The Common Ground ABQ Podcast

This powerful message takes us deep into John 12:27-33, where Jesus stands at the crossroads of his earthly ministry, knowing the cross awaits him. We're confronted with one of life's most challenging questions: why do bad things happen to good people? The answer lies in understanding that Jesus' death wasn't a tragic accident or a defeat—it was the divine plan all along. When Jesu...

This powerful message takes us deep into the heart of God's mission through the lens of John 3:16, a verse so familiar we might miss its revolutionary implications. We're challenged to confront the barriers that American individualism creates in our faith journey—the DIY mentality, the emphasis on personal fulfillment over sacrificial love, and the isolation that keeps us from truly loving...

What if the greatest gift we could ever receive wasn't something we could unwrap with our hands? This powerful message takes us deep into John 3:16, a scripture so familiar we might miss its revolutionary truth: God's gift of His Son wasn't just generous—it was sacrificial, intentional, and perfectly designed for each of us. We're challenged to shift our perspective from what we ge...

The Christmas story takes on profound new meaning when we realize that God's invitation to the table of belonging extends to everyone—not just the religious elite or those who seem to have it all together, but shepherds in fields, outcasts, and sinners. This message explores Luke 2:8-14, where angels announced Jesus' birth to humble shepherds, revealing God's heart for inclusive commun...

What if the story of Christmas isn't just about a historical event, but about receiving a completely new family identity? This message takes us deep into Matthew's genealogy—those often-skipped verses that trace Jesus's lineage—to reveal something profound: we all carry a genealogy, a family history that shapes us, but Jesus came to offer us something transformative. Just as Joseph dem...

This powerful message invites us to embrace the tension between change and constancy in our spiritual lives. Drawing from Psalm 100, we're reminded that while seasons shift and circumstances transform, God remains steadfast—yesterday, today, and forever. The sermon challenges us to reposition our hearts with gratitude, not for our circumstances themselves, but for the unchanging presence of Go...

In this powerful exploration of gratitude in the midst of life's messiness, we discover that thanksgiving isn't just about the comfortable moments—it's about maintaining a heart posture of praise even when relationships are strained and circumstances are difficult. The message draws from 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Philippians 4:1-9, where the Apostle Paul gives us a radical command: r...

This message invites us into a powerful exploration of dwelling in God's shelter, drawn from Psalm 91's imagery of abiding under the shadow of the Almighty. We're reminded that choosing to remain in God's presence is like standing in shade on a scorching day—it brings immediate relief and refreshment. The sermon challenges us to examine whether we're truly dwelling with God or...

In a world that constantly shifts beneath our feet, we're invited to explore what truly remains unshakable in our lives. Drawing from Hebrews 12 and 13, this message reminds us that God intentionally allows the shaking—not to destroy us, but to reveal what's truly precious. Like gold miners who shake dirt and water in a pan, causing the worthless material to wash away while the gold sinks...

This powerful message invites us to examine the foundation of our spiritual identity by asking a profound question: Who are you? Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Colossians 2:4-8, we're reminded that when we accept Christ, we become new creations—old things pass away and all things become new. But this transformation is just the beginning. Like a tree that must be planted, watered, and esta...

In this powerful message, we're reminded that change is not just inevitable, but essential for our spiritual growth. Drawing from Isaiah 43:18-19, we're encouraged to forget the former things and embrace the new work God is doing in our lives. Just as God promised Israel a new beginning after their exile, He offers us fresh starts and opportunities for growth every day. The key is to keep...

In this powerful exploration of 1 Corinthians 12, we delve into the beautiful metaphor of the church as the body of Christ. This scripture reminds us that while we are all unique individuals, we are also part of something much greater. Just as a body has many parts with different functions, we too have diverse gifts and roles within the church. The key message here is that every member is vital, r...

In this powerful exploration of Matthew 16:13-18, we're challenged to consider the foundation of our faith and the church. The central question 'Who do you say I am?' isn't just a historical inquiry, but a personal challenge to each of us. This passage reveals that the church isn't built on public opinion or human ideas, but on the divine revelation of Christ's identity. Ju...

In this powerful message, we're reminded that God's Word is our ultimate blueprint for life. Drawing from 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we explore how Scripture is God-breathed, useful, transformative, and equipping. Just as a builder follows an architect's plans, we're called to anchor our lives to the Bible's teachings. It's not just a collection of ancient writings, but the very breath of God speaking int...

In this powerful message, we're reminded that our stability in life comes not from our circumstances, but from our foundation in God. Drawing from Psalm 62, we explore how David found rest and confidence in God amidst chaos and instability. The key lesson is that true peace isn't the absence of turmoil, but the presence of God in our lives. We're encouraged to see ourselves as 'bui...

This week, we're challenged to examine the foundation of our lives through the lens of Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders. The scripture from Matthew 7:24-27 serves as our cornerstone, reminding us that it's not enough to merely hear God's teachings - we must follow them to build a life that can withstand life's storms. The analogy of building on rock versus sand v...