Commons Church Podcast

What if the greatest idols in our lives aren't statues—but fear, security, money, and the stories we tell to protect them?In Acts 19, Paul arrives in Ephesus and unintentionally sparks a city-wide riot. On the surface, it's a conflict over religion. But beneath the shouting lies something far more familiar: economic anxiety, fear of outsiders, and the temptation to use spiritual language to defend our own interests.As we conclude our series in Acts, we explore how the earliest followers of Jesus weren't called to conquer culture, but to become a different kind of people—people whose security wasn't rooted in wealth, power, or identity, but in the story of Christ.In this message:• Why the riot in Ephesus wasn't really about religion• How fear becomes disguised as faith• The idols that shape our decisions today• What Acts teaches us about following Jesus in a polarized world• Why the Church is called to embody a different storyScripture: Acts 19:23–41If this message encouraged you, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who might need it.#Acts #BookOfActs #ChristianSermon #Faith #Idolatry #Church #Jesus #BibleTeaching ★ Support this podcast ★

In this message, we explore the story of the Jerusalem Council in Acts 15, examining how early believers navigated deep conflict and cultural shifts within the church.1Key topics include:The Nature of Conflict: Why "certain people problems" are a normal, albeit challenging, part of community growth.Navigating Change: Understanding what to keep from the past and what to leave behind as the mission evolves.The Power of Conversation: How the Jerusalem Council demonstrates that holy, transformative dialogue is central to the life of the church.Grace and Inclusion: A look at the paradigm shift that expanded the circle of belonging, prioritizing grace over legalism.Bobbi also shares updates on the upcoming Marda Loop Commons launch and current community life at Commons Church. For more details on upcoming events and team-building opportunities, visit commons.church. ★ Support this podcast ★

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 ★

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 ★

What if faith isn’t about getting it right—but about staying curious?In this message, we explore Paul’s surprising approach to spirituality at Mars Hill in Acts 17. Instead of debate, domination, or precision, Paul begins with common ground—quoting poets, honoring spiritual curiosity, and trusting that God meets people even in their confusion.This teaching invites us to re-imagine spirituality as something creative, relational, and generous—where intent matters more than precision, and grace is wider than our certainty. Drawing on scripture, history, and everyday stories, we’re reminded that God is often found not through control, but through humility, curiosity, and shared humanity.If you’ve ever felt spiritually unsure, stuck, or tired of performative faith, this is an invitation to a more spacious way forward. ★ Support this podcast ★