Spark Cast: Recent Episodes
Kevin Neuner
Humans have been disrupted by advanced information and media technologies for thousands of years. Each time we have experienced disruption, division, and a fracturing of who we are and how we live in the world. One of the radical shifts of the Jesus Way is to "rehuman" ourselves and "recovenant" our relationships, an application of wisdom that reframes quite literally everything. In this era of advanced information, data, and media technologies, we need this wisdom more than ever.
[Testimony by Travis]
Because of Jesus, we know how to live. The Gospels tell of Jesus' life, his teachings, and of his interactions with others. Jesus not only gives instructions on how to live, but his very life serves as an example for us all.
[Testimony by Fanny]
Because of Jesus, we are not alone. We are brought into the big family of God, as sons and daughters, finding ourselves with sisters, brothers, mothers and fathers from every tongue and every nation.
There are times and seasons in life "when you're down and troubled and you need a helping hand, and nothing, whoa, nothing is going right." This testimony speaks of learning to live through moments and seasons of uncertainty.
Pastor Tom shares his "Because of Jesus story … what he's seen — in Ethiopia, in a Bay Area shelter, at Spark Church, and in his own hardest season — and why it's convinced him that the kingdom of God is not someday. It's here. It's now. And the invitation is open to everyone.
How has Jesus changed our lives? What is different as a result? And how has Jesus transformed our Story, our Community, and our Purpose?
It has been said that the ultimate aim of Christian faith is not to make people "believers" in the faith (per se), but rather to make exemplars of the very best of humanity. (God did create "humanity" after all, in the very beginning.) If this is true, understanding what it means to be human is part and parcel of faithful discipleship. In short, everyone needs a story by which they live, a community with whom they belong, and a purpose to which they contribute. That's it. Followers of Jesus can be invigorated by their faith as one of the most powerful and life-transforming conduits for these three most important needs of being human.
Fractals are infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across different scales. They are created by repeating a simple process over and over in an ongoing feedback loop. Fractals form the underlying pattern of all of life (in our bodies and in our food!) What does this have to do with discipleship? Everything! Understanding "Fractal Discipleship" not only tunes us in to the deep and natural realities of God's design of the universe, but it also exhorts us to expand our consciousness and our behavior as followers of Jesus.
What the Spirit did through the multi-national gathering of Jewish followers of Jesus on Pentecost in Acts 2 is perhaps one of the most jarring demonstrations of God’s love for the whole world. Even so, it was just the beginning. Hear our communal Pentecost tradition of proclaiming Jesus in languages from all over the world, and the Spirit’s relentless push to love everyone as if they were family.
"Thoughts and Prayers" commonly inundate our social media feeds in the advent of tragedy. “I’m praying for you” is equally spoken towards our own suffering or seeing the suffering of others. But what does it actually mean to pray for ourselves and others? What should we, as believers, be praying for? How should prayer push us into action for the sake of ourselves, our community, and our world?
[Due to technical difficulties, we are missing the first few minutes of the talk. We apologize for the inconvenience.]
What happens when it appears we have all the material wealth according to the cultural standard? When it appears that our nation, zip codes, professions, and investment portfolios appear to shelter us from some of the troubles our unhoused, or less resourced neighbors, are we ever really safe? Do we have money or does money have us? Why does the text continually give guidance on material resources?
When everything around us is polarized and divided, what does it actually look like to follow Jesus — not just believe in him?
Considering becoming a teacher? Don’t. James' wisdom on what a true teacher looks like in a world full of influencers and grifters comes in hot with a stern warning for people who want authority and influence but aren’t willing to back it up with exceptional integrity. Words have power. They can save or destroy. So if you’re not willing to be pure, righteous, and peaceable...maybe don’t talk so much?
Every human organization has a natural tendency toward entropy, the gradual degradation of the organization's originally inspiring mission into chaos and dysfunction. When Spark was launched, we intentionally prioritized focusing on being a healthy church, and growth would simply be whatever God granted. For us, this meant tending to the core principles of organizational health and our core values. The book of Jacob is in many ways a "how-to manual" for disciples to reverse entropy, correct dysfunctions, and foster healthy and long-lasting discipleship.
The letter of James/Jacob opens with an exhortation for the scattered twelve tribes to persevere during times of trial, discovering joy in the midst of challenges. This wisdom from millennia ago provides guidance for us during these difficult days.
To quote the prophet Bono, "The rule has been disproved, the stone it has been moved, the grave is now a groove, all debts are removed!" What a glorious reason to rejoice as we conclude our series on Revelation in the Garden and celebrate the empty tomb found in a garden 2000 years ago.
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday elicited a chorus of “Hosanna” (Help/Save us now!) from the crowd following him. In his vision, John hears the multitudes in heaven loudly celebrating with “Hallelujah” (Praise the Lord!) after the fall of Babylon. For many of us Christ followers now, holding the tension of the hosanna and the hallelujah can be joyfully wearisome. As we remember the work of our humble King on a donkey, Revelation 17-20 helps us grasp what it means for him to also be Faithful and True.
The central part of Revelation reveals the central characters in the central conflict in God’s story. We encounter the Woman and her Son, the Dragon and his Beasts, and their ultimate collision at Armageddon. Making this battle about some far-off, abstract ‘end of the world’ cataclysm removes the urgency with which the original audience felt this story playing out literally in front of them. Placing us into that story we realize that our ‘judgment day’ is also near (and already here).
The Four Horsemen. The Destroyer from the Abyss and his demon locusts. Scrolls, seals, trumpets. The Lamb, the Elders, the Angels, the Martyrs. Revelation abruptly escalates from grounded words of advice to a handful of churches to the iconically ‘apocalyptic’ cosmic battle that we tend to associate with the book today. As we are guided through the densest section of symbols in what feels like the most enigmatic book of the Bible, we ought not worry. We can handle it. (That’s actually the point).
Concluding the last letter to the seven churches, the author of Revelation ushers us into the throne room of God, where we encounter four living creatures singing unceasingly, "Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come." Worship takes a primary place in John's letter, as he weaves nine different songs throughout the book.
As we look at the letters to the churches in Philadelphia and Laodicea, we do so needing hope ... and there is hope to be found in these letters. We long for peace and we seek a world where empires no longer rage in vain but where we all dine at the banqueting table together with the King. Come to be together, to practice the peace and love and hope found in Christ.
Based upon decades of study on the cultural and rabbinic context of the Gospels, Dr. Steven Notley will reveal fresh insights into Luke 4 and Jesus’ public pronouncement of his ministry at his hometown synagogue in Nazareth. Jesus' message of mercy marks the entire Gospel of Luke though it did not find a home in every hearing heart.
Dr. R. Steven Notley is Professor and Dean of Religious Studies at Pillar College, Newark, NJ. Since 2016, he has served as the academic director of the el-Araj Excavation Project in its search for first-century Bethsaida-Julias, the lost city of the apostles. He received his PhD from the Hebrew University, where he studied with David Flusser. Dr. Notley lived for 16 years in Jerusalem with his wife and four children, during which time he was the founding chair of the New Testament Studies program at the Jerusalem University College. He is the author of many books and articles and continues collaborative research and publication with Israeli scholars in the fields of historical geography, ancient Judaism, and Christian origins. Among his list of publications, he collaborated with Flusser on the historical biography, The Sage from Galilee: Rediscovering Jesus’ Genius; with Anson Rainey on the monumental biblical atlas, The Sacred Bridge: Carta’s Atlas of the Biblical World; and with Ze’ev Safrai on an annotated translation of Eusebius’s important description of Roman Palestine, Eusebius, Onomasticon: A Triglott Edition with Notes and Commentary. He rejoined Safrai for their second work, a pioneering collection and translation of the earliest rabbinic parables that provide the literary and religious context for the parables of Jesus, The Parables of the Sages.
Based upon decades of study on the cultural and rabbinic context of the Gospels, Dr. Steven Notley will reveal fresh insights into Luke 4 and Jesus’ public pronouncement of his ministry at his hometown synagogue in Nazareth. Jesus' message of mercy marks the entire Gospel of Luke though it did not find a home in every hearing heart.
Dr. R. Steven Notley is Professor and Dean of Religious Studies at Pillar College, Newark, NJ. Since 2016, he has served as the academic director of the el-Araj Excavation Project in its search for first-century Bethsaida-Julias, the lost city of the apostles. He received his PhD from the Hebrew University, where he studied with David Flusser. Dr. Notley lived for 16 years in Jerusalem with his wife and four children, during which time he was the founding chair of the New Testament Studies program at the Jerusalem University College. He is the author of many books and articles and continues collaborative research and publication with Israeli scholars in the fields of historical geography, ancient Judaism, and Christian origins. Among his list of publications, he collaborated with Flusser on the historical biography, The Sage from Galilee: Rediscovering Jesus’ Genius; with Anson Rainey on the monumental biblical atlas, The Sacred Bridge: Carta’s Atlas of the Biblical World; and with Ze’ev Safrai on an annotated translation of Eusebius’s important description of Roman Palestine, Eusebius, Onomasticon: A Triglott Edition with Notes and Commentary. He rejoined Safrai for their second work, a pioneering collection and translation of the earliest rabbinic parables that provide the literary and religious context for the parables of Jesus, The Parables of the Sages.
A closer look at the churches in Thyatira and Sardis reveals that they are encouraged to wake up and repent, and persevere, even when everything around them looks hopeless.
Looking closely at the letters to the cities of Ephesus, Smyrna and Pergamum, John the Revelator speaks to the specific context of the churches in these three cities using the language of first loves and white stones.
Seven cities. Seven churches. Why? A clue is found in the preface, that John, a brother to the people to whom he writes, shares, in Jesus, in the persecution, the kingdom, and resistance. This triad formulates the foundational agenda for John's exhortations and prepares these disciples for the encouraging hope that is coming.
Do you find yourself thinking about the Roman Empire lately? The people of the first century did too! Far removed from the Land of Israel, Jesus followers sought to live faithfully while surrounded by the powers and principalities of their day. A close look at the cultural and imperial context of the book of Revelation reveals that their time resonates with the world we are living in today.
Over the centuries, the book of Revelation has been used to instill fear and confusion in many readers, but the first hearers experienced hope unveiled with the anticipation of justice on the horizon. Let’s take a fresh look at all that John saw and heard, embracing the unveiled hope that still speaks to us today.
The world feels heavy these days. Amidst the joys of new births and hopes fulfilled, we also hold loss, disappointment, fear, grief and anger. We are exhausted and brokenhearted. We are numb and overwhelmed. We are shocked and not surprised at humanity's inclination to do evil or rejoice over violence and loss of life ... and so we cry out, "How long, O Lord?"
In times like these, we need holy spaces and holy moments of lament and hope, where we can join the psalmist's cries for justice and remember the stories of the prophets who came before us. We need to hear the words of Jesus who calls us to love our enemies, again and again, even as the tyrants rage. A time of worship, lament, prayer, community, and hope help us remember that the Lord is not far off, nor silent, but is listening.
The Lord hears. We are not alone.
According to the Gospel of Matthew, Magi arrive in Jerusalem looking to worship the one born King of the Jews. Following prophecy, they continue on to Bethlehem, the city of David, and following the star, they find Jesus, with Mary and Joseph. Overjoyed, they worship him and present him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. For nearly two millennia, Christians have commemorated the visit of the magi with the feast day of Epiphany Sunday, also known as Three Kings' Day.
We reflect on the peace of God that arrives with the birth of Jesus. It is a supernatural peace that transcends above and sustains us through the woes of this world.
God meets real-life pain with surprising possibility, a hope that endures when nothing feels changeable.
The importance of practicing gratitude and giving thanks as we follow the way of Jesus.
Travel from Garden to Garden, from Genesis to Revelation, and discover the beautiful story of rescue, grace and love. Discover how God continues to tell this story to us today.
Part 1: Spark Church is excited to host a very special conversation between world-renowned, Grammy Award-winning hip hop artist, activist, and CEO, Lecrae, and theologian, author, and chaplain, Adam Thomason, as they discuss their journey of studying Jesus in his first-century Jewish world, leading to the Reconstruction of their faith in Jesus as Messiah and Rabbi.
Part 2: Author Lois Tverberg will join them to discuss her work on how knowing the historical context of Jesus creates fertile ground for a spiritually transformative faith that transcends the Western containers of our day.
Part 1: Spark Church is excited to host a very special conversation between world-renowned, Grammy Award-winning hip hop artist, activist, and CEO, Lecrae, and theologian, author, and chaplain, Adam Thomason, as they discuss their journey of studying Jesus in his first-century Jewish world, leading to the Reconstruction of their faith in Jesus as Messiah and Rabbi.
Part 2: Author Lois Tverberg will join them to discuss her work on how knowing the historical context of Jesus creates fertile ground for a spiritually transformative faith that transcends the Western containers of our day.
George E. Shinhoster came of age in the civil turbulence of the 1960s. A native of Savannah, Ga., he was one of the first African Americans to desegregate a high school and college there. He worked with the Chatham County Crusade for Voters to register black citizens to become voters. In the heat of the civil rights struggle, Mr. Shinhoster worked with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as a field organizer in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina. After joining the SCLC, George endured arrest 19 times in pursuit of voting rights and equal access to public accommodations for black people throughout the South. He marched with Dr. King, experiencing firsthand his leadership, commitment, and drive in the midst of the struggle.
George worked with the YMCA for 42 years as an executive in Georgia, South Carolina, Washington state, and North Carolina, before retiring as president and CEO of the Newark YMCA in New Jersey in 2011. He was also a national trainer and facilitator for the YMCA. Today, he is president of The George Shinhoster Experience, an enterprise that highlights Mr. Shinhoster’s exploits through speaking, storytelling, and facilitation. He is also a principal of the Earl T. Shinhoster Youth Leadership Institute, preparing middle and high school students to become leaders in their schools and communities. Throughout his travels across the country, in Africa and in Canada, Mr. Shinhoster energizes audiences with lessons he learned from the early civil rights movement. He is a keeper of the dream of Dr. King and believes that while much as been accomplished, much more remains to be done.
George E. Shinhoster came of age in the civil turbulence of the 1960s. A native of Savannah, Ga., he was one of the first African Americans to desegregate a high school and college there. He worked with the Chatham County Crusade for Voters to register black citizens to become voters. In the heat of the civil rights struggle, Mr. Shinhoster worked with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference as a field organizer in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina. After joining the SCLC, George endured arrest 19 times in pursuit of voting rights and equal access to public accommodations for black people throughout the South. He marched with Dr. King, experiencing firsthand his leadership, commitment, and drive in the midst of the struggle.
George worked with the YMCA for 42 years as an executive in Georgia, South Carolina, Washington state, and North Carolina, before retiring as president and CEO of the Newark YMCA in New Jersey in 2011. He was also a national trainer and facilitator for the YMCA. Today, he is president of The George Shinhoster Experience, an enterprise that highlights Mr. Shinhoster’s exploits through speaking, storytelling, and facilitation. He is also a principal of the Earl T. Shinhoster Youth Leadership Institute, preparing middle and high school students to become leaders in their schools and communities. Throughout his travels across the country, in Africa and in Canada, Mr. Shinhoster energizes audiences with lessons he learned from the early civil rights movement. He is a keeper of the dream of Dr. King and believes that while much as been accomplished, much more remains to be done.
From the book of Acts, through the Epistles, to our modern day, followers of Jesus have wrestled with how to live a life worthy of the identity "Christian," and what our call is for The Church today. How do we carry the presence of God in this world? What does it mean to follow Jesus, to live out that calling as The Church today if we truly are living stones, and God dwells in our midst? In other words, Now What?
Who we think Christ is dictates how we live, who we love, and what we proclaim. In the Gospels, Jesus asks his disciples who they say he is. Several answers ensue from his followers, but Peter definitively replies, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Believing this, Peter went on to spread the good news of Christ through the Roman Empire and, ultimately, to his own cross.
The land of milk and honey is actually a land full of rocks. There are stones everywhere and used for everything! As such, stones are a predominant theme throughout our faith and a metaphor for how we are to understand our identities and discipleship. Being a living stone is an apt description of our commitment to the Way of Jesus.
Jesus takes the entire story of God that God’s people had carried with them, from the Garden of Eden to the pit of exile and back to the Promised Land, and he wraps that story firmly around himself. In the Gospels, we see Jesus embrace and embody the hopes and dreams of Israel’s salvation, with hopes of his own that are even bigger than what God’s people could’ve imagined.
"If anyone claims to live in him, he must walk as Jesus walked." (1 John 2:6) This core principle is the essence of Spark's mission statement, "To Inspire People To Live The Way Of Jesus." In our current socio-political and cultural context, we need a more robust and thorough understanding of this teaching that will help us understand and remedy the confusing, disconnected chasm that exists between so many different expressions of "Christianity."
As we approach the Gospels in our Garden to Garden series, we encounter the first-century world of Jesus, shaped by a deep devotion to the Text and the rabbinic discipleship system. Our journey continues through the narrative of the Bible with a closer look at Rabbi Jesus and the world of first-century discipleship.
Congratulations, Gardeners! We've traveled from the Garden of Eden to Nehemiah and Ezra and the rebuilding of God's House. And now we enter a time that protestants have long referred to as the 400 years of silence. But God is not silent! Much is being written, much history is happening and it is critical that we know and understand this culture and this time because it sets the stage for Jesus. God is not silent - perhaps we have just not been taught how to listen.
Garden To Garden | Coming Home—The Return From Exile [Kristin Young]
As promised, God does not keep his people in exile forever. The time has come for the faithful remnant to return home to the promised land of milk and honey. But what happens when home becomes an unexpected hard? How does the remnant remain faithful and learn from the mistakes of their ancestors? As we travel through Ezra and Nehemiah with the prophetic voices of Haggai and Zechariah we come to understand the implications of coming home.
8/23/25 00:00
While exiled in Babylon, the King adopts Daniel and his friends into his royal court, granting them privilege and power. All he asks for in exchange is total allegiance. The way Daniel deftly navigates serving the king while never compromising his service to the Real King serves as a bold inspiration for God’s people. The stories of Daniel in exile also introduce us to the “Son of Man” through whom God will ultimately overpower all the evil kings of the world and bring life to all nations.
This week is storytime! The book of Esther is not what it seems. While in exile, in an unknown and foreign land, stories like this paradoxically reveal what they conceal.
This conversation centers on Life in Exile in the context of the book of Ezekiel. What does it mean to follow God in a new world, when all your religious practices have been stripped away and deconstructed? Where do we find God when in exile, when we are so far away from the house of God's Name?
Jonah is given an impossible call ... to go and preach repentance to a people who don't deserve it. The book of Jonah isn't just a children's tale about a man being swallowed and vomited by a big fish. The book seeks to transform the hearers, move us to compassion, even love, for our enemies.
Isaiah and Jeremiah voice dire warnings to the people of God. God's judgment is coming and Israel's Kingdom will come crashing down. And yet we are called to a greater hope - God is using all these world events to bring us to repentance and the pursuit of justice. We are not forgotten. God's blessings are not far off.
Israel demands a king like the nations. They make their way from Saul to David to Solomon, but after Solomon dies, the tribes fracture, dividing between north and south. As kings now rule over each kingdom, different prophets are called to speak truth to the powers. As we introduce the role of the prophets in our Grand Narrative, we listen in to what we might also learn from these voices today.
As we continue navigating the early years of Israel’s monarchy, we quickly reach what Israelites will later look back on as the glory days — a united kingdom ruled by David, a heroic military leader and “a man after God’s own heart”. At the same time, we see a story within this story, in which God uses prophets like Nathan to hold kings like David accountable for the blood on their hands. The life of David, in both good and bad ways, shapes our expectations of a savior.
“Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul…” Along with the launching of Israel’s monarchy are our hopes and dreams of a Big Strong Man who will heroically save us from all of our problems. The intersecting and conflicting vocations of Samuel as Prophet and Saul as King speak volumes about the many (often harmful) ways we pursue and protect power, highlighting all the more how bold and bizarre it is to hail Jesus as King and the fulfillment of Israel’s monarchy.
Since 2023, Aziz and Moaz have joined forces in their pursuit for peace, traveling globally and sharing their message of peace and hope with all who will listen. Together, they co-lead InterAct International, a non profit advancing sustainability, education, and cross cultural connections. Aziz and Maoz carry the weight of personal tragedies inflicted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but they are transforming their pain into a shared pursuit of peace for all.
Hosted by Rabbi Chaim Koritzinsky of Congregation Etz Chayim, and Pastor Danielle Parish of Spark Church, both located in Palo Alto, CA
Since 2023, Aziz and Moaz have joined forces in their pursuit for peace, traveling globally and sharing their message of peace and hope with all who will listen. Together, they co-lead InterAct International, a non profit advancing sustainability, education, and cross cultural connections. Aziz and Maoz carry the weight of personal tragedies inflicted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict but they are transforming their pain into a shared pursuit of peace for all.
Hosted by Rabbi Chaim Koritzinsky of Congregation Etz Chayim, and Pastor Danielle Parish of Spark Church, both located in Palo Alto, CA
Today is remembered as Pentecost Sunday, a commemoration and celebration of the receiving of the Holy Spirit by the early church. In this special presentation, we witness what the experience may have looked, felt, and sounded like.
During a period when “all the people did what was right in their own eyes,” a story about loving kindness and redemption is told that points to a coming King. Through the book of Ruth, we can understand God’s love, even in seasons of famine. He sees us. He cares for us. He works through us.
If you've only heard snippets of stories from the book of Judges or if this is the first time you've read the book, sit tight, friends. This is going to be a bumpy ride. The book of Judges is filled with repetitive cycles of disobedience, violence, oppression, deliverance, back to disobedience again. Joshua has died and the people are living amongst the Canaanites in the Land and things are getting difficult, to say the least.
Joshua is a story of conquest, the Promised Land, and ... violence!? How shall we understand these portions of the Bible?
The word "Deuteronomy" means a "second law." One of the features of this book is the repeating of stories, teachings, commandments, and exhortations from the previous four books. In addition, over fifteen times in Deuteronomy, we are told to remember. This repetition is by design, and has a profound purpose and meaning. The God of Israel is advancing his covenantal love and connection with God's people and reminders and repetition are the behaviors of covenantal love.
Leviticus shaped the community of ancient Israel as they sought to draw near to God and longed for God to draw near to them.
For 2000 years, a miraculous, unanticipated story of resurrection after death has been passed down, from generation to generation. This story of Jesus' victory over death changes us into resurrection people, a people who can look at the darkest moments and believe in hope and life.
Each time we come to a festival, there are themes, terms, symbols, and feelings that are deeply familiar. The revolution of Jesus is that while some elements resonate, the past interpretations and understandings are dissonant with what Jesus was advancing. Our challenge is to ensure we're in the same "key" as Jesus, to listen carefully to how our lives resonate, not with our own understandings, but with the Jesus Way.
Fleeing the tyrannical dictatorship of Egypt, the Israelites voluntarily enter into a covenant with God to create a new nation, different from everything the world had ever known. In Egypt, like in many nations, power was concentrated into the hands of the few while the many were enslaved. But God calls us to embody a wholly different world, shaped by philosophical, political, theological and legal guidelines that create a just, good, and merciful society. The covenant at Sinai shaped ancient Israel and everyone who passed through on the way. The Sinai covenant shaped Jesus and brought him into conflict with the tyrannical powers of his day. Sinai is the birthplace of the politics of freedom. Freedom from tyranny and freedom for a worldwide good.
We continue our journey through the book of Exodus as the Israelites have passed through the Reed Sea and traveled through the wilderness to reach Sinai. God calls Moses up on to the mountain, the people of Israel gather at the base, and God speaks.
The giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai defines the people of Israel from this point forward and these instructions are still with us today. How did the ancient Israelites view this awe inspiring event and how does it still speak to us today?
Pharaoh finally relents and allows the Israelites to leave Egypt ... but regrets his choice immediately. Caught between the pursuing Egyptian army and a sea before them, the Israelites experience God as King and ruler over all.
Exodus presents us with the first head-to-head showdown between an oppressive empire and God’s people. Stopping Pharaoh and the evil forces behind him is hard, hardening, and costly. “There was blood everywhere.” This brutal confrontation culminates in Israel’s birth, which also gives birth to “redemption,” “salvation,” and “Passover” – themes that find their fulfillment in Jesus.
As we continue our exploration of the Hebrew Scriptures in Exodus, we will be challenged to set aside the cultural programming of the images, movies, and assumptions about Moses, Pharaoh, the parting waters, and the 10 commandments. An often overlooked major theme found in the minor characters and elements of the story reveal a revolutionary strategy of how the way of establishing justice is often much like giving birth. As such, we ought to learn from those experts who know all about giving birth in challenging and seemingly impossible times.
We conclude our journey through the book of Genesis with the story of Josep, a story of family, forgiveness and survival.
If you grew up attending church, there is a good chance that you might have sung the song “Father Abraham” and learned that he had many sons. Yet, as we continue through Genesis, we see God’s faithfulness to and work through women who are the mothers of Israel: Sarah, Rebekah, Leah and Rachel. Rebekah, a woman who was called by God from her mother’s house (Beit Im), and loved, teaches us to consider the questions: What can we glean from her story? Was she devoted or a deceiver? Was she oppressed or an opportunist?
This event was a book release event for Dr. Jemar Tisby's new picture book for kids, I Am the Spirit of Justice, and chapter book for tweens and teens, Stories of the Spirit of Justice! For more information, please visit https://www.spark.church/jemar-tisby-spirit-of-justice-youth
This event was a book release event for Dr. Jemar Tisby's new picture book for kids, I Am the Spirit of Justice, and chapter book for tweens and teens, Stories of the Spirit of Justice! For more information, please visit https://www.spark.church/jemar-tisby-spirit-of-justice-youth
This event was a book release event for Dr. Jemar Tisby's new picture book for kids, I Am the Spirit of Justice, and chapter book for tweens and teens, Stories of the Spirit of Justice! For more information, please visit https://www.spark.church/jemar-tisby-spirit-of-justice-youth
As we continue our Grand Narrative, we will take a look at the world as we know it today, far away from the Edenic garden God created, in a world with murder, evil, floods and yet, still hope. If you're feeling a bit unmoored and anxious these days, there is beauty and hope in community together.
As we continue our study of the creation narrative in Genesis, we hear of a garden, of a human formed from the earth, of some animals in search of a name, and of something that is "not good." In this message we discover anew how this beautiful story speaks life and meaning to us today.
Spark Church is diving into the Bible in 2025! From Garden to Garden, we are launching into a chronological journey through our Grand Narrative for the entire year, from Genesis to Revelation! This talk lays the foundation for our year-long study together!
The passage of time is what makes the universe breathe. Humanity's marking of that time by numbers, events, and eras has been our attempt at ordering our existence by measuring years or even generations. As the clock ticks upward one more incremental step, we stop, reflect, and consider how we live with and through time, exploreing some meta themes—overarching motifs—of the lives we live, the time we keep (and waste), and how this moment truly is the most important in our lives.
The Bible calls Jesus “Prince of Peace” in ... well, it doesn’t. That title comes from a message of hope and restoration from the prophet Isaiah centuries before Jesus’ birth. While we can’t not see Jesus in that passage, people in Jesus’ day struggled to see how it could be about Jesus of Nazareth. This second Sunday of Advent we unpack this title we ascribe to Jesus and explore the ways in which Jesus’ life seemed to bring anything but peace to his friends and enemies.
This Sunday we begin the Advent season talking about hope in a suffering world. The Christmas song, "O Come, O Come, Immanuel" was written over half a millennium ago and we continue to sing this hopeful song today because God is with us (Immanuel). We are not alone.
Featuring an epilogue to the sermon series "The Parables," the Parable of the Dishonest Manager leads us to consider how important family is, even when we don't see eye-to-eye.
Many teachings on following Jesus are inspirational. They're about love, connecting with God, and experiencing life in new and "abundant" ways. But a serious reading of Jesus' teachings suggests that discipleship is a very high calling, and costly. In fact, it may end up costing you your life.
In the parable of the tower builder who runs out of money, and the king who goes to war with an insufficient army (from Luke 14), Jesus warns us, "Don't be that guy." Seriously consider what you're getting yourself into. Consider the very, very high bar that Jesus has set for those who wish to follow in his Way, and how high expectations are exactly what we need today.
This week has been difficult, to say the least. I'm not sure what words to put here. We can find comfort in knowing we are not alone. God is with us and we can be with one another as we worship together and provide space for lament, hope and love, pursuing the way of Jesus, seeking a peace that surpasses understanding.
We often think the parable of the persistent widow is primarily about being persistent in the face of suffering. When we examine Jesus' words, we find the true, just Judge who wants to hear our cares and concerns. Will He find us faithful when Jesus returns?
We all know the joy of being forgiven when we’ve wronged someone. We’re also aware of our hypocrisy when we’re stingy with offering that same forgiveness to others. Or are we even aware of it? The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant reveals the ways our senses of superiority blind us from being able to see the ways our lack of forgiveness brings death to those around us.
Jesus' parable of the landowner in Matthew 20 paints pictures of what God is like, what God's kingdom is like, and how we should treat one another when living in the Kingdom.
[We apologize for the low-quality recording this week due to technical difficulties.]
We are so amazed, humbled and thrilled at all God has done these past twelve years at Spark. Jesus' Parable of the Lost Things from Luke 15 illustrates for us what kind of party we are throwing!
The depiction of the "after life" in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus has had an outsized influence in the consciousness of Christians for millennia. Visceral images of a chasm, flames, and the description of agony have so captivated the imagination that principal to many Christian theologies is the avoidance of such a place. But is hell the point? Is avoiding eternal punishment the principle?
Jesus says the Kingdom of God is like a seed, like yeast, a pearl ... a treasure. It is productive, it is rare, it is valuable. It must be pursued, found, and nurtured.
Parables are told so our ears and hearts are exposed to the teachings. The teachings are given so we understand deeper realities. And understanding deeper realities opens us to the possibility of life, and, in the words of Jesus, "life abundant!" But all of that depends upon the soil in which the teachings are planted.
Jesus' parables paint pictures of what the world is, what it should be and how we are to live in it. When the world tries to divide us, the way of Jesus is clear, we are to love ALL of our neighbors. Jesus' teaching on the Good Samaritan is one of the most brilliant of Jesus' parables and goes well beyond just helping someone along the road.
We launch our new series, discovering anew Jesus' parables and how they speak to us today.
We've been asking the question, "Who do the Gospel writers say Jesus is?" From Son of Adam, to Son of David, to a prophet like Moses and Elijah, to Friend & Savior, we've explored these themes in depth. We conclude our series and look closely at the Gospel's declaration that Jesus is LORD.
When John the Baptist announces the launch of his cousin Jesus’ ministry, he introduces Jesus as, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world!” How does that work? In what way does Jesus being ‘God’s lamb’ translate into forgiveness of our sins? From the beginning, the Church has embraced the joys and pains that come from grappling with that question, the navigation of our “theories of atonement”, which often say more about our own sense of justice than God’s.
Often we consider what Jesus taught without considering who he was teaching and why he taught that way. This Sunday Pastor Mark will help us delve into the brilliance of HOW Jesus taught, which may speak to how we are to interact with those around us.
Rulers, thrones, and authorities. These are the governance structures that have guided humanity for thousands of years. To be "king," to this day means to be "in charge" to "reign" and to exude power. As with other titles, the gospel writers indicate that Jesus is coronated as king. However, yet again Jesus upends the definition of that term and provokes a radical view, power exemplified in service.
Abraham is called a friend of God. Jesus calls us friends. He even calls his enemies friends. So, what does being a "friend" of God mean, that Jesus is our "friend?"
In the earliest years of our lives, we learn that part of being human means possessing deep longings. One of the deepest longings anyone can ever know is this longing for healing. The story of Jesus healing a bleeding woman is a story of healing and a restoring of her dignity as a daughter of Israel.
Throughout the Gospels, the prophet Elijah is a constant in the background. Who was this prophet? Why did he hold such a prominent place in the memory and culture in first-century Israel? And why did people compare Jesus to him?
The depth of meaning behind the term "logos" used to describe Jesus is vast. Philosophers used this term to describe a host of ideas from "order" to "divine force." The Hebrews had a similar concept in their literature to describe "wisdom" and the creative activity of their God. In Jesus, these two ideas come together and uplifts both our senses and our soul.
The gospel writers draw direct parallels between Jesus and Moses. These allusions lead us to consider the character, life, and legacy of Moses as part of what we are to think of and believe about Jesus. So, when we think of Moses, what do we think of? What is the storyline do we tell? Ancient sources give us clues as to the meaning and lessons the first-century believers understood in this comparison.
At the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River the heavens open up and we hear declared, "This is my Son, whom I love, with whom I am well pleased."
Each Gospel writer takes great strides to share who Jesus is. Luke traces Jesus' roots back to Adam, the son of God.
First, sparkers participate in a powerful demonstration of how the Spirit spoke to and through the first disciples, and disciples from all over the world ever since.
Second, about fifty days after the first disciples witnessed the empty tomb, they gathered together for the Jewish Feast of Weeks. The Spirit of God empowered the disciples to share the good news with those who had traveled from many nations to Jerusalem, so that the good news could travel from Jerusalem to many nations.
The New Testament tells of a world constantly in the shadow of Rome. The life and teachings of Jesus and the early church were a rigid dichotomy to a world defined by allegiance to the emperor, the empire, the power and supremacy of Rome. There are those today attempting to hijack Christianity as a prop in their pursuit of nationalism, supremacy and power. But the teachings of Jesus have already met the powers of Rome. The way of Jesus is love. It is sacrificial.
Reading ancient texts to inform our present spirituality is a somewhat strange activity, at least according to modern sensibilities. As with many of our practices, there are excellent reasons to do this, but there are also many bad examples of misuse. How do we flourish in this tradition in powerful and transformative ways without misuse, misapplication, exploitation, or even abuse at the hands of the text?
Paul concludes his letter with a bold appeal to his Jewish and Gentile readers that belonging to Jesus means belonging to each other, which means sacrificing ourselves for the good of the other, with our money, time, and effort.
The Roman Empire believed it was living in a time of peace, something they called Pax Romana. But Paul and the followers of Jesus knew differently. They knew the Roman sword was not idle. And yet, Paul encouraged the Jews and the Gentiles to be a people of love and demonstrate to Rome a peace that passes all understanding.
In Romans 12, the Apostle Paul instructs the community of believers on how to offer up themselves as living sacrifices, and these instructions are not for the faint of heart. Loving our enemies is a very difficult command, to say the least.
Paul's beautiful exhortation in Romans 12 is to offer ourselves up as living sacrifices, set apart for God's perfect will.
Palm Sunday is also Lamb Selection Day. Matthew 21 is full of symbolism and the crowds are missing it and we are missing it too. Jesus is the Lamb, the once and for all lamb, the rejected and lovesick lamb who comes to wash away, not just some people's sin, not just some people's wrongdoing, but is here for all of us.
Romans 8 brings the stakes of Jewish and Gentile harmony to a head. Paul reveals that the destiny of humanity and its habitat have always been intertwined. God has made a covenant with us that includes promises to the earth, and God’s Spirit has enlisted us as one united humanity to fulfill those promises. God will be faithful to the covenant. Will we?
Our annual "State of Spark" update for our congregation including program, vision, and financial updates.
Twice in chapter six Paul exhorts the Romans to no longer continue sinning. He even uses an exasperated expression, "Heaven Forbid!" In addition to the spiritual teaching that we should do the right thing, there appears to be another layer, a deeper undercurrent in the teaching. Some appear to be arguing for a kind of "theological calculus." If sinning increases grace, then sinning must therefore be good. That kind of thinking—"spiritual algorithm"—is what Paul says leads to death. But we have been raised with Christ and are very much alive. As we explore this ancient teaching in light of our modern world of AI (artificial intelligence) we are exhorted to hold desperately on to our humanity, forsaking the "spiritual algorithm," because we don't do math. We do Jesus.
Paul paints a sharp contrast between two paradigmatic humans: Adam - with whom the story of humanity begins, and Jesus - with whom it ends. To be human, whether Jew or Gentile, is to share in Adam’s fate, consequences, and actions. And now, to be in Jesus is to share in his.
Religious identity markers (a.k.a. "tribal" identifiers) are not what is credited as righteousness. What matters is faithfulness to core behavioral values. Abraham is the primal example of this principle, why he is the father of our faith.
In Romans 1 and 2, Paul illustrates in great detail that the entire world is woefully short of God's design. All of us are in desperate need of rescue. So, Paul launches into the Good News. God has a covenantal answer to this problem. Jesus.
Paul exhorts the Gentile and Jewish believers in Rome as to how they should live, arguing that even the Gentiles who lack the Torah, have God's law written on their hearts. What does it mean to follow God and does it matter how we live?
In this second and "final" teaching of the Letter to the Romans we explore what Paul was arguing throughout the beginning and middle by understanding the end game. As we progress through the series we hope that some of the key verses, themes, and even "hard" passages become better understood in light of the "end," the grand vision of "peace."
This letter, the most quoted of Paul's letters within evangelicalism, is much more beautiful than a simple four step road to heaven. Over the coming weeks, we'll explore the cultural context of Paul's letter, the beautiful complexity of this Christian faith, and the joyful invitation to follow Jesus and his Way in this world today.
Some of us might have no experience or negative experiences with liturgical worship. At their best, however, liturgies require the whole congregation to participate in the prayers, in the rites, and in the music. Liturgy in Greek means “work of the people”, so this Sunday evening Sparkers participate in singing, call-and-response, communal prayers, and scripture readings. The focus is our liturgy, our collective work that serves as our offering to God.
Colossians has no shortage of mysteries that we’ve covered over the last few weeks (God in Christ in you, being thankful amidst suffering). But when Paul talks about “the mystery of Christ”, he has a specific truth in mind—a truth that’s easier said than done.
Thanksgiving was a wonderful day being with friends and family and sharing a meal as we reflected on the blessings we have received. And for many, having the 49ers play on Thanksgiving day was a blessing too. The bible has a lot to say about being grateful and thankful, with a focus on being thankful for a good and gracious God. We are so lucky!
If a principle teaching of Colossians is that our identity is “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” the goal of that teaching is “maturity.” That aim requires not only a transformation of understanding but a transformation of actual behavior. The brilliant analogy that Paul uses is clothing because what we wear on the outside is profoundly connected to who we are on the inside.
In introducing the Letter to the Colossians, we will draw our attention to a theme of Paul's letters—and of the Biblical narrative—that begins, not with behavioral modification, but a completely radical and transformative view of the new humanity that emerges in Christ.
This weekend Spark Church hosted Mark Yaconelli, speaker, author, and Executive Director of The Hearth, a local storytelling community welcoming people of all different spiritual backgrounds and journeys. Mark's most recent book, "Between The Listening And The Telling" is a beautiful journey of adventure, hope, longing, and mystery that invites us to all embrace our own stories as the way through which we find salvation. This weekend we were immersed in this ancient practice and compelled to revisit and remember the same God, Jesus, and Spirit that has been co-authoring our stories with us since the very beginning.
This weekend Spark Church hosted Mark Yaconelli, speaker, author, and Executive Director of The Hearth, a local storytelling community welcoming people of all different spiritual backgrounds and journeys. Mark's most recent book, "Between The Listening And The Telling" is a beautiful journey of adventure, hope, longing, and mystery that invites us to all embrace our own stories as the way through which we find salvation. This weekend we were immersed in this ancient practice and compelled to revisit and remember the same God, Jesus, and Spirit that has been co-authoring our stories with us since the very beginning.
This weekend Spark Church hosted Mark Yaconelli, speaker, author, and Executive Director of The Hearth, a local storytelling community welcoming people of all different spiritual backgrounds and journeys. Mark's most recent book, "Between The Listening And The Telling" is a beautiful journey of adventure, hope, longing, and mystery that invites us to all embrace our own stories as the way through which we find salvation. This weekend we were immersed in this ancient practice and compelled to revisit and remember the same God, Jesus, and Spirit that has been co-authoring our stories with us since the very beginning.
This weekend Spark Church hosted Mark Yaconelli, speaker, author, and Executive Director of The Hearth, a local storytelling community welcoming people of all different spiritual backgrounds and journeys. Mark's most recent book, "Between The Listening And The Telling" is a beautiful journey of adventure, hope, longing, and mystery that invites us to all embrace our own stories as the way through which we find salvation. This weekend we were immersed in this ancient practice and compelled to revisit and remember the same God, Jesus, and Spirit that has been co-authoring our stories with us since the very beginning.
This weekend Spark Church hosted Mark Yaconelli, speaker, author, and Executive Director of The Hearth, a local storytelling community welcoming people of all different spiritual backgrounds and journeys. Mark's most recent book, "Between The Listening And The Telling" is a beautiful journey of adventure, hope, longing, and mystery that invites us to all embrace our own stories as the way through which we find salvation. This weekend we were immersed in this ancient practice and compelled to revisit and remember the same God, Jesus, and Spirit that has been co-authoring our stories with us since the very beginning.
From the beginning of our Bible, to the end, we hear of divine encounters. These spiritual revelations, conversations, miraculous deliverances, quiet whispers, and silences describe holy moments between God and people. What does this mean for us today and how do we live into the truth of Jesus' promise to make His home with us and be with us always?
On this eleventh anniversary of Spark, we share the vision and strategic plan for the life of our church.
We've been talking for weeks now about Jesus' "sheep" and the loving mercy that defines followers of Jesus. But to the "goats", Jesus says, "Depart from me into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels... then they will go into eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life." Those are... high stakes! We end of our series in Matthew 25 by talking through Jesus' apocalyptic warning to his disciples and how we can heed that warning today.
Who are the poor? Who are the least of these? And how might we truly tune our hearts to Jesus' presence in our midst?
Poverty is a problem here in America and around the world. So, as Christians, what do we do? Some people throw their hands up because solving this problem, ending poverty, seems way too ambitious and impossibly expensive. And Jesus is even quoted in the Bible as saying that ‘the poor will always be with you.” But when we read the Bible, from Genesis throughout the New Testament, we see a constant revelation of God’s will that no one should be made hungry, sick, homeless, underpaid, indebted, or bereft by the violence of social injustice. God’s intention is that abundance should be a blessing for all.
“The least of these” has been understood to be the marginalized, the disenfranchised, and the ostracized, those who have been slighted or forgotten by society. But in this passage, they are called “my family.” This is both an identity statement and a profound shift of perspective. What you do for those who are on the margins of society is different from what you would do for your family. And if we can change our worldview, we can change the world viewed.
The elements in Matthew 25 are not mere materials. They speak to a bigger reality in which we are invited to live as we serve the least of these.
Service. Fealty. Loyalty. These are the characteristics of subjects to a king. And even though this common code looks different in social, religious, and political arenas, the idea is essentially the same. The top of the hierarchy demands allegiance, and proper honor to a “master” requires it. In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches that while faithfulness to God requires the same level of commitment, the purpose and focus are radically different.
Matthew 25 uses the sheep and goats to describe Jesus' calling. And which one we are, Jesus teaches, is determined by how we treat others.
Every Sunday, we recite the number one commandment Jesus gave us: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your might, and love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12) What does it truly mean to love God with "all" and why do we so easily separate our faith into different aspects?
We conclude our series on Peter, reflecting on what we've discovered through our study and considering what it means to live a life forever changed by Jesus.
Jesus offers Peter a (naive? impractical? optional?) vision of a kingdom through which God defeats violence without violence. And it’s hard to see ourselves as violent anyway…maybe because our privileges allow many of us to distance ourselves from the people and processes that do our violence for us (see: what you ate for dinner last night). Peter’s audacious allegation, learned the hard way, is that our love is solely and sufficiently able to end evil, perhaps one of the most offensive things ever taught.
One of the most challenging verses in the Bible is where Peter tells his readers that slaves are to submit to their masters. We'll navigate the historical context of slavery and biblical teachings, seeking a deeper understanding of how we can approach problematic passages while upholding modern ethical values. Ultimately, we will explore three questions: What does the Bible say about slavery?, What does the Bible say about racism?, What does this mean for you and for us? Together we will take this opportunity to grapple with the complexities of ancient texts and their impact on our lives today.
Christian identity and fidelity culminates in a critical question. “Now what?” How do we live out this kind of life—a life of love, grace, mercy, and salvation—in an overwhelmingly powerful culture that mocks Christianity, and a political complex that murdered the founder of this faith? How shall we now live when there is slavery, economic disparity, social inequality, corrupt government, and more? The secret, no surprise, is found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Far from “blind faith,” however, this Way empowers a sense of agency and autonomy. No matter how challenging the systems of power are, nothing can strip you of the ability to have meaning and purpose. This kind of spirituality uses the end goal (the “telos”) as a means of transforming the world, beginning with us.
To be a follower of Jesus in a foreign land is to be part of a long history of people staying true in attitude, actions, behaviors, and beliefs. This kind of devotion is spoken of by the prophets and modeled by Jesus. And the metaphor used to illustrate this kind of life is the image of “living stones being built into a spiritual house.” Just as rocks were memorials to God’s power and action, so too shall we be living reminders in our current communities.
The letters of Peter to the scattered Christians in Asia Minor are a shepherd’s encouragement and exhortation to remain fiercely faithful to Jesus while living in a foreign land. The social, political, and economic realities that cause suffering and tragedy will continue to be harsh and difficult. Nevertheless, followers of Jesus can and should embrace a “living hope” that is found in the identity, fidelity, and teleology of the people of God. (Don't worry. We'll explain it all!) To understand this, we must be reminded of the context of these early Christians and the identities that so transformed their worldview.
Our worsening ecological crisis is wreaking havoc all over the world and is increasingly threatening the viability of life on this planet. But while this continued degradation of pollution and extraction is advanced through political policies and social practices, the root problem is truly a philosophical and spiritual deficiency. For many Christians, at the core are the beliefs that humans are separate from nature, that we are to have “dominion” over the world, that we are to subdue nature to our will and control, that the elements of this planet are a commodity to be used for all that we think that it’s worth, and that the ultimate focus of spiritual faith is the afterlife, the destination of heaven, and the salvation of our souls.
What is profoundly tragic is that this view of faith is antithetical to what is actually taught in the biblical texts. From Genesis through Revelation, the Bible asserts that the redemption of all of creation is central to its good news, and that teaching is woven through the narratives, the law codes, the prophecies, and the theologies that we find in its writings. And our commission as human beings is to responsible stewards, to advance caretaking, protection, and sustainability of the land as fundamental to our being made in the image and likeness of God, for our existence, and our thriving.
Dr. Sandra Richter is the Robert H. Gundry Chair of Biblical Studies at Westmont College and the author The Epic of Eden: A Christian Entry into the Old Testament, and her most recent book Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About The Environment and Why It Matters where she illuminates for us all of these perspectives and more. Here is my conversation with Dr. Sandra Richter.
Resources:
Climate Stewards Carbon Calculator for churches: https://www.climatestewards.org/carbon-calculators/
Kevin’s Review of Stewards of Eden: https://vialogue.wordpress.com/2020/06/22/stewards-of-eden-reflections-notes/
Co-Sponsor Via Media: https://www.viamedia.center
While Peter is waiting for lunch, he receives a deeply puzzling vision about “clean” and “unclean” foods. Then he immediately gets pulled into traveling to a Gentile’s house to preach the gospel. While Peter is talking with them about Jesus, he witnesses something in them that forces him to rethink his theology. What Peter experienced suggest that our experiences, too, shape how big or small we imagine God’s love to be.
The Book of Acts records Peter's (and the early disciples') first foray into spreading the good news of Jesus and they begin in Jerusalem.
Peter declares to Jesus, "You are the Messiah." Understanding where and why this confession happens is critical to its meaning, that the anointed one will come and establish a rule and reign of peace and justice for all.
Experience a taste of what the first Pentecost would have sounded like. Then discover the historical and cultural context of this particular celebration of Shavuot (Feast of Weeks) found in Acts 2.
Where do we find hope in an uncertain world? Is God only found in times of prosperity and order or is God also present in times of difficulty and chaos? The grand narrative of the Bible is a powerful exploration of the human condition. In times of confusion, uncertainty, and exile, the Torah, the prophets, and Jesus speak of hope, justice, love and redemption. What is their reason for this hope? And what might they say to us today, as we find ourselves in uncertain times, disillusioned, questioning, and curious?
https://www.spark.church/bibleconference2023
Where do we find hope in an uncertain world? Is God only found in times of prosperity and order or is God also present in times of difficulty and chaos? The grand narrative of the Bible is a powerful exploration of the human condition. In times of confusion, uncertainty, and exile, the Torah, the prophets, and Jesus speak of hope, justice, love and redemption. What is their reason for this hope? And what might they say to us today, as we find ourselves in uncertain times, disillusioned, questioning, and curious?
https://www.spark.church/bibleconference2023
Where do we find hope in an uncertain world? Is God only found in times of prosperity and order or is God also present in times of difficulty and chaos? The grand narrative of the Bible is a powerful exploration of the human condition. In times of confusion, uncertainty, and exile, the Torah, the prophets, and Jesus speak of hope, justice, love and redemption. What is their reason for this hope? And what might they say to us today, as we find ourselves in uncertain times, disillusioned, questioning, and curious?
https://www.spark.church/bibleconference2023
Where do we find hope in an uncertain world? Is God only found in times of prosperity and order or is God also present in times of difficulty and chaos? The grand narrative of the Bible is a powerful exploration of the human condition. In times of confusion, uncertainty, and exile, the Torah, the prophets, and Jesus speak of hope, justice, love and redemption. What is their reason for this hope? And what might they say to us today, as we find ourselves in uncertain times, disillusioned, questioning, and curious?
https://www.spark.church/bibleconference2023
Where do we find hope in an uncertain world? Is God only found in times of prosperity and order or is God also present in times of difficulty and chaos? The grand narrative of the Bible is a powerful exploration of the human condition. In times of confusion, uncertainty, and exile, the Torah, the prophets, and Jesus speak of hope, justice, love and redemption. What is their reason for this hope? And what might they say to us today, as we find ourselves in uncertain times, disillusioned, questioning, and curious?
https://www.spark.church/bibleconference2023
Where do we find hope in an uncertain world? Is God only found in times of prosperity and order or is God also present in times of difficulty and chaos? The grand narrative of the Bible is a powerful exploration of the human condition. In times of confusion, uncertainty, and exile, the Torah, the prophets, and Jesus speak of hope, justice, love and redemption. What is their reason for this hope? And what might they say to us today, as we find ourselves in uncertain times, disillusioned, questioning, and curious?
https://www.spark.church/bibleconference2023
Pastor Mark shares the nuts and bolts of his faith journey, and why his "Why Jesus" has changed quite a bit over the last 10 years.
Many of us on this Christian faith journey find ourselves in a season of questions, deconstruction, and doubt. These seasons can be unnerving, lonely, disruptive, and surprising. But what if they are actually central to our faith?
By wrestling with our reservations, embracing new scientific understandings, and moving forward into the mysterious unknown, we will discover a bigger and more mysterious God than our faith can actually grasp. This event was held at https://www.spark.church on April 23, 2023. Video of the main talk is here: https://youtu.be/aTJ--W1_oQ0. Video of the Q&R after the talk can be found here: https://youtu.be/pBh5BFeKnTg
Event page: https://www.spark.church/curveball
By wrestling with our reservations, embracing new scientific understandings, and moving forward into the mysterious unknown, we will discover a bigger and more mysterious God than our faith can actually grasp. This event was held at https://www.spark.church on April 23, 2023. Video of the main talk is here: https://youtu.be/aTJ--W1_oQ0. Video of the Q&R after the talk can be found here: https://youtu.be/pBh5BFeKnTg
Event page: https://www.spark.church/curveball
The Resurrection is a clarion statement. This is not the end. This is actually the beginning. And there will be more beginnings to come.
Jesus begins the final week of his life by parading right into Jerusalem, the heart of power in Israel, during a huge festival. He rides in on a donkey, with a crowd of outsiders waving palm branches and championing him as their savior king. Within a few days, he’ll be arrested, interrogated, and executed. As we celebrate “Palm Sunday,” we explore why it all went down that way and what Jesus was trying to accomplish, for himself and for those of us who follow in his footsteps.
A very personal sharing of Kevin's journey, spiritually, vocationally, and philosophically, and Why Jesus continues to be not just compelling for him, but critical for the world.
Self-control is often thought of as just a perpetual “no” to our desires. But self-control is always about saying “no” to lesser desires in order to say “yes” to the greatest desire.
We have the choice to add to or subtract from the already existing conflict in the world. Gentleness is our choice to subtract from that conflict, a posture toward the world as a revolutionary strategy for transformation.
Faith as "belief" or "ascent to an idea" misses the mark of the faithfulness of God as our way of salvation. Faith as a follow-through can be seen. It is behavior, action, and trust.
From ancient Greece's Plato to Netflix's The Good Place, philosophers throughout the ages have debated the nature of what is "good." Is it an ideal for which we all strive? Is it a mere adjective? Perhaps it is actually not,...eh, "good" to want to pursue so much good? In contrast, the biblical narrative proposes that it is all, actually, very good.
The New Testament often calls on followers of Jesus to be kind, meek, humble, or submissive. But being told to be kind or submissive is often a tool used by those in power to maintain the status quo (e.g. against women, slaves, etc.). Is that Paul’s goal in encouraging kindness? To uphold the status quo? The kindness that the Spirit produces in us actually does the opposite—it subverts the status quo, flips the world order, and kills the evil in our enemies (and in us).
Patience is a much-needed trait in our world, and yet it is developed, not gifted. This fruit of the Holy Spirit comes not from awaiting a change in your circumstances, but through a change in us.
There may be no experience in the world that we want more, and have less of, than the experience of peace, of shalom. The word is everywhere describing something that is desired but missing – between nations, between people, between the good Earth and its inhabitants. What is peace as a fruit of the Spirit in a world so full of trouble, division, fear, and heaviness? What does it mean to be a person of peace?
We often think of Christian joy as feeling happy no matter what – Jesus has done so much for you, what do you have to feel bad about? That outlook jives neither with our experiences nor the experiences of the Biblical authors who wrote about joy. Joy, as a fruit of the spirit, is less about producing happy feelings and more about producing audacious judgments about the way the world is and ought to be.
The ubiquity of the word “love” makes understanding difficult. Is love a “feeling,” a “commitment,” a “chemical neurotransmitter?” In trying to discern a definition of love, perhaps we ought to ask what this Galatians passage suggests about the "fruit" of love.
The letter to the Galatians—in which the "fruit of the spirit" is found—addresses a serious threat to the good news of Jesus. That threat will have serious consequences, not least of which it will promote a wholly "different gospel," one that is at odds with the love and grace of God.
Beginnings feel fresh and new. There's joy. But let us also embrace sadness as necessary for new creation.
GROUP QUESTIONS:
1. Are we addicted to "joy" and "happiness?" Why or why not?
2. Does Christianity promote one over the other? What emotional experiences does Christianity prioritize?
3. What would life look like if we embraced the full scope of human emotions?
This is the audio from our online liturgical service. Merry Christmas everyone, and a happy new year! We'll see you in 2023!
This advent Sunday we are invited to pause to consider the “el” in the word “immanuEL.” As arrival is drawing near, we consider the long and deep history of what is understood as the presence of “God,” in Hebrew, “EL.”
While we expect kings to be born in luxury, this king is born in a cave, and his announcement is to shepherds.
GROUP QUESTIONS:
1. Compare and contrast the luxury of then to the luxury of now. Have things changed? What's different? What's the same?
2. When you think of "good news" what do you think of? What category, or area of life is that thought? What category is the good news of Jesus in?
3. If the kingdom is on the move, to where or whom is it moving? Where's it moving from? Where is it taking us?
This is not a gospel of gain or wealth. This is a gospel of trust. Mary’s song is one of remembrance of God’s promises of mercy and faithfulness to Israel, to Abraham and his descendants. And Jesus is how God is going to continue this covenantal song.
GROUP QUESTIONS:
1. What are the traditional ways "songs" have been understood in Christian practice? How does that compare with these biblical songs?
2. Discuss the different aspects of "trust" in this story. (To "believe" but also to be "entrusted with"…)
3. What are the songs that are needed today?
This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent ... "Advent" means coming or arrival, and this is the time of year when we remember and anticipate Christ's coming into the world.
GROUP QUESTIONS:
1. What expectations do you have for this advent season?
2. What does the "arrival" of Jesus mean?
3. Advent implies "not yet" but "is coming." What observations, feelings, or questions do you have in-between those two things?
The radical nature of God's love is a story of diversity and inclusion where everyone is welcomed and loved. It's a story of forgiveness with second chances and two hundredth chances where you don't ever lose your place and you are never finished. It's a story that reveals Jesus as Israel's long expected Messiah and that he indeed is the Son of God.
GROUP QUESTIONS
-
What does "messiah" mean, both then, and now?
-
Why is "inclusion" so radical? What are the opposite forces of "inclusion"?
-
Israel had "expectations" which means there was a period of waiting. Consider what waiting means as a Christian, in spiritual practice. Have we grown impatient?
The climax of the gospel according to John are when women who followed Jesus find his tomb empty just days after the government oversaw his execution. What follows is a series of bizarre and unprecedented encounters with Jesus. Then the way Jesus' followers try to make sense of these encounters offers us ways to make sense of Jesus' resurrection too.
GROUP QUESTIONS
-
Imagine yourself going to "anoint" the body and finding it empty. What would be YOUR immediate reactions?
-
Why would the gospel accounts put women at the center of the story? Why is that important?
-
What DOES it mean that "Jesus is alive?"
The theme of kingship runs throughout our Scriptures. Every Sunday, we pray the words Jesus taught us, "Your kingdom come, your will be done." Who is our King? And where is this Kingdom? In whom do we place our trust and hope? Here we
GROUP QUESTIONS
-
How do we translate ancient monarchies into modern democracies? How shall we think about "royal rule" in today's language and concepts?
-
In many ways this is also a question of allegiance. What demands does the Gospel of Jesus make upon our allegiances?
-
How can we know when we've compromised our allegiances? What signs should we look for that indicate we've lost our "Way?"
In John 18, the trials and interrogations of Jesus intensify, and they culminate in a dialogue with Pontius Pilate, the governor of the Roman Province of Judea. But this trial, as it is told, is not simply about Jesus' violations against the Roman Empire. This is much more about a clash of kingdoms, of authorities, and of worldviews. At its most profound, this is an epistemological inquisition. In other words, this is a question of "truth."
GROUP QUESTIONS:
-
What do the words "emet" and "aleithia" mean to you, in your own words?
-
Share some other examples of how one was emphasized over the other, and what it would look like to ensure both are equally expressed and valued.
-
Do you have a tendency to emphasize one over the other? (Perhaps in one area of your life you emphasize "emet" over aleithia," and in another area of your life it's the opposite?)
-
How can Jesus followers advanced this understanding of "truth" more into the world?
In John 17, Jesus prays that his followers will be united, but it doesn't take much to recognize that the Church is very much divided along social, political, and theological lines. Why are we divided, and how can Jesus's teachings on the Kingdom of God provide insights into how we might find common ground once again?
When Jesus speaks of sending the spirit when he departs, in addition to being a comfort, this spirit of truth is an Advocate, someone who will not just stand with you, but for you. Comfort, in this view is not mere sentimentality, but results from God's advocacy.
GROUP QUESTIONS:
-
What kind of meaning does this teaching give to the "Trinity" in Christian understanding?
-
If God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an Advocate, then what does that mean for those of us who are followers of this Way?
-
Why does this word "Advocate" (Greek: "paraklete") features so prominently in the writings of John?
-
Can you think of other stories in the Bible where advocacy changes the meaning and interpretation of the story?
Vines are a symbol of God's blessing and provision. What happens when vines do not grow or bear fruit? What about when they do bear fruit? In it all, the vinedresser works to ensure that the vine remains connected.
GROUP QUESTIONS:
-
What is the difference between being "cut off" versus being "lifted up?"
-
How does this understanding change our Christian identity and life?
-
Can we see this kind of interpretation in other passages that seem to "condemn?"
-
What is our responsibility to others through this understanding of the vinedresser?
Spark celebrates 10 years. We host Rabbi Chaim Koritzinsky and his welcome, and Pastor Danielle shares reflections of the past and exhortations for the future. (Videos can be seen at www.spark.church/events)
Jesus promises to prepare a place for us, for in his "Father's house are many rooms," a phrase to describe the expansive inclusivity of Jesus' call and welcome.
GROUP QUESTIONS:
-
"The way," "the truth" and "the life" are abstract concepts. What does it mean that Jesus points to himself, as a human person who IS those things? What radical shifts in thinking is Jesus calling us toward?
-
Could it be that the "theological principle" is really more about belonging, and relational intimacy with God? How does that change the way we read and understand the Jesus story?
-
If Jesus IS the way, truth, and life, how does that address our very present concerns and troubles, be they personal, philosophical, or national?
Jesus is all about the love. Jesus loves us and calls us to love one another.
GROUP QUESTIONS:
-
Pastor Danielle talked about "experiencing" vs. "knowing" love. What truly is the difference and does it matter?
-
In philosophy this is called a "phenomenology"; that is, an "experience." Do you think this kind of "experience" is central to being a Christian / Follower of Jesus or not?
-
Apply this kind of love to your circumstance and talk about what real outcomes might occur if you loved the way God loves us?
-
How do you live this kind of love when someone has experienced broken relationships that were supposed to be loving (parents, family, etc.)? [This question is connected to Pastor Danielle's reference to "Attached To God"]
We live in a world that seems to be full of hate, greed and jealousy. We see lies and betrayal and it hurts. Something is messed up and broken. In fact, in many cases it is shattered and reconciliation can seem impossible. We want to set it right, but we can’t seem to get it right. With God, there is a hope of reconciliation that is bigger than human wisdom.
GROUP QUESTIONS:
-
Is reconciliation a "moral" or an "ethic?" Does it matter? What difference does that make?
-
What are the elements necessary for reconciliation to happen?
-
Pastor Tom mentioned our hesitancy to reconciliation because we might ask if someone "deserves" to be included. Is reconciliation dependent upon someone "deserving it?"
-
What is the difference between "forgiveness" and "reconciliation?"
We all have an innate impulse to assess and judge others. It is almost second nature. This may be part of the reason why the Way of Jesus is tremendously frustrating. Rather than accept any labeling, opinions, or condemnations, Jesus defers to observation, experience, and the “truth of the matter” as the judge, and focuses on what he (and we) can do, rather, to bring salvation, “rescue” to the cosmos.
As is often the case, our familiarity with these teachings of Jesus can blind us to the real challenge of His call to lay down our lives.
Mary's extravagant act of anointing Jesus with perfume is an ode to a much broader movement of Jesus and the Gospel elevating the presence and voices of women.
People were puzzled about Jesus’ identity in the Gospels and are still today. In John 10, people ask Jesus, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”
In the thick of a debate with religious leaders about Jesus’ identity, he claims, “Before Abraham was, I am.” They disagreed (and tried to execute him on the spot for it). Was Jesus saying he was God? What person in their right mind could possibly believe that about themselves?
In John 9 Jesus heals a blind man. It's a miracle! Yet, not everyone who was there saw Jesus for who he is - The Messiah. They were blind. But there is more to this text for those who are willing to consider digging deeper into the biblical story, for people who are disabled, and how non-disabled people may be blind.
When we think of Jesus as the “light of the world”, we often think of the sharp contrast between light and dark, true and false, and whether we’re saved in the light or lost out in the darkness. Jesus’ claim that he is the light of the world is actually much bigger than that, and it tells us deep truths not just about who Jesus is, but about who we are and what our purpose on earth is.
The radical nature of Jesus' love protects a woman that was caught with a man who wasn't her husband. Some religious leaders want to stone her to death. This text raises many questions: What does this story mean? Why does Jesus help this woman? What was Jesus writing in the dust? What caused the religious leaders to walk away? We will learn that Jesus helps those that are having stones thrown at them. He is a Stone Catcher.
Why is following Jesus and living out the law seem so contradictory to Christians, then, and now?
Many of his disciples said this is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it? This week we will attempt to unpack some of the tensions of trying to live the way of Jesus. Really, eat flesh? Literally drink blood? Living the way of Jesus isn't as cut and dry as it sounds (and was probably never meant to be cut and dry).
“I am the bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” Who talks like that? And how does that work? Jesus speaks a bold message, polarizing both his followers and foes. The ensuing questions that Jesus’ first hearers asked probably aren’t that far off from the questions we’d ask today.
John 5 tells the story of a man longing for healing in the pools of Bethesda. Jesus' encounter with this man brings about healing, questions and conflict.
Violet Wulf-Saena is the Founder and Executive Director of Climate Resilient Communities (CRC),an environmental justice organization working hand-in-hand with the Peninsula's frontline communities to implement tangible climate change solutions, from nature-based infrastructures like rain gardens to community air quality monitoring and home upgrades.
The impacts of climate change will be felt first and most by communities without the resources to adapt. Justice demands that communities who have been historically marginalized, excluded from panning processes, and those that are at the frontline should receive the resources and support necessary to adapt to climate impacts that are already negatively affecting their health. The situation is urgent and the time to act is now.
Signs, wonders, and miracles all refer to a category of events in the biblical accounts of Jesus' ministry. But what role do they really play in the story? Why are they there? And how shall we think of them in a rationalistic world? Perhaps the miracle is not the point. Rather, the miracle points.
Much ink has been spilled, and many sermons preached, on Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. Most often portrayed in our pulpits as a sinful woman of ill repute, the Samaritan woman becomes a one-dimensional lesson on morality. But what if there's more to the story than that? (Spoiler Alert ... there is!)
A prominent religious leader, Nicodemus, seeks out Jesus under the cover of night. Looking for answers, he instead gets more questions as Jesus takes him through a perplexing dialogue about water, spirit, flesh, rebirth, and the upside-down kingdom of God's love.
The fashioning of the whip and the driving out of the moneychangers is an act that happens at a temple. But the temple to which this event refers has a long, varied history and identity, all the way to modern expressions of Christianity. May we heed Jesus' words again, to not turn this house into an emporium.
Due to technical difficulties, the messages from May 1 and May 8 were not recorded. Here we provide an extremely brief summary of main points that we hope are helpful for our Spark community.
"In the beginning was the word." These words mark the opening of the Gospel According to John, a piece of writing that has incredible diversity and profundity in its depiction of Jesus and what the Christian story means as a result.
Palm Sunday commemorates the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, a declaration of peace with tears of sadness for so many expectations of war.
In summation and reflection, we consider the journey we've been on through Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs.
The Song of Songs has long been understood as a theological metaphor for God's love of God's people, and as such is included in our canon. But while the traditional interpretation is valuable, perhaps there is more to be discovered and celebrated in this beautiful poetic song.
How might we revisit Ecclesiastes in light of the gospel accounts, Jesus, and Israel's story? What is the relationship between wisdom literature and Jesus? What about Qohelet—the teacher of Ecclesiastes—and Jesus?
The author of Ecclesiastes provides an important last word. He says we are to "Fear God and keep the commandments." How are you interpreting the commandments and living them out in our particular place and time?
The Teacher in Ecclesiastes offers many hot takes and dark reflections on the way the world works, repeatedly chanting that "everything is meaningless"... right from the start! How do we make sense of the apparent senselessness? How do we think of the Teacher's tirades as wisdom? Despite the controversy, God's people have canonized Ecclesiastes and found enduring value in it over the centuries.
The final chapter of Proverbs uses language and imagery that is widely diverse and presents an incredible image and vision for women as central to biblical wisdom.
The blind pursuit of given principles may itself be folly, the very kind of foolishness the Proverbial wisdom is attempting to remedy. Rather than mere revelation, these proverbs exhort us to reason together.
Psalm of Lament express the depths of human emotion, and invite us to embrace the cries and suffering of others.
While we think of praise as a feeling, or even a genre of music, the psalms of praise are a declaration of the affections, benefits, and characteristics of the god we worship. To sing, then, those psalms of praise is to invoke their presence and value upon ourselves, and this life.
Whether "ascent" means a geographical going up, or a musical elevation, these Psalms lift our eyes, our hearts, and our attentions to the place from where our help and life comes.
The Job story is…absurd. Recognizing and accepting this absurdity is itself a gift, that liberates us from the expectations and perceptions that frequently don't make sense in this chaotic world.
Job is not just wisdom literature, but permission, to ask questions, to speak, to be silent, to wrestle, and to say, "I don't know." That permission is a spiritual liberation from the expectations of other religious ideas.
This first Sunday of 2022, Pastors Kevin & Danielle reflect a bit on 2021, highlight a few key observations, and briefly share what's coming in 2022.
Each of the declarations by the angels is,...odd. Yet, precisely because they are strange are they also profound.
In a world of kings, rulers, authorities, and...well, adults, God's medium of salvation came in the form of a helpless child. What does that teach us about the message of Christmas and the radical shift in values that transformed our world?
”COP” stands for “Conference of the Parties,” the United Nations annual gathering of world leaders to address climate change. Pastor Danielle Parish of Spark.Church was an official United Nations Conference Observer at this year’s COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland. At this event, Pastor Danielle shared a report on her experiences, key moments and decisions, and discussed how faith communities can continue to pursue justice in our current climate crisis.
We were also introduced to Violet Wulf-Saena, Founder & Executive Director of Climate Resilient Communities, a community-based organization dedicated to serving the underrepresented through empowering community voices to implement climate solutions that bring about unity and resilience. (www.climatercommunities.org)
This story we tell every year, when considered, is really a strange way to bring salvation. In this introduction, we consider one possible avenue of thinking about the Virgin Birth.
We do not give thanks because we are happy. We are happy, because we give thanks. Giving thanks, is good, and not just for the Thanksgiving holiday. It is good for our soul, all year round.
Pastors Kevin & Danielle give a brief report to the Spark community on climate change, COP26, and why it matters. We hope this is simply one part of our continued commitment to #GospelJustice through #CreationCare.
Service in The Way of Jesus is not a simple act. It is an entire posture of identity, living a life of simply being a servant to all.
Many consider communion deeply personal to one's spiritual life and identity. However, it is far from individual. This meal and sacrament calls the body together, imploring us to consider each other as the aim and goal of eating together.
What happens when we read sacred texts? In addition to it being a moment of meditation, it is the reading that draws us closer to the author.
Pastors Danielle & Kevin are going to #COP26, the United Nations Climate Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. In this brief introduction, we share a glimpse of what COP26 is, why we're going, and how you can journey with us.
https://www.spark.church/cop26
Pastor Kevin and Spark's Worship Leader, Junior, sit down for a conversation on worship, what it is, why it is important, and what it tells us about our practice of faith. We discuss a bit about Junior's background and upbringing, in addition to his evolution of thinking over time. Together, we are inspired to consider worship far more than the "singing" portion of our services.
We introduce a new series on the presence of God IN PRACTICE. The characteristics of our faith are all encompassing of the fullness of our human experience. Embracing the contemplative, prayerful, and meditative aspects of our relationship with God is just as necessary as theology.
Spark's next core value, Rescue, is our call to bring salvation to all, just as God brought salvation to us.
Last week's discussion on reconciliation culminates in the restoration of God's reputation, how God is viewed and understood by everyone, most especially Christians.
Our next core value of reconciliation is not only a prime characteristic of Jesus followers, but is also a worldview, and even an archetype of the progress of the universe. Embodied in Jesus followers is a cosmic force that exemplifies what we say in our services each week, that God really is "one."
As we approach Spark's 9th Anniversary, we'd like to revisit the foundational teachings, principles, and values that form the identity of our church.
Before his death, Jesus lived the life of a human being, but was MORE. After his resurrection, that MORE became evident to those with whom he interacted. The final chapter of the book of Luke gives us a glimpse into what that MORE is, and provides insight into how we can be MORE as well.
Chapter 24 of the Gospel According to Luke narrates some details of the morning of the resurrection, the most significant, meaningful, and central event of the Christian faith. And yet, to claim that a dead man rose from the dead is dubiously incredible. Our heritage and history affirm both of these perspectives as a challenge to carefully consider.
Chapter 23 of The Gospel According to Luke chronicles the trials of Jesus before he's crucified. The narrative culminates in a guilty man who goes free, and an innocent man who is condemned to die. It is upon the bodies of these two men that we see the dire need for the Good News of the Kingdom of God.
It may be easy to dismiss Judas Iscariot as an anomaly, a bad actor, or perhaps just a fulfillment of God's ordained prophecy. Perhaps we should consider more carefully the underlying lessons.
Jesus' description of the destruction of the Temple in Luke 21 is frightening and disheartening. The very center of socio-religious identity is going to be destroyed and desolated. Bad things are going to happen, and many persecutions. But while the heavens are shaken, the Son of Man is coming, and redemption is drawing near, and the Kingdom of God is about to be established. How in the world does that all make sense?
In chapter 20, Luke describes a series of encounters at the Temple between Jesus and various groups and individuals. The thread connecting each interaction is the debate over authority: who has it, who doesn’t, how do you get it, and how do you live by it?
In the well-known "cleansing of the temple" story, Jesus makes reference to two passages in the prophetic tradition that speak quite forcefully about who we exclude, and what we include in our worship. The answer to both is predicated on one principle. This is not our house. This is God's house.
In the story of the blind man from Luke 18, we will consider what this precious gem of scripture has to offer, and try to determine what we can "see" in the text, what the blind man "saw," and how we are "seen" by Jesus.
The good news of Jesus asks us not just what is possible with our resources, but with our souls.
Lightning covering the sky from end-to-end, fire and sulfur raining down from heaven, people taken away while sleeping or at work, vultures circling dead bodies. These are all images Jesus associates with “the coming of the Son of Man”. But what is a Son of Man? And when will this mysterious figure come? And why the (seemingly) world-ending language to describe his arrival? How do we unpack and discern Jesus' apocalyptic warning, and what does it look like to heed those warnings two thousand years after Jesus issued them?
The two parables in Luke 16 magnify Jesus's perspective on money. As expected, what we think, and how we use our resources are central to understanding the gospel message.
(Please forgive the bad audio recording this week due to technical difficulties.)
This well known set of parables is perhaps one parable, not about our morality, but about God's amazing love, grace, acceptance, and forgiveness. Through our conversation, we will discuss the structure, context, and message, keeping our focus on the character and nature of God.
In discussing the events of Jesus, two disciples, after the crucifixion and before they knew anything of the resurrection, declared their inner desire, that they had hoped that Jesus was going to be the one to redeem Israel. In this story, we find Jesus walking with us in our disappointment.
Our hope springs from the well of the stories we tell. Let us reconsider day three of the creation story and the gathered waters, an etymological connection to biblical hope and how that image and metaphor speaks of the great potential of God's love poured out on each of us.
Jesus is a dinner guest at the household of a religious leader on the Sabbath. Under their watchful eye, Jesus takes the opportunity to heal the sick and teach about the kingdom of God. His actions and stories about dinner parties are a challenge to his audience—and us today—to rethink what (and who) we prioritize in our lives.
A live, public conversation on the topics and intersection of race, faith, and science.
We continue in our conversational format, discussing the parable of the Fig Tree, Mustard Seed, and Yeast. Rather than blaming "sin" for the bad things that happen, the teachings of Jesus look to a hopeful imagination of what could be, and nurtures and nourishes that growth in each of us.
What are the threads that are pulled through the "sign of Jonah," the "good eye" and the exhortation of the Pharisees? In this conversation we tease out several possibilities and options.
Pastors Kevin, Danielle, and Omair discuss various elements of Luke, chapter 11. Through various perspectives, we see once again the radical and revolutionary message of Jesus, and discuss the various difficulties and challenges that emerge when faced with his teachings.
This week we discuss chapter 10 of Luke, the sending of the seventy, and the Good Samaritan. We discover yet again, the amazing commission of love, as an extension of God's story and work throughout history, and a radical revolution for how to even think about the command to love in the first place.
We are struck, yet again, with a difficult, but profound teaching of Jesus to "take up your cross." Set in the original historical context of crucifixion, this command of Jesus is as powerfully transformative as it is convicting.
John the Baptist back from the dead? Elijah returned? Another prophet from long ago? Jesus’ followers, critics, and everyone in between tried to connect (or disconnect) who Jesus was with who they expected the Messiah to be. People had all kinds of hopes in the triumphal––sometimes literal––return of some of these famous figures of Israel’s past to usher in the unending era of God’s reign. Where did these hopes come from? Who did Jesus think he was relative to these figures, and how does that affect how we understand Jesus today?
Apart from the miracle of the resurrection, the feeding of the 5,000 is the only other miracle told in all four Gospel accounts. What made this miracle so significant in the minds of the Gospel writers that everyone made certain it would be told and retold for generations? And what does this miracle teach us today about Jesus and ourselves?
The last words spoken on the cross, "It is finished," holds an ironic poetry, in that this is exactly what everyone thought. The movement of Jesus, the hopes and expectations of the people, they were all done. Crucifixion spoke the last word, and the burial was the end of the movement. Except, in Jesus, there is always another Word that comes after the last word.
In Luke 9, Jesus' commission to his disciples to "take nothing with you," has significant implications for the ministry they were to accomplish and is a model for us to consider today.
While we conclude this series, we persist in our commitment to question asking as a means of pursuing the deepest wisdom of God's world.
Spark teachers converse on the personal, biblical, and spiritual aspects of "mission" "evangelism" and "the good news" of Jesus.
With testimony and passion, we discover how church encompasses both personal, public, private, and communal meaning as we together gather to advance the goodness of God here on earth as it is in heaven.
In addition considering the logical pathways of science and theology, we will embrace the story of the biblical narrative and the answers it provides.
[Our apologies for the poor audio quality.] This week, Pastor Kevin, Pastor Omair, and Siddhi Sundar were live for an interactive, personal, and insightful conversation on pluralism, conversions, evangelism, and Jesus.
More than just curiosity, this question invites us to personal compassion, dignified care, and systemic evaluation in accordance with the Way and ethics of Jesus.
This question invites us to seriously consider the place of gender in our faith tradition in referring God. This question speaks, not just to the nature of God, but to ourselves as well, and we would do well to consider carefully our language, our metaphors, and our concepts of the divine.
In this talk, we are guided through this question taking into consideration the roll this question plays in our spiritual lives, and the faith to which we adhere.
Underlying this big question are additional questions that address how we frame, think about, view, and read this sacred text. Through this talk, we get a refreshed understanding of scripture's brilliance, beauty, and power for our life and faith.
In this talk, five members of Spark's teaching team share their reflections, thoughts, and encouragements to this the question of why life is so hard.
This week, Pastors Danielle and Kevin were live with the Spark community to introduce this teaching series that will encourage us to embrace every question and every curiosity so as to achieve a meaningful and powerful faith.
This week, Pastors Danielle and Kevin were live with the Spark community to share some reflections on the past year as well as some perspectives for the future.
We begin at the beginning, and tease out the motif of darkness in the Bible. Through understanding the metaphor and meaning of darkness in the scriptures, we will see how Jesus, once again, upends the story to bring salvation, light, and hope to all parts of this world.
The birth of Jesus is a "solution" to a "problem." That problem is called in the story, "sin," can be best understood through carefully considering the solution of a baby born to be King.
The spiritual practice of waiting is a frequently unwanted discipline of hope. Yet, it is in the waiting that we discover the depths of our faith.
During this season, our Christmas story reminds us that dark times have come before, and the light of hope continues to shine brighter still.
The restoration of two women in Luke 8 in the same story speaks to the life that returns when we are returned back to our belonging in our community.
In the story of Jesus restoring a man who is possessed by an “unclean spirit" we see a revolutionary allegory that is politically evocative, symbolic as a critique of Rome’s brutal occupation. Yet, this is also a story of hope and liberation, where we learn that Jesus is the true King.
The story of Jesus asleep in the boat and then waking to calm the storm has multiple layers. Ultimately, this continues the message of God's overwhelming and compassionate love, for all, including the enemy. The wind and the waves obey this command. Will we?
The key question, "Who really is Jesus's family?" What does it mean to be "kin" according to Jesus? Once again, here in Luke 8, there is a revolutionary message that Jesus is advancing, one that is still needed today.
There are brilliant insights that the parables teach us about ourselves, not just the moral "takeaways." In this talk, we discover the power of these stories to shift our thinking, and our lives.
Pastors Danielle & Kevin have a conversation on what Luke 8:1-3 illuminates for us regarding the Way of Jesus. We include live Q&R from the congregation.
Dr. Esau McCaulley's work is at the intersection of the academy and ministry. In this conversation, Dr. McCaulley shared on his just published book, Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope.
This event was hosted by Spark.Church, Palo Alto (www.spark.church), and sponsored by our partners, The River Church Community, San Jose (www.the-river.org) and Sequoia Church, Redwood City (www.sequoiachurch.com).
For more on Dr. McCaulley, visit esaumccaulley.com.
In the encounter with a meal, at a Pharisee's home, and a woman with an alabaster jar, Jesus prompts us to consider our debts forgiven as the basis of God's radical love.
Pastors Danielle and Kevin share reflections on our 8th Anniversary, remembering and recounting the stories and values that have brought us thus far and will take us into the future.
The story of the centurion in the 7th chapter of Luke turns the teachings of Jesus in unexpected ways. There is potential for those, who we may deem to be the enemy, to actually exemplify the very teachings Jesus is advancing.
A portion of the Bible popularly known as "The Sermon on the Mount" from Matthew is here in Luke's account in shorter form. It is considered some of the most concentrated teachings of Jesus, packed with depth, wisdom, profound connections to our greater story, and a compelling vision for humanity. As we are guided and led to simply pay attention to Jesus's words, what happens to us, as we listen?
Wineskins are a metaphor for “disciples,” students who will take the message forward into the world. This is a commentary on how “old” ways can hinder “new” thinking, the teachings that Jesus is advancing.
As Jesus’ ministry begins to draw big crowds, it begins to draw big crowds of critics, too. In one encounter, Jesus “saves” a man who can’t walk. But what exactly did he save the man from? And why were the religious experts in the audience so upset? In this text, Luke invites us to think bigger about who Jesus is, what salvation means, and what access looks like for people of all abilities and disabilities.
In the purposeful and brilliant calling of Jesus's first disciples, ordinary fishermen, we learn that “following," the main metaphor for Luke’s message of discipleship, is to be challenged: to do more, see more, feel more...even when it may be most uncomfortable.
Healings are manifestations in the physical world of the power that exists in the “spiritual.” “Sickness” and “disease” are real ailments, but also metaphors for the condition of the human soul.
Pastor Tom shares this week on Jesus' announcement in Luke 4. This mission is a global reordering of values, systems and power structures whereby freedom and healing will be good news for the poor and the primary markers of his calling. And, as followers of Jesus, as “hearers” of his message, that’s our calling too, in our time and in our context.
What is going on in with Jesus's temptation in the wilderness, and why is Jesus specifically tempted with bread, fame/worship, and putting God to the test? Perhaps this story leads us to trust in Jesus to do for us what we ourselves cannot do for ourselves.
There is tremendous value and importance in the genealogy, going all the way back to Adam, including all of humanity. This Jesus story is rooted in both Israel's ancestry and in world history. In other words, the Kingdom of God is a “Family Affair.”
The behavior of the people are setting the groundwork for the full expression of the Kingdom of God through the ministry of Jesus. Life is about to change, and that has implications for how we live, and condemnations for those who oppress.
This talk looks at the dedication of Jesus in Jerusalem, and his worship experiences at the Temple throughout his childhood years. What we learn about Jesus, his identity and his religious practice, shapes our own practices today. Like Jesus, may we be found in our Father's house.
This week Pastor Danielle dives into chapter two of the Gospel According to Luke. While the birth of Jesus is commonly known as merely a Christmas story, here we see that this event is surrounded by the ominous presence of Empire and the subtle rumblings of the revolution being birthed right under Caesar's nose. Who's rule and kingdom will we choose?
Zechariah's "Benedictus," (Latin for "blessed be") is his prophetic utterance after Elizabeth gives birth to John the Baptist. In this recitation we discover the usage of Scripture for the sake of paving a pathway of peace, mercy, and justice.
This week Pastor Omair dives into the "song of Mary." Also known as "The Magnificat,” many see this song as a delightful praise. However, we frequently miss the subversive declaration of the usurpation of powers, the announcement of victory over rulers and thrones, and the proclamation of good news to the lowly, the hungry, etc. Also, this comes in a long tradition of women singing victoriously over oppression. So, when women sing, it is more than a mere tune, it’s a declaration, and a warning, to the powers that be, things are about to change. We'll see you soon, online.
The stories of Zechariah and Mary are not just characters in a story. They represent the larger frameworks of religion and politics as the areas of human organization that need to be transformed by the lordship of Jesus.
In this introduction to the Gospel According to Luke, we set the groundwork and framework for how we are to even read this text. Recognizing the importance of genre, and the relationship that genre invites us into is critical for centering Jesus and inquiring whether or not Jesus is worthy of imitating.
The closing of Ephesians encourages followers of Jesus to put on the whole armor of God, because there is a struggle against the rulers, authorities, powers, spiritual and cosmic forces. So, what are these things that we are fighting/wrestling against? They are, "structures of earthly existence," systems that need the salvation and redemption of God.
This week Pastor Tom talks on Ephesians 5, and how the Jesus Way upends the social order, a continuation of God's work in dismantling the systems that marginalize people. Through Christ, everything is brought "to the light" and we are "woken up from our sleep" to join in this work of challenging these hierarchies.
This week's news of the death of George Floyd has upended our nation. In this talk, Pastor Marcus shares honestly about the challenge of trying to live the Way of Jesus in world so full of injustice.
When the Bible talks about gifts, there are several questions we should be asking. Who are these gifts given? How are they given? And, for what purpose? In this talk, Pastor Omair addresses these inquiries and encourages us to live into the calling God has given to us all.
Be humble and gentle, patient, and bear with one another. Far beyond a mere set of moral directives, these exhortations advance the Good News in very practical and communal terms, to the actual communities living out the ethics of God's Kingdom.
The love of God set apart the early Christians from their pagan counterparts, and sets followers of Jesus apart still to this day. It is this love that transforms everything.
We have been entrusted with a great mystery, the radical and life changing message of Jesus' inclusion of those who we deemed "outsiders." We are commission to carry this message well, bringing the Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.
As we are being built into the "temple" a dwelling for God, we are challenged to tear down all the barriers that separate us, and join in the agenda of Jesus to make us all truly one.
It is possible to be alive, and yet appear as dead. And it is possible to be dead, and still be very much alive. When we are "in Christ," this is the "aliveness" that Paul is challenging and encouraging us all to embrace, and celebrate.
The Resurrection is the most central event in all of history. It has the power, once again, to bring new life today, even in the midst of pandemic.
In this talk, Pastor Danielle takes us through the historical context of Palm Sunday, and its significance. This theme is continued and advanced through Paul's words in Ephesians when speaking of "heaven and earth."
Still meeting remotely, we continue our series in Ephesians. In a culture that discards people for not living up to the standards of beauty, form, and expectation, our gospel declares that we are all chosen, beloved, cherished children of God.
With the directive to "shelter-in-place," Spark ran services completely remotely this Sunday. Pastor Danielle guides us through some reflections and solace during this time of significant disruption.
In the first service that did not gather people together in a room, we share some reflections and updates on Spark's response and responsibility. Then, in the first installment of our Ephesians series, we consider how we should think about and frame our current circumstances, recognizing that we have a much larger context in which we live as followers of Jesus.
There is a distinct difference between sympathy and empathy. The Way of Jesus is distinctively empathetic, suffering with us to bring comfort and connection in times of great difficulty.
Personal Testimony: Bill Glenn
In answering life's biggest questions, we all tell stories that ground us in our identity, our understanding of truth, and our values for behavior. But what do we do when those stories don't work with new discoveries, bad news, negative experiences, or new revelations? In Jesus, we see a model and pathway forward by reinterpreting both the old master story and the new disruption.
Personal Testimony: Nico Poux
In Luke 15, Jesus tells one parable with three stories; sheep, coin, and sons. We discover through this teaching Jesus's radical message of radical welcome.
Personal Testimony: Pastor Marcus Randolph
There are a variety of ways we understand and interact with power in our world. One of the reasons we follow Jesus is because His Way upends, transforms, reforms, subverts, and displaces power and creates completely different understandings and dynamics. Power, according to the Way of Jesus is in service, ultimately, to self-sacrifice love.
Personal Testimony: Dan Bradford
One of the most transformational ideas found in the Jesus movement is the subversion and transformation of the hierarchies that humans have created to create social order. In Christ, these beliefs are upended, and we are all seen, in God's Kingdom, as equal members, of equal value, of equal worth, with equal responsibility. This is a "higher" way.
Personal Testimony: Alexa DeSanctis
Jesus's message of radical nonviolence is frequently misunderstood as passive. However, the Way of Jesus through nonviolence is far more radical and provides the most powerful way of advancing human flourishing.
Personal Testimony: Bob Lin
Pastor Danielle shares more personally her journey of a Jesus who continually made—and continues to make—all things new.
Personal Testimony: Kelly Gilbert
Suffering is frequently understood through pithy axioms which only turn out to be half-truths. The fuller realties as found in Jesus are far more profound and beautiful.
Personal Testimony: Siddhi Sundar
Athens & Jerusalem are cities that respectively represent science and faith, sense and soul, the empirical and the mystical, the West and the East. Why would Jesus and Paul use and leverage Greek ideas, terms, and images in their teaching and spreading of the Gospel? Rather than contention, perhaps there is harmony.
Personal Testimony: Rajesh Philipos
Our introduction to our series surveys the "free market" of religion in America and how it has influenced our particular context of faith expression.
One of the reasons we celebrate Christmas during the darkest time of the year is because it is here that we are the most hopeful. Let us join with our ancient ancestors in bringing forth that hope from the dark.
The birth of Jesus, while unusual and strange to modern sensibilities, actually makes a lot of sense when considering the entirety of the biblical story. From the very beginning, God has been rebirthing the world, and people, out of chaos, out of injustice, toward salvation.
While we think of joyous feelings during the holidays, Mary's song is far more subversive and declarative than we perhaps recognize. It speaks to the profound levels of meaning found in the event that we celebrate and commemorate during our Christmas season.
How do we come to the end of Deuteronomy, and sum up, not just this book, but the entire Torah? In the end, we see woven throughout the text an invitation to participate in this kind of life, that we would be wooed, inspired, and drawn in to carry on the legacy of our ancestors.
Throughout Israel's history, there's been a choice. Toward the end of Deuteronomy, there is a clarion urging, to choose life.
Rev. Ryan Eller is the Executive Director of Define American (defineamerican.com). In this opening talk, he shares a call to all of us to consider a more compassionate and educated perspective on immigration.
Jesus is a chapter leader of Define American and the Sparker who conceived this event. He shares personally why this event is so important to him through his personal testimony.
This is a followup Q&R (question & response) with Professor Binford after her talk, "4 Days In Clint."
W. Warren H. Binford is an internationally recognized children's rights scholar and advocate who holds a tenured position as Professor of Law and serves as the Director of the Clinical Law Program at Willamette University. Professor Binford was a principal witness of the inhumane conditions of children at the detention center in Clint, TX, and helped to bring this issue to the media.
Spark Church & Congregation Etz Chayim hosted Professor Binford for a joint worship service in which she shared first-hand witness experiences of the children and families detained at the Clint and Ursula Detention Facilities.
Chapters 19-26 of Deuteronomy is a long list of various legislation about a variety of topics. For many of us in the 21st century, some of these legal stipulations are ancient, and even barbaric, things like the death penalty, mutilation, bodily fluids, etc. But a longer historical and contextual view reveals that times have always been changing, and we are not immune. But woven into this text are threads of redemptive ethics that transformed societies then, and have the power to transform societies still today. May we be thoughtfully responsible with what God has given us, rather than simply doing what we think the text literally or mechanically says.
When we think of "prophets" and "prophecy," we too often think of some magical clairvoyance or foresight into some radical improbability. The problem is that this is not how messianic prophecy worked in the ancient world. Neither should it work that way for us today. Rather, we are committed to fulfill the calling of the messianic prophetic voice today.
When we think of "judgment," we often think of negative condemnation. But the installment of a judiciary in Deuteronomy is truly about justice, the pursuit of what is good and right in a society. It is this kind of justice—unpersuaded, not bribed, not delayed—that we are to pursue.
Deuteronomy invites us into a reset. No matter where we've been, how we've arrived, there's always the opportunity to to start over. This kind of redemptive renewal is woven into the fabric of our faith.
Five Sparkers share their stories as reflections of our values. We end with a benediction for the next seven years.
Pastors Kevin & Danielle share a brief background on our story to this point, and what brought us through these seven years.
The "Great Barrier" is our psychologies, the biases, stereotypes, and fears we all have about our most important issues. Using empathetic listening and imagination, we can hopefully move from fright to productive conversations when it comes to discussing climate change.
The commands in Deuteronomy are predicated on a fundamental message, one of identity. God is teaching us to see ourselves first and foremost as Children of the Lord our God. Once we see that, everything else changes.
All of us, including our spiritual ancestors, did better when they knew better. There are new behaviors for new lands, and we will continue to evolve as we move forward in the world.
In this second installment of the Green New Covenant, we discuss the biggest challenges facing the climate change crisis and how The Way of Jesus provides the direct response. Not only is the prophetic voice, a reconciled life, and a grand narrative view good faith, it may be the platform upon which we can, in partnership with God, bring salvation to our world.
God's covenant has always been with God's people in God's land. The relationship we have with the creation, our environment, is central to how we steward our identity and God's good world. In obedience, there are blessings. In disobedience, there are curses. Will we keep our end of the covenant?
What if God, in giving the Israelites the commission to speak and act boldly as His representatives in the world, is not just providing commands that they are to obey, but upending whole power structures? What if God is closing the gap of the "high power distance" that is accepted and perpetuated by both ancient and modern peoples?
Why does God seem to "throw some shade" to the Israelites, a barbed comment that reminds them that they're not so special? Perhaps it is because we all have a tendency to think highly of ourselves, and we forget who we were.
We pause to reflect on our "first principles," how the Gospel Justice work that we do, the study of our historical scriptures, and the faith of Jesus are all one and the same. And, why it matters.
Author, historian, and theologian, Jemar Tisby shares on the colors of compromise from his book with the same title.
Pastor Paul Bains is the Senior Pastor of Saint Samuel Church in East Palo Alto and the Co-Founder and President of Project WeHOPE whose mission is to help people become healthy, employed and housed using innovative solutions.
Our guest, John Liotti from Able Works (able.is) shares candidly and prophetically the dynamics of his faith and development work.
The first of three conversational interviews with leaders in our local community ministering in Silicon Valley economic realities.
Lauren shares on "The Parable of the Vineyard Workers," and explains how the Kingdom of Heaven is about justice, a radical message in Jesus's day and our own, when most of us want fairness.
Jesus uses a metaphor in Matthew 6 that may be foreign to many of us. Having a "good" or "healthy" eye represents an underlying ethic of seeing one another, so that we can be generous and lavish in our economic behavior. Different from the commonly known Matthew Effect, that the more someone has the greater their advantage, this principle proposes a way of governing our economic selves by restoring our proper relationship with each other.
An Introduction to our series, "Jesus Economics," providing some historical and contextual background into why this is important, and the place economics has in the faith and Way of Jesus.
In this follow up from last week's sermon, Darren Lew shares his experience in protesting in Clint, TX, and Pastor Danielle shares reflections on the importance and value of "Showing Up."
The recent news of the U.S.'s treatment of migrant children on our southern border cannot be ignored. In this special message, we hear consider the scriptures that speak of God's clear admonition against those who mistreat the stranger in our midst.
For resources, please see Spark's resource email to accompany this week' message: https://mailchi.mp/024075df3315/sparkchurch-3006649
Through the wilderness, we were dependent on God. But what happens when riches come? Will we forget?
The most central command, to hear, listen, and obey, is ultimately about one thing, life. And life, in its fullest.
Many believe in Karma, the idea that we get what we deserve. A similar concept is found in Deuteronomy called "measure for measure," but with a completely different way of measuring.
In this message consider idols, things we can see, and a God of the Israelites that gave no form.
Chapter 4 includes two verses that are about love, bringing, and inheritance, language that grounds the commandments, not in duty, but in relationship. The force of Deuteronomy's "laws," emerges from the fact that we belong to God, that we are loved by God, and that God cares deeply for our souls.
The first three chapters of Deuteronomy tell a brief and critical history that is critically important for how the Israelites are to move forward into uncertainty, and in creating justice in this world. As we chart a way forward, we do so by leaning back into our story.
Deuteronomy is about storytelling. And storytelling is about moving the story forward. In this talk, we discover that it's time to pass the story along, as the lessons of the past are crucial and critical for the future journey ahead.
In this introduction to Deuteronomy, Pastor Kevin proposes a fundamental shift in perspective and understanding of the "laws" that are written down in the book of Deuteronomy. Rather than merely "divine legislation," this book reveals wisdom, insight into how we can tackle even the most important and critical issues we face today.
This day we celebrate and commemorate the most significant event in history. The meaning of this event, however, is far more cosmic and epic than we often realize. To understand that, we've got to go back to, "In the beginning…"
The commemoration of Palm Sunday was perhaps a bit of street theatre, reaching back to Israel's history, illuminating the profound symbolism of Jesus's actions on a day known to the early followers of Jesus as "lamb selection day."
In this closing message, Pastors Danielle & Kevin converse about the series, and the various aspects and themes of the previous weeks. In summary, this is the message of 1 John, and why we spent time in this book.
It's been said that we need to be reminded more than we need to be told. In this message, Pastor Marcus shares and encourages us with that reminder that we are loved, and to love, even "those people."
On March 10, 2019, Spark Church in partnership with four other organizations, hosted a public conversation between Justin Lee and Preston Sprinkle on the topic of sexuality, scripture, and the soul of christianity. If you haven’t watched or listened to that event, I highly recommend doing so before listening to these follow-up conversations because for that particular event, our main focus was to model and engage in respectful and humble dialogue on one of the most divisive issues facing the church. I’m deeply grateful to Justin and Preston for holding that space, and for them incarnating that ethic, and being exemplars for The Church as a whole.
Because time is always a frustrating constraint, Justin and Preston have graciously agreed to these follow up podcast interviews where we address some of the top questions that were submitted, and dig far deeper into the implications of each of their views. These interviews are based on that same ethic, and it is our hope that these conversations equip us with a better understanding of the arguments, the theologies, and the humanity of the perspectives, so that we all can be better followers of Jesus as a result.
On March 10, 2019, Spark Church in partnership with four other organizations, hosted a public conversation between Justin Lee and Preston Sprinkle on the topic of sexuality, scripture, and the soul of christianity. If you haven’t watched or listened to that event, I highly recommend doing so before listening to these follow-up conversations because for that particular event, our main focus was to model and engage in respectful and humble dialogue on one of the most divisive issues facing the church. I’m deeply grateful to Justin and Preston for holding that space, and for them incarnating that ethic, and being exemplars for The Church as a whole.
Because time is always a frustrating constraint, Justin and Preston have graciously agreed to these follow up podcast interviews where we address some of the top questions that were submitted, and dig far deeper into the implications of each of their views. These interviews are based on that same ethic, and it is our hope that these conversations equip us with a better understanding of the arguments, the theologies, and the humanity of the perspectives, so that we all can be better followers of Jesus as a result.
One of the most pernicious of all human experiences is fear. It is debilitating and terrifying. In this message, we discover how God's perfect love drives fear out.
False prophets, false teachers, God haters, the antichrist? Who is John so concerned about, and who or what forces of evil in our midst should we be so worried about today?
[Editorial notes:
At minute 21:50, instead of "a divine force that let go of humanity,..." should have been "let go of divinity..."
At minute 23:26, instead of "empirical cross of Rome," should have been "imperial cross of Rome."
At minute 26:13, instead of "Irenaeus," should have been "Ignatius."]
A public conversation with Justin Lee (www.geekyjustin.com) and Preston Sprinkle (www.centerforfaith.com). This is part 2, Q&R (question & response).
A public conversation with Justin Lee (www.geekyjustin.com) and Preston Sprinkle (www.centerforfaith.com). This is part 1, a conversation.
The phrase "when our hearts condemn us" appears in 1 John 3, the sense that we all struggle with self-condemnation, insecurity, and feelings of inadequacy. This conversation with Pastor Omair, who holds a Ph.D. in Social Psychology, helps us navigate these feelings of reality in the context of our faith.
In this message Pastor Tom provides practical ways to live out the love of God, through awareness, and advocacy.
PART 3 of 3 | Austin takes questions from the audience on a variety of topics, including church leadership, dating, and raising children who are racially aware.
PART 2 of 3 | Austin sits down with three Sparkers to discuss reactions, responses, and further insights into some of the ideas in her book.
In this message, we read a bit more carefully the behavior of Jesus, and take stock of how we ourselves can also walking in that same light.
Walking is one of the most poignant metaphors for being a disciple of Jesus. In this talk, we unpack the idiom, and are challenged by the images to be more like Jesus.
The second chapter of 1 John is rich with theological significance, rooted in our story, profound in its message of redemption.
What does it mean to have a community? What are the ways in which a fellowship can be built and established? No surprise, it has something to do with a common truth, being in light together, and the absence of deceit.
We begin our teaching series on 1 John with the idea that this faith movement is "fleshy."
Cities of refuge, the ending of our journey through Numbers, summarizes the entire journey of "people" and "place." This is the revolutionary idea, where the people become the place of redemption, whole, redeemed, and made new.
Audio clips from our candlelight service, readings and reflections on light throughout the scriptures.
The command to love God and love people is much more transformative than mere piety. It radically alters our view of our world, others, and ourselves.
The Advent season, a word that means "arriving," is here. How shall we prepare for the coming of Light, and the King?
Numbers 30, where women make vows is yet another example of "divine accommodation," a strategic way by which God redemptively moves people forward. In addition, it sets up beautifully the vows that God ultimately makes in the Advent season.
Numbers 28 & 29 is a list of sacrifices at certain times. Far from ancient practice, we too, in the modern world, also sacrifice. Understanding what this is all about actually helps us understand who we are, why we sacrifice today, and how we can move redemptively to the ultimate aim God intends.
We are at another point in the book of Numbers where there are actually a lot of numbers. Here we discover the power of those numbers in light of slavery, and the responsibility of those numbers in light of succession.
In light of current events, it's appropriate to take time and lament. Another reason our faith is so powerful, for our Bible is full of them.
The ceremony of the Red Heifer of Numbers 19 is perplexing and mysterious. Most recognize there's a paradox of clean and unclean switching places. In this talk, we consider what this may mean for the evolution of this ancient religion, and a grounding ethic for the faith that has emerged.
The rebellion of Korach leaves many questions...unanswered. Regardless, we still have a responsibility, to ourselves, to our community, and to our God.
During the teaching time of our Sparkiversary Party, we took some time to simply remember, and honor the work that God has been doing in and through this amazing community. We then invite you to join us in living The Way of Jesus.
In chapter 15 the Israelites are commanded to make "tassels" and put them on the "fringes" of their garments. In this teaching, Pastor Danielle is joined with Rabbi Ari to help explain why.
(We apologize for the poor audio quality this week, due to technical difficulties).
There are giants in the land. Many of us either deny or despair that reality. But we don't really have a choice. The battle is before us. Let us believe, not in what is seen, but rather in what is unseen.
The story of sibling rivalry is a lesson in how to redeem difficult and challenging relationships with the most difficult people in the world with whom to reconcile, our family.
Do we want God's blessing, provision, and goodness without God's judgment? We pick up on our series in Numbers that we began a while ago to dive deeper into these questions and lessons from the desert.
One of our young adult Sparkers discusses his upbringing, journey through education and creative work.
From birth control and abortion, to sexual harassment and sex education, R. Marie Griffith's most recent work Moral Combat is a sweeping historical account of the people and ideas that shaped how American Christianity taught, lived, and legislated sex over the last hundred years. We have asked Dr. Griffith to come share on the topic "Moral Combat: How Sex Formed and Fractured American Christianity" to help us better understand Christianity's past ideas of sex in relation with power, gender, race, education, etc. Perhaps we can then forge a redemptive and life giving way forward.
Some more direct thoughts on how the Way of Jesus needs to move forward into the future.
As we look to the past to help us guide our future, Pastor Danielle shares insights and stories from the lesser known figures of history to inspire us that there is a long tradition of social engagement in our Christian tradition.
This short series begins with some thoughts on how the Way of Jesus is moving forward into the future. As an introduction, Pastor Kevin shares some musings on what kind of thinking is required to help us even frame the conversation.
After the journey of re-inquiring about basic Christian beliefs, so what? What does it matter? What does it mean? And how does it answer the most important questions and inquiries of our existence?
The most widely distributed book in the world is also widely misunderstood and misused. In this talk, Pastor Tom helps us grasp an understanding of the Bible on its own terms, not on ours.
The word "heaven" is seen as a distinctly separate, better, and personally centered location outside of this world. It is popularly understood as "the place where we go when we die." However, the way in which the Bible uses the word "heaven" is far closer to us than we think.
Far from the standard version of hell that is so common in our current cultural context, the Biblical teaching is far more nuanced, visceral, and "real" for right here, and right now.
For many, "salvation" is an "event," that happens. While the moment of transformation is absolutely meaningful, the Scriptures seem to teach that salvation is something that we are committed to keep working out.
There are lots of images and metaphors that we use to describe what actually happened. By revisiting the way the Biblical authors used those metaphors, perhaps we can see with greater depth the upside-down way Christianity thought of Jesus' death.
In short, he didn't. Understanding what crucifixion is and was, helps expose the injustices of today, and why they also don't need to happen.
We continue our series in conversations with several pastors and teachers of Spark. Hear Jason's and Pamala's unique stories and struggles in this installment of Why Are You A Christian?
We continue our series in conversations with several pastors and teachers of Spark. Hear Danielle's and Marcus's unique stories and struggles in this installment of Why Are You A Christian?
We continue our series in conversations with several pastors and teachers of Spark. Hear Tom's and Omair's unique stories and struggles in this installment of Why Are You A Christian?
We begin a new series, Why Are You A Christian? Good Question. Let's dive into how we even begin to understand it before we attempt to answer.
This week, we had the tremendous honor and privilege to hear from two published Sparkers on faith, story telling, and creative work. To find out more visit kellyloygilbert.com and lindsaylackey.com.
This is the final teaching in our series, This Is Our Story. Pastor Danielle shares on the overarching theme, the "Grand Narrative," and how we can find ourselves in this story.
Pastor Marcus shares some reflections, historically and personally, on living a life like Peter, and how we all have a really powerful calling.
During a tour to Israel, Pastor Danielle was a guest speaker at our home church in Jerusalem, Narkis Street Baptist Church. Here, she shares on the Parable of the Good Samaritan, and dives into Israel's history as context for Jesus's teaching.
Pastor Tom speaks to the radically rebellious nature of the Jesus movement, that we are to be different, in very transformative ways.
By taking a few snapshots of Paul's life, we get a glimpse into his full agenda, a personal transformation that had profound public influence.
While love is sometimes seen as perhaps the fount from which our faith flows, Pastor Danielle will argue here that it is actually the Resurrection that transforms everything, including how we love.
Our special guest, Dr. Diana Butler Bass, shares how the Zacchaeus story illustrates Jesus's radical upending of the patron system of the first-century, causing gratitude to emerge in the heart of Zacchaeus.
Most popularly known about the story of Jonah is the big fish and the controversy (?) discussion (?) around the "miracle" or "myth" of that event. However, this story is far deeper, more profound and more convicting than that. It is more about the categories we put people in, and the challenge to love our enemies.
This is a very informal follow up conversation between Rabbi Ari and Pastor Danielle on a variety of questions about the book of Esther.
Our friend Rabbi Ari led us through the reading of the Megillah, the scroll of Esther. With song, and wit, we tell the story of hiddenness, irony, and redemption.
How shall we live when we're in "foreign lands?" How do we maintain faithfulness, in the midst of tempting compromise?
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.
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.
What is your metric of success? That question helps frame your responses to the experiences of your life. In Acts, there are immediate challenges, persecutions, etc. But these early followers of Jesus held to a "long view" of God's redemptive work.
Each name and pronoun in our narrative highlights aspects of this early movement. In this study, we'll dig into the name Mnason, and the pronoun "we," and how that informs our practice today.
The story of Eutychus is a strange narrative in the middle of what appears to be a travelogue. What is this story doing in there? Drawing from Homer's Odyssey, we consider the possibility that Luke is doing something profound, which is retelling an ancient story in light of the new movement of Jesus, infusing the hearers with a new set of principles, lessons, and values. Really brilliant of Luke!
The early church wrestled with the question of who's "in" and who's "out," regarding their engagement with this community. As we discover, this has been a human expression since the beginning of time. The Jesus Way is one of radical welcome, that ALL are truly welcome, not just at the table, but at the PARTY!
Sparker, Tom Arrington, continues our series with an impassioned encouragement for followers of Jesus to actually trust, and then actually obey.
We are not to sit on the sidelines. Indeed, we cannot, because we ARE NOT on the sidelines. Engaging with the realities of our world, both the light and the dark, is simply an embrace of our true selves, our real identity, and our central calling.
What are the pathways from terrorism to truth, from fear to faith? A reexamination of Saul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus reveals blindness as a necessary component of that transformation. As it turns out, blindness is a theme we see throughout the biblical narrative. Rather than "I once was blind but NOW I see," this idea embraces "I once was blind SO I could see."
Sparker Lauren Chan reflects on life, and leaving for college. While many are thrilled to be departing from home, this is not something Lauren is looking forward to. Yet, throughout her life, and throughout the biblical story, "leaving home" is a dominant theme of a growing faith.
Acts 19 finds Paul in Ephesus where he incites a famous riot. It is not, however, by traditional means. This riot, is caused by love.
The discussion that we see at the Aeropagus, also known as Mars Hill, in Athens highlights two main features of the Jesus movement. First, that followers of Jesus, and the message of the Gospel is comfortable and conversant with intellectual thought. Second, that women play a significant role in the expansion of the movement. Both are often missed and misunderstood through Christian tradition, a misconception that Omair helps to redeem in this message.
A follow-up interview from Marcus's talk "What Are You Going To Do, Are You About That Life?"
If we are really going to be the kind of church that Jesus calls us to, then we should really consider if we are truly committed to loving and welcoming those who are not like us. In this message, Pastor Marcus challenges us from Acts 15 to "get comfortable, being uncomfortable."
Chapters 8 and 9 of Acts introduces us to a series of three people who were confronted with the emerging spread of the Good News. In addition to these stories being about everyone's welcome to this movement, the structure of this triad also points out the things that need to be left behind once you begin following Jesus into a new world.
The stoning of Stephen in Acts 7 is not a story that simply illustrates the past. It is a model for the present as many Christians today are still facing persecution. We honor Stephen, and pray for the same strength of witness.
The disparity between two distinct people groups in the first church in Acts, the Greeks and the Hebrews, created an early challenge for this growing community. How do we care for our diverse community? This lesson is no less powerful or important for today.
Far from an apologetic argument for the validity of the Jesus movement, this passage highlights how an open, progressive, capacious, and welcoming faith, can devolve into a restrictive, fearful, and regressive faith. Listen carefully to Gamaliel, and consider, remember, and recommit to the faith of our ancestors.
The story of Ananias and Sapphira lying to the Holy Spirit and being struck dead is one of those complicated, challenging, and perplexing stories in the Bible. Yet, set in the whole context of the grand narrative of the Jesus movement within Jewish understandings of faith help make meaning and sense of this event. Sharing personally, and historically, Omair helps us navigate this story, and challenges us to live the lessons in the here and now.
What does one do when they're in "exile?" And what does "repentance" mean in those times? In a speech by Peter, we are encouraged for moments of breathing, in the midst of struggle, and we hope you find a time of refreshing in the midst of your current exile.
In our final talk Omair brings together the past, the present, and the future, in his teaching on a Joy that Lasts.
From from an emotion of happiness, or a delusion from the chaos of the world, through the lens of Mary's Magnificat in Luke 1 we see joy as a "justice strategy." It is a way of declaring what truly is worthy of praise, magnification, and rejoicing.
Through life's various ups and downs, joy sustains, and gets you through. In part two of our series, Pastor Mark shares the songs and scriptures that have sustained him through those tumultuous and exciting times of life.
Following Yale Divinity School's preaching campaign, Pastor Danielle gives talk #1 of our #50StatesOfJoy series where we discover joy to be held even in the midst of true suffering, pain, and challenge. Joy is not the absence of suffering, but rather a chosen response to it.
The Resurrection, the most central event in our story and history can often be seen as evidence of truth, a better life, or other "escapist" theologies. In this talk, we consider that the Resurrection means more than just a "change of scenery." It means a change of heart and mind, regardless of what scenery is around you.
The hope for revolution comes, on this Palm Sunday, not as we expect. And while we may be disappointed, Jesus does not fail to deliver.
The event of Pentecost in Acts 2 to many readers is a new movement of the Holy Spirit. However, to those who experienced it, there were all too familiar events and themes that brought back deep meaning and resonance from their story. The same God who acted then, is acting again!
While many see these supernatural events as literal events, there are symbolic and metaphorical meanings that are connected to the greater story. These ways of thinking transform how we understand ourselves, and the work that we are to be engaged in as followers of Jesus.
Acts 1:8 is considered by some to be the key verse of Acts. The word "witness" is seen by many as characterizing the activity of the disciples, and the "Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the Ends of the Earth" indicates the "outline" of Acts. In this talk, we look a bit deeper, to peer through the narrative, and enter into the story and its meaning to discover "witness," not as an activity, but an identity. And the place names not as geography, but sociography.
This week Pastor Mark continues a theme of inclusion, expanding it to the historical and modern context. God's radical gracious embrace of everyone, applies even to our politics, and our denominations.
In a world that consistently excludes others, this story—the movement of Jesus—is about inclusion. But not because of conformity, but with a full embrace of our diversity.
In this introductory talk, Omair walks us through an overview of the Book of Acts, and how we, the Church, are the continuation of Jesus's life, work, and ministry.
Four Sparkers share their stories of how the Good News is lived out in their everyday lives.
We hope this interview is sparking conversation, questions, and even visions of an expression of church that is in alignment with the Way of Jesus. This is part two, of a two-part installment.
There are many stories of churches closing their doors. Rarely do you hear one because it was driven by a desire to deeply and passionately follow in the Way of Jesus. This is part one, of a two-part installment.
In this teaching, Pastors Kevin, Danielle, and Omair reflect upon the real life application of the teachings we've been going through in this Good News, Gospel series.
Conversation around our recent sermons, in addition to thoughts about our current body politic, and whether or not the Way of Jesus is political. Send comments, thoughts, and questions to kevin@sparkchurch.net
In an effort to make Spark Cast even better in 2017, we're adding new content which will be in conversation with all of you, our Spark Family! Send in your thoughts, feedback, questions, recommendations, etc., to kevin@sparkchurch.net!
Have you ever drawn a picture of God? While not physically, we all actually have images of God in our minds. And throughout history, people have been making depictions of God, both concrete and abstract, that communicate something about what we believe about the deity. The Good News of Jesus speaks directly to this, declaring that regardless of the philosophical arguments we may have about "God," the God of the Gospel is Love.
We forget that the Good News was forged in the fires of agony. While there's much more than what is presented here, this talk surveys a few of the wars and tragedies that the early Jews and Christians faced throughout the years. This humanity forms the context from which the good news took shape and form.
This podcast begins our series on "the Gospel," the "good news" of Jesus. We start by simply asking the question, What is news? What is the nature of news? And by asking, we discover that news is value neutral; that the same news can be good for one, but bad for another. We hope this is good news, for you.
Optimism and pessimism are both forms of distorted reality. The Biblical story offers neither. It does not play with our emotions. Rather, it stars darkness right in the face, and says, "You exist, but you will not be exalted. You persist, but you will not persuade." In this final installment of our H5 series, we consider the Christmas story's approach to darkness which is not to ignore it, nor to succumb to it. Rather, it is to see the emerging possibilities through new life being born in the midst of the darkness.
Identity and purpose are shaped, not so much by what we achieve, but rather by the commitments we make. What if we could change our esteem, and our behavior, by changing what or who we are most deeply committed to?
A few reflections on this week of Advent, with an urgent call by Questscope for emergency aid as they are on the front lines of the Syrian refugee crisis.
Where there is no vision... It is possible that the reason why many of us feel that we are disheveled, uncontrolled, or that we are simply running around, wild and crazy, is because we have forgotten our story, and therefore have lost "vision."
As we resume our H5 series on seeking wholeness from the wisdom traditions, this week, we ask, What Do You Want?
Pastor Mark shares his reflections on the story of Daniel and his friends in a foreign land, relevant to how many of us feel in this current circumstance. Rather than being frightened, these faithful Israelites committed themselves to being true to their identity as children of God. As such, our true identity, as lovers of God and our neighbor, whoever they may be.
In the wake of the US election news, many in our community are now living with some significant questions about this world, our nation, our faith community, and our place within it all. In an effort to provide a safe place with a vision for the future of our existence, Pastor Danielle shares the renewed power of our values.
Our first installment of a 5 part series on what it means to be whole. We will journey through a few piercing questions that help get at the root of our pain, the source of our joy, and the power for our work in this world. This week, "Where does it hurt?"
This Sunday, we reflect, celebrate, say a lot of "thank you's," and look forward to what is to come. AND, to all of our distance listeners, please know how much we love and appreciate YOU also being a part of our family!
In churches all across the nation and the world, there exists a dominant theology of God who sits in the clouds, who is "up there," above us, often at a distance, looking down. In Grounded, Dr. Bass shares her journey of rethinking this "elevator" conception of God, and discovering a God with us, here, and now.
If you feel as if the current state of affairs is like the wilderness, then perhaps, like many of us, you need a voice, calling in the wilderness, to prepare the way for the Lord.
In part 2, Dr. Balmer highlights the rise of the Religious Right, and surveys the involvement and role of Evangelicals in politics.
In part 1, Dr. Balmer gives us a quick survey of the major developments of Evangelicalism from the 17th century through today.
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.
Installment #4 of our series peers deep into what hungering and thirsting for righteousness means in the grand scope of the entire Biblical narrative.
In a world of "might makes right" and the "strong survive," perhaps there is no more subversive message than "happy are the meek." In this third installment, we look into the Psalms, and the word "anav" to discover good news for those who have been made low.
While many dismiss mourning for joy, the beatitudes call us to remember that mourning is the characteristic of the kingdom. We ought not be surprised at suffering loss, and we should be open to embracing the sadness that comes with mourning.
So, what the heck is a beatitude anyway? What does it mean to be "blessed?" In this opening message we discover the vision Jesus has of the Kingdom.
In conclusion, we need to address what it means to love, in the way of Jesus, regardless of what we believe.
Perhaps the most important aspect of this topic are the stories of real life people who have wrestled with this issue. In this portion, three Sparker share their journeys and perspectives, giving us further insight and understanding into the realities of this issue.
In this segment, we delve deep into the subject of "hermeneutics," the art and science of interpretation. Understanding that we all do this, all the time, in virtually every area of life is a really important foundation for when we get to understanding the Biblical texts.
In this opening talk, we have "the talk before the talk," a variety of things that need to be said before we say anything about "the issue."
Dr. Curt Rhodes of Questscope continues the discussion with some Q&A from our congregation.
Dr. Curt Rhodes of Questscope shares intimate and powerful stories of his work in Jordan and Syria, on the ground, and in close relationship with refugees, fighters, and NGOs.
As we conclude Leviticus, let us not forget our story. Even laws, commands, and rituals, according to the writers of the Bible, are not segregated from the historical narrative. So, if you ever find yourself in a discussion about the seemingly arbitrary or confusing verses of Leviticus, invite the conversation to consider the chapters of the story that led us there in the first place. Frame Leviticus in the whole story, beginning with Genesis 1:1.
In the year of Jubilee all debts are forgiven, and all prisoners go free. Not only is this an expression of justice, but it is a way of living that liberates us from the shackles of debt. Whatever dues you may think you owe, Jubilee declares, with a trumpet blast, that you don't owe God anything!
Leviticus 23 gives us the festival calendar by which we mark seasons and celebrations. Not only is this a way to keep time, it is also a way to awaken ourselves to God's presence in the celebration.
All ancient cultures had religious rituals and practices. All ancient cultures also had laws. Only in Israel, however, do the two come together. Leviticus 19 calls us to consider a public justice that is deeply connected to and flows from our personal religious devotion.
What is "leprosy" in the Bible? Contrary to popular understanding, it is not the modern disease known as "Hansen's disease." Rather, there is a ritual impurity that is connected to other passages that compel us to consider deeply the community in which we live, and the words we speak that either connect or isolate us from that community.
The people who welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem, did so with hope and expectation. Yet, those expectations may have caused them to miss what God was actually doing. Let us not do the same. You can't see what God is doing on the perimeter if you're only living in the center. And, for God's sake, enjoy being surprised by God.
Leviticus 12 is odd. Different time frames for purification after birth, and then the woman is considered "unclean." So, what is this really all about? How can we make sense of this for the spaces we have today?
Leviticus 11 begins the purity laws, and we start with our food, what we can and cannot eat. Here we begin to turn towards a rising conscience in being aware of our own ethical behavior in relation to the holy.
Special guest, former Assemblywoman Sally Lieber (www.sallylieber.org) shares her experiences in Lesvos, Greece working with incoming refugees, and exhorts us all to consider how we may respond when we see that the boats are coming.
Leviticus is in many ways a call for each of us to recognize the power and sanctity of the holy, that there is something distinctly different from the everyday, and common elements of life. And as we carry this distinctiveness around with us, we are reminded to respect that which is holy in us, and each other.
There is a series of conditions in Leviticus 5 that give hint of a major development in the history of human reconciliation. Rather than mere ritual recompense, this passage seems to indicate that feeling sorry, having remorse, is actually a critical piece of making amends.
Our actions, all of them, have unintended consequences. In this week's teaching we embrace the ethic of recognizing that life is unintended consequences, and how forgiveness and atonement can redeem even unintended sins.
The "well-being" offering is about giving thanks. It is also a constant reminder of the gratitude we are to have, to journal our blessings, and live out everyday thankful.
In the midst of hundreds if not thousands of deities clamoring for our attention and appeasement, this system of sacrifice comes in to declare clarity, responsibility, and an identity that the very best of life is already found within us.
Welcome to Leviticus. Many themes will emerge, sacrifice, holiness, ritual, purity, etc. But what is all of this really fundamentally about? Some clues can be found in digging deep into the whole narrative of the Bible, and the language that is used in Leviticus. In this opening talk, we discuss the relationship between sacrifice and closeness.
What does the turning of the calendar year mean? How did we end up marking our years? Our seasons? In this talk, we will look at the human tendency to mark our time and calendars by powerful events in history that govern us, inform us, and inspire us in how we are to live.
Few carols or traditions of the Christmas season capture the full weight of the story of Jesus's birth. In the midst of our sacred and pagan rituals, there exists a haunting reality, the death of the babies of Bethlehem at the hands of a ruthless king. On this Sunday we commemorate the "death of the innocents," and remember that this truly is a story for all of us.
Good things. Bad things. Stuff happens in our lives. Seeing each event, however, as an opportunity for God to be at work could radically change our hopes and expectations of everything that occurs in our lives.
Drawing on the work of philosopher and social anthropologist from Stanford, René Girard, this talk attempts to dig deep into the fundamental roots of violence, its relationship with religion, and the lessons that those relationships teach all of us.
This Christmas season, we are faced with the beauty and celebration of Christmas juxtaposed to with the darkness and sadness of recent tragic events. From the hymn, "O Little Town Of Bethlehem," the lyric, "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in Thee tonight," will set the framework for this series, as we tackle difficult and challenging issues such as evil, violence, and how to find hope in it all.
There are two ways to live into this world. One is out of scarcity, a perspective of lacking. The other is out of abundance. Jesus has called us to live out of love, not out of fear, and that is especially true and important in times of uncertainty, and tragedy.
Omair is a Sparker who has studied deeply. In this message he illustrates the power of understanding the full scope of Scripture in light of the recent tragedies of terror.
So after several weeks of discussing the incarnation, what does this mean for us? How do we live "incarnationally?" One answer to that question is found in Philippians 2, and the idea of "humility." Through valuing others above ourselves, we "put love in the gap" of all of our relationships, just like God incarnated that love to us.
"Some glad morning, when this life is o'er, I'll fly away." This beloved hymn, while beautiful, fun, and traditional, speaks of a focus on the gospel that is about sometime in the distant future. Some "celestial shore," that will be made manifest when this life is over. In this message, we refocus our attention on what incarnation means to the phrases "heaven" and "kingdom of God," which is about the "then," coming to be made real, "now!"
Really, what makes things better is not a response, a reason, a theology to the chaos of our world. What makes things better is someone connecting with something inside of them that connects deeply with us. In other words, "empathy." This week, we discover how the incarnation is God's beautiful expression of empathy, and it is that empathic response that brings hope, redemption, and peace.
What is the incarnation? Why is it significant? What did it mean to the early followers of Jesus? And how is it important for our lives today? These, and other questions, will be addressed as we dig deep into the mysterious beauty that is, the Word becoming flesh.
At the end of our Exodus series, we come to the instructions for the building of the Tabernacle, a place of worship. It is as if we have bookended the story of Exodus, as it began with, "Let my people go so that they may worship me," and it ends with the people doing just that, working and serving God. And this, is the culmination of liberation.
This day we commemorate the feast of Sukkot. Known as the "Feast of Tabernacles" or the "Feast of Booths," this festival commissions us to build "shelters," to remind us of our time wandering in the desert. And as we look to the sky above and the ground below, we realize that God has been sheltering us in his love throughout all of life's transitions.
The giving of the second set of tablets at Mt. Sinai exemplifies God's amazing grace, even in the midst of Israel's adultery. Shall we become stewards of God's grace? And not only to others, but also to ourselves?
Join Spark in raising $10,000 to help in the Syrian refugee crisis. Visit www.sparkchurch.net/teachings for more information, links, and resources. This is love. This is Rescue. This is Spark Church!
The work of peacemaking is challenging and complex. It requires much of us, but it is worth our effort. Rabbi and author of "From Enemy To Friend," Amy Eilberg shares her journey towards the cause of peacemaking in this world, and encourages us to do the same.
In this message, Pastor Mark uses the story of the Golden Calf to illustrate how all of us use power, wealth, theology, and other "idols" to make sense of our world when there is none. For us, it is about taking control when there seeming is none. God's love, however, liberates us from shackling ourselves with the idols we have created.
What the tabernacle is to space, so the Sabbath is to time. And to enter into the construction of the Tabernacle, to embrace the beautiful symbology and resonance of the Tabernacle fashioned after the creation story is to be recreated ourselves.
As we get to the building of the tabernacle, we learn that while the focus is on the details and instructions of the tabernacle, the real building is in the people.
In a Christian culture where the quality and expectations of your "time spent with God" is often scrutinized, by self or by others, this passage encourages and empowers us to simply "be."
Some passages are difficult to read. They are a mix of things we appreciate, and things we abhor. How do we read these difficult passages with our 21st century eyes? In this talk, Pastor Danielle introduces us to a "redemptive movement hermeneutic," how there are progressive steps forward found in the writings that transform the original hearers, and set the conditions for later readers.
Following up from last week, we dig deeper into what it means to see the "Ten Commandments," as part of a rescue plan, rather than a list of moral dictates. Understanding this principle helps us no longer condemn immorality when violations occur, but lead us to once again tell the story of God's rescue work in our lives.
As we get to what is popularly known as the "Ten Commandments," we are going to first pause and see upon what are these sayings built upon. Rather than a moral code, or conditions for relationship, these sayings are designed to confirm the relationship and intimacy of the people with YHWH.
This teaching's passage is the same passage studied by the 9 church members of The Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, South Carolina before they were murdered. We stand in solidarity with them, their families, and their congregation, and continue to work diligently to exemplify the Good Earth, that is God's Earth.
Spark advisory board member, father, husband, and entrepreneur shares from his heart the lessons he has learned about what the stories in the Bible mean for him everyday. "Trusting in God is not the same thing as optimism."
Pastor Mark & Stacy share together the beautiful and wonderful power of "hesed," the lovingkindness of God.
Through the book of Hosea, we see that this prophet’s life is not just a lesson, but a picture of a God who is in pursuit of us as a loving parent. And with a quiet roar of love, God is calling us back home.
The Jethro Principle of Exodus 18 is often about delegation, and time management. However, upon closer inspection, juxtaposed to the governing systems of Egypt and Mesopotamia, we see something significant take place regarding the foundations of governance that will set the course for governments in Israel and other nations to come.
The attack of the Amalekites on the Israelites in the desert poses some challenges for the reader. Why would God allow this? Yet, there are other perspectives with which to see this story, and some powerful conclusions we can draw. Joining this week for the teach is our friend, Rabbi Ari Cartun, sharing insights and lessons along the way.
We all complain. Do we all complain about not having water and dying in the desert? Those seem like legitimate complaints. So, why is this episode looked down upon as a low point in Israelite history. Perhaps because their complaining is more about their loss of identity and relationship with YHWH.
So, what is it? Literally, that manna is "What is it?" In Exodus 16, we do not get a name for this flaky white substance. What we do get is the understanding that it is "bread" from heaven. What we will discover is that this word has rich meaning and significance for the narrative of the story, and what YHWH is communicating to us.
The song that is sung after the parting of the Sea of Reeds is perplexing. But there is a clue, and a connection found in the description of Miriam's song at the end. They both resonate with similar themes and together they exhort us to exemplify the same kind of faith, the faith that stands and sees what God is going to do.
The true miracle at sea is not the parting of the waters, but rather, the birth of a nation. The Exodus imagery, throughout its narrative, is telling a story of Israel is being born again. And this kind of new birth is, for all of us who have experienced the compromise of life, a welcome and celebrated new beginning.
The death of the first born son. In the words of a child, "unfair." What is going on in this last plague, the culmination of the ten? In this message, Pastor Mark shares his insights and personal stories that helps us navigate this challenging plague.
The plagues of Exodus are seen as miracles, judgment, and as a denouncement of the gods of Egypt, including Pharaoh. In addition, the plagues are telling the deeper story that began in Genesis. While Pharaoh's hardness of heart brought about an undoing of God's good creation, corrupt powers of this world do not have the last word. The goodness and justice of God does.
As we enter the section of Exodus that introduces the plagues, we are challenged with the idea that these are not actually "miracles" that necessarily prove God's power. No doubt miracles occur. But these plagues are described in the Bible, not as miracles, but as "signs & wonders," and "acts of judgment." And the reason is profound, for the first act of liberation is not freedom from oppression, but empathy, to know that someone has seen your suffering, and understands how you have been a victim of injustice. That is what the signs and wonders do. They communicate judgment to Pharaoh, and empathy to the Israelites.
The Resurrection of Jesus, the most significant event in Christianity, and the most important event in history is about more than the supernatural and miraculous. It is about diverse worlds coming together in one unified existence and reality, old and new, death and life, mind and heart, data and meaning. And as the resurrection brings all of these together, we see just a glimpse of what it means to have hope in the ultimate coming together, heaven and earth. And as God has joined all of these things together in the resurrection, "let no man separate."
We all have expectations. What we think, hope, and presuppose will meet our predictions. But the expectations the people had of Jesus on this day, Palm Sunday, the day we celebrate Jesus's entry into Jerusalem, left Jesus in tears. In this message we discover why, and how Jesus defied those expectations.
All of us have had the "wind knocked out of us," through tragedy, disappointment, or failure. All of us have desired to stand before God and cry out, "Why?!" Not only do the Scriptures permit this, but it is encouraged. And as we cry out to God, we hear back from his reply, "I will free you, deliver you, redeem you, and take you."
In chapter 5, we get a glimpse into the actions and behaviors of Pharaoh. Through this study, we see not only that Pharaoh was a bad leader, but how he exemplifies a human tendency that lives within us all. Our encouragement? Hold up a mirror, and look deeply into how we can respond and be responsible to bring hope and redemption rather than perpetuating hurt and dysfunction.
The enigmatic passage of Exodus 4, with Zipporah and the flint stone immediately causes questions to emerge. Unfortunately, there's a lot we don't really know about this passage. What is helpful, then, is to lean in to what we do know. And, what we should know, is that this passage is brilliant commentary on our personal and private lives and the impact that has in the public sphere. "Here's my heart, Lord. Speak what is true."
In the midst of Moses's call, there is Moses's objections. How God responds shows us how irrelevant our objections are to the purposes and plans that God has for us. Setting aside those insecurities, which is often a focus on self, is one of the brilliant lessons of this passage.
"I will be who I will be." This is the declaration of God to Moses's inquiry, "Who shall I say sent me?" Much has been written and considered regarding the Divine Name. In this message, we try to consider what this phrase, "I will be who I will be," may mean and imply for a God that lives and moves throughout history, to this very day.
The iconic image of the "burning bush" in Exodus 3 invokes a host of imaginative hollywood graphics. Yet, the story is much more than divine theatrics. It is illustrating the character development of Moses and of God. The real miracle is not in the burning bush, but in Moses, who stops, and pauses for quite sometime to see this strange sight. What does he see? The presence of God in the middle of the fire, ensuring that even though it burns, it will not be consumed. So too, are we, when God's presence comes to us through others, that we are "burned, but not consumed." And that, that is a strange sight indeed.
The Israelites, in their bondage, cry out. What is amazing about this passage in Exodus 2, is that for every outcry of suffering, God responds with hearing, remembering, seeing, and knowing. We all need a God like this, a God who runs to us, as a parent to a child, in their time of need, hurt, pain, and suffering.
Moses is a Hebrew, adopted into an Egyptian household. Yet, these do not formulate the most important aspect of his identity. The text, through the telling of Moses's intervention in three conflicts, illustrates that the primary identity of Moses is one who cannot stand injustice. It is this identity that positions Moses to be the "hero" of Israel. Yet, even though this identity is true, Moses does not have the courage to live that out on his own. The deprecating question, "Who do you think you are?" plagues his self-perceptions. In response, God simply ignores that question and replaces it with another question, namely, "Who do you say I AM?"
Chapter 2 of Exodus introduces us to the dramatic unfolding of hints, clues, and allusions to coming events. Perhaps the most tragic is Pharaoh's actions, and that he receives exactly what he asks for, just not in the ways he expects. For the Exodus story, the opposite of that tragedy is not getting what we want, or receiving blessing, it is being saved from those desires in the first place.
Seldom do we pay attention to the seemingly insignificant details of the Biblical narrative. Yet, we should. There would not be a Moses story without a whole host of "minor characters," and there would not be the movements of justice today without each and every one of us playing our small part. Let us together celebrate the Bible's mentioning of Shiphrah and Puah, and be inspired to live in obedience to God ourselves.
Much of our Christian theology formulaically equates obedience with blessing. While many take solace in this, the opening story of Exodus shows a different picture. Despite the Israelites fulfilling the commission of Genesis, it is their very "fruitfulness" and "multiplying" that brings upon them oppression, making them a target for the powers that be. Many of us experience this, that our lives do not fit the "formula." So, what do we do? Let's take a look, again, at this story.
Welcome to our series on Exodus. While filled with amazing and fantastical features, it is possible to miss the greater story, of which we are invited to participate. Through good study, history, and a recognition that these stories are connected to a much larger story, we will begin to see the themes of justice, liberation, and formation live out in our lives in new and fresh ways. Join us for this series on Exodus.
40% of Americans make New Year's Resolutions. 8% of those that do actually keep them. This common cultural activity is illustrative of something deeper about our humanity, a self-centeredness that is reflected, not just in popular psychology books, but in the ancient work of Ecclesiastes. Through this talk, Pastor Kevin encourages us to not just make resolutions, but rather to also make remembrances, to "take note" of God throughout the entire past year. And as we do, we are exhorted to turn our inward focus upward and outward, toward God and others.
Live reading of "'Twas the Night Before Christmas (Spark Edition)" set to the music of Michael W. Smith's Overture/O Come All Ye Faithful, 1989.
Mystery is commonly thought of as a "problem" to be solved. Biblical mystery, however, is about awe, wonder, and amazement. Through the stories we read in the Bible, we see that mystery is the redemptive response to power, the path to discovery, and the way to worship. Let us together trust the mystery.
Jesus calming of the storm in Mark 4 is reminiscent of the story of Jonah. Through both of these stories we see the presence of God in the midst of storms. Let us together hear the words of Jesus, "Peace, be still," through the storms in our lives.
In addition to a few reminders of what this series is about, in this teaching we take a look at what role sleep has played in the Biblical narrative. Through the stories of Adam, Abraham, Jonah, Joseph, and even Jesus, we see sleep as a beautiful metaphorical symbol and activity of refreshment, renewal, and redemption. Daily we are given the gift of sleep. Daily we are reminded to refresh, renew, and redeem, not just our bodies, but our souls as well.
Pastor Mark Arevalo takes us on a musical journey to illustrate the many ways in which we discover God. If we pause, reflect, consider, and listen carefully, perhaps we will hear the song that God is playing in this universe, and find our salvation, hope, healing, and rest, in joining in the tune.
Too often we think of rest as "self-care." In this message, Pastor Danielle exhorts us to think bigger. Not that self-care is unimportant, but that rest comes through exhaustive work. In other words, it is possible to be really tired, yet, because we have lived out a calling of service, we are "good" and tired. May we never lose our connection to our purpose, which is to do good works, and serve the other.
This evening, our special guest, Mark Yaconelli, shares stories that illustrate and illuminate how the greatest commandment in Mark 12 lives and breathes today. May we see the other, listen to their souls, and allow our hearts to be moved to action.
Session 5 of Spark's Spiritual Retreat with Mark Yaconelli, Healing Our Image of God and Ourselves
Session 4 of Spark's Spiritual Retreat with Mark Yaconelli, Healing Our Image of God and Ourselves
Session 2 of Spark's Spiritual Retreat with Mark Yaconelli, Healing Our Image of God and Ourselves
Session 1 of Spark's Spiritual Retreat with Mark Yaconelli, Healing Our Image of God and Ourselves
Pastoral intern, Josh Boucher, walks us through some very practical points of finding and discovering rest, in the midst of very busy lives which are not attuned to rest. Referencing CS Lewis, we discover that simply believing God exists is not enough. We must also believe that God is good, there, we will find rest for our souls.
Spark member, Melissa (Look) Braunworth, recently lost her 27 year old brother, Bryant, to cancer. In this teaching, we have the privilege of hearing Melissa share about her faith journey in the midst of suffering, as she points to the places where she's found Rest in the most difficult of journeys. Engage deeply with these reflections, as Melissa shares honestly, and profoundly, about her faith, that is TBF (to be found).
"Months before Bryant passed, we talked about if he would ever want to share his experience and what it meant for his relationship with God in a public setting. We talked about it, but maybe due to energy levels or the thought of public speaking, it never came to fruition. So being able to share at Spark seems a way for me to carry out Bryant's legacy." ~ Melissa
When Jesus declares, "if anyone is thirsty they should come to me and drink," he is set against the backdrop of a main Jewish festival, Sukkot (Tabernacles). Through his declaration, we discover multiple layers of meaning, of what Jesus is saying about himself, the festival, and about us!
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” - Jesus
Tired? Worn down? Exhausted? Feeling frenetic, weary, or burdened? Come. Learn. Discover. Why? Perhaps the exhaustion we feel is not because of our pace or our calendars. Perhaps it is because we have not tended our souls, and we have adopted teachings and interpretations that burden, rather than enliven. So come. The faith and spirituality of Jesus invites us, beckons us, yearns for us to discover his rest.
The song at the end is an original by our worship leader and friend, Dave Matsumura of Kokua. Find out more about him, and support his music ministry at http://www.kokuamusic.com/music/
We invite all of our podcast listeners to join us for what will prove to be a transformative event in your life's journey; a spiritual retreat with author and speaker, Mark Yaconelli. In this special announcement, hear a little more from Pastor Danielle regarding the heart behind the retreat, and some of what we can expect. This event is open to the public, so please help us spread the word. Visit http://www.sparkchurch.net/healing-our-image-retreat for more information, and please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.
The summation of all the ethics of Jesus, perhaps could be stated in two words, "for life." Drawing on John 10:10, and a variety of cultural nuances, we discover that there's a lot of life to be had, which is oftentimes distinct from the stale religion in which Christianity is often disguised. May we never settle for anything less than the full, complete, and abundant life Jesus came to offer.
This Jesus way is not "part-time," or "part-life." It is the call and challenge of Jesus to not simply give a segment of my life to this movement, but rather all of my life to it. And through this "all in" attitude and perspective, may we not only be transformed in our decision making, but also transformed in our experience of Jesus's presence, every day. In everything, may Jesus's love, and commission, be influential in how we live.
The Jesus movement emerges on the scene with a significant backdrop, the Roman Empire. In the midst of this powerful and authoritative presence, the Jesus Way confronts and overturns Roman influence, but not in ways expected. Rather than a military uprising, or a coup, Jesus calls us to "lay down our lives," "take up our cross," and "follow Him." Subversively, this way calls and empowers us to live lives that exemplify the Kingdom of God, in the midst of imperialism, not just in spite of it.
Insignificant. Mediocre. Small. Little. These are not words that usually cause inspiration or empowerment. Yet, this "mustard seed faith," is what Jesus seems to be advocating in Matthew 13. Not only will we be encouraged, welcomed, and invited into this Kingdom movement, we will actually be astonished at what becomes of our seemingly paltry contributions. The Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed.
In this teaching, we discover two main truths that can help inspire us to embrace one of the most difficult ethics that exist, forgiveness. The first is that forgiveness transforms the forgiver. The second is that forgiveness is a reflection of our understanding of God's love and grace to us. Thus, if we were to embrace the fullness of forgiveness, we would bring healing to our understanding of God's relationship with us, and our relationship with this world.
Not only does the Kingdom movement of Jesus invite all to enter, especially the marginalized, but we see this ethic exemplified in the very life of Jesus, as he too was one who came marginalized. Why is this ethic important? Because "those on the margins speak a truth that must be heard by us all and we all need to hear that cry." And, the love of God is on display to those on the margins.
Jesus's harshest teachings are directed at the religious, the hypocrites who turn beautiful teachings and traditions into heavy burdens. If you've ever experienced this kind of religion, Jesus's approach will offer solace and solidarity, but more importantly, a model for how to effectively transform abusive religion into something beautiful for this world.
The "kingdom of God" is often spoken of in terms of the afterlife, or what happens when you die. Digging deeper, we discover that the "Kingdom of God" is actually about here and now, the very presence and closeness of God's rule and reign.
There are two possible interpretations of Jesus's welcoming of children in Matthew 18, both are profound and important for followers of Jesus. The first is to actually recapture the characteristics and values of the young, not to be childish, but to regain the wonder, awe, and enlivened sense of wonder that is found in children. The second, according to cultural backdrops, is to eliminate any status that may hinder anyone from full validation and welcome into the Kingdom of God.
Jesus's use of parables is a powerful way of sharing multiple layers of meaning in one story. In Matthew 20, we find the parable of the workers in the vineyard and the wildly lavish generosity of the vineyard owner. Through this parable we come to understand God's grace in new and grand ways, but also discover the poor attitudes of those who feel they ought to be treated differently. In other words, true lavish grace is quite amazing; it can also be infuriating.
Jesus's teaching on "greater and lesser" commandments is a brilliant framework for shifting our thinking and believing in multiple ways. First, it equalizes the value of my neighbor and myself, and it equates loving my neighbor with loving God. Second, it provides a central driving ethic that informs all other commandments and interpretive applications of those commands. Embracing "greater & lesser" will help us live better with these brilliant teachings, and ensure that we avoid a moral rigidity that is incapable of true love.
We begin our Jesus Ethics series with the phrase, "Do not resist an evil person." In this teaching Jesus's well known phrases of "turn the other cheek," and "go the extra mile" mean something far different than the popularly understood meaning of "just take it." Once we engage with the culture and context, we see that far from simply being a passive victim of violence, or a vengeful retaliator, Jesus is providing a "third way" of opposing evil without mirroring it. By doing so, we restore the dignity and humanity of both the victim and the oppressor. Brilliant!
As we come the close of our Genesis series, we have to ask the question, "How do we end the story?" Even in the midst of the dynamic ups and downs of Joseph's life, he decides to sum it all by saying, "God intended it for good…" This phraseology hearkens back to Genesis, where the entire creation was "all good," and provides the reader a way of framing the entire Genesis experience.
As Israel is now heading down to Egypt as a result of the famine, God gives him this promise: "I will be with you." As "going down" in the Bible symbolizes distance from God, or departing a familiar place, these verses highlight the difference of Israel's God from all other gods; namely, that God's presence has no boundaries. In all of the ups AND downs of life, God's promises and presence remain true.
[This is a re-recording of the live message] The dramatic unfolding of Joseph's encounter with his brothers exposes the hurts and pains of Joseph as he is faced with his brothers many years after they sold him into slavery. Now the second in command of the world's greatest empire, Joseph's actions and attitudes betray the reality that his present dysfunction is a manifestation of past family hurts and pains. In the end, Joseph's choice of believing in God saves his soul, redeems his family, and preserves his calling. For us, may we, too, believe in God's purpose and plan for our own salvation and redemption.
Our understanding of Joseph as a dreamer and interpreter of dreams is not the only lesson that is being conveyed through the Biblical narrative. Joseph is also a leader, though not one in the conventional sense. Without status, title, authority, Joseph leads with the grit determination and integrity to still influence the world around him, regardless of opportunities or circumstances. May we also lead in the same way.
The Judah and Tamar story of Genesis 38 interrupts our Joseph narrative, and for good reason. It points out a contrast of righteousness that will be thematic throughout the rest of the Bible. However, we need a little historical and contextual help to understand what is really going on in a story that is often perplexing and confusing for modern readers.
We come to chapter 37, the beginning of the Joseph story, which does not start off really well. If this story were to take place today, we would invest in serious therapy for the parties involved. Yet, these dysfunctions are the very vehicles through which God is continuing to write His story. We too, therefore, can see our pasts, histories, and current dysfunctions as avenues of God's grace and redemption.
Why does the Bible tell so much of the complicated, sordid, and frankly embarrassing elements of dysfunctional family life? Well, perhaps it is because the Biblical view of family and story are really important to describing our place and calling in this world. This message encourages us to take into full consideration all of our family's stories to bring fresh meaning to our identities and our legacies.
If we're going to do a Genesis series, we can't skip over the "tricky bits," as in Chapter 34 and the "ravishing of Dinah." In this message, Pastor Danielle explains why this story is in the Bible and how it is illustrating the delinquency and consequences of irresponsible caretakers. We can all agree that today, as it was back then, abdicating our responsibility to care for our girls is most definitely a "thing not to be done."
On this Mother's Day, we reflect on the feminine side of God as described in the Bible. We are challenged to think of gender, not as two, as reflected in humanity, but as one, as in God. As we do, we are drawn into an understanding that a compassionate God carries each of us deep within God's womb. It is by believing in this that we hear God's heartbeat, become familiar with God's voice, conform our rhythms and patters of behavior to God's ways, and find our identity and security in God's loving compassion.
Special guest musician Tyson Motsenbocker shares a special song, "Path in the Weeds." Visit www.TysonMotsenbocker.com for more on his music.
Pastor Mark Arevalo shares a wild and crazy teaching full of lots of interaction, making the case for Church as an intergenerational experience. We are reminded of how God has created each generation to serve the Church and how we need each other to experience the fullest expression of our faith.
Human dysfunction begins when a person feels unloved, and unworthy of love (shame). As a result, the ways in which we function in this world lead us to blame others and game systems in order to protect our hearts and souls. This is poignantly illustrated in the narrative of Genesis 3. But what is also there is God's redemption, speaking deep into our identity, grounding us once again in love and worth. In this message, we are reminded once again of the power of love to transform all human relationships, starting with our own identity.
The celebration of Palm Sunday was not a happy event, but rather one deeply imbued in the soul's cry for freedom. Just as Passover was being celebrated, commemorating freedom from Egypt, Jesus's entry during this festival evoked a similar cry for freedom, now from under the oppression of Rome. Through a variety of historical events, we see that this is actually a cry that is deeply embedded in soul of humanity. The question for us is simply, How shall we respond? How shall we explain to our children what we did to expand freedom in this world, God's freedom for humanity, and for each of us?
This audio clip includes the introduction before the sermon, "Encountering God," and then a brief Q&A after the sermon.
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?"
A continuation of our Genesis series taking a new look at the rainbow and flood of Noah from Genesis 7-9. Here we discover that this term "rainbow," is actually a munitions term. What is God "hanging" in the sky? His weapon? Yes. Thus we get a different kind of justice instituted into this world.
Our special guest and member of Spark, Chris Lockett, shares a story from his time in the Navy, illuminating lessons of spiritual perspective and perception. In it, Chris exhorts us to ask good questions of what we truly understand about ourselves, and the world around us.
The word for "naked," used for Adam and Eve, and the word for "crafty," used for the serpent is, in the Hebrew, the same word! What could this linguistic tie tell us about our world and our humanity? As Adam and Eve's eyes were opened, perhaps our eyes will be opened as well as we study, realizing that we too are crafty and cunning. This message includes a live Q&A section at the end.
What in the world is that darn tree doing there? In this teaching from our Genesis series, we learn that perhaps it is teaching us that there are some things in this world that we should never know. This message includes a live Q&A section at the end.
The term "suitable helper" has had multiple interpretations throughout Christian history. In this talk, the next in our Genesis series, Pastors Danielle and Kevin attempt to illumine the linguistic context of this phrase from Genesis 2. May we recognize the beauty and mystery of both male and female as created in God's image. This message includes a live Q&A section at the end.
Our intern, Josh, gave a message on Cain and Abel, and drew comparisons and parallels to the parable of the Two Lost Sons in the Gospel of Luke. In it, we are reminded of our commission and responsibility to keep and bear with our brothers and sisters.
From our Genesis series, this is a talk on the idea and concept of "Sabbath," a day of rest. Not only is it about managing our time, but it is also about understanding our true, central, and most secure sense of identity. May we embrace this discipline, this truth, and be liberated from the tyranny of work as the primary way in which we see ourselves.
A continuation of our Genesis series, understanding what it means to be humans, created in God's image and likeness.
Our friend and special guest pastor, Dave Peterson, shares on the person of Nicodemus from the Gospel of John.
Our fourth teaching in our Genesis series exhorts us to understand what it means to take care for and serve this beautiful creation. In the commission to tend this garden well, we discover that this is still a commission for us today. This caring is what we were made for.
The third teaching in our Genesis series on the Spirit/Wind/Breath of God hovering over the waters. Whatever chaos you may be experiencing, be comforted to know that God is hovering over your chaos, incubating out of it a brand new life.
The second teaching in our Genesis series on the power of God, creating this entire world by speaking it into existence. Through this lesson, we discover the power of our own words, as created in the image of the Creator.
Welcome to our series of teachings from the book of Genesis. We begin by comparing the creation narrative found in chapter 1 with Enuma Elish, an ancient Babylonian creation myth. Through our study, we discover why the Genesis story has been so powerful and influential throughout history and how it can transform our lives today.
This famous quote from the iconic film, The Princess Bride, is quite appropriate to our current cultural context. Much of the conversation around faith, religion, church, the Bible, and current events often involves a myriad of definitions which makes it difficult to understand one another. Some utilize these words in coarse rhetoric causing even further barriers to faith. This has left many people confused and hindered from further conversation. For those of us who believe in the goodness of life that comes from following Jesus, this makes spiritual conversations with friends, family, and co-workers difficult.
In this series we will explore the richness and significance of these words and their meanings, and discover fresh ways of talking about them in our world. It is our hope and prayer that over these next seven weeks, we will have a greater understanding of what we're talking about when we talk about these words, and as always, we are hoping this series sparks conversation. We also hope that these talks will spark greater understanding, and greater interest in the faith journey as we pursue meanings that resonate with the human spirit.
This famous quote from the iconic film, The Princess Bride, is quite appropriate to our current cultural context. Much of the conversation around faith, religion, church, the Bible, and current events often involves a myriad of definitions which makes it difficult to understand one another. Some utilize these words in coarse rhetoric causing even further barriers to faith. This has left many people confused and hindered from further conversation. For those of us who believe in the goodness of life that comes from following Jesus, this makes spiritual conversations with friends, family, and co-workers difficult.
In this series we will explore the richness and significance of these words and their meanings, and discover fresh ways of talking about them in our world. It is our hope and prayer that over these next seven weeks, we will have a greater understanding of what we're talking about when we talk about these words, and as always, we are hoping this series sparks conversation. We also hope that these talks will spark greater understanding, and greater interest in the faith journey as we pursue meanings that resonate with the human spirit.
This famous quote from the iconic film, The Princess Bride, is quite appropriate to our current cultural context. Much of the conversation around faith, religion, church, the Bible, and current events often involves a myriad of definitions which makes it difficult to understand one another. Some utilize these words in coarse rhetoric causing even further barriers to faith. This has left many people confused and hindered from further conversation. For those of us who believe in the goodness of life that comes from following Jesus, this makes spiritual conversations with friends, family, and co-workers difficult.
In this series we will explore the richness and significance of these words and their meanings, and discover fresh ways of talking about them in our world. It is our hope and prayer that over these next seven weeks, we will have a greater understanding of what we're talking about when we talk about these words, and as always, we are hoping this series sparks conversation. We also hope that these talks will spark greater understanding, and greater interest in the faith journey as we pursue meanings that resonate with the human spirit.
This famous quote from the iconic film, The Princess Bride, is quite appropriate to our current cultural context. Much of the conversation around faith, religion, church, the Bible, and current events often involves a myriad of definitions which makes it difficult to understand one another. Some utilize these words in coarse rhetoric causing even further barriers to faith. This has left many people confused and hindered from further conversation. For those of us who believe in the goodness of life that comes from following Jesus, this makes spiritual conversations with friends, family, and co-workers difficult.
In this series we will explore the richness and significance of these words and their meanings, and discover fresh ways of talking about them in our world. It is our hope and prayer that over these next seven weeks, we will have a greater understanding of what we're talking about when we talk about these words, and as always, we are hoping this series sparks conversation. We also hope that these talks will spark greater understanding, and greater interest in the faith journey as we pursue meanings that resonate with the human spirit.
This famous quote from the iconic film, The Princess Bride, is quite appropriate to our current cultural context. Much of the conversation around faith, religion, church, the Bible, and current events often involves a myriad of definitions which makes it difficult to understand one another. Some utilize these words in coarse rhetoric causing even further barriers to faith. This has left many people confused and hindered from further conversation. For those of us who believe in the goodness of life that comes from following Jesus, this makes spiritual conversations with friends, family, and co-workers difficult.
In this series we will explore the richness and significance of these words and their meanings, and discover fresh ways of talking about them in our world. It is our hope and prayer that over these next seven weeks, we will have a greater understanding of what we're talking about when we talk about these words, and as always, we are hoping this series sparks conversation. We also hope that these talks will spark greater understanding, and greater interest in the faith journey as we pursue meanings that resonate with the human spirit.
This famous quote from the iconic film, The Princess Bride, is quite appropriate to our current cultural context. Much of the conversation around faith, religion, church, the Bible, and current events often involves a myriad of definitions which makes it difficult to understand one another. Some utilize these words in coarse rhetoric causing even further barriers to faith. This has left many people confused and hindered from further conversation. For those of us who believe in the goodness of life that comes from following Jesus, this makes spiritual conversations with friends, family, and co-workers difficult.
In this series we will explore the richness and significance of these words and their meanings, and discover fresh ways of talking about them in our world. It is our hope and prayer that over these next seven weeks, we will have a greater understanding of what we're talking about when we talk about these words, and as always, we are hoping this series sparks conversation. We also hope that these talks will spark greater understanding, and greater interest in the faith journey as we pursue meanings that resonate with the human spirit.
This famous quote from the iconic film, The Princess Bride, is quite appropriate to our current cultural context. Much of the conversation around faith, religion, church, the Bible, and current events often involves a myriad of definitions which makes it difficult to understand one another. Some utilize these words in coarse rhetoric causing even further barriers to faith. This has left many people confused and hindered from further conversation. For those of us who believe in the goodness of life that comes from following Jesus, this makes spiritual conversations with friends, family, and co-workers difficult.
In this series we will explore the richness and significance of these words and their meanings, and discover fresh ways of talking about them in our world. It is our hope and prayer that over these next seven weeks, we will have a greater understanding of what we're talking about when we talk about these words, and as always, we are hoping this series sparks conversation. We also hope that these talks will spark greater understanding, and greater interest in the faith journey as we pursue meanings that resonate with the human spirit.
In this message, Pastor Kevin charts through Jewish and Greco-Roman first century worlds, considering how Jesus has met and transformed the ancient peoples' expectations in real life. While many of us are challenged to consider the "truth" of Jesus, we discover that historically, the transformational power of Jesus is found in the "realness" of the life that He and His early followers exemplified. So too, this day, may we consider Jesus, His life, teachings, and movement in real, tangible, concrete, and visceral ways.
Pastor Danielle reminds us to ground ourselves in the Jewish context and culture to understand much of the teachings of Jesus. As we do, we discover how much more we understand what Jesus is teaching, and how much more powerful the teachings are when understood in context.
Special guest Betty Ann Boeving, founder and executive director of the Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition, shares the story of her journey into the work of justice, fighting human slavery. Betty Ann challenges us all, regardless of personality or spiritual gifts, to embrace Micah 6:8, to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. As we do, accepting Jesus' redemptive power, being prepared to live and act differently in this world, and considering our spheres of influence, we can readily say, "The Kingdom is here!" Let us together be "Kingdom bringers."
"If you build the Kingdom, people will look for the King!" While the "Kingdom of Heaven" is often thought of as referring to life after death, Pastor Danielle illuminates the historical and textual context of this phrase to mean the fact of God's rule and reign right here, right now. In addition, God's Kingdom is upside-down. Instead of power and authority this Kingdom is about humility. Instead of oppression, there is freedom and transformation. And instead of the exclusivity of the special and privileged, there is an invitation to everyone! This is a Kingdom where God's unconditional love becomes visible for the world to see!
We all follow someone. The question is not whether we follow, but who and how do we follow? In this message, Pastor Danielle encourages us to follow Jesus, and truly follow Him. Through a brief first-century discipleship study, we are encouraged to trust Jesus, take a hand, and to never give up. And ultimately rest in the fact that Jesus chooses us, and believes in us in this discipleship journey.
When we think of temptation, we often first think of sin -- things like money, sex, or indulgences. But the temptations of Jesus are about food, water, and relationship with God. In this message, Pastor Kevin suggests that this illuminates for us that perhaps our greatest temptation isn't about being bad, but rather about finding the core essence of our identity in things other than our Heavenly Father. In other words, we do "not live by bread alone." Finally, we consider a radical perspective on what a Biblical test can mean.
Happy Easter! On this celebration Sunday, Pastor Kevin teaches through this perplexing and profound question asked by the angels of the women at the tomb. As with other questions found in our culture, and in the Bible, truth is often found in the asking of the question. By embracing this question, and the reply that "He is not here, He is risen!" we deny death the final word and enter a new creation, a new world, and a new life.
Pastor Danielle surveys the image and meaning of water in the ancient Jewish world. Through understanding the diverse meanings of the waters, we see that Jesus' baptism is rich with significance, symbolizing God's descent into the chaos of the waters to bring order, renewal, redemption, and salvation. This baptism ushers in the new Kingdom rule and reign of God, such that even the wind and the waves obey. If you're experiencing chaos, God is hovering over it, and He will not let you go. He is with you.
Pastor Danielle takes a historical look at the beginnings of Jesus' life, and asks a series of questions on our identity. These questions are core and central to our existence, and we discover profound answers through understanding Jesus' lineage and connection with the Heavenly Father. So, "Who am I?" I'm a child of God. "Who is your Daddy?" The Heavenly Father. "Who has your back?" He does. And, "Is there a plan or purpose for my life?" Absolutely. You are a son/daughter of the King! Understanding this identity, then inspires us to live that identity.
This is the first question we will be asking through our Jesus series. In this talk, Pastor Kevin encourages us to consider the influences our current culture has on our conceptions of Jesus being careful to not worship a Jesus that we have "created in our own image." And may we, through this quest, leverage, not just our minds and intellects, but our hearts and souls as Jesus is revealed to us by the Father in heaven. Let us move forward in discovering this question, Who do you say I am?, carefully, historically, spiritually, and humbly.
Since our opening 19 weeks ago, we have striven to communicate the importance of our core values. In concluding this teaching series, Pastor Kevin shares the stories that encapsulate these values, and illustrate the importance of values alongside beliefs. Through "4 acts" (similar to "This American Life"), we are inspired and challenged by these stories to put the way of Jesus into action.
Faith is deeply emotional and spiritual. But faith is also intellectual, and historical. The claim that Jesus was raised from the dead brings the two together in which the richness of our faith meets the historical work of evidence and verification. In this teaching, Pastor Kevin shares the central claim of the Christian faith, and then provides four main evidences that support the historical, physical, real resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Online is the follow up document that addresses the questions asked in service.
The concept and idea around resurrection did not have its beginning in Christianity. Through a historical survey, Pastor Danielle shares insights into the Jewish concept and expectation of resurrection and how it impacts the understanding of Jesus' resurrection in the first-century. This context helps us understand both how the resurrection of Jesus could have been understood, and why it was so radical and unexpected at the same time.
Sharing a bit of the recent adoption story in the Parish-Neuner household, Pastor Kevin begins the core value of Resurrection by talking about the temptations that emerge in each of us when deception, evil, disappointment, etc., happen as a result of "living between the trees." Yet, resurrection says that we are saved and forgiven as we forgive. Resurrection says we do not have to acquiesce to the "slices of hell" we sometimes experience. Resurrection says that there is hope, love, redemption, and restoration, and it can transform any death into new life. Resurrection says we have the power, opportunity, and commission to reverse the pain and suffering in this world.
Guest speaker, Pastor Sarai Crain shares on how we are all privileged to be used of God to bring rescue to the world. However, we must be guarded from misusing or abusing that privilege. Sarai shares practical ways to help us become fully the instruments of rescue God desires.
Guest speaker, Pastor Dave Peterson from MPPC continues our series on Spark's core value of "Rescue." Sharing from his heart and experience, Dave exhorts us all to receive God's personal, physical, spiritual, and emotional rescue.
Guest speaker Pastor Mark Arevalo, speaks on God's work of rescue through the Biblical stories, and in our lives. In this teaching we discover that God has begun the work of rescue in our lives, and that work is an ongoing process, and it's progressive. That hope is a privilege and to share with the world around us as we are both agents and recipients of this rescue in the world. So, let's all "share our rope," giving to others hope that God has given to us.
All of us recognize that life is not the way it is suppose to be. That's why we work for justice and compassion; that's why we strive for patience, and kindness; that's why we yearn for freedom and peace; and in many ways, that's why we follow a calling and vocation. The challenge is that we live between Genesis and Revelation. Put other way, we live "between the trees." And as we reach out to grab hold of the life that God has for us, there is a third tree -- the cross -- that life and death of Jesus that empowers us to live life to its fullest. It is our prayer that we would not only reach out for that tree, but that we would embrace it, and allow the tree of the life of Jesus to transform us.
Pastors Danielle & Kevin share a bit on the vision for Spark. Our core values are ultimately centered around living as Jesus lived, and walking as he walked. In concordance with slowing down and avoiding the seductions of "bigness," Spark is about caring for the people of the church more than about the size of the church. We also want to recognize our place in Silicon Valley as a "land between" cultures, and to dream about physical space in downtown Palo Alto that leverages our resources 6 days a week. We will continue to be a place that welcomes all people and all questions, and pursues education, learning, and discussion. Spark will also be shaped by the gifts, talents, and passions of those who join with us on this journey. We will continue to seek God, his guidance and wisdom, and pray that more people will come and be a part of this vision.
Pastor Kevin teaches that while it is popularly said that "Jesus is the reason for the season," there is a deeper truth to this statement than we perhaps realize. Matthew clearly states, "for he will save his people from their sins." Embracing this reality helps us accept the complexities of this season, the joy and the sorrow, the celebrations and the sadness. And, living the way of Jesus empowers us to respond redemptively to those dark and dysfunctional areas of our lives. May this Christmas season be celebrated truly in the way of Jesus, in ways that save us, and the world around us, from our sins.
Special guest Rabbi Ari Cartun of Etz Chayim synagogue shares a few personal and theological reflections on why Etz Chayim rents its facility to Spark Church. This message is our first installment for our "Reconciliation" value as we learn how to love, respect, and be reconciled to each other in the midst of history, differences, and distinctions we may have.
(00:00 - 08:15 of the audio is an introduction by Pastor Danielle and a presentation of a thank you gift Spark presented to Etz Chayim. We had technical difficulties and apologize for the poor audio quality from 00:00-8:47.)
Pastor Kevin teaches that you have been created in the image and likeness of God, one of the greatest truths taught in the Bible. That you have been marred, scarred, and broken is also true. What we don't always realize is that we all live out of the view we have of God, the perspective we have of this "image." In this talk, we will journey through the implications of this truth, and be inspired to heal the image and reputation that we have of God, of ourselves, and of others.
Pastor Kevin teaches that you have been created in the image and likeness of God, one of the greatest truths taught in the Bible. That you have been marred, scarred, and broken is also true. What we don't always realize is that we all live out of the view we have of God, the perspective we have of this "image." In this talk, we will journey through the implications of this truth, and be inspired to heal the image and reputation that we have of God, of ourselves, and of others.
Pastor Danielle teaches that how we understand and speak about God greatly matters. Our views about God influence how we live, and it impacts the world around us. In this message we discover anew a God who is consistently loving and just; that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. We will also be challenged to not let ignorance prevail in understanding the God of the Bible.
Pastor Danielle teaches on the Parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10. While often understood as a parable that helps us perform "acts of kindness," we discover through history, culture, and context that the teaching is far deeper, richer, and more radical than only "good deeds." People who we often consider "the other," are actually "our brothers," and we are called, as disciples of Jesus, to love even them.
You can download the teaching slides and handout online at www.sparkchurch.net
Pastor Kevin teaches on the "greatest" commandment found in Matthew 22 (also in Mark 12). This "mega" commandment, when practiced, radically changes how we see everything. To love God and to love our neighbor is not just one of the commandments, or even just the first. It is the very lens through which we view all the other commandments. And as we adhere to this radical commandment, it can change us, heal us, transform us.
Pastor Danielle teaches on the "Parable of Lost Things" from Luke 15. In this teaching, we discover that God lavishes unqualified acceptance on everyone, even those who have experienced unqualified rejection. For many, this kind of grace is not just amazing, it is unbelievable. Yet, it is the prodigal love of God taught by Jesus in this parable.