Mandy visited Kairos on 4th August and spoke to us about Saul’s conversion story recorded in Acts 9:1-19. Are we viewing the world, our circumstances and other people from God’s perspective? Do we need to change? Empowered by God’s Spirit and with the support and encouragement of the Christian community, change is possible. You can listen here or using the player below.
Kairos supports the work of International Justice Mission (IJM), a Christian charity which exists to bring an end to modern slavery, human trafficking and violence. On Sunday 7th July, we welcomed local IJM ambassadors Colin and Judith Ashurst who shared with us about the work of IJM. Judith read the story of God’s call to Moses to lead the people of Israel to freedom (Exodus 2:23-3:17) and spoke to us about God’s concern for all who are enslaved and abused. You can listen here or using the player below.
If you would like to find out more about the work of IJM and how you can support them, you can visit their website here.
Continuing our series on friendship with God and other people, Ben reflects on the courage of Peter and John in Acts 4:1-21. They have healed a man in Jesus’ name and now they are facing criticism from the religious authorities, trusting in Jesus’ promise that they will be given the words they need in the face of hostility. Ben explores how we can allow God to cultivate this sort of courage in us as individuals and in community, helping us to overcome the temptation to fight or run away (even when that seems like a sensible option) and instead accept God’s invitation to live in freedom in troubling times, perceiving more clearly what God is doing, and ‘weaving a canopy of trust under which other people can find shelter’ (Elizabeth Oldfield, ‘Fully Alive’).
What do you need courage for? Who might God be inviting you to stand with? How might God grow courage in you?
You can listen here or using the player below.
Jen reads the story of the first outpouring of God’s Spirit as the Church began (Acts 2:1-21;40-41). She invites us to consider how we have experienced the Spirit at work in our lives and our readiness to receive more as God continues to give this gift, then to share with our friends and neighbours in a spiritually hungry society. God’s gift of the Spirit is the true source of satisfaction for those who search for fulfilment in all sorts of places. You can listen here or using the player below.
“We are to be flung out across communities, across the nation and the world, mingling and sparkling like God’s glitter, sparkling amongst ordinary life to show that God’s love is not so ordinary but is something radical and life-changing.” – Dennis Ashley
Reflecting on the restoration of Peter recorded in John 21 v1-19, Paul talks about the possibilities and challenges of forgiveness, reassuring us of the kindness of God who is always ready to make the first move towards reconciliation with us. The first minute or so of the talk is missing from the recording; here Paul set the scene by reminding us of Peter’s betrayal of Jesus on the night of his arrest. You can listen here or using the player below.
The image is of a bowl repaired using the kintsugi method which Paul refers to in his talk. Picture by David Pike.
Continuing our series on friendship, Jen reflects on Jesus’ inclusive and mutually supportive friendships with women and asks how we can use the power and privilege we have to invite others into community. The reading is Luke 8 v1-3. You can listen here or using the player below.
Jesus spent time with all the ‘wrong’ people, those who didn’t live up to the standards expected of them, taking their shame and disappointment, and the judgement of others onto himself. He continues to offer friendship, welcome and compassion to all, especially those of us who have ‘missed the mark’ (a literal translation of the word used for ‘sinners’). The reading is Luke 7v36-50. Ben offers a particular encouragement to the younger generation who are measured and tested so much – you are loved just as you are. You can listen here or using the player below.
Continuing our series on friendship, Ben reflects on Jesus’ friendship with Mary, Martha and Lazarus which is recorded in John’s gospel chapters 11 and 12. Friendship with Jesus is transformative. We can learn from the way relationships were formed in this group: paying attention to one another, offering hospitality and unhurried presence, and allowing others to help us. You can listen here or using the player below.
Reflecting on the story of the wedding at Cana (John 2 v1-11), Chris speaks about the abundant generosity of God’s miracles. You can listen here or using the player below.
What does it mean to live a life of freedom? Through Jesus’ work on the cross, Paul invites us to be released from all the things which are barriers to relationship with God and others. You can listen to the talk here or using the player below. The reading is from John’s gospel, chapter 8 verses 31-36.
By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information
The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.