Spark Cast

Suffering. Justice. Blame. Innocence. These are all challenges and ideas that emerge in this, the most ancient of texts we have in our Bible. Predominant on all of them, however, is wisdom.

There is always a temptation to be like those around you, to be seduced into their way of living. Yet, our story is one where we are to be different, to be a light to the nations, not like them.

This is the recorded conversation from our Communal Meal following service, on finding our place in this world.

Our guest Dr. Cyndi Parker continues our series on Story, and what role the concept of "place" has in our narrative. Far from a simple geographical location, understanding our place is about becoming aware of how the physical space within which we find ourselves informs how we belong to the world and to each other, and how we find meaning in all the spaces of our lives.

Pastors Kevin & Danielle share in this teaching, some thoughts and insights from the Book of Judges.

Joshua's famous cry is to "be strong and courageous." This clarion call is the grounding identity of the Israelites as they enter the "Promised Land." Rather than mere "guts," being strong means to stay connected to the stories and covenants that have been established throughout Israel's history. And they are not to turn from it, either to the left or to the right.

The very name of God is one that refuses to be boxed in. So, if you think you're going to box God in—to define God's name—get ready for a broken neck and a weird, weird disease.

Distinctly different from a "resolution," being "born again" pulls long historical threads of redemption, liberation, and being made new. We celebrate those who have been "born again" in converting to Christianity. We now hope we can be born again, again, to live anew God's redemptive story, as it was from the very beginning.

In the midst of darkness, Mary sings a song. In the midst of chaos, Mary glorifies the Lord. In the midst of despair, Mary believes. Can we?

Stories are not just captivating, but they're powerfully convicting. In this message, Sparker Omair shares how stories can expose and confront in a way that mere argumentation cannot. This is perhaps why Jesus told so many parables, as a revolutionary master story teller.

The stories of the Bible were not written so that we could become better Christians. They were written because they envisioned a new kind of humanity. One of the main plot lines (pillars) of this humanity, is the theme of covenant.

The meal is one of the most significant events in our lives and in the Biblical narrative. The stories we tell and live around those meal are powerful. In this message, Pastor Mark encourages us to find the hope in those meals.

Q&A after the message

The next part of our story includes a flood, a destroying of the earth that God created. Okay, so whether it "happened" or not, Pastor Tom addresses the story that this narrative is attempting to convey. What does this story tell us about the character of God?

We all fall short. This is neither news or a surprise. It is perhaps the most common experience of humankind. This story, however, tells only a few verses of that fall. The rest of the story is how God is pursuing us again and again for a gazillion chances.

Our story continues with the development of humanity "in God's image." In this talk, we peer into that image, and reclaim our identities as those image bearers.

Our new series introduces us to a new way of considering and thinking about faith, spirituality, and The Way of Jesus. Rather than through the lens of doctrinal statements, the Bible begins with what is essentially, "Once upon a time," a phrase that invites us into seeing ourselves in new ways, ultimately valuing meaning, purpose, and the next chapters that we are to write. The video played at service is available here: https://youtu.be/GaoOdSqlGfc

Following up from our 5th Anniversary Service, Pastor Danielle exhorts Spark to be the kind of church that is committed to inviting people to The Way of Jesus, grounded in our values. This means that we will be pushed to "the edge of the inside," but it is there, that we find healing and hope.

The end of the book of Acts leave us hanging a bit. In this message, Omair shares why that might be, and what it calls us to do. This, as with all things in the Bible, was no accident.

Paul faced many storms in his travels, an illustration and metaphor for the challenges we all face as we journey with and for Jesus. In this message, Pastor Tom shares how we can be with one another, in and through the storms of our lives.