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When is it time to take time away? Owen Lynch shares some of his experience from sabbatical leave and looks at the story of Elijah, who was instructed by God to hide away for a few years. These situations are very different, but they both raise questions. Why do we often feel the need to stick around, no matter what? What would happen if we got a break and a new perspective? And could God guide us, from time to time, to retreat and reflect?
Read MoreWhat could happen if God gives you a word of guidance? Sue Marland looks at the story of Deborah, a judge in Old Testament times, who developed the ability to support what God wanted to support, and to oppose what God wanted to oppose. If we could have some of that ability too, what would we do with it? Could we expect to become good servant leaders like Deborah, and would we end up winning significant battles against pain, suffering and injustice?
Read MoreHow can God make the impossible possible? Bern Leckie looks at how God used Daniel in impossible situations, giving him wisdom to make impossible choices and do impossible jobs. These are not really stories about how good Daniel was but how amazing God is. The way God gave “living water” and connections to his presence and principles to Daniel are also available to us because of Jesus. What impossible things do we need God to do for us and want God to do with us?
Read MoreWhat do we want to be remembered for? Jack Saunders looks at the Old Testament character of David and the range of famous stories which come to mind, from his battles as a youth to his leadership and preparation of a temple in his old age. But his memorable passion for being after God’s heart probably came from the range and depths of his worship. To be that good at worship, David must not have just shown up to lead it in public, but privately pursued worship as a passion. What space and commitments are we making in our lives to develop who we are in ways which will memorably show up in relationships with others, and what can we do if we want more of this?
Read MoreHow can we become more resilient to face life's challenges? Jess Pedersen looks at how Moses did this by learning to turn to God. Raised in a foreign palace, Moses grew up with a mix of beliefs and tried working out his sense of justice his own way. But his encounters with God showed the depth of love and support that he could receive from God to do almost unimaginable things and overcome incredible opposition to lead his people out of slavery. What could a close walk with God equip you for?
Read MoreWhat difference does it make to believe we are seen and known by God? Liz Nixon looks at the story of Hagar, a character from near the beginning of the Bible who might be easy to overlook. While what she was made to do might seem difficult for us to process or accept, she was given special significance by God and her family line became important in the world. Could her encounter with God remind us about people we are overlooking in our lives? What can God do with us to address this?
Read MoreWhat is it like to be forced unjustly from your home country, and what kind of life can you hope to find next? In Refugee Week 2022, Dan Green looks at the story of Joseph, who famously found uses for his gifts and, despite opposition and mistreatment, became a trusted leader in his adoptive country. How does his story challenge us to treat others differently, and perhaps seek to use our gifts to help others too?
Read MoreCan we imagine waiting for a lifetime to fulfil our purpose? Jack Saunders looks at the story of Joshua and considers his decades-long wait for God to use him to lead his people into the land God promised them. The process of moving into this land probably seems to us like a strange and challenging one, but to Joshua it was a matter of obedience to God and trusting him to sort out the rest. How do we feel about that, and what could happen if we trust God more?
Read MoreHow would you like to be remembered? Joanna Moss looks at the story of a woman most commonly called “Rahab the prostitute” in history books, and why her recognition of God and practical response shaped a nation in remarkable ways. We might apply labels to ourselves and each other, but what God does with us and who he says we are could radically redefine us. Who does God say you are?
Read MoreEleanor and John Mumford led the Vineyard family of churches in the UK and Ireland for over 20 years and continue to have a leadership role in the worldwide Vineyard movement. In this talk, Eleanor offers encouragement that, despite some difficult recent times, God remains sovereign and the church still has its God-given purpose and empowerment. When we ask the Holy Spirit to come, others have noticed that Vineyard people expect this prayer to be answered, driving our worship and compassion. Can we take encouragement from the Bible that we can stand firm, knowing that “our labour in the Lord is not in vain”?
Read MoreWhat difference can heartfelt prayer make? Rebecca Kishtainy looks at the story of Hannah to find out. Hannah suffered for years, enduring taunting from enemies and inadequate comfort from friends. People even seemed to blame God for her situation. But a powerful, life-bringing encounter with God changed Hannah and the course of history.
Read MoreWhat difference can faith and faithfulness make? Dan Green looks at the story of a family which formed across the dividing lines of nations and beliefs. Small but firm personal commitments led to a big faith risk for Ruth to cross boundaries and seek acceptance, and this led to a massively world-changing family line which still seeks to include and value those who think they are outsiders today. God is at work in subtle ways to make this happen in Ruth’s story - could he be at work in similar ways in our lives now?
Read MoreJesus promised to come back, but what does this mean for us? Owen Lynch looks at the way Jesus’ followers experienced changes and challenges in their world and would have gained hope from believing that Jesus would end suffering and injustice soon. But the Bible also records how their views changed over time, how they dealt with mockery that nothing new was happening and how they came to realise that God’s timescale and plan were bigger than they expected. What kind of hope can we get today from believing that Jesus hasn’t just given us a way to live now, but a stake in eternity and a promise that we will meet Jesus again?
Read MoreHow do we form our sense of what to do, and what not to do? Owen Lynch looks at the way we make rules about this, and how Jesus made his from his Jewish heritage, his spiritual experiences and his own experience of social injustice. What does it mean for us to follow Jesus’ example, and what difference could this make in our society?
Read MoreHow can we make sense of Jesus offering himself as a sacrifice for us? Owen Lynch looks at the culture of Israel which showed the role of sacrifices, the importance of Passover celebrations and the vital part that the Temple played for people who wanted access to God. When we look at how Jesus subverted a traditional Passover meal, can we understand why Temple leaders didn't just disagree with him, but wanted to kill him? And when we follow what Jesus meant and did by dying and rising again, could this change everything we ever assumed about religion, God, and even life itself?
Read MoreWhat happened to Jesus after the cross? Owen Lynch looks at the difference between what his followers expected and what happened, and how the new life Jesus demonstrated was different from what anyone might expect. Is this what makes it possible for us to have firsthand encounters with Jesus today?
Read MoreWhat kinds of victory make the biggest difference to us? Jack Saunders looks at the military victory many were hoping that Jesus would deliver, and how surprising it was that he brought a different kind of victory which would lead to new life for believers. Where in our lives would the ability to live and love like Jesus produce victory we need today?
Read MoreWhat’s the difference between believing the idea of Jesus and experiencing Jesus firsthand? Owen Lynch looks at how our experiences make impressions and shape us, and what special, mountaintop experience had a massive impact on Jesus’ first followers. For them, it showed how Jesus was not just wise or blessed, but like God. How is it possible for us to share this experience?
Read MoreIs anything getting in your way in life, or seeming to stop you following Jesus? Dan Green looks at three encounters people had with Jesus in chapter 10 of Mark's gospel and sees what Jesus told them to do to avoid getting stuck. For one rich person, their attachment to wealth was holding them back. For some of Jesus' disciples, their idea of what gives people power and status got in the way. But there was also a blind man, held back by onlookers, who persisted and seemed to be the only one who saw Jesus for who he was. What can we learn from him and Jesus' encouragement for everyone who wants to receive new life?
Read MoreWhy was opposition to Jesus deadly? Owen Lynch looks at Jesus’ message clashed with the stories told by the Roman Empire, their Herodian supporters and others like the Pharisees who felt undermined by Jesus. Are there parallels we can see with other power clashes and tyranny in history, and even in Europe today? How might Jesus warn but still motivate and help us if we want to challenge injustice in our society?
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