The Table Church, D.C. - Sermons: Shadowboxing: Confronting the Monsters We Most Fear

Monsters, Dreams, and Human Revolution

Tonetta Landis-Aina — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 10:30:00 +0000

Monsters, Dreams, and Human Revolution

Series: Shadowboxing: Confronting the Monsters We Most Fear

Preacher: Tonetta Landis-Aina

DC Bilingual

Date: 10th November 2024

Passage: Daniel 7:1-28

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In this conclusion to our "Shadowboxing" series, Pastor Tonetta Landis-Aina explores the Book of Daniel's apocalyptic visions and their relevance to our modern struggles. Through the lens of Daniel's dreams, she offers a profound meditation on remaining human in the face of systemic injustice, the power of imagination in resistance, and finding hope in times that feel apocalyptic. Rather than interpreting the dreams of empire, she challenges us to dream our own dreams of justice and renewal.

When Grief and Hope Dance Together: A Reflection on Loss and Faith

Anthony Parrott — Sun, 03 Nov 2024 10:30:00 +0000

When Grief and Hope Dance Together: A Reflection on Loss and Faith

Series: Shadowboxing: Confronting the Monsters We Most Fear

Preacher: Anthony Parrott

DC Bilingual

Date: 3rd November 2024

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:13

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Pastor Anthony Parrott tackles the reality of death and loss, revealing how authentic grief and defiant hope can—and must—coexist. Drawing from Scripture and contemporary poetry, discover why hope isn't a delicate bird, but a resilient sewer rat that refuses to let death have the final word.

The Evolution of Satan: From Divine Prosecutor to Enemy of God

Anthony Parrott — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 10:30:00 +0000

The Evolution of Satan: From Divine Prosecutor to Enemy of God

Series: Shadowboxing: Confronting the Monsters We Most Fear

Preacher: Anthony Parrott

DC Bilingual

Date: 27th October 2024

Passage: 1 John 4:8

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Why do bad things happen if God is good? Journey through biblical history to discover how our understanding of Satan transformed from a divine legal prosecutor to the ruler of this world's broken systems. Learn how the Bible's view of evil evolved, from ancient chaos monsters to the familiar adversary we know today. This eye-opening sermon challenges both fundamentalist and modernist views, revealing how spiritual warfare isn't just about demons and exorcisms - it's about creating communities of justice, forgiveness, and radical inclusion. Perfect for anyone wondering about the nature of evil, the role of Satan in modern life, and how we can meaningfully resist darkness in today's world.

Jacob and Jekyll: Navigating Identity and Fear

Tonetta Landis-Aina — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:30:00 +0100

Jacob and Jekyll: Navigating Identity and Fear

Series: Shadowboxing: Confronting the Monsters We Most Fear

Preacher: Tonetta Landis-Aina

DC Bilingual

Date: 20th October 2024

Passage: Genesis 27:1-29

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Shadowboxing: Unmasking the Monsters Within

In this episode of the sermon series 'Shadowboxing: Confronting the Monsters Within,' we explore the concept of the 'false self' and the inner 'monster' through personal anecdotes and literary references like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. By delving into the Bible story of Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, and Esau from Genesis 27:1-20, we uncover the masks we wear to navigate life's challenges and seek acceptance. Insights from Christian psychologist David Benner and the Enneagram help us differentiate the false self from our true God-given identity. The sermon concludes with reflections on autumn's symbolism of letting go, inspired by Lucille Clifton's poem, 'The Lesson of the Falling Leaves.'

00:00 A Memorable Mistake in London 03:06 Facing Fears and Cultural Monsters 06:43 Exploring the Monster Within 07:29 The Tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde 11:09 The False Self and Genesis 27 15:54 Setting the Stage: Isaac's Prayer and Rebecca's Revelation 16:20 Jacob and Esau: The Struggle Begins 17:12 The Shrewdness of Rebecca and Jacob 18:43 The Deception Unfolds: Jacob's Mask 20:12 The Consequences of Deception 20:45 Reflecting on Identity and the False Self 21:56 Understanding the False Self in Christian Context 22:46 Personal Journey: Confronting the False Self 23:34 The Enneagram and Self-Discovery 25:34 Jacob's Transformation: From Supplanter to Israel 27:00 The Struggle of Marginalized Identities 28:11 The Spiritual Journey: Losing the Self to Find the Self 28:55 Confronting Our Fears: The Lesson of the Falling Leaves

Becoming the Living Dead

Anthony Parrott — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 10:30:00 +0100

Becoming the Living Dead

Series: Shadowboxing: Confronting the Monsters We Most Fear

Preacher: Anthony Parrott

DC Bilingual

Date: 13th October 2024

Passage: John 12:23-25

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Join us as we kick off our exciting new series with a twist—Tonetta wanted to have some fun, so we’re diving into a horror movie theme! 🧟‍♂️ But don’t worry, even if you’re not a fan of the creepy and spooky (like me), there’s something profound waiting for you.

In this message, we explore the concept of zombies—not just as monsters in movies but as a metaphor for areas in our lives where we might feel like the “undead.” We tackle questions like:

• Why don’t we like zombies? • How can staying in the closet or suppressing our true selves make us feel lifeless? • What does it mean to lose our identity, culture, or autonomy?

We delve into John 12:23-26, where Jesus talks about a grain of wheat needing to die to produce much fruit. This powerful passage challenges us to consider what it means to “die to self” in a way that leads to true, abundant life.

🌱 Key Points:

1. Loss of Identity (Enmeshment): Breaking free from societal pressures that force us to hide who we truly are. 2. Loss of Culture (Assimilation): Resisting the pull to abandon our heritage and uniqueness. 3. Loss of Autonomy (Subjugation): Overcoming environments that demand blind obedience at the expense of our freedom.

But it doesn’t stop there! We discuss the concept of Death as Rebirth, focusing on:

• Dying to Individualism: Moving beyond self-centered living. • Dying to Kyriarchy: Confronting oppressive systems (yes, we explain what “kyriarchy” means!). • Dying to Independence: Embracing interdependence and community.

💡 Highlights:

• An insightful reading from C.S. Lewis’s Mere Christianity on finding your true self through surrender. • A reflection on Galatians 5:13: Using our freedom to serve one another in love. • Understanding that to be truly alive, we must engage in collective liberation and authentic community.

We wrap up with a thought-provoking conclusion inspired by Kierkegaard’s idea of the “half dose”—challenging us to fully commit to this transformative journey.

👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how embracing certain “deaths” in our lives can lead us to genuine, vibrant living.

Keywords: Zombies, John 12:23-26, Dying to Self, True Life, Authenticity, Kyriarchy, Individualism, Community, C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, Sermon Series, Spiritual Growth, Christianity, Faith Journey, Collective Liberation