Spark Cast

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 t...

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?, Wha...

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...

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 t...

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...

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 se...

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 im...

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.

An exploring of Peter's failings, calling, and the grace of Jesus.

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.

A brief biographical sketch of Peter, and what his story tells us about Jesus.

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? A...

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? A...

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? A...

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? A...

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? A...

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? A...

For Pastor Tom, Jesus is bigger and better than he ever thought.

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://yo...

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://yo...

A very personal sharing of Danielle's spiritual and vocational journey.

The Resurrection is a clarion statement. This is not the end. This is actually the beginning. And there will be more beginnings to come.