Commons Church Podcast

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 everyday life is good enough for God.The Titles: A look at the layered, powerful titles given to the Christ child—Savior, Messiah, Lord—and how to connect them to your personal struggles and needs today.The Gloria's Embrace: An unpacking of the ancient hymn, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests," arguing that God's favor and peace are spacious enough to pull everyone in, seeking both the lowly and the high-riding.Ultimately, this message is a reminder that Christmas is about our "glorious humanity" being given back to us, finding the extraordinary packed into a simple, ordinary life. ★ Support this 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 ★

"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 Magnificat is a fierce, political song that declares God sides with the humble and marginalized, scattering the arrogant and pulling down the mighty.Like Mother, Like Son: The striking connection between Mary's song and the later words of Jesus, including the Beatitudes, showing that he "sounds a lot like her."Join us as we contemplate the mystery of the Incarnation—God arriving in unexpected ways—and learn to trust the pattern of the Magnificat reversal in our own lives. ★ Support this podcast ★

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 story isn’t blind obedience?What if God is inviting Abraham—and us—into a deeper understanding of divine goodness?And what does this story reveal about the God who ultimately leads us toward compassion, justice, and the Christ who shows us God’s true heart?Join us as we wrestle with:• The God Who Sees• The God Who Tests• The Fallout• The Second Question• And how this ancient story reshapes our imagination of GodIf you’ve ever struggled with this passage, you’re not alone. This sermon offers a thoughtful, hopeful path forward. ★ Support this podcast ★

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 invites us into courageous, honest conversation. Far from depicting a capricious or vindictive deity, the narrative highlights God’s patience, justice, and surprising willingness to engage with human questions.We also explore what the Bible itself says about “the sin of Sodom”—drawing from Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Jesus, and Jude—to show that this story has never been a single-issue judgment. Instead, Scripture portrays Sodom as a symbol of humanity’s worst impulses: arrogance, injustice, greed, violence, exploitation, and the refusal to welcome the stranger.Most importantly, we confront the story’s deeper message: that it is extraordinarily hard to remove yourself from the reach of God’s grace. Even the worst city imaginable could have been saved for the sake of ten righteous people. Judgment is real, but God’s compassion is relentless—and the entire Abraham narrative points us toward a God whose primary posture is not power, but love.If you’ve ever wrestled with hard texts, struggled with the idea of God’s judgment, or wondered what these ancient stories mean for a life of faith today, this teaching will help you see Sodom and Gomorrah in a new light. ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★

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 knowing where they’re going.Through themes like “When the Moon Hits Your Eye,” “Stuck in the Middle with You,” and “Everything We Leave Behind,” this sermon invites us to reflect on the slow, unfolding nature of faith — and the ways God meets us in our pauses, transitions, and in-between spaces.Maybe you’re in your own “Haran” moment — waiting, wondering, unsure what’s next. This message will remind you that even when the surface is still, sacred work is happening beneath your feet.📖 Scripture: Genesis 11–12🎙 Speaker: Jeremy Duncan🏛 Series: Big Promises, Small Steps (Week 1)📍 Recorded at Commons Church, Calgary➡️ Subscribe to hear more teaching from Commons Church.🌐 Learn more: commonschurch.org#Abraham #Sarah #Genesis #FaithJourney #CommonsChurch #SermonSeries #BigPromisesSmallSteps #BibleStory #Faith #Jesus ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★

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, giving your cloak, and walking the extra mile reveal a radical third way of nonviolent resistance • Why following Jesus invites us to courage, honesty, and reconciliation in our relationships, our communities, and our world📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:9, 38–45🎧 Listen on our podcast: commons.church/podcast🌐 Find resources (sermon notes, liturgy, prayers): commons.church/sundaysIf you’ve wrestled with conflict—in marriage, friendships, politics, or global issues—this message will challenge and encourage you to imagine a world more like heaven.👉 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more teaching and conversation from Commons Church. ★ Support this podcast ★

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’s grace, not a way to earn it. • Jesus is at the centre of Scripture and the story of our lives.This message invites us to reframe our doubts, our passion, and our faith journey with Jesus as the heart of it all.📍 Commons Church is a Jesus-centered community in Calgary, Alberta.Learn more at: commons.church ★ Support this 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 ★

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 20, Thomas shows us that faith isn’t about certainty—it’s about trust, risk, and the courage to keep following Jesus even when we’re unsure.If you’ve ever wrestled with questions, wondered if doubt disqualifies you, or longed for proof that God’s promises are real—this message is for you.📖 Scripture explored: John 11, John 14, John 20🙏 Subscribe for more teaching, encouragement, and honest conversations about faith. ★ Support this podcast ★

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 how time, through Christ's example and community, ultimately keeps us. ★ Support this podcast ★

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 visit to Fatima, Portugal, highlighting the difference between being a pilgrim and a tourist. The talk also delves into labyrinths as an accessible form of pilgrimage, emphasizing their embodied, symbolic, and enjoyable nature, and encourages listeners to seek out local labyrinths for their own spiritual journeys.The sermon concludes by reflecting on the idea that while intentional pilgrimages are valuable, some of the most profound spiritual encounters can happen unexpectedly in everyday life. Drawing from Hebrews 12, Bobbi encourages listeners to approach life with the light and persevering spirit of a pilgrim, keeping their eyes fixed on Jesus, the "pioneer and perfecter of faith." The ultimate message is that whether planned or spontaneous, pilgrimage is a path that always leads us home to God. ★ Support this podcast ★

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 benefit, but also for the good of others. This discussion is part of the "Sacred Practice" series, which encourages Christians to engage with various spiritual disciplines. ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★

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 our time, Brueggemann taught us how to read the scriptures not just for what they say, but for what they imagine—how they invite us to resist empires, lament honestly, and hope boldly.In this teaching, we explore:🌀 Brueggemann’s life and theological contributions📚 What it means to read scripture with prophetic imagination🏛️ The symbolism of Egypt and Pharaoh as recurring empires in our world🌊 A poetic re-reading of the Exodus and Red Sea crossing💭 The dangers of self-deception, the lure of control, and the power of lament✊ The invitation to imagine Church as an alternative community for justice and compassionWhether you’re deeply familiar with Brueggemann’s work or hearing his name for the first time, this is a powerful conversation on how scripture—when read poetically—can shake us from numbness and awaken new ways forward.👇 Who are the voices that have shaped your faith? Drop your “classic reads” in the comments—we’d love to hear them!#CommonsChurch #ReadsAClassic #WalterBrueggemann #PropheticImagination #Exodus #SpiritualFormation #Theology #Justice #PoetryInScripture ★ Support this podcast ★