Welcome to the Narthex
Religion & Spirituality
About
Welcome to The Narthex! We are a weekly podcast from Langley Immanuel Christian Reformed Church where Chris, Kevin, and Josh talk about the weekly sermon, explore the ideas and applications even further, raise questions for more consideration, and pursue curiosity into our experiences of faith. Join us and continue the conversation with your friends and care groups. Welcome to the Narthex. Where faith meets real life, one conversation at a time.
Episodes
- Held and Heard
The episode features Kevin, Joshua, and Chris discussing Kevin's sermon on Psalm 31. They explore questions about accepting God's sovereign rule and trusting God's plan while also praying for change.
- GEMS Sunday: Walking on Water
Kevin and Josh discuss Chris' "GEMS Sunday" sermon on Matthew 14:22-33. The episode focuses on themes of faith and life as presented in the sermon.
- Celebrating 40 Years and 100 Episodes!
This episode celebrates the 40th Birthday of Langley Immanuel CRC and the 100th Episode of Welcome to the Narthex. Conversations focus on 1st John, bachelor parties, and antichrists.
- Community of Grace: Raised Together for Mission
Chris and Josh discuss the final sermon in the Living Raised series, focusing on Colossians 4:7-18. The conversation delves into topics of community and mission, encouraging listeners to continue the discussion in their small and friend gr…
- Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Joshua, Kevin, and Chris discuss sermons from Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday services. They talk about Jesus as a sacrifice for sin and his resurrection as described in Mark 16:1-8.
- The Remedy for Sin | Envy
The hosts discuss the sermon on Envy, marking the end of a series as they enter Holy Week and anticipate Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday.
- The Remedy to Sin | Vainglory (Lent 2026)
The podcast episode "The Remedy to Sin | Vainglory (Lent 2026)" from "Welcome to the Narthex" features the hosts discussing a sermon on the Vice of Vainglory.
- The Remedy to Sin | Acedia (Lent 2026)
Chris and Kevin discuss Steve Berkenpas' sermon on the vice of Acedia, also known as Sloth. The episode explores how individuals distract themselves from divine calling and encourages listeners to continue the conversation.
- The Remedy to Sin | Wrath (Lent 2026)
This episode features Chris, Kevin, and Joshua discussing Pastor Justin's sermon on the vice of wrath. The discussion is part of a combined Lent Series with Fleetwood CRC and Living Hope CRC.
- Stand Firm (Cadet Sunday Recap)
Hosts Chris, Josh, Kevin, and Kaitlyn recap the Cadet Sunday sermon on 1 Corinthians 16:13-14. The discussion focuses on the meaning of standing firm in the faith.
- Everyday Raised: Christ, Lord of Home, Work, and Witness
Kevin, Chris, and Joshua discuss the sermon on Colossians 3:18-4:6 from Welcome to the Narthex. They focus on Christ as the Lord of home, work, and witness.
- Seek the Things Above
Pastors Kevin and Chris discuss a recent sermon based on Colossians 3:1-17. They also note that Josh was unable to join them for this episode.
- Rooted, Resisting, and Resting in Christ
Joshua, Kevin, and Chris discuss the sermon on Colossians 2:6-23, part of a series through the book of Colossians. They invite listeners to join the conversation.
- Live the Mystery: Christ In You, Hope for All
Kevin, Joshua, and Chris discuss the sermon on Colossians 1:24-2:5. They encourage listeners to extend the conversation into their family, Care Groups, and workplaces.
- The Fullness of God
In this episode of Welcome to the Narthex, hosts Chris, Josh, and Kevin discuss the Christ hymn found in Paul's letter to the church in Colossae, specifically Colossians 15-23. The discussion centers on Christ.
- Living Raised
The Narthex podcast returns with hosts Chris and Kevin discussing the introduction to Paul's letter to the church in Colossae. They encourage listeners to engage in these discussions with their families and friends.
- Advent and Christmas Invitation to Rest
This episode of Welcome to the Narthex focuses on embracing an Advent experience centered on rest. Hosts Josh, Kevin, and Chris discuss prioritizing Sabbath and setting meaningful boundaries during the busy holiday season.
- Remember Your Creator
This episode of Welcome to the Narthex features Josh, Chris and Kevin discussing practical topics like transporting furniture and hypothetical scenarios like Grizzley Bears vs. Cougars. They also delve into a sermon based on Ecclesiastes 1…
- Living with Uncertainty
Chris, Kevin, and Josh discuss the sermon on Ecclesiastes 9:1-12. The episode encourages listeners to bring the conversation to their workplaces or third places.
- Midweek Worship!!
This episode features Jesus, Chris, and Kevin discussing a new worship initiative and midweek services at Immanuel. The hosts invite listeners to consider how they can participate and worship together. Regular episodes resume the week of N…
- The Limits of Wealth and Ambition
Chris, Josh, and Kevin discuss the sermon on Ecclesiastes 5:10-20, focusing on the limits of wealth and ambition. The episode encourages listeners to continue the conversation.
- A Time for Everything
This episode of Welcome to the Narthex features Kevin, Chris, and Josh discussing the sermon on Ecclesiastes 3:1-14. They encourage listeners to continue the conversation in their small groups and with friends and family.
- The Failure of Pleasure, Wisdom, and Work
Kevin, Chris, and Josh, joined by a guest, discuss the themes of pleasure, wisdom, and work as explored in Ecclesiastes 2:1-16, drawing from Sunday's sermon.
- Thankful Wherever We Are
Welcome to the Narthex discusses Thanksgiving using Jeremiah 29:1-7, covering Big God Theology, the effects of exile, and cultural critique.
- Everything is Hevel
This episode of Welcome to the Narthex delves into Ecclesiastes 1:1-11, questioning the meaning of life under the sun, examining where people seek purpose, and discussing the book's author.
- Keeping the End in View
This episode of Welcome to the Narthex features Josh, Kevin, and Chris discussing the sermon "Meaning in an Age of Meaninglessness," based on Ecclesiastes 12:8-14.
- Contending for the Gospel
In this episode of Welcome to the Narthex, hosts Josh, Chris, and Kevin discuss Philippians 1:27-29, exploring the meaning of contending for the gospel. They also touch upon Internet Algorithms and Church Unity.
- It's The End of the World As We Know It - And I Feel Fine (Doctrine of End Times)
This episode discusses Christian eschatology, focusing on hope rather than fear. It covers the intermediate state, Christ's visible return, resurrection, judgment, and the promise of a new heaven and new earth, arguing that eschatology is…
- Where Everybody Knows Your Name (Doctrine of the Church)
This episode of Welcome to the Narthex delves into the doctrine of the Church, examining its nature as a community formed by the Holy Spirit, nourished by Word and sacrament. It discusses the visible/invisible, militant/triumphant, and org…
- Stranger Things (Doctrine of the Holy Spirit)
This episode delves into the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, exploring His personhood and His sovereign work in salvation through the Ordo Salutis. It also examines the gifts of the Spirit and their role in building the church, aiming to brin…
- Dead Man Walkin' Here (Doctrine of Christ)
This episode delves into the doctrine of Christ, focusing on his incarnation, humiliation, death, resurrection, and exaltation as the core of Christian salvation. It addresses modern theological challenges and emphasizes the importance of…
- Bad to the Bone (Doctrine of Humanity)
This episode discusses the doctrine of humanity, explaining that humans are created in God's image with dignity and purpose. It addresses the effects of sin, termed total depravity, and emphasizes the importance of understanding both our d…
- Everything Everywhere All at Once (Doctrine of God)
This episode of The Deep Things of God focuses on the Doctrine of God, covering his attributes, the Trinity, creation, and providence. It emphasizes that theology begins and ends with God, encouraging awe and trust in His wisdom and power.
- Behind the Curtain (Prolegomena)
Episode 1 of "The Deep Things of God" explores the theological concept of prolegomena, asserting that God has spoken and true theology is rooted in divine revelation. It emphasizes the importance of theological literacy for faithful discip…
- Idle Hands/Idol's Hands
Kevin discusses Pastor Chris' sermon on 2 Thes. 3:6-18 with guests, including an overview and a conversation about the sermon. The episode also features 'Moments in Mission' and closing thoughts.
- Prayer and Your Story
Chris, Kevin, and Josh return to discuss the message from June 15th, which focused on 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5. The episode centers on the themes of prayer and personal storytelling.
- Holy Spirit Assured Certainty
Kevin and Chris discuss the Pentecost Sunday message, referencing Luke 1:1-4 and Acts 2:16-18. Josh is occupied with church work in the Philippines.
- Stand Firm and Live Boldly
Kevin and Chris discuss the message "Stand Firm and Live Boldly," based on 2 Thessalonians 2:12-17. Josh is not present as he is serving the Lord in the Philippines.
- Do Not Be Deceived
This episode of Welcome to the Narthex features Chris, Josh, and Kevin discussing the sermon on 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, focusing on themes of the Antichrist, apostasy, and rebellion.
- Relief and Hope
Chris, Josh, and Kevin discuss a sermon on 2 Thessalonians 1:7-12, exploring themes of the Apocalypse, present relief, and future hope.
- Good News and a Good Church
This episode of Welcome to the Narthex features Kevin, Josh, and Chris discussing the Sunday message about the beginning of the second letter to the Thessalonians. Listeners are encouraged to continue the conversation.
- Sanctified and Secure
Kevin, Josh, and Chris discuss the Sunday message on 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 in this episode of Welcome to the Narthex. Listeners are encouraged to continue the conversation.
- GEMS Sunday - Transformed
This episode recaps GEMS Sunday, focusing on the theme of transformation from Romans 12:1-2. The hosts discuss how to be living sacrifices and avoid being shaped by the world, encouraging listeners to continue the conversation.
- Good Friday & Resurrection Sunday
In this episode of Welcome to the Narthex, hosts Chris, Kevin, and Josh delve into the worship services held on Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. Their discussion is based on the biblical accounts found in Luke chapters 23 and 24.
- Palm Sunday - Don't Miss Out!
This episode of Welcome to the Narthex features Joshua, Kevin, and Chris discussing the Palm Sunday sermon and service, specifically Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem as recorded in Luke 19:37-40. The hosts encourage listeners to conti…
- Dos and Don'ts - Life in Christ Jesus Drenched in the Spirit
This episode of Welcome to the Narthex features Joshua, Kevin, and Chris discussing their April 6, 2025 worship service and a message based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22. They encourage listeners to engage in deep conversations about faith an…
- Learning to Walk
In this episode of Welcome to the Narthex, Josh shares his experiences from a missions trip to Tijuana, Mexico. The hosts also delve into a sermon on Colossians 1:1-14, discussing various aspects of the message and mission.
- The Real End | Resurrection and the Return of Christ
This episode of Welcome to the Narthex features Kevin, Joshua, and Chris discussing the message on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, focusing on the resurrection and the return of Christ.
- Love and a Quiet life
This episode of Welcome to the Narthex features Josh, Kevin, and Chris discussing the message from 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12. The conversation includes topics such as Math, Merch, and Families.
- Lead the Way
Josh, Kevin, and Chris discuss the message "Lead the Way" from 1 Timothy 4:12-14. The message, preached on Cadet Sunday, focuses on being an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.