''Our church is...'' 23/01/2011

If you missed this talk, you can catch it again by subscribing to our podcast in iTunes. Click here to go to our iTunes page and click subscribe.For instructions about how to get our podcast click here.Alternatively you can listen to the "Our church is..." message on your computer by clicking here (or right-click to download) (by Dave Vinall, 43 mins).

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This morning we hear 5 stories from people about how our church has had a positive impact in their life. Dave also shares what he thinks will be important themes for us in 2011.
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Growing Faith - Part 2 16/01/2011

If you missed this talk, you can catch it again by subscribing to our podcast in iTunes. Click here to go to our iTunes page and click subscribe.For instructions about how to get our podcast click here.Alternatively you can listen to the "Growing Faith - Part 2" message on your computer by clicking here (or right-click to download) (by Dave Vinall, 38 mins).

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Private Disciplines
What do you regularly do, on your own, to invest in your relationship with God? How could you take it to the next level? This week try to make (more) space available to pray and read the Bible. Make it realistic and achievable, and then stick to it. Read Matthew 6:1-21. Go through the same process with your finances and your food!

Pivotal Circumstances
Think about what’s going on in your life right now. Are there area where you feel things aren’t going as well as you would have expected or hoped? What do you think is going on? How can you use your faith as a framework to help you see the bigger picture to your circumstances? Try talking it through with a friend. Read Matthew 4:1-11 and Matthew 6:25-34.

Personal Ministry
What are you doing for God at the moment that scares you? Consider the statement, “Where ever you are afraid is the epicentre of where God wants to work in your life.” How does this make you feel? What could you do to step out of your comfort zone and trust God will look after you? Read Matthew 14:13-21.

Cut out and stick the list of the 5 dynamics needed to grow your faith somewhere you’ll see them and be reminded.

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Growing Faith - Part 1 09/01/2011

If you missed this talk, you can catch it again by subscribing to our podcast in iTunes. Click here to go to our iTunes page and click subscribe.For instructions about how to get our podcast click here.Alternatively you can listen to the "Growing Faith - Part 1" message on your computer by clicking here (or right-click to download) (by Dave Vinall, 37 mins).

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Growing Faith 1

Read the story of the Centurion who amazed Jesus in Matthew 8:5-13. Think about how he trusts God. How would you characterise his faith?

How would you describe what faith is to someone who had no experience of church or religious thinking? Choose a situation in your life that is causing you some stress at the moment. How would you be acting if you really believed that God was with you and wanted the best for you?

Practical Teaching
Think about the last time you heard a sermon that made you actually change something in your life. How long ago was it? What happened?

How could you help yourself to maximise your practical response to messages? How disciplined are you at making sure you hear practical teaching regularly?

Read Matthew 7:24-27 and James 1:22-25.

Providential Relationships
If you told your faith story, who features in it at key times? Did you feel that God brought them into your life?

Who do you have in your life that encourages you in your faith, supports you when you doubt and asks you tough questions when you’re tempted to do something stupid?

Read and meditate on Ephesians 4:11-16, thinking especially about verse 15. How easy do you find it to have people say hard things to you? Are you able to ‘speak the truth in love’ to others when it is difficult?
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