Commons Church Podcast

A Surprising Way Forward - Scott Wall 01.06.2026 31Min.

How does faith change us over time?In Acts 10, Peter encounters a vision that challenges everything he thought he knew about who belongs, who is welcome, and how God works in the world. As he meets Cornelius—a Roman centurion and outsider to Israel's covenant story—the early church discovers that the Spirit of God is already moving beyond the boundaries they assumed were fixed.This message explores slippery slopes, spiritual growth, unexpected relationships, and the surprising truth that transformation is normal in the Christian life. What if the Spirit is at work in places, people, and experiences you never expected?📖 Scripture: Acts 10:1–45In this teaching, we explore:Why Peter's vision was so shockingHow spiritual growth often happens graduallyThe role relationships play in transforming our theologyWhat it means that Jesus is "Lord of all"How the Spirit continually pushes beyond our assumptionsCommons Church exists to create space for spirituality, curiosity, and community. We'd love to connect with you.🔗 Learn more: https://commons.church📍 Calgary, Alberta, Canada#Acts10 #CommonsChurch #ChristianFaith #SpiritualGrowth #BibleTeaching #PeterAndCornelius #HolySpirit #Theology #Church #Sermon ★ Support this podcast ★

Courageous Witness - Yelena Pakhomova 25.05.2026 27Min.

What gives ordinary people the courage to speak truth, resist fear, and remain hopeful in a fractured world?In Acts 4 and 5, the early church faces its first wave of persecution after Peter and John heal a man at the temple gates and boldly proclaim the resurrection of Jesus. Confronted by powerful religious leaders, threatened, imprisoned, and punished, the apostles discover that true power is not found in coercion or control, but in resurrection, community, and the Spirit of God.In this sermon, Yelena explores:• Why the message of Jesus provoked opposition• What Acts teaches us about power and courage• How community helps us face fear• Why joy can still exist in suffering• What it means to live nonviolently and faithfully todayWhether you’re wrestling with fear, longing for deeper community, or trying to live with integrity in a divided world, this conversation invites us to become people of courageous witness together.Scripture: Acts 4–5Commons ChurchLove God. Love People. Tell the Story. ★ Support this podcast ★

Peter’s First Sermon Changed Everything - Jeremy Duncan 17.05.2026 30Min.

What if the judgement of God looks nothing like we imagined?In Acts 2 we step into Peter’s first sermon after Pentecost—the moment the church begins to find its voice. But instead of fear, vengeance, or religious certainty, Peter announces something radically different: resurrection changes everything.Together we explore:- The real miracle of Pentecost- Why not everyone recognizes new movements of God- “Your sons and daughters will prophesy” and the expansiveness of the Spirit- The Day of the Lord reinterpreted through Jesus- Resurrection as God’s victory over violence and death- Why Peter sees the cross not as divine punishment, but divine participationThis is the story of a church learning to see the world differently in the light of Christ.Scripture: Acts 2 Commons Church — Calgary, Alberta ★ Support this podcast ★

Moving Forward When God Feels Silent - Bobbi Salkeld 10.05.2026 29Min.

What do you do when the future feels uncertain, God feels quiet, and the old season is clearly over?In Acts 1–2, the early church finds itself in that exact moment — caught between resurrection and Pentecost, between promise and fulfillment, between what was and what will be. And somehow, in the waiting, God is already moving.This week at Commons Church, we explore how faith often begins not with certainty, but with trust in the middle of transition.—📍 Commons Church🌐 https://commons.church📷 Instagram: @commons.church#Acts #BibleTeaching #ChurchOnline #Faith #HolySpirit #CommonsChurch ★ Support this podcast ★

Love That Actually Lasts - Jeremy Duncan 03.05.2026 32Min.

What if the real miracle of love isn’t finding the right person—but becoming the kind of person who can stay?In this final message of The Miraculous series, we explore the ancient story of Ruth and uncover a vision of love that goes far beyond romance. This is a story about commitment, community, and the quiet, steady work of choosing one another—again and again.From friendships to family, from social responsibility to romantic connection, love is revealed as something we build, not something we stumble into. And maybe, just maybe, it’s this kind of love that holds everything together.✨ If love is more than a feeling… what does it look like to practice it this week?—Commons ChurchCalgary, AlbertaMore messages: commons.church/watch ★ Support this podcast ★

Can Coincidences Be Miracles? - Jeremy Duncan 26.04.2026 31Min.

What if the most meaningful moments in your life aren’t random at all?In this talk, we explore a surprising story from Acts 8—the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian traveler—and ask a simple but unsettling question: Can coincidence be a miracle?Rather than focusing on miracles as interruptions of nature, this message reframes the miraculous as something formed over time—through attentiveness, presence, and the kind of person we are becoming. Maybe the miracle isn’t just in the moment things come together… but in the quiet ways our lives are shaped to notice those moments at all.From desert roads to everyday conversations, this is an invitation to rediscover wonder—not in spectacle, but in the ordinary intersections of our lives.If you’ve ever wondered where God is in the middle of your everyday routines, this conversation is for you.📖 Scripture: Acts 8:26–40📍 Commons Church, Calgary🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on faith, culture, and the way of Jesus ★ Support this podcast ★

Storm, The Silence, and the Question of God - Scott Wall 19.04.2026 29Min.

What do you do when it feels like God is asleep in the middle of your storm?In this reflection on Mark 4:35–41, we explore one of Jesus’ most well-known miracles—the calming of the sea—and wrestle with what it reveals about fear, faith, and the nature of God. Is the miracle about power…or presence?This Eastertide message invites you to move beyond what God can do and toward who God is—especially in the moments when life feels overwhelming.Question for reflection:How have the challenges in your life shaped your view of God? ★ Support this podcast ★

The Miraculous Universe - Jeremy Duncan 12.04.2026 33Min.

What if miracles aren’t rare interruptions of reality—but the very fabric of it?In this opening message of our Miraculous series, we explore the deep connection between faith, science, and the nature of existence itself. From Genesis to the Big Bang, from quarks to galaxies, this conversation invites us to rethink what we mean when we say “God.”Maybe the greatest miracle isn’t when the rules break…Maybe it’s that anything exists at all.This is a call to wake up—to wonder, to relationship, and to the sacred reality holding everything together.#Faith #Science #Miracles #TheUniverse #Sermon ★ Support this podcast ★

You’re Not Who You Think You Are | Easter - Jeremy Duncan 05.04.2026 25Min.

We all know the story of the prodigal son… or at least we think we do.This Easter message explores one of Jesus’ most famous parables—and reveals the surprising twist we often miss. What if the story isn’t just about a rebellious younger son… but also about the older brother standing outside the party?And what if Easter is the announcement that God is still coming after both?This sermon traces the movement from lost sheep, to lost coin, to lost sons—and ultimately to a God whose grace refuses to give up on anyone.Because the real question isn’t whether we’ve been lost…It’s whether we’re ready to be found.📖 Luke 15🎥 Recorded at Commons Church#Easter #ProdigalSon #Grace #Jesus #Church #Faith ★ Support this podcast ★

The Unjust Judge, Palm Sunday, and the Peace We Miss - Jeremy Duncan 29.03.2026 26Min.

Palm Sunday is full of celebration—but also confusion.In this message, we hold together two powerful moments:• The parable of the unjust judge (Luke 18)• Jesus’ quiet, subversive entry into JerusalemTogether, they reveal something surprising about God:Grace doesn’t always look like justice.And peace doesn’t always come the way we expect.As we step into Holy Week, this teaching invites us to reconsider what we’re hoping for—and whether we’re ready for the kind of kingdom Jesus actually brings.🙏 A reflection on prayer, persistence, and faith🌿 A different way to understand Palm Sunday🕊️ A call to recognize the peace we often miss ★ Support this podcast ★

The Mustard Seed Isn’t What You Think - Jeremy Duncan 22.03.2026 28Min.

We’ve all heard that the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed—small beginnings, big results. But what if that’s not actually the point?In this message, we explore one of Jesus’ most familiar parables and uncover the twist we often miss. The kingdom of God doesn’t just grow—it shows up in unexpected places, disrupts our assumptions, and welcomes the people we might overlook.Through the story of a healing on the Sabbath and a strange little seed planted in the wrong place, we’re invited to rethink what grace really looks like.What if the kingdom isn’t about power or perfection… but presence, disruption, and radical inclusion?📍Commons Church📅 Part of our Parables of Grace series#ParablesOfJesus #MustardSeed #Grace #Sermon #KingdomOfGod ★ Support this podcast ★

Shameless Audacity - Jeremy Duncan 15.03.2026 29Min.

What if prayer isn’t about convincing God to listen?In Luke 11, Jesus tells a strange story about a neighbour who refuses to help in the middle of the night. At first glance, it sounds like a lesson about persistence—keep knocking until God finally answers. But a closer look reveals something deeper.In this message from our Parables of Grace series, we explore the story often called The Unhelpful Friend and discover that Jesus isn’t teaching us to badger God into responding. Instead, he invites us into a posture of shameless audacity—standing before God without fear, calculation, or shame.Prayer isn’t a transaction.It’s an act of trust.Join us as we explore:• Why Jesus answers questions with stories• Our human desire for predictable formulas in faith• The difference between persistence and audacity in prayer• What it means to approach God without shameScripture: Luke 11:1–8If you’d like to learn more about Commons Church, visit:https://commons.church#prayer #Luke11 #ParablesOfGrace #JesusTeaching #Faith ★ Support this podcast ★

The Prison of Unforgiveness - Scott Wall 09.03.2026 32Min.

Unpack the profound challenge of limitless forgiveness in Jesus's Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35).When Peter asks how many times he must forgive his brother, Jesus sets the bar: not seven times, but seventy-seven times—a hyperbolic instruction for no cap on forgiveness. This parable, the capstone of a teaching series on community dynamics, focuses on the vast contrast between the king’s audacious cancellation of an unpayable debt (a "gajillion dollars") and the first servant's brutal insistence on collecting a small one (two to three months wages).This teaching exposes how difficult it is to resist exacting every claim we are owed. While the parable’s severe ending can be jarring, we look at the limits of the metaphor: Jesus is not formulating a theology of eternal retribution, but painting a picture of the self-chosen prison of unforgiveness. Unforgiveness can become the "debt that keeps us locked up".Ultimately, the story reveals a king moved by splagxnizomai—a deep, guttural, overwhelming compassion. It reminds us that God, who acts an awful lot like Jesus, uses grace instead of punishment to change our hearts.This is the third message in our "Parables of Grace" series. Catch up on the previous messages on the Good Samaritan and the Lost Sheep! ★ Support this podcast ★

Lost Sheep & Unreasonable Grace - Jeremy Duncan 01.03.2026 28Min.

What did Jesus really mean when He said the shepherd leaves the 99 to find the one?In this message from Luke 15:1–7, we explore the Parable of the Lost Sheep — one of the most well-known teachings of Jesus — and uncover the scandal, absurdity, and beauty of grace.This isn’t just a comforting story about being rescued. It’s a disruptive story about a God whose love defies social norms, economic logic, and religious expectations.In this sermon, we explore:Why the religious leaders were uncomfortable with JesusThe social pressure of belonging and “normal” faithThe economics of grace (why leaving the 99 makes no sense)Whether we are the lost sheep… the 99… or invited to become like the shepherdWhat radical grace means in a polarized worldJesus doesn’t offer a technical theological argument here.He offers a story that forces us to ask:👉 What is God actually like?👉 Who gets left outside?👉 And what if grace is far more unreasonable than we’re comfortable with?Whether you’ve felt lost, left out, written off — or whether you’ve struggled with who belongs — this parable speaks directly to us.Scripture: Luke 15:1–7Series: Parables of Grace—If this message resonates with you, consider subscribing for more teachings exploring the radical grace and upside-down kingdom of Jesus.#LostSheep #Luke15 #ParablesOfJesus #Grace #ChristianSermon #BibleTeaching #ChurchOnline #Jesus #Faith #RadicalGrace ★ Support this podcast ★

The Good Samaritan (But Not the Way You Think) - Jeremy Duncan 22.02.2026 31Min.

In this first message of our Parables of Grace series, we revisit one of the most familiar stories Jesus ever told—the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37).But what if we’ve been asking the wrong question?When a lawyer asks Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” he’s really asking where the line is—who qualifies for his time, compassion, and responsibility. Jesus responds with a story that doesn’t just redefine “neighbor.” It reframes the entire conversation.This sermon explores:What Jesus meant by “eternal life” (and why it’s not just about life after death)How status, identity, and tribal thinking shrink our worldWhy the priest and Levite aren’t villains—but mirrorsHow grace begins when we expand our definition of who belongsThe Good Samaritan isn’t just about helping someone in a ditch. It’s about waking up to the kind of life that “outruns death”—the life of the age to come—starting right now.If you’ve ever wondered where you draw the line around compassion… this story invites you to move it.—📖 Scripture: Luke 10:25–37⛪ Commons Church | Calgary🔔 Subscribe for more teaching from our Parables of Grace series ★ Support this podcast ★

The Armour of God Is Not What You Think - Jeremy Duncan 15.02.2026 32Min.

What if the “battle” you’re facing isn’t against the people you think it is?In this final message of our If/Then series through Ephesians, we unpack Paul’s famous “armour of God” passage — and discover it’s far less about spiritual aggression and far more about communal resilience, subversive grace, and the way of peace.If Christ reigns… then how should we live?Together we explore:Why unity is central to the Christian lifeHow Jesus redefines victory and powerWhat Paul really means by “our struggle is not against flesh and blood”Why the armour of God is about peace, not culture warsHow community protects us from both chaos and deceptionThis isn’t a call to weaponize your faith.It’s an invitation to reimagine strength, rethink your enemies, and rediscover the kind of victory that looks like love.Because if Jesus wins through self-giving grace…then everything changes.—📖 Text: Ephesians 4–6⛪ Commons Church | Calgary🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about faith, culture, and the way of Jesus ★ Support this podcast ★

Learning Christ in a Distracted World - Scott Wall 08.02.2026 30Min.

What does it actually look like to follow Jesus in everyday life?In this message from our If/Then series through Ephesians, we turn to the second half of Paul’s letter—where belief turns into practice. Using the image of a “masterclass,” we explore how Paul invites followers of Jesus to learn Christ: to put off old patterns shaped by power, status, and exploitation, and to put on a new way of being marked by humility, gentleness, patience, and love.This teaching wrestles honestly with cultural pressure, sexual ethics, speech, and formation—while holding out a hopeful vision of transformation. Paul’s call is not about moralism, but about waking up to the light of Christ and learning to live as people who reflect that light in the world.📖 Scripture: Ephesians 4–5✨ Themes: formation, humility, community, sexuality, waking up, spiritual growth ★ Support this podcast ★

The Shape of a New Humanity- Scott Wall 01.02.2026 30Min.

What if a single word could change everything?In Ephesians 2, the apostle Paul pivots from humanity’s brokenness to God’s radical grace with one of the most important conjunctions in Scripture: “But God.” In this teaching, we explore how Paul uses language, metaphor, and imagination to describe what God has done in Jesus—and what that means for how we live together now.We reflect on:Why Paul begins with an honest picture of human failureHow “but because of God’s great love” reshapes faith from transaction to graceWhat it means to be God’s handiwork—a kind of divine poemThe walls of hostility we build, defend, and carryHow Jesus creates one new humanity marked by peaceWhy Paul’s primary metaphor for the church is not an army or fortress, but a homeThis message invites us to consider how Christian community can become a living sign of God’s creativity, welcome, and reconciliation—for the good of the world.📖 Scripture: Ephesians 2📍 Commons Church🔔 Subscribe for more teachings and reflections#Ephesians #ButGod #Grace #ChristianCommunity #FaithAndLife ★ Support this podcast ★

If This Is True… Then What? - Jeremy Duncan 26.01.2026 26Min.

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is built around one powerful structure: if / then.If God is already at work healing the world in Christ—if grace, not violence, is the true power shaping history—then how should we live?In this message, we begin a four-week journey through Ephesians by sitting in the if:a bold vision of Jesus, a high Christology, and a radical redefinition of chosen, predestined, grace, and peace. Set against the backdrop of the Roman Empire’s gospel of “victory, then peace,” Paul announces an alternative good news—one where peace is already possible because of God’s self-giving love in Christ.This sermon explores:* The if/then structure of Ephesians* What “chosen” and “predestined” actually mean (and what they don’t)* Why Paul’s greeting “grace and peace” is deeply political* How the church becomes a small working model of new creation* What it means to live ahead of the curve of God’s healing work in the world📖 Text: Ephesians 1🎙️ Series: If / Then📍 Commons Church, Calgary ★ Support this podcast ★

Five Friends and a Roof - Bobbi Salkeld 18.01.2026 30Min.

What does creativity look like in our relationships—not in art or technology, but in the way we show up for one another?In this sermon, we explore Mark 2 and the unforgettable story of five friends who refuse to accept the status quo. When a crowd blocks the way to Jesus, they climb a roof, tear it open, and lower their friend down—revealing a bold, relational creativity that leads to forgiveness, healing, and transformation.This message invites us to:Rethink creativity as a shared, relational actSee friendship as a form of faithEmbrace risk, repair, and imagination in how we love othersCreativity resists conformity. And sometimes, love looks like digging through a roof. ★ Support this podcast ★