Reconciliation - the restoration of friendly relations after a dispute, argument, or estrangement. Often very tricky - more so than forgiveness. Why? Well, because forgiveness only takes one person's commitment, but reconciliation requires all parties to participate. So what does the Bible say about reconciliation? Thankfully, we have some great guidance in the letter that Paul wrote to Philemon in which he appeals to him to forgive and extend grace to his runaway slave, Onesimus. The good news of Jesus Christ is all about reconciliation with God through grace and forgiveness. So how did this impact Paul and Philemon, and how might it impact us today?

1st Corinthians 13 is a very well known and much loved chapter in the Bible. But what does it tell us about how to disagree well, especially in a Christian context? Well, love is the key. We often feel we know what is right and true, but sometimes another Christian, maybe a good friend, thinks differently. Maybe even diametrically opposed. In such circumstances, it is vital that the conversation is underpinned by love.

When was the last time (or first time) you sat around a campfire with friends and strangers and chatted, laughed and sang? Were marshmallows involved? The image of people around a campfire is such a good image of church life and community. How we talk, how we relate, what we share, and the depth of fellowship created are so important. In the book of Romans, Paul challenges the church in Rome to live in peace and encouragement, working out how best to live out the unity that Jesus brings among them. There are disputes and disagreements around religious practice and expectations. But he explains that these should be handled with love rather than judgment or contempt. Unity in Christ and the diversity of people and convictions are best practised when the fire of God’s love draws us into deeper fellowship. The question remains - are you prepared to make the effort that leads to this? It may require picking up a stick with a marshmallow on it and offering it to the person with an opposing opinion with the words, “enjoy - Jesus loves you!”

Does disagreement between friends always have to end in tears, or can it have a positive outcome? How should we disagree within a Christian context? Let's check out what the bible has to say by looking at a couple of occasions when fellow believers in the early church fell out. We will see how, on one occasion, they managed to work through their differences and arrived at an outcome that satisfied everyone – but we will also come across another where there was no agreement!

What did you choose to wear today? Was it casual or smart? Was it for home, social or work? How long did it take you to choose what to wear? Whatever your fashion choices, the Bible speaks a lot about what to really clothe yourself with. Galatians 3:27 says, ‘clothe yourselves with Christ’. What a strange and weird phrase it is to clothe yourselves with Christ. What does that mean to you?

In the board game ‘Game of Life’, everyone starts off the same, with the goal being to gain the most money. That’s the prize. The accumulation of wealth and status and stuff, maximum materialism over everything and everyone. In the ‘real’ game of life, everyone also starts off the same, but the ultimate goal is not to gain money, but Christ. Discovering Jesus is so valuable that nothing compares to it, and so other worldly accomplishments are far less significant.

By looking at four Biblical characters, we explore our seasons of life and the unique opportunities and invitations they hold.

This is the final talk in our three-part mini series on giving. It is based on Luke 21:1-4, which contrasts the attitudes of giving between rich people and a poor woman who is a widow. The circumstances are vastly different, but Jesus notes the heart of devotion as the important and central aspect of giving. What, or rather, who, are you devoted to? Be encouraged in your devotion to God because the truth is, God is devoted to you!

2nd Corinthians 9 says that God loves a cheerful giver. What does it mean to give cheerfully and generously, regardless of our situation? How can this inspire and transform us?

Giving in the life of the church. This is not an easy topic. Money, sex and power are often the things that cause most contention in church life, so approaching the subject of giving can be sensitive. We all experience the challenge of finances, but the Bible is clear about our shared responsibility of giving and how this is an act of worship and devotion.