Commons Church 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.

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 community

From 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

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 compassion

Whether 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

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 challenge and encourage you to rethink discipleship not as mere behavior modification, but as inner transformation rooted in the love of Jesus.

🕊️ Expect insight, reflection, and a thoughtful conversation about the kind of life Jesus invites us into—deeply formed, fully alive, and attuned to the presence of God in ordinary moments.

🎧 Listen in. Take notes. Share with a friend.

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! This week, we explore Brother Lawrence's revolutionary approach to faith, emphasizing "holy freedom" and finding divine connection in every aspect of life, from preparing meals to cleaning dishes.

Learn how Lawrence's concept of a "general fond regard to God" can free us from restrictive spiritual practices and invite us to see God's presence saturating the world. We'll also unpack the fascinating story behind The Practice of the Presence of God, a book published posthumously and seemingly against Lawrence's wishes—a testament to the power of meaningful conversations and shared wisdom.

This message is for anyone navigating a polarized culture, facing physical limitations, or simply seeking to infuse their daily work with deeper meaning. Brother Lawrence reminds us that every mundane task, done in love, can mirror Christ's daily efforts to join God in what God is already doing.

Key Themes:
Brother Lawrence & The Practice of the Presence of God
Finding God in the Ordinary
Holy Freedom in Spiritual Practice
Divine Connection in Friendship & Daily Life
The Spirituality of Work
Overcoming Spiritual Frustration

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 the "strength of small changes" and find God's "viriditas" in our everyday lives. Tune in for a sermon that will spark curiosity and encourage participation in God's healing and greening work!

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 ethics.
 • Our Desires and Contributions: How our wants shape the world—and how to reshape them.
 • Household Codes (and Their Subversion): Reading Paul’s commands through a lens of mutuality and reconciliation.
 • Bringing It Home: How the grand story of the universe lands in something as ordinary as greetings and gratitude.

🔍 Along the way, Jeremy draws connections to his book Dirt and Stardust, exploring what it means to be both grounded and illuminated—salt of the earth and light of the cosmos. You’ll hear reflections on slavery, submission, justice, and the surprising relevance of Paul’s personal roll call to our lives today.

🧂 Live lives seasoned with salt.
🕊️ Be grateful. Be hopeful. Be wise.

Subscribe for more teaching rooted in Scripture, justice, and lived faith.
📖 Series Playlist: [link to playlist if available]
📚 Learn more about Dirt and Stardust: [link to book if available]

#Colossians #FaithAndJustice #ChristianTeaching #DirtAndStardust #CosmicChrist #MutualSubmission #BibleSeries #PaulineLetters #NewTestament

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, and an end to harshness within relationships. The message encourages listeners to consider how these ancient words can inspire healthier, more equitable, and compassionate relationships in the 21st century, even when facing relational ambivalence or societal norms that differ from the past. Discover how faith can lead us to "go further" in embodying the transformative love of Jesus in our daily lives.

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.

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 writing balances cosmic hope with real-world warnings
 • Mystical Union — What it means to participate in Christ’s ongoing work
 • The Limits of Religion — Why rule-following can’t transform your heart
 • Driving It Home — How the gospel takes root in daily life, not just cosmic theology

You’ll also hear a lighthearted story about parenting and mansplaining that grounds these deep spiritual truths in everyday moments.

This is a message for anyone wondering how to live out their faith with authenticity, courage, and cosmic imagination.

👉 Subscribe and join us weekly as we journey through scripture, theology, and the beauty of everyday life in Christ.

📖 Scripture Focus: Colossians 1:24–2:23
🎙 Speaker: Jeremy Duncan, Lead Pastor at Commons Church
📍 Learn more about us at: commons.church

#Colossians #MysticalUnion #Jesus #Gospel #FaithAndWorks #ChristInYou #ChurchOnline #CommonsChurch #BibleTeaching