How does God speak to us today, and how can we helpfully share this? Claire Lynch looks at what the Bible says about prophecy in the lives of people who follow Jesus, and what we have learned about this from experience and practice in sharing.

Find more information in the transcript at https://www.severnvineyard.org/sunday-talks-bloglist/2024/6/1/prophecy-by-claire-lynch-2-june-2024

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about Matthew’s gospel, chapters 1 to 20.

This seems written to introduce Jesus as part of his Jewish family, with a special place and purpose as a descendant of King David. Israel in Jesus’ time was divided over how to solve the problems of Roman occupation and see the kingdom of God restore the quality of life they longed for. Matthew seems to describe Jesus in ways that would remind Jewish people of Moses and show that he has the power to unite them, as well as bring God’s kingdom into their world in unexpected ways.

But what would it take to follow Jesus and gain the life he promised? What does this mean for us today?

Bern and Owen consider Jesus’ encouragement, “You are the light of the world,” and who Jesus pointed to as role models. This wasn’t to religious people or those who thought they had worked out what God wanted already, but to children who would be willing and able to learn.

Do we really aspire to be like this? Do we know how much capacity we have to change our minds, or do we try not to? What would it take to reveal our true potential to live differently and realise what God has made us to be?

In next part of our boxset, we’ll finish Matthew’s gospel and look at Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Ephesians. Listen along at your own pace at severnvineyard.org/bible.

How expansive and inclusive is God’s kingdom? Owen Lynch looks at the story of Saul who, as part of the duty he felt to uphold God’s law, travelled to oppose Jesus’ followers and take them prisoner. But the risen Jesus intervened, met Saul and changed his mind and his name. As Paul, God would use him to take the gospel message far beyond the boundaries of Jewish culture, but first Saul had to experience vulnerability and learn to depend on God.

Can we recognise anything from this situation in ourselves or the church around us? Have we lost sight of Jesus’ purpose to include everyone in the blessing of God? What difference would it make for us to be less defensive, prescriptive or exclusive, and more humble, vulnerable and inclusive, when we look for more of God’s kingdom to come?