Living Word community Church Basildon: Recent Episodes
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LWCC meets in the Wat Tyler Discovery Centre, which is to be found in the Pitsea area of Basildon in Essex. We are a Community of Christians committed to following Jesus with all the strength He gives us. We enjoy vibrant Holy Spirit filled worship and are committed to introducing all the people of Basildon to our best friend- Jesus.
The Living Word Eldership and Chair of Trustees set out a vision for building the kingdom of God in a digital age. This response to the coronavirus outbreak calls on all of us to partner together in shaping new ways to reach out with the love of Jesus.
The theme of Ricky's message in the light of the coronavirus threat is, "if you don't want to be ruled by fear then don't take your eyes off Jesus, for fear mustn't halt the mission of the church to advance. The only fear we should entertain is for the loss of those who as yet don't know Jesus".
Jonathan continues in the theme of discipleship and hospitality drawing from personal experience.
Rick boldly confronts the sensitive issue of how we as Christians handle the money that God has given us to manage, reminding us that God owns all of us, and all that we have.
Helen provides us with a helpful insight explaining Jesus' act of cursing the unfruitful fig tree, and the likely reason why in Mark's gospel the account of Jesus driving out the moneychangers from the temple is sandwiched between the two parts of the fig tree encounter. She further encourages all Christians in how they might develop their relationship with God.
Continuing in the theme of hospitality and discipleship, Rick personalises the story of the wedding banquet (Luke 14) as a reminder of the obligation of all Christian believers to diligently pursue giving invitations to everyone who has yet to experience Jesus' amazing gift of everlasting life, to come and discover such abundant life for themselves.
Moving from the story Jesus told about the separation of the sheep from the goats, Rick continues his theme pertaining to discipleship and hospitality, showing that the latter is so much more than just providing the odd meal; adhering more closely to matters like clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, visiting the lonely and healing the sick, all done in the context of love.
Bladimir clearly illustrates the significance of Christian baptism using not only the words and instructions from the New Testament, but also using foreshadowing events symbolised in the Old Testament
By occasionally scrunching up a sheet of paper and throwing it aside, Rick graphically illustrates his talk by showing how important it is that we don't throw away or waste all the opportunities that God provides for us to develop our relationship and grow closer to Jesus.
Rick elaborates upon a baptism that was videoed of a friend who came to faith during a visit to Basildon last year. He uses this as a preamble to a new teaching series on the importance of discipleship.
As Living Word Community Church faces the new year, and indeed a new decade, Rick takes a few minutes to state our intent and purpose in the coming period as a community of God's people, immediately followed by Tim outlining the means by which we can all better focus on pursuing God's purposes through effective prayer whilst fasting.
In the build up to Christmas celebrations, Rick reminds each of us of the fact that we have all been saved from an eternal future without God, but by His grace He has restored us into relationship with Him. As such we are not superior in any way to those who don't yet know Him, and should therefore retain an 'attitude of gratitude' whilst wholeheartedly endeavouring to share the good news that they too can experience.
Rick looks beyond the wonder of the nativity scene towards the challenge for every Christian to boldly share the good news that Jesus, our super-hero, brings.
Tim takes us through a prophecy made in Isaiah 9:6-7 some seven hundred years ahead of Jesus' birth that fully describes His incarnation and majesty.
Continuing the thoughts of last week, and considering the beautiful manner a woman served Jesus by anointing His feet with expensive perfume, Rick challenges us all to work alongside God using our various gifts to similarly honour Him and fulfil His purposes for our lives.
Ricky delves into the narrative of Moses frustration in hitting the rock in the wilderness and failing to give glory to God for the water that the disgruntled people were so desperate to receive. Ricky uses this illustration to remind the church to remain in the favour of God by closely following His instructions, so that the refreshing will come from rivers of living water and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Jonathan continues in the series 'Principles of the Christian faith' revealing the importance of relationship in the multiple aspects of our endeavour to walk according to God's values.
Rick clearly and fervently expounds upon the importance of sharing the gospel within the process of 'making disciples'
In the context of Jesus' discussion with the rich young ruler, Rick convincingly likens this encounter to reveal the importance of discarding any personal idol that that stands in the way of Jesus' Lordship in our lives.
Bladimir shares the fulness of blessing that every believer in Jesus Christ can expect when we appropriate and align with God's vision for His people.
Marcus asks us, "what do you do when the wine runs out?" ; illustrating that in the moments of need that everyone experiences, Jesus can always provide an answer.
Brian uses Jesus' final words before his ascension, to grasp more fully His intent in commissioning His followers to go and make disciples.
In the context of the baptism of a new believer, Ricky talks about the truth of God's word
Chrissie makes an impassioned plea to the Christian believer to stand firm and protect oneself using the whole armour of God.
On the very same day of their 40th wedding anniversary, Tim and Sue Blake share together the profound mystery of two becoming one both in relationship, and in speaking of Christ and His church
Bladimir talks us through the weaning process of Christian growth from spiritual infancy towards maturity (from milk to strong food) by allowing the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and instruct.
Tim reveals the profound, essential presence and influence of the Holy Spirit in the life of every Christian using Ephesians 4 as the basis of his talk.
Using Ephesians 4, Ricky asks the question 'What does unity mean to the Christian?' and argues that unity, like love, is not a feeling but a choice, and comes from focusing on the things we have in common, not doctrine or practices, but simply Jesus himself.
Sue uses verses from Ephesians and the story of the prodigal son, along with illustrations from the time of the Second World War, to provide examples of God's love working in different peoples' lives.
Following the annual church review of finances by our Treasurer,Tony Jones, where the numerical content was mainly screened, Rick Harvey briefly focused attention on a disproportionate area of our expenditure before handing over to the Chair of Trustees, Dave Donoghue to reveal the church's stance on safeguarding. Rick then concluded by reviewing the past year and declaring his hope and vision for the church in the coming days.
Rick reminds us of the special nature of our adoption by God. We were chosen!... Chosen to be part of a new body of believers, part of a new family with a unique role within it!
Brian examines Satan's strategy to discredit the Christian and entice him to sin, revealing the power we are given to resist Satan's intent.
Rick continues the study in Ephesians with a more detailed look at the theological concept of the Trinity, showing that God is one being, comprising of Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Rick introduces a new series that will extract themes taken from the book of Ephesians. He commences in chapter 1 with an insight into the Apostle Paul, author of the book.
Concluding and summarising our series in Romans, Chrissie exalts us to be on our guard against allowing modern thinking to dilute the truth of the gospel
Using a verse from Isaiah 40, 'Those whose hope is in the Lord will renew their strength', Rick turns to Romans 15 to ask, 'Is your dream God's dream for you?'.....for God is the God of hope ( Rom 15:13) who wants you to overflow with joy and peace by the power of the Holy Spirit, certain of His unique plan for your future.
In his Easter Sunday message, Rick combines the major theme of Romans 13 with the question, 'Do you believe that God is in full control today?'
Ricky asks many telling questions as he takes us on a journey involving our natural behaviour and the biblical standard given in Gal 5:22 revealing the nine-fold characteristics making up the 'fruit of the Spirit'.
In continuing our study in Romans, Ricky reminds us that chapters 10 and 11 fit well with where we are as a church, in that God is seeking to make changes that will benefit us, whilst at the same time assuring us that, 'We are saved by grace'......but for a purpose!......and carry a warning about disobedience and the dangers of modern thinking that seeks to limit and override basic scriptural values.
In obedience to the Holy Spirit's prompting, Alan puts aside his prepared message for the church to share in the context of breaking bread together, the need in these times of significant transition, to reawaken Kingdom priorities within us.
Tim provides a clear distinction between believing that individual effort can earn greater favour with God, and the truth that Jesus' sacrifice is solely the basis of our full acceptance by Him.
Using an interpreter to translate from his native Dutch, Raadj brings a powerful message highlighting the differences between 'joy' and happiness, convincingly demonstrating that the 'The joy of the Lord' never diminishes even in times of severe adversity.
Raadj Gonesh gives an impassioned discourse using the Ezekiel 37 narrative on the valley of dry bones to show how the presence of the Holy Spirit can infuse new life into that which is spiritually dead.
Bladimir reminds us of the overwhelming, permanent love of God. His salvation plan leaves us declared 'not guilty' to all our sin, past, present and future. God's punishment for all the sins of the world has been dealt with through the sacrifice provided by Jesus' death on the cross. Such an unmerited gift from God amazingly is irrevocable and allows the believer perfect peace and abundant life.
Tim succinctly elaborates on the difference between the Jew that lives under the Old Testament law, and the New Testament Christian who is a recipient of God's grace guaranteeing knowing peace with Him.
Rick reminds us that as Christians we are not immune from experiencing pain and suffering that this world and people can inflict, but that Jesus can and does provide restorative love to help us through such difficulties.
With a brief account of the standing that Paul's letter to the Roman church has in Christian theology, and its usefulness in describing an unsaved person's need for God's gift of salvation, Brian attempts to describe how a Christian believer needs to show love to all who behave in a manner ignorant of God's righteous ways.
In the Advent series leading up to Christmas, Tim shares the reactions that people make to promises that have been kept and those that have been broken
Rick looks at the dilemma of ignoring a contradictory prophetic warning when The Holy Spirit has directed otherwise.
Drawing from Paul's third missional journey, Rick reflects upon his character and determination to finish the task, reminding us today that no matter how daunting our task might be, our mission too is to make every effort to share the gospel.
Sue deals with the scattering of the disciples as a result of the persecution of the young church, recognising this was all part of God's plan to spread the gospel. She alludes to trouble becoming the norm for a Christian believer. Although this can be costly, the presence of the Holy Spirit will empower, guide and comfort in such times of adversity.
Rick talks from Acts 4 about our need to surrender our all at the feet of Jesus just as Barnabus had laid his all at the feet of the Apostles, and the subsequent awful cost of lying to the Holy Spirit by Ananias and Sapphira with their attempt to receive glory from their deception.
Brian looks briefly at the sustaining value of God's word, before examining the accounts of Acts 3 and 4 considering how divine encounters should still be our expectation today.
Chrissie follows the accounts from Acts 2 to emphasise the expectation of believers 'together as one', and the empowerment provided by the coming of the Holy Spirit
Bladimir provides a brief but profound reminder of the heart of God towards wayward man, that will leave you rejoicing in His love.
Brian briefly examines the manner in which the early church continued following the sudden growth of followers recorded in the Acts of the Apostles.
Where do I go for guidance? Tim takes us to the surrounding events that influenced Daniel whilst forced into exile from the age of 15 through to his 80s, as to how he handled his big life questions.
Bladimir, compares the law of the Medes and Persians deceitfully enforced to destroy Daniel with the overwhelming law of grace enacted by Jesus to save mankind, reminding Christians that "WE ARE the righteousness of God through Jesus Christ."
David provides a number of modern day parallels to the feast of Belshazzar in an attempt to interpret what this story could mean within todays uncertain world.
Alan provides direction and encouragement to the church upon Ricky Harvey being inducted into eldership to take on the leadership role at Living Word Community Church, Basildon
Ricky provides us with some insights into the gentle diplomatic style of interpersonal relationship that Daniel adopted with everyone, a style many Christians could benefit from today if they want to find favour with those around them.
As we approach Easter, Chrissie considers the importance of Jesus' sacrifice by enduring the cross in order to reconcile man to God.
Rick associates the anxieties and pressures of life with Gideon's experience, to reveal that what may appear insurmountable in our own strength is of little account in God's agenda.
David concludes this theme of the 'new journey' with his thoughts drawing parallels with Abraham's journey from Ur to unknown destination.
Brian continues with the theme of the 'new journey' following on from Chrissie last week and considers some of the obstacles that we may face as we count the cost.
Chrissie picks up upon the new journey that God wants to take us along as part of his church
Chrissie is keen to remind us that in any new journey we embark upon for God, then we can be sure that He will be with us too.
Ewen gives us a sound insight into the benefits and challenges of singlehood as it effects the Christian.
Brian examines some of the important, but less obvious issues that hallmark 'Godliness'.
Being Palm Sunday, Brian looks at Jesus' difficult journey towards glory, and asks us to consider how His ability to overcome might be revealed in us too
Chrissie uses God's word to encourage Christians not to quit when facing difficult circumstances
Tim Blake draws the series on the love of Jesus to a close looking at how the risen Jesus focuses on the loving relationships with His friends and with us. He wants us to know His love now
As Christmas draws close, Chrissie reminds us that Jesus is our light in a darkened world
Tim draws our look at dreams to a close, but passionately reminds us that we are a spiritual people, that the Spirit of God dwells within us and that as such we can hear Him in the everyday flow of life.
Jim Munson visited us from the US and encouraged us so much. His word from Luke 4 provides us all with some provoking questions regarding our priorities.
David continues our look at the importance of a dream for the Kingdom. He does this by using the Lord's prayer to guide us. This excellent study calls us to see ourselves as part of God's people called to breakthrough our fears doubts and lack of confidence. He calls us to engage in love with those around us, to engage with local and national issues and see ourselves as salt and light. Your Kingdom come Your will be don on earth as it is in heaven
This is an excellent start to looking at how we can hear God in our lives through dreams. The experience Dave & Pete and the life of Joseph as shown in Genesis, provide the basis for a discussion held in groups. It is worth persisting through the feedback to hear the insights from those in the Church and then the excellent encouragement from David based on over 30 years of following a dream that God placed in his heart for the kingdom of God.
The issue of Spiritual warfare is far too often approached from extremes, either causing Christians to retreat hesitantly from any engagement or alternatively implying the enemy has a power and authority over God’s people he does not have. Brian’s excellent teaching brings a balance that is both instructive and a call to the Church to engage in the battle.
Pete & Liz remind us of the importance of living lives submitted to Christ and to one another. Jesus is our role model for servant hearted submission and in all relationships this model is our reference point.
Sam drew out the experience of the Ephesian Christians as they faced the reality that in the absence of an imminent return of Jesus, Paul helped them to see the need for a distinctive contrast in life and behaviour to that in the world around them
Following an exciting and moving time in Praise and worship Tim was only able to share briefly on this passage in Ephesians 3
David draws from Ephesians Chapter 2 the wonderful truth that there is no dividing wall between Jew & Gentile- We are all welcome into the family of God.
Sue encourages us to look again at the position we have in Christ; or staus and privelege.
Francis Pidigu shares the amazing ministry of The Tender Heart Foundation in Goa India and also encourages us from the life of Nehemiah.
Chrissie asks us to look into Chapter 3 of Nehemiah asking questions about or preparedness to build together as the people of Israel did.
In an inspiring presentation of both 2 Corinthians 8 and Philippians 3, Nadim Nassar showed how Jesus who enjoys the eternal riches of His relationship in the Trinity, became poor to the uttermost in His death; so that we, however poor, might know the richness of that same relationship through His resurrection.
Richard calls us all to bring a new season to birth in the Church. He reminds us that birth comes with pain, but that with determination and spiritual hunger we will see a fresh move of God among us.
Sue brings our look at Finance and Giving to a close with some practical advice grounded in the Bible. Issues such as Credit, giving to charity and ethical banking are all considered in the light of the Gospel.
David asks us to look at the principles of tithing and giving as laid out in both the old and New Testament.
Chrissie Foster explores the challenges the Church faced as a result of physical growth and growing diversity. Circumstances we also experience. The lessons gained by them also have relevance for us. Not least as we work together in community to see the Kingdom God grow.
Ben paints the picture of his journey and that of the Church in recent days as we have looked to God again to understand how we might best communicate His good news to the world around us.
Brian carefully explores the amazing truths of the presence of God in Jesus- Emanuel- God With Us
Tim calls us to consider the challenge of a holy God dwelling with sinful man and the amazing atoning work of Christ in reconciling us to God.
Chrissie takes us deeper into our understanding of the presence of God. Looking at how close he wants our relationship to be
Bladimir Camacho unpacks the new wineskin that we need to become in order that we can contain the new wine. He looks at three ways in which a misunderstanding of Grace robs us of our true identity in Christ.
Tim brings the vast forgiveness of God into stark relief in this parable of Jesus and calls us to live the prayer "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us"
Jonathan shares the sense of being lost and how Jesus offers us a way to be found. His excellent depiction of the prodigal son's decline and the revelation of our Father's love is so helpful to us all
Sue takes us through the last months of Saul's life and draws together the lessons we have learned from this series in 1 Samuel.
Peter gives a poignant testimony of his battle with the Goliath in his life -the cancer his wife Pat is fighting.
The story of Saul's downfall paints him as a real biblical villain, but we look at his life and see the choices he made. What if he had made different choices. We all face choices that can have a large impact on our future.
Alan brings a powerful encouragement to us from the life of Moses In the desert- in the land of the 'inbetween' Moses spoke his heart to the people. Where they have come from. Where they were at. What they must give themselves to and a prophecy about their future and ours.
Abby looks at the gifts Jonathan gives to David as a demonstration of the different ways in which he trusts honours and respects this man; laying down all that might hurt his friend. She asks us how much are we like Jonathan?
Jim Munson spoke of the lessons we can learn from the early years of Saul's reign when he allowed God's Spirit to lead and guide him.
Brian asks us the question. What does it take for us to be the kind of armour bearer that Jonathan had. Loyal, courageous and totally trusting in God
The problem we have with looking back, even on the most recent past, is that it can seem like shining a torch into a now darkened room. We see just parts of the whole, that which our minds rest on. The glow of the light also changes the reality sometimes making it more than it is, and things that are not lit disappear in the gloom of our selective memory.
David Donoghue brings us excellent teaching on Johns Gospel account of the resurrection
No-one can have observed the events of early 2011, without a sense of feeling-What does this mean? As nations seemed to rise and fall, Brian Foster brought a word to us that called us to watch and to pray.
Sam Donoghue brings refreshing new insight to a familiar passage. Don't be fooled by what you have heard before, Matthew 28 demonstrates Jesus' heart to communicate Love and Grace even within what is so often called the 'Great Commission'
Peter amazed us by taking us back and bringing new insight to the passage God had shown us in Genesis 26 concerning unblocking the wells in our lives.
Brian encourages us to look at how we can bring the gifts and resources to serve the Kingdom of God
Tim asks God that we might have a revelation of what is meant by a commkunity encountering God. Looking at the impact we can have on our world when we are full of His Holy Spirit.
Dave & Sue bring a challenge to the Church and to all of us. Is the God of the Bible able to provide for His people in 2010
Christine asks us to model our realtionships with others on the relationship God has with us.
A look at the amazing call by Jesus to drink of the Spirit of God that we might see a harvest of those like you who are thirsty for something more than this life alone can give
Tim begins the first of three prophetic encouragements to the Church for 2010 focusing on our position.
Tim Blake continues the study of the Kingdom, looking at how the Kingdom contrasts with the empires of men.
Don Silber takes us to Pauls letter to the Romans to focus our examination of the Gospel on the power of God for Salvation
Tim speaks about the need for us to imitate the connectedness that exists in the Trinity
Tim takes us to the heart of God's compassionate love for us. Reminding us that He has invested his whole glory in the salvation of you and me.
David calls to examine our priorities, guard the gates of our lives and shun the temptation to worry.
Christine askes us to look at our attitudes to see that they line up with the manifesto Jesus laid out for the Kingdom of God
Sam Donoghue speaks to us about the reality of the challenges we face in our walk with God. He shows how the apostle Paul was no less challenged and wrote the Christians in Colossae with clear guidance.
In the third of this series Tim Blake looks at the amazing conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus
Sue continues our series looking at how goodness springs from a life full of the Spirit of God
Steve Watts challenges us to look at how God can bring maturity and strength as we stand up to the temptation in our lives and that we can see areas of potential growth in those areas that satan attcks us with most.
Pete and Pat share from the word and from their life how Joy is a gift from God that sustains us.
Tim concludes the series on Marks Gospel looking at Jesus standing in the howling gale of rejection that is thrown against Him.