Commons Church Podcast

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 particularity of our own spiritual journeys, emphasizing that our passions make our community and the world brighter. This reflection on Luke 7:36-47 encourages us to embrace grace and recognize the diverse forms of devotion in our lives. ★ Support this podcast ★

Is Doubting Thomas really deserving of that label? This discussion dives into why nicknames in the Bible matter and what Thomas' name, 'The Twin,' means. It reveals how his doubts can reflect our own struggles with faith. Rather than seeing doubt as the opposite of faith, the conversation illustrates how both can coexist. It emphasizes trust, risk, and the courage to follow Jesus, even amid uncertainty. A refreshing look at how questions and doubts can shape a strong spiritual journey.

Scott Wall, a speaker known for his insightful reflections on faith, dives into the significance of keeping time within a Christian framework. He uncovers how the liturgical calendar enriches community spirituality and transforms ordinary moments into sacred experiences. Exploring timekeeping's historical roots across cultures, he highlights its evolution through neuroscience. Wall encourages embracing rhythms of faith and communal practices, ultimately revealing how God's presence can be found in the everyday journey of life.

In this enlightening conversation, Bobbi Salkeld, a speaker at Commons Church, shares her profound insights on pilgrimage as a sacred practice. Drawing from her transformative journey to Iona, she contrasts the essence of being a pilgrim versus a tourist. Bobbi highlights the historical significance of pilgrimage across cultures and introduces labyrinths as a joyful means of spiritual exploration. She encourages listeners to find wonder in both planned journeys and the everyday moments that lead us closer to God.

In this enlightening discussion, Bobbi Salkeld, a passionate speaker at Commons Church, dives into journaling as a sacred practice. She explores unique approaches like the 'Line-a-Day' diary for everyday tracking and the 'Infinity Prompt' for deep emotional reflection. Bobbi emphasizes journaling's transformative power not just for personal growth, but also for communal healing. Drawing connections between expressive writing and spirituality, she invites listeners to embrace self-reflection as a vital tool for connection with themselves and their communities.

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 trust • Neural Pathways – what happens in your brain when you sing • Healing & Wellbeing – how singing boosts mood, reduces stress, and strengthens communityFrom ancient evolutionary debates (Pinker vs. Darwin) to the earliest Christian hymns, from Frozen earworms to Paul’s letters in the New Testament — you’ll see how music has always been more than just entertainment.Whether you’re a trained vocalist or someone who can’t hold a tune, you’ll discover why singing is one of the most human things you can do… and why you should probably do it more often.📖 Scripture references: Ephesians 5:18–20, Colossians 3:15–16, James 5:13🎶 Historical note: The 3rd-century Oxyrhynchus Hymn — one of the oldest pieces of Christian music ever recorded.If this inspires you, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more thoughtful explorations of faith, life, and culture.#WhyWeSing #NeuroscienceOfMusic #FaithAndSong #Christianity #WorshipMusic #MusicAndFaith #SocialBonding #HealingThroughMusic ★ Support this podcast ★

This insightful conversation delves into the profound legacy of Walter Brueggemann, highlighting themes of prophetic imagination and the power of scripture to inspire justice. Listeners explore the symbolism of Pharaoh in the Exodus narrative, reflecting on contemporary issues of oppression. The dangers of self-deception and the importance of lamentation are emphasized as tools for envisioning change. With a poetic lens, the discussion encourages imagining the Church as a compassionate community, urging a deepened understanding of faith and societal challenges.

Dive into the transformative wisdom of Dallas Willard as the hosts explore spiritual formation and the kingdom of God. They encourage a shift from mere behavior modification to deep inner transformation through Jesus' love. The discussion reinterprets the Beatitudes, challenging traditional views and emphasizing present fulfillment in discipleship. Listeners are invited to embrace the idea of 'Poverty of Spirit' and recognize that those perceived as inadequate are truly blessed. Delve into the unconditional nature of divine love and the importance of community in spiritual growth.

Scott Wall, a speaker at Commons Church, leads the conversation on Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk whose work, The Practice of the Presence of God, emphasizes finding spirituality in everyday tasks. They explore the concept of 'holy freedom' in faith, illustrating how mundane acts like cooking can become sacred when done in love. By fostering genuine connections and spiritual awareness, Brother Lawrence's teachings inspire listeners to infuse their daily lives with deeper meaning, transforming ordinary routines into opportunities for divine encounters.

Explore the extraordinary life of Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th-century visionary whose insights on Eve and the concept of 'viriditas' highlight her revolutionary spirit. Discover her mystical vision of the Sapphire Man and how it reflects profound theological teachings. The discussion encourages listeners to recognize divine presence in everyday moments, emphasizing the beauty of nature and personal connections. Embrace the greening power of God and cultivate gratitude as a path to spiritual renewal.