Spark Cast

When Jacob encounters Esau, he says that seeing his brother is like "seeing the face of God," the same language used when Jacob wrestled with God. This story teaches us to not simply look for God in moments that seem "out of this world," but to recognize the human moments of relational reconciliation to be truly divine encounters. It is in a mended relationship, an apology, and a reunification of brothers where we too, encounter the holy. As Victor Hugo has written, "To love another person is to see the face of God."

Spark's ethic of wrestling is grounded in Genesis 32, the account of Jacob wrestling with both God and humankind on his way to meet Esau. This story challenges our disengagement from the difficult and often painful struggles in our lives, and exhorts us to never let go unless there is a blessing. This teaching will help us overcome the laziness, apathy, disillusionments, distractions, and certainties that keep us from being fully engaged.

As we look at this next chapter in the Jacob drama with Laban, chapter 31, we begin to unfold additional layers and complexities that are often missed by seeing only the major players. In this message we discover that there are always two sides of every story.

Have you ever been "stuck in a moment, and you can't get out of it?" The characters in our Biblical stories most definitely have. In this talk we are encouraged and challenged to "lift up our feet," and move on. There is another moment in this redemptive story that God is writing, and it's our privilege to journey towards it, in love, in joy, in hope, and in Jesus.

The story of "Jacob's ladder," in Genesis 28 awakens us to the Divine reality that is always around us, yet we are so frequently unaware. Here we discover that God is found in the everyday, mundane, and routine areas of life, in addition to the big and major moments. As we embrace this truth, perhaps the meaning and purpose we have in this world could be utterly transformed.

From Genesis 27 we study the blessing of Isaac to his sons, Jacob and Esau. We learn that even in spite of the deceitfulness of Jacob and the earthiness of Esau, Isaac still blesses both of them equally. What is it about this grace that could transform our understanding of God's blessing upon us, and our commission to bless those around us? A chart of Jacob's blessing is available at www.sparkchurch.net/teachings

In this message we peer into a the symbolism behind Rebekah's pregnancy with Jacob and Esau. As two nations "jostled" inside Rebekah (a preview of the history of Israel), so two impulses jostle inside each of us.

Continuing our Genesis series, this teaching looks at the story of Abraham, sending his servant to seek out a wife for his son Isaac. Given that this story takes place between the death of Sarah and the death of Abraham, we not only witness the amazing character of Rebekah, we find strength in holding on to God's promises and faithfulness in the midst of death.

As we continue our series in Genesis, we come to the story of Abraham heeding the request of God to sacrifice his son, Isaac. More appropriately known as the "binding of Isaac," (in Hebrew, the Akedah), we learn that this request of God is not a command, but an entreaty that seeks to embolden the mutual and reciprocal trust between God and Abraham. It is that trust that strengthens and confirms the call and covenant, radically transforming this critical relationship.

Drawing from their personal experience, Marcus and Kendra share stories from their coaching and their philosophy of sports. Through their teaching, we discover how sports is a beautiful illustration of God's commission to all of us to influence the world.

This talk is a continuation of our Genesis series from chapter 18 on the Three Visitors and juxtaposed with the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in chapter 19. May we extend our hand of hospitality to those around us, exemplifying the care and community of God with everyone. May "all four sides of our tent" continually be open.

A continuation of our Genesis series from chapter 17 on the covenant of circumcision. What does this odd practice have to do with this overarching story of Genesis? And really, why circumcision? Understanding the metaphorical power of imagery and the cultural context of the Ancient Near East may illuminate for us an insight into this practice that points to something deep and hidden inside of each and every one of us. In this message, may we experience God's covenant with us, including the most private and personal parts of ourselves.

A continuation of our Genesis series, looking at the story of Abraham and Hagar. Through this message we discover that there are strangers all around us. As followers of Jesus, and as descendants of Abraham, may we welcome all the strangers in our lives. Why? Because God has welcomed us.

Pastors Danielle and Kevin and the Advisory Board gave Spark a brief update on the finances, staff, vision, hopes, dreams, and philosophy of Spark. Thank you to all of our Spark participants, here in Palo Alto, and around the world, for your support and partnership in this ministry. We hope this update not only strengthens our relationship, but inspires us all as we move into 2014.

From Genesis all the way through to Jesus, God has been telling a story of coming down here to earth, to enter into the chaos and dysfunction of life, in new times, new places, new cultures, and in new ways. In the convergence of the season of Christmas, the New Year, and Spark's second year, we ask again, what would happen if God came down, again?! The video of the message is available at www.sparkchurch.net/teachings

During our special Christmas concert sing-a-long with Kokua, Pastor Kevin offered a short devotional on the birth of this child, and why the question, "What child is this?" is still so important.

In pursuit of our value for Reconciliation, we continue to seek out various ways to practice what we preach, whether through racial reconciliation, interfaith reconciliation, or simply reconciliation between neighbors and family members. Many Sparkers have expressed a desire to understand modern Jewish practice and experience a Shabbat service, so Congregation Etz Chayim graciously invited us to their Friday evening, Shabbat Service on December 13, 2013. In preparation, Rabbi Ari visited Spark Church to teach us a few prayers and songs, allowing us not just to spectate but to participate during our visit. In addition, Pastor Danielle shares insights on how to have interfaith dialogue.

As we continue through our series in Genesis we now engage with the idea of "covenant," comparing and contrasting this with a "contract." Understanding the difference could radically change how we see our relationship with God and our relationships with each other. May we embrace the security and comfort of a covenant, and be freed from the insecurity of a contractual relationship with God.

A continuation of our Genesis series as we look at the calling of Abraham from Genesis 12. We discover through this lineage that we are not only connected to this history through progeny, we are also connected by calling, by commission, and by the Creator.

A continuation of our Genesis series, gleaning lessons from Genesis 11. In this teach, we wrestle with the question, "What are we building?"