Commons Church Podcast

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 prepare us for Christmas🌑 How the “dark nights” of waiting shape us🔒 The hidden spaces where shame, disappointment, and unanswered prayers live🌅 And the renewed hope that breaks in when God whispers, “Do not be afraid… your prayer has been heard.”If Christmas feels heavy, complicated, or lonely, this sermon reminds us: there is room for your story in the Advent story.God sees the hidden places. God hears the long-held prayers. And God meets us with light—guiding our feet back to the path of peace.🔔 Subscribe for more Advent reflections, sermons, and teaching from Commons Church. ★ Support this podcast ★

Dive into the radical Magnificat, where praise meets political power. Discover the non-competitive bond between Mary and Elizabeth, and how Mary's song echoes Hannah's words. Explore the themes of divine reversal, where the humble are uplifted, and the arrogant are brought low. Learn how Mary's revolutionary spirit foreshadows Jesus’ teachings, particularly in the Beatitudes. This thoughtful reflection encourages embracing unexpected divine arrivals and trusting the transformative patterns in our own lives.

Delve into the complexities of the Binding of Isaac as Jeremy Duncan explores its troubling themes. He uncovers the generational trauma in Abraham's family, highlighting the significance of Hagar’s story. The discussion shifts to the nuances of divine communication and the deeper understanding of obedience. Jeremy questions Abraham's motives and the lasting impact of this harrowing narrative. Ultimately, the talk aims to reshape our view of God, emphasizing compassion and mercy over sacrifice, guiding listeners toward a more profound connection with the divine.

Explore the misunderstood story of Sodom and Gomorrah, revealing God's patience and willingness to engage in honest conversation. Discover how the narrative symbolizes humanity's worst traits like greed and injustice. Learn about Abraham's bold negotiation with God, and the deeper message of relentless grace, reminding us that even the most flawed can find redemption. The discussion highlights the importance of transformative faith and invites listeners to wrestle with challenging biblical texts.

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 beyond our limited years and inviting us to live with a faith that trusts His goodness in every small, painful step. ★ Support this podcast ★

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 weighed down by regret, uncertain about what comes next, or wondered whether you can begin again — this message is for you.🕊️ Series: Big Promises, Small Steps📖 Text: Genesis 13🎙️ Speaker: Jeremy Duncan📍 Commons Church#Faith #Genesis13 #Abraham #CommonsChurch #BigPromisesSmallSteps ★ Support this podcast ★

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-scene in Genesis and its foreshadowing of the Exodus story, highlighting God's remembrance and liberation of the vulnerable. It encourages listeners to reflect on their own fears and struggles, and to find hope in God's persistent presence through life's difficulties. ★ Support this podcast ★

Pastor Jeremy Duncan delves into the story of Abraham and Sarah, showcasing how faith often begins with uncertainty and small steps. He emphasizes the significance of waiting periods in our lives, likening them to Abraham's pause in Haran. The discussion explores the reconciliation of all things through God's promises, the influence of ancient moon worship, and the courage needed to leave behind what we know. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their own transitions as sacred and purposeful moments.

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 presence. This talk invites us to see that faith is not what we think—it’s what we trust ourselves to.Join us as we explore what it means to move beyond theory and into love:Thomas and the courage to questionThe kindness of Jesus in our uncertaintyThe Spirit as God’s ongoing presence within us📖 Scripture: John 14:1–21#CommonsChurch #FaithAndDoubt #HolySpirit #JesusAtTheCentre #GroundedSeries ★ Support this podcast ★

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. Discover the four ancient practices that guided the early church – devotion to apostles' teaching, breaking bread, prayer, and koinonia (fellowship) – and how these practices practically tie us to the world.Learn about the Jewish roots of participation, remembering the call to take care of others as seen in Deuteronomy 15. The sermon beautifully illustrates how churches, as holy places, invite us to participate in something mysterious, ancient, and collaborative, ultimately leading to the renewal of all creation. ★ Support this podcast ★