28th July 2013

Continuing the theme of being sent out by Jesus we re-visit the passage in Matthew 10:16-39 looking at the honest expectations, implications and consequences of solidarity taught by Jesus for his followers in this world and the next. The talk also looks at why such hostility existed and still exists towards Jesus. That a Jesus shaped gospel is a cross shaped gospel. To take heed how we can both confess and deny Jesus in public.
Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of the website.

21st July 2013 

Sent out by Jesus. Jane spoke from Matthew 10:15-39 looking at the honesty of Jesus in telling us what to expect if we follow him. Where to expect difficulties and opposition and that we are sent out into a hostile environment. That fear can make us reluctant witnesses but we do not need to be afraid because God values us greatly and nothing happens that he does not permit and that (v34) he ( Jesus as the Great Shepherd )is with us.

 

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

14th July 2013

The reading is from Matthew 10:1-15 and the talk by Jane looks at the motivation for on-going outreach linked to the three fold ministry of Jesus around teaching, proclaiming and healing. Linked to this is seeing people as Jesus saw people and as a consequence a five folds response of see, care, pray, receive and go. The talk looks too at the questions of “do we have the same authority as the apostles to witness?” “why did Jesus say at this time only go the lost sheep of Israel ?”, we are warned to expect a mixed response, and we are not to use the gospel as a means of making money as freely we have received so we are not to hoard it but He seeks our willingness and commitment to give it to others.

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

7th July 2013

7th July 2013

The reading is from Matthew 9:35-38 and the talk looks at motivation. Jesus sends out his disciples the same way he worked and the talk looks at the elements of the three fold ministry of Jesus described in the passage of teaching, proclaiming and healing. The motivation is compassion, pity, tenderness for the crowd as well as the individuals of their pain, loneliness, confusion and inadequate leadership. Jesus saw all people as valuable and gave a compassionate response to human need. The question is, though, whether we see people as Jesus sees them.
Notes will usually be available on the downloads section of website.

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.