Spark Cast

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.sparkchur...

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 th...

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...

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.spa...

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 t...

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.