New Community Covenant Church - Logan Square - Chicago, IL

NC3 2026-03-08: Who Do You Think You Are?

·52 min·5 clips

A pastor admits he avoided Hamilton because an older man described it as hip-hop, revealing how bias blinds us to joy.

The episode begins with an opening prayer and church announcements, including a transition service for a new mission statement, a congregational meeting, and thanks for pledges and children's ministry volunteers. Pastor Dan then reads from John 7:14-24, focusing on Jesus teaching in the temple and facing skepticism. He introduces the sermon title 'Who Do You Think You Are?' with a personal anecdote about avoiding Hamilton due to bias, illustrating how judgments can block meaningful experiences. The sermon examines the question 'Who do you think you are?' as it arises when someone challenges authority or comfort, linking it to Jesus' confrontation with religious leaders. Dan explains that truth is divisive because it disrupts comfort and exposes injustice, noting that miracles often produce resentment rather than faith. He discusses how personal lenses—shaped by upbringing and education—affect biblical interpretation and cause division. The historical context of the Feast of Booths is provided, highlighting Jerusalem's crowded, theological setting. Three biases are detailed: educational bias, where Jesus' lack of formal training leads to dismissal; geographical bias, where his Nazareth origin is seen as inferior; and confirmation bias, where pre-existing beliefs prevent acceptance of his message. Examples from Frederick Douglass and Sojourner Truth are used to show how prophetic voices are historically misunderstood. The sermon applies these themes to modern issues like Black Lives Matter, immigration protests, and gender pay inequality, urging listeners to discern between disagreement and Holy Spirit conviction. Dan concludes by calling for sacrifice, humility, and growth in following Christ, referencing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s final sermon as an example of costly discipleship. A closing prayer asks for discernment and courage to recognize God's work beyond appearances.

As heard by us

A clear sermon on Jesus, authority, and the biases that keep the church from recognizing God's work.

The sermon centers on the question of who Jesus is, then turns that question toward the judgments that keep people from recognizing God's work.

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Why you'd press play

You want a sermon that turns credential anxiety into a question of spiritual discernment.

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