The Nexus Podcast

The Seduction of Segregation (S11 Episode34)

Lens 2 of 4 and back to Acts 15 we go. While the Jerusalem Council ends with a decision to not erect barriers for Gentile inclusion in the church, the real work has only begun. It is what happens after the council that is of utmost importance. What the council decides to do represents a distinctly Christian way of navigating differences. The challenge of course is that this way forward is very fragile and the tensions around the Jew/Gentile question are ever present in the New Testament. This story has a lot to teach us as we navigate through differences in our own time and place. 

Here I Stand (S11 Episode33)

This week Brad takes us back into Acts to the Council of Jerusalem, into the middle of a highly divisive situation. Scripture, tradition, and personal experiences are all at odds with each other.  At its core this story contains all the challenges we face as a church today. How do you handle racism in the church? How do you handle serious disagreements? What role does our conscience play in interpreting Scripture and making choices as a community? How can a church embrace more people without alienating others? Is there a time to leave a church or part ways with certain people?  In this story, everything is happening and I think it speaks a powerful word to us today.

A Brief History of Walking (S11 Episode32)

In today's age of easy mobility, our reasons for walking are changing…and they are telling.  In this talk, Brad takes us on a brief history of walking before locating the meaning of walking in our time. Which will bring us to an ancient Hebrew pilgrimage practice: their songs of ascent. 

The Speed of God (S11 Episode31)

Brad begins a new series on walking and speed.  Most of us walk of course without even thinking twice about it. And for most of us, walking is nothing more than a utilitarian endeavour. We do it to get from Point A to Point B…and usually only when other modes of moving aren’t available to us. Yet, there is something profoundly spiritual and soul connecting about walking. Walking, you could say, is a spiritual discipline. Which for someone like me, is really great news.

Jaguar Man (S11 Episode30)

This Easter Sunday, Brad preaches resurrection by way of parable. This story though is true and is about a boy and the promise he made to a jaguar. The story has so many twists and turns, it can only be described as utterly remarkable. This story of The Jaguar’s Eyes illuminates for us the incredible hope resurrection brings.

A Costly Peace (S11 Episode29)

For Good Friday we will explore the meaning of the cross.  For many of us its primary meaning was forgiveness of sins. In this message, Brad explores what that actually means through sharing a most remarkable and difficult story.  The story of two warring nations and the price they were willing to pay to find peace with one another. The story helps us come to terms with the meaning, the scandal, and the foolishness of the cross. 

Dead Man Walking (S11 Episode28)

To mark the beginning of Holy Week Brad takes us from Jesus' radical experience on top of a mountain to a story he told while on his death march to Jerusalem. Along the way, via stories of Therapist's couches, Columbine, home renovations and hurting the ones we love, we are drawn into the saving mystery of death and resurrection.
 

Prison Break (S11 Episode27)

In this message, Kimberlee Walker is taking us for a deep dive into the story of a particularly dramatic prison break. An earthquake leaves the prison Paul and Silas are chained in completely leveled. Every prisoner is free from their chains, the doors to their cells wide open.  Kim compares the traditional justice model with restorative justice principles and ask us not only to consider applying them to our prison systems but to our own communities and relationships.
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Shipwrecked (S11 Episode26)

This Sunday marks 1 years since our community went online in response to COVID 19.  Brad marks our 1 year anniversary with the tale of a shipwreck.  Acts 27 tell of a harrowing ordeal at sea that Paul faced while being transported as a prisoner to Rome. And this story has all the drama…an ill-advised journey, wicked weather, tensions on board, sailors trying to escape, prisoners about to be executed, a crash on a reef, desperate people swimming for their lives, and for good measure, a toxic snake bite. 
 

Of Place and Prison (S11 Episode25)

Melissa's talk "Of Place and Prison" helps us understand the significance of place and how that relates to prison by bringing us into a most curious story from the book of Acts. Imprisoned for talking about Jesus, the disciples are dramatically set free and then proceed to keep doing what they were doing. The religious leaders debate their next move in dealing with these heretics. Into the mix, a man named Gamaliel steps forward with a most interesting proposal.