Spark Cast

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 challe...

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 id...

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