sabbath PracticeResist hoarding by choosing one small Sabbath practice:* Don’t buy anything for 24 hours* Pause comparison shopping and scrolling* Share something you have in surplus* Give away items you haven’t used in a yearShare Your Money StoryTell someone your money story over coffee or a walk. Share one formative memory about money and one manna moment. This honesty is how God rewrites our story about money.Life ApplicationThis week, commit to examining the money stories that have shaped you. Start by naming your first memory of money and how it still shows up in your life today. Then identify your first memory of money in the church and what messages you absorbed.Most importantly, begin looking for manna moments—times when God’s provision showed up just when you needed it. These moments remind us that we serve a God of enough, not scarcity.Questions for Reflection:* What money story from your past still influences your decisions today?* Where have you experienced God’s provision in unexpected ways?* How might God be calling you to create manna moments for others?* What would change in your life if you truly believed there is enough?Remember: your worth is not your net worth in Christ. In God’s story, enough is abundance, and provision is meant to be shared. Let this truth sink deep into your heart this week. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

What Does True Peace Look Like? Understanding God’s Justice in ActionWhen we think about peace, many of us picture quiet moments, the absence of conflict, or a sense of calm. But what if our understanding of peace is too small? What if true peace isn’t just the absence of something negative, but the active presence of something transformative?The peace of Christ is not the mere absence of conflict and violence. The peace of Christ signifies the presence of God’s justice. This truth calls us to a completely new vision of what it means to follow Jesus and live as His people in the world.What Did Jesus Say About His Mission?In Luke 4:16-21, we find Jesus standing up in the synagogue and reading from the prophet Isaiah. He proclaimed good news to the poor, freedom for the captives, and sight for the blind. Then He made a stunning declaration: “This scripture is fulfilled today in your presence.”Jesus’ first sermon was essentially a job description. His peace isn’t passive or aesthetic—it’s active. It heals, lifts up, and announces jubilee. This wasn’t just a nice spiritual message; it was a concrete plan for transformation in the world.How Do the Prophets Define True Worship?The Old Testament prophets understood this connection between worship and justice clearly. Amos thundered to singing people that God wants mercy more than music, crying out, “Let justice roll down like waters” (Amos 5:21-24).Isaiah challenged people who fasted while ignoring the hungry around them. He proclaimed that true worship “loosens chains and shelters vulnerable people,” promising that when we live this way, “your light will break forth like the dawn” (Isaiah 58:1-9).What Does It Mean to Be a New Creation?Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 that if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has passed away, and we have become new. In that newness, we become ambassadors of reconciliation in the world.As philosopher and theologian Cornel West puts it: “Justice is what love looks like in public.” Love doesn’t just feel good—it wears work boots and carries a toolbox.Where Is God Already Moving in Our Communities?Vision begins in worship, but it cannot end at the benediction. It must walk out the doors with us and impact the world. We can see God’s justice already at work when:* Cities sell land below value to provide affordable homes* Workforce housing initiatives gain momentum across communities* Disaster relief organizations show up with hammers and hope after every storm* People choose to act for peace in practical, tangible waysWhat Does New Vision Look Like in Practice?Living out this new vision means taking Jesus’ words in Luke 4 as our charter and job description, measuring success by who gets lifted up in the process.In Our Daily LivesIt looks like practicing Isaiah 58 in small, steady ways—sharing bread, welcoming strangers, and spending ourselves for the hungry, both spiritually and physically. It means choosing action over apathy when systems harm people, speaking up and mending what we can.In Our WorkplacesBeing reconcilers means listening first, telling the truth, repairing when possible, and carrying grace into every meeting. It involves creating budgets that bless and investing time and resources toward mercy.In Our FamiliesRaising children who expect fairness means teaching them to spot dignity in every face they meet and letting them see us make things right in the world by example.In Our ChurchesIt requires conducting a church-wide audit of welcome, asking whose voices haven’t been heard and what doors need to be opened wider—physically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally.In Our CommunitiesJustice can begin with business owners mentoring startups, neighbors learning each other’s names and stories, and people sharing meals together in safety and peace.Why Is Rest Important for Justice?This vision isn’t all about work. It also includes Sabbath—rest that restores so we can rise for mercy’s sake again. Burnout helps no one, and balance in our lives, even in our faith, is crucial for sustainable justice work.How Do Hope and Joy Fuel Justice?Living this new vision requires hope that refuses cynicism. We don’t deny pain—our own or others’—but we deny despair having the last word. Resurrection people keep building even in the midst of decay.Joy fuels justice. We sing while we serve so we remember why we’re doing what we’re doing. This joy isn’t naive optimism but a deep-rooted confidence in God’s ultimate victory over injustice.Life ApplicationJesus still reads Isaiah in our midst today. The Spirit of the Lord is upon us to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the captives, and sight for the blind. This scripture longs to be fulfilled in our presence.This week’s challenge: Choose one specific way to let God’s justice roll through your life. Whether it’s learning a neighbor’s name, mentoring someone at work, advocating for a vulnerable person, or simply listening more carefully to voices that often go unheard—take one concrete step toward making peace visible in your community.Questions for reflection:* Where in my life am I settling for the absence of conflict instead of pursuing the presence of justice?* What would change if I truly believed that my faith should have work boots and a toolbox?* Who in my community needs to experience God’s peace through my actions this week?* How can I balance rest and action so that my pursuit of justice is sustainable? Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

When Faith Becomes Action: Making Service Second NatureWhat if love could become second nature to all of us in all of our relationships? What if our hands moved before our egos set in, and service felt as natural as breathing? These questions challenge us to examine how our faith translates into tangible action in the world around usWhat Does Real Faith Look Like?James asks a blunt question in chapter 2: “What good is faith without works?” His belief is clear - real faith moves, and real love shows up. Faith that remains hidden in our hearts, never expressed through our actions, isn’t the kind of faith that transforms lives or communities.When we look at Scripture, we see a consistent pattern. Jesus painted a vivid picture: “I was hungry, I was a stranger, I was sick. And whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did it for me” (Matthew 25:31-46). The early church in Acts appointed servants specifically to care for widows, holding together both Word and table, prayer and food (Acts 6:1-7).How Do We Make Care Habitual?The big idea is simple yet profound: Faith becomes visible when care becomes habitual. This is how the church becomes relevant and vital in our world today. Matthew 25 praises those who serve so automatically that they aren’t even aware they’re doing it. This is the goal - developing what we might call “holy muscle memory.”What Does Habitual Service Look Like in Practice?Consider the many ways communities of faith already live this out:Mission Fields in Our Backyard Some congregations tend actual mission fields - planting soybeans and giving away the proceeds each year. It’s a simple act that connects agricultural work with kingdom work.Consignment Shops as Ministry Simple shops become steady witnesses in communities. Goods are recirculated, neighbors are cared for, and significant funds are raised for ministry - sometimes upwards of $100,000 annually.Concerts for a Cause Community events like concerts can raise thousands of dollars for local food pantries while bringing people together for fellowship and fun.How Can We Serve Children and Families?Backpack Programs: Eighty-seven kids a week going home with food in their backpacks represents dignity sent home weekly. These programs operate quietly but powerfully, ensuring children don’t go hungry over weekends.Disaster Response Teams When tragedy strikes, faith communities send teams. They go where the hurt is and stay long enough to help - sometimes for years. This isn’t just about immediate relief but long-term presence and support.What Can We Learn from Historical Examples?The Heifer Project StoryThe Heifer Project began with a simple but revolutionary idea from Dan West, a farmer in the 1930s and 1940s: “Don’t just send milk, send a cow.” Instead of providing temporary relief, give families a living, sustainable source of income and nutrition.This Brethren vision grew ecumenically and became Heifer International, but its heartbeat remains the same - dignity, sustainability, and hope for people. It’s a perfect example of how one person’s faithful idea can feed the world day after day.Modern Service PartnershipsToday’s faith communities continue this legacy through various partnerships:* Disaster Ministries: Volunteers rebuilding homes with long-term presence* Children’s Disaster Services: Creating safe, playful spaces for kids after disasters* Voluntary Service Programs: Year-long placements serving peace, justice, and human need* Global Food Initiatives: Growing food security through sustainable agriculture* Fair Trade Initiatives: Creating justice through work, some dating back to 1949How Do We Keep Service Flowing?See What’s Happening Around UsWe need to ask: Where is Jesus hiding in plain sight? Often Jesus looks like a neighbor we’ve overlooked. We must train our eyes to see need and opportunity for service.Step Up and Interrupt Our SchedulesSometimes we need to interrupt our schedules for someone else’s survival. Small steps can turn into holy habits when we’re willing to be inconvenienced for the sake of others.Stay for the Long HaulCare that lasts heals deeper than momentary ministry. When we stay and get tired, the net doesn’t break as long as grace holds it. This commitment to long-term presence sets apart superficial charity from transformative service.Why Does This Matter for Our Faith?This approach to faith isn’t about noise or slogans - it’s about nurture and salvation for real people. It’s Matthew 25 with sleeves rolled up. When we practice mercy until it becomes second nature, we’re living out the gospel in tangible ways.Service becomes our path forward: tending mission fields, stocking backpacks and pantries, sending teams, forming servants, and raising children in communities that give themselves away. This creates a family story of practical compassion - a picture of faith with hammers and hope.Life ApplicationThis week, challenge yourself to develop “holy muscle memory” in your own life. Look for one specific way you can serve that could become habitual rather than occasional.Ask yourself these questions:* Where is Jesus hiding in plain sight in my community that I might have overlooked?* What small step of service could I take this week that might grow into a holy habit?* How can I move from thinking about helping others to actually interrupting my schedule to serve?* What would it look like for my faith to become so action-oriented that service feels as natural as breathing?The goal isn’t to add more activities to your schedule, but to develop a heart so attuned to others’ needs that responding with care becomes your automatic response. When faith becomes visible through habitual care, we discover that serving others is how we become most fully alive in Christ. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Called to Go and Tell: How Ordinary People Share Extraordinary NewsIn a world where fewer people seem to be entering traditional ministry roles, God is calling ordinary believers to extraordinary mission. The Spirit invites regular people—teachers, mechanics, students, retirees—to share good news right where they already are. Mission isn’t a program we follow; it’s a path we walk as we tell a better story about life with the divine.What Does It Mean to Be Called to Go and Tell?Jesus’s final words set our direction as believers: “Receive power from the Holy Spirit, and then be my witnesses.” This wasn’t just for the disciples back then—it’s for us today. When the disciples asked about timetables and maps, wondering when everything would finally end, Jesus reframed their question entirely. He answered with a promise and a verb: “It starts now. Power is coming. And then you go and tell about me.”The early church in Antioch provides a powerful example. They listened, fasted, and sought direction. Through worship and prayer, they heard the Spirit say, “Set apart Barnabas and Saul.” This teaches us that sending always begins with worship—gathering together to pray, discern, and hear where God might lead us in the days ahead.How Does God Work Through Our Plans and Detours?Paul had plans, but God had detours. Paul received a night vision calling him to Macedonia, expecting to meet a man there. Instead, beside a river, he found a group of women in prayer—not a man, but women; not a synagogue, but what might be called a sewing circle.Lydia was among those women, listening with an open heart. The Lord opened her heart even wider, and her home became the first church in Europe. This reminds us that God often works differently than we expect, using ordinary gatherings and everyday people to accomplish extraordinary things.What Is the Gospel We’re Called to Share?The gospel is news, not advice. It announces what God has done and is doing through Jesus Christ. Our task is to carry that good news into real life—sharing a person, not promoting a program or following a plan.The gospel is God’s power to save—not our eloquence, our story, our brand, or our denomination. It’s God’s power and presence in our lives, coupled with the promise that God is already present in others’ lives as well.How Can I Share My Faith in Daily Life?Start with one honest grace story. Name where Jesus met you—today, yesterday, last year, or long ago. It might sound like:* “I was anxious and Christ gave me peace”* “I was bitter and Christ taught me how to forgive”* “I was alone and this church became my family”Then add the invitation: “Come and see that it can be the same for you.”Learning from the Samaritan WomanThe Samaritan woman at the well understood this immediately. After meeting Jesus, she left her water jar and ran to tell her family and friends: “Come see a man who told me everything about my life and still loved me. He’ll love you too.”She didn’t pass a theology exam first. She shared what she knew at that point, and it was enough. Her town came to Jesus because she told her story. The same can be true for us.What If I Feel Unqualified to Share My Faith?The gospel begins with a voice—even a shaky one God can use, even a whisper. Some may feel burned out or disqualified for various reasons, but the Spirit’s love is all about starting again with us and others.You don’t need perfect theology or flawless delivery. God uses ordinary people with ordinary stories to share extraordinary news about His love and grace.Where Is My Mission Field?Mission isn’t only far away—it’s also near. It’s across the ocean, but it’s also across the street, across the field, right across the fence. Both count as witness, and all of us can go and tell no matter where we find ourselves.Consider these questions:* Who is my Macedonian this week? A neighbor, coworker, classmate, or someone I meet along the way?* Where’s my Antioch? A circle that prays and listens before acting, a team that sends instead of clings?* What is my Lydia step? Can I open my home, schedule, or table?How Does Hospitality Connect to Mission?Remember that hospitality is mission with plates and conversation. When ears are closed, serve. When service opens them, speak. And when speaking begins, point to Jesus.Sometimes the most powerful witness happens around a dinner table, in casual conversation, or through simple acts of service that demonstrate God’s love in practical ways.Life ApplicationThis week, challenge yourself to identify one person in your sphere of influence who might be waiting by their own “quiet river” for someone to share hope with them. Practice telling your grace story in one or two sentences—where Jesus met you and how it changed your life.Look for opportunities to serve before you speak, and when conversation naturally opens, be ready to point toward the source of your hope. Remember, you don’t need to be perfect or have all the answers. You just need to be willing to share what you know about God’s love.Ask yourself these questions:* What is one specific way Jesus has met me in my life that I could share with someone this week?* Who in my daily routine might be open to hearing about God’s love through my words or actions?* How can I create space in my schedule or home to practice hospitality as a form of mission?* What fears or feelings of inadequacy do I need to surrender to God so I can be used as His witness?The same Spirit who moved in the early church is moving today. God is calling ordinary people like you to share extraordinary news right where you are. The question isn’t whether you’re qualified—it’s whether you’re willing to let God use your story to bless others. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Reconciliation: Not an Impossible DreamReconciliation isn’t an impossible dream. As followers of Christ, it’s a path we can walk with others in the world—a journey that begins at a table.What Can We Learn from Church History About Reconciliation?The Church of the Brethren has a story marked by fracture and pain. With 36 schisms or church splits throughout its history, it reveals the struggle of trying to stay faithful to Jesus while walking together.Even in the earliest days, leaders like Conrad Beissel made bold turns that created division. When he prized spirit-breathed revelation over Scripture, it birthed the Ephrata Cloister but also opened a wound in the church. Yet beauty surfaced from this experience—music and art found voice among the sisters and brothers there. God continued working through imperfect people on both sides.Throughout history, disputes continued over practices we now take for granted:* The mode of foot washing* Dress codes* “Dangerous innovations” like Sunday schoolIn 1869, some Brethren pleaded for uniformity (not unity), fearing the church was becoming worldly. The church wrestled, talked, prayed, sometimes split, but always grew through these experiences.How Does Christ’s Reconciliation Shape Our Mission?If Christ reconciles the world to God, what are we called to do as co-laborers in this reconciliation?A profound 1979 statement reminds us: “Unity is a gift, not an achievement. Christ at the center makes disagreements bearable.”We must recenter ourselves on Jesus—not on tribes, not on our views, not on our way, but on Christ’s way.What Biblical Examples Guide Our Approach to Conflict?Paul and Barnabas had “no small dispute”—they were fighting! They disagreed so much that they parted ways. Yet importantly, they blessed each other’s missions despite their separation.In Corinth, believers loved leaders over the Lord, prompting Paul’s rhetorical question: “Has Christ been divided?” The answer is clearly no.Jesus gave us a path to address conflict in Matthew 18:* Go first* Go gently* Go together* Win back the sibling, not the argumentRomans 14 opens an even wider gate—welcoming differences of conscience without contempt, choosing intentionally what builds up rather than tears down.What Practical Steps Can We Take Toward Reconciliation?Here are seven practical commitments—one for each day:1. Covenant of Conversation In our homes and committees, commit to no gossip, no triangulation, and quick repair. Seek first to understand the other before anything else. 2. Commitment to Spacious Conscience Hold convictions with humility, recognizing that perspectives change as life happens. Make room at the table for both the “weak” and the “strong.” 3. Matthew 18 Rhythm of Life Go directly to others, then add wise counsel if needed, involving the church only when necessary—always seeking restoration over removal. 4. Practice Lowliness Foot washing trains our hearts to go low in service and humility. The towels we use soften our words before we speak. 5. Shared Discernment in Scripture Read with Jesus Christ at the center. Let love shape how truth is carried among us and out into the world. 6. Blessings Across Differences When paths diverge, refuse contempt and criticism. Speak peace, pray for good, and always leave the door open. 7. Repair as Public Witness Our communities need reconcilers everywhere—at work, schools, and in neighborhoods. Let apologies be fast and amends be real. How Can We Practice Reconciliation Daily?Here’s a simple rule of life: First listen, then love, then speak. The only time to reverse that order is when you want to bless someone.Unity isn’t forced—it’s given. We don’t create the body; we receive it. Christ is not divided, and neither are we. When we fail (and we will), we fail forward into mercy, returning to the table that returns us to each other.What Would Reconciliation Look Like in Practice?Imagine the church our children would inherit if we practiced these principles:* Disagreement without disdain* Truth without trampling* Holiness without hurryImagine our neighbors’ surprise: “Those Brethren disagree, but they won’t let go of each other. They argue, then have coffee together. What’s up with that?”That’s the gospel with skin on it. That’s the net not breaking.Life ApplicationThis week, identify one tension you’re carrying and schedule one brave, kind conversation about it. As you approach this conversation:* Center on Christ first, not on being right* Practice lowliness and humility in your approach* Guard peace with “fierce gentleness”* Speak truth, but always in love* Hold Christ highly and hold onto others desperatelyAsk yourself:* Where am I prioritizing my viewpoint over relationship?* How can I listen first, love second, and speak third in my difficult conversations?* What would it look like to “fail forward into mercy” in my current conflicts?* How might my reconciliation efforts serve as a witness to those watching?Remember: Let the towel of service be your teacher and let the table of communion be your testimony. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Opening the Circle: Embracing Diversity in Faith and CommunityWhat if our calling is to open up the circle of faith, community, and church just a little bit wider? Not someday in some future far away, but today, and then again tomorrow.Picture a circle of chairs. Some are full, but some are empty—and they're empty on purpose. The core of the gospel is a widening circle of open relationships, not a gated community or a members-only club.What Does Scripture Say About Inclusion?Paul reminds us in Galatians that "in Christ you are all God's children baptized into one life." There are no divisions in our community. "Jew and Greek, slave and free, male and female"—these aren't just nice Bible words. They represent walls being broken down in the first century and in ours. They are seats added to the circle of the kingdom.Peter's Transformation in ActsPeter learned the hard way in Acts 10 when he visited Cornelius's house. Peter was everything that Cornelius was not, and vice versa. Cornelius was Roman, powerful, politically connected, and considered "unclean." Peter shouldn't have entered his house according to Jewish law.But God changed a Gentile kitchen into holy ground. Peter's vision was retrained, his eyes saw new things, and his heart was reformed about what the Gospel truly means. God told him: "Don't call unclean what God calls clean."This sentence can still save churches, friendships, families, and communities—especially in our polarized world.The Early Church's Approach to ConflictIn Acts 15, the church argued about inclusion. The text is clear about their disagreement. But then they prayed and listened. Grace won the day when they concluded: "We believe we are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ"—not by gatekeeping, following Old Testament laws, or passing cultural tests.The early church didn't avoid conflict. They gathered it up, worked through it, talked through it, prayed through it, and listened. They always came to the same decision: open the circle wider. And so must we today.What Does an Inclusive Community Look Like?Romans 16 shows us a wonderful guest list of early church members:* Phoebe, a deacon and leader* Priscilla and Aquila, house church hosts* Junia, "outstanding among the apostles"* Tryphaena and Tryphosa, "workers of the Lord"* Rufus and his mother, whom Paul called "a mother to me"This chapter reads like a potluck of grace—different names, ethnicities, stories, and languages, but one table.The New Testament teaches that the church is God's new creation. Not sameness, but diversity with a shared Lord. People making a future together as a beloved community in Christ.Wisdom from Spiritual LeadersBarbara Brown Taylor reminds us that "hospitality turns strangers into neighbors, and neighbors into guests of God."Henri Nouwen wrote of a "downward mobility"—don't climb over people; instead, kneel to wash their feet.Richard Rohr says, "Love expands the circle. Fear contracts the circle. Christ moves us outward always."How Can We Practice Opening the Circle?I learned this in Italy, where my first Bible study was at a kitchen table at 10 PM. We didn't start with rules; we started with open relationships, names, friendships, stories, and love. We started with an open and relational God who wanted to be part of people's lives. Then God did the rest.Business taught me these things too. A hotel lobby can become a church. My farm venue hosts grace all the time.My encouragement to you today is to open up your circles as well:Open Your Circle at Work - Invite that quiet intern to lunch - Ask the night shift tech who nobody talks to about their story Open Your Circle at School - Sit with a new student - Share your notes (not rumors) Open Your Circle at Home - Add a chair for the neighbor kid - Bless the noisy dinner Open Your Circle at Church - Move toward someone you don't know - Smile at them, say hello, use their name in a prayer Three Simple Steps to Opening Your Circle1. Look Look with gospel eyes. Ask prayerfully: "Who's missing in the circle?" If you don't see it the first time, ask again and again until you do. 2. Linger Linger without rushing. Listen to people—listen for their pain, listen for their joy. Let your silence and listening to their story do some loving pastoral work. 3. Lift Lift with practical help. Give someone a ride, a meal, or a recommendation. These small lifts can change people's lives. Who Can Practice Opening the Circle?Children You can do this too! On bus rides and at recess, you can see the people who don't have friends and need a lift. Youth You can claim this call in clubs and teams. Be the one who notices others. Adults Practice "Monday faith" by carrying Christ into meetings, turning circles into opportunities to love, listen, and care. What Keeps Us from Opening the Circle?Sometimes it's fear, frustration, or fatigue. Sometimes it's false boundary lines. Sometimes our maps are old about what the boundaries should be—like Peter's were. But God is editing them. The Spirit continues to nudge us: "Go with them, doubting nothing. Trust me with the next chair."Theologian Stanley Hauerwas says that church politics is how we treat each other. Our witness needs to become our way. Our love needs to become our lifestyle. Our practice needs to be all about peace.Is "Opening the Circle" Just "Anything Goes"?Opening the circle is not "anything goes." It is grace leading us with Jesus as Lord.A Word to Those Who Feel Outside You are already on God's heart and have been for a very long time. We have saved a seat for you. A Word to Those Who Guard the Circle Thank you for caring, but now help us widen the circle wisely. A Word for All of Us The net won't break. The church won't break. Grace can hold all of us—not just those who are here, but those God is calling to come. Life ApplicationThis week, commit to opening your circle in at least one area of your life. Choose one of the three steps—Look, Linger, or Lift—and put it into practice deliberately.Ask yourself:* Who is missing from my circle that God might be calling me to include?* Where am I drawing boundaries that God might be asking me to reconsider?* What fears are keeping me from opening my circle wider?* How might my life be enriched by including someone different from me?We are called to open the circle. We are called to be one in Christ. And we are called to go first in grace. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Discovering Your Ministry: How Every Christian Is Called to ServeWe often think of ministry as something reserved for pastors, priests, and church staff. But the truth is far more inclusive and empowering: every Christian is called to ministry. This isn't just a nice sentiment—it's a biblical mandate that transforms how we view our everyday lives.What Does It Mean to Be Called?Peter describes believers as a "royal priesthood"—ordinary people carrying holy love. This powerful designation means that ministry isn't confined to church buildings or Sunday services. Your workplace, neighborhood, and home are all sacred spaces where God's work happens.The word "minister" simply means "to serve." This simple definition opens up ministry to everyone, because anyone can serve in some capacity. Ministry isn't about titles or positions—it's about using your unique gifts to serve others in Christ's name.How Does the Church Function When Everyone Ministers?In Ephesians, Paul explains that church leaders exist to "equip the saints for the work of ministry." Who are these saints? They're not super-Christians or those with special status—they're all believers, including you.The goal of this equipping is maturity—growing upward into Christ's likeness. Paul pictures the church as one body with many parts, each with different gifts but unified by one Spirit. This diversity within unified purpose is God's intentional design.When each part works properly, the whole body grows and builds itself up in love. This is the beautiful vision of a church where everyone ministers according to their gifts.How Do I Discover My Ministry Gifts?Finding your place in ministry happens at the intersection of three elements:* Passion - What energizes you and brings you joy?* Skill - What are you naturally good at or trained to do?* Need - Where do you see opportunities to serve others?Where these three elements meet, you'll likely find your ministry sweet spot. Start small—try something this week and see how it fits. Remember that gifts grow with use, so don't expect perfection from the beginning.What Kinds of Ministry Gifts Might I Have?Ministry gifts come in endless varieties. Some people notice those who are missing and reach out to them. Others teach with clarity and patience. Some have the gift of encouragement that works like medicine for wounded souls.Perhaps you organize chaos into calm, or care for others through practical acts like providing meals. Maybe you give quietly and generously, fueling the church's mission without recognition.Your life circumstances—whether you're a student, parent, retiree, or shift worker—don't limit your ministry. Rather, they define your unique "parish" where God works through your everyday interactions.What Does a Healthy Ministry Community Look Like?Ephesians warns about being tossed by waves of doctrine and human cunning. Stable churches stay connected and support one another through life's challenges.A key principle is "speaking the truth in love." This balance is crucial because truth without love wounds people, while love without truth allows harmful patterns to continue. Together, truth and love help us grow up in Christ.How Do I Start My Ministry Journey?Consider these three simple steps:* Discover - Name a gift, any gift you think you might have* Deploy - Use it once this week in a small way* Develop - Invite feedback and find partnersWhat If I'm New to Church or Faith?If you're new, start with simple kindness. Say hello to one new person—that counts as ministry! Give the community four weeks of consistent attendance and try joining one activity briefly. The church community can help you find where you fit.What If I'm a Long-Time Church Member?For those who have been around a while, make room for new voices. Mentor someone who's just discovering their gifts. Share both the work and the joy of ministry with others.What If I'm Hurting or Wounded?If you're hurting, know that the church community will listen. Healing takes time and trust, but you don't have to walk alone. There's a place for you, even in your pain.Picture the church as a net that won't break because it's designed to hold every gift. When we hold this net together as the body of Christ, we create space for everyone to belong and serve.Life ApplicationThis week, take a simple step toward discovering and using your ministry gifts:* Pray this simple prayer: "Spirit, show me my next yes."* Act within 48 hours on whatever prompting you receive.* Remember that small acts of obedience often open doors to greater ministry opportunities.Ask yourself these questions as you consider your ministry calling:* What activities energize me and bring me joy when I serve others?* Where have others recognized gifts or abilities in me that I might not see myself?* What needs do I notice around me that others might overlook?* What small step of service could I take this week that feels both challenging and possible?Remember that you are God's beloved—chosen, forgiven, and sent. Christ's gentleness can steady you as you step out, and the Spirit's gifts will flow through you as you serve. Your ministry matters, not just within church walls, but in your home, workplace, and neighborhood. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Breaking the Spiral of Violence: Jesus' Way of PeaceIn a world where violence seems inevitable and retaliation feels justified, Jesus offers a radically different approach to addressing evil and injustice. While empires throughout history have claimed that peace comes through force and war, Christ's example challenges us to consider a more transformative path.The Historical Context of War and PeaceDuring World War II, the Church of the Brethren faced difficult decisions about military service. While 80% of young Brethren men served in combat roles, 10% chose non-combatant military roles, and another 10% opted for civil public service. Since then, many have served in Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and Afghanistan.These choices were made thoughtfully, with courage and conviction. They involved sacrifice during difficult times. This isn't about condemning those decisions but about seeking Jesus' way for our time.What Did Jesus Teach About Violence?Jesus offered a better way to address evil that counters our natural instincts. When he said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God," he wasn't talking about peace wishers but peace makers.He authoritatively broke the old cycles of payback. While governments have told us the only path to peace is through war, Jesus demonstrated another way—one that is costly, creative, brave, and above all, self-sacrificing.How Does Jesus Turn Retaliation into Reconciliation?Theologian Eugene Boring explains: "Violence is self-destructive and futile, resulting only in a vicious spiral of violence. The way of the kingdom of God is to absorb evil rather than inflict it, and bring the spiral finally to an end."We see this clearly in Gethsemane. When a disciple draws a sword and cuts off an ear, Jesus stops the spiral, saying, "Put the sword back in its place. For all who draw the sword will die by the sword."Can We Imagine a World Without War?Isaiah proclaimed a prophetic imagination: "They shall beat their swords into plowshares. Neither shall they learn war anymore."On farms, steel works soil. A no-till plow gently opens the ground so seeds can grow. Imagine if our anger could be forged into tools that feed rather than create famine.The Brethren family has stated plainly: "We cannot imagine Jesus targeting a missile to destroy those for whom he died." And we bear his name.Doesn't War Sometimes Bring Peace?Every war claims to be the war that ends all wars. Yet history shows that war breeds more war, and contempt breeds more contempt. Only love stops the spiral.Peacemaking love isn't passive—it shelters the vulnerable and tells the truth. It refuses to dehumanize and demonize others.How Can We Practice Peacemaking in Daily Life?Peacemaking can be practiced in everyday situations:* Seek first to understand* Listen fully* Apologize sincerely* Make it rightThis approach works in workplaces, homes, and schools. We can disagree without contempt and correct without shaming. For students, peacemaking can be as simple as making room at the lunch table for those who feel lonely.Romans 12:18 reminds us: "If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peacefully with all." With Christ's power and presence in our lives, this becomes possible.Does Jesus' Peace Approach Actually Work?Refusing the sword didn't stop death from coming for Jesus, but it did stop death from winning. It stopped the spiral of violence.This is our calling as followers of Christ: to refuse the wars of words and grudges, of consumption and control. Instead, we pursue the costly peace of Christ, breaking the spiral with love.Life ApplicationThis week, commit to practicing Jesus' way of peace in your daily interactions:* When conflicts arise, seek first to understand before responding.* Listen fully to others, especially those with whom you disagree.* When you're wrong, apologize sincerely without excuses.* Take concrete steps to make things right and restore relationships.* Go the extra mile that Jesus invites us to go.Ask yourself these questions:* Where in my life am I participating in cycles of retaliation rather than reconciliation?* How might I "beat my swords into plowshares" in my relationships this week?* What would it look like for me to absorb evil rather than inflict it in a specific situation I'm facing?* Am I willing to pay the cost of Christ-like peacemaking, even when it feels uncomfortable or unfair?The path of peace isn't easy, but it's the way of Jesus. By his power, we can break the spiral of violence and create spaces where God's shalom can flourish. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Called to Be Different: Living as Christ's Transformed PeopleIn a world obsessed with conformity, Jesus calls His followers to something radically different. This isn't about being weird for weirdness' sake, but about allowing Christ—not culture, markets, or algorithms—to shape our patterns of living and thinking.What Does It Mean to Be Transformed Rather Than Conformed?Paul begins Romans 12 with a powerful invitation: "Present your bodies as a living sacrifice" and "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." The word "conformed" suggests being pressed into a mold, like butter shaped into a decorative form. Instead, God wants to rewire our thinking so we can discern what is good, pleasing, and perfect.Our transformation is:* Relational (with God, others, and the world)* Ongoing (a journey, not a destination)* From the roots up (like a tree that produces different fruit)Nonconformity isn't about trendiness—it's about trust. When we allow God to renew our minds, our lives become a living "yes" to what is good, pleasing, and perfect.How Are We Connected as Christ's Body?Paul moves from individual minds to collective membership: "You are one body in Christ, individually members of one another." In this body, the weaker members are indispensable, and the parts we might dismiss are often the ones the Spirit wants to honor most.This concept can be summarized in three principles:* Jesus is the center of our faith* Community is the center of our life* Reconciliation is the center of our workInterestingly, Paul borrowed and transformed a Roman fable about body parts. In the original story, the limbs rebelled against the belly, but the belly claimed superiority because it fed everyone. Paul flips this hierarchy completely. In Christ's body, there is no "pampered belly." Instead, the seemingly weaker members are indispensable, and the less honorable receive the greatest honor.This was boldly countercultural in Roman times—a Christ-shaped body where honor flows downward and care is mutual. In Christ's community, belonging comes before outperforming, and every gift matters.How Does Love Transform Our Relationships?When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus gave two equal responses: love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. beautifully expressed, "The love that I have towards God is the same love that directs itself towards the neighbor."This love must manifest in practical ways:* How we conduct business* What we purchase* How we consume resources* How we care for creationLove is economic and ecological as well as personal. Elder Michael Franz offered this challenging test: "As long as there is abundance and want, there is no pure genuine communion." Love crosses divides and equalizes imbalances.Small acts of love—patient replies, shared tables, forgiven debts—are like cover crops for our hearts and communities. They may not yield immediate harvests, but they heal the soil of our relationships and prepare it for future growth.Why Shouldn't Christians Worry?Jesus tells us not to worry—not because life is easy, but because we are seen in our uneasiness. "Look at the birds," He says. "Consider the lilies." Our Father knows what we need.New Testament scholar Eugene Boring captures this beautifully: "Address each day's problems as they come, confident your life is held by a loving father who will bring creation to a worthy conclusion."The 1996 Church of the Brethren statement on simple living describes this as "an unhurried faithfulness to live today's obedience and let God hold tomorrow in God's hands."This approach to life parallels what researchers have recently identified as a "third way" to experience joy and fulfillment—characterized by ongoing curiosity, experiencing new things, and allowing for perspective shifts, often accompanied by discomfort. This sounds remarkably like discipleship!When discipleship feels costly, remember that simple living may be difficult, but God provides joy and peace along the way. We practice trust without panic, action without anxiety—working the soil we have today and leaving tomorrow to God.Life ApplicationBeing called to be different isn't about wearing a badge—it's about embodying a way of life where:* Our minds are transformed by God's persuasive love* Our worship is lived, not just sung on Sundays* We recognize there are no disposable people* Love is enacted toward God, neighbors, and creation* Trust is practiced one day at a timeThis week, consider these practical steps:* Practice "nonconformity of joy"—turn off anxious loops and pray with the confidence of the lilies* Reach out to someone who might feel like a "weaker member" and honor them* Choose one "cover crop practice" of love at home or work* Before every purchase, ask: "Does this take the shape of Jesus in my life?"Ask yourself: Where am I conforming to the world's patterns rather than being transformed by Christ? How can I better honor those who seem "weaker" in my community? What small acts of love might heal the soil of my relationships? How can I practice trust instead of worry this week?Remember: You were not made to blend in. You were born again to stand out in love. The world doesn't need another copy—the Spirit is making you a living original in Christ. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Inviting Others Into Obedience: Our Holy Calling as Followers of ChristGod calls His people not just to live faithfully but to invite others into the joy and challenge of obedience. This calling begins with our own households and children, then extends to the nations. We are meant to wrestle with this holy calling - to live obediently ourselves and invite others into that same obedience.What Does Jesus Say About Our Influence?In Matthew 5, Jesus tells us, "You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world." Salt preserves, flavors, and makes people thirsty. Light drives out darkness. But what good is salt if it stays in the salt shaker? What good is light if it hides under a basket?Jesus is telling us that our lives are meant to invite others toward God. This message echoes in the Great Commission (Matthew 28), where Jesus instructs us to "make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything I have commanded." Notice that we're not just passing along nice ideas about God - we're teaching obedience and calling people into discipleship.How Has God Always Intended His Blessing to Work?From the very beginning, God's blessing has been outward-facing. In Genesis 12, when God calls Abram, He doesn't say, "I'm going to bless you so you can have a nice comfortable life." Instead, He says, "I will bless you, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."As theologian Walter Brueggemann reminds us, "God's people must always live with, for, and among others in the world. That is not an optional extra. It is the very DNA of what our faith is all about." We don't withdraw to some sort of private holiness - we live our obedience publicly so others might taste and see.John Howard Yoder, an Anabaptist theologian, put it this way: "The church is called to be now what the world is called to become." When we live as a community of blessing, we give the world a glimpse of God's future.God blesses us so that we can bless others. Faith was never meant to be private property.What Can We Learn From the Early Brethren?The early Brethren were deeply evangelistic. They worked hard at inviting others to make the same choice for radical obedience that they were making. Importantly, they weren't selling "eternal fire insurance" - they were inviting neighbors into a whole new way of life that was actually fairly dangerous, marked by simplicity, community, peace, and discipleship.Donald Durham, a Brethren scholar, describes the Brethren movement in the 1700s as the forerunner for the Great Awakening among the American colonies. Their imitation of the early church was so powerful that it sparked renewal that reshaped an entire continent.The early Brethren used two main approaches:* Home community missionary work* Immigration to new areasSome stayed rooted in their towns and homes, inviting friends and neighbors into a different way of life. Others carried the message across seas and prairies. But both were saying the same thing: this life of obedience is too good not to share with friends and family.What Is True Evangelism?Evangelism is not about memorizing scripture or winning arguments with people who disagree with us about God or Jesus. It's about unlocking our personal testimonies and connecting them with our neighbors and friends.Think of a championship basketball team. Their success doesn't come from one star alone but from disciplined teamwork, relentless practice, and players inviting each other into a shared rhythm. One selfish player who ignores the playbook weakens the whole team. Similarly, evangelism is not a solo sport - we invite others into God's rhythm of obedience, and together we support one another and shine brighter.Evangelism is not about selling religion. It's about inviting others into a way of radical obedience that transforms life.Where Does Evangelism Begin?Psalm 78 makes it clear: "We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments."Evangelism begins at home. Obedience is learned mostly not in church, but at the dinner table, in bedtime prayers, in how we as parents treat our neighbors, and how we model forgiveness on a day-to-day basis. If we don't invite our children into obedience, we risk breaking the chain of our witness.Alan Kreider reminds us that the spread of the church was not accomplished by dramatic events but by ordinary believers explaining their hope to their children and neighbors.How Do We Build Our Testimony?Think about how your faith has made an impact in your life and what choices you've made because of how you follow Jesus. Then share that with others. This practice equips us to be authentic witnesses of Jesus Christ's work in our lives.In Amish communities, when a barn needs to be built, neighbors come together for a barn raising. No one does it alone. Teaching our children obedience is like a barn raising - it takes the whole family of faith. We need to commit to building their faith just as we commit to building our own.How Does Our Obedience Impact Others?When we obey Jesus Christ, especially when it costs us something, the world takes notice. Like a team that plays with discipline and teamwork invites fans to join the movement, or a well-tended field that makes neighbors notice the fruit, our faith shines through our actions.Matthew 5 says, "Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and give glory to our Father in heaven." The invitation isn't just in our words but in the living testimony of our daily deeds.Dorothy Day once said, "The best thing to do with the best things in life is to give them away." When we give away our lives in obedience, the light shines brightest.A life of obedience shines brighter than any sermon. Our deeds invite others to glorify God.Life ApplicationOur calling is clear: God blesses us to bless others. Evangelism is an invitation to radical obedience, and we must begin with our children. Our obedience is the light that draws others to God.This week, consider these questions:* How am I living out obedience in a way that others can see?* Who in my household or family am I actively inviting into obedience to Christ?* What testimony of God's work in my life can I share with someone this week?* In what ways might I be hiding my light instead of letting it shine?Let us be bold and live lives so salty, so luminous, so compelling that others cannot help but say, "I want to live that way too." Remember, the Great Commission is our everyday commission - as you go about your daily life, make disciples by inviting others into the joy of obedience to Christ. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Worship as a Laboratory of Faith: The Brethren WayWorship is a workshop, a laboratory of faith. What we do with God shapes what we believe about God, and what we believe about God shapes what we do when we gather. This powerful cycle forms the foundation of our spiritual lives.As the early church in Acts demonstrated, believers devoted themselves daily to teaching, table fellowship, and prayers. This rhythm of faith and life formed a people who resembled the risen Lord Jesus. As theologian NT Wright often says, "We become that which we worship." Our liturgy—the things we do, say, sing, and pray—is all spiritual formation. Our faith habits train our hearts long before we consciously notice their impact.What Makes the Church of the Brethren Unique?The Brethren way can be summarized in three powerful symbols: towel, table, and tank.The TowelThe towel represents John 13, where Jesus washed His disciples' feet. This act of humble service demonstrates how we are called to serve one another with humility and love.The TableThe table comes from 1 Corinthians 11, representing communion and fellowship. It's where we gather to remember Christ's sacrifice and to be reconciled with one another.The TankThe baptismal tank (or river) symbolizes Acts 2—going under with Jesus and rising into new life. Baptism by triune immersion reflects our Trinitarian theology: three dunks into one love, in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.How Does Worship Shape Our Theology?Our worship practices aren't arbitrary—they reveal and reinforce what we believe about God:* Foot washing shapes a theology of humble equality among believers* The shared meal shapes a theology of reconciliation* Baptism shapes a theology of dying and rising daily as brothers and sisters* Anointing shapes a theology of God with us in weakness* Congregational prayer shapes a theology of peace, hope, and healingWhen Paul corrected the Corinthians about their communion practices, he wasn't being picky—he was being pastoral. A table worship that ignores the poor tells a false story about God. True theology demands a reconciling table.How Does Our Theology Shape Our Worship?Just as worship informs our theology, our beliefs about God shape how we worship:* Because we center on Jesus, our services elevate New Testament scripture* Because we believe in the body of Christ, we practice participation* Because we trust the Holy Spirit, we make room for silence and surprise* Because we hold to peace, we pray for enemies and seek reconciliation* Because we value simplicity, we resist performance-oriented worshipWhy Do Brethren Practice Congregational Discernment?Our polity—the way we structure church life—matches our worship. We practice congregational discernment together because we believe Christ is the head of the church, and the gathered body listens for the Spirit together. This reflects our belief that the Spirit gifts the whole body, not just individual leaders.That's why our services make room for many voices through teaching, testimonies, music, and prayer requests. We welcome new members through confession of faith and baptism, celebrating belonging as a gathered community.What Can We Learn from Everyday Tables?Faith formation happens in many contexts. In Italy, church often happened at tables in homes—espresso, pasta, scripture, and stories all braided together. Kitchens can be sanctuaries, and saints sometimes wear aprons.Even in secular settings like wedding venues or hotels, we see that tables are holy places. Hospitality is a sacred event. A set table where families gather says, "You matter"—a reminder of what the Lord's table represents as well.How Can Worship Tell the Truth About God?Paul warns that worship can lie about God if our table excludes, our songs boast, or our prayers ignore pain. Our practices sometimes need repentance, not polishing.Worship must lead to witness. The towel means we serve first, not sweep away problems. The table reconciles us. The tank sends us to live out our baptisms in public. We carry these symbols into our homes, streets, and workplaces as we show up, learn names, and make room for others.Life ApplicationAs we consider the Brethren way of worship, here are three practices to incorporate this season:* The Towel: Serve in quiet ways that cost you something. Look for opportunities to humble yourself in service to others, especially when it's inconvenient.* The Table: Eat and reconcile, especially with those unlike you. Who could you invite to share a meal? Where are relationships that need healing?* The Tank: Remember your baptismal vows and renew them in daily choices. How are you dying to self and rising with Christ in your everyday decisions?* Testimony: Tell others where Jesus has met you. Stories train belief and form faith for both young and old.Remember, you are not a spectator in worship or in faith. You are part of a royal priesthood, a holy nation called to serve with sleeves rolled up. What gift can you bring to the community? The Spirit will braid it in.Ask yourself: How am I participating in worship beyond just attending? In what ways do my worship practices align with what I believe about God? How can I make love "the loudest thing in the room" this week?Let's commit to keeping worship participatory and Christ-centered, planning well but holding those plans lightly, allowing God's love to be our defining characteristic. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Cultivating Courageous Peace and Letting Go of PowerAs we approached the end of Lent, we found ourselves in the powerful story from Luke where Jesus enters Jerusalem. This moment represents a profound contrast between two different processions entering the city on the same day - one led by Pontius Pilate from the west, and the other by Jesus from the east.A Tale of Two Parades: What Was Really Happening on Palm Sunday?Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, typically enjoyed his Mediterranean villa but made a point to be in Jerusalem during Passover. This Jewish celebration of independence and freedom from Egyptian slavery presented a potential threat to Roman authority. Pilate's procession was a deliberate show of force - soldiers marching, banners waving, swords glinting in the sun - all designed to remind the Jewish people that Rome maintained peace through power.Meanwhile, Jesus orchestrated a very different kind of entrance. He rode on a borrowed donkey, accompanied not by soldiers but by ordinary people laying down cloaks and waving palm branches while shouting "Hosanna in the highest!"Was Jesus' Entry Just a Celebration or Something More?Though Jesus' procession might have appeared soft compared to Rome's military display, it was anything but passive. This was a deliberate procession of peace - a confrontation that announced God's peace arriving in Jerusalem.As John Howard Yoder wrote in "The Politics of Jesus": "The cross is not a detour or a hurdle on the way to the kingdom. It is instead the kingdom come." This entry wasn't simply the beginning of Jesus' final week - it was the kingdom of God breaking into the streets of Jerusalem.Jesus rode not with might but with mercy, not with fear but with faith. His disciples recognized this significance, shouting "Hosanna" and creating a welcome for a king who looked nothing like Pontius Pilate or Caesar - a king whose power wasn't enforced but embodied.Why Were the Pharisees So Upset About Palm Sunday?This wasn't just a celebration - it was political. It was a protest. The Pharisees recognized the dangerous implications, demanding Jesus tell his followers to be quiet. They understood this wasn't merely a happy moment but a politically charged, countercultural statement made in the face of Roman power.Jesus' response was profound: "If they keep silent, the stones themselves will cry out." The truth of love, grace, and peace in motion cannot be silenced or buried.Modern Parallels to Jesus' Procession of PeaceIn recent weeks, we've witnessed protests and marches across the world. In Gaza, protesters have risked their lives to call for peace with signs reading "enough." In cities throughout Europe and the US, people have marched under banners calling for justice, dignity, and peace.These modern demonstrations share the spirit of Jesus' Jerusalem procession - people choosing peace over silence, hope over fear. While these protests weren't necessarily led by Jesus, they give us insight into how that day in Jerusalem might have felt - some supporting with great cries, others opposing with concern.Can We Really Let Go of Power and Choose Peace?The question remains: Can we step up and walk with Jesus in the way of peace, even when it's costly? Can we speak truth when silence is easier? Can we choose peace in the face of opposing powers?Some might wonder if we can truly let go of the things so ingrained in our thinking and living. As Richard Rohr wisely notes: "We do not think ourselves into new ways of living. We live ourselves into new ways of thinking."Jesus doesn't invite us into an idea - he invites us into a life of peace. A life that:* Lets go of pride and picks up love* Chooses humility over control* Picks up a cross and carries it to the endWhat Does It Mean to Cultivate Courageous Peace?To follow Jesus means letting go of:* Fear* The need to always win* The belief that power and control keep us safe* The illusion that domination equals strengthIn their place, we're invited to cultivate courageous peace - the kind demonstrated by Jesus and his disciples in Jerusalem. This peace:* Listens* Forgives* Speaks truth when everything suggests silence is safer* Builds up rather than tears downWhere Do We See This Kind of Peace in Everyday Life?Peace doesn't come from power but from presence. We see it in small churches sharing meals around tables, in conversations crossing cultural boundaries, in prayers whispered in different languages.We witness it at weddings when people from different backgrounds come together to celebrate unifying love. We experience it when leadership focuses on care rather than control, when people are seen, welcomed, and given space to become whole.Jesus entered Jerusalem not to overthrow Rome with violence but to reveal a different kind of power - one that bends low to serve, opens doors instead of closing them, and walks straight into suffering without flinching.Life ApplicationThe parade Jesus started isn't over - it continues moving through cities and towns, through churches and communities, through you and me. Jesus still leads the way, still riding that donkey, still asking us to follow him.Let's not just wave palm branches but step into the story, into the kingdom, into a life that embodies love and peace for others. Even if we stay silent, the stones will cry out - God will find something or someone to proclaim this news. How beautiful when God's people choose to shout it first!Ask yourself:* Where in my life am I clinging to power rather than embracing peace?* What would it look like for me to speak truth this week when silence feels safer?* How can I practice presence rather than control in my relationships?* What specific action can I take to follow Jesus' example of courageous peace in my community?This week, challenge yourself to identify one situation where you typically seek control, and instead, deliberately choose the path of peace - listening, forgiving, speaking truth, or building others up. Remember, we live ourselves into new ways of thinking by following Jesus one step at a time. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Radical Obedience: What It Really Means to Follow JesusMost of us assume that being a Christian means having made a conscious decision to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. We believe that Christianity isn't a title you inherit but a trail you decide to walk. Yet, when we probe what this commitment costs in daily life, we discover that our experiences, assumptions, and cultural biases lead us to interpret Jesus' words differently.But what if "Christian" doesn't always mean "follower of Jesus"? What if, in some times and places, calling yourself a Christian has been more about ethnicity and nationalism than about obeying Jesus?The Call to Follow ImmediatelyIn Mark 1:15, Jesus announces, "The time has come. The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news." Then, without fanfare, he approaches four fishermen by the Sea of Galilee and says, "Come follow me." Mark notes that "immediately they left their nets and followed Jesus."The early Brethren took these words—"followed immediately"—extremely seriously. They understood that Jesus wasn't looking for volunteers to join a committee but was summoning people to a brand new way of life. They realized that a label without a life behind it is just a sticker.When Christianity Became a Cultural IdentityIn 16th-18th century Europe, all babies were baptized into the local church, whether Reformed, Lutheran, Calvinist, or Catholic. Their names were recorded in parish rolls, simultaneously making them members of both church and state. Social rank was fixed, citizenship and religion were fused, and opting out was nearly impossible.Consequently, multitudes lived as "Christians" who had never chosen faith in Jesus, never decided to follow His way, and never intended to shape their lives by His commands. The result was a passive church and a corrupt Christendom. When faith is automatic, passion for God's way is almost always absent.The Anabaptist AwakeningInto this landscape burst the Anabaptists in the 1500s, followed by the Pietists, and then the Church of the Brethren movement in 1708. Young adults led by Alexander Mack realized they were not genuine disciples because they had never consciously chosen Jesus or their own baptism.Reading newly accessible scriptures (thanks to the Gutenberg Press), they heard Jesus say, "Follow me" and "If anyone would come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross." They saw Peter write of a suffering Christ and concluded: "We are not Christians until we suffer in the same way as Jesus."This insight became their North Star. If Jesus' path was suffering service, then true disciples must trace the same steps.What Does It Cost to Follow Jesus?Luke preserves one of Jesus' hardest recruitment speeches: "Whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Won't you first sit down and estimate the cost? In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples."The Brethren highlighted this passage in their 1708 covenant meetings. Alexander Mack even wrote a hymn titled "Count Well the Cost," a direct reference to Luke 14.These eight young adults understood that rebaptism, house meetings, and refusing to bear arms would cost them something. Yet they saw this cost-counting as gospel obedience to Jesus Christ. They understood you aren't born a disciple; you become one by choice.When Religious Conviction Creates Political CrisisTheir religious conviction created a political crisis. Since church and state were practically married, rebaptism meant renouncing infant baptism, which would wreck civic records used for taxes and military drafts. It also meant claiming primary allegiance to Christ's kingdom rather than the state.The state answered brutally with raids, arrests, torture, and executions. Yet persecution only spread the movement. The sight of believers ready to die rather than betray Jesus proved contagious. They learned that obedience to Jesus is the most subversive act in a culture of convenience.Those eight stepped into the Eder River, baptized one another, and birthed the Church of the Brethren. This wasn't a political protest but a faith declaration: "Jesus alone is our Lord. His teaching is our charter and our creed. We obey Him, come what may."They soon realized following Jesus is never a private decision—it is public disruption.Life ApplicationWhat does this mean for us today? Here are some clear applications:* Examine our assumptions: We assume Christian equals disciple. But is that true of us? A comfortable believer may be a committed consumer, but a disciple is a costly follower.* Assess our commitment daily: Are we so devoted to Jesus and His way that we would suffer discomfort or even death rather than violate Jesus' way in our lives and world?* Remember that radical obedience doesn't flirt with the edge: It steps over daily, hourly, minute by minute in life.* Recognize the ripple effect: Faithfulness collides with social, economic, political, and religious systems. Following Jesus is never a private hobby—it is public disruption.* Identify constraining traditions: Are there inherited patterns that keep us from wholehearted obedience to Jesus? Tradition is a beautiful servant but a terrible master.* Count the cost and trust the reward: Jesus promised, "Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life." But remember that crowns in God's kingdom are forged from crosses.To be a genuine follower of the Way in 2025 means letting Jesus' words form our constitution, our creed, our ultimate identity. The radical obedience of Alexander Mack and those first Brethren still asks: How committed are we really to living 100% for Christ?Ask yourself:* Am I a Christian in name only, or am I truly following Jesus' way?* What nets (family expectations, cultural habits, comfort) am I unwilling to drop to follow Jesus?* If following Jesus meant losing status, comfort, or safety, would I still follow?* How is my obedience to Jesus disrupting the systems around me?May the lives we live every day outside our church walls answer these questions by the power of the Holy Spirit. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

When Love Goes Looking: Crossing Boundaries and Finding the ForgottenLove that crosses boundaries isn't always neat or welcomed, but it's always powerful. True love shows up in tombs, wastelands, and graveyards. It searches for the forgotten and calls out until we are found.What Does God's Pursuing Love Look Like?In Isaiah, God declares, "I was ready to be found, but you weren't even looking." Yet despite this rejection, God keeps reaching out with hands stretched toward those walking away. This isn't a distant, indifferent God, but one who initiates relationship despite rejection.This love doesn't wait for us to get our lives together. It shows up first and seeks us out. In business, we might call this "anticipating customer needs," but in scripture, it's something far deeper—it's transformational love that initiates despite rejection.How Does Jesus Demonstrate Boundary-Crossing Love?In the New Testament, we see Jesus crossing a lake into Gentile territory—a place rabbinical teaching said he shouldn't go. He then enters a graveyard, a place of fear and ritual uncleanliness, to find a man everyone else had abandoned.Who does that? Who searches for someone the community has given up on? Jesus does, repeatedly, because that's what love does.Why Does Love Take Us to Uncomfortable Places?As people, we typically want a neat, tidy gospel with a predictable savior. But love always takes us to uncomfortable places. Love never plays it safe.I experienced this while living in Sicily with my family. We met an American mother of twins who was being abused and held captive by her Sicilian husband. Helping her escape with her children was right but dangerous—we received death threats from her husband's family, forcing my wife and children to temporarily leave the island.I didn't seek this situation, but God placed us there. We chose to help because we believe deeply that love crosses borders of geography, safety, and personal comfort. It goes where others won't. This is the love Jesus demonstrates and calls us to live out.How Does Jesus Restore Dignity to the Broken?In Luke's gospel, Jesus encounters a man chained up, naked, and screaming—ostracized by his community. By the end of the story, he's clothed, calm, and sitting at Jesus' feet.Jesus didn't just cast out demons; he restored the man's dignity. He gave back his name, story, future, and place in community. As Isaiah says, "There is a blessing in the cluster of grapes"—Jesus saw worth in this man that his community had overlooked.How many people do we figuratively "chain up" because their pain is too much for us to bear? Love doesn't fear brokenness—it enters into it and restores.Why Do People Reject Healing and Restoration?Interestingly, when the community sees the man healed, they don't rejoice. Instead, they're afraid and ask Jesus to leave. Why? Because this kind of love disrupts. It overturns what's comfortable, changes power dynamics, and shifts priorities.In Isaiah, people rejected God while claiming holiness. In Luke, they reject healing because it came from someone they didn't expect or respect. This still happens today.What Does Public Witness of Love Look Like Today?This July, I'll attend the Church of the Brethren annual conference in Greensboro. One key witness effort focuses on gun violence prevention, with attendees wearing orange to stand with victims and their families.This public witness of love can make people uncomfortable. Some may ask, "Why bring politics into church?" But I see it differently—it's showing what love looks like in the public forum. It's a love that mourns with those who mourn, protects the vulnerable, and risks being misunderstood to say, "You matter. Your pain matters. You are not forgotten."Like in Isaiah and Luke, this kind of love can make people turn away. But Jesus teaches us to show up anyway, because that's what love does.What Happens After We're Found by Love?After Jesus heals the demonized man, the man wants to stay with Jesus—understandably! But Jesus says, "No. Go home and tell your story."Perhaps the most important point: Jesus doesn't just save us; he sends us. When love goes looking for us, it also sends us looking for others. That's what the Church of the Brethren is doing—wearing orange, praying with their feet, building peace where the world sees division. That's love, and that's our calling.Life Application: Responding to Love That SeeksToday, you might feel like the man in the tombs—forgotten and overwhelmed. Or perhaps you're like the crowd—afraid of what real love might change or ask of you. Maybe you're being called like the healed man to go and tell others.Wherever you are, hear this: God is still saying, "Here I am." Jesus is still crossing seas. Love is still looking—for you, your family, your friends, your neighbors, and even your enemies.Ask yourself:* Where is God pursuing me that I've been resistant to acknowledge?* What boundaries is love asking me to cross to reach someone others have given up on?* How might I be "chaining up" someone whose pain is difficult for me to face?* What is my story of being found by love, and who needs to hear it?This week, look for one opportunity to cross a boundary with love—to go where others won't go, to see worth in someone others have overlooked, to restore dignity where it's been lost. That's what love does when it goes looking. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Finding Wisdom: How to Listen to the Spirit of TruthIn John 16, Jesus tells his disciples something puzzling: "There is so much more I want to tell you, but I just can't right now." Imagine being in their shoes - Jesus is about to leave, and suddenly he drops this divine cliffhanger. It's like your boss saying, "There's a presentation due tomorrow, I'll explain it then," or your dentist saying, "That's concerning, we'll discuss it in a year."But Jesus doesn't leave them hanging completely. He adds this crucial promise: "When she, the Spirit of truth comes, she will guide you into all truth."Why Does Jesus Refer to the Holy Spirit as "She"?This might seem surprising, but Jesus would have used this personal pronoun because in Aramaic, the language Jesus spoke, "spirit" is a feminine noun. In languages like Aramaic, Latin, or Spanish, feminine nouns are referred to with feminine pronouns.Jesus isn't ghosting his disciples - he's tagging someone else in. And not just anyone. He's handing everything over to the Spirit of Truth, the Spirit of Wisdom, the Spirit of Peace. She will provide the guidance for the entire mission until Jesus returns.Who Is This Spirit of Wisdom?This isn't some new character appearing in a sequel. The Spirit has been present since the beginning. In Proverbs, we find Wisdom standing at crossroads, raising her voice, calling out to anyone who will listen:"To you, O people, I call out; I raise my voice to all humanity." (Proverbs 8:4)She's bold and ancient - no newcomer. In Proverbs 8:22-30, she declares: "The Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts long ago. I was beside him like a master worker, and I was his delight daily."Let that sink in. The Spirit of Wisdom was there before people, before stars were flung into the sky, before oceans had shores. She was beside God, shaping creation, delighting in it, and most importantly, delighting in us - rooting for humanity from the very beginning.What Does This Mean for Us Today?Jesus is saying, "This is not a new voice. This is the voice that helped build the world, that has been speaking all along. The one who has long been in your corner. Listen to her."The disciples weren't being handed a textbook or even a Bible. They were being invited into a relationship with a living, creative, truth-speaking presence that would be alongside them in the world. And so are we.We don't listen to a Spirit who just gives moral tips or doctrinal answers. We listen to Wisdom herself, who shaped the universe, who was with Jesus and God in the beginning.To follow the Spirit is to listen for Wisdom's voice in our questions, our prayers, and in the mess of everyday life and decision-making. It's to believe that the same Spirit who spun the galaxies also cares deeply about your next conversation, your next choice, your next act of love.Do not expect this Spirit to stay quiet. She has been speaking into the world since the beginning, and she loves to talk. She still cries out at the crossroads of our lives: "Turn, listen, live!"How Do I Foster a Relationship with the Spirit of Wisdom?It's not just about believing doctrines or memorizing verses. We need to cultivate a real, living relationship with this divine voice who still nudges and leads. Proverbs offers six ways to do this:1. Listen in Daily LifeWisdom "calls out in the street" (Proverbs 1:20-23, 8:1-3). She speaks at the crossroads. Stay present in everyday life, not just in church. Look for her in conversations, in creation, and even in conflict.2. Seek with Intention"Seek her like silver" (Proverbs 2:4). Treat spiritual listening like a treasure hunt. Prioritize quiet, reflective time and spiritual reading. Start your day asking, "What truth are you revealing to me today?" Then dig for it with all your intention.3. Trust, Don't Assume"Lean not on your own understanding" (Proverbs 3:5-6). Listening means letting go of being right all the time and staying open to new ideas. Let the Spirit change your mind. Daily ask, "What am I not seeing in this situation?"4. Stay Humble"To fear the Lord is to hate pride" (Proverbs 8:13). Pride blocks wisdom; humility clears the way. When tempted to react quickly, pause and pray: "Is this the Spirit guiding me, or is my ego talking?"5. Walk with the Wise"Walk with the wise and become wise" (Proverbs 13:20). The Spirit speaks through people - through our brothers and sisters. Seek out wise companions and create community where questions are welcome and discernment is shared.6. Join Her Joy"I was rejoicing in the inhabited world and delighting in the human race" (Proverbs 8:31). Wisdom isn't always heavy or serious. Often, it's found in laughter, beauty, justice, mercy, music, and celebration. Ask: "Where is the Spirit rejoicing today, and how can I join in?"Life ApplicationThe Spirit of Wisdom, Truth, and Peace is not silent. She is speaking in your life right now. It might not be in thunder or lightning, but perhaps in a small voice, the voice of a child, the silence of your morning coffee, a scripture that stays with you all week, or the nudge you feel when someone needs your attention.Jesus never said we would figure everything out on our own. He said, "The Spirit will guide you into all truth." So let's start asking more often: "Spirit, what are you saying to me today?"This week, challenge yourself to intentionally listen for the Spirit's guidance:* Set aside 5 minutes each morning to ask, "Spirit of Wisdom, what do you want to show me today?"* When facing a decision, pause and ask, "Am I leaning on my own understanding or seeking divine wisdom?"* Notice where joy, beauty, and delight appear in your day - these may be places the Spirit is rejoicing* At day's end, reflect: "Where did I hear Wisdom's voice today? Where did I miss it?"Most importantly, ask yourself: "Am I listening?" Because that is where transformation begins. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe

Finding Your True Purpose: A Guide to Authentic Living in a Conformist WorldLife often presents us with choices between conforming to society's expectations and staying true to our authentic selves. This message explores how we can discover our genuine purpose and use our unique gifts while resisting the pressure to conform.The Pressure to Conform: Then and NowThe ancient Roman Empire, much like today's society, was built on status games, fake friendships, wealth displays, and social climbing. These same challenges persist in our modern world, just with different packaging - social media, algorithms, and digital filters.What Does it Mean to "Not Conform to This Age"?The apostle Paul's message from Romans remains remarkably relevant: "Do not conform to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This isn't about rejecting modern culture entirely, but rather about maintaining our authentic selves in a world that constantly pushes us to conform.Modern Pressures We Face:* Chase money and status* Go viral at any cost* Curate a perfect social media presence* Measure worth through followers and likesHow Do We Discover Our True Gifts?Paul uses the metaphor of a body to explain how different gifts work together in community. Each person has unique abilities meant to serve specific purposes:* Speaking truth when it's difficult* Showing up consistently to serve others* Teaching complex concepts simply* Encouraging those who are struggling* Giving generously without showing off* Leading with heart and responsibility* Showing mercy and deep careWhy Should We Use Our Gifts for Others?Our gifts aren't meant for personal glory or social media fame. They're designed to impact others and build up the community. True transformation comes when we focus on using our abilities to serve rather than to impress.The Call to Ministry in Modern TimesThere's a growing need for fresh voices in ministry - people who can:* Speak authentically to new generations* Build real community beyond digital connections* Bring fresh approaches while maintaining core values* Stand for both justice and faith* Lead with authenticity and purposeLife ApplicationThis week, challenge yourself to:* Identify your unique gifts and talents* Consider how you're currently using these gifts* Look for opportunities to serve others with your abilities* Resist conforming to social pressure that doesn't align with your valuesAsk yourself:* Am I using my gifts to impress others or to make a real impact?* What pressures to conform am I facing, and how can I resist them?* How can I use my unique abilities to serve my community this week?* Am I being authentic in my daily life, or am I trying to fit someone else's mold?Remember: You don't need to excel at everything. Focus on developing and using your specific gifts in ways that serve others and honor their divine purpose. True transformation comes not from conforming to society's expectations but from living authentically in service to others. Get full access to Harry Jarrett at pastorharryjarrett.substack.com/subscribe