Spark Cast

The closing of Ephesians encourages followers of Jesus to put on the whole armor of God, because there is a struggle against the rulers, authorities, powers, spiritual and cosmic forces. So, what are these things that we are fighting/wrestling against? They are, "structures of earthly existence," systems that need the salvation and redemption of God.

This week Pastor Tom talks on Ephesians 5, and how the Jesus Way upends the social order, a continuation of God's work in dismantling the systems that marginalize people. Through Christ, everything is brought "to the light" and we are "woken up from our sleep" to join in this work of challenging these hierarchies.

This week's news of the death of George Floyd has upended our nation. In this talk, Pastor Marcus shares honestly about the challenge of trying to live the Way of Jesus in world so full of injustice.

When the Bible talks about gifts, there are several questions we should be asking. Who are these gifts given? How are they given? And, for what purpose? In this talk, Pastor Omair addresses these inquiries and encourages us to live into the calling God has given to us all.

Be humble and gentle, patient, and bear with one another. Far beyond a mere set of moral directives, these exhortations advance the Good News in very practical and communal terms, to the actual communities living out the ethics of God's Kingdom.

The love of God set apart the early Christians from their pagan counterparts, and sets followers of Jesus apart still to this day. It is this love that transforms everything.

We have been entrusted with a great mystery, the radical and life changing message of Jesus' inclusion of those who we deemed "outsiders." We are commission to carry this message well, bringing the Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.

As we are being built into the "temple" a dwelling for God, we are challenged to tear down all the barriers that separate us, and join in the agenda of Jesus to make us all truly one.

It is possible to be alive, and yet appear as dead. And it is possible to be dead, and still be very much alive. When we are "in Christ," this is the "aliveness" that Paul is challenging and encouraging us all to embrace, and celebrate.

The Resurrection is the most central event in all of history. It has the power, once again, to bring new life today, even in the midst of pandemic.