Latest Sermons from Dwelling Place Glasgow: Recent Episodes
Dwelling Place Glasgow (aka Glasgow Vineyard Church)
We are a church that is passionate about Loving God and Loving People. Listen here to our latest sermons. These podcasts are available on Apple, Google, Spotify, Amazon and Stitcher...
God is working in our lives all the time, not to give us platforms, wealth or status, but to make us people of strength and resilience who will impact our societies and communities. Romans 8:28 tells us that 'in all things God works for the good of those who love Him'. How can that be when bad things happen and our circumstances appear to say otherwise? This week Jamie unpacks the story of Joseph to show that God does indeed work, not just for our good but the good of all who love Him, even when, to the world's eyes, things may be going badly. If we trust Him, keep our eyes on Him, and not try to take short cuts, we will come to see the greater things He has planned come about.
This week Anthony continues unpacking the book of Ruth. In Chapter 2, the book of Ruth introduces Boaz, who is a type of Jesus, in that his actions and attitude are a foretaste of the actions and character of Jesus. In this chapter we see God's heart for the poor and marginalised and His provision in the law for their care and welfare. We see that when you put your trust in God God provides, not just to bless you, but to allow you to bless others with the blessings He has given you. We learn that being in community is important, as it allows us to share our blessings and to support one another. We also learn that whatever we may think of ourselves, we are not disqualified from receiving God's love.
This week Anthony Hilder starts a four part series on the book of Ruth. This week he unpacks Chapter 1 and asks three questions. 1. When things change around us, what needs to change inside of us? 2. What blessings, what gains what good in your life, even if it's small right now? Has God brought your way that you can be thankful for? 3. Who today is in your proximity that you can be a Ruth for and a Ruth to and show them mercy.
In this final talk in out 'What are you giving your life to?' series, Jamie reminds us that we are all commanded to fulfil the 'Great Commission'. Our culture is ripe for an alternative to consumerism. People are searching for a greater sense of reality and meaning. We know that Jesus is the answer. Jesus' command was not to expect people to come to us, but to engage with individuals, groups, families and organisations and to demonstrate practically the good news of the gospel. Jesus sends us out to be the good news, to practically demonstrate the Father's love, care and compassion by giving of ourselves and engaging with individuals and communities in which we live and work.
What does it mean to give everything to Jesus and not to be offended? This week Jamie looks at the story of the woman, Mary, who poured out a jar of expensive perfume over Jesus' feet and the reactions of those who watched her do it. Mary came into Simon's house and poured out the perfume over Jesus, wiping his feet with her hair. She was giving everything that she had as a sacrificial offering. Yet the men who were around Jesus reacted with offence. They were offended by her extravagance - her wholehearted act revealed the poverty and sin in their hearts. Are we hiding behind a false sense of propriety and a poverty mindset to justify our lack of being all in, holding back from giving God our all?
We all will face obstacles that get in our way. Some of these obstacles turn into Giants, that we struggle to face. In this talk Jamie dives into the story of David and Goliath to help us understand how we can Face our Giants. He identifies five key steps to successfully Facing our Giants. 1. Stand up to them - don't run away or try to avoid them, they won't go away. 2. Don't negotiate with them - negotiating with giants puts the giant in control of your life. 3. Don't tolerate them - don't try to adjust your life to make space for the giant, they will just want more. 4. Remember your victories - The enemy will always try to remind you of your failures, remember the victories you have seen, they will give you confidence to face the giant. 5. Wear your own armour - Don't try to be like someone else and copy them. Be yourself and use the gifts God has given you.
Where are our treasures? What do we value and what are we putting our efforts in to achieve? Our western culture values money and material possessions, we are told to work hard to develop family security and reserves so that we can enjoy the pleasures of life. Yet, Christ called the rich farmer a fool for planning bigger barns for all his crops so that he could lead a happy retirement. God wants to bless us, but not for our selfish desires, but so that we can be generous with what we have, and when we are generous, to allow Him to multiply what we have given to bring blessings to others. The farmer was placing his trust in world wealth, when the reality was he should have been more concerned about matters of God's kingdom. Rather than focus on achieving success and wealth in the eyes of the world, we too, need to focus our lives on storing up treasure in heaven by being generous and trustworthy with what God has given us.
We all have God given talents - things that we are good at, and things that make us feel alive and energised. God has given us talents and gifts for the benefit of the community that is the local church. He calls us to use the talent He has given us. How are we using those talents and skills? Are we using them for our own benefit and for that of our immediate family, or are we using them for the benefit of others? Are we doing what we can with what we have or are we keeping things to ourselves? Are we serving generously or do we resent giving of our time and skills? As we all exercise the talents and gifts that God has given us, He will build His church to become the beacon of light and hope that the world so desperately needs.
It is said that Time is our most precious commodity. While you can get more stuff and earn more money, you can't get more time. Once time is spent it can't be recovered and what we have spent our time on can't be undone. Are we spending our time wisely, in service of God? Or, are we spending it on achieving our own goals and objectives? So much in our culture draws us away from serving God. It tells us we don't have enough time to give to God or to serve others. But it is a lie. Jesus came to give us life to the full, but the thief (the devil) comes only to steal and destroy. Are we willing to trust God with our time and to be obedient and responsive to His call on our lives?
History tells us that significant moves of God take place when Christ's followers become passionate about prayer and cry out for God's intervention to bring about change in society and the world. In the next in our series on 'Prayer that Changes Things', Jamie looks at the call to be passionate about prayer. Jamie identifies six things in our lives that kill our passion for prayer and offers seven steps that will help us have a more passionate prayer life. Jamie also goes on to identify that when we engage with God in prayer, the first thing God wants to change is us. Prayer is not meant to be safe, bless me, bless others, bless the world… We are called to pray dangerous, life changing prayers; 'Search my Heart', 'Know my anxious thoughts', 'Uncover my Sin', 'Lead me in the way everlasting'. (Ps 139:23). Are we willing to open ourselves up to God and allow Him to speak into our lives? Do we trust Him enough? Do we trust that He is Good and always Good? If we are and if we do, then God will take us on an amazing journey of discovery…
As we continue our sermon series on the subject of 'Prayer that Changes Things', Jamie looks at three hurdles that need to be overcome if we are to fully see the powerful effects of prayer realised in our lives. Firstly, we are called to Intimacy with God; do we know Him and does He know us? Do we see God as far off and unapproachable? Or, are we living our lives in constant communion/communication with Him, speaking and listening to Him as we would a friend? Secondly, Lifestyle, are our lives aligned with God's plan and design? Or, are we asking God to bless our plans and meet our desires while living our lives as we see fit? Finally, Perseverance, are we persevering in prayer and not giving up? Are we willing to pay the price to see God's kingdom come, or are we seeking God's quick fix at no cost to ourselves?
Following on from his talk on the importance of having and living out God's vision for our lives, Jamie looks at the vital subject of prayer and how there are layers and depths of prayer that we rarely, if ever, tap into. In John 14 Jesus makes the amazing promise, that whoever believes in Him may ask for anything in His name and He will do it. Jamie looks at five key shifts that need to take place in each of us, if we are to see that promise lived as a reality. 1. The transformation of our minds. 2. Engaging in fellowship with God and longing for His world more than this one. 3. Being silent and trusting in God to act. 4. be willing to be the answers to our own prayers. 5. Allow God to reveal His promises for us and praying those into existence, rather than picking the promises we like the most and claiming what God has not specifically promised to us.
As we start into the Year 2025, Jamie looks at the 'Importance of Vision'. It is said 'Everyone ends up somewhere, but few people end up somewhere on purpose!'. Do we know where we are going? Do we have a vision for our lives? If we do have a vision does it align with God's vision for us? In this talk Jamie identifies four key steps in finding God's vision for our lives and then seeing that vision become a reality. 1. The Spirit's Prompting, where we gain a sense of God's call to do something. 2. Certain Uncertainty, when we first sense the call it is certain we won't know what is required. What we need to do is take a step forward and as we do so God will reveal more of His plan. 3. Predictable Resistance, everyone who seeks to follow God and pursue God's vision will experience opposition. It is a sign that you are moving in the right direction; don't be discouraged, keep pressing on. Finally 4. Uncommon Clarity, this is the stage where you realise that you wouldn't rather be doing anything else.
In this talk, Anthony discusses the Fruit of the Spirit 'Kindness'. Kindness is demonstrated by how we relate to others. Kindness is a character of God - God displays His loving kindness to His people in both the Old and new Testaments. The Psalms speak of God's loving kindness to His people. God's ultimate act of loving kindness was to send His son to die on the cross, so that those who didn't deserve His love could be set free from the slavery of Sin. Kindness is the practical outworking of the fruit of the spirit of love and is shown in how we relate to those we can expect or require no reward or acknowledgement.
In this talk, Jamie discusses the Fruit of the Spirit 'Forbearance'. Sometimes translated as Patience or Long Suffering, Forbearance is the supernatural ability to not give up, to persevere, to keep on praying, looking to God and trusting Him. Like any loving father, God loves us too much to give us everything we ask for when we ask for it. God wants us to pray big prayers that rely on Him to answer and He wants us to be persistent in prayer. Persistent prayer helps us focus on God and not ourselves, it helps us clarify or requests, prepares us for the answer and strengthen our faith. How big are your prayers, and what do they say about how big you think God is?
In this talk, Jamie discusses the Fruit of the Spirit 'Peace'. The world, the culture we live in, is facing an epidemic of anxiety. Yet almost all the things we worry about will never ever happen and even the things that do won't be as bad as our imagination tells us they will be. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:6 to have no anxiety about anything. The supernatural fruit of Peace, and the absence of anxiety, flows from place of thankfulness and prayer; putting our trust in the God of Peace who gives us His Peace, so that we might bring peace to the world around us.
In this talk, Jamie discusses the Fruit of the Spirit 'Joy'. What is the fruit of Joy? Is it just a happy feeling? No, the fruit of the spirit Joy, does not rely upon us feeling happy or having had some good news or success. The fruit of Joy is a supernatural ability to rejoice despite our circumstances. Joy comes as we realise and know deeply that God is good all the time and all His plans are good. Joy is the antidote to sorrow and sadness and enables us to have a right perspective on God's plans for our lives.
In this talk, Jamie builds on the first talk in our mini-series on the Fruit of the Spirit and dives deeper into the subject of Love. The word 'Love', has so many different meanings in the English language and culture. The 'Love' that Jesus and Paul talk about is not a feeling, it is not uncontrollable, nor is it something we fall into. God is 'Love'; we can only truly love because God first loved us. We are called to Love God with all our heart, soul and mind and then to love our neighbours as ourselves. In other words, to Love God, Love People. As we draw closer to God we will not only love Him more seeing that He loves us, but also love others, even those who are difficult to love.
For our special All Age Harvest Service, Teeny and Jemma bring us a message about Thanksgiving based on the story of the feeding of the five thousand in Matthew 14. Teeny and Jemma examine Jesus' attitude to need to feed so many people, and share lessons for us all. Rather than focus on the lack, Jesus thanked (praised and blessed) God before the miracle happened, trusting that the Father would provide. Secondly, an attitude of gratitude is not only something the bible has been telling us to have. It is actually good for us; being thankful reduces stress and anxiety, and it releases God's kingdom activity. As we do these two things, God will meet our needs. Just has he provided all the food the five thousand needed, with plenty left over; so He will meet our needs, provide the things we need to flourish and grow.
In this next in our series on The Holy Spirit, Jamie asks the question 'What does it look like to be led by the Spirit as a Child of God?' reviewing the letter to the Romans, Chapter 8. The Christian life is a relational journey. God the Father is always working for the good of those who love Him. As we learn to recognise the signs of Him working and His voice speaking to us we gain heightened awareness of Him in action. As we become more aware of what He is doing, we are able to start stepping into the things He has for us, and see more of God's Kingdom breaking out around us. While, Romans 8 teaches us that nothing can separate us from God's love, we all can and do become distracted, taking our eyes off Jesus and putting them on things of the world that do not, ultimately, satisfy. The call of Romans 8 is to turn away from those things and to keep our eyes firmly fixed on Jesus and to lead lives led by the Spirit.
In this second in our series on the person and work of the Holy Spirit, Jamie's talks on 'Being Aware of His Presence'. Jamie talks covers four main topics. 1. Why we need the Holy Spirit. 2. Examples from the Bible on how the Holy Spirit has empowered people. 3. Why some people don't experience the Holy Spirit, and 4. Ways to be more aware and interact with the presence of the Holy Spirit.
As we embark upon a new series exploring the person and work of the Holy Spirit, Jamie starts with a talk entitled 'Understanding the Trinity'. The term Trinity does not appear in the Bible, yet throughout the Old and new Testaments the Bible shows us that while there is only one God, God is the Father, God is the Son and God is the Holy Spirit. Jamie shares that there are a number of analogies that can be used to help explain the concept of the trinity, some are helpful, some are not, most however fail to convey the vital living relationship that exists between Father, Son and Spirit. He goes on to share how the early church fathers used the term 'perichorisis' to describe how the Trinity is an eternal dance of the Father, Son and Spirit sharing mutual love, honour, happiness, joy and respect. We are invited to join in with the dance to explore the beauty and wonder that is the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is why God sent His Son to die on the cross and His Holy Spirit to fill us and live within us.
In this next talk in our series 'Audacious Faith' Anthony looks at 'The Wilderness Season'. In our walk with God we will all at some point feel like we are in the wilderness. Anthony explains how God uses these times to shape and prepare us for what He has in store for us. How He uses these times to change our thinking and to increase our level of trust in Him. How He knows just when to end these seasons and that our attempts to escape the wilderness will always mean that we shortcut His work in our lives and inhibit our ability to do all He has for us. In the wilderness, God invites us to partner with Him and allow Him to do His work in us, letting go of the stuff that holds us back and allowing Him to shape us more in His image.
In this sixth in our series 'Audacious Faith', John Scott asks 'How do we see possibilities turned into realities in our lives?' The most important shift we need to make is to let go of our Western rationalist understanding of the world that disregards the spiritual and supernatural. We cannot expect to see God move in power in our lives if we are constrained by cultural (secular and religious) norms and expectations. We also need to realise that the issues that afflict us and those we love may have a spiritual root. If there is a spiritual root to our problems, then only being set free from the evil spiritual forces that seek to steal and destroy our lives, (deliverance) will do.
In this fifth in our series 'Audacious Faith', John Scott talks about the vital importance of hearing God's Voice for ourselves. As it says in Romans 10:17 'Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ'. Audacious Faith starts by hearing what God is saying, through scripture and by His Holy Spirit. Taking examples from Scripture and personal experience John share how it is vital for each and every follower of Jesus to learn how to hear God's voice for themselves, if they are to walk in 'Audacious Faith'.
In this next talk in our series 'Audacious Faith', Jamie, through the story of Elisha and the widow's oil in 2 Kings 4, explores how Audacious Faith 'Releases Provision'. If we put our trust in God in times of need, or when we don't have what we really want, we will discover that God is what we really need. When we put our trust in God rather than in the things we have we allow Him to supernaturally provide, out of His abundance, rather than our poverty. Often the first step is to recognise and use what He has already given us, rather than focus on the thing that is lacking. When we act in faith we release His provision and we get to see His faithfulness.
In this third in our series 'Audacious Faith', Jamie looks at 'How Faith Grows'. If we want to see more of God moving, first we must have a desire for more. Secondly believe God for more. Thirdly ask God for more. And finally prepare for more. In this talk Jamie identifies six phases that we each need to go through if we are to see our faith grow.
In this second in our new series 'Audacious Faith', Jamie identifies what Audacious Faith looks like. Jamie unpacks the miracle stories in Matthew 9:18-34 to identify four characteristics of Audacious Faith. 1. Audacious Faith sits in the face of complete loss but still hopes! 2. Audacious Faith attracts the presence of God. 3. Audacious Faith makes a withdrawal from heaven that releases healing on Earth! 4. Audacious Faith has the courage to believe what Jesus see’s and thinks about your situation!
In this first in our new series 'Audacious Faith', Jamie looks at what it takes to 'Restore Your Cutting Edge'. Do you feel that life has become a bit of a struggle and things that once were easy to do have become hard? Perhaps you have lost your cutting edge. Exploring the story of Elisha and the lost axe, in 2 Kings 6, Jamie identifies four steps that are required to 'Restore Your Cutting Edge". 1. Admit you lost it. 2. Acknowledge where you lost it. 3. Expect God to restore it. 4. Reach out to receive it.
In the first of two talks, Anthony looks at Ephesians 4 and in particular the Fivefold Ministry. In this part, Anthony answers the question 'What are the Five Fold Ministry roles and what do the do?' Anthony explains that the Fivefold roles serve the church and prepare it to do the ministry of Christ. He explains that the roles are not the same as the gifts and that they are functions not identities. Each of the roles is needed in the church today and to miss one or more of them out will leave the church missing out on vital component of the ministry of Christ. Each role brings something that the church and the world needs and together they enable the church to minister as Jesus did.
In this third in our series on Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus, Jamie explores Ephesians chapter 3. Last week we looked at how we are seated in the heavenly places with Christ. This week we look at how being seated with Christ is the starting point for lives that are empowered by God to live out His call for the church to reveal God's wisdom to the world. As church we are called to 'make known the manifold wisdom of God', not just to the world, but also to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places Eph 3:10. We can only do that if we are living lives fully connected to Christ and experiencing Him and His power. The church in the West has lost so much ground to Satan and his lies and deceptions by being asleep and complacent. It is only as we put aside our differences and learn to embrace all that God has for us that we can be the influence for change and transformation that God intends us to be.
In this second in our series on Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus, Jamie explores Ephesians chapter 2. Without Christ we are separated from God, prey to the forces of evil and without hope. With Christ, we are not only given hope of an eternity with God, but more importantly seated now in the heavenly places with Him. So often we thing as heaven as somewhere we go when we die, but the Bible talks of the heavenly places as present reality. Paul realised that knowing that we are already seated with Christ was the essential starting point for a life lived in the daily reality of Christ's victory over the enemy and the authority He has given us. Only when we have learned to 'Sit' in Jesus' presence and learn from Him can we then 'Walk' in the victory and use the authority He has given us. 'Sitting' enables us to 'Stand' against the attacks of the enemy's attacks that come as we 'Walk' and to defeat his plans.
In this first in our new series looking at the book of Ephesians, Andy provides an overview of Paul's letter to the church focussing on chapter 1. Andy focusses on two key messages in chapter 1. Firstly, our position before God has been changed by what Christ has done and how God has given us His Holy Spirit as a mark of our new position. Secondly, that what Christ has done gives us access to the transforming power that raised Christ from the dead that brings about not transformation in the future but also transformation in the present.
In this talk Jamie encourages us to live 'Adventurously Expectant' lives. Exploring Jesus' 'I am the vine, you are the branches' teaching in John 15, Jamie reminds us that in order to have fruitful lives we need to 'abide' in Christ, stay connected to the vine. When we are connected to the vine we will pray - expecting to hear Him, read the Bible - expecting to meet Him, focus of Christ - expecting to feel Him, and spend time with other followers of Jesus - expecting to experience the Kingdom. Jamie identifies three essential things that will enable us to stay connected: 1. Do what Jesus says! 2. Love like Jesus loves! and 3. Learn to live as a friend of God!
In this talk, Jamie, looks at 'Living a Life of Significance'. In this talk Jamie ask if the church is willing to to follow God's agenda, or have we settled for setting our own goals? The world tells us that, as individuals, our lives should be successful. That we should aspire to to be successful, to reach heights of attainment and achieve financial, career and family goals. Yet God calls us to live lives for Him, lives for the kingdom and lives of significance. Jamie looks at the life of Barnabas and how his willingness to serve others and put God's call first in his life was instrumental is shaping the ministry of Paul the apostle. Barnabas sacrificed his own wealth, his own goals to follow God's agenda. He used what God had given him to bless and encourage those around him.
In this talk Anthony discusses Sacred Spaces. He answers three questions. What is a sacred space? Why do they matter? and What do they mean for us? He describes how Sacred Spaces are found throughout the Bible and that they each have four stages - 1. Revelation - God reveals so we can respond. 2. Collaboration - God Initiates so we can engage. 3. Interaction - God inhabits, so we can encounter. 4. God shapes, so we can be sent. The purpose of Sacred Spaces is to prepare His people for being His change agents - carrying God's presence and imprint wherever we go and to whoever we meet.
In this talk Jamie looks at the story of Lazarus in John 11 to show us that God has not finished with you yet. Just as Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb by name, He is calling us by name - to overcome disappointment at unanswered prayers, to overcome weariness and fatigue, to overcome a sense of failure or lost passion for the kingdom. God has not finished with you yet. He calls us to align our lifestyles with His word and to start doing the things of the Kingdom, by getting up close and personal with Him.
In this next in our series Restore in 2024, Jamie continues in the Book of Nehemiah and looks at the subject of Joy. We are bombarded by adverts enticing us to buy joy in the shape of products that claim to make us happy, but ultimately leave us disappointed. Joy is something that is beyond temporary happiness. Being joyful is a choice, a choice to choose God over our circumstances and to trust in His unfailing love and goodness. When we learn to trust in God's plan to the extent that we are joyful, even in the darkest times, we are ready to experience life in a new dimension of intimacy with the Father.
Continuing our series 'Restore in 2024' based on a study of the book of Nehemiah, Jamie looks at defeating distraction. If we are to achieve the amazing best plans that God has for our lives, we need to stay focussed on Him and on the tasks He has set for us. If he can't stop us by discouragement, our enemy's next tactic is distraction. Getting distracted, taking our eyes of the ball, taking on tasks that we aren't meant to do, prioritising things that don't give life; all get in the way of us becoming the people God has called us to be and doing the things he has called us to do. Like Nehemiah, we need to learn to say no. No, to the things that will stop us doing what God has called us to. No, to the good sounding opportunities that haven't come from God. No to being self-indulgent. Are we willing to say Yes to God and No to the distractions that get in the way of our yes being truly Yes?
Continuing our series 'Restore in 2024' based on a study of the book of Nehemiah, Jamie looks at defeating discouragement. Attempt anything for God and we will face discouragement. Satan and his forces do not want God's plans and those He uses to achieve them to succeed. Like Nehemiah, we will face discouragement from outside, firstly from forces outside our control, storms of life, illness and sickness, unexpected events all designed to try and get us to quit. Backing these up will be criticism and ridicule, trying to undermine our confidence and resolve. We will also face discouragement from within as those who are close to us get discouraged or start to doubt. Even Jesus faced opposition from His family who thought He was mad and causing a scene. In our response we need first to turn to God in prayer and to press into what God has called us to. Remember, God is great and awesome and has already defeated our enemy, then stand up and fight, not for ourselves, but our cause.
In this talk on our series 'Life in the Spirit', Jamie discusses 'Supernatural Hope'. The Christian life is not just about victory. Every one of us will face battles, difficulties, loss and defeats. Speaking from a place of experiencing recent great loss, Jamie ask how do we find the courage, strength and hope that Jesus talked about? Jamie explores Zechariah 9:11-12 where God exhorts us to turn our focus away from our troubles and focus on Him. Then He promises to rescue us from the dry and barren places of despair and to restore even more than we have lost.
'It's time to get out of the trenches. It's time for God's church to arise from its slumber and retake the ground and influence occupied by our spiritual enemy.' So says Jamie in this latest talk in our series "Life in the Spirit' The armour of God empowers us not just to stand firm, but to advance. Not just to resist the enemy's attacks, but to advance and defeat his schemes. We, all, need to make sure we have the amour on and know how to use it effectively!
In this next section of our series 'Life in the Spirit' we look at the practical applications of both the supernatural Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit. In this first talk in this segment, Jamie looks at 'Spiritual Warfare'. One of Satan's greatest successes has been to convince much of the church that 'Spiritual Warfare' doesn't happen today and that the world is not affected and people's lives are not ravaged by demonic forces. Jesus was under no such illusion! He recognised, confronted and defeated demonic forces in all of His ministry and he prepared and gave authority and power to His followers to do the same. As Christ's church, we are called to advance His Kingdom and to forceably take back the ground the enemy has stollen.
As the new term start and our kids, teenagers and teachers head back to school, Teeny our Kids' and Family worker looks at the story of Daniel and his friends. Teeny explores what it is to stand for what you believe in, even when all around you have different ideas and opinions. She shares how God is faithful and is with us, even when the going gets tough and we face opposition. Through the Holy Spirit, who lives in us, and prayer, we can know God's power to transform our lives and our situations.
In this final talk in our series 'Life in the Spirit', Jamie looks at the supernatural fruit of Faithfulness. As with all the previous fruits of the Spirit, the fruit of Faithfulness is not something that we can do or develop in our own strength. While those without the Spirit of God can be faithful and show tremendous faithfulness, the fruit of the Spirit is something that God does in us. This fruit develops as we cooperate with His Spirit and show that we can be trusted with the gifts He has given us. It is about recognising the small things that God gives us, the little opportunities or challenges that come our way, and being faithful in these things.
In this sermon Teeny, our Kids' and Family worker, talks on the subject of Hope and Intimacy. Taking Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:18, Teeny addresses themes from that prayer. Intimacy with Jesus comes from spending time with Him. Prayer is one of the best ways of spending time with Him. Knowing the hope we have in Jesus is not about head knowledge, but heart experience. We all hope for things, sometimes we hope for selfish things, such hope is not life giving. Only if our hope is aligned with Christ and our true identity in Him, will it bring life.
In this talk in our series, Life in the Spirit, Andrew explores the supernatural fruit of Self-Control. Using the example from the lives of Daniel, Jesus and Paul, Andrew demonstrates that Self-Control is not about controlling ourselves to avoid doing undesirable things; nor is it making positive choices based upon know positive outcomes. It is 'a radical spirit enabled regulation of the self to enable positive actions that advance the Kingdom of God'. Trusting in God's goodness, even when those things may lead to detriment to self.
In this talk in our series, Life in the Spirit, Jamie discusses the supernatural fruit of Goodness. What does it mean to have the fruit of Goodness in our lives? What is the difference between being a 'Good' person and displaying the supernatural fruit of Goodness? God is good, and we display His goodness when: We love people, think the best of them rather than assuming the worst. Forgive people, rather than holding grudges, or wanting to get even, blessing, rather than cursing. We are gracious and have a heart of compassion for those around us. We are generous, giving of our time, energy and money, not holding back, but fully and unconditionally giving of ourselves, as God gives to us.
In this, our latest talk on Life in the Spirit, in which we are looking at the supernatural 'Fruit of the Spirit', Jamie shares about his recent visit to a conference at a church in Bogota, Columbia, that has been experiencing revival for over 30 years and has grown from a handful of people meeting in a room to a dynamic growing church of over 100,000 with a far reaching international ministry of encouragement. In this talk he reflects on the active acts of kindness he saw demonstrated by the people of that church and how supernatural kindness comes from God's heart of compassion and leads us into action. Kindness is the fuel for revival.
In this sermon, Mikey next of the Fruit of the Spirit, patience. Mikey describes how God is patient with His people. How He does not give up on us when we mess up, but 'is like a father to His children, tender and compassionate to all who fear Him' Ps103:13. Mikey goes on to say that the fruit of the Spirit in us is the development of a similar attitude towards others and towards the promises of God.
Jamie continues looking at the fruits of the spirit, this week discussing what it means to know peace. We all have things that we are concerned about. Christ calls us to have anxiety about no-thing, yet, many of us are anxious. Studies have shown that 90% of the things we are anxious about never happen and most of those that do are cope well with. However, knowing God's peace is not about some self help practices to help lessen our anxiety levels, but intimately knowing Christ - the Prince of Peace - and allowing Him to dwell in at the very centre of our lives.
Jamie continues looking at the fruits of the spirit, this week discussing what it means to seek and pursue spirit filled joy. Looking at waiting, patience and worship in the midst of life's trials and tests, it is often after these moments that true joy comes.
In this week's sermon, Jamie continues looking at life in the Spirit by diving into the first of the fruits - Love. What does it mean to show and embody love and how can the Spirit led life cultivate greater love within and through us?
This week Jem talks us through what it means to live a life following Pentecost. How can we be the bearers of God's Holy presence and how does this impact our view on ourselves and the world around us? Exploring Acts 1 and 2, Jem walks us through some understanding around what happened at the event of Pentecost and considers how this reflects Old Testament language as well as what realities we live in as a result of the disciples being sent out full of the Spirit.
In the latest in our series 'Life in the Spirit' Mikey looks at developing a 'Christlike Character'. We are all, as followers of Jesus, called, not just to do the things He did, but to become like Him. The fruit of the spirit enable each follower of Jesus to become like Him. The fruit of the Spirit are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self-control. These fruit are available to all who know Jesus and choose to be changed by Him. If you want these fruit in your lives, are you willing to allow Him to change you?
In the latest in our series 'Life in the Spirit' Jamie continues to look at Cultivating the Supernatural. Learning to live as friends of God is the key to seeing more of God's supernatural power and activity in our lives. Jesus calls His disciples 'friends' and so are we. Jamie identifies 6 key mindset changes that will help us live more as friends with God. Relationship is at the heart of all friendships. We don't need more faith, we don't need to strive; as His friends we already have access to all God's promises and goodness.
In the latest in our series 'Life in the Spirit' Jamie looks at Cultivating the Supernatural. As Christians we follow a supernatural God and are saved by a supernatural Saviour. We are also empowered and in-dwelt by a supernatural Holy Spirit. The church is at its most effective and transformative when we, its members, recognise and allow space in our lives and community for the supernatural. Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing. Seeing what the Father is doing is, then, the starting point. But more than just seeing, we need to release what we see by speaking it out, 'doing it', even if we don't fully understand it. We may never fully understand the mind of God. We are, however, to be guided both by scripture and the Spirit. Fully engaging with both will help us see what God is doing. And, so it goes…
In the latest in our series 'Life in the Spirit' Jamie looks at the application of the gift of prophecy. Jesus said He only did what He saw the Father doing and only said what He heard the Father saying. That is why prophecy is so important today; we all must learn to see what God is doing and hear His word if we are to walk as Jesus walked and do the things He is calling us to do. The primary purpose of prophecy is to strengthen, encourage and comfort and Jamie looks at 9 applications for this function. Jamie also identifies 3 separate secondary purposes for this gift and encourages us all to earnestly desire that we have and use the gift of prophecy.
In the latest in our series 'Life in the Spirit' Jamie discusses three of the nine gifts listed in 1 Cor 12. The gifts of Wisdom, Knowledge and Discernment are akin to knowing the mind of God. Just as God gave wisdom to King Solomon, the gift of wisdom provides heavenly insights into today's problems. What problems do you face? Do you need wisdom? Then ask God for it. God reveals hidden truth or details about people or situations, through the gift of knowledge. He wants to unlock conflict or closed minds and drawing people into relationship with Him. The gift of Discernment is cruicial to understanding the source of words deeds or events. Who, or what is behind words given; is it God, is it the devil or is it man? Knowing the source 0f words or pictures is vital if we are not to be led astray by nice sounding words that are ultimately deceitful.
In the latest in our series 'Life in the Spirit' Jem discusses the subject of 'Faith'. Starting from Hebrews Chapter 10:36 to 11:6, Jem reveals how faith is not an intellectual understanding or set of beliefs but a lifestyle of actively living as if the Kingdom of God is near and that the promises go God are true. We may feel that God's promises do not apply to us, or that in some way we are disqualified from receiving His love. There is nothing that can separate us from God's love. Forgiveness is the key we are forgiven - Jesus paid the price for all that we have done wrong - but many are held back by unforgiveness - to be truly free and to live in the truth of God's love we need to forgive those who hurt us, forgive those who hurt those we love and forgive ourselves. Can you do that?
We all have a favourite superhero, who is yours? For our Easter Family Celebration, Teeny tells us that Jesus is the original 'Superhero'. He not only came back from the dead, but he also defeated it. He came so that we could know God's love and forgiveness and be Jesus' friends and part of His amazing family. Do you know God's love? - if not you can know it today. Jesus also has amazing superhero powers that He gives to all who follow Him, through the Holy Spirit. What is yours?
In this second in our series on 'Life in the Spirit', Jamie looks at the subject of Healing. Sharing stories and testimonies of healing and the vital imperative of staying aligned with God's presence, Jamie explains how Healing was at the core of Jesus' proclamation of the good news, was central to the foundation of the Vineyard movement, and remains central to our ministry today. He then provides some basic teaching on a 5 step model to help people to get started praying for healing, that relies upon the presence of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
In this first of our new series on 'Life in the Spirit', Jamie leads us through the riches of Romans chapter 8 and highlights the key promises and themes of that chapter and how they are truly transformative, if we chose to live by them. Jamie relates how 'Life in the Spirit' is so different from living by the values and culture of the world. In the Spirit, we are not dominated by the thinking of today, that puts our thoughts and desires at the centre of who we are and what we do, but reliance on God, His Spirit and His word of truth is at the core of our being. Only through connection to God, through the Spirit, can we truly know the life transforming fruit of the Spirit in our lives; born out of heightened awareness of what God has done and is doing in our lives.
In this sermon, Mikey reflects on the sermon preached by Paul in Athens, found in Acts 17. Mikey brings 5 key points from Paul's sermon that are so relevant to the culture today and our individual lives. As in Athens, our culture today is heavily invested in the worship of idols that do not satisfy. While we may not sacrifice animals on an altar, we all, to some degree, have or do still sacrifice our time, energy and money in the pursuit of things that ultimately will not satisfy. Only Jesus can fully satisfy our needs for emotional well being and spiritual connection. Jesus is the one we are looking for; and all the while we are seeking Him, maybe in all the wrong ways, He is seeking us, lovingly pursuing us, so He can set us free. While our problems and needs may seem great, Jesus is even bigger than we think and He is more than capable of setting us free from the things that hold us back; if we choose to let Him. Will you let Him?
In this third part of our series on Prayer, Andrew asks 'How do we pray when God is silent?' Andrew shares that it is OK to say it is difficult, OK to say it hurts and OK to say I don't know; you are not alone. Picking up themes from the book of Job, Psalms, 22 to 24 and Jesus in the garden, Andrew identifies that Job, David and Jesus all went though times when God appeared to have abandoned them. You are not alone - Jesus stands with you and intercedes for you.
In this, the final talk in our series 'Rhythms for Life', Jamie talks about the importance of 'Putting on the Amour of God'. As Paul says in Ephesians, we are engaged in a battle, not against men and women, but against the spiritual forces of God's enemy, Satan. With so much evil in the world it is hard to understand why so many doubt that Satan and his demon's exist, and consequently are unprepared to face their attacks. As followers of Jesus we have been provided with the tools, not just to resist these attacks, but to defeat them and emerge victorious, if we remember to 'Put on the Amour of God' on a daily basis.
In this sermon in our Rhythms of Life series, Jamie talks about the subject of Generosity or 'Managing God's Resources God's Way'. God, by His very nature is a generous God. The very act of sending His son to die on the cross was an act of supreme generosity. He calls us to be a generous people - giving to those in need, both with our time and our money. The act of being generous breaks the bonds that bind us to the pursuit of material possessions and need to have more. We, as His people, already have all we need, if only we would realise that everyone is already His.
In this sermon in our Rhythms of Life series, Jamie talks about our essential need to cultivate periods of Rest in our lives. Sharing from his personal story and how he has had to learn to walk at God's pace and not to rush on at his own, Jamie identifies a number of keys to help us all be at Rest and to keep in step with the Lord.
In this sermon on Rhythms of Life, Jamie looks at the subject of Perspective. Our perspective on life, on God and on people affects how we view our situations and how we live our lives. Many of us are held back by things in the past, God calls us to lay the things aside. As we allow the truths of God's love for us and unconditional acceptance of us as sons and daughters, we will discover that God's plans for us are good. It is only when we learn to see things from God's perspective will we be able to be at peace amidst the trials and storms we all will face during our lives.
In this sermon on Rhythms of Life, Jamie looks at the subject of God's Presence. We are called to be a people in a living relationship with God, a relationship where we both talk to God, and hear from God. We are called to be a people with deep roots into God's word and His Spirit. The Holy Spirit lives within us, not as a passive entity, but a living person. He is not a tool to be used as and when we choose, but a living person who desires relationship. We all need to cultivate Rhythms of Life that place being in God's presence at the top of our priorities if we are to fully experience all the God has for us.
In this second talk on Prayer, Jem encourages us to use the access we have a children of our loving Heavenly Father to explore and cultivate healthy and life giving rhythms of prayer. Taking guidance from Psalms 4 and 5 plus the prayer Jesus taught His disciples, Jem unpacks 6 fields of prayer for us to explore - Thanksgiving and Silence, Fasting and Intercession, and Prayer Walking and Sabbath. He then challenges us to take steps, starting where we are, to cultivate a lifestyle of prayer that grows in intimacy with the Father.
In this second in our series on Rhythms of Life, Andrew Beveridge explores the subject of prayer, and explains that prayer is not an automatic process, which if got right brings results, nor is it about worrying into the void, it is a relationship: seeking the Will of God, speaking the Word of God and displaying the Way of God. Andrew uses the prayer Jesus taught His disciples to pray to explain how we can enter into prayer, and how each of the element of that prayer fit together to bring us close to the God to whom we are praying, and to see more of His will come to pass, both now and in eternity.
In this first sermon of the New Year, Jamie discusses the importance of establishing 'Rhythms for Life'. Commentators say that the habit of setting New Year's Resolutions has all but died out, largely because we are afraid of not finishing what we start. However, we will never finish what we don't start and failure to start is the biggest impediment to reaching our goals, or doing what God is calling us to do. We need to start where we are, use what we have, do what we can and let God be God, and if we do, we will see God move.
In this talk, Teeny unwraps the Christmas story and explores the lessons found in the journey of the Wise Men to seek Jesus. She calls us all to spend more time with God so we will notice what He is doing. To seek His direction on what we should do about it and have the perseverence to do what He asks of us, even when we face opposition.
In this second of our Advent series, Jem opens up the first chapter of John's gospel and explores the amazing truths packed into John's opening poetic verses. These truth packed verses tell how Jesus is the Messiah - both fully God and fully man. With God in the beginning He came to earth to give those who put their trust Him the right to become Children of God.
In this sermon, Mikey reflects on how Advent is a time of waiting - waiting for Jesus to come, at Christmas, and to come again. Mikey encourages us that 'Good things come to those who wait'. He looks at the command in Romans 12:12 'Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer' when we wait for God to move, or our circumstances to change.
In this sermon Jamie answers the question 'Why Evangelism?'. Far from being no longer required, the gift of Evangelism is needed now as much if not more than ever before. Traditional evangelistic approaches, which worked in societies that were familiar with the claims of the gospel, no longer work. We, like the early disciples, are trying to reach societies which are ignorant, if not hostile to the 'good news'. We are called to demonstrate the power of the kingdom and, through that demonstration, draw people into relationship with the Father.
In this sermon John Scott answers the question 'Why Prophecy?'. John tells us that Prophecy, hearing from God, is as vital today as it has ever been. He echo's Paul's desire in 1 Corinthians 14, that we should earnestly desire all the spiritual gifts and especially prophecy. He shares some of the misconceptions about prophecy and provides a practical example of how we can all hear from God.
In this sermon Jamie provides an overview of the 5-Fold Ministry Gifts of Ephesians 4 and identifies the importance of each of them to a healthy church. He describes how Jesus was the exemplar for each of these gifts in action and how, as Christ's body here on earth, the church needs to recognise and encourage the development and use of each of the five gifts. This talk will be followed by fuller examination of each of the ministry gifts in later weeks.
In this talk Teeny answers the question 'Why should we be light in the darkness?' She shares how God is with when we go through trying a difficult times, and how he calls us to bring Jesus into all situations through prayer trusting that He turns all things into good for those that love Him.
In this sermon, Jamie, answers the question 'Why Discipleship?'. All followers of Jesus are called, not to be consumers and gathers of information, but Spirit led disciples. Discipleship is a journey, in three parts: To be with Jesus, to become like Jesus and to do what Jesus did. While we can help each other grow, we, each of us, are responsible for our own discipleship journey.
In this sermon, Jamie, looks at some reasons we struggle with prayer and provides some pointers to help us to pray. He challenges us to pray risky prayers, such as that prayed by David in Psalm 139. "Search me, God, and know my heart. Test me, and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
In this sermon, Janie, answers the question Why Prayer? He highlights 4 reasons why people don't pray, and identifies that prayer is absolutely vital if we are to be known by God. Prayer requires us to have intimacy with God, a lifestyle with prayer at its heart and the persistence to keep Asking, Seeking and Knocking until we get answers.
In this episode of of our Why? Series, Jamie and the Compassion Team explore 'Why Compassion?' and share how Compassion is at the very centre of all the Jesus did and is at the core of God's nature. Compassion is about caring enough to do something that makes a difference and is something we all can do.
In this third talk in the Why? Series, Jem looks at the subject of Why Bible? He shares How the Bible is the Story of God's Love for His People and how, if we fully engage with its narrative, we will grow and flourish, like trees planted near rivers of living water. (Psalm 1)
In this second of our series 'Why?' we look at the question 'Why Mission?'. We explore the reasons why we are to do mission, what is mission and learn that we do mission in response to Jesus 'Great Commision' to Hid disciples and that we all have a part to play in 'Doing Mission'.
In the first of our new sermon series asking the question Why? Jem looks at the subject 'Why Church?' and speaks of how the church is not a building made with stones and glass, but a gathering of people to worship God. He tells us how while through Jesus we can develop strong individual relationships with God, however, we are not meant to worship God in isolation. We are called to be part of the body of Christ, the church; each bringing our individual gifts to help build each other up into the full maturity of Jesus.
We are excited about how God is really moving in our midst and how much we are seeing God's love in action as we care for one another, support one another and do life together, as we are seeing these things we are also seeing more of God's Kingdom come, in miraculous provision, healings and breakthroughs. In this third sermon in the 'More' series, Jamie discusses how God will often allow us take on 'More then we can handle' and how the gift of 'Too Much' teaches us to 'Prioritise what is most important', say 'Or' rather than 'And', giving stuff away to others, and 'Give our burdens to God', allow him to deal with stuff we can't handle. There is another side to this story; God is wanting to do far more than we can ask or imagine. he wants to fulfil our dreams and desires, not to satisfy selfish ambition or to make us wealth, but to bring Him glory and honour.
In this second sermon in the 'More' series, Jamie looks at the subject of faith. Jamie introduces the idea that God is 're-wilding the Church', where the Church rediscovers the freedom of being Spirit-inspired and Spirit-empowered, releasing the five fold functions described by Paul in Ephesians 4. These changes will require 'More Faith'. Not by striving, or by presumption, but by hearing Jesus speak, seeing things as Jesus sees them and being prepared to all the He calls us to.
In this sermon, Jamie looks at how we need more of God's Love, God's Power and His Presence in our lives and how the decisions we make today determine the stories we tell tomorrow.
Starting an new job, going to a new school, or facing a new challenge? In this talk at our 'Back to School' All Age Service, Teeny tells us that we don't face these challenges alone. We have a wonderful loving family around us, the church, and God wants to help us, speak to us and guide us. Teeny encourages us to spend time talking to and listening to God and learning to 'catch' what He is saying to us.
In this sermon, Jamie explores the story of the healing of the cripple at the pool of Bethesda (John 5) and asks, 'do we want to be healed?'. He identifies three main reasons why we hold back from seeking healing/don't see breakthrough: Excuses, lack of action on our behalf and past experiences. Jesus cuts through these three and the man is healed and He wants to do the same with us.
How are we to make a difference by our lives? What is God looking for from us? In this sermon sees the answer to both those questions as being the same. He is looking for people after His own heart. Jamie contrasts the lives of King Saul and King David as how one failed to become all that he could have been and ultimately was a failure, rejected by God, and how the other, even though he had many obstacles to overcome and made several big mistakes, was called 'A man after God's own heart'.
In this sermon, Mikey looks at Ephesians Chapter 4 and reminds us that we are called to be followers of Jesus and pilgrims on a journey and that are lives are to lived in ways that are worthy of all that God has already done for us.
In this sermon, Jem discusses what it means to fulfil our calling from God for our lives. By drawing on the story of Moses, he looks at three common objections that prevent us from fulfilling that calling, and how by trusting in God and what He has done for us through Jesus, we can overcome those objections.
In this sermon, Jamie explores Jesus' teaching on prayer found in Matthew 6 and 7 and describes how prayer is about developing our relationship with the Father, and how the Father longs to answer our prayers, as we learn to align our desires with His and care enough about seeing breakthrough to be persistent in our prayers.
In this sermon Jamie looks at our call to be salt and light - acting as agents of change to bring transformation to the world in which we live. Not capitulating the the values of the world, nor pointing the finger in accusation, nor running away into a religious ghetto. nor taking over the institutions of power to rule over others, but by being a prophetic creative minority bringing life and hope to our broken communities
In this sermon, John Scott looks at the story of the Elijah and the widow in 2 Kings 4 and how God is drawn to emptiness. John shares how we need to admit our emptiness, and that once we do, God will use what we have and what we offer to Him to do so much more than we can imagine, or hope for, using us to transform our communities and cities.
In this talk, Aude shares the story of Juliette, her daughter, and how she learnt at her 20 week scan that Juliette would not survive birth. Aude relates how she found tremendous encouragement and even joy in the midst of the pain and anguish of that diagnosis and how the Lord met with her and sustained her through the pregnancy in may surprising and special ways as she focussed on Him. Never giving up hope of a miracle, even up to the point of delivery, she knew that Juliette was always in the Lords hands and that the Lord's plans are always good.
In this sermon Mikey looks at the book of Jude and draws lessons from that book for us to apply to our lives when things are getting tough and it feels like 'it's all falling apart'.
In this sermon Jamie unpacks the story of Paul's journey to Malta and the truth that God's word is faithful and always comes to pass; He never fails. He explores how the direction of our lives are either set by listening to the Holy Spirit, or listening to our other senses. Making choices that are based on voices that are not God will lead to us being 'blown along by the wind' and into situations and lifestyles that are moving away from God. Jamie encourages us to stay the course in the certainty that what God says will happen, will happen; even when things are tough God is working.
So many of us will have at some point stopped short of achieving breakthrough, because of discouragement, opposition, distraction or trying to take shortcuts. In this sermon, Jamie explains how, if we follow Joshua's example, listen to God, step out in obedience, and are obedient a do what God tells us, breakthrough will come.
In this sermon Jamie continues to look at how our expectations affect what we see God do in our lives and through us. In Part 2 Jamie looks at how we must have 'Faith for the Future' that includes and expects God's intervention, how our faith should be 'Up Close' rather than 'At a distance' if we are to see God move. He looks at how we can overcome the obstacles of disbelief, lack of or poor motivation and lack of exercising our faith so we don't miss out on all the God wants to do in and through us.