Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/what-language-shall-i-borrow-reflections-on-faith These are challenging times for the church, and especially for those responsible for a congregation. Ronald P. Byars, a former pastor, teacher, and now pew-sitter, reflects on how the varied “languages” of faith most effectively reach the faithful and the unfaithful in times both unfavorable and favorable. Byars served as pastor of congregations in Fremont, Allen Park, Okemos, and Birmingham, Michigan; and in Lexington, Kentucky. In 1999 he joined the faculty of Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He continues to write in retirement, living now in Lexington. @ 2025 Matthew Byars ead9368e-9d31-58c4-87db-02bf0a073b10 no en Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:34:03 -0400 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:34:11 -0400 https://img.transistorcdn.com/4Ker6mC7Ao10ufwhJ8ye3wQLLOqzP2voV0vLyjE3e1Q/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9jY2Q4/YzMwYmUwMDEyMDJj/OWJhOTkyOTE4OTk5/OGE4NS5wbmc.jpg episodic Ronald P. Byars These are challenging times for the church, and especially for those responsible for a congregation. Ronald P. Byars, a former pastor, teacher, and now pew-sitter, reflects on how the varied “languages” of faith most effectively reach the faithful and the unfaithful in times both unfavorable and favorable. Byars served as pastor of congregations in Fremont, Allen Park, Okemos, and Birmingham, Michigan; and in Lexington, Kentucky. In 1999 he joined the faculty of Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. He continues to write in retirement, living now in Lexington. These are challenging times for the church, and especially for those responsible for a congregation. theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy Ronald P. Byars No No 63 63 How could the Roman soldiers possibly take seriously this Jewish carpenter they were supposed to crucify? full 91ca51bb-357c-491f-865d-7f9a197c42ab https://share.transistor.fm/s/e8010248 Jesus embraces the pain without passing it on.

]]> Jesus embraces the pain without passing it on.

]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2026 12:33:54 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 599 Jesus embraces the pain without passing it on.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 62 62 Easter without Holy Week can be dangerous to one’s spiritual health. full 0c78e3be-77ac-4a52-8bf4-8c95b4840bcb https://share.transistor.fm/s/79de2dbd Jesus turns the old status systems upside down.

]]> Jesus turns the old status systems upside down.

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:31:49 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 549 Jesus turns the old status systems upside down.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 61 61 The American Funeral full 6560d64d-5a0a-4aea-9fc3-454483b5e515 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f88eab3b The American funeral, as Tom Long has so ably pointed out, has undergone a process of transformation in recent years to the point that it has become more and more remote from a Christian approach to life or death.

]]> The American funeral, as Tom Long has so ably pointed out, has undergone a process of transformation in recent years to the point that it has become more and more remote from a Christian approach to life or death.

]]> Thu, 19 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 569 The American funeral, as Tom Long has so ably pointed out, has undergone a process of transformation in recent years to the point that it has become more and more remote from a Christian approach to life or death.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 60 60 Rehearsing the grand homecoming that is to come. The sure sign of home: sharing food together. full 45e1d276-f4b6-4948-b8b8-4993e9154b1e https://share.transistor.fm/s/52b903bf “Then, people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29).

]]> “Then, people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29).

]]> Wed, 11 Mar 2026 14:49:46 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 683 “Then, people will come from east and west, from north and south, and will eat in the kingdom of God” (Luke 13:29).

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 59 59 Life isn’t fair, and we’re outraged, because it seems as though it ought to be fair. full 366be10e-3853-4933-a8a1-6cf784159612 https://share.transistor.fm/s/48dca194 Grace is amazing!

]]> Grace is amazing!

]]> Thu, 05 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 699 Grace is amazing!

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 58 58 What does what we do in worship say about God, God’s character, and God’s disposition toward us? full f5ad595d-4bbd-433e-9b7b-d54b2b745118 https://share.transistor.fm/s/49b8c9e7 In worship, I see further out than I can see anywhere else.

]]> In worship, I see further out than I can see anywhere else.

]]> Thu, 26 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 626 In worship, I see further out than I can see anywhere else.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 57 57 In Scripture, “evil” always has a face. The adversary, the tempter, the fallen angel reenters the Biblical story at many points. full 70c8faa8-2f81-4da2-b682-8451ec5b38f6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/eb1283d1 Evil is subtle, alluring, always in disguise, and shrewd.

]]> Evil is subtle, alluring, always in disguise, and shrewd.

]]> Thu, 19 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 674 Evil is subtle, alluring, always in disguise, and shrewd.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 56 56 There are afflictions that don’t precisely fit the usual diagnostic patterns. full 7d651f78-e452-433f-ab47-8d6009dfca38 https://share.transistor.fm/s/bc899cb4 The Christian faith is a healing movement.

]]> The Christian faith is a healing movement.

]]> Thu, 12 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 631 The Christian faith is a healing movement.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 55 55 Fundamentalism isn’t the only option for serious faith. full 638359d0-77a3-4796-a461-96e7752669ce https://share.transistor.fm/s/229d6603 Becoming fluent in the “grammar of the gospel.”

]]> Becoming fluent in the “grammar of the gospel.”

]]> Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 572 Becoming fluent in the “grammar of the gospel.”

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 54 54 Preaching is meant to be a “sacramental act.” full 172cad39-3db3-4976-9ec4-b2ebefefeaf3 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7d9cb510 There are some things that can’t be understood by reasoned explanations alone.

]]> There are some things that can’t be understood by reasoned explanations alone.

]]> Thu, 29 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 655 There are some things that can’t be understood by reasoned explanations alone.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 53 53 Indiscriminate Baptism full 9cb5fcd7-809e-43b2-a9fa-e86d81d50d59 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2b2904bd Surely we don’t expect parents to perjure themselves in public!

]]> Surely we don’t expect parents to perjure themselves in public!

]]> Thu, 22 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 623 Surely we don’t expect parents to perjure themselves in public!

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 52 52 Jesus was baptized alongside “sinners” full 49d85f62-5c40-4bff-b661-03ca7b8634df https://share.transistor.fm/s/46d0a97e “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down. . .”

]]> “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down. . .”

]]> Thu, 15 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 653 “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down. . .”

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 51 51 Is there anyone in charge here? Some way to know for certain that there is some conscious intentionality behind the origin of the universe? full 4c7a500b-6029-4cd9-befc-de6afccb4b00 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ef6b9621 God's “Word” is God reaching out to us who bring nothing to the table but our questions. 

]]> God's “Word” is God reaching out to us who bring nothing to the table but our questions. 

]]> Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 807 God's “Word” is God reaching out to us who bring nothing to the table but our questions. 

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 50 50 A star shall come out of Jacob full 22bad377-e609-4c08-878f-f316c5786b8f https://share.transistor.fm/s/92ecd7cd Matthew gathers biblical images to fashion something that’s less a piece of journalism and more like a hymn of praise.

]]> Matthew gathers biblical images to fashion something that’s less a piece of journalism and more like a hymn of praise.

]]> Thu, 01 Jan 2026 14:42:14 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 614 Matthew gathers biblical images to fashion something that’s less a piece of journalism and more like a hymn of praise.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 49 49 It’s a simple story. full edc6d096-91b3-4a18-a632-0a1bba340a6b https://share.transistor.fm/s/456d3ccb The very familiarity of it dulls our capacity to recognize how radical the story is.

]]> The very familiarity of it dulls our capacity to recognize how radical the story is.

]]> Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:10:07 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 542 The very familiarity of it dulls our capacity to recognize how radical the story is.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 48 48 Ave Maria full f573b9da-2101-46da-8e26-721a99ba0d15 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5eac03a5 God’s business is about lifting up the lowly.

]]> God’s business is about lifting up the lowly.

]]> Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 595 God’s business is about lifting up the lowly.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 47 47 “Is this the best of all possible worlds?” full b8863c70-72dd-4b84-9c60-a11e6e3e8a92 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d3fdfab1 In Christ, God has offered a foretaste of a healed creation.

]]> In Christ, God has offered a foretaste of a healed creation.

]]> Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 624 In Christ, God has offered a foretaste of a healed creation.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 46 46 He descended into Hell full a816231a-9ac1-4761-a228-6622204370bd https://share.transistor.fm/s/82ec7828 What language shall I borrow to thank thee, dearest friend?

]]> What language shall I borrow to thank thee, dearest friend?

]]> Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 678 What language shall I borrow to thank thee, dearest friend?

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 45 45 There is a difference between a trip and a journey. full 3414d64f-4d82-486b-84b0-48d953e11ecf https://share.transistor.fm/s/e0f1b33a The journey reshapes the traveler.

]]> The journey reshapes the traveler.

]]> Thu, 27 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 678 The journey reshapes the traveler.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 44 44 "So it goes." full 76e2de68-10c9-45e7-846d-abac9ac75f44 https://share.transistor.fm/s/353dc20a The problem comes when accumulating resources becomes a kind of competitive game, where there can only be a few winners and a lot of losers. A vicious problem when the game turns into winner-take-all. The “art of the deal,” you know? I win. You lose. “So it goes. So it goes.”

]]> The problem comes when accumulating resources becomes a kind of competitive game, where there can only be a few winners and a lot of losers. A vicious problem when the game turns into winner-take-all. The “art of the deal,” you know? I win. You lose. “So it goes. So it goes.”

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 600 The problem comes when accumulating resources becomes a kind of competitive game, where there can only be a few winners and a lot of losers. A vicious problem when the game turns into winner-take-all. The “art of the deal,” you know? I win. You lose. “So it goes. So it goes.”

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 43 43 Saving the World full 69d66093-2b55-4cde-9c5b-0de5d4eff37f https://share.transistor.fm/s/2268d0c2 As the prophet Jeremiah put it, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”

]]> As the prophet Jeremiah put it, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”

]]> Fri, 14 Nov 2025 06:41:42 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 584 As the prophet Jeremiah put it, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 42 42 She gave away “everything she had.” full 77eb06b6-c888-416d-b7e3-643624cf0f4f https://share.transistor.fm/s/75b295fe One day, without even knowing it, someone becomes Christ to us.

]]> One day, without even knowing it, someone becomes Christ to us.

]]> Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:11:56 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 676 One day, without even knowing it, someone becomes Christ to us.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 41 41 Judgment and Grace full 1bba04bf-73aa-4b25-9fe7-31a51cc01532 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ff947abf Legitimate self-interest easily gets swollen out of its proper proportions. Judgment isn’t an antiquated notion that needs to be put on the shelf. The words “Judgment and Grace” stand alone. The rest is commentary.

]]> Legitimate self-interest easily gets swollen out of its proper proportions. Judgment isn’t an antiquated notion that needs to be put on the shelf. The words “Judgment and Grace” stand alone. The rest is commentary.

]]> Thu, 30 Oct 2025 15:45:39 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 639 Legitimate self-interest easily gets swollen out of its proper proportions. Judgment isn’t an antiquated notion that needs to be put on the shelf. The words “Judgment and Grace” stand alone. The rest is commentary.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 40 40 What my mother told me. full d6071f78-873f-436e-9d01-31acf9053678 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2bdaceb7 Maybe it’s not just about how to get to heaven.

]]> Maybe it’s not just about how to get to heaven.

]]> Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:07:59 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 639 Maybe it’s not just about how to get to heaven.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 39 39 Missed the Funeral full c0928a5e-0cf6-46ab-a598-d94dc35e844c https://share.transistor.fm/s/40d9bd5f The deceased was wakened when he heard his own name.

]]> The deceased was wakened when he heard his own name.

]]> Thu, 16 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 623 The deceased was wakened when he heard his own name.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 38 38 The very architecture of our souls requires that there be seasons of lament. full 1862dc93-e8fc-4dfb-9013-4cafc0067cc7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6a870c88 In the shedding of tears there is healing.

]]> In the shedding of tears there is healing.

]]> Thu, 09 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 674 In the shedding of tears there is healing.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 37 37 The Risks of Liturgical Indifference. full 3b1f9965-8d7a-4ec5-9b81-25d5b3b9e76e https://share.transistor.fm/s/9433bc93 Capturing the imagination in a multisensory fashion, to orient our love and our longing.

]]> Capturing the imagination in a multisensory fashion, to orient our love and our longing.

]]> Thu, 02 Oct 2025 15:15:52 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 718 Capturing the imagination in a multisensory fashion, to orient our love and our longing.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 36 36 Liturgical Testimony to a Cosmic Redemption full 7283d4bb-b243-49b6-b3b1-c642a2c00419 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d5060505 Jesus did not say. “Think this in remembrance of me” or “Feel this” or “Do this if you have time,” or “Make this really ‘special’,” but simply “Do this.” Just do it. Do this unrelenting testimony to the great homecoming banquet, the “renewal of all things.”

]]> Jesus did not say. “Think this in remembrance of me” or “Feel this” or “Do this if you have time,” or “Make this really ‘special’,” but simply “Do this.” Just do it. Do this unrelenting testimony to the great homecoming banquet, the “renewal of all things.”

]]> Thu, 25 Sep 2025 17:05:09 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 718 Jesus did not say. “Think this in remembrance of me” or “Feel this” or “Do this if you have time,” or “Make this really ‘special’,” but simply “Do this.” Just do it. Do this unrelenting testimony to the great homecoming banquet, the “renewal of all things.”

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 35 35 How easy it is to get the Eucharist wrong. full edcaeb55-a0bf-442e-8489-df3ac95c7e9f https://share.transistor.fm/s/9ad64bf6 The apostle Paul describes the Eucharist at work in three dimensions: past, present, and future. It turns to the past “On the night when he was betrayed.” It embraces the present: “Do this. . .” It looks to the ultimate future, “until he comes.”

]]> The apostle Paul describes the Eucharist at work in three dimensions: past, present, and future. It turns to the past “On the night when he was betrayed.” It embraces the present: “Do this. . .” It looks to the ultimate future, “until he comes.”

]]> Thu, 18 Sep 2025 11:39:38 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 630 The apostle Paul describes the Eucharist at work in three dimensions: past, present, and future. It turns to the past “On the night when he was betrayed.” It embraces the present: “Do this. . .” It looks to the ultimate future, “until he comes.”

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 34 34 Evaluating Our Loyalties full c16cf1d6-ef7f-46a6-b4ab-c7b7392c3937 https://share.transistor.fm/s/1648e306 Jesus attracted a lot of people who thought joining his parade might elevate their status. There were enough of them that Jesus felt that it was his duty to let them know where he was headed, and where they would be headed if they should sign on.

]]> Jesus attracted a lot of people who thought joining his parade might elevate their status. There were enough of them that Jesus felt that it was his duty to let them know where he was headed, and where they would be headed if they should sign on.

]]> Thu, 11 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 610 Jesus attracted a lot of people who thought joining his parade might elevate their status. There were enough of them that Jesus felt that it was his duty to let them know where he was headed, and where they would be headed if they should sign on.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 33 33 Anxiety, Deception, and Idolatry full fe7a584a-a152-47a6-bfbb-b7f30d1682ca https://share.transistor.fm/s/e8076e9f Authoritarianism manipulates people’s fears and anxieties. It promises a redemption that is not in human hands to give. 

]]> Authoritarianism manipulates people’s fears and anxieties. It promises a redemption that is not in human hands to give. 

]]> Thu, 04 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 653 Authoritarianism manipulates people’s fears and anxieties. It promises a redemption that is not in human hands to give. 

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 32 32 Doctrine full 759cfbf8-70bc-4b0a-bbbd-069f542a3805 https://share.transistor.fm/s/703c25d2 Doctrine needs to be pondered over a lifetime. One reflects on it as one grows and changes, with the various seasons and experiences of life providing a series of new perspectives, each one possibly revealing an insight not accessible earlier

]]> Doctrine needs to be pondered over a lifetime. One reflects on it as one grows and changes, with the various seasons and experiences of life providing a series of new perspectives, each one possibly revealing an insight not accessible earlier

]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 653 Doctrine needs to be pondered over a lifetime. One reflects on it as one grows and changes, with the various seasons and experiences of life providing a series of new perspectives, each one possibly revealing an insight not accessible earlier

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 31 31 Real Presence full 350b3e51-8600-4fad-86ad-cc43fd768492 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e28db08a While it might give information, the sermon is not about giving information. It’s meant to be more like an encounter. The sermon drawn from the text can become a sacramental vessel by which the Christ revealed in scripture becomes manifest among us.

]]> While it might give information, the sermon is not about giving information. It’s meant to be more like an encounter. The sermon drawn from the text can become a sacramental vessel by which the Christ revealed in scripture becomes manifest among us.

]]> Thu, 21 Aug 2025 13:42:32 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 687 While it might give information, the sermon is not about giving information. It’s meant to be more like an encounter. The sermon drawn from the text can become a sacramental vessel by which the Christ revealed in scripture becomes manifest among us.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 30 30 What motivates people to worship? full da191772-684e-42e2-b43d-71eee6589203 https://share.transistor.fm/s/25736847 No matter how threatening the times, worship always centers us in a framework of hope.

]]> No matter how threatening the times, worship always centers us in a framework of hope.

]]> Thu, 14 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 641 No matter how threatening the times, worship always centers us in a framework of hope.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 29 29 Liturgical Essentials: Bath, Book, Meal, and Attentiveness to the poor. full 53866f14-c348-44c4-afe4-7d74cb0424c9 https://share.transistor.fm/s/aa2a0b04 When the apostle Paul met with the leaders of the Jerusalem church and received their blessing and acknowledgement of his calling to minister to the Gentiles, Paul recalled that, “They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10).

]]> When the apostle Paul met with the leaders of the Jerusalem church and received their blessing and acknowledgement of his calling to minister to the Gentiles, Paul recalled that, “They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10).

]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 691 When the apostle Paul met with the leaders of the Jerusalem church and received their blessing and acknowledgement of his calling to minister to the Gentiles, Paul recalled that, “They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do” (Gal 2:10).

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 28 28 You can baptize with sand. full 3a488393-a62e-4c5e-8d32-7411eaa69849 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c407787b Those responsible for planning and leading worship need to know a little more than that!

]]> Those responsible for planning and leading worship need to know a little more than that!

]]> Thu, 24 Jul 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 691 Those responsible for planning and leading worship need to know a little more than that!

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 27 27 Embracing Ritual full 43028c8d-b049-4682-b345-535d28189718 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b277703e Recognized or not, ritual is basic to human life, not something primitive to be left behind as we learn to live more and more in our reasoning heads.

]]> Recognized or not, ritual is basic to human life, not something primitive to be left behind as we learn to live more and more in our reasoning heads.

]]> Thu, 17 Jul 2025 14:23:07 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 642 Recognized or not, ritual is basic to human life, not something primitive to be left behind as we learn to live more and more in our reasoning heads.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 26 26 Spiritual death full e1dc2ad1-bc65-4ef3-ab97-34781c49d93a https://share.transistor.fm/s/1e12b248 Sometimes it feels embarrassing even to say the word “God” seriously in certain circles.
 

]]> Sometimes it feels embarrassing even to say the word “God” seriously in certain circles.
 

]]> Thu, 03 Jul 2025 23:31:49 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 642 Sometimes it feels embarrassing even to say the word “God” seriously in certain circles.
 

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 25 25 The cultural authority once granted to the church has been withdrawn. full dc728f6d-e43f-46b0-8079-1c07ed6c9335 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7efd1b4e To prioritize trying to save our institutional life at any cost is a worthless endeavor if it leads us to be embarrassed by the very faith that God called the church into being to preserve and advance.

]]> To prioritize trying to save our institutional life at any cost is a worthless endeavor if it leads us to be embarrassed by the very faith that God called the church into being to preserve and advance.

]]> Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:54:43 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 642 To prioritize trying to save our institutional life at any cost is a worthless endeavor if it leads us to be embarrassed by the very faith that God called the church into being to preserve and advance.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 24 24 Atheist? full 0a3d94c0-0995-4576-abcf-59aeae5fdd84 https://share.transistor.fm/s/45550d3a Archbishop William Temple said that, “If you have a false idea of God, the more religious you are, the worse it is for you—it were better for you to be an atheist.” We’re living in times when, given all the options in play, it might be that to be an atheist may be the better choice.

]]> Archbishop William Temple said that, “If you have a false idea of God, the more religious you are, the worse it is for you—it were better for you to be an atheist.” We’re living in times when, given all the options in play, it might be that to be an atheist may be the better choice.

]]> Thu, 19 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 650 Archbishop William Temple said that, “If you have a false idea of God, the more religious you are, the worse it is for you—it were better for you to be an atheist.” We’re living in times when, given all the options in play, it might be that to be an atheist may be the better choice.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 23 23 We have a soul-sickness problem that manifests as a language problem. full 917e2d0f-323a-4aa1-824d-12c8e642dd6b https://share.transistor.fm/s/51e763b1 Maybe the church can rejuvenate its mission in the world by majoring for a while in careful listening. It may be that what the world needs most is a people dedicated to hearing.

]]> Maybe the church can rejuvenate its mission in the world by majoring for a while in careful listening. It may be that what the world needs most is a people dedicated to hearing.

]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 643 Maybe the church can rejuvenate its mission in the world by majoring for a while in careful listening. It may be that what the world needs most is a people dedicated to hearing.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 22 22 The power of Evil. full 79e558b0-43c6-4481-88cc-aa6d7bc19378 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f20cc391 Jesus’ confrontation with demonic powers has been validated, his struggle vindicated. The written story of Jesus’ ascension makes use of naive images that serve a purpose so long as we don’t get hung up on aerodynamic details.

]]> Jesus’ confrontation with demonic powers has been validated, his struggle vindicated. The written story of Jesus’ ascension makes use of naive images that serve a purpose so long as we don’t get hung up on aerodynamic details.

]]> Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:45:50 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 643 Jesus’ confrontation with demonic powers has been validated, his struggle vindicated. The written story of Jesus’ ascension makes use of naive images that serve a purpose so long as we don’t get hung up on aerodynamic details.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 21 21 Basic values require a sound foundation. full c882f371-21ae-4133-be08-60e50c099771 https://share.transistor.fm/s/f45163fc For people of faith, the foundation lies in our perception of who God is.

]]> For people of faith, the foundation lies in our perception of who God is.

]]> Thu, 29 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 643 For people of faith, the foundation lies in our perception of who God is.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 20 20 The Holy Trinity full 42f54dbd-fd95-459d-90ad-d8043159eadf https://share.transistor.fm/s/10ff37bd The Muslims have my sympathy. Those who find themselves hung up on the arithmetic of one and three have my sympathy. The atheists have my sympathy. But the God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit lays claim to something else: my heart, and soul, and mind. 

]]> The Muslims have my sympathy. Those who find themselves hung up on the arithmetic of one and three have my sympathy. The atheists have my sympathy. But the God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit lays claim to something else: my heart, and soul, and mind. 

]]> Thu, 22 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 644 The Muslims have my sympathy. Those who find themselves hung up on the arithmetic of one and three have my sympathy. The atheists have my sympathy. But the God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit lays claim to something else: my heart, and soul, and mind. 

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 19 19 Why the church? full e0c88966-5ea9-4ee2-a126-73636c5abad1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/ac176989 The church is nothing less than a priestly community whose purpose is to represent, as best as it can, something of God’s deep interest in the welfare of the whole human family.

]]> The church is nothing less than a priestly community whose purpose is to represent, as best as it can, something of God’s deep interest in the welfare of the whole human family.

]]> Thu, 15 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 680 The church is nothing less than a priestly community whose purpose is to represent, as best as it can, something of God’s deep interest in the welfare of the whole human family.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 18 18 Doubt doesn’t have to be cynical. full 307bcc3b-309c-4132-a5fd-317e324f2934 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3c555e4c I’d like to think that Thomas is using doubt as a tool with which to dig deeper. Doubt plays a role for people who work in any serious discipline. It can serve to test what we think we know. 

]]> I’d like to think that Thomas is using doubt as a tool with which to dig deeper. Doubt plays a role for people who work in any serious discipline. It can serve to test what we think we know. 

]]> Thu, 08 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 680 I’d like to think that Thomas is using doubt as a tool with which to dig deeper. Doubt plays a role for people who work in any serious discipline. It can serve to test what we think we know. 

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 17 17 The kingdom of God is about justice, but justice is elusive in history and often thwarted. full 452550ab-78ef-423d-84f0-957509d3cf04 https://share.transistor.fm/s/6c5f9b1d Anyone who preaches, or listens to sermons, has discovered that the text for last Sunday’s sermon and the one for this Sunday’s sermon may seem to point in opposite directions. Last Sunday’s text: grace. This Sunday’s: Judgment. Human beings tend to be uncomfortable with ambiguity. . . .

]]> Anyone who preaches, or listens to sermons, has discovered that the text for last Sunday’s sermon and the one for this Sunday’s sermon may seem to point in opposite directions. Last Sunday’s text: grace. This Sunday’s: Judgment. Human beings tend to be uncomfortable with ambiguity. . . .

]]> Thu, 01 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 661 Anyone who preaches, or listens to sermons, has discovered that the text for last Sunday’s sermon and the one for this Sunday’s sermon may seem to point in opposite directions. Last Sunday’s text: grace. This Sunday’s: Judgment. Human beings tend to be uncomfortable with ambiguity. . . .

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 16 16 A traveling Bible study for some whose faith has been shaken. full 92b52b27-5b4a-4f77-b658-932eb3ec6bfc https://share.transistor.fm/s/26a57d14 The authoritative voice one may learn to discern in Scripture is often drowned out by the sheer abundance and volume of other voices. But it hasn’t gone silent. Jesus’ voice always does the same thing: clears some things up; unsettles others. If you pay attention, Jesus’ voice, interpreting Scripture, wakes you up.

]]> The authoritative voice one may learn to discern in Scripture is often drowned out by the sheer abundance and volume of other voices. But it hasn’t gone silent. Jesus’ voice always does the same thing: clears some things up; unsettles others. If you pay attention, Jesus’ voice, interpreting Scripture, wakes you up.

]]> Fri, 25 Apr 2025 08:25:13 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 661 The authoritative voice one may learn to discern in Scripture is often drowned out by the sheer abundance and volume of other voices. But it hasn’t gone silent. Jesus’ voice always does the same thing: clears some things up; unsettles others. If you pay attention, Jesus’ voice, interpreting Scripture, wakes you up.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 15 15 “’In the afterlife,’ Maud May told me, ‘God’s got a lot of explaining to do.’” full 86ec21bf-f2b2-4524-9869-073bbbf8ea2a https://share.transistor.fm/s/09427736 God, viewed cross-wise, reveals God’s self not as relating to the world in dominating power, but rather as a God become present to the world in weakness, in vulnerability, in sharing the all-too-familiar status of victim.

]]> God, viewed cross-wise, reveals God’s self not as relating to the world in dominating power, but rather as a God become present to the world in weakness, in vulnerability, in sharing the all-too-familiar status of victim.

]]> Thu, 17 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 661 God, viewed cross-wise, reveals God’s self not as relating to the world in dominating power, but rather as a God become present to the world in weakness, in vulnerability, in sharing the all-too-familiar status of victim.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 14 14 The eucharistic prayer in the newer service books highlights the central affirmations of the Christian gospel. full 5bcb8f2a-f00d-4503-8f93-567027f4d428 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3cf92903 Praying the Great Thanksgiving at Communion led me, over time, to reflect more deeply about eschatology, about which seminarians learn a little and then try to forget lest they be mistaken for fanatics!

]]> Praying the Great Thanksgiving at Communion led me, over time, to reflect more deeply about eschatology, about which seminarians learn a little and then try to forget lest they be mistaken for fanatics!

]]> Thu, 10 Apr 2025 13:20:07 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 634 Praying the Great Thanksgiving at Communion led me, over time, to reflect more deeply about eschatology, about which seminarians learn a little and then try to forget lest they be mistaken for fanatics!

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 13 13 The anticipation of heaven’s refuge did not reject the hope of a cosmic redemption, but gradually pushed it to one side. full c0c6cf61-9153-4a98-8de6-1d191640542d https://share.transistor.fm/s/3309248d “In scripture’s images of a heavenly banquet, we are led to a big-picture redemption, a cosmic resurrection, a transfiguration of heaven and earth, where God’s expansive generosity will be realized in the reign of Christ, whose embrace reaches to me and mine, but not only to me and mine!”

]]> “In scripture’s images of a heavenly banquet, we are led to a big-picture redemption, a cosmic resurrection, a transfiguration of heaven and earth, where God’s expansive generosity will be realized in the reign of Christ, whose embrace reaches to me and mine, but not only to me and mine!”

]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:43:32 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 634 “In scripture’s images of a heavenly banquet, we are led to a big-picture redemption, a cosmic resurrection, a transfiguration of heaven and earth, where God’s expansive generosity will be realized in the reign of Christ, whose embrace reaches to me and mine, but not only to me and mine!”

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 12 12 Adam and Eve had persuaded themselves that God might not be playing fair with them. full f585c97d-222c-4f18-9f64-be20da728a99 https://share.transistor.fm/s/cafe6171 Adam and Eve did what’s so easy to do: They followed their impulses, naively abandoned their trust as though trust were just a trick meant to deceive them. So, they reached out for that one off-limits thing that would prove to be, sooner or later, a terrible blend of heaven and hell.

]]> Adam and Eve did what’s so easy to do: They followed their impulses, naively abandoned their trust as though trust were just a trick meant to deceive them. So, they reached out for that one off-limits thing that would prove to be, sooner or later, a terrible blend of heaven and hell.

]]> Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 634 Adam and Eve did what’s so easy to do: They followed their impulses, naively abandoned their trust as though trust were just a trick meant to deceive them. So, they reached out for that one off-limits thing that would prove to be, sooner or later, a terrible blend of heaven and hell.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 11 11 Faith is, in some sense, always a mystery. full bf450f68-3c5b-42de-a58e-4269b2ff1b77 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e76e8ad “It does not take much exposure to religious extremism to find oneself sufficiently repelled as to want to distance ourselves, to shake the dust off our feet, to stalk off and leave it all to those Christians who seem to have kidnapped the God we thought we knew.”   

]]> “It does not take much exposure to religious extremism to find oneself sufficiently repelled as to want to distance ourselves, to shake the dust off our feet, to stalk off and leave it all to those Christians who seem to have kidnapped the God we thought we knew.”   

]]> Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:33:33 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 698 “It does not take much exposure to religious extremism to find oneself sufficiently repelled as to want to distance ourselves, to shake the dust off our feet, to stalk off and leave it all to those Christians who seem to have kidnapped the God we thought we knew.”   

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 10 10 “I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now,” says Jesus. full 4f731b68-3823-4c87-a5ab-c7d7cbcc8f76 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2cbe5b50 “I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now,” says Jesus. 
 
The Holy Spirit speaks to the church; and we find ourselves rejecting some ideas that seemed like sure-enough certainties for centuries. The divine right of kings, trashed. Slavery, discarded; race-based privilege no longer credible. Male domination, rejected. Caste systems, overruled. Disdain for those who don’t fit prevailing patterns of masculinity or femininity, getting over it.

]]> “I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now,” says Jesus. 
 
The Holy Spirit speaks to the church; and we find ourselves rejecting some ideas that seemed like sure-enough certainties for centuries. The divine right of kings, trashed. Slavery, discarded; race-based privilege no longer credible. Male domination, rejected. Caste systems, overruled. Disdain for those who don’t fit prevailing patterns of masculinity or femininity, getting over it.

]]> Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 638 “I have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now,” says Jesus. 
 
The Holy Spirit speaks to the church; and we find ourselves rejecting some ideas that seemed like sure-enough certainties for centuries. The divine right of kings, trashed. Slavery, discarded; race-based privilege no longer credible. Male domination, rejected. Caste systems, overruled. Disdain for those who don’t fit prevailing patterns of masculinity or femininity, getting over it.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 9 9 Why Does Love So Often Elude Us? full 8a52abf3-cce1-4e49-abc4-34f079d962e1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e6f41662 “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate...I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.” (Rom 7:15b, 19)

]]> “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate...I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.” (Rom 7:15b, 19)

]]> Thu, 06 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 647 “I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate...I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.” (Rom 7:15b, 19)

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 8 8 Disenchantments full a2e0dc84-de4a-4e71-b066-6edd17b9eca4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/37218934 “Growing up is, very often at least, a series of disenchantments.” As childhood gives way to adolescence, and adolescence to young adulthood, we’ve got to figure out what to do with that early naiveté. 

]]> “Growing up is, very often at least, a series of disenchantments.” As childhood gives way to adolescence, and adolescence to young adulthood, we’ve got to figure out what to do with that early naiveté. 

]]> Thu, 27 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 613 “Growing up is, very often at least, a series of disenchantments.” As childhood gives way to adolescence, and adolescence to young adulthood, we’ve got to figure out what to do with that early naiveté. 

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 7 7 Judgment and Love go Hand in Hand full 2554f42a-18d3-4212-ae30-d2de929e378d https://share.transistor.fm/s/d96b76ad It’s easy to critique other tribes, other nations; but the prophets did what wasn’t expected and isn’t easy.

]]> It’s easy to critique other tribes, other nations; but the prophets did what wasn’t expected and isn’t easy.

]]> Thu, 20 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 646 It’s easy to critique other tribes, other nations; but the prophets did what wasn’t expected and isn’t easy.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 6 6 An Easter Visitor full 4b3cd982-2702-45a8-831f-45b7682cb043 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d5150f94 He told me that it made no sense for me to be preaching about the resurrection to this young, well-educated congregation.

]]> He told me that it made no sense for me to be preaching about the resurrection to this young, well-educated congregation.

]]> Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:40:04 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 666 He told me that it made no sense for me to be preaching about the resurrection to this young, well-educated congregation.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 5 5 The Shock of Faith: It’s Nothing Like I Thought it Would Be full dd4dca08-e297-41a2-9c46-a5e50ee69aac https://share.transistor.fm/s/8ff2f978 It was almost as though I had begun to hear a divine voice speaking to me in, under, and between the written words.

]]> It was almost as though I had begun to hear a divine voice speaking to me in, under, and between the written words.

]]> Thu, 06 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 634 It was almost as though I had begun to hear a divine voice speaking to me in, under, and between the written words.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 4 4 Fairest Lord Jesus, Ruler of All Nature. . . full d28f153d-fc6c-4943-9a34-1316954b94ff https://share.transistor.fm/s/d37ba205 Austin Farrer argued that “while theologians of the late Middle Ages primarily looked in the scriptures for propositions and modern theologians have looked there to sort out what is historical, we should be looking for images.”

]]> Austin Farrer argued that “while theologians of the late Middle Ages primarily looked in the scriptures for propositions and modern theologians have looked there to sort out what is historical, we should be looking for images.”

]]> Thu, 30 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 695 Austin Farrer argued that “while theologians of the late Middle Ages primarily looked in the scriptures for propositions and modern theologians have looked there to sort out what is historical, we should be looking for images.”

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 3 3 Walking on Water full 115b7510-d452-48c7-ac10-94ca5991617b https://share.transistor.fm/s/354e1134 One of the persistent questions about the New Testament is what to make of the stories that describe Jesus doing things that require the reader to suspend disbelief.

]]> One of the persistent questions about the New Testament is what to make of the stories that describe Jesus doing things that require the reader to suspend disbelief.

]]> Wed, 22 Jan 2025 17:00:18 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 653 One of the persistent questions about the New Testament is what to make of the stories that describe Jesus doing things that require the reader to suspend disbelief.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 2 2 Preach the Hard Texts full e429644d-89a6-4809-9fbb-bac61a747e88 https://share.transistor.fm/s/10f247dc Sitting in that space between scripture and the tumble of the world, it seems the most rewarding sermons tend to be on the most difficult texts. Perhaps they are most often the most rewarding because they require the deepest dives into the text, the most artful wrestling of how to perceive and understand these things, both in themselves and in how they might touch the lives of people in contemporary society. In this episode, Byars posits that the intellectual and spiritual "lift" required make the more difficult texts perhaps especially important to tackle in one's preaching.

]]> Sitting in that space between scripture and the tumble of the world, it seems the most rewarding sermons tend to be on the most difficult texts. Perhaps they are most often the most rewarding because they require the deepest dives into the text, the most artful wrestling of how to perceive and understand these things, both in themselves and in how they might touch the lives of people in contemporary society. In this episode, Byars posits that the intellectual and spiritual "lift" required make the more difficult texts perhaps especially important to tackle in one's preaching.

]]> Thu, 16 Jan 2025 16:12:23 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 545 Sitting in that space between scripture and the tumble of the world, it seems the most rewarding sermons tend to be on the most difficult texts. Perhaps they are most often the most rewarding because they require the deepest dives into the text, the most artful wrestling of how to perceive and understand these things, both in themselves and in how they might touch the lives of people in contemporary society. In this episode, Byars posits that the intellectual and spiritual "lift" required make the more difficult texts perhaps especially important to tackle in one's preaching.

]]> theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No 1 1 Same Words; Two Languages full 64c00800-7e68-4c1c-994f-3bda3c5401bc https://share.transistor.fm/s/9d5321cf Fri, 10 Jan 2025 16:29:56 -0500 Ronald P. Byars Ronald P. Byars 590 theology, Presbyterian Church USA, liturgy No