How is God's work in us life changing when we are under pressure? Susie Aldridge from Dreaming the Impossible looks at how Paul remembered that we don't have to deny our difficulties or fragility but can maintain our sense of value and resilience because of what God has placed in us. This gives us power in present weakness and hope for the future. If we're focusing on temporary things instead, what difference would it make to fix our eyes on eternal stuff, and how can we do that in practice?
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How can we recognise God’s presence, and where can we find this? Owen Lynch looks at ways Israel learned to follow and enshrine the presence of God, but also recognise when it seemed to be absent. Was their longing for its return fulfilled in Christ? What would this mean for us if it was? And when the writers of the New Testament point to Christ’s involvement in all of creation, does this mean we can learn to see Christ in everyone and everything? This talk concludes with a time of contemplation for us to engage with these huge questions.
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What kind of person do we imagine Jesus to be? Jason Whiley looks at a way Jesus was described in the gospel stories which might surprise us, and what we might be able to learn from following Jesus' example of finding quiet places to reflect and pray. There is an example of a restful centering prayer to follow at the end.
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What shapes your image of God? Claire Lynch looks at different ways people see God and how looking at Jesus can be a way to understand God. This was a surprising challenge to religious leaders in Jesus’ time, and Jesus told a famous story about God’s love and fatherhood which was a shocking contrast with what many expected. Could meeting the extravagantly loving and scandalously forgiving Father Jesus spoke about change your view of God?
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Fear can play a big part in our lives right now, but what can we do about it? Dan Green looks at how we might not be able to avoid the emotion of fear, but we can stop it from taking control of us. There is lots of guidance and reassurance in the Bible about this, and the talk concludes with a meditation on Psalm 23.
Read MoreWhat is God like, and how can we know? Claire Lynch starts a series of talks looking at this through experiences and shared stories, including a story Jesus shared about people entrusted with resources and asked to make the most of them. What would happen if they responded in kind with trust and faith, and what would happen if they didn't? Can we see these different ways of life in us, and could choosing to live with more trust and faith bring us closer to knowing God?
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How important are rituals to you? Owen Lynch shares about his and the other rituals around us which seem to shape our sense of who we are as well as guiding what we do. Moses led Israel into adopting rituals like Passover which brought people into a shared sense of history, identity and purpose. As Jesus shared his last supper through a Passover meal, he fed his followers with a lasting way to remember who he was, and who they were as a result. Can we find a new sense of ourselves by looking at communion like this, and do we enjoy passing this on?
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What does it mean to meet with God outside of church? Owen Lynch shares about his experiences on sabbatical leave and looks at the story of Jacob, who had an intense encounter with God after fleeing his family. He’s also not the only person in the Old Testament to experience God’s presence far away from traditional places of worship. How do our encounters with God compare?
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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?
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What 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?
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How 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?
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What 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?
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How 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?
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What 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?
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What 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?
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Can 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?
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How 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?
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Eleanor 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”?
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What 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.
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