The Nexus Podcast

Lockdown Hospitality (S11 Episode37)

This week, Erika Toffelmire will speak to a prevalent theme in the book of Acts: hospitality. Of course, throughout the pandemic, hospitality has become seemingly impossible to perform. Yet, as the prospect of some kind of normal seems on the horizon, it is worth considering how hospitality might shape our lives moving beyond life in lockdown.
Through story and insights from her own experiences, Erika is set to raise important questions for us all to consider.

Of Trust and Betrayal (Season11 Episode36)

Is there ever a time to part ways with friends or communities? If so, over what and when? Listen in to the final week of our mini-series on the Jerusalem Council.  In a world where we are constantly trying to navigate serious differences, what do we do when lines of conviction and conscience feel at odds…especially with those who might be close to us?  Brad explores the role that trust plays in all of this.

Of Practices and Potlucks (S11 Episode35)

Lens 3 of 4 on the Jerusalem council.  To our ears, the controversy over circumcision seems like a silly thing for a church to be divided about. Such is the nature of symbols though…because they lack inherent meaning, they often become a war of ideas.  So it was in the early church as well. Circumcision for some was about identity and adherence to a way of life that included 613 rules. For Paul, circumcision represented a massive barrier to belonging. Instead, he offered the church a set of practices rather than rules or symbols. Here, we examine those two practices as an alternative to rules, symbols or statements of belief.

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.