Commonfolk

Episode 22: What Can Be Gained Without Pain?

Much of our lives are framed around avoiding pain, discomfort and challenges. But what is the consequence of making that our primary focus? Is it possible to grow spiritually without pain? In life, what can be gained without pain? In this episode we're going to talk about pain!

Episode 21: The Cost of Acceptance

We've been talking about counting the costs of faith. Jesus told us that following him would be costly. In fact, he said the world would hate us because of him. What exactly does he mean? "Hate" is often viewed as the opposite of love. The world often uses "love" synonymously with acceptance. Pursuing Jesus may come at the cost of acceptance, but pursuing acceptance may come at the cost of our soul.   

Episode 20: Counting the Cost

No matter how you look at it, life really boils down to decisions. We are constantly faced with decisions; hundreds per day, some big, some small - and they all have a cost. Whether we realize it or not, we are constantly considering the cost. But have we considered the cost of following Jesus? What does that even mean? Today we'll start a conversation about counting the cost of living out our faith. 

Episode 19: Overflow

"We all worship something" is a phrase often thrown around. But what exactly does that mean? Often, worship is something that is misunderstood even within the church. As a result, we miss the true call to worship and the places it can take us in our faith. The fact is that worship is an outpouring of what is stored up in our hearts - it is the overflow. It is often symbolic of what we are filling our hearts with, good or bad. When our hearts overflow with gratitude, joy, and reverence toward God, that is true worship. 

Episode 18: Stained Glass Windows

There's a component of rest that is often not talked about in church. Proverbs refers to a cheerful heart as good medicine. While that may be referring to choosing joy despite our circumstances, it also indicates that it is okay for us to have some fun in life. When we take ourselves too seriously, we begin believing that we are in control of everything. Like stained glass windows, when we put the focus on ourselves, we no longer function the way we were originally designed - to provide a crystal clear view of what's on the other side of the window. When we begin to take ourselves less serious, we take God more serious - it becomes less about us and more about Him.   

Episode 17: Sputtering Into Sabbath

We're all tired. We're all running on empty. But we can refuel. It's possible to find fresh energy. Sabbath is the filling station. Our tiredness does not define us. We may sputter into the sabbath, but it's there we find new life and fill our lungs with fresh oxygen. 

Episode 16: At Our Best With Rest

Sabbath is often misunderstood. In turn, it is often avoided. As a result, our world is tired, stressed and spiritually dry. Rest is a discipline that requires intentionality. But it isn't just for our personal good. It was commanded of us by God. This conversation will try to clear up what sabbath really is, and to emphasize that while we think we can't afford to give up time for rest, the reality is that we can't afford NOT to rest.  

Episode 15: The Significance of Axe Heads

In this episode we dig up a "gem;" a little-known story from the old testament. Through this short story we learn that the bible is full of gems, and that no seemingly insignificant thing is insignificant to God.  

Episode 14: Our Compass

Should we or shouldn't we? Right or wrong? This way or that way? Life choices are constantly hanging in a balance, in tension with one another. Thankfully we have a compass. God's Word can help us when we are off track, but making it part of our daily life can help us to avoid getting off track in the first place. Listen in as we talk real life!

Episode 13: Nothing New Under The Sun

In life and faith we experience challenges and adversity. Over time we begin to notice patterns in the things that challenge us, and patterns in our response to adversity. But we also see patterns in how God responds when we look to him in our circumstances. Through the history of humankind, we have seen examples of people ignoring God and examples of people looking to God. How can we create a pattern of looking to God in turmoil? We can start with an understanding that there is nothing new under the sun. No trial that we experience is unique to us or unknown to God.