Colossians is a fascinating study in contrasts. This series will explore the relationship between the cosmic vision presented by the writer and the practical, down-to-earth advice offered to the readers.

Easter plops us into a world that is supposed to feel brand new. We’ve just experienced resurrection, after all. Shouldn’t the world be all white daisies and blue skies? Well, yes and no.

Together we rehearse Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, his death on Good Friday, and his resurrection on Easter morning.

For thousands of years, poets, seekers, and practitioners have tried to uncover what it means to encounter God. With words. With silence. With gratitude. With lament.

Few characters rival David in the Hebrew bible’s long list of heroes.

He rises from obscurity, subdues Israel’s enemies, survives death threats, and eventually takes the throne.

In a world where we are inundated with how-to videos, aisles of self-help books, and instructive TikTok personalities telling us how to heal our trauma and take care of our skin, it can feel like we’re doing everything wrong.

As we enter the Advent season, let’s approach Jesus’ life from a new angle. Not simply his birth, but all the stories that come before his public ministry.

Jesus taught primarily in parables. Short pithy stories that surprise us with Jesus' unique perspective on life. These parables centre around three main concepts. Kingdom, Grace and, wait for it... Judgment.

As pastors and friends, this is a question that emerges in conversation pretty regularly. We all have doubts about what we believe, questions about whether our beliefs are well-founded, and we struggle sometimes to find the rhythms and habits that support the faith we want to foster.

Sunday, September 8, 2024, at the Jack Singer Concert Hall celebrating ten years of Commons Church.