Woodlands Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Woodlands Church, Bristol. UK.
A range of audio talks from across our services at Woodlands Church, Bristol - we gather all kinds of people from across our city in the adventure of following Jesus. We are a broad mix of people from different generations and backgrounds who want to explore and grow in faith together.
Immanuel SeriesGod with us
People often go home for Christmas. No matter how many messages, virtual meetings, or posted cards and gifts - there is nothing like someone’s actual physical presence in the room. When someone you love comes home, tears often flow. Human beings are wired for this — we are reassured and filled with joy by touching, hearing and seeing someone in our time and space. When Jesus entered into human history he entered our reality, our circumstances, our families, our work lives, our most secret and public lives. And it changed everything.
This series aims to explore the mystery of Jesus entering our world.
Immanuel SeriesGod with us
People often go home for Christmas. No matter how many messages, virtual meetings, or posted cards and gifts - there is nothing like someone’s actual physical presence in the room. When someone you love comes home, tears often flow. Human beings are wired for this — we are reassured and filled with joy by touching, hearing and seeing someone in our time and space. When Jesus entered into human history he entered our reality, our circumstances, our families, our work lives, our most secret and public lives. And it changed everything.
This series aims to explore the mystery of Jesus entering our world.
Immanuel SeriesGod with us
People often go home for Christmas. No matter how many messages, virtual meetings, or posted cards and gifts - there is nothing like someone’s actual physical presence in the room. When someone you love comes home, tears often flow. Human beings are wired for this — we are reassured and filled with joy by touching, hearing and seeing someone in our time and space. When Jesus entered into human history he entered our reality, our circumstances, our families, our work lives, our most secret and public lives. And it changed everything.
This series aims to explore the mystery of Jesus entering our world.
Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.
This September, our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!
The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
Jesus was a master storyteller. Twenty-one centuries on, his stories are still timeless and provocative, but they were also deeply relevant and challenging in the surrounding culture of his day.
This September, our series Jesus Stories highlights five well known parables told by Jesus to explain the unique dynamics of the kingdom of God. It's teaching that is designed to both reassure us and get under our skin!
The purpose of this series is to explore the teaching of Jesus on what it means to be a disciple and a citizen of His Kingdom. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
WATCH THE SERVICE
This August, we are looking at stories of extraordinary women in the Bible who shaped the course of human history by their faith, strength and courage. This series invites us to read their stories and be challenged and inspired into greater devotion towards the God they loved and served.
We were blessed to have Pastor Fatima Sibanda join us a guest speaker, sharing her testimony with us in this service. Fatima and her husband Osian are the Senior Pastors of God’s House International Centre.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
Watch Fatima’s preach: https://www.youtube.com/live/UVTzWXHFzDY
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This August, we are looking at stories of extraordinary women in the Bible who shaped the course of human history by their faith, strength and courage. This series invites us to read their stories and be challenged and inspired into greater devotion towards the God they loved and served.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July we’re looking at what it means to be all in for Jesus! Our vision for the Woodlands Church Family is to see our city transformed by the love and power of God. In order to realise this shared mission, each of us needs to feel empowered, equipped and understand the vital part we each play in God’s unfolding plans for our city. This series will unpack our Woodies value of ‘every member a minister’ and the radical call of discipleship from the Bible.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July we’re looking at what it means to be all in for Jesus! Our vision for the Woodlands Church Family is to see our city transformed by the love and power of God. In order to realise this shared mission, each of us needs to feel empowered, equipped and understand the vital part we each play in God’s unfolding plans for our city. This series will unpack our Woodies value of ‘every member a minister’ and the radical call of discipleship from the Bible.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July we’re looking at what it means to be all in for Jesus! Our vision for the Woodlands Church Family is to see our city transformed by the love and power of God. In order to realise this shared mission, each of us needs to feel empowered, equipped and understand the vital part we each play in God’s unfolding plans for our city. This series will unpack our Woodies value of ‘every member a minister’ and the radical call of discipleship from the Bible.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July we’re looking at what it means to be all in for Jesus! Our vision for the Woodlands Church Family is to see our city transformed by the love and power of God. In order to realise this shared mission, each of us needs to feel empowered, equipped and understand the vital part we each play in God’s unfolding plans for our city. This series will unpack our Woodies value of ‘every member a minister’ and the radical call of discipleship from the Bible.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July we’re looking at what it means to be all in for Jesus! Our vision for the Woodlands Church Family is to see our city transformed by the love and power of God. In order to realise this shared mission, each of us needs to feel empowered, equipped and understand the vital part we each play in God’s unfolding plans for our city. This series will unpack our Woodies value of ‘every member a minister’ and the radical call of discipleship from the Bible.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July we’re looking at what it means to be all in for Jesus! Our vision for the Woodlands Church Family is to see our city transformed by the love and power of God. In order to realise this shared mission, each of us needs to feel empowered, equipped and understand the vital part we each play in God’s unfolding plans for our city. This series will unpack our Woodies value of ‘every member a minister’ and the radical call of discipleship from the Bible.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July we’re looking at what it means to be all in for Jesus! Our vision for the Woodlands Church Family is to see our city transformed by the love and power of God. In order to realise this shared mission, each of us needs to feel empowered, equipped and understand the vital part we each play in God’s unfolding plans for our city. This series will unpack our Woodies value of ‘every member a minister’ and the radical call of discipleship from the Bible.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
Video Block Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more
This July we’re looking at what it means to be all in for Jesus! Our vision for the Woodlands Church Family is to see our city transformed by the love and power of God. In order to realise this shared mission, each of us needs to feel empowered, equipped and understand the vital part we each play in God’s unfolding plans for our city. This series will unpack our Woodies value of ‘every member a minister’ and the radical call of discipleship from the Bible.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
In June, we’re focusing on what ‘reproducing the life of Jesus’ really means for us as a church. One aspect is Churches reproducing Churches, which is both a strategy of multiplication and a sign of life. This series will help us think about the place of Church planting in God’s plans to redeem humanity, and what that means for us in Bristol.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
Video Block Double-click here to add a video by URL or embed code. Learn more
In June, we’re focusing on what ‘reproducing the life of Jesus’ really means for us as a church. One aspect is Churches reproducing Churches, which is both a strategy of multiplication and a sign of life. This series will help us think about the place of Church planting in God’s plans to redeem humanity, and what that means for us in Bristol.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This April and May, our series is looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. We’re asking the question, “What does it look like to follow Jesus in every area of your life?”. We’ll be reflecting on what the Bible says around important areas of life including money, community, relationships and witness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This April and May, our series is looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. We’re asking the question, “What does it look like to follow Jesus in every area of your life?”. We’ll be reflecting on what the Bible says around important areas of life including money, community, relationships and witness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This April and May, our series is looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. We’re asking the question, “What does it look like to follow Jesus in every area of your life?”. We’ll be reflecting on what the Bible says around important areas of life including money, community, relationships and witness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
We were happy to host a final Citywide Noise Celebration Evening at Woodlands Church with guest speaker, Krish Kandiah, looking back at what has happened over the last 24 years of The Noise and taking a look forward to the new season ahead.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This April and May, our series is looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. We’re asking the question, “What does it look like to follow Jesus in every area of your life?”. We’ll be reflecting on what the Bible says around important areas of life including money, community, relationships and witness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This April and May, our series is looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. We’re asking the question, “What does it look like to follow Jesus in every area of your life?”. We’ll be reflecting on what the Bible says around important areas of life including money, community, relationships and witness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
You can also check out Steph Lake-Cook’s presentation on Creation Care to help inspire you to think, learn and also make positive changes in your lifestyle. Download the slides as a PDF below.
TAKE ACTION
This April and May, our series is looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. We’re asking the question, “What does it look like to follow Jesus in every area of your life?”. We’ll be reflecting on what the Bible says around important areas of life including money, community, relationships and witness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This April and May, our series is looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. We’re asking the question, “What does it look like to follow Jesus in every area of your life?”. We’ll be reflecting on what the Bible says around important areas of life including money, community, relationships and witness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
You can also check out Steph Lake-Cook’s presentation on Creation Care to help inspire you to think, learn and also make positive changes in your lifestyle. Download the slides as a PDF below.
TAKE ACTION
This April and May, our series is looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. We’re asking the question, “What does it look like to follow Jesus in every area of your life?”. We’ll be reflecting on what the Bible says around important areas of life including money, community, relationships and witness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This April and May, our series is looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. We’re asking the question, “What does it look like to follow Jesus in every area of your life?”. We’ll be reflecting on what the Bible says around important areas of life including money, community, relationships and witness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This April and May, our series is looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. We’re asking the question, “What does it look like to follow Jesus in every area of your life?”. We’ll be reflecting on what the Bible says around important areas of life including money, community, relationships and witness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This April and May, our series is looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. We’re asking the question, “What does it look like to follow Jesus in every area of your life?”. We’ll be reflecting on what the Bible says around important areas of life including money, community, relationships and witness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This April and May, our series is looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus in today’s world. We’re asking the question, “What does it look like to follow Jesus in every area of your life?”. We’ll be reflecting on what the Bible says around important areas of life including money, community, relationships and witness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This March and April, our series looking at John’s gospel examines key encounters people had with Jesus in the last phase of his ministry as we lead up to Easter. We’ll be looking at everything from healing and miracles, to worship and discipleship, how he dealt with deception and despair, then ultimately hope and new beginnings.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This March and April, our series looking at John’s gospel examines key encounters people had with Jesus in the last phase of his ministry as we lead up to Easter. We’ll be looking at everything from healing and miracles, to worship and discipleship, how he dealt with deception and despair, then ultimately hope and new beginnings.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This March and April, our series looking at John’s gospel examines key encounters people had with Jesus in the last phase of his ministry as we lead up to Easter. We’ll be looking at everything from healing and miracles, to worship and discipleship, how he dealt with deception and despair, then ultimately hope and new beginnings.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This March and April, our series looking at John’s gospel examines key encounters people had with Jesus in the last phase of his ministry as we lead up to Easter. We’ll be looking at everything from healing and miracles, to worship and discipleship, how he dealt with deception and despair, then ultimately hope and new beginnings.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This March and April, our series looking at John’s gospel examines key encounters people had with Jesus in the last phase of his ministry as we lead up to Easter. We’ll be looking at everything from healing and miracles, to worship and discipleship, how he dealt with deception and despair, then ultimately hope and new beginnings.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This March and April, our series looking at John’s gospel examines key encounters people had with Jesus in the last phase of his ministry as we lead up to Easter. We’ll be looking at everything from healing and miracles, to worship and discipleship, how he dealt with deception and despair, then ultimately hope and new beginnings.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This March and April, our series looking at John’s gospel examines key encounters people had with Jesus in the last phase of his ministry as we lead up to Easter. We’ll be looking at everything from healing and miracles, to worship and discipleship, how he dealt with deception and despair, then ultimately hope and new beginnings.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This March and April, our series looking at John’s gospel examines key encounters people had with Jesus in the last phase of his ministry as we lead up to Easter. We’ll be looking at everything from healing and miracles, to worship and discipleship, how he dealt with deception and despair, then ultimately hope and new beginnings.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This March and April, our series looking at John’s gospel examines key encounters people had with Jesus in the last phase of his ministry as we lead up to Easter. We’ll be looking at everything from healing and miracles, to worship and discipleship, how he dealt with deception and despair, then ultimately hope and new beginnings.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This March and April, our series looking at John’s gospel examines key encounters people had with Jesus in the last phase of his ministry as we lead up to Easter. We’ll be looking at everything from healing and miracles, to worship and discipleship, how he dealt with deception and despair, then ultimately hope and new beginnings.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more
This March and April, our series looking at John’s gospel examines key encounters people had with Jesus in the last phase of his ministry as we lead up to Easter. We’ll be looking at everything from healing and miracles, to worship and discipleship, how he dealt with deception and despair, then ultimately hope and new beginnings.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This March and April, our series looking at John’s gospel examines key encounters people had with Jesus in the last phase of his ministry as we lead up to Easter. We’ll be looking at everything from healing and miracles, to worship and discipleship, how he dealt with deception and despair, then ultimately hope and new beginnings.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This February, we want you to come on a journey of well-being and wholeness as we dive into a new series about understanding our identity in God. We will be looking at three aspects of the rich identity that God gives to all his people and look at how it helps us to deepen our relationship with God, work out our personal sense of identity and find wholeness, peace and purpose in the world.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more
This February, we want you to come on a journey of well-being and wholeness as we dive into a new series about understanding our identity in God. We will be looking at three aspects of the rich identity that God gives to all his people and look at how it helps us to deepen our relationship with God, work out our personal sense of identity and find wholeness, peace and purpose in the world.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This February, we want you to come on a journey of well-being and wholeness as we dive into a new series about understanding our identity in God. We will be looking at three aspects of the rich identity that God gives to all his people and look at how it helps us to deepen our relationship with God, work out our personal sense of identity and find wholeness, peace and purpose in the world.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This February, we want you to come on a journey of well-being and wholeness as we dive into a new series about understanding our identity in God. We will be looking at three aspects of the rich identity that God gives to all his people and look at how it helps us to deepen our relationship with God, work out our personal sense of identity and find wholeness, peace and purpose in the world.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This February, we want you to come on a journey of well-being and wholeness as we dive into a new series about understanding our identity in God. We will be looking at three aspects of the rich identity that God gives to all his people and look at how it helps us to deepen our relationship with God, work out our personal sense of identity and find wholeness, peace and purpose in the world.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This February, we want you to come on a journey of well-being and wholeness as we dive into a new series about understanding our identity in God. We will be looking at three aspects of the rich identity that God gives to all his people and look at how it helps us to deepen our relationship with God, work out our personal sense of identity and find wholeness, peace and purpose in the world.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
Love Running is an incredible initiative that helps ordinary people do extraordinary things.
Philip Jinadu from Woodlands Metro is with us to share how we can all join in and be part of something truly heroic. Get fit. Get friends. Change the world.
Join us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
Love Running is an incredible initiative that helps ordinary people do extraordinary things.
Philip Jinadu from Woodlands Metro is with us to share how we can all join in and be part of something truly heroic. Get fit. Get friends. Change the world.
Join us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
As we go into the New Year this January, our focus is on seeking to grow in our own personal prayer life. We’ll be celebrating our annual Prayer Weekas Woodlands Church Family and our Sunday series will provide guidance on what the Bible says about how to pray, fast and connect with God.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
As we go into the New Year this January, our focus is on seeking to grow in our own personal prayer life. We’ll be celebrating our annual Prayer Week as Woodlands Church Family and our Sunday series will provide guidance on what the Bible says about how to pray, fast and connect with God.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
As we go into the New Year this January, our focus is on seeking to grow in our own personal prayer life. We’ll be celebrating our annual Prayer Weekas Woodlands Church Family and our Sunday series will provide guidance on what the Bible says about how to pray, fast and connect with God.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more
As we go into the New Year this January, our focus is on seeking to grow in our own personal prayer life. We’ll be celebrating our annual Prayer Week as Woodlands Church Family and our Sunday series will provide guidance on what the Bible says about how to pray, fast and connect with God.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
As we go into the New Year this January, our focus is on seeking to grow in our own personal prayer life. We’ll be celebrating our annual Prayer Weekas Woodlands Church Family and our Sunday series will provide guidance on what the Bible says about how to pray, fast and connect with God.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
As we go into the New Year this January, our focus is on seeking to grow in our own personal prayer life. We’ll be celebrating our annual Prayer Week as Woodlands Church Family and our Sunday series will provide guidance on what the Bible says about how to pray, fast and connect with God.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
It’s New Year’s Eve! We hope you enjoy being with us today and we wish you a happy 2024.
Come along in person or tune into our weekly livestream.
Happy Christmas Eve! We hope you enjoy being with us today.
Come along in person or tune into our weekly livestream.
We hope you enjoy our Folky Christmas service.
In December, we look forward to Christmas and we remember the coming of our saviour Jesus into the world. Throughout this month, we’ll be hosting lots of joyful Christmas themed services - with Carols by Candlelight, a Christingle and even our musical Nativity. We hope you can join us and invite your friends!
Come along in person or tune into our weekly livestream.
We hope you enjoy our Carols by Candlelight service.
In December, we look forward to Christmas and we remember the coming of our saviour Jesus into the world. Throughout this month, we’ll be hosting lots of joyful Christmas themed services - from Christingle to our musical Nativity, and even Folky Christmas. We hope you can join us and invite your friends!
Come along in person or tune into our weekly livestream.
In December, we look forward to Christmas and we remember the coming of our saviour Jesus into the world. Throughout this month, we’ll be hosting lots of joyful Christmas themed services - from Christingle to our musical Nativity, to candlelit carols and even Folky Christmas. We hope you can join us and invite your friends!
Come along in person or tune into our weekly livestream.
We hope you enjoy our Big Carol Sing Along!
In December, we look forward to Christmas and we remember the coming of our saviour Jesus into the world. Throughout this month, we’ll be hosting lots of joyful Christmas themed services - from Christingle to our musical Nativity, to candlelit carols and even Folky Christmas. We hope you can join us and invite your friends!
Come along in person or tune into our weekly livestream.
In December, we look forward to Christmas and we remember the coming of our saviour Jesus into the world. Throughout this month, we’ll be hosting lots of joyful Christmas themed services - from Christingle to our musical Nativity, to candlelit carols and even Folky Christmas. We hope you can join us and invite your friends!
Come along in person or tune into our weekly livestream.
For November, our series Blessed will be looking at the Beatitudes in Matthew from Jesus' sermon on the mount. Jesus embodied these states of being and we can follow his example in our daily attitudes and actions.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
For November, our series Blessed will be looking at the Beatitudes in Matthew from Jesus' sermon on the mount. Jesus embodied these states of being and we can follow his example in our daily attitudes and actions.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
For November, our series Blessed will be looking at the Beatitudes in Matthew from Jesus' sermon on the mount. Jesus embodied these states of being and we can follow his example in our daily attitudes and actions.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more
For November, our series Blessed will be looking at the Beatitudes in Matthew from Jesus' sermon on the mount. Jesus embodied these states of being and we can follow his example in our daily attitudes and actions.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
For November, our series Blessed will be looking at the Beatitudes in Matthew from Jesus' sermon on the mount. Jesus embodied these states of being and we can follow his example in our daily attitudes and actions.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
For November, our series Blessed will be looking at the Beatitudes in Matthew from Jesus' sermon on the mount. Jesus embodied these states of being and we can follow his example in our daily attitudes and actions.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
For November, our series Blessed will be looking at the Beatitudes in Matthew from Jesus' sermon on the mount. Jesus embodied these states of being and we can follow his example in our daily attitudes and actions.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
For November, our series Blessed will be looking at the Beatitudes in Matthew from Jesus' sermon on the mount. Jesus embodied these states of being and we can follow his example in our daily attitudes and actions.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This October, we’re looking at the book of Acts which begins with Jesus ascending to heaven and a promise from angels that this same Jesus will return. The rest of the book depicts the Church carrying on the ministry of 'this same Jesus' in the same way that He had demonstrated the nature of God's Kingdom in his incarnate life.
We are in that great tradition of following and demonstrating that same Jesus, and our series in Acts is something of a blueprint for His Church to follow in our own time as we point to the one who is the same 'yesterday, today and forever.'
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
NOTE: APOLOGIES BUT THIS LIVESTREAM WAS CUT SHORT - SO THE MESSAGE IS NOT COMPLETE.
This October, we’re looking at the book of Acts which begins with Jesus ascending to heaven and a promise from angels that this same Jesus will return. The rest of the book depicts the Church carrying on the ministry of 'this same Jesus' in the same way that He had demonstrated the nature of God's Kingdom in his incarnate life.
We are in that great tradition of following and demonstrating that same Jesus, and our series in Acts is something of a blueprint for His Church to follow in our own time as we point to the one who is the same 'yesterday, today and forever.'
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This October, we’re looking at the book of Acts which begins with Jesus ascending to heaven and a promise from angels that this same Jesus will return. The rest of the book depicts the Church carrying on the ministry of 'this same Jesus' in the same way that He had demonstrated the nature of God's Kingdom in his incarnate life.
We are in that great tradition of following and demonstrating that same Jesus, and our series in Acts is something of a blueprint for His Church to follow in our own time as we point to the one who is the same 'yesterday, today and forever.'
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This October, we’re looking at the book of Acts which begins with Jesus ascending to heaven and a promise from angels that this same Jesus will return. The rest of the book depicts the Church carrying on the ministry of 'this same Jesus' in the same way that He had demonstrated the nature of God's Kingdom in his incarnate life.
We are in that great tradition of following and demonstrating that same Jesus, and our series in Acts is something of a blueprint for His Church to follow in our own time as we point to the one who is the same 'yesterday, today and forever.'
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
Audio Block Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3. Learn more
This October, we’re looking at the book of Acts which begins with Jesus ascending to heaven and a promise from angels that this same Jesus will return. The rest of the book depicts the Church carrying on the ministry of 'this same Jesus' in the same way that He had demonstrated the nature of God's Kingdom in his incarnate life.
We are in that great tradition of following and demonstrating that same Jesus, and our series in Acts is something of a blueprint for His Church to follow in our own time as we point to the one who is the same 'yesterday, today and forever.'
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This October, we’re looking at the book of Acts which begins with Jesus ascending to heaven and a promise from angels that this same Jesus will return. The rest of the book depicts the Church carrying on the ministry of 'this same Jesus' in the same way that He had demonstrated the nature of God's Kingdom in his incarnate life.
We are in that great tradition of following and demonstrating that same Jesus, and our series in Acts is something of a blueprint for His Church to follow in our own time as we point to the one who is the same 'yesterday, today and forever.'
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This October, we’re looking at the book of Acts which begins with Jesus ascending to heaven and a promise from angels that this same Jesus will return. The rest of the book depicts the Church carrying on the ministry of 'this same Jesus' in the same way that He had demonstrated the nature of God's Kingdom in his incarnate life.
We are in that great tradition of following and demonstrating that same Jesus, and our series in Acts is something of a blueprint for His Church to follow in our own time as we point to the one who is the same 'yesterday, today and forever.'
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This October, we’re looking at the book of Acts which begins with Jesus ascending to heaven and a promise from angels that this same Jesus will return. The rest of the book depicts the Church carrying on the ministry of 'this same Jesus' in the same way that He had demonstrated the nature of God's Kingdom in his incarnate life.
We are in that great tradition of following and demonstrating that same Jesus, and our series in Acts is something of a blueprint for His Church to follow in our own time as we point to the one who is the same 'yesterday, today and forever.'
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This September, our preaching series called 'Both And' will help us set vision for the term ahead. The series acknowledges we have diversity and nuance in much of what we think about God, theology and Church practice…and that actually this is a strength of our community, not a weakness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This September, our preaching series called 'Both And' will help us set vision for the term ahead. The series acknowledges we have diversity and nuance in much of what we think about God, theology and Church practice…and that actually this is a strength of our community, not a weakness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This September, our preaching series called 'Both And' will help us set vision for the term ahead. The series acknowledges we have diversity and nuance in much of what we think about God, theology and Church practice…and that actually this is a strength of our community, not a weakness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This September, our preaching series called 'Both And' will help us set vision for the term ahead. The series acknowledges we have diversity and nuance in much of what we think about God, theology and Church practice…and that actually this is a strength of our community, not a weakness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This September, our preaching series called 'Both And' will help us set vision for the term ahead. The series acknowledges we have diversity and nuance in much of what we think about God, theology and Church practice…and that actually this is a strength of our community, not a weakness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This September, our preaching series called 'Both And' will help us set vision for the term ahead. The series acknowledges we have diversity and nuance in much of what we think about God, theology and Church practice…and that actually this is a strength of our community, not a weakness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This September, our preaching series called 'Both And' will help us set vision for the term ahead. The series acknowledges we have diversity and nuance in much of what we think about God, theology and Church practice…and that actually this is a strength of our community, not a weakness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This September, our preaching series called 'Both And' will help us set vision for the term ahead. The series acknowledges we have diversity and nuance in much of what we think about God, theology and Church practice…and that actually this is a strength of our community, not a weakness.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This August, we're looking the book of Philippians. While in prison, Paul wrote one of the most encouraging letters in all the Bible. Reading a chapter a week, we'll be exploring how to live with a God-given purpose in the midst of everything life throws at us. Choosing joy, no matter what.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This August, we're looking the book of Philippians. While in prison, Paul wrote one of the most encouraging letters in all the Bible. Reading a chapter a week, we'll be exploring how to live with a God-given purpose in the midst of everything life throws at us. Choosing joy, no matter what.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This August, we're looking the book of Philippians. While in prison, Paul wrote one of the most encouraging letters in all the Bible. Reading a chapter a week, we'll be exploring how to live with a God-given purpose in the midst of everything life throws at us. Choosing joy, no matter what.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This August, we're looking the book of Philippians. While in prison, Paul wrote one of the most encouraging letters in all the Bible. Reading a chapter a week, we'll be exploring how to live with a God-given purpose in the midst of everything life throws at us. Choosing joy, no matter what.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This August, we're looking the book of Philippians. While in prison, Paul wrote one of the most encouraging letters in all the Bible. Reading a chapter a week, we'll be exploring how to live with a God-given purpose in the midst of everything life throws at us. Choosing joy, no matter what.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This August, we're looking the book of Philippians. While in prison, Paul wrote one of the most encouraging letters in all the Bible. Reading a chapter a week, we'll be exploring how to live with a God-given purpose in the midst of everything life throws at us. Choosing joy, no matter what.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This August, we're looking the book of Philippians. While in prison, Paul wrote one of the most encouraging letters in all the Bible. Reading a chapter a week, we'll be exploring how to live with a God-given purpose in the midst of everything life throws at us. Choosing joy, no matter what.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July, our message series for Sunday evenings is looking at power and the kingdom of God. In particular, we’re looking at how power needs to be earthed in love, holiness and faith. From there, power and authority can work hand in hand and be imparted to us so we can lead spirit filled lives.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July, our message series for Sunday mornings will be looking at the Bible from the beginning to end. We want to look at the big picture to help us grasp what the Bible is all about. We’re breaking it down into five acts. This series will include foundational teaching around the creation of man, God’s chosen people, the foretelling and coming of Christ, his followers and ultimately the return of Jesus.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July, our message series for Sunday evenings is looking at power and the kingdom of God. In particular, we’re looking at how power needs to be earthed in love, holiness and faith. From there, power and authority can work hand in hand and be imparted to us so we can lead spirit filled lives.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July, our message series for Sunday mornings will be looking at the Bible from the beginning to end. We want to look at the big picture to help us grasp what the Bible is all about. We’re breaking it down into five acts. This series will include foundational teaching around the creation of man, God’s chosen people, the foretelling and coming of Christ, his followers and ultimately the return of Jesus.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July, our message series for Sunday evenings is looking at power and the kingdom of God. In particular, we’re looking at how power needs to be earthed in love, holiness and faith. From there, power and authority can work hand in hand and be imparted to us so we can lead spirit filled lives.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July, our message series for Sunday mornings will be looking at the Bible from the beginning to end. We want to look at the big picture to help us grasp what the Bible is all about. We’re breaking it down into five acts. This series will include foundational teaching around the creation of man, God’s chosen people, the foretelling and coming of Christ, his followers and ultimately the return of Jesus.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July, our message series for Sunday evenings is looking at power and the kingdom of God. In particular, we’re looking at how power needs to be earthed in love, holiness and faith. From there, power and authority can work hand in hand and be imparted to us so we can lead spirit filled lives.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This July, our message series for Sunday mornings will be looking at the Bible from the beginning to end. We want to look at the big picture to help us grasp what the Bible is all about. We’re breaking it down into five acts. This series will include foundational teaching around the creation of man, God’s chosen people, the foretelling and coming of Christ, his followers and ultimately the return of Jesus.
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
This June, our message series will be looking at love and relationships from a Christian perspective. The Church witnesses to the nature of God and His Kingdom most when it is filled with love. How can we love one another the way Jesus commanded us to?
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Love One Another Discussion Notes.
This June, our message series will be looking at love and relationships from a Christian perspective. The Church witnesses to the nature of God and His Kingdom most when it is filled with love. How can we love one another the way Jesus commanded us to?
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Love One Another Discussion Notes.
This June, our message series will be looking at love and relationships from a Christian perspective. The Church witnesses to the nature of God and His Kingdom most when it is filled with love. How can we love one another the way Jesus commanded us to?
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Love One Another Discussion Notes.
This June, our message series will be looking at love and relationships from a Christian perspective. The Church witnesses to the nature of God and His Kingdom most when it is filled with love. How can we love one another the way Jesus commanded us to?
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Love One Another Discussion Notes.
This June, our message series will be looking at love and relationships from a Christian perspective. The Church witnesses to the nature of God and His Kingdom most when it is filled with love. How can we love one another the way Jesus commanded us to?
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Love One Another Discussion Notes.
This June, our message series will be looking at love and relationships from a Christian perspective. The Church witnesses to the nature of God and His Kingdom most when it is filled with love. How can we love one another the way Jesus commanded us to?
Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Love One Another Discussion Notes.
This May, our message series will look the Essentials we need to thrive in our walk with Jesus. We will be thinking about big ideas and how what we believe shapes our everyday lives. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Essentials Discussion Notes.
This May, our message series will look the Essentials we need to thrive in our walk with Jesus. We will be thinking about big ideas and how what we believe shapes our everyday lives. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Essentials Discussion Notes.
This May, our message series will look the Essentials we need to thrive in our walk with Jesus. We will be thinking about big ideas and how what we believe shapes our everyday lives. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Essentials Discussion Notes.
This May, our message series will look the Essentials we need to thrive in our walk with Jesus. We will be thinking about big ideas and how what we believe shapes our everyday lives. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Essentials Discussion Notes.
This May, our message series will look the Essentials we need to thrive in our walk with Jesus. We will be thinking about big ideas and how what we believe shapes our everyday lives. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Essentials Discussion Notes.
This May, our message series will look the Essentials we need to thrive in our walk with Jesus. We will be thinking about big ideas and how what we believe shapes our everyday lives. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Essentials Discussion Notes.
This May, our message series will look the Essentials we need to thrive in our walk with Jesus. We will be thinking about big ideas and how what we believe shapes our everyday lives. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Essentials Discussion Notes.
This May, our message series will look the Essentials we need to thrive in our walk with Jesus. We will be thinking about big ideas and how what we believe shapes our everyday lives. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download the Essentials Discussion Notes.
This April we will be looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and how we can live a life devoted to Him. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
30th April 2023
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide.
This April we will be looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and how we can live a life devoted to Him. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
30th April 2023
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide.
This April we will be looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and how we can live a life devoted to Him. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
23rd April 2023
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide.
This April we will be looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and how we can live a life devoted to Him. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
23rd April 2023
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide.
This April we will be looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and how we can live a life devoted to Him. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
16th April 2023
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This April we will be looking at what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, and how we can live a life devoted to Him. Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
9th April 2023
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This March and April we will be asking the question, Who is Jesus? Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
9th April 2023
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This March and April we will be asking the question, Who is Jesus? Come on the journey with us either in person on Sundays or on the weekly livestream.
9th April 2023
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This March we will be asking the question, Who is Jesus? Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
2nd April
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This March we will be asking the question, Who is Jesus? Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
2nd April
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This March we will be asking the question, Who is Jesus? Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
26th March
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This March we will be asking the question, Who is Jesus? Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
26th March
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This March we will be asking the question, Who is Jesus? Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
19th March
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This March we will be asking the question, Who is Jesus? Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
19th March
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This March we will be asking the question, Who is Jesus? Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
12th March
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This March we will be asking the question, Who is Jesus? Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
12th March
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This March we will be asking the question, Who is Jesus? Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
5th March
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
This March we will be asking the question, Who is Jesus? Come on the journey with us either in person or on the weekly livestream.
5th March
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Most of us have experienced the desire to cover up mistakes and failures, or the desire to make ourselves look better than we really are. Many of us hide behind masks, shyness, false identities to avoid being really seen, we fear that as we are, “naked”, we are not really enough. What are we really afraid of? The bible teaches us that hiding and covering up don’t solve the problem of shame, only God can do that - and it’s a radical solution.
26th Feb
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Most of us have experienced the desire to cover up mistakes and failures, or the desire to make ourselves look better than we really are. Many of us hide behind masks, shyness, false identities to avoid being really seen, we fear that as we are, “naked”, we are not really enough. What are we really afraid of? The bible teaches us that hiding and covering up don’t solve the problem of shame, only God can do that - and it’s a radical solution.
26th Feb
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Most of us have experienced the desire to cover up mistakes and failures, or the desire to make ourselves look better than we really are. Many of us hide behind masks, shyness, false identities to avoid being really seen, we fear that as we are, “naked”, we are not really enough. What are we really afraid of? The bible teaches us that hiding and covering up don’t solve the problem of shame, only God can do that - and it’s a radical solution.
19th Feb
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Most of us have experienced the desire to cover up mistakes and failures, or the desire to make ourselves look better than we really are. Many of us hide behind masks, shyness, false identities to avoid being really seen, we fear that as we are, “naked”, we are not really enough. What are we really afraid of? The bible teaches us that hiding and covering up don’t solve the problem of shame, only God can do that - and it’s a radical solution.
19th Feb
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Taking a break from our sermon on Series on Shame, Matt shares with us as we celebrate 2 baptisms!
12th Feb
Taking a break from our sermon on Series on Shame, Rob shares his thoughts for the year for Woodies.
12th Feb
The over-arching story of the bible is the story of God’s radical and loving solution to the ancient problem of human failure, shame and isolation. Genesis dives straight in as it tells the story of the catastrophic separation that results from human beings choosing independence from God. By the end of the third chapter of Genesis, two vulnerable human beings are hiding in the bushes, not wanting to be seen, known and exposed. Sound familiar? It’s the ancient story of the human race.
5th Feb
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
The over-arching story of the bible is the story of God’s radical and loving solution to the ancient problem of human failure, shame and isolation. Genesis dives straight in as it tells the story of the catastrophic separation that results from human beings choosing independence from God. By the end of the third chapter of Genesis, two vulnerable human beings are hiding in the bushes, not wanting to be seen, known and exposed. Sound familiar? It’s the ancient story of the human race.
5th Feb
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
In support of the Woodlands Church Family Prayer Week throughout January we will be looking at Prayer.
29th Jan
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
In support of the Woodlands Church Family Prayer Week throughout January we will be looking at Prayer.
29th Jan
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
In support of the Woodlands Church Family Prayer Week throughout January we will be looking at Prayer.
22nd Jan
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
In support of the Woodlands Church Family Prayer Week throughout January we will be looking at Prayer.
22nd Jan
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
In support of the Woodlands Church Family Prayer Week throughout January we will be looking at Prayer.
15th Jan
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
In support of the Woodlands Church Family Prayer Week throughout January we will be looking at Prayer.
15th Jan
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
In support of the Woodlands Church Family Prayer Week throughout January we will be looking at Prayer.
8th Jan
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
In support of the Woodlands Church Family Prayer Week throughout January we will be looking at Prayer.
8th Jan
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Challenged: Why is following Jesus so hard?
4th December
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Challenged: Why is following Jesus so hard?
4th December
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Challenged: Why is following Jesus so hard?
Audio Block
Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3.
Learn more 27th November
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Challenged: Why is following Jesus so hard?
27th November
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Challenged: Why is following Jesus so hard?
20th November
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Challenged: Why is following Jesus so hard?
20th November
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Challenged: Why is following Jesus so hard?
6th November
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Challenged: Why is following Jesus so hard?
6th November
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Challenged: Why is following Jesus so hard?
6th November
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
Challenged: Why is following Jesus so hard?
6th November
If you would like to follow along with this series as a small group, you can download a study guide here.
How did Jesus teach us to use the most famous prayer in history?
Audio Block
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Learn more 7th August
How did Jesus teach us to use the most famous prayer in history?
Audio Block
Double-click here to upload or link to a .mp3.
Learn more 7th August
On Sunday mornings throughout June, we will be considering a series called ‘Finding Jesus in the Old Testament’.
26th June
On Sunday evenings throughout June, we will be considering a series called ‘Church – Boring, Hypocritical, Irrelevant?’
26th June
Learn how to Mentore and disciple others in this discussion with Tim Dobson
Listen to the session below:
On Sunday evenings throughout June, we will be considering a series called ‘Church – Boring, Hypocritical, Irrelevant?’
19th June
On Sunday mornings throughout June, we will be considering a series called ‘Finding Jesus in the Old Testament’.
19th June
On Sunday evenings throughout June, we will be considering a series called ‘Church – Boring, Hypocritical, Irrelevant?’
12th June
On Sunday mornings throughout June, we will be considering a series called ‘Finding Jesus in the Old Testament’.
12th June
On Sunday mornings throughout June, we will be considering a series called ‘Finding Jesus in the Old Testament’.
5th June
On Sunday evenings throughout June, we will be considering a series called ‘Church – Boring, Hypocritical, Irrelevant?’
5th June
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
29th May
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
29th May
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
29th May
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
22nd May
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
22nd May
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
15th May
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
15th May
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
8th May
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
8th May
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
1st May
On Sundays throughout May, we will be considering a series called ‘First Things First’, looking at our priorities in following Jesus.
1st May
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
April 24th
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
NOTESApril 24th Commission. Luke 24:47-49
The Journey continues beyond Jerusalem to ‘all nations’. That journey is to be in the power of the Spirit, so Jesus commands us to ‘go’ and ‘stay. We are not to go until we have received power.
As we look beyond Easter towards Pentecost what does it mean for us to ‘tarry’ or to start (like the first Sabbath in Genesis) from a place of rest before obeying that commission? How do we go on to live an empowered life?
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
NOTESApril 17th Kingdom: Luke 23:42 onwards Easter Day.
‘Jesus remember me when you come into your Kingdom’
‘Today- you will be with me in paradise’.
The ‘coronation’ of Jesus is Good Friday, but the power of the Kingdom is expressed in freeing condemned sinners and giving them a place in paradise. That Kingdom power is expressed as inexhaustible life. The transformation of Cleopas and his companion on the road is a continuation of the power that touches the dying thief. It is taking us from despair to hope, so that like them ‘our hearts burn within us’ v 32.
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
April 17th
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
April 10th
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
NOTESLuke 19:28-21:37 (Palm Sunday)
The Triumphal entry inaugurates Holy Week- a week that the gospel writers devote a significant part of their narrative too. What begins with an extravagant welcome appropriate to the Messiah turns into a series of confrontations by Jesus with the religious, nationalistic, financial and political powers located in Jerusalem, and behind them the unseen spiritual powers of darkness. Prophecy flows from Jesus as each of the 6 days of Holy week increase the crisis that propels Jesus to the fulfilment of his ministry until the last ‘it is finished’ of the 7th day.
How do we welcome Jesus into our hearts, and what does he confront and challenge there?
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
NOTESApril 3rd Jericho. Luke 18:31-19:27.
Just as the Israelites had to go through Jericho to take possession of the land of Canaan, Jesus goes through Jericho on His way to Jerusalem.
Jesus meets people at Jericho. The blind man- who will not be silenced- ‘sees’ Jesus as ‘The Son of David’ and gets his physical sight in healing (a messianic sign e.g. Isaiah 35:5). He meets Zacchaeus – who is ‘saved’ (v 9). The Messiah is turning things upside down and his kingdom is breaking out in mercy and healing.
The parable of the talents speaks of what Jesus is looking for in terms of Spiritual fruit. What will Jesus find in Jerusalem? And what will he find in us?
Before Easter we take a short break to talk about Baptism at our 7pm Service.
April 3rd
If you’re interested in getting Baptised, get in touch with your small group or pastorate leader.
On Sunday evenings in March, we begin a short series called ‘Living in Babylon’.
March 27th
As we move closer to Easter we want to take a look at the journey Jesus took as he teaches, acts, and responds to questions that all prepare us as well as his disciples for the meaning behind the journey.
NOTESLuke 13:31-35. 14:25-34
Luke 13 has threatening overtones. Pilate and Herod are both referenced in this chapter as having murderous intent and capacity. Jesus response is definitely not meek and mild. He commits to demonstrating a different kingdom coming (healing and deliverance) as he prepares for the final showdown in Jerusalem.
That sense of going to Jerusalem to die informs his teaching in Luke 14 of the cost of discipleship. That cost is framed in the language of ‘carry their cross’ v 27 and ‘’give up everything’ v33.
Our own journey of discipleship isn’t just a one off experience, but a considered life choice and lifestyle where we count the cost of commitment. Jesus words about ‘hating’ family members (v 26) are metaphors to demonstrate the overwhelming priority of God (it’s a how much more saying- even those we love, compared to the love of God it’s as if they were hated so much higher is our devotion to Him) as well as a non-emotional choice reminiscent of God’s election of Jacob -‘Jacob I loved, Esau I hated’.
The Journey is a narrow road of putting God first in all things, being ‘salty’ people, not losing our savour or backing off from our initial commitments whatever the cost.
On Sunday evenings in March, we begin a short series called ‘Living in Babylon’.
March 22nd
Matthew 20: 1-16. Ephesians 6:5-9 Summary.
Useful and creative work predated the fall in the book of Genesis. Mankind was given the earth to steward. ‘Painful toil’ is a symptom of fallenness and a breaking of God’s original design for fruitfulness. Work is celebrated is scripture however both as a creative act, and a place for provision for human flourishing. In the New Testament the relationship of work, authority and the relationship between master and servant are important issues.
The ’protestant work ethic’ may be derived from Paul’s strong words about work (2 Thessalonians 3:10 ‘If a man will not work he shall not eat’ for example).
Questions for discussion
As Christians how do we bring our work into our discipleship? Do we celebrate the influence and fulfilment work brings? Do Churches over celebrate ‘Christian ministry vocations’ at the expense of the market work place?
When is work vocation or toil?
What work culture should we aspire to? What should make us as Christians distinctive in the workplace?
- How do we relate to bosses, peers and those we employ or manage?
- How much is work for our sake and fulfilment, how much simply to provide for
ourselves and others? Why are some people ‘workaholics’? 3. What does good work life balance look like for Christians? What are the tensions
between the demands of work and the demands of Church?
As followers of Jesus we are called to be part of His Church, and to identify with it. Sometimes we are embarrassed about the association with a Church that is flawed, but we are part of a historic, universal and catholic Church that Jesus loves and is head of.
DISCUSSION NOTESMarch 20th Belonging & Baptism.
Matthew 28:19 Ephesians 4:5 Romans 6:4 Mathew 3:13-17
Following Jesus includes a radical commitment to his Church- so much so that the picture of Church is of a body where if one part suffers we all suffer.
Baptism is a sign of identification-not just with Christ, but with ‘the body of Christ.’ There is an exclusivity about that commitment which has led to Christians being persecuted for taking that step. Yet Baptism kicks starts or expresses a whole life of obedience to Jesus- no sitting on the fence- and is normative for Christian initiation.
Questions for discussion.
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What does baptism symbolise in the bible?
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Why is it helpful to go through such a public and physical act?
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What is the link between baptism and discipleship?
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Why would someone not get baptised in the light of Jesus teaching?
As followers of Jesus we are called to be part of His Church, and to identify with it. Sometimes we are embarrassed about the association with a Church that is flawed, but we are part of a historic, universal and catholic Church that Jesus loves and is head of.
DISCUSSION NOTESMarch 13th Global Church.
Revelation 7:9 Mark 13:10 2 Cor 8:1-15
The New Testament Church moved from being a Jewish sect to a worldwide multi-cultural movement. Historically Christianity got bogged down in ‘Christendom’ in Western Europe but today’s Church is growing in Asia, Africa and South America.. what does it mean for us to be global Church?
Questions for discussion.
1. Global Church and inclusion.
In Acts 15 the early Church made statements and policies that allowed radical inclusion of non-Jews into the Church. What is the difference between ‘welcome’ and ‘inclusion’? What challenges face us in including people into Church in Bristol from different racial and cultural backgrounds? Why is there still segregation in practice in our city?
2. Global Church and equality.
In 2 Corinthians 8 we read of a Church in Macedonia supporting the Church in Jerusalem and Paul writes (v 13) ‘Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality’, How should our relationship with the global Church affect our finances? How does Woodlands handle this issue?
3. Global Church and diversity.
Revelation 7 speaks of a church made up of people of every tribe tongue and nation. What are the riches of being in a multicultural Church? What can we learn from the Church in the two thirds world? Why is the non western Church growing?
On Sunday evenings in March, we begin a short series called ‘Living in Babylon’.
March 13th. Sex & Relationships .
Matthew 19:1-12 Ephesians 5:22-33. 1 Corinthians 6 & 7.
Summary
As Christians, we have a very high view of sex. We believe this good gift from God is both precious and powerful. We believe that sexual intercourse is ‘covenantal’ in expressing the unity of husband and wife and acting out an even greater covenant between Christ and his Church. We believe the boundaries scripture gives are ‘good news’, for protection and blessing. We also recognize this is as profoundly counter-cultural now as it was in the time of Christ. We are not seeking to judge anyone but to point to a way of life that offers still offers blessing and protection where there is so much pain around human sexuality.
Part 2. Further Questions on sexuality
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Contemporary society has lots of questions about sex and gender. How much of human sexuality is to do with ‘biological hard wiring’ and how much ‘societal constructs? Is there an ‘original design’ that we have fallen away from, or an evolving understanding of human possibility in a post-industrial age?
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How do we honor one another in our sexual differences? How do we balance ‘freedom’ and ‘not causing someone else to stumble? What do we understand by treating one another as brothers and sisters in Church?
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What does sexual purity look like in C21 society? What answer would we give to the psalmist who says ‘how can a young person keep their way pure’?
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Sex was a big part of pagan worship in the society around the people of God in Bible times. What is the relationship between sex and worship? Is there a sex god today, (not Tom Jones) – a fallen spiritual power around sexuality?
During this service we experienced a power outage, luckily Rob spoke on the same subject at our 8am Service. Listen to the recording bellow.
DISCUSSION NOTESRead Acts 8:1-8, Matthew 5:10-12 and 2 Timothy 3:12.
The New Testament is written to a persecuted Church - today however the numbers of Christians persecuted is greater than any other time in history.
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Persecution and Church Growth - Acts 8v1 & v4
What is the link between Church growth and persecution in this passage? Is there a principle that links Church growth and persecution? What contemporary examples are we aware of? -
Persecution and prayer - Matthew 5v10-12 & v44
How much is prayer for persecuted believers part of our vocation as Christians? How can you find out about how to pray for the persecuted Church today? If you were persecuted what would you want prayer for from others, and how would you pray yourself? What is the link in your own life between ‘trouble’ and ‘prayer’? -
Persecution and Godliness - 2Timothy 3 v12
Do you know any Christians who have experienced persecution for their faith? Often contemporary stories are very inspiring. What does Paul mean by this verse? Have you ever been persecuted? What does persecution look like if it exists in Britain today?
Action:Check out Open Doors resources online and their monthly prayer guides. Consider praying regularly for the persecuted Church. Which global partners linked with Woodlands work in areas where Christians are persecuted? Can you write to them and find out their prayer needs?
On Sunday evenings in March, we begin a short series called ‘Living in Babylon’.
6th of March
Sex & Relationships .
Matthew 19:1-12 Ephesians 5:22-33. 1 Corinthians 6 & 7.
Summary
As Christians we have a very high view of sex. We believe this good gift from God is both precious and powerful. We believe that sexual intercourse is ‘covenantal’ in expressing the unity of husband and wife and acting our an even greater covenant between Christ and his Church. We believe the boundaries scripture gives are ‘good news’, for protection and blessing.
We also recognise this is as profoundly counter cultural now as it was in the time of Christ. We are not seeking to judge anyone but to point to a way of life that offers still offers blessing and protection where there is so much pain around human sexuality.
Questions for discussion
- What words or phrases would you use to describe our western culture and society’s view of the place of sex? (e.g. ‘ People should have freedom of choice, provided no one gets hurt’, ‘We live in a sexually liberated world’ ‘There is a lot of pain and exploitation around sex’)
- Do you think sexual expression needs boundaries? If so what should they be?
- Christianity has celebrated marriage as a life-long partnership between two people
where sex is exclusively reserved for that relationship. Where does this understanding derive from in the Bible? What issues does this understanding raise for Christians living in contemporary society? 4. The central founder of Christianity (Jesus) and its chief theologian and church shaper (Paul) were both single men. How does today’s Church celebrate singleness? Are single people disadvantaged in Church life? What does it mean to be single and sexual? 1. How do you relate to the ‘high bar’ of teaching on marriage Jesus gives in Matthew
19? What does Jesus mean by ‘those who can accept this teaching should accept it’? 2. Do you think the traditional Christian view of marriage is good news or bad news?
Why?
Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?
27th of February - 11am Service
Toxic ! | Romans 12:1-2
It’s not difficult to accumulate and develop unhelpful thinking patterns and it’s very difficult to get rid of them. Our brains are designed to be able to remember, meditate, focus, and even obsess! God also designed us to be peaceful, joy filled and empowered people. The bible is full of commands, encouragements and advice on what to think about, how to find peace and how to tackle our rebellious thinking, calling us to ‘be transformed by the renewing of the mind’. Many people in our church family have found freedom and hope in tackling toxic thinking patterns.
Some examples of toxic thinking: Fearing rejection - Requiring perfection - Justifying bad behaviour - Fearing failure and avoiding risk - Viewing self as a victim - Shifting blame to other people or circumstances - Envying others - Worrying about things outside of your control - Making happiness about circumstances - hiding our true feelings - self- rejection etc
The pattern of this world ( Romans 12: 1) What are the patterns of this world that shape our thinking? Broad subject but home in on what affects mental health ( eg stress,
competitiveness, comparison, envy). What does our culture value? Are upbringing & role models a kind of pattern too? How do we conform to the patterns? Is there a ‘pattern’ of the kingdom?
The renewing of the mind ( 12: 2) What does a renewed mind look like? What NT examples are there of people around Jesus who experienced this? (Eg Zacheus /Mary
Magdalene /Peter- striving/fear/shame). In Jesus ministry many teaching moments were about bringing kingdom perspectives to ‘worldly mindsets’ and often peace, happiness is mentioned as an outcome ( eg Matthew 6 sermon on the mount)How do things like humility, repentance, trust, acceptance & gratitude help with renewal of the mind? .Ever wished you could switch off your brain? Studies show it is possible by meditating to change thought patterns and linked emotional states - science catching up with the bible’s 3000 year old wisdom.
Be Transformed: (12: 2) What is the transformation? Does it apply to mental health? What are we aiming at? One question people have is are there some people who are vulnerable to
ongoing mental health pressures? What does Jesus’ John10: 10 promise mean for them? The rest of the passage (3- 16) paints a beautiful picture of a caring church community - full of faith, humble and grounded in love, a place to be held by community whilst journeying towards health and wholeness - how are we doing and what are our challenges? Can we hold out for freedom through power and truth encounters, whilst loving one another and hanging in there with people?
Resources: Great article : New Scientist - The Brain and Worry LIVE NO LIES - John Mark Comer WWW.WHOLEMINDS.ORG.UK
Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?
27th of February - 11am Service
Toxic ! | Romans 12:1-2
It’s not difficult to accumulate and develop unhelpful thinking patterns and it’s very difficult to get rid of them. Our brains are designed to be able to remember, meditate, focus, and even obsess! God also designed us to be peaceful, joy filled and empowered people. The bible is full of commands, encouragements and advice on what to think about, how to find peace and how to tackle our rebellious thinking, calling us to ‘be transformed by the renewing of the mind’. Many people in our church family have found freedom and hope in tackling toxic thinking patterns.
Some examples of toxic thinking: Fearing rejection - Requiring perfection - Justifying bad behaviour - Fearing failure and avoiding risk - Viewing self as a victim - Shifting blame to other people or circumstances - Envying others - Worrying about things outside of your control - Making happiness about circumstances - hiding our true feelings - self- rejection etc
The pattern of this world ( Romans 12: 1) What are the patterns of this world that shape our thinking? Broad subject but home in on what affects mental health ( eg stress,
competitiveness, comparison, envy). What does our culture value? Are upbringing & role models a kind of pattern too? How do we conform to the patterns? Is there a ‘pattern’ of the kingdom?
The renewing of the mind ( 12: 2) What does a renewed mind look like? What NT examples are there of people around Jesus who experienced this? (Eg Zacheus /Mary
Magdalene /Peter- striving/fear/shame). In Jesus ministry many teaching moments were about bringing kingdom perspectives to ‘worldly mindsets’ and often peace, happiness is mentioned as an outcome ( eg Matthew 6 sermon on the mount)How do things like humility, repentance, trust, acceptance & gratitude help with renewal of the mind? .Ever wished you could switch off your brain? Studies show it is possible by meditating to change thought patterns and linked emotional states - science catching up with the bible’s 3000 year old wisdom.
Be Transformed: (12: 2) What is the transformation? Does it apply to mental health? What are we aiming at? One question people have is are there some people who are vulnerable to
ongoing mental health pressures? What does Jesus’ John10: 10 promise mean for them? The rest of the passage (3- 16) paints a beautiful picture of a caring church community - full of faith, humble and grounded in love, a place to be held by community whilst journeying towards health and wholeness - how are we doing and what are our challenges? Can we hold out for freedom through power and truth encounters, whilst loving one another and hanging in there with people?
Resources: Great article : New Scientist - The Brain and Worry LIVE NO LIES - John Mark Comer WWW.WHOLEMINDS.ORG.UK
Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?
20th of February - 7pm Service
When anxiety attacks | Philippians 4: 4-9
Anxiety, the most common mental health issue of our age, dominates many people’s lives, robbing them of joy and peace. Although fear can be appropriate many people suffer from debilitating anxiety that is not really related to a specific measurable threat. For Christians it seems in stark contrast to ‘life in all its fulness’: John 10:10. People frequently say there are 365 commands not to fear in the bible ( debatable!) it is a normal emotion that exists alongside strong faith and we need to learn to respond to it with skill and faith.
1. In every situation.
(Philippians 4: 4-6) Anxiety can affect many areas of life - what are the experiences of Paul in the NT that had the power to cause him anxiety? ( 2 Cor 1:8, 2 Cor 12: 7, Acts 20:23, 1 Cor 15:9, 2 cor 12) How do these give rise to anxiety? What has happened in our lives to shape our tendencies around worry? What areas of life easily give rise to worry? Can we eradicate it all? What are we aiming at?
2. Think about such things:
What are we thinking about? How do lies we believe and false perspectives lead to anxious thoughts? How do broken coping strategies ( eg hiding, controlling, escapism, numbing, obsessing) make it worse? How does what we think about shape our mental health and well-being? ( Job 3:25) What strategies can we use to help us think healthily? (e.g Bible encourages thankfulness - scientifically proven to improve mental health!). What is the role of repentance and the will? ( 2 Cor 10: 5 - captive thoughts - Isaiah 26:3 - perfect peace, James 1: 6 believe & not doubt). Jesus famously taught about worry in Matthew 6, what did he challenge us to do, and how did he reassure us?
3. Transcendent peace:
Transcendent means to rise above normal limits. Does God want us to be free from fear? Do not fear is the most common command in the bible, how does the indwelling Spirit enable us to supernaturally access God’s peace? How is anxiety related to hearts that are broken and minds that are discouraged? What is the role of the ministry of the Spirit in bringing peace to troubled minds? The story of `Jesus sleeping in the boat during a storm ( Mark 4: 35-41) is a study on how humans react to being out of control, fearful situations, and storms! Jesus is at peace, and brings peace. What is the call of the church to cultivate “storm tamers”?
Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?
20th of February - 7pm Service
When anxiety attacks | Philippians 4: 4-9
Anxiety, the most common mental health issue of our age, dominates many people’s lives, robbing them of joy and peace. Although fear can be appropriate many people suffer from debilitating anxiety that is not really related to a specific measurable threat. For Christians it seems in stark contrast to ‘life in all its fulness’: John 10:10. People frequently say there are 365 commands not to fear in the bible ( debatable!) it is a normal emotion that exists alongside strong faith and we need to learn to respond to it with skill and faith.
1. In every situation.
(Philippians 4: 4-6) Anxiety can affect many areas of life - what are the experiences of Paul in the NT that had the power to cause him anxiety? ( 2 Cor 1:8, 2 Cor 12: 7, Acts 20:23, 1 Cor 15:9, 2 cor 12) How do these give rise to anxiety? What has happened in our lives to shape our tendencies around worry? What areas of life easily give rise to worry? Can we eradicate it all? What are we aiming at?
2. Think about such things:
What are we thinking about? How do lies we believe and false perspectives lead to anxious thoughts? How do broken coping strategies ( eg hiding, controlling, escapism, numbing, obsessing) make it worse? How does what we think about shape our mental health and well-being? ( Job 3:25) What strategies can we use to help us think healthily? (e.g Bible encourages thankfulness - scientifically proven to improve mental health!). What is the role of repentance and the will? ( 2 Cor 10: 5 - captive thoughts - Isaiah 26:3 - perfect peace, James 1: 6 believe & not doubt). Jesus famously taught about worry in Matthew 6, what did he challenge us to do, and how did he reassure us?
3. Transcendent peace:
Transcendent means to rise above normal limits. Does God want us to be free from fear? Do not fear is the most common command in the bible, how does the indwelling Spirit enable us to supernaturally access God’s peace? How is anxiety related to hearts that are broken and minds that are discouraged? What is the role of the ministry of the Spirit in bringing peace to troubled minds? The story of `Jesus sleeping in the boat during a storm ( Mark 4: 35-41) is a study on how humans react to being out of control, fearful situations, and storms! Jesus is at peace, and brings peace. What is the call of the church to cultivate “storm tamers”?
Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?
13th of February - 7pm Service
Had enough? | 1 Kings 19 & many Psalms!
Mental illness is not a rare thing. One in four people experience mental health issues like depression during their lifetime. Christians are not exempt and several psalms seem to circle around themes of depression, anxiety, guilt and fear but despite this there is still stigma around mental health problems and churches can be one of the worst places to experience mental health struggles. In the story of Elijah: after a series of dramatic miracles, encounters with God and tricky experiences Elijah runs out of steam and becomes so depressed he wants to die (“I’ve had enough!”) But God meets him in the desert, and the divine care plan is: food, rest, honesty, company, & the presence of God.
What causes Elijah’s breakdown?
(1 Kings 18-19: 5) What understanding do we have of what contributes to mental health? What does extended periods of stress, fear and performance orientation do to a human being?
How does God meet Elijah in his mental health crisis?
( 5-9 ) Are there other examples in scripture of this kind of practical care? How can we show compassion, empathy, wisdom for those in this place? What role does the community of the church have in this area? Is it ‘unspiritual’ to recommend that someone simply sees their doctor for a check up?
How does God begin to lead Elijah out of the valley?
(9-14) God begins to get Elijah to unburden himself. How do the Psalms and other scriptures help us give voice to our fears, failings and forebodings? What can we do to walk alongside people in distress? Where in church life are the places of welcome for those who are struggling and overwhelmed? Eg Home groups, Wholeness, Open access, Head Space, New ID, ME support groups.
Many people feel that their heart, mind, and even bodies are held captive by threats of anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness. This series is about some common threats to mental health and well-being and how we can arm ourselves to fight for our freedom. Jesus approached those trapped in fear and hopelessness with compassion and empathy but also hope and the offer of freedom. Mental and emotional distress is often something that gets people searching for God how can we present a message of compassion whilst helping people to access the hope and freedom that Jesus offers?
13th of February - 7pm Service
Had enough? | 1 Kings 19 & many Psalms!
Mental illness is not a rare thing. One in four people experience mental health issues like depression during their lifetime. Christians are not exempt and several psalms seem to circle around themes of depression, anxiety, guilt and fear but despite this there is still stigma around mental health problems and churches can be one of the worst places to experience mental health struggles. In the story of Elijah: after a series of dramatic miracles, encounters with God and tricky experiences Elijah runs out of steam and becomes so depressed he wants to die (“I’ve had enough!”) But God meets him in the desert, and the divine care plan is: food, rest, honesty, company, & the presence of God.
What causes Elijah’s breakdown?
(1 Kings 18-19: 5) What understanding do we have of what contributes to mental health? What does extended periods of stress, fear and performance orientation do to a human being?
How does God meet Elijah in his mental health crisis?
( 5-9 ) Are there other examples in scripture of this kind of practical care? How can we show compassion, empathy, wisdom for those in this place? What role does the community of the church have in this area? Is it ‘unspiritual’ to recommend that someone simply sees their doctor for a check up?
How does God begin to lead Elijah out of the valley?
(9-14) God begins to get Elijah to unburden himself. How do the Psalms and other scriptures help us give voice to our fears, failings and forebodings? What can we do to walk alongside people in distress? Where in church life are the places of welcome for those who are struggling and overwhelmed? Eg Home groups, Wholeness, Open access, Head Space, New ID, ME support groups.
As we go into the New Year this January, and begin our prayer week, do join our morning series on Spiritual Disciplines. Discipline can sound heavy, but it’s best to think of disciplines as tools for discipleship making. If you want to be a disciple, here’s some tools for you
30th of January - 11am Service
As we go into the New Year this January, on Sunday evenings we are having a ‘Holy Spirit intensive’. We know that we need the Spirit’s help to lead a discipleship life. It’s not about trying harder but leaning on God and letting His Spirit work in our lives in everything, including the very prayers we pray.
30th of January - 7pm Service
As we go into the New Year this January, on Sunday evenings we are having a ‘Holy Spirit intensive’. We know that we need the Spirit’s help to lead a discipleship life. It’s not about trying harder but leaning on God and letting His Spirit work in our lives in everything, including the very prayers we pray.
23rd of January - 7pm Service
As we go into the New Year this January, and begin our prayer week, do join our morning series on Spiritual Disciplines. Discipline can sound heavy, but it’s best to think of disciplines as tools for discipleship making. If you want to be a disciple, here’s some tools for you
23rd of January - 11am Service
As we go into the New Year this January, on Sunday evenings we are having a ‘Holy Spirit intensive’. We know that we need the Spirit’s help to lead a discipleship life. It’s not about trying harder but leaning on God and letting His Spirit work in our lives in everything, including the very prayers we pray.
16th of January - 7pm Service
As we go into the New Year this January, and begin our prayer week, do join our morning series on Spiritual Disciplines. Discipline can sound heavy, but it’s best to think of disciplines as tools for discipleship making. If you want to be a disciple, here’s some tools for you
16th of January - 11am Service
As we go into the New Year this January, on Sunday evenings we are having a ‘Holy Spirit intensive’. We know that we need the Spirit’s help to lead a discipleship life. It’s not about trying harder but leaning on God and letting His Spirit work in our lives in everything, including the very prayers we pray.
9th of January - 7pm Service
As we go into the New Year this January, and begin our prayer week, do join our morning series on Spiritual Disciplines. Discipline can sound heavy, but it’s best to think of disciplines as tools for discipleship making. If you want to be a disciple, here’s some tools for you
9th of January - 11am Service
As we go into the New Year this January, and begin our prayer week, do join our morning series on Spiritual Disciplines. Discipline can sound heavy, but it’s best to think of disciplines as tools for discipleship making. If you want to be a disciple, here’s some tools for you.
2nd January - 11am Service
As we go into the New Year this January, on Sunday evenings we are having a ‘Holy Spirit intensive’. We know that we need the Spirit’s help to lead a discipleship life. It’s not about trying harder but leaning on God and letting His Spirit work in our lives in everything, including the very prayers we pray.
2nd of January - 7pm Service
Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.
19th December 2021 - 7pm Service
Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.
12th December 2021 - 7pm Service
Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.
12th December 2021 - 11am Service
God with Us: In Hopes & Fears
Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.
5th December 2021 - 11am Service
God With Us: In Hopes and Dreams
Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Our sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.
5th December 2021 - 7pm ServiceOur sermon series, Emmanuel, God with Us, reminds us that the One who was born at Christmas to share our lives is with us today in all the facets of our lives, our pains and sorrows as well as our hopes and dreams.
DISCUSSION NOTES
At our morning services in November, we’re looking at God with a fresh perspective.
28 November 2021 - 11am Service
In the Beginning God Series
“In the beginning God…” These are the first words of the bible. God is the foundation of everything, the ground of our being. But do we really know God or have a right view of Him? And is a journey of faith a journey towards a greater understanding and deeper relationship with Him?
Jesus came to reveal God as Father to the people on earth who thought they knew God best. Jesus reveals a God of surprises to us, and this series aims to help us examine our view of God and maybe look with fresh eyes at a God who is greater, more loving and merciful than we ever expected.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
November 28th. ‘the Father heart of God’. Romans 8:14-17 Luke 11:1-11 Luke 15:11-32
Abba is Jesus’ special name for God. It is not a profound sacred mystery YHWH, but the first words an infant might say. To know God is to become like a little child, and acknowledge our need but also God’s compassion and heart for us.
If God is our father his fathering involves
• Intimacy
- Provision and nurture
- Discipline and challenge.
- Celebration and pleasure
- Perhaps the key story about the father heart of God is ‘the prodigal son’ (Luke 15). How is God revealed as father there? How have we seen him Father us whether we have been in a ‘prodigal’ phase of life, or in legalistic religiosity? Are we able to respond to Him as children, or do we take the posture of ‘servants’ at the expense of intimacy and grace?
- How comfy would you be calling God ‘daddy’? Can you explain your reaction to that?
- Does God love us unconditionally? What does that mean in terms of obedience and
discipleship? Does God love us more if we are more obedient to Him? 4. What is the connection between love and discipline? Does God discipline us? If so how?
Grace isn’t opposed to effort, it’s opposed to earning. (Dallas Willard)
During November at our 7pm services, we’re looking the big challenges facing us in today’s world.
28 November 2021 - 7pm Service
Apocalypse Now Series
The word apocalypse means ‘revelation’, things revealed. The word apocalypse is often used to describe climactic and terrifying events. The 21st Century is a period of time where there is definitely a sense of dystopian doom over the planet. It’s also a time of tremendous innovation, reconstruction and possibility.
This series will help us look at some of the big challenges facing us today and the window of God’s revelation on those challenges and what is truth for humans today.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
November 28th Revelation. God’s story in human history. Matthew 24.
Mathew 24:14 says the gospel will be preached to all nations ‘and then the end will come’. Is there a time line for history?
Are we living in ‘the last days’ and if so what does that mean?
What does the Bible say clearly about these things and what we should expect?
What are the priorities of a Christian living with the end in mind? How should we interpret the book of Revelation??
During November at our 7pm services, we’re looking the big challenges facing us in today’s world.
21 November 2021 - 7pm Service
Apocalypse Now Series
The word apocalypse means ‘revelation’, things revealed. The word apocalypse is often used to describe climactic and terrifying events. The 21st Century is a period of time where there is definitely a sense of dystopian doom over the planet. It’s also a time of tremendous innovation, reconstruction and possibility.
This series will help us look at some of the big challenges facing us today and the window of God’s revelation on those challenges and what is truth for humans today.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Coming soon!
At our morning services in November, we’re looking at God with a fresh perspective.
21 November 2021 - 11am Service
In the Beginning God Series
“In the beginning God…” These are the first words of the bible. God is the foundation of everything, the ground of our being. But do we really know God or have a right view of Him? And is a journey of faith a journey towards a greater understanding and deeper relationship with Him?
Jesus came to reveal God as Father to the people on earth who thought they knew God best. Jesus reveals a God of surprises to us, and this series aims to help us examine our view of God and maybe look with fresh eyes at a God who is greater, more loving and merciful than we ever expected.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read 1 Corinthians 13, Genesis 6:6 and Romans 8:26.
The idea that God in perfection, can’t be changed or affected (or limited) by the events of creation is a fundamentally Greek idea that is a philosophical abstraction or deduction, not biblical revelation. God in scripture is passionately engaged with his creation and his people and the prophets reveal that heart of God (e.g. Hosea 11).
In fact the truest thing to say about God is that God is love. And the nature of love involves intrinsically suffering. The more you love the more you have capacity to suffer; vicariously over the sufferings of those you love, and in your own suffering either in intervention in those sufferings or by rejection from the beloved. To love is to risk.
- Read 1 Corinthians 13, substituting the word God for ‘love’ and adding yourself as the object of God’s love (e.g. God is patient with me, God is kind to me). Does that match up with how you feel about God’s love?
- Is it true that love and suffering go together? Why?
- What is the link between loving someone and giving them freedom? (Sting sang ‘If you love
someone , set them free’) If love always protects doesn’t that imply control? If God loves us
why doesn’t He control things more? 4. The idea of a ‘suffering supreme God’ was a challenge to the thinking of the ancient world. How does it challenge our thinking and faith today? 5. How willing are we to follow a way of love that includes suffering?
During November at our 7pm services, we’re looking the big challenges facing us in today’s world.
14 November 2021 - 7pm Service
Apocalypse Now Series
The word apocalypse means ‘revelation’, things revealed. The word apocalypse is often used to describe climactic and terrifying events. The 21st Century is a period of time where there is definitely a sense of dystopian doom over the planet. It’s also a time of tremendous innovation, reconstruction and possibility.
This series will help us look at some of the big challenges facing us today and the window of God’s revelation on those challenges and what is truth for humans today.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Coming soon!
At our morning services in November, we’re looking at God with a fresh perspective.
14 November 2021 - 11am Service
In the Beginning God Series
“In the beginning God…” These are the first words of the bible. God is the foundation of everything, the ground of our being. But do we really know God or have a right view of Him? And is a journey of faith a journey towards a greater understanding and deeper relationship with Him?
Jesus came to reveal God as Father to the people on earth who thought they knew God best. Jesus reveals a God of surprises to us, and this series aims to help us examine our view of God and maybe look with fresh eyes at a God who is greater, more loving and merciful than we ever expected.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read James 2:13 and Luke 18:1-14.
One of the central fears that human beings have is of judgement and condemnation from God. There is a tension here as the bible reveals God as judge of all the earth, the one who uniquely judges rightly, but also reveals God’s heart of mercy. Of course a biblical ‘judge’ is giving good governance, not callous indifference. God being a judge is good news for those who cry out for help and justice. The other key to resolve this tension is God’s forgiveness; not condoning sin or excusing ‘behaviour’ but forgiving confessed sin which allows restoration and removal of shame (cf. John 8).
- How do we relate to a God who knows all the secrets of our hearts, our motivations and actions?
- Does God judge us through what happens to us in life? (eg. John 9- ‘Who sinned? Luke 13:1- 5).
- How does God’s mercy tie up with the laws of ‘cause and effect’?
- Is it fair on victims for God to forgive the perpetrators of evil on people?
- What is the quality of mercy? What does it mean for ‘mercy to triumph over judgement’?
Does justice demand ‘consequences’? Can God be good and yet not judger?
The heart of God to save not judge, to show mercy is beautifully illustrated in the book of Jonah. That’s God’s best preferred outcome- mercy! And that is how we live. Jesus came to show mercy, not to judge, and wants us to be known as a community of mercy not judgement as we relate to one another and a watching world.
At our morning services in November, we’re looking at God with a fresh perspective.
7 November 2021 - 11am Service
In the Beginning God Series
“In the beginning God…” These are the first words of the bible. God is the foundation of everything, the ground of our being. But do we really know God or have a right view of Him? And is a journey of faith a journey towards a greater understanding and deeper relationship with Him?
Jesus came to reveal God as Father to the people on earth who thought they knew God best. Jesus reveals a God of surprises to us, and this series aims to help us examine our view of God and maybe look with fresh eyes at a God who is greater, more loving and merciful than we ever expected.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Exodus 33:12-and 34:5.
Genesis 1:27 says God made human beings in his image. However human beings often make God in their (broken) image and so attribute to God qualities that are not his at all.
Our understanding of God has at least in part been formed by philosophy. Ideas about God (theos) were formulated in Greek Philosophy in terms of the ground of our being who is not susceptible to relationship with humanity. We have the idea of God as ‘immovable mover’ for example. Greek thought influenced Jewish & Christian thought, particularly in Alexandria (Philo of Alexandria) and Church fathers (e.g. St Augustine) formed in a classical tradition.
This is in contrast to the Biblical view of God which throughout Scripture is expressed in unfolding self-revelation. God is a God who reveals himself to people. The bible reveals God as passionate, responsive and relational.
- How does God reveal himself to people in scripture? How has he revealed himself to you?
- ‘The God who is everywhere is somewhere’. Where was God’s presence in scripture? Where
is God’s presence now? Some people talk about ‘thin places’ where it is easy to encounter
God. What do you think of that idea? 3. He reveals himself as personal, with a name, not less personal than we are but more so (C.S.
Lewis). What name do you use to speak to God and why? 4. He reveals himself in character. Exodus 34:6-7 ‘The Lord the Lord, gracious and
compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness..’. How would you sum up the character of God?
This Bible contains an unfolding revelation of God who is fully revealed in Jesus, revealing himself to people (Samaritan woman) Emmanuel, dwelling among us (John 1:14), personal with a name (Matt 1:22/25) and character (John 14:9) Colossians 1:15. How true is it for you that God the father is like Jesus, as much as Jesus is the exact representation of the Father?
During November at our 7pm services, we’re looking the big challenges facing us in today’s world.
7 November 2021 - 7pm Service
Apocalypse Now Series
The word apocalypse means ‘revelation’, things revealed. The word apocalypse is often used to describe climactic and terrifying events. The 21st Century is a period of time where there is definitely a sense of dystopian doom over the planet. It’s also a time of tremendous innovation, reconstruction and possibility.
This series will help us look at some of the big challenges facing us today and the window of God’s revelation on those challenges and what is truth for humans today.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Coming soon!
At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.
31 October 2021 - 8.30am Service
Money, Sex & Power Series
This month, we’re taking time to look at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.
During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the Gospel of Mark.
31 October 2021 - 7pm Service
Hope Has a Name Series
During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the book of Mark. The apostle Mark’s gospel is fast paced and concise, sharing an overview of key facets about Jesus’ ministry and the good news He gives to us. This week, Dave is looking at why Jesus taught by telling stories and we look at the parable of the sower.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Mark 15.
The biggest section of Mark’s gospel is the last week of Jesus’ life in the shadow of the cross.
Paul is convinced that what happened to Jesus on the cross and through to resurrection on Easter Sunday has the possibility of changing everyone’s life for good. Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes:
Take a few moments to consider the Cross…
What do we understand about the Cross and why is it central to the life and ministry of Jesus?
Mark’s account of the crucifixion of Jesus seems to reach its climax with these words:
37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!”
Why do you think that the curtain being torn, and the centurion’s declaration are so important to Mark (and us)?
How could you simply share the Good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection with a non-church friend in a way that they could understand how it can affect their lives?
At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.
31 October 2021 - 11am Service
Money, Sex & Power Series
This month, we’re taking time to look at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.
You might be wondering, why these three? In the Bible, these ingredients are dealt with completely counter culturally by Jesus, yet His Church has a really bad track record with all three. However, money, sex and power can be great gifts for the blessing of others when surrendered to God.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Matthew 23:1-12 and Luke 22:24-30.
Power and control are powerful inducements for people. Is it true that ‘power corrupts’?
Jesus confronted power, especially in the last week of his life where the ‘powers’ were gathered and focused in Jerusalem where Jesus embraced the vulnerability and power of the Cross.
His teaching speaks of an upside-down relationship with power. Why is it so hard for his followers to obey his teachings and live them out?
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How come a humble title like ‘minister’ (which means servant) becomes a power and status word?
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How does power flow in a typical organisation around leadership, promotion and seniority?
- How does power flow in the life of Jesus?
- What powers does Jesus confront in the last week of his life?
- What should power look like in the Church, the community of the Kingdom of God?
- What are the best motives for seeking power? How can power holders avoid the dangers of being ‘corrupted’ by power or abusing it in some way?
- How should the Church challenge ‘secular’ power today?
Richard Foster wrote a book calledMoney, Sex and Power which might be helpful as a follow up read.
During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the Gospel of Mark.
24 October 2021 - 7pm Service
Hope Has a Name Series
During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the book of Mark. The apostle Mark’s gospel is fast paced and concise, sharing an overview of key facets about Jesus’ ministry and the good news He gives to us. This week, Dave is looking at why Jesus taught by telling stories and we look at the parable of the sower.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Mark 4:1-34.
People love a good story. When Jesus told parables, they weren’t just memorable stories, they had a point to them that taught people more about the Kingdom of God.
- Why do you think Jesus taught through story? What is the power of story today?
- The parable of the Sower is in some ways an introduction to all parables, and a story about stories.
- How do we understand this parable?
- What kind of soil might we be?
- Is it possible to change our “soil type”? If so, how? What might a “fruitful” life look like?
At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.
24 October 2021 - 11am Service
Money, Sex & Power Series
This month, we’re taking time to look at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.
You might be wondering, why these three? In the Bible, these ingredients are dealt with completely counter culturally by Jesus, yet His Church has a really bad track record with all three. However, money, sex and power can be great gifts for the blessing of others when surrendered to God.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Genesis 1: 27-28 and Mathew 19: 1-12. Supporting passages include 2 Samuel 13, John 8:1-11 and 1 Corinthians 6:12-7:40.
Traditional teaching on sexuality is an area of great tension in the Church today, but is in the context of enormous liberal change in wider society. There are at least two currents of thought in the Church. One current is aimed at removing unhealthy shame, and making Church much more inclusive in the realm of sexuality. Another current is around protection and healing from sexual brokenness and with it an emphasis on good and appropriate boundaries.
- Biblical ‘first things’ are important. What is the first thing God says to humans in scripture (Genesis 1: 28)?
- Why is sex such a difficult subject to discuss?
- Why do boundaries exist around sex in scripture? How much of sexual rules and practice in Scripture are contextual to a society that is closely bound up with clan and family and knows nothing of ‘family planning’; and which rules are God’s plan for all time?
- What about sex and identity? How do you understand Jesus’ teaching in Mathew 19 verses 11 & 12 ?
- What should Church be celebrating around human sexuality? How do we avoid judgemental stereotyping? Why have there been so many sex scandals in Churches and how can these be guarded against?
- How do single people acknowledge their sexuality?
- How does a ‘secret history’ in the area of sexuality affect the whole of life for good or evil?
Richard Foster wrote a book calledMoney, Sex and Power which might be helpful as a follow up read.
During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the Gospel of Mark.
17 October 2021 - 7pm Service
Hope Has a Name Series
During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the book of Mark. The apostle Mark’s gospel is fast paced and concise, sharing an overview of key facets about Jesus’ ministry and the good news He gives to us. This week, Clare is looking at what it means to live with the authority of Christ in our lives.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Mark 2:1-12.
This evening we are going to look at the topic of Spiritual authority. Mark has already commented on Jesus’ authority in chapter 1.
Mark 1:22 - The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.
Mark 1:27 - The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to impure spirits and they obey him.”
- What do you think the word “authority” means?
- What is the link between power and authority which Jesus clearly had?
- How does this story reveal his divinity?
- How did Jesus give power and authority to his followers? (Read Luke 9v1-6, and John 20v19-23).
- What do you think is the basis of Spiritual authority? How do we receive power (Luke 24:49)?
How do we minister in healing today?
At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.
17 October 2021 - 11am Service
Money, Sex & Power Series
This month, we’re taking time to look at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.
You might be wondering, why these three? In the Bible, these ingredients are dealt with completely counter culturally by Jesus, yet His Church has a really bad track record with all three. However, money, sex and power can be great gifts for the blessing of others when surrendered to God.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read James 5:1-6 and Deuteronomy 15.
How does the Jubilee tradition speak to our world today?
In the Old Testament law, Jubilee was a 50 year practice to ‘reset’ the economy and redistribute wealth to prevent entrenched systemic disadvantage to the poor. Release of debt spoke to a people who themselves had been released from Slavery by the hand of God.
Should our own story of salvation affect our attitudes to systemic material injustice? The bible seems to suggest it does. The bible frequently calls out for the defence of the most vulnerable in society and the most financially imperilled, Widows, Orphans and resident aliens.
- How do world systems of trade and finance disempower the poorest people on the planet? What can we do about systemic injustice and financial inequality?
- Is it really possible that there could be no needy ones among us? (Deut 15/Acts 4:34)
- How do we deal with personal debt? What are good financial practices for wholesome
living? 4. How do we respond financially to people who beg, including who have addictions 5. How can we be mentored and mentor others in good financial practice? What are some top
tips? 6. Should giving to the poor part of our spiritual disciplines (Matt 6)? If so why and how?
Richard Foster wrote a book calledMoney, Sex and Power which might be helpful as a follow up read.
During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the Gospel of Mark.
10 October 2021 - 7pm Service
Hope Has a Name Series
During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the book of Mark. The apostle Mark’s gospel is fast paced and concise, sharing an overview of key facets about Jesus’ ministry and the good news He gives to us. This week, Dave is unpacking what Mark says kingdom conflict, the forces of darkness here on Earth and the authority of Jesus Christ.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Mark 1:21-34
The first sign of Jesus spiritual authority in Mark is driving out a demon. Spiritual warfare is a big theme of Mark’s gospel.
Read these passages to see how Jesus went about confronting the works of evil spirits:
Mark 1v12-13, Mark 1v39, Mark 3v11-12, Mark 3v22-30, Mark 4v15, Mark 5v1-20, Mark 6v7, Mark 6v12-13, Mark 7v24-30 and Mark 8v33.
Take some time to think about and/or discuss these questions:
- What do you think it means for God’s kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven?
- What do you think it is it displacing?
- What do miracles of healing and deliverance tell us about God’s kingdom?
- What powers oppose God’s kingdom rule today?
- How would you describe spiritual powers of evil and how can we resist and overcome them?
At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.
10 October 2021 - 11am Service
Money, Sex & Power Series
This month, we’re taking time to look at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.
You might be wondering, why these three? In the Bible, these ingredients are dealt with completely counter culturally by Jesus, yet His Church has a really bad track record with all three. However, money, sex and power can be great gifts for the blessing of others when surrendered to God.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Malachi 3:8, Matthew 6:19-34, Mark 12:4-1 1 and Corinthians 16:1-2.
The Bible talks a lot about giving to God of our material substance, and Jesus spoke about money directly in preaching but also through parables. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament was all about giving back to God from what He gave His people, and the practice of tithing has found its way from Judaism into Christian practice throughout the centuries.
- What is the basis for Christian giving financially? Do we have the freedom to be generous, free from fear?
- How do we give to God? How does God want us to give? Is tithing an appropriate model for Christians or an archaic Old Testament legalism?
- How do we give in community, the Church? What is the balance between giving to the poor and giving to ministry?
- How do we handle finance at Woodlands? What are the priorities values and practices that are in our culture as a Church around money and giving?
- How much should Church emphasise giving financially and why?
Richard Foster wrote a book calledMoney, Sex and Power which might be helpful as a follow up read.
At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.
10 October 2021 - 8.30am Service
Money, Sex & Power Series
This month, we’re taking time to look at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.
During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the Gospel of Mark.
3 October 2021 - 7pm Service
Hope Has a Name Series
During October at our 7pm services, we’re looking at the book of Mark. The apostle Mark’s gospel is fast paced and concise, sharing an overview of key facets about Jesus’ ministry and the good news He gives to us. This week, Matt is looking at what Mark says about God’s plan to prepare the way for Jesus and ultimately His restoration for the world.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Mark 1
Have you ever wondered why John the Baptist needed to come before Jesus? Surely God could have arrived unannounced onto the scene of human history.
- In what way did Jesus need someone to prepare the way for him?
If the Incarnation was just about God showing us what he was like (Col 1v19 and Heb 1v3) through Jesus’ teaching, healing, miracle and lifestyle then maybe he wouldn’t have needed any preparation. But God is interested in forgiving us, rescuing us and restoring a friendship with him once again.
- From reading John’s message to people, what was the content and how did he “prepare the way”?
John 1v31 but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
In the wilderness with all the trimmings of life removed, people became aware of themselves and their hearts were softened to realise that they weren’t that good.
- How do you see these four things working out in your life as you seek to follow Jesus and prepare a way for Him to break into your world?
Repentance
To turn round from going my own way and start following God’s way. Galatians 5v19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Ephesians 5 v3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
Confession
To admit and own up to my faults and failings.
James 5v16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.
Forgiveness
Shame taken away, restored to God, washed clean, guilt removed.
John 1:29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
Baptism in the Holy Spirit
How can we live a holy life making way for Jesus? We need the power and work of the Holy Spirit. How do you allow Jesus to fill you with his Spirit?
At our morning services in October our series is looking at Money, Sex & Power.
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3 October 2021 - 11am Service
Money, Sex & Power Series
This month, we’re taking time to look at how Money, Sex & Power can affect our lives.
You might be wondering, why these three? In the Bible, these ingredients are dealt with completely counter culturally by Jesus, yet His Church has a really bad track record with all three. However, money, sex and power can be great gifts for the blessing of others when surrendered to God.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
In Job 31, Job gives a searching moral inventory where he declares his innocence from classic human weaknesses and sins, including the areas of abuse of money, sex and power.
Jesus of course spoke and demonstrated a life that was radically different in speaking of and handling money sex and power to the culture around him. He frequently shocked his disciples by his different approach to all three of those things.
Money, Sex and Power can corrupt religion, and become idols - powers that people give themselves to. How should we handle them today?
- How would you define an ‘idol’? In Old Testament times idols were worshipped as alternatives to the God of Israel. What shape does idolatry have in our world today?
- What is the link between Money Sex and Power? How does a pursuit of these things affect our relationship with God and other people?
- How did Jesus model a different approach to these things? What did he teach?
- What are the things we could celebrate about money, sex and power? Are they dangerous or wrong in themselves or are they simply neutral things that can be used or abused?
- How should Christians live in relationship with money, sex and power? How can God be involved in those three?
Richard Foster wrote a book calledMoney, Sex and Power which might be helpful as a follow up read.
Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…
26 September 2021 - 7pm Service
First Things First Series
This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Nigel is looking at what it means to seek first the Kingdom.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus teaching was all about the Kingdom of God. He told his disciples to ‘seek first the Kingdom of God’ as their priority. His language and ministry simply a conflict between the ‘kingdom of God’ and the human kingdoms and powers of this world, and the prayer he taught us to pray includes
‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’
- In a world with plenty to worry about, what does it mean to ‘seek first the kingdom’?
- What is your definition of ‘the kingdom of God’?
- What is the difference/link between Kingdom and Church?
- How did Jesus describe the coming of the Kingdom of God? (e.g. Matthew 13, 18 etc)
- What does the Kingdom look like in our experience?
- In what ways can we see more of the Kingdom? What does it look like in our 21st Century generation?
Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…
26 September 2021 - 11am Service
First Things First Series
This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Clare is looking at what it means to really seek first the Kingdom of God.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Matthew 6:25-34
Jesus teaching was all about the Kingdom of God. He told his disciples to ‘seek first the Kingdom of God’ as their priority. His language and ministry simply a conflict between the ‘kingdom of God’ and the human kingdoms and powers of this world, and the prayer he taught us to pray includes
‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’
- In a world with plenty to worry about, what does it mean to ‘seek first the kingdom’?
- What is your definition of ‘the kingdom of God’?
- What is the difference/link between Kingdom and Church?
- How did Jesus describe the coming of the Kingdom of God? (e.g. Matthew 13, 18 etc)
- What does the Kingdom look like in our experience?
- In what ways can we see more of the Kingdom? What does it look like in our 21st Century generation?
Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…
19 September 2021 - 11am Service
First Things First Series
This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Rob is looking at what we believe community means at Woodlands and what it looks like to join in and belong.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read 1 Corinthians 3, Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:42-47 and John 15:12-13.
- ‘You are God’s building, God’s field’ - 1 Corinthians 3:9.
- ‘I Will build my church and the gates of Hades will not stand against it’ - Matthew 16:18
- ‘Every human being has an irreducible need to be noticed and loved’ - Brene Brown
There are so many verses about community in the Bible! Israel is God’s community; community solidarity is a foundational world view. The twelve disciples Jesus calls reflect a new Israel, renewed community. Jesus clear priority was to build community. We often read the Bible individualistically when in fact community is being addressed. The hallmarks of following Jesus and his commands demand community expression; Baptism is initiation into new community as well as a personal expression of discipleship. Communion is the central rite of the Church, a gathering and sharing of a meal, with Jesus in the midst by His Spirit.
- Why is being in community vital to being a Christian and following Jesus?
- What are the attributes of a community that make it ‘Church’, a community of the
Kingdom of God? What distinguishes Church from any other human organisation? What were the hallmarks of the community that Jesus gathered and had in mind for the future?
- 21st Century Western society celebrates individualism. How does this affect our view of Church?
- Being noticed and loved, having a part to play in community is key to the experience of community. How can growing communities retain those values? How big can community be?
- How does Woodies express community? What’s expected of me in the community of the Church? What does it look like to belong?
Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…
19 September 2021 - 11am Service
First Things First Series
This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Dave is looking at what we believe community means at Woodlands and what it looks like to join in and belong.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read 1 Corinthians 3, Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:42-47 and John 15:12-13.
- ‘You are God’s building, God’s field’ - 1 Corinthians 3:9.
- ‘I Will build my church and the gates of Hades will not stand against it’ - Matthew 16:18
- ‘Every human being has an irreducible need to be noticed and loved’ - Brene Brown
There are so many verses about community in the Bible! Israel is God’s community; community solidarity is a foundational world view. The twelve disciples Jesus calls reflect a new Israel, renewed community. Jesus clear priority was to build community. We often read the Bible individualistically when in fact community is being addressed. The hallmarks of following Jesus and his commands demand community expression; Baptism is initiation into new community as well as a personal expression of discipleship. Communion is the central rite of the Church, a gathering and sharing of a meal, with Jesus in the midst by His Spirit.
- Why is being in community vital to being a Christian and following Jesus?
- What are the attributes of a community that make it ‘Church’, a community of the
Kingdom of God? What distinguishes Church from any other human organisation? What were the hallmarks of the community that Jesus gathered and had in mind for the future?
- 21st Century Western society celebrates individualism. How does this affect our view of Church?
- Being noticed and loved, having a part to play in community is key to the experience of community. How can growing communities retain those values? How big can community be?
- How does Woodies express community? What’s expected of me in the community of the Church? What does it look like to belong?
Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…
12 September 2021 - 11am Service
First Things First Series
This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Dave is looking at what it means to make disciples and spread the love of God to those around us.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Matthew 28:18-20
Famous last words reveal what is the heart priority for the speaker. Matthew records Jesus last words to his closest friends as a command to ‘make disciples’. In other words, a true disciple is a disciple making disciple!
- What is your definition of a disciple?
- In what ways do you express your discipleship as a follower of Jesus?
- Has anyone consciously ‘discipled’ you do you think? Who was it and how did they go about it?
- How much do you think growing in discipleship is about being in a context where you are stretched challenged and supported, or being in a relationship where you are stretched challenged and supported? What do those things look like in your life?
- How did Jesus disciple people and what can we learn from Him about discipling others?
- In what ways if any can being part of a small group help your discipleship and that of its members?
- What is your experience of spiritual disciplines? Can you describe any that you use?
Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…
12 September 2021 - 11am Service
First Things First Series
This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Rachel is looking at what it means to make disciples and spread the love of God to those around us.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read Matthew 28:18-20
Famous last words reveal what is the heart priority for the speaker. Matthew records Jesus last words to his closest friends as a command to ‘make disciples’. In other words, a true disciple is a disciple making disciple!
- What is your definition of a disciple?
- In what ways do you express your discipleship as a follower of Jesus?
- Has anyone consciously ‘discipled’ you do you think? Who was it and how did they go about it?
- How much do you think growing in discipleship is about being in a context where you are stretched challenged and supported, or being in a relationship where you are stretched challenged and supported? What do those things look like in your life?
- How did Jesus disciple people and what can we learn from Him about discipling others?
- In what ways if any can being part of a small group help your discipleship and that of its members?
- What is your experience of spiritual disciplines? Can you describe any that you use?
Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…
5 September 2021 - 7pm Service
First Things First Series
This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Tim is looking at what it means to really love God.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read: Matthew 22:34-40 and Deuteronomy 6:1-7
Our preaching series was originally called ‘Big Rocks’ after the well-known visual aid about prioritising things. If you have some sand, pebbles and big stones to fit into a limited container, you need to get the big rocks in for everything to fit. (Why not try it out as an experiment?). What are the big rocks, the key priorities in our lives?
Jesus was asked that question, ‘What is the greatest commandment?’. He responded by quoting from Deuteronomy 6 , the Shema that Jewish people would recite every day. ‘Love God’ is an imperative not a noun!
- What does it tell us about Christianity that the greatest command is to love God, not to obey God? What does that tell us about God’s priorities?
- How do you love God who you haven’t seen? How do you know that you do? (John 14:23)
- How do we express love to God collectively as a Church as well as individually? How do those two dynamics affect one another? What does it mean to love God concretely, with our whole being, not just abstractly- as a lovely thought?
- If love is something we can to some degree choose to do, with an element of ‘will’ as well as ‘emotion’ how do we cultivate love for God in our lives?
- What are God’s ‘love languages’ do you think?
While God’s love for us is describes as never failing our own Love for God can be more unstable? What do you think the role of the Holy Spirit is in helping us love God with our whole being?
Our September series is looking at how we cultivate Kingdom priorities…
5 September 2021 - 11am Service
First Things First Series
This month, we’re taking some time to reflect on the priorities in our lives and how they affect our walk with God. This week, Dave is looking at what it means to really love God.
You can go deeper with this topic on your own or in your small group using the discussion notes below.
DISCUSSION NOTES
Read: Matthew 22:34-40 and Deuteronomy 6:1-7
Our preaching series was originally called ‘Big Rocks’ after the well-known visual aid about prioritising things. If you have some sand, pebbles and big stones to fit into a limited container, you need to get the big rocks in for everything to fit. (Why not try it out as an experiment?). What are the big rocks, the key priorities in our lives?
Jesus was asked that question, ‘What is the greatest commandment?’. He responded by quoting from Deuteronomy 6 , the Shema that Jewish people would recite every day. ‘Love God’ is an imperative not a noun!
- What does it tell us about Christianity that the greatest command is to love God, not to obey God? What does that tell us about God’s priorities?
- How do you love God who you haven’t seen? How do you know that you do? (John 14:23)
- How do we express love to God collectively as a Church as well as individually? How do those two dynamics affect one another? What does it mean to love God concretely, with our whole being, not just abstractly- as a lovely thought?
- If love is something we can to some degree choose to do, with an element of ‘will’ as well as ‘emotion’ how do we cultivate love for God in our lives?
- What are God’s ‘love languages’ do you think?
While God’s love for us is describes as never failing our own Love for God can be more unstable? What do you think the role of the Holy Spirit is in helping us love God with our whole being?
Our summer series is an open theme…
29 August 2021 - 7pm Service
Life Messages
On Sundays in August, a different person will be sharing a LIFE MESSAGE each week, we've asked the team to think of the thing they would most like to say to the Church. Tim is sharing with us today.
Our summer series is an open theme…
29 August 2021 - 11am Service
Life Messages
On Sundays in August, a different person will be sharing a LIFE MESSAGE each week, we've asked the team to think of the thing they would most like to say to the Church. Tim Dobson is sharing with us today.
Our summer series is an open theme…
22 August 2021 - 7pm Service
Life Messages
On Sundays in August, a different person will be sharing a LIFE MESSAGE each week, we've asked the team to think of the thing they would most like to say to the Church. Matt is sharing with us about how character is important to him and asks us to think “Who are we becoming?”.
We are also very excited to be baptising Andrew in tonight’s service, who has a truly moving testimony and we are so glad to have him in our church family.
Our summer series is an open theme…
22 August 2021 - 11am Service
Life Messages
On Sundays in August, a different person will be sharing a LIFE MESSAGE each week, we've asked the team to think of the thing they would most like to say to the Church. Richard Pollard is talking to us today his passion for reaching out to the unchurched, to those who don’t yet know God, to make disciples of all nations. It is the Great Commission!
This summer we have an open theme…
22 August 2021 - 8.30am Service
Life Messages
Dave shares a life message about mercy, closeness with God and the analogy that Church is the bride of Christ.
Our summer series is an open theme…
15 August 2021 - 7pm Service
Life Messages
On Sundays in August, a different person will be sharing a LIFE MESSAGE each week, we've asked the team to think of the thing they would most like to say to the Church. Dave is sharing with us his passion and vision for the Church.
We hope you can join us in person or online throughout August as our leaders share with us what’s on their hearts right now.
Our summer series is an open theme…
15 August 2021 - 11am Service
Life Messages
On Sundays in August, a different person will be sharing a LIFE MESSAGE each week, we've asked the team to think of the thing they would most like to say to the Church. Rob is talking to us about his passion for prayer today.
Our summer series is an open theme…
8 August 2021 - 7pm Service
Life Messages
On Sundays in August, a different person will be sharing a LIFE MESSAGE each week, we've asked the team to think of the thing they would most like to say to the Church.
We hope you can join us in person or online throughout August as our leaders share with us what’s on their hearts right now.
Our summer series is an open theme…
8 August 2021 - 11am Service
Life Messages
On Sundays in August, a different person will be sharing a LIFE MESSAGE each week, we've asked the team to think of the thing they would most like to say to the Church. Rachel is talking to us about Jesus today.
Our summer series is an open theme…
1 August 2021 - 7pm Service
Life Messages
On Sundays in August, a different person will be sharing a LIFE MESSAGE each week, we've asked the team to think of the thing they would most like to say to the Church.
We hope you can join us in person or online throughout August as our leaders share with us what’s on their hearts right now. Tonight Nigel is talking to us about spiritual authority…and drumming too!
Our summer series is an open theme…
1 August 2021 - 11am Service
Life Messages
On Sundays in August, a different person will be sharing a LIFE MESSAGE each week, we've asked the team to think of the thing they would most like to say to the Church.
We hope you can join us in person or online throughout August as our leaders share with us what’s on their hearts right now. Today Clare is talking to us about wholeness.
If you feel moved by today’s message - be sure to sign up for our Wholeness Course happening in the autumn.
www.woodlandschurch.net/wholeness
How can we all be people after God’s own heart?
25 July 2021 - 7pm Service
The Heart of David Series: Repentance
In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.
The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.
Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read 2 Samuel 12 andPsalm 51
David certainly had stuff to repent of. For someone described as a man after God’s own heart, it is alarming to read about his adultery and subsequent murder to cover his tracks.
His psalm of repentance in Psalm 51 however is one of the great milestones of the Bible in helping us return to God.
- ‘Above all else guard your heart says the proverb. What was it about David’s life that allowed him to become so hear hearted, so blind to right and wrong in the story of Bathsheba?
- It has been said that the greatest spiritual danger comes when we no longer sense the need to repent. What are the stages that you recognise in becoming hard hearted? How could that progression be stopped?
- In Psalm 51 David says ‘Against you, you only have I sinned’ v 4. What does that mean? Surely he sinned pretty big time against Bathsheba and Uriah?
- What was it that brought a change of heart, repentance to David? What place does prophetic or preaching ministry have in challenging sin today?
It has often been said it’s good to keep short accounts with God. Consider the Lord’s prayer as a discipline to keep your heart soft and repentant.
How can we all be people after God’s own heart?
25 July 2021 - 8.30am Service
The Heart of David Series: Repentance
In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.
The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.
Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read 2 Samuel 12/Psalm 51
David certainly had stuff to repent of. For someone described as a man after God’s own heart, it is alarming to read about his adultery and subsequent murder to cover his tracks.
His psalm of repentance in Psalm 51 however is one of the great milestones of the Bible in helping us return to God.
- ‘Above all else guard your heart says the proverb. What was it about David’s life that allowed him to become so hear hearted, so blind to right and wrong in the story of Bathsheba?
- It has been said that the greatest spiritual danger comes when we no longer sense the need to repent. What are the stages that you recognise in becoming hard hearted? How could that progression be stopped?
- In Psalm 51 David says ‘Against you, you only have I sinned’ v 4. What does that mean? Surely he sinned pretty big time against Bathsheba and Uriah?
- What was it that brought a change of heart, repentance to David? What place does prophetic or preaching ministry have in challenging sin today?
It has often been said it’s good to keep short accounts with God. Consider the Lord’s prayer as a discipline to keep your heart soft and repentant.
How can we all be people after God’s own heart?
25 July 2021 - 11am Service
The Heart of David Series: Repentance
In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.
The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.
Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read 2 Samuel 12/Psalm 51
David certainly had stuff to repent of. For someone described as a man after God’s own heart, it is alarming to read about his adultery and subsequent murder to cover his tracks.
His psalm of repentance in Psalm 51 however is one of the great milestones of the Bible in helping us return to God.
- ‘Above all else guard your heart says the proverb. What was it about David’s life that allowed him to become so hear hearted, so blind to right and wrong in the story of Bathsheba?
- It has been said that the greatest spiritual danger comes when we no longer sense the need to repent. What are the stages that you recognise in becoming hard hearted? How could that progression be stopped?
- In Psalm 51 David says ‘Against you, you only have I sinned’ v 4. What does that mean? Surely he sinned pretty big time against Bathsheba and Uriah?
- What was it that brought a change of heart, repentance to David? What place does prophetic or preaching ministry have in challenging sin today?
It has often been said it’s good to keep short accounts with God. Consider the Lord’s prayer as a discipline to keep your heart soft and repentant.
How can we all be people after God’s own heart?
18 July 2021 - 7pm Service
The Heart of David Series: Worship
In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.
The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.
Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read 1 Samuel 20 and Psalm 55
One of the most iconic friendships in Scripture is the friendship of David & Jonathan. (1 Sam 20).
There is a covenantal love that goes beyond self-interest, or the grave. Yet David who was clearly capable of great loyalty and great love, also experienced and practiced betrayal in relationships. Psalm 55 expresses his sense of pain at broken relationship (v 14).
Friendship is extremely powerful in our lives, and Jesus himself said to his disciples ‘I no longer call you servants, but friends’. How can our friendships sustain us and enrich us including in our discipleship? How do we handle the pain of loneliness or betrayal?
- In marriage we make solemn covenantal promises to one another. Is there a place for that kind of covenant in other relationships? What are the relational loyalties in your life right now? How do they affect your faith?
- How did Jonathan & David handle the ‘comparison trap’, and their own personal ambitions, in walking out their friendship?
- Jonathan’s friendship with David angered his father, Saul. Have you ever experienced conflict when your friendship (and faith) loyalties have angered your family? How have you navigated those tensions?
- What does ‘betrayal’ in friendship look like? How can Church handle breakdown in relationship between two people in community? What happens when a dating couple in a small group split up for example?
- How can great friendships avoid becoming cliques?
It’s worth thinking in our small groups how we can build deep and trusting friendships, but also make room in those communities for new people. How do we make that work in practice?
C.S. Lewis writes brilliantly on friendship and relationships in his book ‘The Four Loves’.
How can we all be people after God’s own heart?
18 July 2021 - 11am Service
The Heart of David Series: Friendship
In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.
The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.
Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read 1 Samuel 20 and Psalm 55
One of the most iconic friendships in Scripture is the friendship of David & Jonathan. (1 Sam 20).
There is a covenantal love that goes beyond self-interest, or the grave. Yet David who was clearly capable of great loyalty and great love, also experienced and practiced betrayal in relationships. Psalm 55 expresses his sense of pain at broken relationship (v 14).
Friendship is extremely powerful in our lives, and Jesus himself said to his disciples ‘I no longer call you servants, but friends’. How can our friendships sustain us and enrich us including in our discipleship? How do we handle the pain of loneliness or betrayal?
- In marriage we make solemn covenantal promises to one another. Is there a place for that kind of covenant in other relationships? What are the relational loyalties in your life right now? How do they affect your faith?
- How did Jonathan & David handle the ‘comparison trap’, and their own personal ambitions, in walking out their friendship?
- Jonathan’s friendship with David angered his father, Saul. Have you ever experienced conflict when your friendship (and faith) loyalties have angered your family? How have you navigated those tensions?
- What does ‘betrayal’ in friendship look like? How can Church handle breakdown in relationship between two people in community? What happens when a dating couple in a small group split up for example?
- How can great friendships avoid becoming cliques?
It’s worth thinking in our small groups how we can build deep and trusting friendships, but also make room in those communities for new people. How do we make that work in practice?
C.S. Lewis writes brilliantly on friendship and relationships in his book ‘The Four Loves’.
How can we all be people after God’s own heart?
18 July 2021 - 8.30am Service
The Heart of David Series: Friendship
In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.
The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.
Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read 1 Samuel 20 and Psalm 55
One of the most iconic friendships in Scripture is the friendship of David & Jonathan. (1 Sam 20).
There is a covenantal love that goes beyond self-interest, or the grave. Yet David who was clearly capable of great loyalty and great love, also experienced and practiced betrayal in relationships. Psalm 55 expresses his sense of pain at broken relationship (v 14).
Friendship is extremely powerful in our lives, and Jesus himself said to his disciples ‘I no longer call you servants, but friends’. How can our friendships sustain us and enrich us including in our discipleship? How do we handle the pain of loneliness or betrayal?
- In marriage we make solemn covenantal promises to one another. Is there a place for that kind of covenant in other relationships? What are the relational loyalties in your life right now? How do they affect your faith?
- How did Jonathan & David handle the ‘comparison trap’, and their own personal ambitions, in walking out their friendship?
- Jonathan’s friendship with David angered his father, Saul. Have you ever experienced conflict when your friendship (and faith) loyalties have angered your family? How have you navigated those tensions?
- What does ‘betrayal’ in friendship look like? How can Church handle breakdown in relationship between two people in community? What happens when a dating couple in a small group split up for example?
- How can great friendships avoid becoming cliques?
It’s worth thinking in our small groups how we can build deep and trusting friendships, but also make room in those communities for new people. How do we make that work in practice?
C.S. Lewis writes brilliantly on friendship and relationships in his book ‘The Four Loves’.
How can we all be people after God’s own heart?
11 July 2021 - 11am Service
The Heart of David Series: Courage
In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.
The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.
Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read 1 Samuel 17 and Psalm 18
1 Samuel 17 is the story of David & Goliath, and Psalm 18 is a psalm that speaks of God equipping David for battle ‘he trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze’ v 34.
We are probably somewhat uncomfortable with the battles and bloodshed that are part of the Old Testament story. Certainly God himself says to David (1 Chronicles 22:8) that he is too much of a man of blood to build a temple for God.
Yet to be a man after God’s own heart and to have a warrior heart is not a contradiction to the Old Testament world view that sees God as a warrior God.
For us it’s important to remember the words of Paul in Ephesians 6 ‘our struggle is not with flesh and blood’.
- What are the good qualities of a warrior spirit? How do we celebrate these in Church culture? (Salvation army history?)
- How important is it for followers of Jesus to have courage? (N.B. Revelation 21:8)
- What ‘giants’ might we need to fight today? What are the Lord’s battles today? (1 Sam 17:47)
- What is the link between the warrior spirit and God’s heart for justice and His Kingdom to come? Did Jesus ever demonstrate a ‘warrior’ spirit?
- How are we trained for spiritual warfare?
- In what ways does fear stop us doing what God has called us to do in our personal or community lives?
As Christians we are not always good at confronting power. It’s easier to care for the powerless. But all through Church history there have been amazingly courageous men and women who have led and inspired the Church to face the challenges of the age? Who are your inspiring ‘Spiritual Warriors’? (Harry Kane doesn’t count).
How can we all be people after God’s own heart?
11 July 2021 - 7pm Service
The Heart of David Series: Worship
In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.
The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.
Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read 1 Samuel 17 and Psalm 18
1 Samuel 17 is the story of David & Goliath, and Psalm 18 is a psalm that speaks of God equipping David for battle ‘he trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze’ v 34.
We are probably somewhat uncomfortable with the battles and bloodshed that are part of the Old Testament story. Certainly God himself says to David (1 Chronicles 22:8) that he is too much of a man of blood to build a temple for God.
Yet to be a man after God’s own heart and to have a warrior heart is not a contradiction to the Old Testament world view that sees God as a warrior God.
For us it’s important to remember the words of Paul in Ephesians 6 ‘our struggle is not with flesh and blood’.
- What are the good qualities of a warrior spirit? How do we celebrate these in Church culture? (Salvation army history?)
- How important is it for followers of Jesus to have courage? (N.B. Revelation 21:8)
- What ‘giants’ might we need to fight today? What are the Lord’s battles today? (1 Sam 17:47)
- What is the link between the warrior spirit and God’s heart for justice and His Kingdom to come? Did Jesus ever demonstrate a ‘warrior’ spirit?
- How are we trained for spiritual warfare?
- In what ways does fear stop us doing what God has called us to do in our personal or community lives?
As Christians we are not always good at confronting power. It’s easier to care for the powerless. But all through Church history there have been amazingly courageous men and women who have led and inspired the Church to face the challenges of the age? Who are your inspiring ‘Spiritual Warriors’? (Harry Kane doesn’t count)
How can we all be people after God’s own heart?
11 July 2021 - 8.30am Service
The Heart of David Series: Courage
In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.
The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.
Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read 1 Samuel 17 and Psalm 18
1 Samuel 17 is the story of David & Goliath, and Psalm 18 is a psalm that speaks of God equipping David for battle ‘he trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze’ v 34.
We are probably somewhat uncomfortable with the battles and bloodshed that are part of the Old Testament story. Certainly God himself says to David (1 Chronicles 22:8) that he is too much of a man of blood to build a temple for God.
Yet to be a man after God’s own heart and to have a warrior heart is not a contradiction to the Old Testament world view that sees God as a warrior God.
For us it’s important to remember the words of Paul in Ephesians 6 ‘our struggle is not with flesh and blood’.
- What are the good qualities of a warrior spirit? How do we celebrate these in Church culture? (Salvation army history?)
- How important is it for followers of Jesus to have courage? (N.B. Revelation 21:8)
- What ‘giants’ might we need to fight today? What are the Lord’s battles today? (1 Sam 17:47)
- What is the link between the warrior spirit and God’s heart for justice and His Kingdom to come? Did Jesus ever demonstrate a ‘warrior’ spirit?
- How are we trained for spiritual warfare?
- In what ways does fear stop us doing what God has called us to do in our personal or community lives?
As Christians we are not always good at confronting power. It’s easier to care for the powerless. But all through Church history there have been amazingly courageous men and women who have led and inspired the Church to face the challenges of the age? Who are your inspiring ‘Spiritual Warriors’? (Harry Kane doesn’t count).
How can we all be people after God’s own heart?
4 July 2021 - 7pm Service
The Heart of David Series: Worship
In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.
The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.
Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read 2 Samuel 6:12-23, Psalm 63 and Psalm 145
2 Samuel 6 describes David bringing the Ark into Jerusalem and ‘dancing before the Lord with all his might’. The worship could be described as ‘extravagant’ in the lavishness of provision, enthusiastic in its celebration, and intimate in its lack of dignity (and exposure).
- Why do you think David’s wife was so negative about his worship? (v20). Do ever feel negative or even repelled by intimacy or extravagance in worship and if so why? Can you think of any occasions of worship around the life of Jesus that aroused a negative reaction? (e.g. John 12, Luke 19:35 on). What is going on here?
- David was a great musician and wrote songs (Psalm 63:3-5). Why is music and song so central to so much of our worship?
- Worship has a continuum for David from ‘worship in the sanctuary’ (63:v 2) to worship on his own in solitude (63:6). What is the link between public and private worship in your life? What does worship and our ‘secret history with God’ reveal about our heart?
- Psalm 145 is a Psalm of praise. It gives a big picture of God. How does worship ‘magnify’, gives a bigger and truer picture of God?
- David worships when he is in trouble. How does a ‘happy clappy’ celebratory Church that celebrates the goodness and power of God handle lament and pain in its worship?
Christianity isn’t a belief system or a philosophy. It is a self-giving relationship with God. The old marriage service says ‘With my body I thee worship’. How does a daily pattern of worship help us keep our hearts in tune with God so that we can be people after God’s own heart?
As a group discuss what helps you worship, with resources like videos and CD’s , with books, liturgies and poems, with creativity and financial extravagance perhaps too?
How can we all be people after God’s own heart?
4 July 2021 - 11am Service
The Heart of David Series: Worship
In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.
The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.
Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read 2 Samuel 6:12-23, Psalm 63 and Psalm 145
2 Samuel 6 describes David bringing the Ark into Jerusalem and ‘dancing before the Lord with all his might’. The worship could be described as ‘extravagant’ in the lavishness of provision, enthusiastic in its celebration, and intimate in its lack of dignity (and exposure).
- Why do you think David’s wife was so negative about his worship? (v20). Do ever feel negative or even repelled by intimacy or extravagance in worship and if so why? Can you think of any occasions of worship around the life of Jesus that aroused a negative reaction? (e.g. John 12, Luke 19:35 on). What is going on here?
- David was a great musician and wrote songs (Psalm 63:3-5). Why is music and song so central to so much of our worship?
- Worship has a continuum for David from ‘worship in the sanctuary’ (63:v 2) to worship on his own in solitude (63:6). What is the link between public and private worship in your life? What does worship and our ‘secret history with God’ reveal about our heart?
- Psalm 145 is a Psalm of praise. It gives a big picture of God. How does worship ‘magnify’, gives a bigger and truer picture of God?
- David worships when he is in trouble. How does a ‘happy clappy’ celebratory Church that celebrates the goodness and power of God handle lament and pain in its worship?
Christianity isn’t a belief system or a philosophy. It is a self-giving relationship with God. The old marriage service says ‘With my body I thee worship’. How does a daily pattern of worship help us keep our hearts in tune with God so that we can be people after God’s own heart?
As a group discuss what helps you worship, with resources like videos and CD’s , with books, liturgies and poems, with creativity and financial extravagance perhaps too?
How can we all be people after God’s own heart?
4 July 2021 - 8.30am Service
The Heart of David Series: Worship
In the Bible, King David is called ‘a man after God’s own heart’. This July, we will be looking at how David’s heart is revealed as much in the Psalms as in the amazing narratives of his life in 1 & 2 Samuel.
The sermon series aims to invite us to examine our own hearts and ask how we can cultivate and guard a heart of worship.
Also - remember our others services today also looked at the same topic. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read 2 Samuel 6:12-23, Psalm 63 and Psalm 145
2 Samuel 6 describes David bringing the Ark into Jerusalem and ‘dancing before the Lord with all his might’. The worship could be described as ‘extravagant’ in the lavishness of provision, enthusiastic in its celebration, and intimate in its lack of dignity (and exposure).
- Why do you think David’s wife was so negative about his worship? (v20). Do ever feel negative or even repelled by intimacy or extravagance in worship and if so why? Can you think of any occasions of worship around the life of Jesus that aroused a negative reaction? (e.g. John 12, Luke 19:35 on). What is going on here?
- David was a great musician and wrote songs (Psalm 63:3-5). Why is music and song so central to so much of our worship?
- Worship has a continuum for David from ‘worship in the sanctuary’ (63:v 2) to worship on his own in solitude (63:6). What is the link between public and private worship in your life? What does worship and our ‘secret history with God’ reveal about our heart?
- Psalm 145 is a Psalm of praise. It gives a big picture of God. How does worship ‘magnify’, gives a bigger and truer picture of God?
- David worships when he is in trouble. How does a ‘happy clappy’ celebratory Church that celebrates the goodness and power of God handle lament and pain in its worship?
Christianity isn’t a belief system or a philosophy. It is a self-giving relationship with God. The old marriage service says ‘With my body I thee worship’. How does a daily pattern of worship help us keep our hearts in tune with God so that we can be people after God’s own heart?
As a group discuss what helps you worship, with resources like videos and CD’s , with books, liturgies and poems, with creativity and financial extravagance perhaps too?
What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?
27 June 2021 - 7pm Service
After the Fire Series: Community of Believers
Over month of June we’ve been exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.
We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?
Also - remember our 11am and 7pm services looked at the same topic and Rachel Dave Mitchell and Matt Dobson shared with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read Acts 2:42-47 and Ephesians 4:11-13
We believe that Church is a society that exists for the benefit of its non-members! Of course that doesn’t mean we don’t care for one another, quite the opposite. To be a minister has three dimensions. A minister is a ‘servant’ literally. We minister to the Lord, to one another and to the world.
We understand some people’s ministry is more ‘Church centric’, for others it is very much in the market place. We hope that for most people ministry is ‘both and’!
- The phrase ‘ministry to the Lord’ sounds a bit quaint. What does it actually mean?
- I use the phrase ‘God loves to turn victims into ministers’ as I think about people in the Bible and in my experience who have been able to be used by God despite (and sometimes because of) where they have come from. Is there anything that disqualifies us from being ministers?
- Ministry is for everyone but everyone should be equipped or trained as Ephesians 4 puts it. Where do you feel drawn to minister? What equipping do you need?
- As we re-open Church post pandemic, there are many needs in our Church programmes for volunteers, or ‘ministers’. What needs are you aware of at Woodlands? What training programmes are you aware of? Where might you be able to serve?
- Ministry can be both in practical service and more overtly spiritual realms. What does God value most? Do we over promote some aspects of ministry as a community to the detriment of others?
- Do you know which Woodlands team members most champion volunteering in and out of the Church?
What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?
27 June 2021 - 7pm Service
After the Fire Series: Community of Believers
Over month of June we’ve been exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.
We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?
Also - remember our 11am and 7pm services looked at the same topic and Rachel Dave Mitchell and Matt Dobson shared with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read Acts 2:42-47 and Ephesians 4:11-13
We believe that Church is a society that exists for the benefit of its non-members! Of course that doesn’t mean we don’t care for one another, quite the opposite. To be a minister has three dimensions. A minister is a ‘servant’ literally. We minister to the Lord, to one another and to the world.
We understand some people’s ministry is more ‘Church centric’, for others it is very much in the market place. We hope that for most people ministry is ‘both and’!
- The phrase ‘ministry to the Lord’ sounds a bit quaint. What does it actually mean?
- I use the phrase ‘God loves to turn victims into ministers’ as I think about people in the Bible and in my experience who have been able to be used by God despite (and sometimes because of) where they have come from. Is there anything that disqualifies us from being ministers?
- Ministry is for everyone but everyone should be equipped or trained as Ephesians 4 puts it. Where do you feel drawn to minister? What equipping do you need?
- As we re-open Church post pandemic, there are many needs in our Church programmes for volunteers, or ‘ministers’. What needs are you aware of at Woodlands? What training programmes are you aware of? Where might you be able to serve?
- Ministry can be both in practical service and more overtly spiritual realms. What does God value most? Do we over promote some aspects of ministry as a community to the detriment of others?
- Do you know which Woodlands team members most champion volunteering in and out of the Church?
27 June 2021 - 8.30am Service
After the Fire Series: Community of Believers
Over month of June we’ve been exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.
We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?
Also - remember our 11am and 7pm services looked at the same topic and Rachel Dave Mitchell and Matt Dobson shared with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read Acts 2:42-47 and Ephesians 4:11-13
We believe that Church is a society that exists for the benefit of its non-members! Of course that doesn’t mean we don’t care for one another, quite the opposite. To be a minister has three dimensions. A minister is a ‘servant’ literally. We minister to the Lord, to one another and to the world.
We understand some people’s ministry is more ‘Church centric’, for others it is very much in the market place. We hope that for most people ministry is ‘both and’!
- The phrase ‘ministry to the Lord’ sounds a bit quaint. What does it actually mean?
- I use the phrase ‘God loves to turn victims into ministers’ as I think about people in the Bible and in my experience who have been able to be used by God despite (and sometimes because of) where they have come from. Is there anything that disqualifies us from being ministers?
- Ministry is for everyone but everyone should be equipped or trained as Ephesians 4 puts it. Where do you feel drawn to minister? What equipping do you need?
- As we re-open Church post pandemic, there are many needs in our Church programmes for volunteers, or ‘ministers’. What needs are you aware of at Woodlands? What training programmes are you aware of? Where might you be able to serve?
- Ministry can be both in practical service and more overtly spiritual realms. What does God value most? Do we over promote some aspects of ministry as a community to the detriment of others?
- Do you know which Woodlands team members most champion volunteering in and out of the Church?
20 June 2021 - 8.30am Service
After the Fire Series: Caring for the Poor
Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.
We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?
This week we’re having a special offering for International Justice Mission to raise funds for another rescue mission supported by our church members. If you would like to give, please visit our IJM page:
- Support our fund for an IJM Mission
Also - remember our 11am and 7pm services looked at the same topic and Dave Mitchell and Matt Dobson shared with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read Acts 4:32-36 and Galatians 2:10
One of the revolutionary and attractive qualities about the early Church is the way they cared for the poor, and not just their own poor but vulnerable people in their wider communities.
- Why do you think there was such generosity in the Church as described in Acts 4: 32-36.
- What do you think the impact of the Church’s charitable work is on its witness into the world?
- What is your definition of poverty? Where would you find that kind of poverty in Bristol?
- The Galatians passage seems to indicate care for the poor as being absolutely central in Church planting. How does Woodlands ‘care for the poor’?
- Care for the poor is for everyone, part of the normal Christian life, what coaching or equipping do you need to help you in this ministry?
- What should the proportion be of caring for the poor inside the Church, as opposed to those outside of it, from the perspective of the New Testament?
- How has the work of the Holy Spirit in your life hanged your attitude towards generosity?
What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?
20 June 2021 - 7pm Service
After the Fire Series: Caring for the Poor
Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.
We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?
This week we’re having a special offering for International Justice Mission to raise funds for another rescue mission supported by our church members. If you would like to give, please visit our IJM page:
- Support our fund for an IJM Mission
Also - remember our 7pm service looked at the same topic and Matt Dobson shared a message with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read Acts 4:32-36 and Galatians 2:10
One of the revolutionary and attractive qualities about the early Church is the way they cared for the poor, and not just their own poor but vulnerable people in their wider communities.
- Why do you think there was such generosity in the Church as described in Acts 4: 32-36.
- What do you think the impact of the Church’s charitable work is on its witness into the world?
- What is your definition of poverty? Where would you find that kind of poverty in Bristol?
- The Galatians passage seems to indicate care for the poor as being absolutely central in Church planting. How does Woodlands ‘care for the poor’?
- Care for the poor is for everyone, part of the normal Christian life, what coaching or equipping do you need to help you in this ministry?
- What should the proportion be of caring for the poor inside the Church, as opposed to those outside of it, from the perspective of the New Testament?
- How has the work of the Holy Spirit in your life hanged your attitude towards generosity?
What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?
20 June 2021 - 7pm Service
After the Fire Series: Caring for the Poor
Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.
We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?
This week we’re having a special offering for International Justice Mission to raise funds for another rescue mission supported by our church members. If you would like to give, please visit our IJM page:
- Support our fund for an IJM Mission
Also - remember our 11am service looked at the same topic and Dave Mitchell shared a message with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
Read Acts 4:32-36. Galatians 2:10
One of the revolutionary and attractive qualities about the early Church is the way they cared for the poor, and not just their own poor but vulnerable people in their wider communities.
- Why do you think there was such generosity in the Church as described in Acts 4: 32-36.
- What do you think the impact of the Church’s charitable work is on its witness into the world?
- What is your definition of poverty? Where would you find that kind of poverty in Bristol?
- The Galatians passage seems to indicate care for the poor as being absolutely central in Church planting. How does Woodlands ‘care for the poor’?
- If care for the poor is for everyone, part of the normal Christian life, what coaching or equipping do you need to help you in this ministry?
- What should the proportion be of caring for the poor inside the Church, as opposed to those outside of it, from the perspective of the New Testament?
- How has the work of the Holy Spirit in your life hanged your attitude towards generosity?
What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?
13 June 2021 - 7pm Service
After the Fire Series: All Nations
Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.
We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?
It’s our Global Partners Weekend and we are celebrating the forty different ministries we support around the globe. Remember, our 11am service looked at the same topic and Hazel Askew shared a message with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
One of the big themes of the New Testament is that of ‘Inclusion’; of the inclusion of the non-Jewish or Gentile world into the community of the people of God.
Acts 10 tells the story of one Gentile household becoming part of the Church, as evidenced by a remarkable flow of supernatural signs and a Pentecostal outpouring in the home of Cornelius, a Roman Centurion.
This weekend we have focused on our own global partners, and I hope you can pick up on things they shared on Saturday and Sunday. Some questions you could consider are
- If you have been on a global mission trip can you tell your story to your group? What short term or long term affect did it have on you?
- Is ‘missionary’ a rather negative word nowadays, associated with imperialism? What is your perspective on the role of global mission?
- What is a ‘reverse missionary’? Have you met one? What is that movement about?
- What do you think is the link between global mission and God’s ultimate plan of Salvation- including Jesus’ return!?
- Should we still encourage people to travel on mission? Isn’t it cheaper, more relevant and more environmentally appropriate for mission to be local and indigenous?
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit in sending people to all nations?
Consider ‘adopting’ a global partner as a group, and inviting them to your group on Zoom and finding out about their story and calling.
What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?
13 June 2021 - 11am Service
After the Fire Series: All Nations
Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.
We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?
It’s our Global Partners Weekend and we are celebrating the forty different ministries we support around the globe. Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and Tim Dobson will be sharing a message with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
One of the big themes of the New Testament is that of ‘Inclusion’; of the inclusion of the non-Jewish or Gentile world into the community of the people of God.
Acts 10 tells the story of one Gentile household becoming part of the Church, as evidenced by a remarkable flow of supernatural signs and a Pentecostal outpouring in the home of Cornelius, a Roman Centurion.
This weekend we have focused on our own global partners, and I hope you can pick up on things they shared on Saturday and Sunday. Some questions you could consider are
- If you have been on a global mission trip can you tell your story to your group? What short term or long term affect did it have on you?
- Is ‘missionary’ a rather negative word nowadays, associated with imperialism? What is your perspective on the role of global mission?
- What is a ‘reverse missionary’? Have you met one? What is that movement about?
- What do you think is the link between global mission and God’s ultimate plan of Salvation- including Jesus’ return!?
- Should we still encourage people to travel on mission? Isn’t it cheaper, more relevant and more environmentally appropriate for mission to be local and indigenous?
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit in sending people to all nations?
Consider ‘adopting’ a global partner as a group, and inviting them to your group on Zoom and finding out about their story and calling.
6 June 2021 - 11am Service
After the Fire Series: Spreading the Fire
Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.
We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?
Remember, later today at the 11am and 7pm services we’ll hear Rob Scott-Cook and Rachel Riddall share about the same topic. Go check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
In the 1920’s a quietly influential book was published called ‘The Spontaneous expansion of the Church’ by Roland Allen, an Anglican minister and former missionary in China. He celebrated the natural evangelism of often uneducated new believers as opposed to the formal professionalism of missionaries and bishops. Church growth happens when ordinary Church members have had real encounters with Jesus and have confidence to share what they have found with their communities.
In the book of Acts, (Read 11:19-22) we hear of the spontaneous establishing of a Church in Antioch. We don’t know anything about the women and men who shared the good news, but we do know it spilled out to the gentiles as well as Jews. The world changing dynamic of the gospel being shared and a church founded with non-Jews was initiated not by the apostles but an anonymous group of people who had WITNESSED and been changed by the events of Pentecost!
- What was the global impact of events that started in Jerusalem (Acts 2) at Pentecost? Do you think the people in Acts 11:20 were the same as those in Acts 2? How were they equipped to be evangelists?
- What is your definition of the word witness? What is the link between what you experience and what you say?
- What could you be a witness about as far as your faith is concerned? How does the Holy Spirit help you?
- Witness intimidation is a real phenomenon. How does witness intimidation affect you?
- Sometimes people say ‘everyone is a witness, but some are bad witnesses’. What do they mean?
- It is sometimes said witness can be divided between those who ‘go and tell’ and those who say ‘come and see’. Which are you? Where do you feel confident to invite people to come and see?
Usually churches grow because their members have confidence to invite people to their services. As we come out of pandemic what would Church look like for you to want to invite your friends to it?
What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?
6 June 2021 - 7pm Service
After the Fire Series: Spreading the Flame
Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.
We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?
Remember, our 11am service looked at the same topic and Rob Scott-Cook shared a message with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
In the 1920’s a quietly influential book was published called ‘The Spontaneous expansion of the Church’ by Roland Allen, an Anglican minister and former missionary in China. He celebrated the natural evangelism of often uneducated new believers as opposed to the formal professionalism of missionaries and bishops. Church growth happens when ordinary Church members have had real encounters with Jesus and have confidence to share what they have found with their communities.
In the book of Acts, (Read 11:19-22) we hear of the spontaneous establishing of a Church in Antioch. We don’t know anything about the women and men who shared the good news, but we do know it spilled out to the gentiles as well as Jews. The world changing dynamic of the gospel being shared and a church founded with non-Jews was initiated not by the apostles but an anonymous group of people who had WITNESSED and been changed by the events of Pentecost!
- What was the global impact of events that started in Jerusalem (Acts 2) at Pentecost? Do you think the people in Acts 11:20 were the same as those in Acts 2? How were they equipped to be evangelists?
- What is your definition of the word witness? What is the link between what you experience and what you say?
- What could you be a witness about as far as your faith is concerned? How does the Holy Spirit help you?
- Witness intimidation is a real phenomenon. How does witness intimidation affect you?
- Sometimes people say ‘everyone is a witness, but some are bad witnesses’. What do they mean?
- It is sometimes said witness can be divided between those who ‘go and tell’ and those who say ‘come and see’. Which are you? Where do you feel confident to invite people to come and see?
Usually churches grow because their members have confidence to invite people to their services. As we come out of pandemic what would Church look like for you to want to invite your friends to it?
What does it look like to live in step with the Spirit?
6 June 2021 - 11am Service
After the Fire Series: Spreading the Flame
Leading on from our Holy Spirit series, over the month of June we are going to be exploring what the Church looks like after Pentecost and how we can hold onto the power of the Spirit in our everyday lives.
We’ll be looking to the Bible to see what the early Church was like after this transformed experience of the gift of the Spirit. What should we look like today if the Spirit is at work in our midst as a Church?
Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and Rachel Riddall will be sharing a message with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION
In the 1920’s a quietly influential book was published called ‘The Spontaneous expansion of the Church’ by Roland Allen, an Anglican minister and former missionary in China. He celebrated the natural evangelism of often uneducated new believers as opposed to the formal professionalism of missionaries and bishops. Church growth happens when ordinary Church members have had real encounters with Jesus and have confidence to share what they have found with their communities.
In the book of Acts, (Read 11:19-22) we hear of the spontaneous establishing of a Church in Antioch. We don’t know anything about the women and men who shared the good news, but we do know it spilled out to the gentiles as well as Jews. The world changing dynamic of the gospel being shared and a church founded with non-Jews was initiated not by the apostles but an anonymous group of people who had WITNESSED and been changed by the events of Pentecost!
- What was the global impact of events that started in Jerusalem (Acts 2) at Pentecost? Do you think the people in Acts 11:20 were the same as those in Acts 2? How were they equipped to be evangelists?
- What is your definition of the word witness? What is the link between what you experience and what you say?
- What could you be a witness about as far as your faith is concerned? How does the Holy Spirit help you?
- Witness intimidation is a real phenomenon. How does witness intimidation affect you?
- Sometimes people say ‘everyone is a witness, but some are bad witnesses’. What do they mean?
- It is sometimes said witness can be divided between those who ‘go and tell’ and those who say ‘come and see’. Which are you? Where do you feel confident to invite people to come and see?
Usually churches grow because their members have confidence to invite people to their services. As we come out of pandemic what would Church look like for you to want to invite your friends to it?
How can we thrive by living in partnership with the Holy Spirit?
30 May 2021 - 11am Service
Holy Spirit Series: Wind - Mystery of the Spirit
We wrap up our preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Philip Jinadu on ‘Wind - Mystery of the Spirit’.
This May, we’ve been looking at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, our 11am and 7pm services will be looking at the same topic and Philip Jinadu and Steve Ballard will be sharing with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION John 3:8, John 20 and Acts 2
In many languages, including Greek and Hebrew, the words for Wind, Spirit, Breath are interchangeable. Interestingly in two post resurrection accounts of impartation of the Spirit on the disciples, John 20 says ‘Jesus breathed on them and said receive the Spirit’ in Acts 2 as well as fire the Spirit comes like a mighty rushing wind.
- The wind of the Spirit is very tangible, but also mysterious (John 3:8). How do we recognise the tangible presence of the Spirit with us corporately or individually?
- Jesus said in John 5 ‘I only do what I see the Father doing’. He spoke about driving out demons by the Spirit of God. It seems as if Jesus sought to be guided by the Holy Spirit. How does God guide us through the Spirit?
- What keeps us in step with the Spirit, (or not) (Gal 5: 22-25)?
- How do we distinguish between our subjective experiences, our imagination and the
guidance of God? What would you say to someone who says ‘God told me to do this..’ but it
seems unwise or not quite right to you? 5. How does the gift of discernment work in our lives as a Church community (c.f. Acts 13:2-3)
How can we thrive by living in partnership with the Holy Spirit?
30 May 2021 - 11am Service
Holy Spirit Series: Wind - Mystery of the Spirit
We wrap up our preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Steve Ballard on ‘Wind - Mystery of the Spirit’.
This May, we’ve been looking at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, our 11am service covered the same topic and Philip Jinadu shared a message with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION John 3:8, John 20 and Acts 2
In many languages, including Greek and Hebrew, the words for Wind, Spirit, Breath are interchangeable. Interestingly in two post resurrection accounts of impartation of the Spirit on the disciples, John 20 says ‘Jesus breathed on them and said receive the Spirit’ in Acts 2 as well as fire the Spirit comes like a mighty rushing wind.
- The wind of the Spirit is very tangible, but also mysterious (John 3:8). How do we recognise the tangible presence of the Spirit with us corporately or individually?
- Jesus said in John 5 ‘I only do what I see the Father doing’. He spoke about driving out demons by the Spirit of God. It seems as if Jesus sought to be guided by the Holy Spirit. How does God guide us through the Spirit?
- What keeps us in step with the Spirit, (or not) (Gal 5: 22-25)?
- How do we distinguish between our subjective experiences, our imagination and the
guidance of God? What would you say to someone who says ‘God told me to do this..’ but it
seems unwise or not quite right to you? 5. How does the gift of discernment work in our lives as a Church community (c.f. Acts 13:2-3)
How can we thrive by living in partnership with the Holy Spirit?
30 May 2021 - 11am Service
Holy Spirit Series: Wind - Mystery of the Spirit
We wrap up our preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Philip Jinadu on ‘Wind - Mystery of the Spirit’.
This May, we’ve been looking at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and Steve Ballard will be sharing a message with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION John 3:8, John 20 and Acts 2
In many languages, including Greek and Hebrew, the words for Wind, Spirit, Breath are interchangeable. Interestingly in two post resurrection accounts of impartation of the Spirit on the disciples, John 20 says ‘Jesus breathed on them and said receive the Spirit’ in Acts 2 as well as fire the Spirit comes like a mighty rushing wind.
- The wind of the Spirit is very tangible, but also mysterious (John 3:8). How do we recognise the tangible presence of the Spirit with us corporately or individually?
- Jesus said in John 5 ‘I only do what I see the Father doing’. He spoke about driving out demons by the Spirit of God. It seems as if Jesus sought to be guided by the Holy Spirit. How does God guide us through the Spirit?
- What keeps us in step with the Spirit, (or not) (Gal 5: 22-25)?
- How do we distinguish between our subjective experiences, our imagination and the
guidance of God? What would you say to someone who says ‘God told me to do this..’ but it
seems unwise or not quite right to you? 5. How does the gift of discernment work in our lives as a Church community (c.f. Acts 13:2-3)
**23 May 2021 - 8.30am Service
PENTECOST
Holy Spirit Series: Fire - Passion of the spirit**
This Pentecost Sunday we continue our preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Jo Appleton on ‘Fire - Passion of the Spirit’.
This May we’re looking at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
Remember, later today at the 11am and 7pm service we’ll hear Nigel Savage and Dave Mitchel share about the same topic. Go check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | Acts 2, 1 Thessalonians 5:1 and 2 Timothy 1:6
The pouring out of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost is very much a ‘power’ event. Unlike Jesus breathing on the disciples in John 20 and giving them ‘authority’ - here they have been told to stay in Jerusalem until they receive power from on high (Luke 24:48) and it happens on the day of Pentecost. The energising power of the Spirit is like ‘wildfire’.
- The hallmark of the baptism of the Spirit is often said (by Pentecostals) to be ‘speaking in tongues. What does Peter seem to say the hallmark of the Spirit is? (Acts 2:17-18)
- John the Baptist talks prophecies Jesus will baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16- 17). What is the fire for?
- Prophets like John the Baptist are fiery people. I coined the phrase ‘tongues of fire give fiery tongues. What is distinctive about the disciples’ ministry after the day of Pentecost?
- We sometimes talk about Christians being on fire. What does Paul say in 1 Thessalonians can put out the Spirit’s fire?
- Fire/Passion can be because of the intensity of what we love, or because of a cause, righting a wrong or an injustice. What energises you and why?
- Can you describe how a prophetic word has helped and strengthened you?
How can we thrive by living in partnership with the Holy Spirit?
23 May 2021 - 11am Service
PENTECOST
Holy Spirit Series: Fire - Passion of the Spirit
For Pentecost Sunday we continue our new preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Nigel Savage on ‘Fire - Passion of the Spirit’.
This May, we’re looking at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, our 11am service covered the same topic and Nigel Savage shared a message with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | Acts 2, 1 Thessalonians 5:1 and 2 Timothy 1:6
The pouring out of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost is very much a ‘power’ event. Unlike Jesus breathing on the disciples in John 20 and giving them ‘authority’ - here they have been told to stay in Jerusalem until they receive power from on high (Luke 24:48) and it happens on the day of Pentecost. The energising power of the Spirit is like ‘wildfire’.
- The hallmark of the baptism of the Spirit is often said (by Pentecostals) to be ‘speaking in tongues. What does Peter seem to say the hallmark of the Spirit is? (Acts 2:17-18)
- John the Baptist talks prophecies Jesus will baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16- 17). What is the fire for?
- Prophets like John the Baptist are fiery people. I coined the phrase ‘tongues of fire give fiery tongues. What is distinctive about the disciples’ ministry after the day of Pentecost?
- We sometimes talk about Christians being on fire. What does Paul say in 1 Thessalonians can put out the Spirit’s fire?
- Fire/Passion can be because of the intensity of what we love, or because of a cause, righting a wrong or an injustice. What energises you and why?
- Can you describe how a prophetic word has helped and strengthened you?
How can we thrive by living in partnership with the Holy Spirit?
23 May 2021 - 11am Service
PENTECOST
Holy Spirit Series: Fire - Passion of the Spirit
For Pentecost Sunday we continue our new preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Nigel Savage on ‘Fire - Passion of the Spirit’.
This May, we’re looking at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and Dave Mitchell will be sharing a message with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | Acts 2, 1 Thessalonians 5:1 and 2 Timothy 1:6
The pouring out of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost is very much a ‘power’ event. Unlike Jesus breathing on the disciples in John 20 and giving them ‘authority’ - here they have been told to stay in Jerusalem until they receive power from on high (Luke 24:48) and it happens on the day of Pentecost. The energising power of the Spirit is like ‘wildfire’.
- The hallmark of the baptism of the Spirit is often said (by Pentecostals) to be ‘speaking in tongues. What does Peter seem to say the hallmark of the Spirit is? (Acts 2:17-18)
- John the Baptist talks prophecies Jesus will baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire (Luke 3:16- 17). What is the fire for?
- Prophets like John the Baptist are fiery people. I coined the phrase ‘tongues of fire give fiery tongues. What is distinctive about the disciples’ ministry after the day of Pentecost?
- We sometimes talk about Christians being on fire. What does Paul say in 1 Thessalonians can put out the Spirit’s fire?
- Fire/Passion can be because of the intensity of what we love, or because of a cause, righting a wrong or an injustice. What energises you and why?
- Can you describe how a prophetic word has helped and strengthened you?
16 May 2021 - 8.30am Service
Holy Spirit Series: Water - Dwelling in the spirit
This Sunday we continue our preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Angela Moseley on ‘Water - Dwelling in the Spirit’.
In our journey towards Pentecost this May, we will look at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
Remember, later today at the 11am and 7pm service we’ll hear Dave Mitchel and Rob Scott-Cook share about the same topic. Go check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | John 7: 37-39, Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 2:10-15, Ephesians 5:18 and Psalm 41
The Holy Spirit is often compared to water, most famously by Jesus in John 7:37-39.
The Holy Spirit touches our deep places (Water)- worship, healing, intercession, revelation and is in our deep places (out of your belly will flow living water) but wells up in praise, prayer, prophecy, and in searching the deep things of God (1 Cor:2:10)
- Can you remember and describe the experience of being spiritually thirsty? What did that lead to?
- How does that experience of the Spirit in ‘deep places’ link to praise and worship? (Eph 5:18- 19)
- The opposite of living water in our innermost being is hardness of heart. What kind of things can lead to hardness of heart?
- How has the pandemic and lack of opportunity to worship with others affected your sense of Spiritual refreshment or need of it?
Read Psalm 41 as an act of worship and ask God to restore your soul where you need refreshment.
How can we thrive by living in partnership with the Holy Spirit?
16 May 2021 - 7pm Service
Holy Spirit Series: Water - Dwelling in the Spirit
This Sunday we continue our preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Rob Scott-Cook on ‘Water - Dwelling in the Spirit’.
In our journey towards Pentecost this May, we will look at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
We tend to think of the Spirit as a ‘force’ or an ‘energy’ - rather than a person to have fellowship with. However, it’s important to remember that the Holy Spirit is in the Godhead, which means ‘he’ is personal as well as powerful.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Tim Dobson speak on the same topic. Go check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | John 7: 37-39, Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 2:10-15, Ephesians 5:18 and Psalm 41
The Holy Spirit is often compared to water, most famously by Jesus in John 7:37-39.
The Holy Spirit touches our deep places (Water)- worship, healing, intercession, revelation and is in our deep places (out of your belly will flow living water) but wells up in praise, prayer, prophecy, and in searching the deep things of God (1 Cor:2:10)
- Can you remember and describe the experience of being spiritually thirsty? What did that lead to?
- How does that experience of the Spirit in ‘deep places’ link to praise and worship? (Eph 5:18- 19)
- The opposite of living water in our innermost being is hardness of heart. What kind of things can lead to hardness of heart?
- How has the pandemic and lack of opportunity to worship with others affected your sense of Spiritual refreshment or need of it?
Read Psalm 41 as an act of worship and ask God to restore your soul where you need refreshment.
How can we thrive by living in partnership with the Holy Spirit?
16 May 2021 - 11am Service
Holy Spirit Series: Water - Dwelling in the Spirit
This Sunday we continue our new preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Dave Mitchell on ‘Water - Dwelling in the Spirit’.
In our journey towards Pentecost this May, we will look at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and Rob Scott-Cook will be sharing a message with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | John 7: 37-39, Romans 8, 1 Corinthians 2:10-15, Ephesians 5:18 and Psalm 41
The Holy Spirit is often compared to water, most famously by Jesus in John 7:37-39.
The Holy Spirit touches our deep places (Water)- worship, healing, intercession, revelation and is in our deep places (out of your belly will flow living water) but wells up in praise, prayer, prophecy, and in searching the deep things of God (1 Cor:2:10)
- Can you remember and describe the experience of being spiritually thirsty? What did that lead to?
- How does that experience of the Spirit in ‘deep places’ link to praise and worship? (Eph 5:18- 19)
- The opposite of living water in our innermost being is hardness of heart. What kind of things can lead to hardness of heart?
- How has the pandemic and lack of opportunity to worship with others affected your sense of Spiritual refreshment or need of it?
Read Psalm 41 as an act of worship and ask God to restore your soul where you need refreshment.
9 May 2021 - 7pm Service
Holy Spirit Series: Oil - Gifts Life of the spirit
This Sunday we continue our preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Helen Paynter on ‘Oil - Gifts of the Spirit’.
In our journey towards Pentecost this May, we will look at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
We tend to think of the Spirit as a ‘force’ or an ‘energy’ - rather than a person to have fellowship with. However, it’s important to remember that the Holy Spirit is in the Godhead, which means ‘he’ is personal as well as powerful.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, later today at the 11am and 7pm service we’ll hear Tim Dobson and Clare Thompson share about the same topic. Go check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | Luke 4:18 & 1 Cor 12.
Jesus is the anointed one (Christ means anointed). In O.T. Israel Priests and Kings were anointed and the oil was a mark of them being given authority in their ministry and leadership. When Jesus quoted from the book of Isaiah he was identifying himself with a messianic calling (Messiah means anointed). This anointing, not with Oil but with the Holy Spirit is demonstrated in words and deeds of power and authority (Luke 4:17-26) and in Luke 9 he sends his followers out with power and authority to minister.
STUDY QUESTIONS
- Jesus had a ‘permanent’ anointing to minister it seems (John 1: 33 ‘remain’). Do his followers have a permanent anointing too, and if not, how do you stay in a place of anointing to minister?
- Reading about the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, are they permanent endowments (‘our’ spiritual gifts) or do they ‘manifest’ as the Holy Spirit chooses (v 11)?
- What contexts and conditions make receiving supernatural spiritual gifts more likely?
- What primarily are spiritual gifts for? What is the difference (if any) between the supernatural gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 and other lists of gifts e.g. in Romans 12?
- Could you describe your own experience of receiving spiritual gifts? Are there gifts that you have not experienced but have an appetite for? What are they and why do you want them?
- In the light of 2 Timothy 1:6 how much a part does prayer and laying on of hands have in receiving gifts of the Spirit? How does this tie in with anointing?
How can we thrive by living in partnership with the Holy Spirit?
9 May 2021 - 7pm Service
Holy Spirit Series: Oil - Gifts of the spirit
This Sunday we continue our preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Clare Thompson on ‘Oil - Gifts of the Spirit’.
In our journey towards Pentecost this May, we will look at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
We tend to think of the Spirit as a ‘force’ or an ‘energy’ - rather than a person to have fellowship with. However, it’s important to remember that the Holy Spirit is in the Godhead, which means ‘he’ is personal as well as powerful.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Tim Dobson speak on the same topic. Go check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | Luke 4:18 & 1 Cor 12.
Jesus is the anointed one (Christ means anointed). In O.T. Israel Priests and Kings were anointed and the oil was a mark of them being given authority in their ministry and leadership. When Jesus quoted from the book of Isaiah he was identifying himself with a messianic calling (Messiah means anointed). This anointing, not with Oil but with the Holy Spirit is demonstrated in words and deeds of power and authority (Luke 4:17-26) and in Luke 9 he sends his followers out with power and authority to minister.
STUDY QUESTIONS
- Jesus had a ‘permanent’ anointing to minister it seems (John 1: 33 ‘remain’). Do his followers have a permanent anointing too, and if not, how do you stay in a place of anointing to minister?
- Reading about the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, are they permanent endowments (‘our’ spiritual gifts) or do they ‘manifest’ as the Holy Spirit chooses (v 11)?
- What contexts and conditions make receiving supernatural spiritual gifts more likely?
- What primarily are spiritual gifts for? What is the difference (if any) between the supernatural gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 and other lists of gifts e.g. in Romans 12?
- Could you describe your own experience of receiving spiritual gifts? Are there gifts that you have not experienced but have an appetite for? What are they and why do you want them?
- In the light of 2 Timothy 1:6 how much a part does prayer and laying on of hands have in receiving gifts of the Spirit? How does this tie in with anointing?
How can we thrive by living in partnership with the Holy Spirit?
9 May 2021 - 11am Service
Holy Spirit Series: Oil - Gifts of the Spirit
This Sunday we start our new preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Tim Dobson on ‘Oil - Gifts of the Spirit’.
In our journey towards Pentecost this May, we will look at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
We tend to think of the Spirit as a ‘force’ or an ‘energy’ - rather than a person to have fellowship with. However, it’s important to remember that the Holy Spirit is in the Godhead, which means ‘he’ is personal as well as powerful.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and Clare Thompson will be sharing a message with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | Luke 4:18 & 1 Cor 12.
Jesus is the anointed one (Christ means anointed). In O.T. Israel Priests and Kings were anointed and the oil was a mark of them being given authority in their ministry and leadership. When Jesus quoted from the book of Isaiah he was identifying himself with a messianic calling (Messiah means anointed). This anointing, not with Oil but with the Holy Spirit is demonstrated in words and deeds of power and authority (Luke 4:17-26) and in Luke 9 he sends his followers out with power and authority to minister.
STUDY QUESTIONS
- Jesus had a ‘permanent’ anointing to minister it seems (John 1: 33 ‘remain’). Do his followers have a permanent anointing too, and if not, how do you stay in a place of anointing to minister?
- Reading about the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12, are they permanent endowments (‘our’ spiritual gifts) or do they ‘manifest’ as the Holy Spirit chooses (v 11)?
- What contexts and conditions make receiving supernatural spiritual gifts more likely?
- What primarily are spiritual gifts for? What is the difference (if any) between the supernatural gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 and other lists of gifts e.g. in Romans 12?
- Could you describe your own experience of receiving spiritual gifts? Are there gifts that you have not experienced but have an appetite for? What are they and why do you want them?
- In the light of 2 Timothy 1:6 how much a part does prayer and laying on of hands have in receiving gifts of the Spirit? How does this tie in with anointing?
2 May 2021 - 7pm Service
Holy Spirit Series: Dove - New Life of the spirit
This Sunday we start our new preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Dave Mitchell on ‘Dove - New Life of the Spirit’.
In our journey towards Pentecost this May, we will look at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
We tend to think of the Spirit as a ‘force’ or an ‘energy’ - rather than a person to have fellowship with. However, it’s important to remember that the Holy Spirit is in the Godhead, which means ‘he’ is personal as well as powerful.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, later today at the 11am and 7pm service we’ll hear several people share about the same topic. Go check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | Genesis 8:6-12 , Luke 3 & 4 and John 1:33
The Christian revelation of the nature of God is Trinitarian. That mysterious, mind expanding doctrine has given theologians and preachers much to ponder, preach and spill ink about, but there is still mystery about the Holy Spirit’s place in the Trinity. Because the Holy Spirit is in the Godhead, (we believe in One Triune God) he is a person just as the Father and the Son are persons.
Many people don’t relate to the Holy Spirit as personal as well as powerful. Even looking at symbols of the Holy Spirit can tend to make us see the Spirit as a ‘force’ or an ‘energy’ rather than a person who you have fellowship with (Phil 2:1) can be grieved (Eph 4:30) and lied to (Acts 5:3). So do keep that in mind as we look at this series based on some of the symbols of the Spirit.
STUDY QUESTIONS
- What do you associate the symbol of the Dove with when you think of it? For many people it is ‘peace’. How does that link with Luke 4:1 & 2?
- What is the link between the story of the dove in Noah’s flood, and Jesus’ baptism experience? What is the difference in the Genesis story between a Dove and a Raven?
- If the Dove is a symbol of God’s blessing ‘new beginnings’ what part does the Spirit play in the ‘new creation’ of someone beginning the Christian life? (2 Cor 5:17)
- What does the imagery of a Dove, coming to rest evoke in your mind? How might we welcome the Spirit resting on us?
- Water & Spirit are linked in the gospels. What is the link between being baptised in water and baptised in the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:38)
How can we thrive by living in partnership with the Holy Spirit?
2 May 2021 - 7pm Service
Holy Spirit Series: Dove - New Life of the spirit
This Sunday we start our new preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Dave Mitchell on ‘Dove - New Life of the Spirit’. Various members of our church family will also be sharing.
In our journey towards Pentecost this May, we will look at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
We tend to think of the Spirit as a ‘force’ or an ‘energy’ - rather than a person to have fellowship with. However, it’s important to remember that the Holy Spirit is in the Godhead, which means ‘he’ is personal as well as powerful.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard several people share their Holy Spirit experiences. Go check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | Genesis 8:6-12 , Luke 3 & 4 and John 1:33
The Christian revelation of the nature of God is Trinitarian. That mysterious, mind expanding doctrine has given theologians and preachers much to ponder, preach and spill ink about, but there is still mystery about the Holy Spirit’s place in the Trinity. Because the Holy Spirit is in the Godhead, (we believe in One Triune God) he is a person just as the Father and the Son are persons.
Many people don’t relate to the Holy Spirit as personal as well as powerful. Even looking at symbols of the Holy Spirit can tend to make us see the Spirit as a ‘force’ or an ‘energy’ rather than a person who you have fellowship with (Phil 2:1) can be grieved (Eph 4:30) and lied to (Acts 5:3). So do keep that in mind as we look at this series based on some of the symbols of the Spirit.
STUDY QUESTIONS
- What do you associate the symbol of the Dove with when you think of it? For many people it is ‘peace’. How does that link with Luke 4:1 & 2?
- What is the link between the story of the dove in Noah’s flood, and Jesus’ baptism experience? What is the difference in the Genesis story between a Dove and a Raven?
- If the Dove is a symbol of God’s blessing ‘new beginnings’ what part does the Spirit play in the ‘new creation’ of someone beginning the Christian life? (2 Cor 5:17)
- What does the imagery of a Dove, coming to rest evoke in your mind? How might we welcome the Spirit resting on us?
- Water & Spirit are linked in the gospels. What is the link between being baptised in water and baptised in the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:38)
How can we thrive by living in partnership with the Holy Spirit?
2 May 2021 - 11am Service
Holy Spirit Series: Dove - New Life of the Spirit
This Sunday we start our new preaching seriesHoly Spirit with a message from Dave Mitchell on ‘Dove - New Life of the Spirit’.
In our journey towards Pentecost this May, we will look at key symbols used in the Bible to help us understand how to encounter and live life with the Spirit of God.
We tend to think of the Spirit as a ‘force’ or an ‘energy’ - rather than a person to have fellowship with. However, it’s important to remember that the Holy Spirit is in the Godhead, which means ‘he’ is personal as well as powerful.
In this series, we’ll be unpacking scripture’s use of symbols describing the Holy Spirit as we try to better understand what it means to be a new creation and anointed with spiritual gifts. What is it that makes us well up from a deep place or speak in tongues? How do we deal with the mystical and transrational? How does God guide through the Spirit?
Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and several members of church will be sharing their Holy Spirit-stories sharing with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | Genesis 8:6-12 , Luke 3 & 4 and John 1:33
The Christian revelation of the nature of God is Trinitarian. That mysterious, mind expanding doctrine has given theologians and preachers much to ponder, preach and spill ink about, but there is still mystery about the Holy Spirit’s place in the Trinity. Because the Holy Spirit is in the Godhead, (we believe in One triune God) he is a person just as the Father and the Son are persons.
Many people don’t relate to the Holy Spirit as personal as well as powerful. Even looking at symbols of the Holy Spirit can tend to make us see the Spirit as a ‘force’ or an ‘energy’ rather than a person who you have fellowship with (Phil 2:1) can be grieved (Eph 4:30) and lied to (Acts 5:3). So do keep that in mind as we look at this series based on some of the symbols of the Spirit.
STUDY QUESTIONS
- What do you associate the symbol of the Dove with when you think of it? For many people it is ‘peace’. How does that link with Luke 4:1 & 2?
- What is the link between the story of the dove in Noah’s flood, and Jesus’ baptism experience? What is the difference in the Genesis story between a Dove and a Raven?
- If the Dove is a symbol of God’s blessing ‘new beginnings’ what part does the Spirit play in the ‘new creation’ of someone beginning the Christian life? (2 Cor 5:17)
- What does the imagery of a Dove, coming to rest evoke in your mind? How might we welcome the Spirit resting on us?
- Water & Spirit are linked in the gospels. What is the link between being baptised in water and baptised in the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:38)
25 April 2021 - 8:30am Service
Resurrection + Restoration: Restored World
This Sunday we finish our current preaching seriesResurrection + Restoration with a message from Tim Dobson on ‘Restored World’.
Following on from Easter, our series Resurrection + Restoration will help us grasp what Jesus’ resurrection means and the hope we carry in our everyday lives.
Rather than wave quickly goodbye to Easter, we’re taking some time to look at Bible passages from the Gospels after Jesus was resurrected. We’ll be looking at scriptures that address personal restoration, the great commission, and how we can bring hope into the world. Each week, we’ll be trying to earth these stories in our own lives and call as a Church today.
Remember, later today at the 7pm services we’ll hear Dave Mitchell speak on the same topic. Go check it out
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | Matthew 28:16-20
Matthew 28:16-20 carries the hope of restored creation. God has always wanted his world to be filled with his image-bearers (Genesis 1:27-28 ‘Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it’). Here in Matthew, the disciples are called to be fruitful and multiply, to fill the earth (every nation) and subdue (teaching them to obey everything).
STUDY QUESTIONS
- The word for nations here is ‘ethne’ (from which we get ethnic) and was used by Jewish people to designate gentiles, non-Jews. What is the significance for the disciples of this particular call in the light of Israel being a ‘chosen people’?
- How much do we prioritise in our sharing of Good News about Jesus people very different to ourselves? Does the commission of these eleven disciples extend to us? What does that say about the priority of the global mission for Christians?
- How much is racial unity and inclusion an important practice for us at Woodlands? What do you think Jesus wants for us in this area?
- We live in a world where environmental degradation, species loss and climate change are stark realities. What is the Christian response to Creation itself?
- How might we teach people to obey the teaching of Jesus as these verses tell us to? What place does baptism have for people who are serious about obeying Jesus words?
How can our lives, church and world be restored by the love and power of Jesus?
25 April 2021 - 7pm Service
Resurrection + Restoration: Restored World
This Sunday we finish our current preaching seriesResurrection + Restoration with a message from Dave Mitchell on ‘Restored World’.
Following on from Easter, our series Resurrection + Restoration will help us grasp what Jesus’ resurrection means and the hope we carry in our everyday lives.
Rather than wave quickly goodbye to Easter, we’re taking some time to look at Bible passages from the Gospels after Jesus was resurrected. We’ll be looking at scriptures that address personal restoration, the great commission, and how we can bring hope into the world. Each week, we’ll be trying to earth these stories in our own lives and call as a Church today.
Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Tim Dobson speak. Go check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | Matthew 28:16-20
Matthew 28:16-20 carries the hope of restored creation. God has always wanted his world to be filled with his image-bearers (Genesis 1:27-28 ‘Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it’). Here in Matthew, the disciples are called to be fruitful and multiply, to fill the earth (every nation) and subdue (teaching them to obey everything).
STUDY QUESTIONS
- The word for nations here is ‘ethne’ (from which we get ethnic) and was used by Jewish people to designate gentiles, non-Jews. What is the significance for the disciples of this particular call in the light of Israel being a ‘chosen people’?
- How much do we prioritise in our sharing of Good News about Jesus people very different to ourselves? Does the commission of these eleven disciples extend to us? What does that say about the priority of the global mission for Christians?
- How much is racial unity and inclusion an important practice for us at Woodlands? What do you think Jesus wants for us in this area?
- We live in a world where environmental degradation, species loss and climate change are stark realities. What is the Christian response to Creation itself?
- How might we teach people to obey the teaching of Jesus as these verses tell us to? What place does baptism have for people who are serious about obeying Jesus words?
How can our lives, church and world be restored by the love and power of Jesus?
25 April 2021 - 11am Service
Resurrection + Restoration: Restored World
This Sunday we finish our current preaching seriesResurrection + Restoration with a message from Tim Dobson on ‘Restored World’.
Following on from Easter, our series Resurrection + Restoration will help us grasp what Jesus’ resurrection means and the hope we carry in our everyday lives.
Rather than wave quickly goodbye to Easter, we’re taking some time to look at Bible passages from the Gospels after Jesus was resurrected. We’ll be looking at scriptures that address personal restoration, the great commission, and how we can bring hope into the world. Each week, we’ll be trying to earth these stories in our own lives and call as a Church today.
Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and Dave Mitchell will be sharing with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | Matthew 28:16-20
Matthew 28:16-20 carries the hope of restored creation. God has always wanted his world to be filled with his image-bearers (Genesis 1:27-28 ‘Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it’). Here in Matthew, the disciples are called to be fruitful and multiply, to fill the earth (every nation) and subdue (teaching them to obey everything).
STUDY QUESTIONS
- The word for nations here is ‘ethne’ (from which we get ethnic) and was used by Jewish people to designate gentiles, non-Jews. What is the significance for the disciples of this particular call in the light of Israel being a ‘chosen people’?
- How much do we prioritise in our sharing of Good News about Jesus people very different to ourselves? Does the commission of these eleven disciples extend to us? What does that say about the priority of the global mission for Christians?
- How much is racial unity and inclusion an important practice for us at Woodlands? What do you think Jesus wants for us in this area?
- We live in a world where environmental degradation, species loss and climate change are stark realities. What is the Christian response to Creation itself?
- How might we teach people to obey the teaching of Jesus as these verses tell us to? What place does baptism have for people who are serious about obeying Jesus words?
How can our lives, church and world be restored by the love and power of Jesus?
18 April 2021 - 7pm Service
Resurrection + Restoration: Restored Church
This Sunday we continue our current preaching seriesResurrection + Restoration with a message from Clare Thompson on ‘Restored Church’.
Following on from Easter, our series Resurrection + Restoration will help us grasp what Jesus’ resurrection means and the hope we carry in our everyday lives.
Rather than wave quickly goodbye to Easter, we’re taking some time to look at Bible passages from the Gospels after Jesus was resurrected. We’ll be looking at scriptures that address personal restoration, the great commission, and how we can bring hope into the world. Each week, we’ll be trying to earth these stories in our own lives and call as a Church today.
Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Nigel Coles speak. Go check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | John 20: 19-29
Sometimes the Church blows it! Sometimes our Churches are faithless, divided, abusive, materialistic, self-centred etc, lukewarm, apathetic, and a poor even negative witness. As a body of believers we can fail to fulfil our mission and even bring Christianity into disrepute. Jesus it seems loves the Church and Church history is as much a story of restoration as of failure!
STUDY QUESTIONS
- What would you say to someone who is disillusioned with Church, who might say ‘I love Jesus but I don’t want anything to do with Church’?
- In John 20, what kind of confidence did the disciples (the nucleus of the ‘Church’ the community that Jesus came to build) have in themselves?
- What strikes you about the phrases Jesus uses to speak to this group, ‘As the Father sent me, I’m sending you’, ‘If you forgive anyone sins they are forgiven’?
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit in restoring Church here?
How can our lives, church and world be restored by the love and power of Jesus?
18 April 2021 - 11am Service
Resurrection + Restoration: Restored Church
This Sunday we continue our current preaching seriesResurrection + Restoration with a message from Nigel Coles on ‘Restored Church’.
Following on from Easter, our series Resurrection + Restoration will help us grasp what Jesus’ resurrection means and the hope we carry in our everyday lives.
Rather than wave quickly goodbye to Easter, we’re taking some time to look at Bible passages from the Gospels after Jesus was resurrected. We’ll be looking at scriptures that address personal restoration, the great commission, and how we can bring hope into the world. Each week, we’ll be trying to earth these stories in our own lives and call as a Church today.
Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and Clare Thompson will be sharing with us. Check it out!
DISCUSSION NOTESINTRODUCTION | John 20: 19-29
Sometimes the Church blows it! Sometimes our Churches are faithless, divided, abusive, materialistic, self-centred etc, lukewarm, apathetic, and a poor even negative witness. As a body of believers we can fail to fulfil our mission and even bring Christianity into disrepute. Jesus it seems loves the Church and Church history is as much a story of restoration as of failure!
STUDY QUESTIONS
- What would you say to someone who is disillusioned with Church, who might say ‘I love Jesus but I don’t want anything to do with Church’?
- In John 20, what kind of confidence did the disciples (the nucleus of the ‘Church’ the community that Jesus came to build) have in themselves?
- What strikes you about the phrases Jesus uses to speak to this group, ‘As the Father sent me, I’m sending you’, ‘If you forgive anyone sins they are forgiven’?
- What is the role of the Holy Spirit in restoring Church here?