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A New Series — Good Intentions Gone Wrong… “Everyone’s Favorite Heresies”
Faith is often described through three frameworks: believing, behaving, and belonging. At EBPC, we naturally lean into belonging—the relational, incarnational spirituality that shapes 21st‑century Christian life.
This January, we are focusing on the believing aspect of the Christian faith, exploring some of Christianity’s most infamous theological missteps—ideas that began as sincere attempts to be faithful, yet ultimately led the Church astray. These were good intentions gone wrong, and they still have something to teach us. Why revisit these ancient controversies? Because the questions that shaped early Christianity are still our questions. When we approach our theological past with curiosity and humility, we discover that even heresies illuminate the boundaries of a life‑giving faith.
Faith is often described through three frameworks: believing, behaving, and belonging. At EBPC, we naturally lean into belonging—the relational, incarnational spirituality that shapes 21st‑century Christian life.
This January, we are focusing on the believing aspect of the Christian faith, exploring some of Christianity’s most infamous theological missteps—ideas that began as sincere attempts to be faithful, yet ultimately led the Church astray. These were good intentions gone wrong, and they still have something to teach us. Why revisit these ancient controversies? Because the questions that shaped early Christianity are still our questions. When we approach our theological past with curiosity and humility, we discover that even heresies illuminate the boundaries of a life‑giving faith.
January 18
Good Intentions Gone Wrong… “Everyone’s Favorite Heresies": When We Trim the Story
Scripture: Exodus 20:18–21; Matthew 5:17–20
Pastor John opens the series, visiting the question “Do Christians Really Need the Old Testament?” in his sermon titled "When We Trim the Story." A long time ago, this popular idea went by another name: Marcionism. It may be ancient, but its echoes are alive and well today. On this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend of observance, imagine if there was no Old Testament to inspire his speeches. The beloved community he preached required both texts: the prophet’s courage to name injustice and the gospel’s courage to love enemies and seek reconciliation. Come ready to learn, wonder, and rediscover why what we believe still matters.
January 25, 2026
Good Intentions Gone Wrong… “Everyone’s Favorite Heresies"
Who Was this Jesus? Was Jesus Really Divine? Was Jesus Really Human? These ancient questions were advanced by two well-intentioned people in the church’s ancient history, each pushing in opposite directions. The mystery of our faith says Jesus was both and this service will seek to help clarify your own understanding.
Feb 1, 2026
Good Intentions Gone Wrong… “Everyone’s Favorite Heresies”: Can’t We Just Earn Our Way Into Heaven?
This Sunday is for those who would prefer to avoid group projects, because it's easier to take responsibility for yourself; for those who think that everything in life is about excellence; for those who insist there is only one way to do dishes in the kitchen sink. And when it comes to matters of faith, it is about theological correctness. Pastor John will tell the story of an ancient character named Pelagius as the worship service centers upon the important conversation about grace. Communion celebrated.
February 8, 2026
Good Intentions Gone Wrong… “Everyone’s Favorite Heresies”: Beloved, Not a Banner
Pastor John visits examples in history of the tie between the Christian religious faith and political military power, and what we are seeing today in what's being referred to as Christian nationalism and where Christianity is being sought to be essentially the religion of the state, and that things that are done, whether it's policing our own citizenry or being involved militarily with other nations, is increasingly being done in the name of the church, in which the message of Jesus, which is one of compassion, reconciliation, humility and human dignity, gets corrupted, leading many spiritual seekers to reject the church for these reasons.
Good Intentions Gone Wrong… “Everyone’s Favorite Heresies": When We Trim the Story
Scripture: Exodus 20:18–21; Matthew 5:17–20
Pastor John opens the series, visiting the question “Do Christians Really Need the Old Testament?” in his sermon titled "When We Trim the Story." A long time ago, this popular idea went by another name: Marcionism. It may be ancient, but its echoes are alive and well today. On this Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend of observance, imagine if there was no Old Testament to inspire his speeches. The beloved community he preached required both texts: the prophet’s courage to name injustice and the gospel’s courage to love enemies and seek reconciliation. Come ready to learn, wonder, and rediscover why what we believe still matters.
January 25, 2026
Good Intentions Gone Wrong… “Everyone’s Favorite Heresies"
Who Was this Jesus? Was Jesus Really Divine? Was Jesus Really Human? These ancient questions were advanced by two well-intentioned people in the church’s ancient history, each pushing in opposite directions. The mystery of our faith says Jesus was both and this service will seek to help clarify your own understanding.
Feb 1, 2026
Good Intentions Gone Wrong… “Everyone’s Favorite Heresies”: Can’t We Just Earn Our Way Into Heaven?
This Sunday is for those who would prefer to avoid group projects, because it's easier to take responsibility for yourself; for those who think that everything in life is about excellence; for those who insist there is only one way to do dishes in the kitchen sink. And when it comes to matters of faith, it is about theological correctness. Pastor John will tell the story of an ancient character named Pelagius as the worship service centers upon the important conversation about grace. Communion celebrated.
February 8, 2026
Good Intentions Gone Wrong… “Everyone’s Favorite Heresies”: Beloved, Not a Banner
Pastor John visits examples in history of the tie between the Christian religious faith and political military power, and what we are seeing today in what's being referred to as Christian nationalism and where Christianity is being sought to be essentially the religion of the state, and that things that are done, whether it's policing our own citizenry or being involved militarily with other nations, is increasingly being done in the name of the church, in which the message of Jesus, which is one of compassion, reconciliation, humility and human dignity, gets corrupted, leading many spiritual seekers to reject the church for these reasons.
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