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With conflicts and challenges around the world, many people are coming to Bristol to seek sanctuary - how should we respond? Dan Green looks at why this is happening and explores helpful principles from the Bible which can guide us, as well as ways to put these into practice. The talk concludes with a time for prayer and reflection.
Read MoreFear can play a big part in our lives right now, but what can we do about it? Dan Green looks at how we might not be able to avoid the emotion of fear, but we can stop it from taking control of us. There is lots of guidance and reassurance in the Bible about this, and the talk concludes with a meditation on Psalm 23.
Read MoreWhat is it like to be forced unjustly from your home country, and what kind of life can you hope to find next? In Refugee Week 2022, Dan Green looks at the story of Joseph, who famously found uses for his gifts and, despite opposition and mistreatment, became a trusted leader in his adoptive country. How does his story challenge us to treat others differently, and perhaps seek to use our gifts to help others too?
Read MoreWhat 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?
Read MoreIs 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?
Read MoreWhat 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?
Read MoreWhere can we find peacemakers and what can we learn from them? Dan Green interviews Dan Morrice, author of "Finding the Peacemakers", a book first inspired by the stories of Chilean miners trapped underground and sustained by faith and miraculous provision which was largely unreported at the time. Dan Morrice also interviewed peacemakers in the Middle East and his home city of Bristol and shares what we can learn, practise and pass on from their experiences.
Read MoreWhen facing disagreements, divisions and injustices, what can we do constructively? In this talk, Dan Green looks at a story Jesus told about what it means to be a good neighbour, and considers examples of what we can do today. Speaking out, respecting differences, putting others ahead of ourselves, practising hospitality and serving in the midst of conflict can all make a difference. Can God empower us to do this, not in our own strength for our own agendas, but to be part of what he wants to do to restore and reconcile “all things to himself”?
Read MoreWhy are Jesus' followers called towards reconciliation between people? In this talk, Dan Green looks at a range of Jesus' teaching from the "greatest commandments" of loving God and neighbours to how Jesus develops this in surprising ways. Can we really love our enemies? What if it's harder than we thought to distinguish "us" from "them" in life? Is there a power strong enough to change our minds and turn us into peacemakers?
Read MoreHow different can the world look from our neighbours' point of view? Dan Green asks pastors from God's House International Centre, a multicultural church in the middle of Bristol, about their recent experiences. The expectations brought by different cultures and the history of conflict between countries and races can create stresses and divides we might not have seen or imagined. But by connecting, engaging, listening, immersing ourselves and sharing life in each other's spaces, can we learn how to mend some of the divisions?
Read MoreHow much racial injustice do we see, and how can we respond? In this talk, Dan Green looks at racism in our past and present, the events which may have made us more aware of it recently, and some practical steps we can take to change, listen and build better relationships for the future.
Read MoreHow can we turn difficulty and pain into positivity and praise? In this talk, Dan Green looks at a time when David chose to turn his focus from himself to God. As David reminded himself of God’s character and what he had done, David gained a fresh perspective on his own place in the world. Could this also help us to find more joy, thankfulness and peace in life?
Read MoreHow can we grow as we follow Jesus? In this talk, Dan Green suggests that we need connection with other believers, input from God and an outlet for expressing our faith through love. Severn Vineyard's Community Groups can help with this, and this session launches the groups which will be running in the Autumn 2019 term.
Read MoreHow do we respond when we see needs around us? In this talk, Dan Green shares a story from Jesus which suggests that our choices might be more significant than we expected. Could a small act of kindness reveal a much greater work of God in us? If so, how should we expect to live as followers of Jesus?
Read MoreWhatever we've resolved for 2019, God has some amazing and surprising plans for us. How can we join in with them?
Read MoreHow can followers of Jesus be welcoming and loving towards people that our society sees as outsiders or strangers? Includes stories about the charities Bridges for Communities and Unseen, and the Easton CE Academy.
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