In this sermon, we begin our new series on the parables of judgment—one of the most challenging and misunderstood aspects of Jesus’ teachings. Judgment often sounds intimidating, but what if it’s not about condemnation or punishment? What if it’s God’s loving correction, guiding us back when we’ve strayed off the path?

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.

In this week’s sermon, we tackle one of the most challenging aspects of faith: our relationship with wealth. Is generosity an obligation, or can it be a deeper, more fulfilling part of our spiritual journey? We explore how wealth has often corrupted religious spaces, leading to misconceptions like the 10% tithe, and we break down what the Bible really says about giving.

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. At Commons, we think wrestling with these questions is an essential part of being a faith-full human. In fact, our journey towards understanding who Jesus is and what He teaches often brings us to a point where we must wrestle with our uncertainties, and hopefully do it together.

This week, we explore the felt experience of faith and what it means to hold on to faith even when emotions fluctuate. We discuss how faith can be both a deep, personal relationship with God and a set of religious practices that sustain us through life’s ups and downs. From a conversation with my son about bacon to the story of the “beloved disciple” racing to the empty tomb, we dive into how our faith is shaped by unique experiences, rituals, and sometimes even doubts.

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. At Commons, we think wrestling with these questions is an essential part of being a faith-full human. In fact, our journey towards understanding who Jesus is and what He teaches often brings us to a point where we must wrestle with our uncertainties, and hopefully do it together.

This week, we explore how faith can evolve through critical ideas, personal growth, and changing life experiences. Centered on the journey of faith, this series tackles topics like theology, doubt, and resilience. Through the story of Nicodemus, we learn about deconstructing and rebuilding faith, embracing uncertainty, and trusting in a love beyond ourselves. This is an invitation to hold on, grow, and continuously be “born again” into new spiritual depths.

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.

This week, we explore key moments in the life of Saul, the first king of Israel, through the lens of 1 Samuel 13. We'll uncover the complexities of biblical translation, the importance of understanding the true purpose behind scripture, and the dangers of intertwining religion with politics. Through stories of assassination, propaganda, and manipulation, this sermon challenges us to look beyond the details and grasp the deeper lessons that guide our faith journey.