A Plan That Brings Joy

·48 min·4 clips

Zoltan Istvan campaigned for president in a coffin-shaped RV to promote overcoming death through science.

The episode begins with a reference to Zoltan Istvan, a 2015 presidential candidate for the Transhumanist Party who drove a coffin-shaped RV to promote overcoming death through science. This is contrasted with the Christian observance of Ash Wednesday, which reminds believers of their mortality and hope in Jesus. The pastor notes that the 11 original disciples all died as a result of their obedience to Jesus, framing discipleship as a call to die physically or emotionally to self. He uses the Christmas song 'A Strange Way to Save the World' to question why Jesus would choose uneducated, ordinary Jewish men with prejudices to spread his message. The sermon argues that God often does things that seem illogical to humans, such as using flawed people to accomplish his plans. It distinguishes between the kingdom of God, where God is central, and the kingdom of this world, where humans are central, leading to inevitable conflict for followers. The pastor admits personal struggle with the series and invites the congregation to grow together in understanding. He explains that discipleship is not about making Jesus one part of life but allowing him to become the central heartbeat through the Holy Spirit. The episode then shifts to Hebrews 12, which encourages believers to run the race with perseverance, fixing eyes on Jesus who endured the cross for joy. The pastor discusses the meaning of 'the joy set before Him,' suggesting it includes doing the Father's will and redeeming humanity. He emphasizes that Jesus learned obedience through suffering in his humanity, providing an example for believers. The sermon concludes with four practical questions for Lent: how and with whom to read Scripture, pray, give, and share for accountability. The pastor encourages starting small and multiplying faith into others' lives, framing it as a Christian version of 'just do it.' The closing prayer asks for grace to live out Jesus' life of sacrifice and glory.

As heard by us

A blunt Lenten sermon uses Hebrews and mortality to push past transhumanist dreams.

This sermon turns transhumanist ambition into a sharp Lenten contrast. It opens with Zoltan Istyan, his coffin-shaped RV, and his so-called immortality bus, then pivots toward Ash Wednesday and Hebrews to press a plain point: death is not something to outrun, but something faith…

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Why you'd press play

For when your week needs less hype and more Hebrews.

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