Commons Church Podcast

This discussion dives into the poignant themes of death and resurrection through personal stories, including the loss of a family pet. It challenges the conventional portrayal of the cross, portraying it instead as a source of grace rather than anger. The conversation addresses the complexities of explaining these themes to children, urging listeners to confront their own struggles and seek renewal. Ultimately, it emphasizes the transformative power of hope and community, inviting all to embrace a future shaped by peace and forgiveness.

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 ahead, through the joy and the sorrow, leading us to the promise of resurrection.May our lives reflect his light and love. In the strong name of the risen Christ, we pray.Amen.Make It ★ Support this podcast ★

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 being delivered from? Is it the devil, or something closer to home?Where did the popular benediction at the end of the prayer originate, and why isn't it included in all biblical manuscripts?Discover the rich historical roots of the Lord's Prayer and its early usage in the ancient text known as the Didache, along with how early Christian communities shaped this prayer we still recite today.Join us as we delve deep into practical and spiritual insights, exploring how this prayer shapes our understanding of God, community, and our role in transforming the world around us. Learn how Jesus invites us not to simply resist temptation but to actively refuse to remain in a world of brokenness and injustice.Subscribe and journey with us into a deeper understanding of prayer, faith, and what it truly means to live out God's kingdom on earth.#LordsPrayer #Prayer #ChristianLiving #BibleStudy #Temptation #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianHistory #KingdomOfGod #FaithCommunity #PracticalFaith ★ Support this podcast ★

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 we forgive even when we've been intentionally hurt? And how do we navigate forgiveness in everyday relationships—especially when it involves unmet expectations and subtle hurts?Join us as we share relatable personal stories, like navigating family fairness during spring break, and uncover how Jesus teaches us about forgiveness, fairness, and the transformative power of grace. Learn the difference between debts (ophlei-mata) and trespasses (paraptoma) and discover how these metaphors shape our understanding of sin, obligation, and community.We'll discuss:The original meaning behind "debts" and "trespasses" in the Lord’s PrayerHow Jesus' teaching reshapes our approach to forgivenessPractical insights into managing forgiveness in personal and communal relationshipsWhy forgiveness is essential—not just spiritually—but emotionally and relationallyWhether you've struggled with forgiving others, forgiving yourself, or understanding the divine dynamics of forgiveness, this message offers fresh insights and real-world applications.Subscribe and join us in this meaningful journey toward a life marked by grace, healing, and hope.#Forgiveness #LordsPrayer #ChristianLiving #BibleStudy #Relationships #Grace #Healing #FaithCommunity #JesusTeaching #SpiritualGrowth ★ Support this podcast ★

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 Sabbath rest. She shares personal reflections on her own prayer journey and the many forms prayer can take.What makes this message truly unique is the integration of Polyvagal Theory. Bobbi explains the three systems of survival – freeze, fight/flight, and social engagement – and how they relate to our ability to trust and have our needs met. Discover how our bodies are designed for connection and collaboration in receiving what we need, and how this ties into the act of prayer.We'll explore different interpretations of "daily bread," from literal sustenance to a metaphor for a new kind of tomorrow. Plus, hear prayers from various traditions, including the First Nations Version of the New Testament.Whether you're new to prayer or have been practicing for years, this message will offer fresh insights and a deeper understanding of how prayer connects us to God and to each other.Key Points:The Lord's Prayer and "daily bread"Historical and social context of prayerPersonal prayer journeys and different prayer formsPolyvagal Theory and its connection to trust and needsCommunity and collaboration in meeting needsDifferent prayer traditionsDon't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more messages from Commons Church!Sign up for our newsletter: commons.church/newsletterLearn more about our Annual General Meeting: commons.church/agm#Prayer #PolyvagalTheory #Lent #DailyBread #CommonsChurch #Sermon #Christianity #Faith #Spirituality #Jesus ★ Support this podcast ★

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 choose in prayer shapes our relationship with God and one another.Today’s sermon invites us to explore:Prayerful Adjectives: Why the attributes we assign to God matter deeply.Parental Figures: Understanding the familial language Jesus uses—beyond traditional gender binaries—to ground our prayers in shared community.Our Shared Reality: Recognizing prayer as an expression of unity, reminding us that God belongs to all of us.Newborn Desires: How aligning our desires with God's transforms not just our prayers but our lives.Ultimately, this message encourages us to reimagine prayer as sacred conversation—where we are fully known, completely safe, and unconditionally loved. It's a space where authenticity meets divine embrace.Join us as we rediscover prayer as a profound act of trust, solidarity, and hope. May this teaching encourage you to see yourself and the world through the compassionate eyes of our collective Father. ★ Support this podcast ★

🙏 What if prayer isn’t what you thought? 🙏If you’ve ever struggled with prayer, you’re not alone. Is it worship, wishful thinking, or something we say to make life better? Today, we’re diving into what prayer really means by exploring Jesus’ surprising critique of hypocrites, publicists, and pagans, as well as a hilarious yet heartfelt prayer from Tina Fey’s Bossypants.We’ll unpack how prayer can be humorous, deeply honest, and profoundly human—all at once. Maybe prayer was never meant to be a formula, performance, or tool for divine manipulation. Maybe Jesus’ famous prayer—the one you’ve heard a thousand times—was always meant to teach us more about ourselves than about how to impress God.Join us as we reimagine prayer together, laughing, reflecting, and rediscovering a practice that might just be bigger—and simpler—than we’ve ever imagined.Let’s talk about how to pray—and why honesty matters more than perfection.Subscribe & join us for the rest of this series!#Prayer #TheLordsPrayer #Spirituality #HonestFaith #CommonsChurch ★ Support this podcast ★

Today, we dive deep into one of the most pivotal and tragic moments in the story of David—the moment where everything shifts. We’ll explore:✅ War for the sake of war✅ Rooftop encounters and unchecked power✅ Like father, like son—how brokenness repeats✅ Learning the lessons before it’s too lateBefore we begin, a content warning: this episode deals with themes of sexual assault and violence. I’ll handle these topics with care, but if you need to skip this one for your well-being, I completely understand.We often hear the famous phrase: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” But have we considered the full quote?“Great men are almost always bad men… still more so when you superadd the certainty of corruption by authority.”David’s life is the perfect case study. Once a humble shepherd, a warrior with integrity, a man after God’s own heart—his rise to power was meteoric. But once he sat on the throne, something changed. Power reshaped him. His choices had devastating consequences, not just for himself, but for his family and his nation.This is a story of how small compromises turn into tragic collapses. How sin, left unchecked, doesn’t just hurt us—it ripples through generations. And perhaps most importantly, it forces us to ask: What am I overlooking in my own life?Because if we celebrate the victories of David while ignoring his downfall, we risk walking the same path.🔔 Subscribe for more deep-dive explorations of Scripture.👍 Like and share if this message speaks to you.💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments—what stands out to you in David’s story?#David #BibleStudy #Faith #PowerAndCorruption #OldTestament #LessonsFromHistory ★ Support this podcast ★

In the fifth sermon in our Becoming King series David finally becomes king! Bobbi takes us through the beginning of David’s kingship and the questions that surround his ascension.Becoming King: David is anointed by the elders of Israel and finally made king. He’s got everything a king could want, power, riches, and God on his side. However, Bobbi shows us that David’s meteoric rise to power brings with it questions like, what will the future hold for someone who seemingly has it all? What insecurities will come about for someone who has secured everything? And, what has been left behind in the process of David’s success?Priest Things: David attempts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His first attempt ended in the death of a man named Uzzah. During his second attempt, David takes on a more priestly role by following instructions outlined in the law, wearing a garment of a priest, and by offering sacrifices along the way to Jerusalem. These are the tools that Bobbi named that equip us to be priests for ourselves and the world: eucharist and baptism, liturgical seasons and community life, scripture and prayer.Everything You Ever Wanted: Once the Ark is settled in a tent in Jerusalem David finally rests in his palace, free from his enemies. He Inquires of Nathan the prophet about building a House for God. God instructs Nathan to tell David otherwise. The House of God will not be built during David’s reign, but instead, it will be built during his son Solomon’s reign. What God wants David to remember is that it was God who brought him to this point, and it will be God who will builds the House of David, establishing David’s family as part of God’s everlasting kingdom—planting a seed of messianic hope.David Prays: David is reminded of how God’s presence had been woven throughout his life. David reflects on Nathan’s words with a prayer, reminding us to take account of our lives and where we are headed. Bobbi encourages us to reckon with our current situation and pay attention to God’s involvement. Like David, we are meant to commune with God more. Even when you have it all - there’s more to have - there’s always a deeper meaning to find. ★ Support this podcast ★

This week, we’re revisiting the story of David—but through the lens of his deep and loyal friendship with Jonathan. It’s complicated: Jonathan is the son of Saul, the very man trying to kill David, and David is married to Saul’s daughter. Talk about family drama!We’ll explore themes of paranoia, uncertainty, friendship, and honesty—and what they reveal about Saul’s growing insecurity and David’s unwavering bond with Jonathan.Along the way, we’ll unpack:✅ Why Saul’s paranoia led to his downfall✅ How Hebrew poetry shapes our understanding of this story✅ What David & Jonathan’s friendship teaches us about real intimacy✅ Why true friends don’t just hype you up—they tell you the hard truthsAnd yes, we’ll even talk about why it’s so hard to say “I love you” to a friend—and how social media has changed the way we express closeness.Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the Bible’s most powerful friendships. Hit play, and let’s explore together!#DavidAndJonathan #BiblicalFriendship #Saul #Faith #BibleStudy #HonestFriendships ★ Support this podcast ★