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How good can it be to trust people to stretch us? In this talk, Mal Calladine looks at more ways the Bible tells us to treat one another - these ones are for within relationships of trust. Sometimes we need challenging or instructing, other times we need correction or the chance to confess where we have made mistakes. Can we get better at doing this lovingly and prayerfully so our lives can be better?
Read MoreWe could all use some encouragement right now, so how can we get better at encouraging each other? In this talk, Mal Calladine looks at what the Bible says about this and lots of examples of people who are good at encouraging. There are lots of practical ideas for building people up, comforting and serving people, and sharing difficult things too.
Read MoreDoes the Bible say it's wrong to be homosexual? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at what Paul wrote to the Roman church, the culture of the time, and why we might misunderstand his words today.
This talk is for a mature audience and contains discussion of sexual practices in Paul's time which were very different from life today.
Read MoreWhat can we do to improve the quality of difficult relationships? Can we get better at accepting other people? In this talk, Mal Calladine looks at more of the Bible’s instructions on how to treat one another. As simple and familiar as they might sound, putting them into practice can be a real challenge, but there are huge benefits for us, our neighbours and our culture.
Read MoreIs there a secret to being contented in any circumstances, even really stressful ones? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at the writings of Paul who claimed that he had discovered this. Paul was probably writing from prison when he shared what he had found, that his strength could come from God and gratitude could take the place of anxiety. Can we live this way without grumbling and feeling entitled to better than we have?
Read MoreHow can we build our lives better around looking out for one another? In this talk, Mal Calladine looks at four instructions from the Bible we can apply in all of our relationships where we make any kind of connection with people. What does it mean for us to love one another, greet one another, show hospitality to one another and be kind and compassionate to one another? And if God empowers us to do this better, what difference can that make?
Read MoreDid the Bible really say that slavery is OK? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at more of Paul’s letters which some interpreted to say that slavery was acceptable. But what did Paul really mean, and what was most important to him? His calls for everyone to work in partnership, and Paul’s own part in the freeing of one slave, reveal a bigger desire, powered by God, to change society and bring freedom to the world. What can we learn from Paul which can free us too, especially from racism and homophobia, and bring reconciliation to our relationships?
Read MoreNow that our world has changed, we can't go back, but what do you want to be better going forward? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at how 2020 has changed our situation, making us feel like exiles prevented from meeting together. Looking at the story of the temple built in Jerusalem after years of ruin and exclusion, it seems God had bigger priorities than meetings. What exactly can we do now to build our lives and communities back better?
Read MoreAre you anxious about what to do in life? In this talk, Mal Calladine looks at a worship Psalm where the writer's main concern isn't to work out their activity but bond in their being with God. We can generate needless stress for ourselves by focusing on working to please people, or God, instead of being strengthened through healthy relationships. Can letting God search, test and shape our character relieve us of stress as well as guiding what we do?
Read MoreDoes anyone like being misunderstood? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at a misunderstood Christian leader who wrote letters which are easy for us to misunderstand if we take them out of context. By looking at first century Corinth and what was happening there, we can get a better idea of why there were arguments and difficulties then, and things which are hard to grasp now. Can God help us find the wisdom which lasts and can help us today?
Read MoreHow can we face huge obstacles and learn to overcome them? In this talk, Bern Leckie looks at Psalm 18 and the training journey David is taken on by God after crying for help in a desperate situation. He sees what God can do, then starts to walk with God, get trained and strengthened by him, and finally can do everything he needs to claim victory in God's strength. Can we apply this where we need help and strengthening in our lives?
Read MoreHow can we deal with nightmare messes of people fighting, misbehaving and playing politics, all while they think they're doing the right thing in church? In this talk, Chris Simmonds looks at Paul's first letter to the Corinthians and finds practical advice putting love first, including maybe the world's most famous summary of what love is. What do we need to put this into practice today?
*** This talk contains adult references, and parents may prefer to watch without children present. ***
Read MoreWhat do you think about the Bible's attitude to women? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at the apostle Paul and how his views on women and their role in church and life may have been misunderstood. Looking carefully at his letters and the culture they were written in, as well as what we know about how Paul lived in practice, might challenge us to change some of our assumptions and inspire us to work towards restoring the balance of power.
*** This talk contains adult references, and parents may prefer to watch without children present. ***
Read MoreHow can we make a difference in difficult times? In this talk, Mal Calladine looks at why our hurried, anxious responses to challenge can make life worse, but if we can learn to become a non-anxious presence, we can change our world. We can learn about how to do this from the writer of Psalm 37. Like them, can we trust God to help us, creating space in our lives for trust and delight to grow?
Read MoreHow do our desires shape the direction of our lives? In this talk, Joanna Moss looks at Psalm 84, and how a longing to be with God and in His presence can influence and bless the rest of our lives. Through this Psalm we learn that as we take time out from our busy lives to centre on God and receive His blessings, we can become more aware of God’s presence in us and at work in our lives. Can this Psalm be an encouragement for us to seek more time to just be with God?
Read MoreWhat does it mean to have faith in God? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at the apostle Paul's letter to the Galatians and how he guided them to depend on faith instead of religious law. Christians enjoy the freedom this brings, but sometimes worry about losing their status with God if they doubt or don't know the right thing to believe. There is good news, though, if we discover what Paul really meant by "faith" and how we can depend on God's faithfulness.
Read MoreHow good is the feeling of relief? In this talk, Sarah Dowdeswell looks at how important it is for us to feel "Phew!" or "Finally!" kinds of relief when our circumstances change. Psalm 23 has become famously useful for connecting with God when we need relief, even if we are not yet seeing the changes we would like. Can we believe that God's grace is bigger than the circumstances we are in?
Read MoreWhat encouragement do you need to follow Jesus? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at the first letter we have from the apostle Saul (Paul) to a church which faced challenges as they worked out their faith in an often opposing culture. How could they say there is only one God when the government and society said there were lots? How should they live distinctively in a sex-driven culture? And how can we interpret and apply Saul’s teaching ourselves once we understand some differences between Thessalonica then and us now?
Read MoreWhen we are feeling lost, how can we regain peace and perspective? In this talk, Claire Lynch looks at a Psalm with a heart cry to God about his awesomeness. It points to a “King of Glory” who is strong, victorious, connects people to God and is coming to change our city and the rest of the world. We recognise him as Jesus. But when we hit challenges and obstacles in life, are we welcoming him in to do what he does best?
Read MoreAs part of a process of dialogue and growing awareness of how racism affects all of us, Claire and Owen Lynch talked with Sarah Dodd and Myles Connor this week about their experiences and hopes about life in Bristol.
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