27th May 2012.

Jane spoke this Pentecost Sunday on Acts 2 using the word “Ignition” from the letter “I” in our mini-series on Hospitality. The talk looks at some of the metaphors of the Holy Spirit (fire, water, oil, wind) and how they combine to drive the power of Jesus’s authority in lives that demonstrates integrity and authenticity while also powering our lives for service. The work of the Holy Spirit combines too with holiness and, above all the consuming fire of God’s love, this is our motivator to mission and service.

Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the VPBC website.

20th May 2012.

Jane spoke to the need for love to be the motivator in “Hospitality.” The reading is from 2 Corinthians 5; 11-21. Love of stranger is derived from Jesus which causes motion into action that comes from our heart. Our energy of love must come from Jesus as it outstrips our own. That in the midst of responsibilities and duties we need to be ruled by Christ’s love for others and that this love can grow as our understanding of Jesus grows.

Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the VPBC website.

13th May 2012.

Jane spoke to Mark 2:1-12 noting that the workers are few and the balance between genuine availability to God and his work and in fulfilling our responsibilities to others is a difficult one to strike. Jesus was not always available to some people in the way they wanted and made it a priority to go to the lonely places to be with God. Jane raised a series of questions. What is the best use of our time and resources? Are we spending enough time listening to God about what He wants you to do? Are we doing our share of kingdom work? Are some of us too available to people and not to God? What is really driving us forward or keeping us stationary? To be doing God’s work is to be genuinely available to God.

Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the VPBC website.

6th May 2012.

Geoff brings the talk this week from Acts 10:1-35 covering the second Pentecost as described by Luke. Entitled “tea for two” as the first “T” in “Hospitality” the talk examines whether modern western attitudes towards hospitality as illustrated in the Broadway song “tea for two” models new testament biblical models. It looks at the three lessons Peter learned towards a Spirit inspired hospitality and the journey it required and left with three questions to ask ourselves about the giving and the receiving of hospitality.

Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the VPBC website