Severn's All You Can Eat Buffet

What meaning and purpose can we get from the ancient Biblical book of Genesis today?Dan Green and Bern Leckie discuss the experience of listening through this book at boxset binge pace, how this helps in connecting the Bible with life, and what stood out to Bern when reflecting on what stood out as attention-grabbing or important.They also discuss how people may have originally heard and interpreted Genesis differently from us. How can we make ourselves open to think about it differently so we get more of what God intended from it, rather than dismissing it or settling for a limited view?

Dan Green and Bern Leckie discuss an approach to the Bible which is different from the short, daily reading and study habits they were brought up with.By listening to the Bible in large chunks, perhaps while also doing other things, it's possible to cover large amounts of ground quickly and gain a sense of the Bible's scope, its big story and the range of characters, situations and life that it maps out. By noticing what grabs our attention and sharing this with other people later, can we find God showing us new things or speaking to us in new ways? Can this actually give us a fresh outlook on life?Find more Bible resources and guides for boxset bingeing the Bible at severnvineyard.org/bible

Eleanor and John Mumford led the Vineyard family of churches in the UK and Ireland for over 20 years and continue to have a leadership role in the worldwide Vineyard movement. In this talk, Eleanor offers encouragement that, despite some difficult recent times, God remains sovereign and the church still has its God-given purpose and empowerment. When we ask the Holy Spirit to come, others have noticed that Vineyard people expect this prayer to be answered, driving our worship and compassion. Can we take encouragement from the Bible that we can stand firm, knowing that “our labour in the Lord is not in vain”?

How many ways can we see God working in a story about an encounter which changes a person, a family and a nation?Rebecca Kishtainy discusses the Old Testament story of Hannah with Bern Leckie, set in a time when people did whatever they wanted (and this seemed not to be a good thing.)As Rebecca and Bern get into the topic of big stories vs. little stories, shared vs. personal viewpoints and "you do you", they discuss whether rejecting authority is always a problem and what really good church and life with people connected by Jesus could actually be like.

What difference can heartfelt prayer make? Rebecca Kishtainy looks at the story of Hannah to find out. Hannah suffered for years, enduring taunting from enemies and inadequate comfort from friends. People even seemed to blame God for her situation. But a powerful, life-bringing encounter with God changed Hannah and the course of history.

Bern Leckie and Dan Green discuss the story of Ruth, and how this and the rest of the Old Testament might inspire us and shape what we think or do today.What does it mean to have an encounter with God?What does Ruth's story show us about the power of loyalty, the importance of welcoming strangers, and the surprising role of "mundane connectedness" in shaping history more than our biggest ideas, ambitions and plans? Does it feel empowering to experience this?Dan talks about Bridges For Communities - a charity he runs which helps welcome refugees, made possible by some of the experience he has built up while travelling and learning. For more info, see bridgesforcommunities.com

What difference can faith and faithfulness make? Dan Green looks at the story of a family which formed across the dividing lines of nations and beliefs. Small but firm personal commitments led to a big faith risk for Ruth to cross boundaries and seek acceptance, and this led to a massively world-changing family line which still seeks to include and value those who think they are outsiders today. God is at work in subtle ways to make this happen in Ruth’s story - could he be at work in similar ways in our lives now?

Jesus promised to come back, but what does this mean for us? Owen Lynch looks at the way Jesus’ followers experienced changes and challenges in their world and would have gained hope from believing that Jesus would end suffering and injustice soon. But the Bible also records how their views changed over time, how they dealt with mockery that nothing new was happening and how they came to realise that God’s timescale and plan were bigger than they expected. What kind of hope can we get today from believing that Jesus hasn’t just given us a way to live now, but a stake in eternity and a promise that we will meet Jesus again?

How do we form our sense of what to do, and what not to do? Owen Lynch looks at the way we make rules about this, and how Jesus made his from his Jewish heritage, his spiritual experiences and his own experience of social injustice. What does it mean for us to follow Jesus’ example, and what difference could this make in our society?

How can we make sense of Jesus offering himself as a sacrifice for us? Owen Lynch looks at the culture of Israel which showed the role of sacrifices, the importance of Passover celebrations and the vital part that the Temple played for people who wanted access to God. When we look at how Jesus subverted a traditional Passover meal, can we understand why Temple leaders didn't just disagree with him, but wanted to kill him? And when we follow what Jesus meant and did by dying and rising again, could this change everything we ever assumed about religion, God, and even life itself?

What happened to Jesus after the cross? Owen Lynch looks at the difference between what his followers expected and what happened, and how the new life Jesus demonstrated was different from what anyone might expect. Is this what makes it possible for us to have firsthand encounters with Jesus today?

Colossians 1:15-23a is the focus for this "divine reading" meditation in which we look at the Bible for transformation, not information. Claire Lynch leads through an encounter with God, reading, reflecting, praying and contemplating with no agenda or anticipated outlook in mind. It's not about reading this passage, but letting it read you.It will help to have the passage in front of you - here's a link to find it online: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1%3A15-23a&version=NIV You can also find more Easter resources from us at severnvineyard.org/easter

What kinds of victory make the biggest difference to us? Jack Saunders looks at the military victory many were hoping that Jesus would deliver, and how surprising it was that he brought a different kind of victory which would lead to new life for believers. Where in our lives would the ability to live and love like Jesus produce victory we need today?

As we prepare for Easter, some people at Severn Vineyard have been engaging with a traditional spiritual discipline of fasting, with very different experiences!Rebecca Kishtainy and Owen Lynch share with Bern Leckie about how and why they have been fasting, what they have gained from the experience, and how they might encourage others to try it.Please note that fasting may not be for everyone - if you have medical conditions affected by your diet, please check with your doctor.

What’s the difference between believing the idea of Jesus and experiencing Jesus firsthand? Owen Lynch looks at how our experiences make impressions and shape us, and what special, mountaintop experience had a massive impact on Jesus’ first followers. For them, it showed how Jesus was not just wise or blessed, but like God. How is it possible for us to share this experience?

Is anything getting in your way in life, or seeming to stop you following Jesus? Dan Green looks at three encounters people had with Jesus in chapter 10 of Mark's gospel and sees what Jesus told them to do to avoid getting stuck. For one rich person, their attachment to wealth was holding them back. For some of Jesus' disciples, their idea of what gives people power and status got in the way. But there was also a blind man, held back by onlookers, who persisted and seemed to be the only one who saw Jesus for who he was. What can we learn from him and Jesus' encouragement for everyone who wants to receive new life?

Why was opposition to Jesus deadly? Owen Lynch looks at Jesus’ message clashed with the stories told by the Roman Empire, their Herodian supporters and others like the Pharisees who felt undermined by Jesus. Are there parallels we can see with other power clashes and tyranny in history, and even in Europe today? How might Jesus warn but still motivate and help us if we want to challenge injustice in our society?

What happens when we feel we can’t approach God? Can we learn from someone who persisted? Liz Nixon looks at the story of a woman who found that Jesus seemed less approachable than we might have hoped. But she had good reasons to try and keep trying, not just needing what Jesus offered, but believing that he was good. It’s possible to have false images of God which hold us back from believing and approaching him in practice. By recognising and removing them, can we expect and experience more in relationship with God?

How can we find hope in difficult situations? Can we even be empowered to bring hope to others? Claire Lynch looks at how Jesus empowered his followers to feed an incredible number of people in a famous story, the only miracle (apart from his resurrection) which features in every gospel account of Jesus’ life. When we feel stuck, what happened here can provide a pattern for a breakthrough - it begins in the heart of Jesus, requires our participation and takes trust. Could we end up well fed when we start with thanking God for whatever we have?

In the first of a short series of chats as we prepare for Easter, Owen Lynch and Bern Leckie discuss what is special about this season, and how fasting might be able to help our spiritual and emotional health.What can we expect from a prolonged period without food? How can the discomfort of this change the way we see and relate to ourselves, other people and God? We look at this and share practical advice to help approach the experience of fasting in the healthiest possible way.Fasting is not suitable for everyone. We suggest that children and adolescents, anyone with stress related to body image or with a medical need to ensure a constant diet should not fast in the ways discussed here. Always check with your GP if you are in any doubt.More info and resources at severnvineyard.org/lent

When we or people around us are suffering, how dare we believe in Jesus? Bern Leckie looks at two people in chapter 5 of Mark’s gospel who dared to approach Jesus in different ways, both looking for specific help, and both receiving more than they expected. Can their stories help us to get close to Jesus and share our situations, even though we don’t know how to fix things? And can they even help us to deal with the times when God is not answering our prayers in the way we hoped?If you would like prayer, email [email protected]

Was Jesus just a really good person? What would make us think he is any more than that? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at some of the ways Jesus grabbed the attention of his first followers, raising their expectations but also terrifying them with displays of power. Jesus also talked about the different ways people respond to him and his message about new kingdom authority coming into the world. Can we expect to get our heads around this, or do we need to let faith grow in us, from tiny to surprisingly big?

Is “religion” the best way to describe our journey with Jesus? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at the baggage and burdens of expectation which come with the idea of religion, and how religious teachers of Jesus’ time failed to understand how Jesus could be living in accordance with God’s will. While the church may have taken on and spread many religious traditions and practices since then, how many of these are healthy and helpful? Could a fresh look at Jesus help us to unload some unhelpful religious baggage and find a more restful and wholesome way of life instead?

What does it take to replace the fear of missing out with the feeling of satisfaction and fulfilment in life? In this talk, Claire Lynch looks at how Jesus dealt with a man who wanted healing but found that much greater needs could also be dealt with through forgiveness. But how does this work, and how can it mean anything for God to forgive us when we've wronged other people? Is God simply judging everything we do, or is he much more involved with the flow of goodness and love in our lives than we realised?

What is the story of your world, and how does Jesus enter it? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at the story of Israel, where politics and religion were closely related and people longed for a saviour to free them from foreign oppression. In our time, our world is shaped by other stories such as the promise and power of money, or our quests to find significance in a noisy and highly connected world. As Jesus announces that it’s time for a significant turning point in our stories, what do we think he means? Could his story even shape our stories and expectations for the better?The reconstructed image of a typical Galilean man mentioned in the talk can be found here: https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/461A/production/_87264971_jesus_bbc.jpgRead more about how it was made here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-35120965

Why do we value love so highly, and does it have a source we can identify? This talk by Owen Lynch begins a series looking at Jesus through Mark's gospel, which is thought to be based on Peter's eyewitness accounts.At the start of this gospel, Jesus' arrival seems to remind people of the beginning of the world and life itself. The relationship between Jesus, Father and Spirit could suggest that God isn't just loving, but is love itself. Could getting to know Jesus and seeing love in action connect us with the source of love? 

The New Year can be a brilliant time to reflect on where we have come from, where we are and where we want to be, practically, emotionally and spiritually. But how can we do this well? In this talk, Owen Lynch suggests five questions to help process some important aspects of our spiritual and emotional health: are we growing weary of any spiritual habits or rhythms, are we becoming judgmental, are we becoming more or less approachable, are we measuring spiritual life in superficial ways, and are we authentic with other people? Reflecting on these questions can help us find where we might want to do things differently in 2022, and there are some practical suggestions to help build healthy habits.

Do we feel like the same people in every situation, at work, home, church, with colleagues, friends and family? What makes us act differently in different situations, and how many versions of us are there? In this episode, our panel discusses the different versions of themselves, when they show up and hide away, and how this connects with ethics at work and careful consideration of others, but also our insecurities, fears, imposter syndrome and difficulties in bringing our whole selves together in one place.What can we do to live more healthily? We discuss building self awareness, acknowledging past problems, growing relationships and taking leaps of faith to serve and encourage others rather than getting lost in our own issues.This is the last in our first series of podcasts, but we'll be back in a few months to cover another set of topics relating to our spiritual and emotional health.If you're interested in more resources, including a course designed as a journey to explore the links between spiritual and emotional health in depth, look for "Emotionally Focused" on our website.We'd love to hear what you think - email [email protected]

How many selves do you have, and how are they different? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at how easy it can be for us to split ourselves into different parts, being one way with people in church and a different way at home or work, for example. Could this be creating emotional tension which undermines our relationships and even threatens our health? What can we do to bring our different selves together and live more emotionally healthy, integrated lives?Next week, we'll have our panel back to discuss experiences of this and what we've found helpful to do about it. If you have any questions or anything you’d like to share, email [email protected]

This is the first episode of a new podcast featuring a series of talks given at Severn Vineyard from 2014 to 2017. This episode is the only one which will appear in this podcast feed - for the rest, see https://lifegivinghabits.captivate.fm/listen and follow us in whatever app you prefer.In this series, we look at things that Jesus did and encouraged people to do and we ask: can these things help us to live more like Jesus, and is there life in it for us if they become habits?Here, Mal Calladine is talking about thanksgiving. Why would this make a difference to our lives? What sort of thanksgiving becomes a life-giving habit, and how have we found this can work in practice? Find more at https://www.severnvineyard.org/life-giving-habits

What does it mean to hope in Jesus for peace? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at different ways countries have tried to bring peace through threats of violence and how different this is from God’s promise to absorb violence and give us healing. For more of the Christmas story and how we are celebrating this year, see severnvineyard.org/christmas

How do we deal with our imperfections? Are they only sources of shame we feel we need to hide, or things to put on a "to do" list to improve, or can they also be things that define us and help shape our contributions to life, relationships and the world?In this episode, our panel discusses times we have felt weak and out of control, and how we have grown our abilities to be more aware of our vulnerabilities and emotional triggers. Part of this has been through structured time spent with trusted friends giving each other permission to ask some probing questions.We also consider the role of failure in life - have we learned more from it than through success? Could it be something we need to learn to celebrate and share more?We'd love to hear what you think - email [email protected]

How does the promise of Jesus point us to an everlasting Father, and why is this good for us? In this talk, Joanna Moss looks at how Jesus' character revealed the Father heart of God, including self-giving love which can save and transform us. For more of the Christmas story and how we are celebrating this year, see severnvineyard.org/christmas

How can weakness be a strength? In this talk, Owen Lynch shares about vulnerability and looks at how God has used lots of people with different character flaws. When we are concerned about our areas of weakness, could we find that we are uniquely suited for roles and relationships we had never dreamed possible?We'll discuss this with a panel of people next week. If there's anything you would like to share or ask us, email [email protected]

What have people always wanted and needed from God? In this talk, Rebecca Kishtainy looks at how people have looked to God for hope throughout history and seen his intervention helping them through major challenges. Before Jesus, people might not have seen much past massive upheavals in their world but, looking back, we can see God working in a bigger timeframe and in bigger ways than anyone could imagine. Could that same God also provide the hope and help we need to see past the biggest challenges we face today?

This week, our podcast about spiritual and emotional health is a chat about how we deal with pain and loss, from the little things we haven't been able to do because of lockdowns to the bigger losses which have shaped us or revealed who we are. We look at a Psalm where David asks "Why?" a lot, and realise what an awkward, painful, incisive and revealing question this can be.We also talk about the depths of what we can discover, and ultimately grow and delight in, when we can process our pain in relationships with friends and - as we do in our faith - with God.We hope you'll find some encouragement here. If you would like to get in touch with any thoughts or anything you'd like to share, email [email protected].

Why does it matter that God entered our world in the person of Jesus? In our first Advent 2021 talk, Claire Lynch looks at how people were hoping for a wise king, full of wonder beyond understanding. We believe Jesus is that mind-blowing ruler, made even more remarkable to us by his approach to us through the vulnerability of childbirth and his sharing of our difficulties. Can we imagine God pursuing us, becoming us and modelling life to us? What difference would it make if we chose to follow this Jesus, a real, physical human in union with God, instead of just our idea of a perfect leader?

When we need physical healing, we know how to get help, but what happens when we experience pain which leaves us emotionally hurting, mourning or broken? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at different sources of emotional pain and the typical choices we make when we experience them. Are we complicating our healing from pain by refusing to deal with it? Can we recognise how people look to God with pain in the writings of the Bible, and build a culture which helps us too?Our panel will return to discuss this and our experiences next week. If you would like to share anything with us, email [email protected].

What could be good about facing up to our limitations in life? We've found that we love to say "yes" more than we like saying "no" much of the time, but there have been some unhealthy reasons for this, and unhealthy consequences as a result.In this episode, our panel shares experiences with this and how we have found good reasons and ways to accept our limits, say "no" to some things and say "yes" with more purpose where we can make a difference. We also discuss how this relates to life following Jesus, what people expected from him, and how he surprised everyone with his purpose to engage people like us in the work of changing the world.If there is anything you would like to share or ask us, you can email [email protected]

How liberating can it be to live within limits? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at what happens when we don't accept limits and become overburdened, disillusioned or tied into unhealthy relationships. For people who believe in Jesus, it can be hard to accept limits if faith says there should be none. But looking closer at Jesus, can the choices he made and the limits he accepted with his humanity help us make the most of our lives and limitations too?We'll chat about this with our panel next week. If you have any questions or anything you'd like to share, you can email us - [email protected]

How is your connection with God right now? In this talk, Claire Lynch looks at reasons why we feel our connection gets lost and God seems distant. Do we think that God might let us go? Did Father God leave Jesus when when he was dying on the cross? What difference would it make to us if God always maintained his connection and never became distant?Find followup questions with a discussion and prayer guide here: https://www.severnvineyard.org/sunday-talks-bloglist/2021/11/7/why-does-god-feel-distant-by-claire-lynch-7-november-2021

How much is who we are and what we do influenced by inheritance from our families? Today, our panel discusses our family backgrounds, how we've recognised (sometimes after a long time) that we have become more like our parents than we expected, and how we've been able to move on from feeling locked into inherited patterns of behaviour.There is a very big realisation lurking in here about the way we end up conflicted and stressed about all of this. It's to do with our expectations of perfection, initially in our parents, and then in ourselves. What can happen when we spot that and call it out for the impossibility that it is?We'll look at this more next week when Owen brings more about how we see ourselves and our limitations. If you would like to share any thoughts or questions, email us - [email protected]

Why would God be bothered about climate change and its consequences for life and the planet? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at what the Bible says about God’s relationship with our planet and the role given to humanity in creation. The Bible mentions “dominion” over the earth, but what does this mean? Does God encourage us to act like we own the planet and consume what we like, or are we given greater responsibility? And is taking this seriously part of what it means to worship God?To join our COP26 prayer group, text COP26 to 07828 934275.

How much are we shaped by family and patterns inherited from our parents? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at the influence of family on famous leaders in the Bible and people in our own time. We choose our own paths, but it can help us to grow awareness of how our choices are influenced by vows we made to ourselves when growing up. Can Jesus' offer of "born again" new life then break us free of inherited destructive patterns?Next week, we'll gather our panel to discuss what this all means and how it feels to us. If you have questions or anything you'd like to share, email us at [email protected]

What happens when we doubt - is it the end of our faith? In this talk, Dan Green looks at one of Jesus’ followers who doubted and how they reconnected with the source of their faith and life. What can this mean for us when we struggle to reconcile simplistic ideas with the complexity of lives and relationships? This talk is part of our series on "Questioning Our Assumptions".

What do we think about these ideas about spiritual and emotional health, why they don't always match up, and why life would be better if they do? Join our panel discussing how we've struggled with inner conflicts and sharing honestly, what it means to start stripping off our protective scales, and how long we think it might take to become emotionally healthy.Next week, Owen will be talking about family and how we can be shaped by our earliest experiences. If you'd like to share any thoughts or questions, email us - [email protected]

How much do we struggle to square simplistic Sunday school beliefs with our complex world? In this talk, Owen Lynch revisits some of the dramatic stories we tell our kids and puts them into context. What does God want us to know from the stories of creation, Adam and Eve and Noah’s Ark? And how can questioning our assumptions about these, while unsettling, lead to a deeper, healthier spirituality? (For more info, see “Genesis for Normal People” by Peter Enns and Jared Byas)

We can look nice and spiritually sorted on the surface, but what's going on underneath? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at what affects our emotional health which is often hidden from view until it bubbles up into occasional outbursts of impatience, anger or pain. Growing our awareness of what causes that pain can help us, not just to manage it but to outgrow it with God's help.Next episode, we'll have a panel to discuss what they've found good or difficult about this. If you have questions or anything you’d like to share, email us at [email protected]

Why do we often end up feeling different inside from how we want to look on the outside? Can growing our awareness about this help us to become more healthy and better able to face challenges?Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch discuss experiences of this, including how they have been building friendships in a church context with small groups of people who want to help each other grow.This podcast is the start of a journey exploring more about spiritual and emotional health, why these need to link together (and what happens when they don't), and what we are learning from life and relationships.If you would like to ask questions or share your experiences, email [email protected]

If we all see the world in our own unique, biased way, what about Jesus? Can we tell how he saw the world differently from us? In this talk, Owen Lynch looks at the ways Jesus looked at life, faith and religion differently from anyone else, in ways which shocked the establishment in his time - and might shock us now. This is part of a series in which we are questioning our assumptions about God and faith and wondering how God might want to change our viewpoints.