Talks from Marlow Meetings 2019

This page provides access to audio files of talks recorded at Marlow Sunday meetings this year. Click on the title to Listen Now, or to Download for later.

Previous years' talks are also available: 2004-06 2007-08 2008-09 2009-11 2011-13 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

	The Lion and the Lamb Colin Barnes 15 December The Book of Revelation reveals Jesus as the Lion of Judah and the Lamb who was slain. We often want him to rule as a lion, but he is humble & gentle and rules as the Lamb. This has profound implications for how he answers our prayers.
	Courageously Expecting God to do the Impossible Nigel Rivers 01 December Nigel wraps up the "We are the People of God" teaching series with a look at Courage, considering the examples of Gideon and Peter who both learnt to see their situations with God's eyes. Can we too find courage to press on and believe in a different reality, and who are the people around us who can help in this?
	Serving Communities Near and Far Colin Barnes 24 November In this penultimate talk in the 'We are the People of God' series, Colin explains that God's primary aim since Jesus' ascension has always been to reach out to every human through the Church. He challenges us by asking how are we serving our local community? How are we serving internationally? And are we sowing generously or sparingly?
	See the Invisible and Do the Impossible Freddy Martin 17 November Guest speaker Freddy brings inspiring accounts of how (in the name of / through the power of Jesus) Asha (see asha-india.org) has transformed the lives of thousands of children from Delhi slums through educational and other programmes over the past 30 years. What is your 'impossible' that God might want to make happen?
	We are the People of God 6 - Every Member in Ministry Al Bullen 10 November Al explains that as we come to understand our value in God's eyes, we can be truly empowered and find our place of ministry in the communities of which we are a member.
	We Are The People of God 5 - Building Relational, Radical, Inclusive Communities Ceri Davies 03 November Ceri considers what is means for us as a church to be relational, radical and inclusive.
	Up, In, Out YouTube video Phil Stokes 27 October Guest speaker Phil is leader of The Well Community Church, Camberwell (part of the Pioneer Network in London). He talks about the journey The Well has followed to create a church culture where new disciples in turn create more new disciples through missional community (small) groups.
	We Are The People Of God 4 - Live Like Heaven Is Near Colin Barnes 06 October Colin considers what it means to live like Heaven is near - to bring abounding love, freedom and joy in both supernatural and practical (natural) ways to the people we meet and to the situations in which we find ourselves. The Bible Project video Colin mentioned can be seen here.
	We Are The People Of God 3 - Love Everyone We Meet Andy Read 29 September Andy focuses on the second of the River values, to love everyone in the same way that God has loved us - love which is practical, patient and inclusive.
	We Are The People Of God 2 - Look On The Face of Christ Anthea Wratten 22 September Anthea considers the meaning of River's first core value (to look on the face of Christ) - which includes Intentionally entering God’s presence through Spirit-filled corporate gatherings and individual devotions.
	We Are The People Of God 1 - Why does River Church exist? Colin Barnes 15 September We are the people of God, but what does that mean? Not that he’s chosen us instead of others, but to reach others. Not that we’re saved and everyone else isn’t, but that he’s called us to a mission and given us a job to do. That mission is filling creation with life! Now he calls us his partners and has given us a part to play in accomplishing that great task.
	'Always Hope' - CAP Sunday Andrew Green 08 September Andrew, CAP Centre Manager, talks about the work of the Maidenhead / Windsor / Marlow CAP Centre, describing the impact it's had in the past 2 years, and encourages us all to consider how we can help to bring hope to those in debt in our town. River members who are logged in to the website can also listen to the CAP testimonies, and see the photo slideshow of the meeting and the baptisms by the Thames, by visiting the Marlow blog
	Spiritual Disciplines Anthea Wratten 01 September Anthea reflects on the subject of sacred spaces and spiritual disciplines. Where are your sacred spaces? Let's be inspired to go deeper into our relationship with God.
	The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry John Mark Comer (about) 25 August Our guest speaker delivered his talk via YouTube. If like many of us you live with a low-grade fatigue and chronic anxiety that rarely, if ever, goes away, rushing through your days at breakneck speed, and wonder where God is in the fray, then this is a message for you. John Mark asserts that most of us are just too busy to live an emotionally healthy and spirituality vibrant life. Hurry is incompatible with the way of Jesus. The love, joy, and peace that form the nucleus of Jesus’ kingdom are all impossible in a life of speed.
	Living Under God's Favour Colin Barnes 18 August Everything becomes possible when we really understand that we (along with the rest of humanity) are God's favourites!
	Navigating Change Sandra Bullen 04 August How do we build our faith in a changing world? Sandra encourages us to stay engaged, curious and humble; to be committed towards our own spiritual maturity;, and to work out what part God wants us to play.
	God’s Not Finished With You Yet! Colin Barnes 28 July Colin brings a reminder that God loves every one of us incredibly deeply - if only we all really understood what He thinks of us! He also brings a challenge - how hungry are we right now for the Kingdom to come?
	Priscilla & Aquila: An Army of Ordinary People Andy Read 21 July Priscilla & Aquila were "just" ordinary people but played key roles as church leaders and missionaries in the early church, using their giftings in business and ministry.
	People of God 28 - Paul: Prisoner and Evangelist Pete Gadsdon 14 July Pete's three points are: 1) understanding the identity of the church and who we are in Christ; 2) Participating with Christ, and being part of the Body; 3) Dreaming dreams, big and small, and challenging the Powers and Principalities
	Link to recording of Ceri Davies' This is US! talk given at River Together 07 July
	People of God 27 - Paul: Out of Adversity Simon Tempest 30 June Simon discussed three key questions about the suffering that Paul chose to endure for the Gospel's sake; what did he do that brought so much persecution, how did he manage to keep going; and what did all his experiences develop in him?
	People of God 26 - Paul the Missionary: Called to Go and Share Phil Stewart 23 June Phil encourages us to step into action just like Paul did after he had encountered Jesus and spent time getting close to God to prepare himself to fulfill his calling.
	Creation, the Environment and our place in it Graham Watts 16 June Rev Graham Watts considers the causes of environmental damage and what the resulting actions of the Church should / could be. Recorded at the Love Marlow / Churches Together Service in Higginson Park. Includes an interview with Emma Hawkins about the Marlow Wombles.
	People of God 25 - John the Seer: A Revelation of Jesus Andy Read 09 June Andy picks a way through the poetic and symbolic language of the Book of Revelation, identifying the three themes of persecution, perseverance and perspective.
	People of God 24 - John the Beloved Jonny Ruffell 02 June Jonny explains how John was transformed by God's love. It’s also true for us today that the knowledge of that love can bring freedom from any kind of bondage.
	Four Images of The Church Andrei Blinkov 26 May Guest speaker Andrei, the pastor from Moscow with whom River first connected in 2004, talks about four aspects of the Church - it is (we are) the house of God, it's the Temple of God, it's a Body, and will be the Bride of Christ.
	People of God 23 - John: from Thunderer to Beloved Colin Barnes 19 May John started off wanting to be more special than others, and to bring judgment - but eventually realised that everyone could be special in God's eyes. Will we be people who always show love, or do we tend to act as "sons of thunder"?
	People of God 22 - Peter: The Jew Who Welcomed Gentiles Anthea Wratten 12 May Anthea takes our final look at Peter in the current series, leaving us with three challenges: who are our 'gentiles'; what is our 'swerve to rot'; and in what areas do we need God's revelation in our lives?
	People of God 21 - Peter: from Fisherman to Fisher of Men Alistair Bullen 05 May Al encourages us to become life-catchers, to identify what our individual story is and learn to share it succinctly.
	Justice, Freedom and Love Slides Colin Barnes 21 April In this Easter message Colin explains how Jesus' death and resurrection has brought justice, freedom and love.
	Believe, Become and Behave Graham Watts 14 April Speaking from Luke's account of what we call Palm Sunday, Graham challenges us not just to believe in Jesus the King but also to become like Him and behave like Him.
	People of God 20 - Peter: Faith at the Crossroads Slides Nigel Stock 07 April Nigel focuses on Peter in the period between Gethsemane and Jesus cooking breakfast for the disciples on the beach , and explains the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. Does our worldview need to change? Do we need to have a 'reconciling conversation' with Jesus? Or do we need to hear his call again and re-position ourselves to receive from Him.
	People of God 19 - Mary Magdelene: Apostle to the Apostles Slides Video Paul Wratten 31 March Paul explains Mary Magdalene's central role in the accounts of the Resurrection, You might think she was the least likely person to announce the Good News first, and therefore to launch 2,000 years of Christian witness, but in fact she was one of the most devoted and brave of the disciples (both male and female) and consequently a role model for us today.
	People of God 18 - Mary, Mother of Jesus: Belief in Action Slides Colin Barnes 24 March Mary treasured what God spoke to her through Gabriel despite having also to embrace the promise and reality of future painful times in her life. Let's live out of the moments when God speaks to us rather than from pain and doubt.
	People of God 17 - Daniel Video Andrew Southwood 17 March Andrew draws a key challenge from the story of Daniel: if we describe someone as our enemy, this may say more about our attitude and hang-ups than anything they've done.
	People of God 16 - Hosea: The Ultimate Love Story Slides Video Alison Hopkinson 10 March Ali unpacks the book of Hosea, which at its heart reveals that God wants a deep personal relationship with us - whatever we've done, He loves each of us like there's no tomorrow.
	People of God 15 - Esther: For Such A Time Slides Video 1 Video 2 Anthea Wratten 03 March Anthea questions whether the Book of Esther is a 'princess' story in which God installed a Jewess as Queen so that His people could be saved; perhaps it would be more accurate to consider it an account of egos, hatred, violence, and good & bad influence. This book doesn't even mention God - so what are its lessons for us today?
	Jonah - An Old Testament Parable Slides Colin Barnes 24 February Colin presents Jonah as a parable and a tale of the unexpected which challenges our assumptions.
	People of God 14 - David: Power and Purpose Slides Alistair Bullen 17 February Al draws several themes from David's time as King and applies them to our lives today. This deeply flawed man brought purpose to his own life and to the Nation, and radiated power. But at the same time he showed humility and utter passion in serving God, even when it made him look silly.
	How to Communicate the Good News in 2019 Laurence Singlehurst 10 February How can we ensure the Gospel is communicated to today's society in a language that can be more easily understood? The "Billy Graham" style message of the 50's just doesn't work in 2019. Speaking from Colossians 2, guest speaker Laurence Singlehurst outlines the issues and gives some suggestions on how we might be smarter in our approach.
	People of God 13 - David: A Promise Challenged Slides Ceri Davies 03 February How do we respond when waiting for God to move? Let's learn from David; who rather than letting pride and fear rule him said in Psalm 27 “Here’s what I’ve learned through it all: Don’t give up; don’t be impatient; Be entwined as one with the Lord. Be brave and courageous, and never lose hope. Yes, keep on waiting—for He will never disappoint you!”
	People of God 12 - David: A Promise Given Slides Colin Barnes 27 January Colin teaches from David's early life: it's a fantastic story, with big themes including how God works with normal people to achieve His purposes. Some key lessons are that we’re all anointed, empowered, watched over for good and we can all prophesy.
	People of God 11 - Ruth: Grace & Redemption Slides Andy Read 20 January Andy looks at Grace and Redemption as demonstrated in the book of Ruth. These themes appear in the human story involving Ruth, Naomi and Boaz, in the parallel bigger story of Jesus' birth and death, and we're left with the challenge of showing kindness to each other and to the marginalised.
	New Year Message 2019 Paul & Anthea Wratten 6 January Anthea and Paul share some of their thoughts and hopes for 2019 for the congregation. The Marlow team's vision is that we should be an authentic, passionate, praying community of Jesus followers who are impacting our area with God's love; not to be 'reclining' but rather being radical, intentional and focused, with prayer weaving through everything, and as a result to thrive and grow.