What really happened in Sodom and Gomorrah—and why has this story been so badly misunderstood? In this sermon, Jeremy Duncan takes us past the clichés and weaponized readings to explore one of the most difficult and infamous passages in the Bible.

Beginning with Abraham’s bold negotiation with God, we look at what this story reveals about divine character: a God who listens, responds, and invites us into courageous, honest conversation. Far from depicting a capricious or vindictive deity, the narrative highlights God’s patience, justice, and surprising willingness to engage with human questions.

We also explore what the Bible itself says about “the sin of Sodom”—drawing from Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Jesus, and Jude—to show that this story has never been a single-issue judgment. Instead, Scripture portrays Sodom as a symbol of humanity’s worst impulses: arrogance, injustice, greed, violence, exploitation, and the refusal to welcome the stranger.

Most importantly, we confront the story’s deeper message: that it is extraordinarily hard to remove yourself from the reach of God’s grace. Even the worst city imaginable could have been saved for the sake of ten righteous people. Judgment is real, but God’s compassion is relentless—and the entire Abraham narrative points us toward a God whose primary posture is not power, but love.

If you’ve ever wrestled with hard texts, struggled with the idea of God’s judgment, or wondered what these ancient stories mean for a life of faith today, this teaching will help you see Sodom and Gomorrah in a new light.

Join us as Scott delves into Genesis 15, exploring Abraham's journey of faith and doubt. This sermon unpacks the "base of fear" we often experience, the "hard-fought" space "where faith forms" through honest questions, and the "sacramental discernment" that guides our "ways forward." Discover how God's "sure sign" in a unilateral covenant reveals His unwavering commitment, stretching beyond our limited years and inviting us to live with a faith that trusts His goodness in every small, painful step.

In this week’s teaching, Jeremy explores Genesis 13 and the moment Abraham begins to trust God after failure. Coming out of his mistakes in Egypt, Abraham is faced with a new test — will fear guide him again, or will faith take root this time? This story of Abraham and Lot isn’t just ancient history; it’s a mirror for our own journeys of grace, learning, and renewal.

If you’ve ever felt weighed down by regret, uncertain about what comes next, or wondered whether you can begin again — this message is for you.

🕊️ Series: Big Promises, Small Steps

📖 Text: Genesis 13

🎙️ Speaker: Jeremy Duncan

📍 Commons Church

#Faith #Genesis13 #Abraham #CommonsChurch #BigPromisesSmallSteps

This sermon, "Big Promises Small Steps," explores the story of Abraham and Sarah from Genesis, focusing on themes of discernment, the challenges of beauty, and God's unwavering devotion. It delves into how individuals navigate big and small changes in life, drawing parallels between ancient narratives and contemporary experiences. The sermon also touches on the "Matriarch in Danger" type-scene in Genesis and its foreshadowing of the Exodus story, highlighting God's remembrance and liberation of the vulnerable. It encourages listeners to reflect on their own fears and struggles, and to find hope in God's persistent presence through life's difficulties.

The story of Abraham and Sarah begins not with certainty, but with faith, hesitation, and the courage to take the smallest of steps toward a bigger promise.

In this opening message of our Big Promises, Small Steps series, Pastor Jeremy Duncan explores how the grand narrative of God’s reconciliation—what Paul calls “the healing of all things”—begins with a single family leaving home, not knowing where they’re going.

Through themes like “When the Moon Hits Your Eye,” “Stuck in the Middle with You,” and “Everything We Leave Behind,” this sermon invites us to reflect on the slow, unfolding nature of faith — and the ways God meets us in our pauses, transitions, and in-between spaces.

Maybe you’re in your own “Haran” moment — waiting, wondering, unsure what’s next. This message will remind you that even when the surface is still, sacred work is happening beneath your feet.

📖 Scripture: Genesis 11–12
🎙 Speaker: Jeremy Duncan
🏛 Series: Big Promises, Small Steps (Week 1)
📍 Recorded at Commons Church, Calgary

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🌐 Learn more: commonschurch.org

#Abraham #Sarah #Genesis #FaithJourney #CommonsChurch #SermonSeries #BigPromisesSmallSteps #BibleStory #Faith #Jesus

What if faith isn’t about certainty—but about trust?

In this message, Pastor Jeremy revisits the story of Thomas and Jesus’ promise of the Spirit in John 14, exploring how honest questions can lead to deeper encounters with divine love.

Through Thomas’ doubt, Philip’s confusion, and Jesus’ response of kindness, we discover a God who meets us not with precision or perfection, but with presence. This talk invites us to see that faith is not what we think—it’s what we trust ourselves to.

Join us as we explore what it means to move beyond theory and into love:

• Thomas and the courage to question
• The kindness of Jesus in our uncertainty
• The Spirit as God’s ongoing presence within us

📖 Scripture: John 14:1–21

#CommonsChurch #FaithAndDoubt #HolySpirit #JesusAtTheCentre #GroundedSeries

Join Bobbi from Commons Church in Calgary for "Grounded: Participation," the fifth installment in their "Grounded" series. In this sermon, they explore what it means to shape a community that is good for you and good for the world, drawing insights from Acts 2.

Bobbi shares her personal journey and the exciting news of leading the new Marda Loop Commons parish launching in late 2026. Discover the four ancient practices that guided the early church – devotion to apostles' teaching, breaking bread, prayer, and koinonia (fellowship) – and how these practices practically tie us to the world.

Learn about the Jewish roots of participation, remembering the call to take care of others as seen in Deuteronomy 15. The sermon beautifully illustrates how churches, as holy places, invite us to participate in something mysterious, ancient, and collaborative, ultimately leading to the renewal of all creation.

What does it really mean to be a peacemaker?
In this sermon from our Grounded series, Pastor Jeremy Duncan unpacks Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”

We’ll explore:
• The difference between peacekeeping (avoiding conflict) and peacemaking (creating transformation)
• How Jesus’ teaching on turning the other cheek, giving your cloak, and walking the extra mile reveal a radical third way of nonviolent resistance
• Why following Jesus invites us to courage, honesty, and reconciliation in our relationships, our communities, and our world

📖 Scripture: Matthew 5:9, 38–45
🎧 Listen on our podcast: commons.church/podcast
🌐 Find resources (sermon notes, liturgy, prayers): commons.church/sundays

If you’ve wrestled with conflict—in marriage, friendships, politics, or global issues—this message will challenge and encourage you to imagine a world more like heaven.

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