Spark Cast

A public conversation with Justin Lee (www.geekyjustin.com) and Preston Sprinkle (www.centerforfaith.com). This is part 1, a conversation.

What do Christians believe about God? Simple. God is love. Everything else is details.

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.

PART 1 of 3 | Austin shares the why behind her book "I'm Still Here."

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?

A follow up Q&R (question & response) time after Pastor Omair's message.

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.

Julie sits down with Pastor Kevin for a conversational interview, Question & Response.

Our special guest, Julie Lythcott-Haims gives an impassioned talk on raising Adults.

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.