Hope is the belief that things can change for the better. And it is the question the gospel persistently sets before us: Are we naive in thinking that meaningful transformation is possible? And more naive still to believe that love is the means by which such transformation truly occurs?

These questions of hope, love and change are especially pressing as we face afresh the reality of historic racial injustice and ask if and how we can shape a better tomorrow.

Here we look at the story of Nicodemus, a Pharisee confronted with Jesus's insistence that he be "born again from above" - that is to say: to surrender what he thinks he knows, and let God show him what love can do (i.e., radically change a heart!).

Here's the link to Canvas's Continual Learning on Racial Justice

And if you'd like to follow along with the sermon text, the passage is:

John 3:1-21, 7:45-52, 19:38-42 (NRSV)

This sermon was preached on June 21, 2020 at Canvas Presbyterian Church (Irvine, CA). If you'd like to share in the whole worship service or find previous sermons, they are available on the Canvas Vimeo page. Or join us via live stream every Sunday morning at 10:30AM (Pacific Time)!

Want more content from Jesus at 2AM? Check out the website, where you can also learn more about how to become a patron!

Up for connecting??? I'd love to have you send e-mail, or find

EP189 - How Much Protein Do We Really Need? with Devrie Pettit