Spark Cast

A Q&A session with Dr. Balmer after The History and Future of Evangelicalism talk.

In part 1, Dr. Balmer gives us a quick survey of the major developments of Evangelicalism from the 17th century through today.

Sparker Aymie Smith shares on her experience at the Why Christian Conference, 2016.

The "test for the unfaithful wife" in Numbers 5 is a perplexing, but revealing passage about the history of gender in societies, even to today. In this message, Pastor Danielle unpacks some of the historical context, and the implications for this test in how we understand gender today.

The Aaronic Benediction (Good Words) of Numbers 6 comes in the middle of the desert, to bless us with God's face, presence, grace, and peace. In a world that is wrought with injustice, violence, corruption, and everyday dysfunctional relationships, we could really use some good words.

What is this Nazirite (not Nazarite) vow? What significance does it have? More importantly, what does it communicate about the person taking the vow, and the community in which they take it. Not only does it symbolize the presence of something miraculous, but it puts on display the miracle that is the community itself.

In preparation for our multi faith peace walk next week (September 11), Pastor Danielle shares the commission and challenge of being people of love, reconciliation, and rescue. Joining hands and efforts with people unlike us is hard work, and loving our enemy is not what any of us wants to do. But as followers of Jesus, it is what we are called to do.

So, why 12 tribes? What significance could this have on the broad scope and grand narrative of the biblical story? Perhaps the meaning is of cosmic significance.

The arrangement of the tribes of Israel around the Tabernacle is a form. In this message, Pastor Mark shares the function that the form is attempting to communicate.

... If you've ever had a moment of awkward silence, you've probably been waiting for someone to speak into that silence, to fill that void. What does the book of Numbers fill the awkward silence with? Counting. Yes, counting the people, one, by, one.

Our friend and guest, Ari Cartun, shared an introduction to the book of Numbers, which in Hebrew is the word "in the wilderness." This session also included Q&A with Pastor Danielle at the end of the message.

Dr. Peter Enns shares reflections from his book, The Sin of Certainty. Q&A at the end of the message.

Dr. Peter Enns shares reflections from his book, The Bible Tells Me So… Q&A at the end of the message.

Sparkers Stacy and Lauren have just returned from a 5 week trip to Greece, working face-to-face and hand-in-hand with the refugees and aid workers on the front lines. In sharing with us, they give us up close information, dispel the myths that are still so widely promulgated, and connect the core values of the Way of Jesus to the critical work that is being done.

Friends, we've been here before. We'll be here again. And we will always have to be wise in how we deal with politics as one context of living our our faith. So, let us not be afraid, let us not demonize, and let us never clamor for power, but rather lay down our lives in service to the Way of Jesus.

As our nation has been wrought with the tragedies, tensions, and emotions of race and law enforcement yet again, our hearts grieve with those families and friends who lost loved ones, and our souls stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters who have been deeply affected by this week's shootings. Our spirits are also resolved to continue the pursuit of justice in this world, of bringing reconciliation to communities and peoples, and rescuing those who are victims of all forms of degrading "-isms." In this message we offer reflections and encouragements in light of recent events. And if we are to heed the call, we, as followers of Jesus, can make a difference in our world, for justice, for righteousness, and for peace for all, just like the prophets.

There are two possible definitions of the word "persecute" in the Greek. In this message, the blessing/happiness comes to those who are not "persecuted," but rather "pursued." Why are we being pursued? Because of righteousness.

Peace is not simply the absence of war or conflict. It is the presence of wholeness. Peacemaking, therefore, is not the avoidance of conflict, it is what we do and how we act and respond in its presence.

Pure in heart requires confession, personally and communally for the sins we have done, and the goodness that has been left undone. Acknowledging and disclosing these sins free us, liberate us, and purify us.

Timely in the midst of the news in Orlando and here locally at Stanford, this message is hard; extending mercy to those who have done evil in this world. Yet, this may be the exact call an character of those who follow Jesus.