Balham Vineyard Church Podcasts

How do we remain faithful in the world? How do we live our lives in the world and yet not be of the world, maintaining our Christian distinctiveness? In this talk, Mike opens the series based on 1 Peter and how it acts as an incredible resource to us today as we seek to understand & respond to these questions.

Many people struggle today with the legacy of Christianity: has it been complicit in privileging ‘whiteness,’ whether in its history or current practices? Alexander addresses the complexities of these questions, acknowledging where Christians have got it very wrong, as well as considering what Jesus and the Bible really have to say about it.

Modern Science has greatly impacted human existence. We understand the human body better than ever before and are able to explore the natural world further than ever before. Yet, some think Science can tell us much more than just how the world works: it is able to answer every and any question that we have. Is this true? Or are there significant questions that require other types of expertise? Can Science answer the God question?

Why bring God into it? Can’t we simply aim to help and not harm others, to respect and be kind to others? In this talk, Mike explores if “be good” or “be kind” is the end of the matter, or if the Christian worldview has something more valuable to add in discovering meaning and purpose in life.

Many people have good questions about Jesus being the exclusive way to God. For example: In our complicated, interconnected & pluralistic modern world, is it right to see Jesus as the only way to God? Why can’t God just welcome sincere people who seek him from any point of view or religious system? Isn’t it arrogant to say that one religion is right over another?

A common question in suffering is, "Why" But, to whom or what are we directing the question? After briefly exploring responses from various belief systems, Mike leads us in considering the unique response of hope and meaning found in the Christian worldview.

In this talk, Amy speaks about the concern that Christianity’s outdated approach to life is viewed as harmful and oppressive, particularly for Women. Is this true? Or does Jesus & those that follow him promote an equality and peace that benefits individuals and society?

We encounter Jesus after he has been resurrected from the dead. In this talk, Julia considers the significance of the Easter story: Jesus has defeated death, thus proving his claims true and providing an unshakeable, enduring hope for us in life.

We stand before Jesus as he hangs on the cross. In this talk, Viv considers the brutality of the ancient crucifixion practice, and what it highlights about the lengths God will go to offer us forgiveness. Because of the cross of Christ, we are welcomed in and forgiven.

We join Jesus as he moves closer to the culmination of his whole life’s purpose. We are heading towards the crucifixion. In this talk, Steve considers the first scene in this process: Jesus in the Garden, engaged in agonised and vulnerable prayer to His Father. It is a moment of profound suffering, as well as of great significance. We see Jesus as our substitute in this moment - taking on our suffering - as well as an example to us of how to remain faithful to God in suffering.

We join Jesus on the dusty road into Jericho as he meets a man named Zacchaeus. In this talk, Zeke looks at Luke 19:1-10 and shows through this story that Jesus’ plan is to seek, save and send us. Jesus calls us to come as we are, but doesn’t leave us as we are.

We join Jesus in this profound conversation with a Samaritan outcast. Looking at John 4:1-29, Rob explores how you can come to Jesus and be filled, so you can live out your God-given purpose. We are not designed to live from an empty cup.

We join Jesus in his wilderness moment. In his Gospel, Matthew describes a dramatic showdown between Jesus and a figure called ‘the devil.’ Mike opens our 6-week series, ‘Journeys with Jesus,’ by considering the importance of this contest - speaking of who the ‘devil’ is, the tests he deploys, and the significance of Jesus’ victory in the wilderness.

Guest Speaker Putty Putman teaches on our relationship with God and navigating this season and culture around us as we partner with him.

In this talk, Jo concludes our series on Exodus by exploring the idea of formation from the passage Ex 19:1-11. Focusing on the invitation of God for the Israelites to become a kingdom of priests, she takes us on a journey from a garden to a city, considering what the kingdom of God is, what it means to be human and how we respond to God’s invitation to partner with him today.

Phil continues our series in Exodus by exploring the Passover events of Exodus 11 and 12. He unpacks the substance and timing of the blood of the lamb, explores the significance of the Passover event to Jesus, and invites us to consider what it all means for us as Christians today.

In this talk, Karen Sturrock continues our series on the Book of Exodus covering the ten plagues (chapters 6-11) and the theme of liberation. She reviews the story in its original context, why it mattered to the first followers of Jesus and what it reveals about how truly free we are today.

It all starts with ‘revelation,’ as we are introduced to the self-revealing God who moves to free, form and dwell with a people. In this talk, Mike introduces our new series on the Book of Exodus by giving an overview of its contents. Picking up on its four main themes - revelation, liberation, redemption, and formation - he lays a foundation for what is to come.

In this talk, Charlotte Trefusis unpacks how there is freedom and transformation to be found in God’s presence and that we need to live deliberately and choose Him despite distractions.

Have we fallen asleep in the area of purity? What is purity of heart and how do we wake up to having pure hearts? In this talk, Viv looks at Matthew 5 v 8 and suggests some ways to run back to the Father who is waiting and watching for us.