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Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about wisdom in the Old Testament including Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Proverbs chapters 19 to 26.
Is the Bible an instruction book? It seems vital to review this before considering the wisdom literature, because that will shape our view on the role of what is written there. If the Bible is more of a conversation than a code to decipher, we can look at the role of these books in that conversation instead of trying to work out simplistic solutions to apparent conflicts between instructions.
Ecclesiastes has a lot to say about how we find meaning and value in life, and how we might limit our expectations for finding fulfilment in some things we chase a lot. If that sounds discouraging, can the encouragement that’s offered in this book help to reset our compasses for navigating life?
Song of Songs also offers encouragement, affirmation of value and purpose, and a passionate celebration of love. Is there a more powerful force in creation? And in the conversations we have about love and law in the Bible, and in life, can we possibly understand love through the lens of law, or can we only understand law through the lens of love?
In next part of our boxset, we’ll look at what the prophets Hosea and Joel had to say, along with Psalms 52 to 65. Listen along at your own pace at severnvineyard.org/bible.

What does God need to do to change our minds? Owen Lynch follows the story of the first believers in “The Way” of Jesus and sees how his call for them to adopt a new perspective - what is often translated “repent” in our Bibles - might happen more than once, and could take dramatic forms. Peter had a vision from God which not only changed his mind but changed how people were accepted into faith and community, opening this to everyone. Have we now learned everything we need to know about this, or are we open to God changing our minds too?

Bern Leckie and Owen Lynch share thoughts and feelings about the end of Matthew’s gospel, chapters 21 to 28, as well as Paul’s letters to the Galatians and Ephesians.
The gospel story of Jesus reveals a lot about what God really wants for people and the misunderstandings which arise when people think this is all about religion, ceremonies, sacrifices or following a set of rules. People who sincerely believed they were following God in Jesus’ time ended up opposing him with murderous force.
Is this a lesson we’ve taken to heart today, or can we end up making the same mistakes?
Is it too simplistic to say that love needs to be, and can become, the defining principle that God installs in our hearts to change everything? Or is that the central message in the gospel and Paul’s letters about putting faith in Jesus into practice?
In next part of our boxset, we’ll look at wisdom in the Old Testament including Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and Proverbs chapters 19 to 26. Listen along at your own pace at severnvineyard.org/bible.

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?