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Why is it so important for us to be part of a church together? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at more of Vineyard's core values and the vision of church as a body. Our common spiritual experience equips us for living well, unites humanity and celebrates our diversity, brings healing to our bodies and minds, and unites us in serving our neighbour. If shared experience like this is essential to our spirituality, how do we put this into practice at Severn Vineyard?
Read MoreHow has God called and enabled us to be compassionate? In this talk, Rachel Goodchild looks at another of Vineyard's core values and how we express compassion through working with Christians Against Poverty as an example. There are also examples in the Bible of God calling people to correct injustice against the poor. What if God's call is also for us today? If we expect God to help us show compassion and tackle injustice practically, can we make a difference?
Read MoreWhat does it mean to worship God? In this talk, Becky Evans looks at Vineyard's worship values of intimacy, integrity, accessibility, passion and Kingdom expectation. In the story of Mary and Martha's time with Jesus, we find the difference between doing things and simply choosing to be with God. If we can choose to be with God in a more open, trusting and intimate way, could this change the closeness of our relationship with God?
Read MoreWhat has God been doing with us at Severn Vineyard in the last year, and what are we looking forward to in 2020? In this talk, Owen Lynch outlines what has been happening with soul care, opening our front door wider and launching new community services. In the vision for 2020, soul care and spiritual health remain top priorities, along with empowering leadership and multiplication.
Read MoreWhat can God do with people who share their excitement about faith in Jesus? In this talk in the "Inheritance" series on Vineyard values, Owen Lynch looks at our local church's place in a worldwide movement of multiplication. This has happened because the difference Jesus has made to people's lives has been substantial, exciting and worth sharing. What could happen if we rediscovered the joy and excitement of having Jesus in our lives and chose to invite others, multiplying who we are and what we do?
Read MoreWho is Jesus to us, and what difference does that make? In this talk beginning a series on Vineyard Church's values, Mal Calladine looks at how the way we see and choose to follow Jesus changes everything. If we can truly call him "Lord" and let our lives be shaped by him, this will make an unmissable difference in ourselves and in the world. So how can we do this better?
Read MoreHappy New Year! Could this be a year of soul growth for you? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at signs that our spiritual life might be unhealthy and in need of a tune up. There are also five principles for good soul training to get us into our best shape ever in 2020.
Read MoreCan God speak into your life? In this talk, Mal Calladine looks at how dreams have been part of God's intervention which saved lives, around the time of Jesus' birth and in history before then. You might recognise some of the stories, like Joseph who had his amazing technicolour dreamcoat... Can we learn to recognise God's intervention in our dreams too?
Read MoreSome things make a big impression at Christmas. In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at how Jesus' birth was accompanied by an unmissable sign - a new star in the sky. It showed that an ancient promise of a new ruler was going to be fulfilled. Some were hostile to this, while others were disturbed, indifferent or passionately engaged. Which of these are closest to our reactions to Jesus today?
Read MoreHow amazing is Christmas? In this talk, Owen Lynch starts to look at the story of Jesus' birth with a remarkable detail - angels, a sign of heaven on earth. But what are angels? There is more to find out about them from the Bible and from the experiences of people at Severn Vineyard.
Read MoreWhat does it take to be great? In this talk, Zeke Rink from Vineyard's youth festival DTI (Dreaming The Impossible) looks at what Jesus told people who wanted to know about greatness in God's kingdom. It involves changing our minds and attitudes, becoming like little children and welcoming children in his name. This was a surprise for people trying to deal with their crises of identity and purpose in a self-centred way. What would happen if, instead of seeking power, we embraced change with humility and committed to invest in young people?
Read MoreHow much do you have? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at how our belief about this affects our thoughts, attitudes, actions, habits, identity and, ultimately, our destiny. While we can focus on limitations in our circumstances, Jesus promises all of God's resources to believers. So do we believe this? If we do, how much do we ask God what we can do with his resources, and look to use them to benefit others outside of our families?
Read MoreWhat does it mean to be in God's presence? In this talk, Vicki Punch looks at what happened when Elijah encountered the manifest presence of God, and compares this with her own life story and experience. There is something noticeable, amazing and life-changing which can happen in God's presence. Could God be calling you into his presence and asking, "What do you want me to do for you?"
Read MoreHow does God enable people to share revelations from him? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at why we need revelation from God for his direction and perspective on life. God promises to connect us with his presence and words, and the Holy Spirit makes it possible for us to receive them. Practical tips in this talk can help you recognise when a revelation is from God and not just our own thinking. There are also some words shared with the church towards the end.
Read MoreCan we hear directly from God today? In this talk and practice session, Mal Calladine discusses the Bible's encouragement to Christians to seek to do this and pass on what they hear to others. This is for strengthening, encouraging and comforting them. People who do this check what they think God is saying against what they know about God from the Bible, and they find that this often brings the words of the Bible to life for people in their different situations today.
Read MoreAre we making the most of everything God has given to us? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at how grace from God and life in Jesus change us, giving us authority which should be changing us and the world around us. But how can we put this into practice?
Read MoreWhat does it mean to say "Yes" to the Holy Spirit? In this talk, Owen Lynch describes how Severn Vineyard was started with this kind of response. God dwells with people personally and collectively, and God is present and active in the world more than we can perceive with our senses. We may be unaware of the heavenly activity around us, but Jesus gives us the ability to join in with it as his Spirit lives in us. How could this change our communities and city?
Read MoreIt's been ten years since Severn Vineyard was planted in Bristol with a purpose to proclaim the good news of Jesus to bring hope to the city. In this celebration, people from across the church share stories of what they have experienced God doing with them and other people. There have been challenging times, but a lot of love, joy, faith and hope have made a difference. Can you hear and feel that in these stories?
Read MoreWhat should we do when we run into difficulty and opposition? In this talk, Mal Calladine looks at Jesus' story which showed this as weeds growing among wheat, and offers three helpful questions: Where in our lives do we identify difficulty and opposition? Where should we wait and observe with "studied neglect" so we don't harm the good in the situation? And what do we need to do to overcome opposition?
Read MoreHow much do you feel like a servant, and would you like to be one? In this talk, Owen Lynch shares what Jesus told his followers about what to expect as servants. This might not sound like what we aspire to be, but what if our desire to serve grows as our love for people grows? Could Jesus' love and service for us help us to follow as God fills us increasingly with the ability to love?
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