The Bethel - Old Trafford Christadelphian Church

Referencing a talk David shared in 2012 based on the song Desert Song by Brooke Fraser, David revisits the theme with new insights based on experiences and tragedies he and his family have been through over the past four years.

Accounts of climbing everest are littered with many useful spiritual lessons. Malcolm takes us on the journey of a spiritual climber, one who looks to the summit and continues to climb towards their goal, encouraging and uplifting others on the way. He asks if anyone has grown weary and stopped, wishing they were stil on the climb and urges us to shine like stars and make some noise so that people can see the light and find their way home and to keep climbing.

God is in the world for the ‘long game’, He sees the bigger picture, He is patient. God is a gardener who carefully tends and nurtures us and everything in the world. When we think we aren’t getting the results we want from and progressing in our spiritual lives, we should remember also to be patient. James 1:21 says “Humbly accept the word planted in you which can save you.” This should encourage us and enthuse us to help each other to grow spiritually, mentoring and challenging each other in our journey.

A lost coin, a lost sheep and a lost son are just three of the 'lost' things that Jesus teaches about. Andrew draws parallels with how completely lost we often are but also how completely loved, completely accepted and completely forgiven. Jesus loves his church and that is where we can be found.

Is God a 'micro-manager'? Or is God a 'shaper'? Charles explores the different ways we perceive God may work in the world. It could be that the reality is a very subtle balance and requires trust as our major input.

John the Baptist gave his message heralding the coming of Christ, preached a baptism of repentance and then his only desire was to get out of the way. David reminded us of John's humility, that we shouldn't forget John and that, more importantly, we should worship Jesus.

The ark went ahead of God’s people to guide them into places they had never been before. What were the significant components of the ark, and how can they be a guide for us?

Pete explored how the 7 elements of the Shavot (The Feast of Weeks) are demostrated in the 'New Covenant'. He showed us how at times, there is reinforcement and in some places, there is deliberate contrast.

The constant necessary refocussing of our lives and our Church requires submitting to Christ as our Head. Maurice explores a heady collection of metaphors, sayings and ideas based around Colossians 2.

Recounting the story of Elijah handing over to his mentee Elisha, Elijah leaves him his cloak. The same cloak that has seen the glory of God and all of Elijah's challenges - Richard asks, what would Elijah's cloak feel like to you? He suggests we are called to be mentors and mentees to each other, to see opportunities to pass on responsibility and accept change in a new generation.