Kevin Neuner - Podcast Details

Shows

Spark CastGarden To Garden | Deuteronomy—Say It Again. Hear It Again [Kevin Neuner]The word "Deuteronomy" means a "second law." One of the features of this book is the repeating of stories, teachings, commandments, and exhortations from the previous four books. In addition, over fifteen times in Deuteronomy, we are told to remember. This repetition is by design, and has a profound purpose and meaning. The God of Israel is advancing his covenantal love and connection with God's people and reminders and repetition are the behaviors of covenantal love.2025-05-1140 min

Spark CastResonance And Dissonance | Palm Sunday and the Revolution of Traditions [Kevin Neuner]Each time we come to a festival, there are themes, terms, symbols, and feelings that are deeply familiar. The revolution of Jesus is that while some elements resonate, the past interpretations and understandings are dissonant with what Jesus was advancing. Our challenge is to ensure we're in the same "key" as Jesus, to listen carefully to how our lives resonate, not with our own understandings, but with the Jesus Way.2025-04-1347 min

When Shift Happens PodcastE113: Ran Neuner: How I Lost $100M in 4 Days (what it taught me about Crypto)In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Ran Neuner - CEO of Onchain Capital and the face behind ⁠ @CryptoBanterGroup ⁠ and ⁠ @CryptoBanterTV ⁠ (2M+ subscribers) - opens up like never before. He shares how losing $100M in four days changed his perspective on crypto, risk, and success. But this isn't just about money - it's about obsession, winning, failure, and the mindset that builds champions.This is not the Ran Neuner you see on Crypto Banter - this is the real, unfiltered story behind the success, failures, and everything in between.Watch now and learn from o...2025-03-222h 11

Spark CastGarden To Garden | Birthing Justice [Kevin Neuner]As we continue our exploration of the Hebrew Scriptures in Exodus, we will be challenged to set aside the cultural programming of the images, movies, and assumptions about Moses, Pharaoh, the parting waters, and the 10 commandments. An often overlooked major theme found in the minor characters and elements of the story reveal a revolutionary strategy of how the way of establishing justice is often much like giving birth. As such, we ought to learn from those experts who know all about giving birth in challenging and seemingly impossible times.2025-03-0935 min

Spark CastThis Is The Most Important Moment In Your Life [Kevin Neuner]The passage of time is what makes the universe breathe. Humanity's marking of that time by numbers, events, and eras has been our attempt at ordering our existence by measuring years or even generations. As the clock ticks upward one more incremental step, we stop, reflect, and consider how we live with and through time, exploreing some meta themes—overarching motifs—of the lives we live, the time we keep (and waste), and how this moment truly is the most important in our lives.2024-12-2939 min

Spark CastThe Parables | Do You Know What You're Getting Yourself Into? [Kevin Neuner]Many teachings on following Jesus are inspirational. They're about love, connecting with God, and experiencing life in new and "abundant" ways. But a serious reading of Jesus' teachings suggests that discipleship is a very high calling, and costly. In fact, it may end up costing you your life. In the parable of the tower builder who runs out of money, and the king who goes to war with an insufficient army (from Luke 14), Jesus warns us, "Don't be that guy." Seriously consider what you're getting yourself into. Consider the very, very high bar that Jesus has set...2024-11-1754 min

Spark CastThe Parables | The Rich Man, Lazarus, and the Power of Hades [Kevin Neuner]The depiction of the "after life" in the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus has had an outsized influence in the consciousness of Christians for millennia. Visceral images of a chasm, flames, and the description of agony have so captivated the imagination that principal to many Christian theologies is the avoidance of such a place. But is hell the point? Is avoiding eternal punishment the principle?2024-10-0640 min

Spark CastThe Parables | The Parable of the Sower (Or, "The Parable of Parables") [Kevin Neuner]Parables are told so our ears and hearts are exposed to the teachings. The teachings are given so we understand deeper realities. And understanding deeper realities opens us to the possibility of life, and, in the words of Jesus, "life abundant!" But all of that depends upon the soil in which the teachings are planted.2024-09-2243 min

Spark CastWho Do You Say I Am? | King [Kevin Neuner]Rulers, thrones, and authorities. These are the governance structures that have guided humanity for thousands of years. To be "king," to this day means to be "in charge" to "reign" and to exude power. As with other titles, the gospel writers indicate that Jesus is coronated as king. However, yet again Jesus upends the definition of that term and provokes a radical view, power exemplified in service.2024-07-2835 min

Spark CastWho Do You Say I Am? | Logos—Word, Wisdom, and the Marriage of Sense and Soul [Kevin Neuner]The depth of meaning behind the term "logos" used to describe Jesus is vast. Philosophers used this term to describe a host of ideas from "order" to "divine force." The Hebrews had a similar concept in their literature to describe "wisdom" and the creative activity of their God. In Jesus, these two ideas come together and uplifts both our senses and our soul.2024-06-2331 min

Spark CastWho Do You Say I Am? | Moses And the Paradox of Piety [Kevin Neuner]The gospel writers draw direct parallels between Jesus and Moses. These allusions lead us to consider the character, life, and legacy of Moses as part of what we are to think of and believe about Jesus. So, when we think of Moses, what do we think of? What is the storyline do we tell? Ancient sources give us clues as to the meaning and lessons the first-century believers understood in this comparison.2024-06-1641 min

Spark CastRomans | The Letter, The Road, and The Question of God in the XXIst Century [Kevin Neuner]Reading ancient texts to inform our present spirituality is a somewhat strange activity, at least according to modern sensibilities. As with many of our practices, there are excellent reasons to do this, but there are also many bad examples of misuse. How do we flourish in this tradition in powerful and transformative ways without misuse, misapplication, exploitation, or even abuse at the hands of the text?2024-05-0545 min

Spark CastRomans | Heaven Forbid, The Algorithm That Is [Kevin Neuner]Twice in chapter six Paul exhorts the Romans to no longer continue sinning. He even uses an exasperated expression, "Heaven Forbid!" In addition to the spiritual teaching that we should do the right thing, there appears to be another layer, a deeper undercurrent in the teaching. Some appear to be arguing for a kind of "theological calculus." If sinning increases grace, then sinning must therefore be good. That kind of thinking—"spiritual algorithm"—is what Paul says leads to death. But we have been raised with Christ and are very much alive. As we explore this ancient teaching in light of o...2024-03-0338 min

Spark CastRomans | All Children Of Abraham [Kevin Neuner]Religious identity markers (a.k.a. "tribal" identifiers) are not what is credited as righteousness. What matters is faithfulness to core behavioral values. Abraham is the primal example of this principle, why he is the father of our faith.2024-02-1123 min

Spark CastRomans | In Conclusion... [Kevin Neuner]In this second and "final" teaching of the Letter to the Romans we explore what Paul was arguing throughout the beginning and middle by understanding the end game. As we progress through the series we hope that some of the key verses, themes, and even "hard" passages become better understood in light of the "end," the grand vision of "peace."2024-01-1442 min

Spark CastColossians | Clothe Yourself [Kevin Neuner]If a principle teaching of Colossians is that our identity is “Christ in you, the hope of glory,” the goal of that teaching is “maturity.” That aim requires not only a transformation of understanding but a transformation of actual behavior. The brilliant analogy that Paul uses is clothing because what we wear on the outside is profoundly connected to who we are on the inside.2023-11-1937 min

Spark CastColossians | Christ In You, The Hope Of Glory [Kevin Neuner]In introducing the Letter to the Colossians, we will draw our attention to a theme of Paul's letters—and of the Biblical narrative—that begins, not with behavioral modification, but a completely radical and transformative view of the new humanity that emerges in Christ.2023-11-1244 min

Spark CastSpark's Vision & Strategic Plan [Kevin Neuner & Danielle Parish]On this eleventh anniversary of Spark, we share the vision and strategic plan for the life of our church.2023-10-1546 min

Spark CastM25 | My Family [Kevin Neuner]“The least of these” has been understood to be the marginalized, the disenfranchised, and the ostracized, those who have been slighted or forgotten by society. But in this passage, they are called “my family.” This is both an identity statement and a profound shift of perspective. What you do for those who are on the margins of society is different from what you would do for your family. And if we can change our worldview, we can change the world viewed.2023-09-1740 min

Spark CastM25 | You? Me? These. [Kevin Neuner]Service. Fealty. Loyalty. These are the characteristics of subjects to a king. And even though this common code looks different in social, religious, and political arenas, the idea is essentially the same. The top of the hierarchy demands allegiance, and proper honor to a “master” requires it. In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches that while faithfulness to God requires the same level of commitment, the purpose and focus are radically different.2023-09-0340 min

Spark CastLove The Lord Your God With All Your Heart [Danielle Parish & Kevin Neuner]Every Sunday, we recite the number one commandment Jesus gave us: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your might, and love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12) What does it truly mean to love God with "all" and why do we so easily separate our faith into different aspects?2023-08-2046 min

Spark CastPeter—A Living Hope | Fiercely Faithful, part III, Teleology [Kevin Neuner]Christian identity and fidelity culminates in a critical question. “Now what?” How do we live out this kind of life—a life of love, grace, mercy, and salvation—in an overwhelmingly powerful culture that mocks Christianity, and a political complex that murdered the founder of this faith? How shall we now live when there is slavery, economic disparity, social inequality, corrupt government, and more? The secret, no surprise, is found in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Far from “blind faith,” however, this Way empowers a sense of agency and autonomy. No matter how challenging the systems of power are, nothing...2023-07-2240 min

Spark CastPeter—A Living Hope | Fiercely Faithful, part II, Fidelity [Kevin Neuner]To be a follower of Jesus in a foreign land is to be part of a long history of people staying true in attitude, actions, behaviors, and beliefs. This kind of devotion is spoken of by the prophets and modeled by Jesus. And the metaphor used to illustrate this kind of life is the image of “living stones being built into a spiritual house.” Just as rocks were memorials to God’s power and action, so too shall we be living reminders in our current communities.2023-07-1645 min

Spark CastPeter—A Living Hope | Fiercely Faithful, part I, Identity [Kevin Neuner]The letters of Peter to the scattered Christians in Asia Minor are a shepherd’s encouragement and exhortation to remain fiercely faithful to Jesus while living in a foreign land. The social, political, and economic realities that cause suffering and tragedy will continue to be harsh and difficult. Nevertheless, followers of Jesus can and should embrace a “living hope” that is found in the identity, fidelity, and teleology of the people of God. (Don't worry. We'll explain it all!) To understand this, we must be reminded of the context of these early Christians and the identities that so transformed their worldv 2023-07-0945 min

Spark CastWhy Jesus? Ad Fontes [Kevin Neuner]A very personal sharing of Kevin's journey, spiritually, vocationally, and philosophically, and Why Jesus continues to be not just compelling for him, but critical for the world.2023-03-2654 min

Spark CastFruit Of The Spirit | Faithfulness [Danielle Parish & Kevin Neuner] (with Renee Barker testimony)Faith as "belief" or "ascent to an idea" misses the mark of the faithfulness of God as our way of salvation. Faith as a follow-through can be seen. It is behavior, action, and trust.2023-02-2600 min

Spark CastFruit Of The Spirit | It's All Good [Kevin Neuner] (with Denise Tsang testimony)From ancient Greece's Plato to Netflix's The Good Place, philosophers throughout the ages have debated the nature of what is "good." Is it an ideal for which we all strive? Is it a mere adjective? Perhaps it is actually not,...eh, "good" to want to pursue so much good? In contrast, the biblical narrative proposes that it is all, actually, very good.2023-02-1900 min

Spark CastFruit Of The Spirit | Love & The Root [Kevin Neuner] (with Craig Barker testimony)The ubiquity of the word “love” makes understanding difficult. Is love a “feeling,” a “commitment,” a “chemical neurotransmitter?” In trying to discern a definition of love, perhaps we ought to ask what this Galatians passage suggests about the "fruit" of love.2023-01-1500 min

Spark CastFruit Of The Sprit | Introduction To Galatians [Kevin Neuner]The letter to the Galatians—in which the "fruit of the spirit" is found—addresses a serious threat to the good news of Jesus. That threat will have serious consequences, not least of which it will promote a wholly "different gospel," one that is at odds with the love and grace of God.2023-01-1000 min

Spark CastAdvent | Spark's Online Service [Mark Arevalo, Danielle Parish, Kevin Neuner]This is the audio from our online liturgical service. Merry Christmas everyone, and a happy new year! We'll see you in 2023!2022-12-2600 min

Spark CastAdvent | "EL" Is With Us [Kevin Neuner]This advent Sunday we are invited to pause to consider the “el” in the word “immanuEL.” As arrival is drawing near, we consider the long and deep history of what is understood as the presence of “God,” in Hebrew, “EL.”2022-12-1800 min

Spark CastJohn | What Is Truth? [Kevin Neuner]In John 18, the trials and interrogations of Jesus intensify, and they culminate in a dialogue with Pontius Pilate, the governor of the Roman Province of Judea. But this trial, as it is told, is not simply about Jesus' violations against the Roman Empire. This is much more about a clash of kingdoms, of authorities, and of worldviews. At its most profound, this is an epistemological inquisition. In other words, this is a question of "truth." GROUP QUESTIONS: 1. What do the words "emet" and "aleithia" mean to you, in your own words? 2. Share some other examples...2022-10-3000 min

Spark CastJohn | Advocacy Is Comfort [Kevin Neuner]When Jesus speaks of sending the spirit when he departs, in addition to being a comfort, this spirit of truth is an Advocate, someone who will not just stand with you, but for you. Comfort, in this view is not mere sentimentality, but results from God's advocacy. GROUP QUESTIONS: 1. What kind of meaning does this teaching give to the "Trinity" in Christian understanding? 2. If God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is an Advocate, then what does that mean for those of us who are followers of this Way? 3. Why does this word "Advocate"...2022-10-1600 min

Spark CastJohn | Truth Is The Judge. Jesus Is A Savior [Kevin Neuner]We all have an innate impulse to assess and judge others. It is almost second nature. This may be part of the reason why the Way of Jesus is tremendously frustrating. Rather than accept any labeling, opinions, or condemnations, Jesus defers to observation, experience, and the “truth of the matter” as the judge, and focuses on what he (and we) can do, rather, to bring salvation, “rescue” to the cosmos.2022-09-0400 min

Spark CastJohn | Unless You See Signs and Wonders [Kevin Neuner]Signs, wonders, and miracles all refer to a category of events in the biblical accounts of Jesus' ministry. But what role do they really play in the story? Why are they there? And how shall we think of them in a rationalistic world? Perhaps the miracle is not the point. Rather, the miracle points.2022-06-0500 min

Spark CastJohn | How Dare You Turn My Father's House Into A Marketplace [Kevin Neuner]The fashioning of the whip and the driving out of the moneychangers is an act that happens at a temple. But the temple to which this event refers has a long, varied history and identity, all the way to modern expressions of Christianity. May we heed Jesus' words again, to not turn this house into an emporium.2022-05-1500 min

Spark CastTwo Week Summary [Kevin Neuner]Due to technical difficulties, the messages from May 1 and May 8 were not recorded. Here we provide an extremely brief summary of main points that we hope are helpful for our Spark community.2022-05-1500 min

Spark CastWisdom | Conclusion—Ask God [Danielle Parish & Kevin Neuner]In summation and reflection, we consider the journey we've been on through Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and the Song of Songs.2022-04-0300 min

Spark CastWisdom | Proverbs As The Pursuit of Wisdom [Kevin Neuner]The blind pursuit of given principles may itself be folly, the very kind of foolishness the Proverbial wisdom is attempting to remedy. Rather than mere revelation, these proverbs exhort us to reason together.2022-02-1300 min

Spark CastWisdom | Psalms of Praise [Kevin Neuner]While we think of praise as a feeling, or even a genre of music, the psalms of praise are a declaration of the affections, benefits, and characteristics of the god we worship. To sing, then, those psalms of praise is to invoke their presence and value upon ourselves, and this life.2022-01-3000 min

Spark CastWisdom | Job, part 2 — The Absurdity Of Life [Kevin Neuner]The Job story is…absurd. Recognizing and accepting this absurdity is itself a gift, that liberates us from the expectations and perceptions that frequently don't make sense in this chaotic world.2022-01-1600 min

Spark Cast"State Of Spark" and 2022 [Kevin Neuner & Danielle Parish]This first Sunday of 2022, Pastors Kevin & Danielle reflect a bit on 2021, highlight a few key observations, and briefly share what's coming in 2022.2022-01-0200 min

Spark CastA Strange Way | Introduction & Virgin Birth [Kevin Neuner]This story we tell every year, when considered, is really a strange way to bring salvation. In this introduction, we consider one possible avenue of thinking about the Virgin Birth.2021-12-0500 min

Spark CastCOP26 Report [Kevin Neuner & Danielle Parish]Pastors Kevin & Danielle give a brief report to the Spark community on climate change, COP26, and why it matters. We hope this is simply one part of our continued commitment to #GospelJustice through #CreationCare.2021-11-2100 min

Spark CastPRESENT | Service [Kevin Neuner]Service in The Way of Jesus is not a simple act. It is an entire posture of identity, living a life of simply being a servant to all.2021-11-2100 min

Spark CastCOP26 Announcement & InvitationPastors Danielle & Kevin are going to #COP26, the United Nations Climate Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. In this brief introduction, we share a glimpse of what COP26 is, why we're going, and how you can journey with us. https://www.spark.church/cop26 2021-11-0300 min

Spark CastPRESENT | Worship [Junior Tagata & Kevin Neuner]Pastor Kevin and Spark's Worship Leader, Junior, sit down for a conversation on worship, what it is, why it is important, and what it tells us about our practice of faith. We discuss a bit about Junior's background and upbringing, in addition to his evolution of thinking over time. Together, we are inspired to consider worship far more than the "singing" portion of our services.2021-10-3100 min

Spark CastReCreate | Reconciliation [Kevin Neuner]Our next core value of reconciliation is not only a prime characteristic of Jesus followers, but is also a worldview, and even an archetype of the progress of the universe. Embodied in Jesus followers is a cosmic force that exemplifies what we say in our services each week, that God really is "one."2021-09-2600 min

Spark CastLuke | Yes. It Happened! [Kevin Neuner]Chapter 24 of the Gospel According to Luke narrates some details of the morning of the resurrection, the most significant, meaningful, and central event of the Christian faith. And yet, to claim that a dead man rose from the dead is dubiously incredible. Our heritage and history affirm both of these perspectives as a challenge to carefully consider.2021-09-0500 min

Spark CastLuke | The Bodies of Two Jesuses [Kevin Neuner]Chapter 23 of The Gospel According to Luke chronicles the trials of Jesus before he's crucified. The narrative culminates in a guilty man who goes free, and an innocent man who is condemned to die. It is upon the bodies of these two men that we see the dire need for the Good News of the Kingdom of God.2021-08-2900 min

Spark CastLuke | When Desolation Comes Near [Kevin Neuner]Jesus' description of the destruction of the Temple in Luke 21 is frightening and disheartening. The very center of socio-religious identity is going to be destroyed and desolated. Bad things are going to happen, and many persecutions. But while the heavens are shaken, the Son of Man is coming, and redemption is drawing near, and the Kingdom of God is about to be established. How in the world does that all make sense?2021-08-1500 min

Spark CastLuke | My House [Kevin Neuner]In the well-known "cleansing of the temple" story, Jesus makes reference to two passages in the prophetic tradition that speak quite forcefully about who we exclude, and what we include in our worship. The answer to both is predicated on one principle. This is not our house. This is God's house.2021-08-0100 min

Spark CastLuke | Parable of Lost Things, A Conversation [Kevin Neuner, Tom Arrington, Siddhi Sundar](Please forgive the bad audio recording this week due to technical difficulties.) This well known set of parables is perhaps one parable, not about our morality, but about God's amazing love, grace, acceptance, and forgiveness. Through our conversation, we will discuss the structure, context, and message, keeping our focus on the character and nature of God.2021-06-2800 min

Spark CastThe Discipline of Hope | Poured [Kevin Neuner]Our hope springs from the well of the stories we tell. Let us reconsider day three of the creation story and the gathered waters, an etymological connection to biblical hope and how that image and metaphor speaks of the great potential of God's love poured out on each of us.2021-06-1300 min

Spark CastLuke | Conversational Storytelling [Kevin Neuner, Siddhi Sundar]We continue in our conversational format, discussing the parable of the Fig Tree, Mustard Seed, and Yeast. Rather than blaming "sin" for the bad things that happen, the teachings of Jesus look to a hopeful imagination of what could be, and nurtures and nourishes that growth in each of us.2021-05-2300 min

Spark CastLuke | The Conversation Continues [Kevin Neuner, Danielle Parish, Omair Akhtar]What are the threads that are pulled through the "sign of Jonah," the "good eye" and the exhortation of the Pharisees? In this conversation we tease out several possibilities and options.2021-05-1600 min

Spark CastLuke | Another Conversation [Kevin Neuner, Danielle Parish, Omair Akhtar]Pastors Kevin, Danielle, and Omair discuss various elements of Luke, chapter 11. Through various perspectives, we see once again the radical and revolutionary message of Jesus, and discuss the various difficulties and challenges that emerge when faced with his teachings.2021-05-0900 min

Spark CastLuke | A Conversation [Kevin Neuner, Danielle Parish, Tom Arrington]This week we discuss chapter 10 of Luke, the sending of the seventy, and the Good Samaritan. We discover yet again, the amazing commission of love, as an extension of God's story and work throughout history, and a radical revolution for how to even think about the command to love in the first place.2021-05-0200 min

Spark CastLuke | Take Up Your Cross [Kevin Neuner]We are struck, yet again, with a difficult, but profound teaching of Jesus to "take up your cross." Set in the original historical context of crucifixion, this command of Jesus is as powerfully transformative as it is convicting.2021-04-2500 min

Spark CastThe Last Word, and The Word After That [Kevin Neuner]The last words spoken on the cross, "It is finished," holds an ironic poetry, in that this is exactly what everyone thought. The movement of Jesus, the hopes and expectations of the people, they were all done. Crucifixion spoke the last word, and the burial was the end of the movement. Except, in Jesus, there is always another Word that comes after the last word.2021-04-0400 min

Spark CastWhen A Child Asks | Conclusion, Questions As A Pursuit of Wisdom [Kevin Neuner]While we conclude this series, we persist in our commitment to question asking as a means of pursuing the deepest wisdom of God's world.2021-03-2100 min

Spark CastWhen A Child Asks | "Do I have to tell people about Jesus?" [Danielle Parish, Mark Arevalo, Siddhi Sundar, Kevin Neuner]Spark teachers converse on the personal, biblical, and spiritual aspects of "mission" "evangelism" and "the good news" of Jesus.2021-03-1400 min

Spark CastWhen A Child Asks | "What was there before God?" [Kevin Neuner]In addition considering the logical pathways of science and theology, we will embrace the story of the biblical narrative and the answers it provides.2021-02-2800 min

Spark CastWhen A Child Asks | "Why are some people different religions?" [Kevin Neuner, Omair Akhtar, Siddhi Sundar][Our apologies for the poor audio quality.] This week, Pastor Kevin, Pastor Omair, and Siddhi Sundar were live for an interactive, personal, and insightful conversation on pluralism, conversions, evangelism, and Jesus.2021-02-2100 min

Spark CastWhen A Child Asks | "Why are there homeless people?" [Mark Arevalo, Kevin Neuner]More than just curiosity, this question invites us to personal compassion, dignified care, and systemic evaluation in accordance with the Way and ethics of Jesus.2021-02-1500 min

Spark CastWhen A Child Asks | "Why Are We Christian?"This week, Pastors Danielle and Kevin were live with the Spark community to introduce this teaching series that will encourage us to embrace every question and every curiosity so as to achieve a meaningful and powerful faith.2021-01-1000 min

Spark Cast2020/21 ReflectionsThis week, Pastors Danielle and Kevin were live with the Spark community to share some reflections on the past year as well as some perspectives for the future.2021-01-0300 min

Spark CastLuke | Chapter 8Pastors Danielle & Kevin have a conversation on what Luke 8:1-3 illuminates for us regarding the Way of Jesus. We include live Q&R from the congregation.2020-10-2500 min

Spark Cast8th Anniversary ReflectionsPastors Danielle and Kevin share reflections on our 8th Anniversary, remembering and recounting the stories and values that have brought us thus far and will take us into the future.2020-10-1100 min

Spark Cast7th Anniversary | Our StoryPastors Kevin & Danielle share a brief background on our story to this point, and what brought us through these seven years.2019-10-0600 min

GeekyJustin LiveKevin Neuner - Is Christianity still relevant? Kevin Neuner, pastor of Spark Church in Palo Alto, discusses the state of modern Christianity and how Christians can avoid the bad theology that has damaged the reputation of today’s church. For more: https://geekyjustin.comSupport this podcast: http://patreon.com/geekyjustin 2019-05-151h 03

Spark CastDeuteronomy | Introduction, These ThingsIn this introduction to Deuteronomy, Pastor Kevin proposes a fundamental shift in perspective and understanding of the "laws" that are written down in the book of Deuteronomy. Rather than merely "divine legislation," this book reveals wisdom, insight into how we can tackle even the most important and critical issues we face today.2019-04-2800 min

Spark Cast1 John | This Is The MessageIn this closing message, Pastors Danielle & Kevin converse about the series, and the various aspects and themes of the previous weeks. In summary, this is the message of 1 John, and why we spent time in this book.2019-04-0700 min

Holy Cannoli30: Values not belief statements with Kevin NeunerOur last conversation of the year is with a pastor, church leader and a theologian who loves the scriptures. The way he thinks about following Jesus will challenge, inspire and potentially rattle you. Take a risk and listen to Kevin Neuner of Palo Alto's Spark Church and see how you might also live the sacred and strange way of living by values instead of belief statements. https://www.facebook.com/kevin.neuner https://www.spark.church/ Sunday March 10th, 2019 event: https://www.spark.church/sexualityscripturesoul --- Support this podcast...2018-12-261h 12

Spark CastJulie Lythcott-Haims | Q&RJulie sits down with Pastor Kevin for a conversational interview, Question & Response.2018-11-1100 min

Spark CastThe Way Forward | An Infinite ImaginationThis short series begins with some thoughts on how the Way of Jesus is moving forward into the future. As an introduction, Pastor Kevin shares some musings on what kind of thinking is required to help us even frame the conversation.2018-08-1900 min

Voices Podcast22: Parenting through Deconstruction w/ Kevin Neuner of Spark ChurchIn episode 22, we talk with our returning guest, Kevin Neuner from Spark Church, about parenting through deconstruction. It can be hard to talk about God, spirituality, and church as you’re reimagining or reconstructing your faith. We talk about being a sojourner alongside your kids rather than prescribing “right beliefs” and how children can be a valuable sage in our journey. Kevin draws on decades of studying the Rabbinic traditions and way of Jesus to invite us to a new posture for parenting.2018-02-051h 03

Spark CastTIOS | What Is Wrong With The World (Judges)Pastors Kevin & Danielle share in this teaching, some thoughts and insights from the Book of Judges.2018-01-2100 min

Voices Podcast9: Reclaiming our Story with Kevin Neuner of Via MediaOn episode 9, we talk to leader and teacher, Kevin Neuner about how the teachings of Jesus have transformed throughout time. We talk about the intersection of technology and faith, how stories are told, and how we can ask better questions about the bible. See more of Kevin's work at www.kevinneuner.com. If you want to hear more from Kevin, check out our conversation with him about "What is the Bible" in episode 2.2017-08-1446 min

Voices Podcast2: "What is the bible?" with Kevin Neuner of Via MediaOn episode 2, Kyle and Gary talk with Kevin Neuner about what the bible is, what it isn’t and all kinds of stuff in between. Kevin does just about everything you can think of. He’s an organizational leadership guru (VIA Leadership). And he’s a normal guy, yet as scholarly as you can get, working with VIA Ministries — the bible in motion. Kevin has a knack for helping those who are deconstructing and reconstructing the bible and faith and helps the bible come to life.2017-05-0146 min

Spark CastAnnouncement | The Good News For TodayIn this teaching, Pastors Kevin, Danielle, and Omair reflect upon the real life application of the teachings we've been going through in this Good News, Gospel series.2017-02-1200 min

Spark CastSparkCast | Pixels and PoliticsConversation around our recent sermons, in addition to thoughts about our current body politic, and whether or not the Way of Jesus is political. Send comments, thoughts, and questions to kevin@sparkchurch.net 2017-02-0300 min

Spark CastSparkCast | Welcome and InvitationIn an effort to make Spark Cast even better in 2017, we're adding new content which will be in conversation with all of you, our Spark Family! Send in your thoughts, feedback, questions, recommendations, etc., to kevin@sparkchurch.net!2017-01-1500 min

Spark CastTake Note40% of Americans make New Year's Resolutions. 8% of those that do actually keep them. This common cultural activity is illustrative of something deeper about our humanity, a self-centeredness that is reflected, not just in popular psychology books, but in the ancient work of Ecclesiastes. Through this talk, Pastor Kevin encourages us to not just make resolutions, but rather to also make remembrances, to "take note" of God throughout the entire past year. And as we do, we are exhorted to turn our inward focus upward and outward, toward God and others.2014-12-2800 min

Spark CastSpark in 2014: UpdatePastors Danielle and Kevin and the Advisory Board gave Spark a brief update on the finances, staff, vision, hopes, dreams, and philosophy of Spark. Thank you to all of our Spark participants, here in Palo Alto, and around the world, for your support and partnership in this ministry. We hope this update not only strengthens our relationship, but inspires us all as we move into 2014.2014-01-0500 min

Spark CastWhat Child Is This?During our special Christmas concert sing-a-long with Kokua, Pastor Kevin offered a short devotional on the birth of this child, and why the question, "What child is this?" is still so important.2013-12-1500 min

Spark CastGenesis | Ezer KnegdoThe term "suitable helper" has had multiple interpretations throughout Christian history. In this talk, the next in our Genesis series, Pastors Danielle and Kevin attempt to illumine the linguistic context of this phrase from Genesis 2. May we recognize the beauty and mystery of both male and female as created in God's image. This message includes a live Q&A section at the end.2013-09-2200 min

Spark CastJesus | Who Do You Say He Is?In this message, Pastor Kevin charts through Jewish and Greco-Roman first century worlds, considering how Jesus has met and transformed the ancient peoples' expectations in real life. While many of us are challenged to consider the "truth" of Jesus, we discover that historically, the transformational power of Jesus is found in the "realness" of the life that He and His early followers exemplified. So too, this day, may we consider Jesus, His life, teachings, and movement in real, tangible, concrete, and visceral ways.2013-05-2600 min

Spark CastJesus | What Is Your Greatest Temptation?When we think of temptation, we often first think of sin -- things like money, sex, or indulgences. But the temptations of Jesus are about food, water, and relationship with God. In this message, Pastor Kevin suggests that this illuminates for us that perhaps our greatest temptation isn't about being bad, but rather about finding the core essence of our identity in things other than our Heavenly Father. In other words, we do "not live by bread alone." Finally, we consider a radical perspective on what a Biblical test can mean.2013-04-1400 min

Spark CastJesus | Why Do You Look For The Living Among The Dead?Happy Easter! On this celebration Sunday, Pastor Kevin teaches through this perplexing and profound question asked by the angels of the women at the tomb. As with other questions found in our culture, and in the Bible, truth is often found in the asking of the question. By embracing this question, and the reply that "He is not here, He is risen!" we deny death the final word and enter a new creation, a new world, and a new life.2013-03-3100 min

Spark CastJesus | Who Do You Say I Am?This is the first question we will be asking through our Jesus series. In this talk, Pastor Kevin encourages us to consider the influences our current culture has on our conceptions of Jesus being careful to not worship a Jesus that we have "created in our own image." And may we, through this quest, leverage, not just our minds and intellects, but our hearts and souls as Jesus is revealed to us by the Father in heaven. Let us move forward in discovering this question, Who do you say I am?, carefully, historically, spiritually, and humbly.2013-03-1000 min

Spark CastThe Stories of ValuesSince our opening 19 weeks ago, we have striven to communicate the importance of our core values. In concluding this teaching series, Pastor Kevin shares the stories that encapsulate these values, and illustrate the importance of values alongside beliefs. Through "4 acts" (similar to "This American Life"), we are inspired and challenged by these stories to put the way of Jesus into action.2013-03-0300 min

Spark CastCore Values | Resurrection: History & FaithFaith is deeply emotional and spiritual. But faith is also intellectual, and historical. The claim that Jesus was raised from the dead brings the two together in which the richness of our faith meets the historical work of evidence and verification. In this teaching, Pastor Kevin shares the central claim of the Christian faith, and then provides four main evidences that support the historical, physical, real resurrection of Jesus from the dead. Online is the follow up document that addresses the questions asked in service.2013-02-2400 min

Spark CastCore Values | Resurrection: Resurrection Says...Sharing a bit of the recent adoption story in the Parish-Neuner household, Pastor Kevin begins the core value of Resurrection by talking about the temptations that emerge in each of us when deception, evil, disappointment, etc., happen as a result of "living between the trees." Yet, resurrection says that we are saved and forgiven as we forgive. Resurrection says we do not have to acquiesce to the "slices of hell" we sometimes experience. Resurrection says that there is hope, love, redemption, and restoration, and it can transform any death into new life. Resurrection says we have the power, opportunity, and...2013-02-1000 min

Spark CastSpark Vision NightPastors Danielle & Kevin share a bit on the vision for Spark. Our core values are ultimately centered around living as Jesus lived, and walking as he walked. In concordance with slowing down and avoiding the seductions of "bigness," Spark is about caring for the people of the church more than about the size of the church. We also want to recognize our place in Silicon Valley as a "land between" cultures, and to dream about physical space in downtown Palo Alto that leverages our resources 6 days a week. We will continue to be a place that welcomes all people and...2013-01-0600 min

Spark CastThe Reason For The SeasonPastor Kevin teaches that while it is popularly said that "Jesus is the reason for the season," there is a deeper truth to this statement than we perhaps realize. Matthew clearly states, "for he will save his people from their sins." Embracing this reality helps us accept the complexities of this season, the joy and the sorrow, the celebrations and the sadness. And, living the way of Jesus empowers us to respond redemptively to those dark and dysfunctional areas of our lives. May this Christmas season be celebrated truly in the way of Jesus, in ways that save us, and...2012-12-1600 min

Spark CastCore Values | Reputation: Healing The ImagePastor Kevin teaches that you have been created in the image and likeness of God, one of the greatest truths taught in the Bible. That you have been marred, scarred, and broken is also true. What we don't always realize is that we all live out of the view we have of God, the perspective we have of this "image." In this talk, we will journey through the implications of this truth, and be inspired to heal the image and reputation that we have of God, of ourselves, and of others.2012-12-0200 min

Spark CastCore Values | Love: Love Changes EverythingPastor Kevin teaches on the "greatest" commandment found in Matthew 22 (also in Mark 12). This "mega" commandment, when practiced, radically changes how we see everything. To love God and to love our neighbor is not just one of the commandments, or even just the first. It is the very lens through which we view all the other commandments. And as we adhere to this radical commandment, it can change us, heal us, transform us.2012-10-2800 min