Understanding the Nativity Story: The Deeper Significance of 'God with Us'
Join us as John Naylor delves into the cultural and historical context of the Nativity story, challenging common interpretations.
We explore why Mary and Joseph were not welcomed into homes despite Middle Eastern hospitality norms, linking it to the shame of Mary's pregnancy.
We examine the significance of Jesus being born in a feeding trough, making him accessible to shepherds and symbolizing God's presence amidst rejection and mess.
We unpack the prophecy of Isaiah about 'Immanuel' meaning 'God with us' and its layered implications, highlighting Jesus as the ever-present 'I Am'.
The talk concludes with reflections on preparing for Jesus' arrival and finding his presence in personal struggles, supported by a poem from Malcolm Guite.
00:00 The Nativity Story: A Fresh Perspective00:40 Middle Eastern Hospitality and Rejection02:47 The Significance of the Feeding Trough04:55 Prophecies and the Name Emmanuel08:28 The Meaning of 'I Am'10:03 Jesus Walking on Water: A Deeper Insight15:15 The Word Became Flesh: John's Gospel17:07 A Poetic Conclusion: O Emmanuel

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Understanding Reactions to Jesus' Birth: Lessons from the Nativity Story
In this enlightening sermon, we delve into various Biblical characters' reactions to Jesus' birth, including Joseph, Mary, Herod, Elizabeth, and the shepherds. Liz Gregg encourages the audience to reflect on their own emotional responses and motivations, using these Biblical examples to teach important lessons about obedience, jealousy, trust, and the human heart. Engaging group discussions and personal reflections are used to foster deeper understanding and spiritual growth. The message emphasizes the importance of allowing our emotions to draw us closer to God and to guide us towards more meaningful and obedient actions in our daily lives. #nativity #kingdom #sozo

00:00 Introduction and Group Discussions03:51 Joseph and Mary's Reactions07:07 Herod's Reaction and Lessons11:51 Elizabeth's Joyful Response16:32 The Shepherds' Obedience21:02 Mary's Trust and Acceptance24:13 Understanding and Managing Emotions30:48 Conclusion and Final Prayer

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Understanding God's Presence: Embracing Worship and Divine ConnectionIn this episode, Stuart Gregg, Celebrate's senior leader and leader of Kingdom Ministries emphasizes the importance of engaging in worship and perceiving God's presence. Through insightful anecdotes and biblical references, audience members are encouraged to actively participate and foster an atmosphere of freedom and spiritual connection. The discussion delves into the concept of Panim, the Hebrew word for 'Presence,' and explores how individuals can train themselves to recognize and respond to God's presence in their lives.
Practical advice is provided on enhancing spiritual awareness, overcoming distractions, and the significance of the Holy Spirit's presence in daily life.
Additionally, the episode highlights the transformative power of God’s presence in providing guidance, protection, and joy.
00:00 Introduction and Worship Reflections00:09 Engaging in Worship: A Collective Effort00:46 Creating an Atmosphere of Freedom01:21 Welcome and Informal Gathering02:27 Understanding God's Presence: Panim05:48 Recognizing God's Presence in Everyday Life11:11 Practical Tips for Sensing God's Presence20:01 The Holy Spirit Within and Among Us22:26 Handling Distractions and Staying Focused23:50 Being Intentionally Aware of God's Presence26:04 Daily Reading Routine27:02 The Importance of Discipline29:32 Feeding the Spirit30:40 Encouragement and Overcoming Lies32:51 Group Discussion on Genesis37:01 God's Presence and Provision46:11 The Invitation of God's Presence49:38 Final Reflections and Prayer

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The Power of Saying Yes: Lessons from Jonah
In this insightful sermon, the speaker delves deep into the story of Jonah, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and acting upon God's call. Starting with humorous anecdotes about Botox and silent tennis, the message transitions to the historical and spiritual lessons from Jonah's life. From fleeing God's directive to being swallowed by a large fish, Jonah's journey illustrates the themes of obedience, partnership, and divine purpose. The speaker also highlights the human tendency to say 'no' to God’s challenging requests and encourages the congregation to adopt a 'yes' mindset. By sharing personal stories and scriptural examples, the talk reinforces the value of community, mutual support, and trust in God's beneficial nature.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdotes00:52 The Story of Jonah: Historical Context02:56 Jonah's Reluctance and God's Persistence05:31 The Power of Saying Yes to God13:09 The Importance of Community and Partnership19:46 Jonah's Final Lesson and God's Nature25:09 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Unlocking God's Favor: A Journey of Wisdom, Obedience, and Faith
Join us in this engaging episode as we explore the profound concept of finding God's favor through biblical stories and personal reflections. We'll journey through passages from Esther, Nehemiah, Luke, and Samuel, uncovering how divine favor manifests in the lives of biblical figures such as Joseph and Ruth. Discover the significance of grace and favor, learn to pray for God's favor in your life, and grow in obedience, wisdom, and faith. Reflect on the importance of God's presence, renounce lies, and embrace divine truth to unlock blessings. This thought-provoking discussion will inspire your spiritual growth and encourage you to seek God's guidance and presence in every aspect of life.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:11 The Importance of Young Adults in the Church00:49 Call to Action: Mothering and Fathering the Next Generation01:50 Group Activity: Exploring Bible Passages03:13 Discussion: Understanding the Stories05:17 Unpacking the Theme of Favor05:49 Biblical Examples of Favor06:59 Defining Favor and Its Implications09:23 Practical Applications of Favor14:06 Personal and Corporate Need for Favor15:10 Inspirational Story: Rhys Howell's Intercession16:43 Miraculous Encounters and Faith Challenges17:23 The Journey to Growing in Favor19:26 The Importance of Obedience23:56 Seeking Wisdom and Solutions27:57 The Power of God's Presence31:28 Reflecting on Personal and Collective Favor

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Discovering the Presence of God: A Journey with Stuart
In this warm welcome back sermon, Stuart recounts his three-month journey to California and New Zealand, expressing his joy to return and acknowledging the hard work of their community in their absence. He explores the spiritual ease found in certain places like Reading and Lindisfarne, discussing the concept of 'Shifting Atmospheres' and the presence of God. Stuart delves into the biblical story of the Tabernacle and encourages the congregation to focus on being a presence-centered church. The sermon ends with an invitation to be aware of God's presence in daily life, emphasising the importance of spiritual awareness and the transformative power it can have in our surroundings.
00:00 Welcome Back!00:39 Acknowledging the Team's Efforts01:05 Travel Tales: California and New Zealand01:53 Humorous Anecdotes02:52 Reflections on Bethel and Worship06:10 Exploring Spiritual Atmospheres10:59 Recognizing the Presence of God16:47 Interactive Bible Study18:46 Understanding the Tabernacle19:31 The Cloud and the Tent21:49 God's Presence and Guidance24:12 Following God's Presence27:21 Commitment to Follow30:11 The Call to Follow34:46 A Community of Followers36:54 Personal Reflection and Prayer

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Ben Armstrong of Bethel Church, Redding, California shares with some famliy values and stories with the Celebrate Family.

We are a growing family with a passion for the Kingdom and Presence of God expressed through signs, wonders and miracles.
We are a lively, inclusive, loving family to which all are welcome.
Find out more at www.celebratechurch.org.uk.

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Stuart Gregg, Celebrate's senior leader and founder of Kingdom Ministries, encourages Celebratre to keep on living as Celebrate by knowing and living from our values, just like Jesus did.

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Paul Manwaring, elder at Bethel Church, Redding, California, returns to Celebrate Church on Pentecost to encourage us all to allow the Holy Spirit to bigger than our limitations and understandings of who He is and what He does.
For more details of who we are and how we live go to https://www.celebratechurch.org.uk/

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Liz Gregg, Celebrate's senior leader and founder of Kingdom Ministries, calls us to greater maturity in hearing and proclaiming God's heart and words by growing up in our prophetic ministry.
Prophesy that forms God's Kingdom future and not fear enducing condemnation of a future that we can read from the news should be our aim.

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