Commons Church Podcast
Sermons from Commons Church, offering intellectually honest and spiritually passionate teachings with Jesus at the centre. The podcast has been active since 2014.
Episodes
Why You Need Spiritual Ancestors - Bobbi Salkeld
In this sermon on Hebrews 11–12:2, Bobbi explores "learning to listen to ancestors." The message reclaims Christian tradition not as a restrictive relic to escape, but as an inherited wisdom that anchors people against isolation and everyday pressures. By examining how the writer of Hebrews reframes flawed historical figures and presents Jesus as the pioneer and finish line of faith, Bobb
What Nature Has To Say - Scott Wall
Scott draws on the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19 to examine how nature speaks to our greatest fears, and how it can also move us into moments of divine encounter. He argues that Elijah’s experience of stillness in the natural world is a model for us to follow in a world full of so much noise. We’re invited to welcome the ways that nature grounds us and guides us in all our next steps.I Ki
God Speaks Through the Unexpected - Jeremy Duncan
What might we hear from God if we made more room to listen to people we don’t yet know?In Genesis 18, Abraham welcomes three unexpected visitors. This sermon explores the mystery of that encounter and asks how curiosity and hospitality might open us to conversations we never saw coming.What would it look like to roll up the sides of our tents and pay attention to who is nearby?
★ Suppo
Why Loving Your Neighbour Starts with Listening - Jeremy Duncan
What if loving your neighbour begins with listening—before deciding who they are or what they deserve?In this message, we revisit the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 and explore how Jesus shifts the question from identifying our neighbours to becoming a neighbour. Along the way, we consider the invitation to hear at the heart of the greatest commandment, the familiar stories we’ve stopped liste
Agnostic plus Jesus - Jeremy Duncan
What if your doubts don’t disqualify you from faith?In Mark 9, a father brings Jesus an honest prayer: “I believe; help my unbelief.” His story invites us to let go of perfection, make room for uncertainty, and take the next step toward the future we hope for.From the mountaintop transfiguration to Jesus’ compassion in the valley, this message explores how hope becomes tangible in ordinar
We are all mystics - Scott Wall
In this return to the familiar conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, Scott explores how we regularly face experiences we can't explain. He considers how curiosity can be a form of faith when we're swept beyond our intellectual limits, how our hunger to start over is divine, how Jesus uses the metaphor of wind and Spirit, and how we can participate in a tangible mysticism every day.Scr
When You Can’t Control What Happens Next - Jeremy Duncan
What do we do when life unfolds beyond our control?In the closing chapters of Acts, Paul learns to release the communities he helped build—and eventually loses control over his own journey. Yet even amid imprisonment, uncertainty, and shipwreck, he retains something vital: the freedom to choose how he will show up.Jeremy explores the difference between control and agency, the courage requ
The Idea of Home - Yelena Pakhomova
In this sermon from our Soapbox Sundays series, Yelena explores the layered and universal idea of "home". Grounded in Ephesians 2:19–22, this message looks at how Christ breaks down dividing walls, invites outsiders into full belonging, and joins us together into a living sanctuary where God makes a home.Key Topics Covered:The Complexity of Home: How personal memories, mobility, and cultu
What Minds Are For - Scott Wall
In the first message of the Soapbox Sundays series, Scott makes the case for how an intellectual, reflective life is a spiritual life. Looking at the wisdom literature of Proverbs 4, this teaching explores how engaging our minds across generations, embracing curiosity, and asking hard questions helps us love God and serve our neighbours more deeply.Key Takeaways & Outline:Welcome &
When Being Right Turns Into Revenge - Jeremy Duncan
Psalm 7 is a song for anyone who has ever felt falsely accused, misunderstood, or desperate to be vindicated.But underneath David’s very reasonable words is something more volatile: anger, frustration, and the desire for God to feel exactly what he feels.In this sermon, Jeremy Duncan explores the poetry of Psalm 7—from Taylor Swift and ancient Hebrew wordplay to necks, noses, swords, and
A Prayer for Disorientation - Yelena Pakhomova
What can ancient prayers teach us about our own experience of chaos, confusion, or distress?In this week’s installment of our Summer Songs series, Yelena walks us through Psalm 86—a powerful "psalm of disorientation." Whether life feels stable or everything is falling apart, the Psalms provide a sacred space for profound honesty with the Divine.In this message, we explore:Asks and Reasons
Hope in Lament - Ben Hsu-Chan
What do you do when God feels far away? Psalm 13 is a song for those moments. In this message, we explore how naming our pain and shifting our perspective can help us move from lament to praise.Key topics covered:• The relationship between lament and praise: Why the "Book of Praises" is full of sorrow and how lament provides a place to stand while we grieve.• Challenging our categories: U
Cultivating Wisdom - Bobbi Salkeld
What do you do when the world feels unfair and you find yourself “fret-burning” with anger? In this message, we explore the wisdom of Psalm 37—not as a transactional set of rules, but as a roadmap for finding composure, delight, and hope in the midst of life's messiness.While many read the Psalms looking for guarantees, they are actually poetic invitations to engage with the world honestl
Be Still and Know - Alexandra Chubachi
What does it mean to trust God when there are still very real reasons to be afraid?Psalm 46 doesn’t promise a life without chaos. Instead, it points to the presence of God—our refuge and strength—within our complicated histories, uncertain futures, and present moments.In this message, Alexandra explores how remembering, hope, creativity, mindfulness, and nonviolence can make us more aware
The Idols We Don't Recognize - Jeremy Duncan
What if the greatest idols in our lives aren't statues—but fear, security, money, and the stories we tell to protect them?In Acts 19, Paul arrives in Ephesus and unintentionally sparks a city-wide riot. On the surface, it's a conflict over religion. But beneath the shouting lies something far more familiar: economic anxiety, fear of outsiders, and the temptation to use spiritual language
Far Off Places - Scott Wall
In this episode of our spring series, The Way Forward, we walk through Acts 17:16-34 to explore Paul’s encounter in Athens. As Paul engages with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers at the Areopagus, he provides a model for how we can navigate unfamiliar cultures and carry on thoughtful, faith-filled conversations in our own time.How do we move forward when our efforts seem to go unnoticed, o
What to Keep, What to Leave - Bobbi Salkeld
In this message, we explore the story of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, examining how early believers navigated deep conflict and cultural shifts within the church.1Key topics include:The Nature of Conflict: Why "certain people problems" are a normal, albeit challenging, part of community growth.Navigating Change: Understanding what to keep from the past and what to leave behind as the
Church That Refuses to Stand Still - Jeremy Duncan
In Acts 13, the spotlight shifts from Jerusalem to Antioch—a diverse, unexpected community where the Holy Spirit is doing something entirely new. From former outsiders and unlikely leaders to the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas, this chapter reveals a church that chooses mission over comfort, creativity over control, and expansion over preservation.In this message, we explore how God's
A Surprising Way Forward - Scott Wall
How does faith change us over time?In Acts 10, Peter encounters a vision that challenges everything he thought he knew about who belongs, who is welcome, and how God works in the world. As he meets Cornelius—a Roman centurion and outsider to Israel's covenant story—the early church discovers that the Spirit of God is already moving beyond the boundaries they assumed were fixed.This messag
Courageous Witness - Yelena Pakhomova
What gives ordinary people the courage to speak truth, resist fear, and remain hopeful in a fractured world?In Acts 4 and 5, the early church faces its first wave of persecution after Peter and John heal a man at the temple gates and boldly proclaim the resurrection of Jesus. Confronted by powerful religious leaders, threatened, imprisoned, and punished, the apostles discover that true po
Peter’s First Sermon Changed Everything - Jeremy Duncan
What if the judgement of God looks nothing like we imagined?In Acts 2 we step into Peter’s first sermon after Pentecost—the moment the church begins to find its voice. But instead of fear, vengeance, or religious certainty, Peter announces something radically different: resurrection changes everything.Together we explore:- The real miracle of Pentecost- Why not everyone recognizes new mov
Moving Forward When God Feels Silent - Bobbi Salkeld
What do you do when the future feels uncertain, God feels quiet, and the old season is clearly over?In Acts 1–2, the early church finds itself in that exact moment — caught between resurrection and Pentecost, between promise and fulfillment, between what was and what will be. And somehow, in the waiting, God is already moving.This week at Commons Church, we explore how faith often begins
Love That Actually Lasts - Jeremy Duncan
What if the real miracle of love isn’t finding the right person—but becoming the kind of person who can stay?In this final message of The Miraculous series, we explore the ancient story of Ruth and uncover a vision of love that goes far beyond romance. This is a story about commitment, community, and the quiet, steady work of choosing one another—again and again.From friendships to family
Can Coincidences Be Miracles? - Jeremy Duncan
What if the most meaningful moments in your life aren’t random at all?In this talk, we explore a surprising story from Acts 8—the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian traveler—and ask a simple but unsettling question: Can coincidence be a miracle?Rather than focusing on miracles as interruptions of nature, this message reframes the miraculous as something formed over time—through at
Storm, The Silence, and the Question of God - Scott Wall
What do you do when it feels like God is asleep in the middle of your storm?In this reflection on Mark 4:35–41, we explore one of Jesus’ most well-known miracles—the calming of the sea—and wrestle with what it reveals about fear, faith, and the nature of God. Is the miracle about power…or presence?This Eastertide message invites you to move beyond what God can do and toward who God is—esp
The Miraculous Universe - Jeremy Duncan
What if miracles aren’t rare interruptions of reality—but the very fabric of it?In this opening message of our Miraculous series, we explore the deep connection between faith, science, and the nature of existence itself. From Genesis to the Big Bang, from quarks to galaxies, this conversation invites us to rethink what we mean when we say “God.”Maybe the greatest miracle isn’t when the ru
You’re Not Who You Think You Are | Easter - Jeremy Duncan
We all know the story of the prodigal son… or at least we think we do.This Easter message explores one of Jesus’ most famous parables—and reveals the surprising twist we often miss. What if the story isn’t just about a rebellious younger son… but also about the older brother standing outside the party?And what if Easter is the announcement that God is still coming after both?This sermon t
The Unjust Judge, Palm Sunday, and the Peace We Miss - Jeremy Duncan
Palm Sunday is full of celebration—but also confusion.In this message, we hold together two powerful moments:• The parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18)• Jesus’ quiet, subversive entry into JerusalemTogether, they reveal something surprising about God:Grace doesn’t always look like justice.And peace doesn’t always come the way we expect.As we step into Holy Week, this teaching invites us
The Mustard Seed Isn’t What You Think - Jeremy Duncan
We’ve all heard that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed—small beginnings, big results. But what if that’s not actually the point?In this message, we explore one of Jesus’ most familiar parables and uncover the twist we often miss. The kingdom of God doesn’t just grow—it shows up in unexpected places, disrupts our assumptions, and welcomes the people we might overlook.Through the st
Shameless Audacity - Jeremy Duncan
What if prayer isn’t about convincing God to listen?In Luke 11, Jesus tells a strange story about a neighbour who refuses to help in the middle of the night. At first glance, it sounds like a lesson about persistence—keep knocking until God finally answers. But a closer look reveals something deeper.In this message from our Parables of Grace series, we explore the story often called The U
The Prison of Unforgiveness - Scott Wall
Unpack the profound challenge of limitless forgiveness in Jesus's Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35).When Peter asks how many times he must forgive his brother, Jesus sets the bar: not seven times, but seventy-seven times—a hyperbolic instruction for no cap on forgiveness. This parable, the capstone of a teaching series on community dynamics, focuses on the vast contrast
Lost Sheep & Unreasonable Grace - Jeremy Duncan
What did Jesus really mean when He said the shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one?In this message from Luke 15:1–7, we explore the Parable of the Lost Sheep — one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus — and uncover the scandal, absurdity, and beauty of grace.This isn’t just a comforting story about being rescued. It’s a disruptive story about a God whose love defies social norms, eco
The Good Samaritan (But Not the Way You Think) - Jeremy Duncan
In this first message of our Parables of Grace series, we revisit one of the most familiar stories Jesus ever told—the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37).But what if we’ve been asking the wrong question?When a lawyer asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” he’s really asking where the line is—who qualifies for his time, compassion, and responsibility. Jesus responds with a story that doesn’t just r
The Armour of God Is Not What You Think - Jeremy Duncan
What if the “battle” you’re facing isn’t against the people you think it is?In this final message of our If/Then series through Ephesians, we unpack Paul’s famous “armour of God” passage — and discover it’s far less about spiritual aggression and far more about communal resilience, subversive grace, and the way of peace.If Christ reigns… then how should we live?Together we explore:Why uni
Learning Christ in a Distracted World - Scott Wall
What does it actually look like to follow Jesus in everyday life?In this message from our If/Then series through Ephesians, we turn to the second half of Paul’s letter—where belief turns into practice. Using the image of a “masterclass,” we explore how Paul invites followers of Jesus to learn Christ: to put off old patterns shaped by power, status, and exploitation, and to put on a new wa
The Shape of a New Humanity- Scott Wall
What if a single word could change everything?In Ephesians 2, the apostle Paul pivots from humanity’s brokenness to God’s radical grace with one of the most important conjunctions in Scripture: “But God.” In this teaching, we explore how Paul uses language, metaphor, and imagination to describe what God has done in Jesus—and what that means for how we live together now.We reflect on:Why P
If This Is True… Then What? - Jeremy Duncan
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is built around one powerful structure: if / then.If God is already at work healing the world in Christ—if grace, not violence, is the true power shaping history—then how should we live?In this message, we begin a four-week journey through Ephesians by sitting in the if:a bold vision of Jesus, a high Christology, and a radical redefinition of chosen, predest
Five Friends and a Roof - Bobbi Salkeld
What does creativity look like in our relationships—not in art or technology, but in the way we show up for one another?In this sermon, we explore Mark 2 and the unforgettable story of five friends who refuse to accept the status quo. When a crowd blocks the way to Jesus, they climb a roof, tear it open, and lower their friend down—revealing a bold, relational creativity that leads to for
Faith, Confusion, and Creativity - Jeremy Duncan
What if faith isn’t about getting it right—but about staying curious?In this message, we explore Paul’s surprising approach to spirituality at Mars Hill in Acts 17. Instead of debate, domination, or precision, Paul begins with common ground—quoting poets, honoring spiritual curiosity, and trusting that God meets people even in their confusion.This teaching invites us to re-imagine spiritu
Bricks, Babel & Your Smartphone - Jeremy Duncan
At the start of a new year, we’re launching a new series on creativity—not as something reserved for artists or content creators, but as a core part of being human.In this message, we explore how **technology shapes our creativity**, our relationships, and even our spirituality. From smartphones in our pockets to bricks in the story of the Tower of Babel, the question isn’t whether techno
Finding Hope. And Letting It Go - Jeremy Duncan
Simeon waited his whole life for one moment—to hold the Messiah. When it finally happens, he doesn’t cling to hope. He releases it.In this Advent reflection on Luke 2, we explore Simeon’s song (Nunc Dimittis) and what it teaches us about peace, waiting, generosity, and faith in an unfinished world. Christmas isn’t about getting everything we want—it’s about becoming the kind of people who
Ordinary Life and a Joyful Song - Bobbi Salkeld
In this sermon for the Third Sunday in Advent, "Joy," we explore the story of the shepherds and the angels' announcement—the "Gloria." What does it mean that God's great, extraordinary glory first breaks in upon the most ordinary, mud-caked, and weather-worn people?We look at:The Ordinary Shepherds: How their simple, unearned divine appointment offers a profound message of acceptance—your
A Song for the Forgotten - Jeremy Duncan
In this Advent sermon, we explore the second canticle of Luke’s gospel—the Benedictus, the prophetic song of Zechariah.Before he could sing, Zechariah had to face something deeper than disbelief: the fear that God had forgotten him. And maybe that’s a fear many of us hold quietly during the Christmas season.In this message we look at:✨ Why Scripture gives us songs—not just stories—to prep
Song of Divine Reversal - Bobbi Salkeld
"My soul magnifies the Lord." Kicking off our Advent series, Advent: The Musical, we dive into the first song: the radical and revolutionary Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55).In this message, we explore:Model Disciples: The powerful, non-competitive relationship between Mary and Elizabeth.An Oldie: How Mary's song borrows from the prophetic words of Hannah in 1 Samuel 2.The Reversal: Why the Magn
Rethinking the Binding of Isaac - Jeremy Duncan
Genesis 22 is one of the most troubling stories in all of Scripture. In this sermon, Jeremy walks through the binding of Isaac with honesty, curiosity, and deep pastoral care. Rather than rushing to easy answers, he explores the generational trauma behind Abraham’s family, the God who sees Hagar, and why this difficult text challenges our imagination of God.What if the real test in this s
Why Sodom Still Matters - Jeremy Duncan
What really happened in Sodom and Gomorrah—and why has this story been so badly misunderstood? In this sermon, Jeremy Duncan takes us past the clichés and weaponized readings to explore one of the most difficult and infamous passages in the Bible.Beginning with Abraham’s bold negotiation with God, we look at what this story reveals about divine character: a God who listens, responds, and
Unilateral Promise - Scott Wall
Join us as Scott delves into Genesis 15, exploring Abraham's journey of faith and doubt. This sermon unpacks the "base of fear" we often experience, the "hard-fought" space "where faith forms" through honest questions, and the "sacramental discernment" that guides our "ways forward." Discover how God's "sure sign" in a unilateral covenant reveals His unwavering commitment, stretching beyo
Enough Good to Go Around - Jeremy Duncan
In this week’s teaching, Jeremy explores Genesis 13 and the moment Abraham begins to trust God after failure. Coming out of his mistakes in Egypt, Abraham is faced with a new test — will fear guide him again, or will faith take root this time? This story of Abraham and Lot isn’t just ancient history; it’s a mirror for our own journeys of grace, learning, and renewal.If you’ve ever felt we
Matriarch in Danger - Bobbi Salkeld
This sermon, "Big Promises Small Steps," explores the story of Abraham and Sarah from Genesis, focusing on themes of discernment, the challenges of beauty, and God's unwavering devotion. It delves into how individuals navigate big and small changes in life, drawing parallels between ancient narratives and contemporary experiences. The sermon also touches on the "Matriarch in Danger" type-
Every New Beginning Starts with Letting Go - Jeremy Duncan
The story of Abraham and Sarah begins not with certainty, but with faith, hesitation, and the courage to take the smallest of steps toward a bigger promise.In this opening message of our Big Promises, Small Steps series, Pastor Jeremy Duncan explores how the grand narrative of God’s reconciliation—what Paul calls “the healing of all things”—begins with a single family leaving home, not kn
Faith, Trust, and Divine Kindness - Jeremy Duncan
What if faith isn’t about certainty—but about trust?In this message, Pastor Jeremy revisits the story of Thomas and Jesus’ promise of the Spirit in John 14, exploring how honest questions can lead to deeper encounters with divine love.Through Thomas’ doubt, Philip’s confusion, and Jesus’ response of kindness, we discover a God who meets us not with precision or perfection, but with presen
Shaping Community & Faith - Bobbi Salkeld
Join Bobbi from Commons Church in Calgary for "Grounded: Participation," the fifth installment in their "Grounded" series. In this sermon, they explore what it means to shape a community that is good for you and good for the world, drawing insights from Acts 2.Bobbi shares her personal journey and the exciting news of leading the new Marda Loop Commons parish launching in late 2026. Disco
Peacemakers, Not Peacekeepers - Jeremy Duncan
What does it really mean to be a peacemaker?In this sermon from our Grounded series, Pastor Jeremy Duncan unpacks Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”We’ll explore: • The difference between peacekeeping (avoiding conflict) and peacemaking (creating transformation) • How Jesus’ teaching on turning the other cheek,
Jesus on the Emmaus Road - Jeremy Duncan
In this sermon from our Grounded series, Pastor Jeremy Duncan explores the story of the Emmaus Road in Luke 24, where the risen Jesus walks with two disciples who don’t recognize him at first.What if faith isn’t just about ideas or passion, but about centering everything on Jesus?We’ll discover how: • Doubt can be part of faith and lead us deeper. • Spiritual passion is a response to God’
Devotion in Unexpected Places - Scott Wall
We reflect on Commons' commitment to shaping spiritual passion. We explore Luke's account of Jesus being anointed by a woman, contrasting it with versions in Mark, Matthew, and John. The message delves into Luke's unique perspective, highlighting Jesus' point about forgiveness and love, and poses a key question: "Do you see this woman?" We consider how we learn faith from others and the p
Doubting Thomas Deserves an Apology - Jeremy Duncan
We all know him as “Doubting Thomas”—but is that really fair? In this teaching, we take a closer look at Thomas’ story in the Gospel of John and discover: • Why nicknames in the Bible matter (and how Thomas got his) • What his name “The Twin” really means • How his doubt might actually mirror our own journey of faith • Why doubt and faith are not opposites, but twinsFrom John 11 to John 2
Keeping Time - Scott Wall
In the final installment of our "Sacred Practice" series, we explore the Christian practice of keeping time, looking at how faith works itself out in our bodies, habits, and shared experiences. We discuss the significance of the Christian calendar, the human need to mark time, and how daily, ordinary moments can become sacred. Join us as we reflect on endings and beginnings, and discover
Pilgrimage - Bobbi Salkeld
This Sunday, Bobbi explores pilgrimage as a sacred practice, distinguishing it from mere habit. She shares her personal journey to Iona, a sacred island off Scotland, and discusses the historical significance of pilgrimage in various cultures and faiths, including the Christian tradition and the Camino de Santiago.Bobbi contrasts her transformative experience in Iona with a less impactful
Journaling - Bobbi Salkeld
Welcome to Commons! In this talk, Bobbi explores journaling as a sacred practice. She discusses different approaches to journaling, including the "Line-a-Day" diary for tracking everyday life and the "Infinity Prompt" for deeper emotional processing. Bobbi also touches on the use of sketchbooks for self-reflection and the idea that journaling can be a practice not just for personal benefi
Why Do We Sing? - Jeremy Duncan
Why do humans sing — and why has singing together been a part of human culture for as long as we can remember? In this talk, we explore the surprising science, deep history, and spiritual significance of song — both inside and outside the church.We’ll cover: • Song Psychology – how music rewires the brain and shapes memory • Social Bonding – why singing together builds connection and trus
Walter Brueggemann - Jeremy Duncan
Today also marks the final week of our summer series, Reads a Classic, where we’ve reflected on the wisdom of enduring voices in the Christian tradition. We’ve learned from Hildegard of Bingen, Brother Lawrence, and Dallas Willard. And today, Jeremy explores the profound legacy of Walter Brueggemann, who passed away just weeks ago.As one of the most influential Old Testament scholars of o
Dallas Willard - Jeremy Duncan
In this week’s special episode of our S5 Reads a Classic series, we dive into the enduring wisdom of philosopher and spiritual teacher Dallas Willard. Join us as we explore his vision of Christian spiritual formation, the kingdom of God, and the slow, transformative work of grace in our lives.Whether you're new to Willard or returning to his work with fresh eyes, this sermon will challeng
Brother Lawrence - Scott Wall
Dive into Week 2 of our "Reads a Classic" series as Scott introduces us to Brother Lawrence and his timeless classic, The Practice of the Presence of God. Discover how this 17th-century lay monk found profound spiritual transformation in the ordinary, mundane tasks of daily life.Last week, Bobbi took us on a wild ride with Saint Hildegard of Bingen's Scivias—if you missed it, catch up now
Hildegard of Bingen - Bobbi Salkeld
Join Bobbi as she kicks off a new summer series, "Reads a Classic," by diving into the life and visions of Hildegard of Bingen, a remarkable 12th-century prophet and polymath. Discover Hildegard's revolutionary take on Eve, her concept of "viriditas" (holy greening power) flowing through all creation, and her profound vision of the Sapphire Man as Christ. Bobbi encourages us to embrace th
Why Cosmic Faith Must Shape Everyday Life - Jeremy Duncan
In the finale of our Colossians series, we explore Paul’s sign-off in Chapter 4—and uncover how his final greetings actually complete a sweeping movement through the letter: from the cosmic scale of Christ’s reconciliation of all things… to the gritty, intimate realities of daily life.✨ We revisit the major themes: • The Cosmic Opening: Why Paul starts in the stars to talk about daily eth
The Household Code in Colossians - Scott Wall
This sermon delves into Colossians 3:18-4:1, examining Paul's household code concerning wives, husbands, children, fathers, bondservants, and masters. It explores the ancient Greco-Roman context of these instructions, particularly the concept of the paterfamilias, and challenges traditional interpretations by highlighting Paul's radical call for Christ-like mutuality, self-emptying love,
Shalom or Bust - Bobbi Salkeld
We're exploring Colossians 3:1-17, connecting cosmic theology to practical daily living. Bobbi discusses desire, how not to live, being beloved, and pursuing shalom (peace). The message includes prayer, scripture readings, and personal stories, encouraging viewers to consider God's love and apply it to their relationships and lives.
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Faith That Heals the World - Jeremy Duncan
Is there something lacking in Christ’s suffering? Did Paul really mean that he could “fill up what is still lacking” in Jesus’ afflictions? And what does that mean for your life today?In this week’s sermon, we dive deep into Colossians chapter 2, exploring the tension between divine reconciliation and human responsibility. We wrestle with profound themes like: • “Yeah, but…” — How Paul’s
Cosmic. Personal. Jesus. - Jeremy Duncan
What does the universe have to do with your daily life?In this opening message of our new series on Colossians, we explore the mystery and depth of Paul’s poetic vision—anchored in a Christ who holds all things together.Join us as we unpack:🖋 Authorship & Literary Context – Why is Colossians such an anomaly? What do scholars say about who wrote it?📜 Ancient Christian Hymns – Is Paul q
Death and Dying - Bobbi Salkeld
Today we explore themes of death, grief, resurrection, and "small d" and "big D" death, using passages from Matthew 9. Bobbi also introduces the "Dual Process Model of Coping with Bereavement" and the "Ars Moriendi," offering practical ways to think about and prepare for death and grief.
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Is Marriage All There Is? - Bobbi Salkeld
Welcome to Commons! Today, Bobbi explores the theme of marriage and partnership in our "Strange New World" series, reflecting on how the resurrection reshapes our lives. We'll dive into what the Bible says (or doesn't say!) about relationships, Jesus' teachings, and what it means to build "pocket parks" of love in our lives. Join us as we ponder love, healing, and community in light of Ea
Why Baptism Matters - Jeremy Duncan
Baptism is more than just a ritual — it’s a layered encounter with grace that stretches from ancient Jewish practices to the earliest Christian communities. But why do we do it? And how does it shape our faith today?In this thoughtful reflection, we explore:🌊 The surprising roots of baptism in Jewish mikvah rituals✝️ How John the Baptist reimagined cleansing as repentance🙏 Why Jesus chose
What's the Church's Mission? - Scott Wall
Life is different in the light of Easter. Easter plops us into a world that is supposed to feel brand new. We’ve just experienced resurrection, after all. Shouldn’t the world be all white daisies and blue skies? Well, yes and no. The thing about living resurrection is that we live it even as we wait for it. Resurrection re-orders life with the expectation that nothing is ever really over.
The Table: Why Communion Changes Everything- Jeremy Duncan
The Table — not the cross — is the symbol Jesus chose to remember him by.In this Easter reflection, we step into the Strange New World of resurrection and explore why the Eucharist, Communion, and the Lord’s Supper have always been at the heart of Christian practice. Long before the gospels were written, before theology was fully formed, the first followers of Jesus gathered around a tabl
Resurrection is the Natural State of the Cosmos - Jeremy Duncan
Why does Easter begin with something as heartbreaking — and irreversible — as death?In this honest, layered Easter message, Jeremy shares a deeply personal reflection on parenting, grief, and the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. From losing a beloved family dog to wrestling with theological shorthand that reduces Easter to a transaction, this is an exploration of why the cross is n
A Palm Sunday - Scott Wall
On this Palm Sunday, we join the joyful chorus, shouting “Hosanna!” as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. We thank You for sending Your Son, our humble King, who comes in peace and love. As we wave our palms and lay down our cloaks, may we open our hearts to welcome him fully. Help us to follow his path of humility, service, and sacrifice. Prepare us for the journey ahea
Temptation, Evil, and God’s Kingdom- Jeremy Duncan
Today we explore the powerful conclusion to the Lord's Prayer, examining the familiar yet mysterious lines about temptation, evil, and the well-known benediction: "For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever."In this message, we unpack some fascinating questions:Why do we ask God not to lead us into temptation? Does God actually tempt us?What exactly is "the evil" we’re bei
How to Pray for Forgiveness - Jeremy Duncan
Today, we dive into one of the most challenging and profound lines from the Lord’s Prayer: "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors," or is it "trespasses"? In this powerful exploration, we unpack the deep metaphors behind "debts" and "trespasses," examining our obligations, broken boundaries, and the true possibilities of forgiveness.What happens when forgiveness feels unfair? Can
Daily Bread & Polyvagal Theory - Bobbi Salkeld
Join Bobbi from Commons Church on March 23, 2025, as she explores the powerful line from the Lord's Prayer: "Give us today our daily bread." This isn't just about physical food, but about all our needs – physical, emotional, and spiritual.In this thought-provoking talk, Bobbi delves into the historical and social context of this prayer, connecting it to the Exodus story and the concept of
Reimagining ‘Our Father’ - Jeremy Duncan
This week, we dive deep into the heart of the Lord’s Prayer—exploring what Jesus teaches us about prayer and how it can transform our spiritual lives.We begin by reflecting on Meister Eckhart's profound reminder: "If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is 'thank you,' it will be enough." With this powerful simplicity, we enter into a discussion about how the language we choos
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