Spark Cast

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.

Our next teaching attempts to revisit the idea of sin, in light of creation.

We begin a new teaching series as an inquiry of Christian beliefs.

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?

Justin Lee fields questions in this follow-up from his talk, Talking Across The Divide

Justin Lee shares on his new book, Talking Across The Divide.

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.

A Conversation with Dr. Diana Butler Bass, including Q&R from the audience.

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.