Talks

Gill talka to us from Revelation Chapter 21 - written by the apostle John who had a vision from God seeing forward to the end of our world as we know it now!
She explaina that it’s not easy to understand – partly because it was written originally in secret code because the church was in danger!

John has a vision of our future home.
This has always been part of God’s rescue plan for us!:To one day create a “New Heaven and a New Earth”.

We will become new creations, with new resurrected bodies, still the same people, somehow recognisable to each other. We’ll have the same soul.
The outlook is very very good!  There will be no evil, pain, tears or death but peace, wholeness, healing, thriving, satisfaction, restful pleasure.
There will be work - but it will be enjoyable, fulfilling and with purpose. And in the centre will be God living there alongside us.

“Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.  (Revelation 21 verse 3)

Jesus said that He will come back for us, and if He says He will, then He will. Peter said: ‘The day of the Lord will come like a thief’ and Jesus in Mark 13 - ‘Only the Father knows when that day will come’
So we need to be alert, on guard and be ready for it.

The early church lived as if that could be tomorrow which helped them be faithful in the face of persecution.

Challenge (and inspiration) for us before the “age to come”:
We need to get our perspective on what is eternal and not on the things of this world.
Hold possessions lightly and Rejoice because suffering is only temporary.
We should pray ‘Your Kingdom Come’, but we can also play our part by bringing the kingdom of God now, by the way we love each other, our neighbour and the stranger.

It was our pleasure to have Roger Bretherton come to speak to us!  He was brilliant!!  He started a mini-series in our Sunday meetings talking about Resilience.

He gave us this Definition of Resilience:

“Resilience is the capacity to face challenge, complexity and change which enhances us rather than diminishes us.”  Resilient Leadership Foundation

Roger talked about Jesus’ famous sermon on the Mount (Matthew Chapters 5-7) and explained how the principles and the content of that message explain how we are to live so that we can live life well – the way God intended. And at the same time build resilience into our lives.

He shared some amazing stories and simple illustrations.

On our first Sunday back after our “Summer Sundays” Matt revisited our theme of the year: “HOME”
He said if you look out for it, you will see the concept of “Home” everywhere! In songs, in films and in well-known phrases that we use every day! (He even sang part of a Michael Buble song to illustrate!)
And the reason it’s used so often in so many places is because we can all relate to the need and desire to find HOME and be at HOME, not just in a physical sense, but emotional and even spiritual as well.
OR you could say:  “In every human heart there’s an aching and a longing for HOME….”

Our longing for HOME goes right back to the Garden of Eden which was the perfect home created for humans by our Father God.  Through their disobedience, Adam and Eve had to leave the Garden, and we have lived with the consequences ever since. But God had a plan to undo and reverse the Eden curse.  And “Jesus left His HOME so that He could welcome us HOME!” (See Romans 5 verses 15-19 for the explanation.)
Welcome HOME! God has a place for you! > “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home.” John 14 verses 1-2.  God has a place and a space for you now – today!!
Welcome HOME! The embrace of the Father. > We are safe and loved by our Father. The shocking story of the lost son who left his Father’s Home with his inheritance, only to realise that he was always better off at HOME.  Even though he had no right to be there, the Father welcomes him HOME with a huge embrace and acceptance.  Jesus told the story to illustrate how his Father responds when people return to HIM.  Arms wide open! We continue to pray for Prodigals!
Welcome HOME! God’s Address. > Jesus said to His disciples: Make your home in me as I make my home in you. (paraphrase of John 15 verse 4) This invitation stands every moment of every day, good and bad days. The phrase “I can’t be at two places at once” does not apply to Jesus! His current address is both in heaven (at the right hand of the Father) and in me and you if we choose to accept and welcome him in!
Welcome HOME! God’s heart is for everyone > God is knocking on everyone’s door! NOTE: **Vision Offering for the new Building >> Sun 29th September”**
Welcome to our final HOME! -> Our aching and longing will only ever be fully satisfied when we are HOME with Jesus. C.S. Lewis says: “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.” Find more details of what Heaven is like in Revelation 21 verses 1-5 and in talks over the next two weeks!
To watch, go to our Facebook page: https://fb.watch/uGlQsFi8wR/

In this first part of our new mini series “Our Eternal Home”, Matt speaks to us about what the Bible authors tell us about death and what comes after.

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.” Colossians 3 verses 1-2

Matt’s 4 Points to consider:
1) Mindset change: This Life is temporary: Billy Graham summarised it beautifully: “My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.”
2) Death is real and shouldn’t be taboo: It will happen to all of us sooner or later (unless Jesus comes back first). What if death is the beginning, not the end? It’s good to be aware of it: “Where you are, we once were. And where we are you soon will be.”
3) Death no longer has a sting: Being saved by Jesus, we have a certain hope that death is just a doorway “into the better” that Jesus prepares for us: “Death though it appears to be man’s greatest enemy, in the end proves to be his greatest friend!  I know it’s a shocking thought but it’s the ultimate liberation!” (David Oliver in “All About Heaven”)
4) Longing for Heaven: What would you answer to this question: Are you willing to stay but longing to go? OR: Are you longing to stay but willing to go? (David Pawson) Randy Alcorn puts it like this in his amazing book “Heaven”: “I’ve never been to heaven, yet I miss it.  Eden is in my blood.  The best things in life are souvenirs from Eden, appetisers of the new earth.  There are just enough of them to keep us going, but never enough to make us satisfied with the world as it is, or ourselves as we are.”

Matt encouraged us to read: 1 Corinthians Chapter 15.

Good morning Ashwood Family!
In the final of our “Summer Sundays” series Gareth and Rachael shared with us what it looks like for them to serve the Lord in their situation.

Rachael described how 20 years ago at the Grapevine Celebration (now called Awaken) she felt inspired by God to respond to his “calling” on her life, as she read the words of the prophet Isaiah.  Her response “Here I am send me!”
Serving God for Rachael finds her in the classroom bringing God’s kingdom to the lives of the children.

What does it mean to serve God in Education?
Striving for excellence for all children.  Helping to meet their holistic needs.
Hospitality in the classroom - All children to feel welcomed, valued, safe and appreciated – and have fun!
Being a role model for the children – Demonstrating truth and positivity, resolving issues with patience and kindness (And other fruit of the Spirit) Modelling compassion and love!
Prayer – So important!
We prayed together for everyone involved in education.  So many challenges faced these days!  Lord Jesus would you give all those people involved in our education system, extra grace, kindness, resilience and courage. May they bear your image and bring your love to every child in their care. Amen!

Gareth explained that he serves the Lord firstly in the HOME as a husband, a father and a son.  He then described his several roles all connected to football and what it means to serve God in such a competitive environment.

Gareth told a great story of when he was younger and he and his brother met someone in the street who asked them a question: “Who do thou belong to?” (in other words “Who are you parents?”) When Gareth gave the answer the person said “you must be good at football then!” because the family had a reputation in the town!  Gareth explained that it’s so important that we know “who we belong to”.  We are “Children of God” which impacts every area as we seek to serve him!

He outlined his philosophy – serving God in the coaching / sporting environments:
Serve – In the same way that Jesus did. “Foot washing” with kindness and compassion.
Inspire – inspire his players and colleagues to build their lives on a solid foundation.
Drive – Sometimes “tough love” discipline and even correction is required!  “I want the best for you! Not just average!
Unite – Remember there’s something bigger than just us!

In the third of our Summer Sundays, Linda and Denny told us how they serve the Lord in their daily living.

Linda who is a nurse highlighted 3 areas by giving us examples in her everyday working life::
Rely on God
Be kind and empathetic. Gal 5:22-23
Be dedicated to your work
Ending her talk, Linda left us with three quotes:
Brighten the corner where you are. Matthew Chapter 5 verse 16
Leave a legacy behind. How would you want to be remembered?
“Aspire to inspire before you expire.” Eugene Bell Jr
Denny started with an opening verse “Serve the Lord with Gladness”. Psalm 100 verse 2 and gave us a few pointers as to how we can represent Jesus at Work (actually good advice whether our “work” is out or at home):
Don’t complain
Watch your language
Encourage others
Pray for your co-workers
Shut down conversations that are centred around gossip or just walk away
In everything you do, do it as a form of worship unto God
And above all: “Give thanks in all ;circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

How do you serve the Lord?

To hear the full inspirational talks and personal stories, please click on the button below:

In the fourth of our wonderful Summer Sundays, Alice and Janet told us how they serve the Lord in their daily lives.

Alice works in a charity, supporting survivors of domestic abuse and is not allowed to talk about Jesus at her work place.
Does that stop her from spreading Jesus’ love around her? Not at all!
Alice highlighted three areas in which she brings her passion for justice and people in through her work.
Justice: More than 2000 scriptures in the bible talk about justice and calling us to address injustice, one of them is in Isaiah 1:17: ‘Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed’.
Kindness: John 15:12 says: ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.’ and Mark 12:31: ‘…Love your neighbour as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.’ Don’t just be kind with your actions and words, It starts with our attitude.
Prayer: And last but not least, pray for your workplace and for the people in it.

Janet gave her talk the title “I didn’t see that coming!”.
When Janet realised as a teenager that being a Christian had more to do with a relationship with Jesus than following traditions, her life changed. She took the verse in Matthew 6:33-34 (ESV) to heart and has learned to live it out ever since:
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.  Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. 
Over the years, Janet has learned to look to God, not the lack in her life. If Jesus said “do it”, then it must be possible. Having an open attitude to what God’s doing and little nudges has led her into many experiences and situations that she hasn’t seen coming. She encouraged us to have a listening ear, a loving heart and a readiness to pray. Then just be you and see what God can do!

What an amazing Sunday! Led by “Elevate” - our amazing Young People!
Katie Hay and Maisy Bell inspire us with how they “serve the Lord” in their lives following our Summer theme from Joshua 24:15: “As for me and my home, we will serve the Lord.”

Katie highlights 2 areas how she shares her faith:
1) Don’t overlook the small things!  A comment to someone, or a post on social media can make a difference in people’s lives.  David was only small but he killed Goliath! Sometimes small things can make a massive difference!
2) Share your faith with friends and in youth ministry. People cannot believe in Jesus unless they hear about Him. (see Romans 10:14&17)
In both areas she said: “Stay excited about your faith as you serve the Lord!” Romans 12:11

Maisy tells us how serving God in everything leads to breakthrough. She shares a great example of how things have changed in her School in the last couple of years.
First, Maisy and Esther (her sister) were allowed to start a Christian Union in School, then they were allowed to bring a Message Trust team into the school to speak to 400 children and only this week they just received the go ahead to bring them back for a large event in the autumn! Praise God! 
In Romans 12:1-2 (Message paraphrase) we read: So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life — your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life — and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out.
Maisy explained how she puts this into practice in some really practical ways: Bible verses stuck on the walls in her room remind her of God and His love daily and a scrap book where she lists bible verses that speak into specific situations.

How do you serve the Lord?

Sam Hay and Phil Lakin kick off our Summer Sundays Talks!  They are linked to the bible verse in Joshua 24:15:
“.. as for me and my house, (or HOME) we will serve the Lord.”  How do I serve the Lord in my situation?

Sam Hay works in Retail and he has 3 things that “serving the Lord” in his context looks like.
Pray! -  For those around us: Pray for fruitful conversations and Pray over specific people (Sam said he prays for his colleagues, superiors and even customers!)
Whatever we do – do it well! Colossians 3 verse 23 says: ‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters’
Don’t limit the space to where you work! God puts us in a certain place, at work, at home, in school etc.. Even with our feet set, we can still reach!. Be God’s light wherever He has placed you.

Phil Lakin shares how he has learned to trust the Lord over the years and that God could use him whatever the circumstances were.
He learned that we don’t have to be somewhere specific to serve the Lord best, we can do it right where we are. It doesn’t need to be hard either: God has given us gifts He wants us to use and enjoy doing so. Phil had to learn to trust the Lord and be patient through anxiety and potential redundancy. Because Phil was forced into a new role, God could open his eyes to areas he was blind to before, which allowed him to serve in many new ways. If we let God work in us and through us, we can grow and change the world around us too!

It is “ECO Sunday” in Ashwood Church.  As a church we believe that we face a climate emergency, and we want to play our part to encourage individuals to respond and we consider the impact our decisions make too.

In the meeting, Jono talks to us about climate change and how we can be good stewards of the world God has given us to look after: The Lord God took man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Gen2:15

When we look around and listen to the local and global news, it is clear that we have broken a lot. For example, there is water scarcity in some areas and at the same time floods in others. Jono gives us a list of ideas what we could do to help improve things:

Litter picking (even without the guarantee that it won’t look the same again the next day)
Tree planting (choose the right one for the right spot because if you don’t, it can be more harmful than helpful)
Pension Fund change to a more ethical option
Replace your broken phone with a refurb phone
Buy clothes from Vinted, eBay or charity shops and avoid fast fashion
Turn the heating down in your home
Grow your own and waste less food
Smart holidays
Reuse, recycle, reduce, repair
Some of these options don’t just support the planet, but also your wallet. Jono encouraged everyone to consider taking action.  (We understand many people already do a great deal.)  Will you take action?

The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it and all who live in it. Psalm 24

BIG thanks to Jono for being our “Climate Champion” and helping us to be informed about what we can do to make a difference on this vitally important topic.