Jesus was the archetype leader. As part of the Great Commission, he invites us to follow his words, his works and his ways. In this talk, Craig Ogden from PlentyLife Church shares some of his stories about following Jesus into mission, in the outer suburbs of Melbourne.
The Practice of Hospitality
Few of us think of hospitality as a skill to master, yet the scriptures suggest that we are to “practice hospitality,” just like we would a musical instrument (Romans 12:13).
In this training, Daniel Sih provides a series of instructional tips and insights to help us practice hospitality. Do we create a warm and generous environment? Do we know how to form predictable patterns? Do we measure the spiritual temperature? Are we able to both give and receive? Do we practice hospitality together?
Transforming Hospitality
Anyone can throw a dinner party, yet it takes a miracle to desire to have strangers, and indeed the unlovable, in your home.
Jared Khu describes how radical hospitality transformed his life, and the life of others, in China and Tasmania. Such hospitality, in the way of Jesus, has the capacity to transform the host, the stranger, and the unloveable.
Eating As Neighbours
Eating as neighbours is an expression of the Great Commission. As we share a meal with friends, we connect at a deeper level, and create space for God to move.
In the words of Ryan Cook: “The table is a powerful symbol of a world put right. At the table you look people in the eyes. The surface of the table is level. It creates an environment whereby you reach your hands into the same pot, take from the same food, to sustain your lives in the same way. It’s a levelling act.”
In this talk, Daniel Sih provides reflections on the story of Zacchaeus, and how we can eat with people like Zacchaeus in our own context.
Download slides HERE.
The Heart Of Hospitality
What is the heart behind radical hospitality? Why do we open our homes, our tables and our lives to others?
In this talk, Daniel Sih unpacks the story of Jesus turning water into wine. Why did Jesus turn water into wine, providing 100 litres of Pinot Noir to a party that was already pissed? The answer has something to do with the Kingdom of God, where things that are ordinary become extra-ordinary. The practical implications for us are significant.
You can download presenter notes HERE.
The Discipleship Road
For many of us, apprenticeship to Jesus is a long and windy journey, rather than a sudden, miraculous transformation. To use a biblical analogy, it is more like the Road to Emmaus than it is Damascus!
In this podcast, Andy Goodacre compares our journey with that of the disciples on the Road to Emmaus. He outlines six practical lessons to help us grow as apprentices of Jesus.
Meating Together
What happens when a group of ordinary people eat and drink together, once a week, in the name of Jesus? The answer might surprise you… especially when God provides the wine!
In this second talk on radical hospitality, Daniel Sih explains the importance of “meating” together as believers, as an expression of communion. He shares his experience of God providing 48-bottles of premium Barossa Valley wine in answer to prayer, and draws parallels with the book of Acts.
You can download presenter slides here
Radical Hospitality
“The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’” (Luke 7: 34)
In Luke’s Gospel, according to Robert Karris, Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal, or coming from a meal. He ate, and drank, and spent time with all the wrong people. And it surprised everyone!
In this first talk in our Radical Hospitality series, Daniel Sih shares his story about living in community and sharing more than 500 meals with neighbours over 10 years.
You can download our presenter’s slides here
Rest In The Digital Age
The digital age is upon us. Our phones, tablets and smart watches transform the way we live, work and rest, for better and for worse.
What does it mean for us to rest in the digital age, in a culture of constant connectivity? What do the scriptures have to say about technology, and how might we rethink our habits to engage deeply in Sabbath rest?
This is the final sermon in our 6-part series “rhythms of rest.” You can download our presenter notes here.
Light of the World
Everyone needs a Star Trek ray gun, don’t they? But what does this have to do with light and dark?
In this sermon, Tim Piesse from Crossway Baptist Church (Melbourne) speaks to us about the journey from light to dark. In Jesus, who is the light of the world, we also become light.
