30th June 2013

The reading is from Matthew 9; 18-26 and looks at the response of Jesus in the face of human desperation to reach out touch and look for healing and hope from the incident of the death of a child and someone at their wits end after 12 years of chronic illness. The reasons why they came to Jesus as an object of their faith may have been based more on superstition than faith, with mixed motives and that their theology about God’s nature may have been confused but that (as Jesus himself noted) the women had faith. The talk reminds us not to turn way from helping those that come however distorted their reasons. No one need be lost in a crowd with Jesus but is possible to jostle with Jesus in the crowd and be unchanged. Jesus has the power to touch and transform lives from whatever starting point people come as they reach out in faith.
Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the website.

23rd June 2013

Jane spoke to Matthew 9:9-13 where Jesus in the parable of the doctor tells the Pharisees to go away and think again in their understanding of what God wants and his call to change. God does not want outward orthodoxy but kindness, mercy and love. A doctor will only come out to those who know they are broken and need fixing. The calling of Matthew illustrates the point.
Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the website.

16th June 2013

Alec Alexander of E1 Community Church was the speaker this week looking at the incident where Jesus calms the storm in Matthew 8:23-27. Alec sketches in the place of the sea in the biblical narrative and imagination and how in the OT God shows his mastery over the elements in Exodus. In comparing the story of Jonah to Jesus Alec highlights the rightful authority Jesus has over the storm and yet the tenderness to come alongside and intervene with his peace. He is therefore someone in whom we can have both trust and faith.
Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the website.

9th June 2013

Jane spoke to Matthew 8:1-4 looking at a trio of healings beginning with the man cleansed of leprosy. The talk teases out some of the meanings involved in atonement looking at the authority and power of Jesus not just to heal but also to cleanse and thereby institute inclusion.
Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the website.

2nd June 2013

The reading is from Matthew 7:v7-29 continuing to look at living with discernment and what Jesus taught about God’s nature verses human nature. We seek help from God to treat others as you want to be treated and the narrowness of the gate and the wideness of the road in falling short of that. To be wary of the way people seek power over others, to avoid being gullible and that trees are known by their fruits so we are to therefore judge people by the extent of their righteous acts.
Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the website.

26th May 2013  

The reading is from Matthew 7:1-6 and the talk looks at Jesus’s teaching on “living with discernment.” With the use of humour and colourful language Jesus shows that his understanding of human nature is realistic. That we are to avoid being judgmental but that does not mean that there are not appropriate times for challenge but also what attitudes we are wise to adopt in the light of those who despise the pearls of wisdom hidden in the Gospel.
Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the website.

19th May 2013

 The reading is from Matthew 6:19-34 and particularly verses 33, 34 which talks about not being anxious but to be ambitious for the Kingdom. Jesus draws up a series of polar opposites calling for singleness of heart and mind such as treasures on earth versus treasures in heaven, inner darkness versus inner light, mammon versus God and preoccupation with the body versus the Kingdom priorities. The talk looks at some of the resources and strategies that can help us overcome the spirit of materialism and fear in our struggles with anxiety and the Kingdom of God.

 

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