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

What does creativity look like in our relationships—not in art or technology, but in the way we show up for one another?

In this sermon, we explore Mark 2 and the unforgettable story of five friends who refuse to accept the status quo. When a crowd blocks the way to Jesus, they climb a roof, tear it open, and lower their friend down—revealing a bold, relational creativity that leads to forgiveness, healing, and transformation.

This message invites us to:

• Rethink creativity as a shared, relational act
• See friendship as a form of faith
• Embrace risk, repair, and imagination in how we love others

Creativity resists conformity. And sometimes, love looks like digging through a roof.

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.