Both / And: Paul & Barnabas | Hannah Mitchell at 7pm | 7th March 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

7 March 2021 - 7pm Service

Both / And: Paul & Barnabas

This Sunday we finish our current preaching series Both / And with a message from Hannah Michell on ‘Paul & Barnabas’.

In this series, we’re exploring some of the rich characterisations of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Tim Dobson speak on the same topic. Go check it out

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Acts 4:36-37, 9:27 | Acts 11v22-26, 13:1-2 | Acts 15:36-40

Key thought: How do we manage tensions between encouraging people (Barnabas) and being strategic in ministry (Paul)?

• The body of Jesus is made up of many different kinds of people with different personalities, skills, gifts, likes and dislikes. As we choose to work together in unity, across these differences, the kingdom of God can grow in great leaps and bounds.

  I can sometimes put people into two groups. Are you a people person or a project person?

  A people person can be more pastoral and is more concerned about the people involved in church, their stories, their needs, their wellbeing and their interests.
  A project person can be more activist and is concerned with seeing things happen, addressing injustices, organising responses, planting churches and achieving outcomes.

• Barnabas - Was he more of a people person?

  • His name was Joseph, but he had the nickname "Son of encouragement". He was obviously very good a encouraging people! Acts 4v36

  • He sold some property and gave the money to feed the poor. Acts 4v37

  • When others were suspicious of Paul, he went looking for him and stood up for him. (Acts 9v27)

  • As he ministered to people, he grew in his gifts (encouragement 4v36 - generosity 4v37 - teacher 9v26 – evangelist 11v24 - prophet 13v1 - miracles 14v3 - apostle 4v14)

• Paul - was he more of a project person?

  • He was a man with great focus and zeal (for Yahweh before his conversion and for Jesus afterwards)

  • He knew with certainty that he was an apostle called by Jesus to go to the Gentiles.

  • He was a strategic church planter, visiting major cities and staying there until a church was effectively established.

  • He wrote numerous letters to build up churches and address error.

  • Nothing (ship wrecks, stoning, beating, imprisonment etc) was going to stop him fulfilling the kingdom project of seeing the Gospel of Jesus reaching the then-known world.

STUDY QUESTIONS

These are two ends of a spectrum and each of us will be somewhere along the line.

1. God has created each one of us differently. Would you say you were by preference, more a people person or a project person? Is one better than the other?

2. Many of you may have done some kind of personality test (Meyers-Briggs, Enneagram etc). How has this helped you and the way you relate to other people with different personalities?

3. When they worked together Paul and Barnabas saw great growth and churches being planted. (Acts ch9-15, esp Antioch Ch13)
When they had a disagreement (Acts 15v36-40) over John Mark, they split company (Barnabas was committed to the person, Paul felt that Mark threaten the mission project)
When have you let differences in personality or preferences disrupt a kingdom venture (or a church relationship)?

4. The Body of Jesus (including Woodlands) needs both people and project team players in order to see Bristol transformed with the love and power of God. What can we do to work together best, overcoming tensions and valuing each others’ contributions, as we build back after the pandemic?

Both / And: Paul & Barnabas | Tim Dobson at 11am | 7th March 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

7 March 2021 - 11am Service

Both / And: Paul & Barnabas

This Sunday we finish our preaching series Both / And with a message from Tim Dobson on ‘Paul & Barnabas’.

This February, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisations of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and Hannah Mitchell will be sharing with us. Check it out

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Acts 4:36-37, 9:27 | Acts 11v22-26, 13:1-2 | Acts 15:36-40

Key thought: How do we manage tensions between encouraging people (Barnabas) and being strategic in ministry (Paul)?

• The body of Jesus is made up of many different kinds of people with different personalities, skills, gifts, likes and dislikes. As we choose to work together in unity, across these differences, the kingdom of God can grow in great leaps and bounds.

  I can sometimes put people into two groups. Are you a people person or a project person?

  A people person can be more pastoral and is more concerned about the people involved in church, their stories, their needs, their wellbeing and their interests.
  A project person can be more activist and is concerned with seeing things happen, addressing injustices, organising responses, planting churches and achieving outcomes.

• Barnabas - Was he more of a people person?

  • His name was Joseph, but he had the nickname "Son of encouragement". He was obviously very good a encouraging people! Acts 4v36

  • He sold some property and gave the money to feed the poor. Acts 4v37

  • When others were suspicious of Paul, he went looking for him and stood up for him. (Acts 9v27)

  • As he ministered to people, he grew in his gifts (encouragement 4v36 - generosity 4v37 - teacher 9v26 – evangelist 11v24 - prophet 13v1 - miracles 14v3 - apostle 4v14)

• Paul - was he more of a project person?

  • He was a man with great focus and zeal (for Yahweh before his conversion and for Jesus afterwards)

  • He knew with certainty that he was an apostle called by Jesus to go to the Gentiles.

  • He was a strategic church planter, visiting major cities and staying there until a church was effectively established.

  • He wrote numerous letters to build up churches and address error.

  • Nothing (ship wrecks, stoning, beating, imprisonment etc) was going to stop him fulfilling the kingdom project of seeing the Gospel of Jesus reaching the then-known world.

STUDY QUESTIONS

These are two ends of a spectrum and each of us will be somewhere along the line.

1. God has created each one of us differently. Would you say you were by preference, more a people person or a project person? Is one better than the other?

2. Many of you may have done some kind of personality test (Meyers-Briggs, Enneagram etc). How has this helped you and the way you relate to other people with different personalities?

3. When they worked together Paul and Barnabas saw great growth and churches being planted. (Acts ch9-15, esp Antioch Ch13)
When they had a disagreement (Acts 15v36-40) over John Mark, they split company (Barnabas was committed to the person, Paul felt that Mark threaten the mission project)
When have you let differences in personality or preferences disrupt a kingdom venture (or a church relationship)?

4. The Body of Jesus (including Woodlands) needs both people and project team players in order to see Bristol transformed with the love and power of God. What can we do to work together best, overcoming tensions and valuing each others’ contributions, as we build back after the pandemic?

Both/And: Paul & Barnabas | Neil Edbrooke at 8.30am | 7th March 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

28th February 2021 - 8.30am Zoom Service

Both / And: Paul & Barnabas

This audio recording is from our Early Service which is runs live on Zoom.

Neil Edbrooke shares a message on ’Paul & Barnabas’ from our preaching series Both/And.

This February and March, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, later today at the 11am and 7pm services we’ll hear pastors speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

Both / And: Mary & Martha | April Ballard at 7pm | 28th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

28 February 2021 - 7pm Service

Both / And: Mary & Martha

This Sunday we continue our current preaching series Both / And with a message from April Ballard on ‘Mary & Martha’.

This February, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Hazel Askew speak on the same topic. Go check it out

Both / And: Mary & Martha | Hazel Askew at 11am | 28th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

28 February 2021 - 11am Service

Both / And: Mary & Martha

This Sunday we continue our preaching series Both / And with a message from Hazel Askew on ‘Mary & Martha’.

This February, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and April Ballard will be sharing with us. Check it out!

Both/And: Mary & Martha | Clare Thompson at 8.30am | 28th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

28th February 2021 - 8.30am Zoom Service

Both / And: Mary & Martha

This audio recording is from our Early Service which is runs live on Zoom.

Clare Thompson shares a message on ’Mary & Martha’ from our preaching series Both/And.

This February and March, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, later today at the 11am and 7pm services we’ll hear pastors speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

Both / And: Judas & Mary | Laura Harris at 7pm | 21st February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

21 February 2021 - 7pm Service

Both / And: Judas & Mary

This Sunday we continue our current preaching series Both / And with a message from Laura Harris on ‘Judas & Mary’.

This February, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Dave Mitchell speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | John 12: 1-8 | Mark 14:10-12 | Luke 1:26-56 | Luke 2:19

Key thought: The power of a secret history

We don’t know much about Judas, and his motives for betraying Jesus remain a subject of conjecture. We know more about Mary and she is there at the beginning of Jesus’s story (obviously) and there too at the end of his life, with characteristic faithfulness even though she must often have been wrestling with trying to understand the ways of God in the life of her Son. There are indications however for both Judas & Mary of their secret history which may have affected their actions.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What is Judas’ secret history? John 12:6? How do you think this may have contributed to his betrayal of Jesus?

2. What was Mary’s secret history? (Luke 2:19, Luke 2:35) How do you think this contributed to her actions?

3. How do we build a positive secret history (Mathew 6 gives a picture)?

4. How do we avoid a negative secret history (Acts 8:18-24)?

5. Do you have a secret history with God? How does it affect the external way you live your life? Is your secret history made up of past things you ponder on, or current intimacies with Him?

6. If you don’t have a strong secret history with God, do you have an alternative secret history in your inner life? Most people have one. It could be a fantasy about being a professional sportsperson, a romantic fantasy, a self-image thing that gives colour to your world view. Ask yourself is your secret history good, neutral or destructive?

TAKE HOME FOOTNOTES

A secret history defines us. It’s about the heart. It’s powerful for good or evil. A positive secret history sustains faith (in the same way that a positive romantic/sexual relationship- not visible to any but the couple sustains a marriage). A negative secret history causes faith to crumble (as a secret affair destroys a marriage).

Both / And: Judas & Mary | Dave Mitchell at 11am | 21st of February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

21 February 2021 - 11am Service

Both / And: Judas & Mary

This Sunday we continue our preaching series Both / And with a message from Dave Mitchell on ‘Judas & Mary’.

This February, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic and Laura Harris will be sharing with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | John 12: 1-8 | Mark 14:10-12 | Luke 1:26-56 | Luke 2:19

Key thought: The power of a secret history

We don’t know much about Judas, and his motives for betraying Jesus remain a subject of conjecture. We know more about Mary and she is there at the beginning of Jesus’s story (obviously) and there too at the end of his life, with characteristic faithfulness even though she must often have been wrestling with trying to understand the ways of God in the life of her Son. There are indications however for both Judas & Mary of their secret history which may have affected their actions.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. What is Judas’ secret history? John 12:6? How do you think this may have contributed to his betrayal of Jesus?

2. What was Mary’s secret history? (Luke 2:19, Luke 2:35) How do you think this contributed to her actions?

3. How do we build a positive secret history (Mathew 6 gives a picture)?

4. How do we avoid a negative secret history (Acts 8:18-24)?

5. Do you have a secret history with God? How does it affect the external way you live your life? Is your secret history made up of past things you ponder on, or current intimacies with Him?

6. If you don’t have a strong secret history with God, do you have an alternative secret history in your inner life? Most people have one. It could be a fantasy about being a professional sportsperson, a romantic fantasy, a self-image thing that gives colour to your world view. Ask yourself is your secret history good, neutral or destructive?

TAKE HOME FOOTNOTES

A secret history defines us. It’s about the heart. It’s powerful for good or evil. A positive secret history sustains faith (in the same way that a positive romantic/sexual relationship- not visible to any but the couple sustains a marriage). A negative secret history causes faith to crumble (as a secret affair destroys a marriage).

Both/And: Mary & Judas | Jo Appleton at 8.30am | 21st February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

21 February 2021 - 8.30am Zoom Service

Both / And: Mary & Judas

This audio recording is from our Early Service which is runs live on Zoom.

Jo Appleton shares a message on ’Mary & Judas’ from our preaching series Both/And.

This February and March, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, later today at the 11am and 7pm services we’ll hear pastors speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

Both / And: Ruth & Samson | Luke Addison at 7pm | 14th of February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

14 February 2021 - 7pm Service

Both / And: Ruth & Samson

This Sunday we continue our current preaching series Both / And with a message from Luke Addison on ‘Ruth & Samson’.

This February, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Rachel Riddall speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Judges 14:2 & Ruth 1:16

Key thought: How do you leave a spiritual legacy?

Samson is a ‘hero’ figure with a call an anointing from birth. Ruth is from a country who are traditional enemies of Israel, she has lost her husband and as a childless widow might have been regarded as cursed. In the Old Testament, the first words that a person speaks in the narratives are clues to their character. This is so true of Samson.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. If weSamson is a miracle child. He is gifted. In what ways is he like John the Baptist? Luke 1:5-17 c.f. Judges 13:2-5.

2. Ruth is a ‘foreigner’ and a widow. She doesn’t have power or status when arriving in Israel with her mother-in-law. In what ways does her character contrast and critique Samsons?

3. How does the way they both handle their sexuality affect their spiritual legacy?

4. Samson is a very famous biblical character. Ruth is much less well known and celebrated. Why? What is the legacy that Ruth & Samson leave in the history of the people of God?

TAKE HOME FOOTNOTES

Ruth & Samson make interesting comparisons.

1. They both live in the period of the Judges in Israel’s history. They both represent

   surprisingly opposite characteristics around faithfulness and leadership.

2. Samson should have everything going for him. Ruth’s life doesn’t seem to start

   with much blessing.

3. True greatness and leadership are more to do with character and gift. God can

   work through vulnerability and apparent weakness where people have good hearts, than with showy strength and power. Let’s make sure that we discern true greatness in character as well as gift.

4. How much does Christian celebrity culture focus on the things that speak of spiritual greatness, or do we celebrate the wrong things?

Both / And: Ruth & Samson | Rachel Riddall at 11am | 14th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

14 February 2021 - 11am Service

Both / And: Ruth & Samson

This Sunday we continue our preaching series Both / And with a message from Rachel Riddall on ‘Ruth / Samson’.

This February, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic Luke Addison will be sharing with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Judges 14:2 & Ruth 1:16

Key thought: How do you leave a spiritual legacy?

Samson is a ‘hero’ figure with a call an anointing from birth. Ruth is from a country who are traditional enemies of Israel, she has lost her husband and as a childless widow might have been regarded as cursed. In the Old Testament, the first words that a person speaks in the narratives are clues to their character. This is so true of Samson.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. If weSamson is a miracle child. He is gifted. In what ways is he like John the Baptist? Luke 1:5-17 c.f. Judges 13:2-5.

2. Ruth is a ‘foreigner’ and a widow. She doesn’t have power or status when arriving in Israel with her mother-in-law. In what ways does her character contrast and critique Samsons?

3. How does the way they both handle their sexuality affect their spiritual legacy?

4. Samson is a very famous biblical character. Ruth is much less well known and celebrated. Why? What is the legacy that Ruth & Samson leave in the history of the people of God?

TAKE HOME FOOTNOTES

Ruth & Samson make interesting comparisons.

1. They both live in the period of the Judges in Israel’s history. They both represent

   surprisingly opposite characteristics around faithfulness and leadership.

2. Samson should have everything going for him. Ruth’s life doesn’t seem to start

   with much blessing.

3. True greatness and leadership are more to do with character and gift. God can

   work through vulnerability and apparent weakness where people have good hearts, than with showy strength and power. Let’s make sure that we discern true greatness in character as well as gift.

4. How much does Christian celebrity culture focus on the things that speak of spiritual greatness, or do we celebrate the wrong things?

Both/And: Ruth & Samson | Angela Moseley at 8.30am | 14th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

14 February 2021 - 8.30am Zoom Service

Both / And: Ruth & Samson

This audio recording is from our Early Service which is runs live on Zoom.

Angela Moseley shares a message on ’Ruth & Samson’ from our preaching series Both/And.

This February and March, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, later today at the 11am and 7pm services we’ll hear pastors speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

Both / And: Jacob & Esau | Dave Mitchell at 7pm | 7th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

7 February 2021 - 7pm Service

Both / And: Jacob & Esau

This Sunday we start our new preaching series Both / And with a message from Dave Mitchell on ‘Jacob & Esau’.

This February, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, earlier today at the 11am service we heard Clare Thompson speak on the same topic. Go check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Genesis 25:20-34 (Chapters 27-33)

Key thought: Seeking blessing.

A mature Church has mature people, with diverse gifts equipped by a diverse team. Ephesians 4 gives us a template of a ‘five-fold ministry’, a team that equips a Church. The missiologist Alan Hirsch has invested heavily into the five-fold ministry (or APEST) with his 5Q teaching where he suggests this model is for everyone.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. If we describe the characters of Jacob and Esau briefly. Who do we identify with most? Who do you warm to most?

2. Esau is clearly a man of appetite and seems impulsive. It’s reflected perhaps in the way he takes various wives as well as food! Jacob’s marriage by contrast could be described as one of ‘delayed gratification’. How much is instant gratification part of our culture today? Why might this trait seeking instant gratification cause people to miss the most important and sacred things of life?

3. Why does God bless Jacob?

4. How is Jacob changed by his ‘blessing’? What does God use to shape his life?

5. Have you ever ‘wrestled with God’ for a blessing? How does this relate to Jesus teaching on prayer in Luke 18?

TAKE HOME FOOTNOTES

Jacob gets to be the one who carries the covenantal blessing of God (28:3-4). He flees to a far country, where he finds refuge wives and children. His blessing isn’t instant or easy however. Who do you think has the easier life, Esau or Jacob?

1. God is going to work on your character if you seek his blessing however as he does with Jacob. It’s not just a case of ‘bless me, but leave me unchanged’!

2. Family favouritism causes trouble, but Jacob doesn’t learn that lesson (c.f. Jacob & Joseph). It’s a problem through the generations of his family.

3. Jesus must have had this story in mind when he told his own story of the prodigal son. He inverts some of the characteristics of the two sons but his story lands with the question ‘do you want the father’s blessing’? No matter what our character or gifts are ‘seeking first the kingdom of God’ seeking blessing is the route to becoming part of God’s kingdom story, place and purpose.

Both / And: Jacob & Esau | Clare Thompson at 11am | 7th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

7 February 2021 - 11am Service

Both/And: Jacob & Esau

This Sunday we start our new preaching series Both/And with a message from Clare Thompson on ‘Jacob & Esau’.

In this series, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, our 7pm service will be looking at the same topic Dave Mitchell will be sharing with us. Check it out!

DISCUSSION NOTES

INTRODUCTION | Genesis 25:20-34 (Chapters 27-33)

Key thought: Seeking blessing.

A mature Church has mature people, with diverse gifts equipped by a diverse team. Ephesians 4 gives us a template of a ‘five-fold ministry’, a team that equips a Church. The missiologist Alan Hirsch has invested heavily into the five-fold ministry (or APEST) with his 5Q teaching where he suggests this model is for everyone.

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. If we describe the characters of Jacob and Esau briefly. Who do we identify with most? Who do you warm to most?

2. Esau is clearly a man of appetite and seems impulsive. It’s reflected perhaps in the way he takes various wives as well as food! Jacob’s marriage by contrast could be described as one of ‘delayed gratification’. How much is instant gratification part of our culture today? Why might this trait seeking instant gratification cause people to miss the most important and sacred things of life?

3. Why does God bless Jacob?

4. How is Jacob changed by his ‘blessing’? What does God use to shape his life?

5. Have you ever ‘wrestled with God’ for a blessing? How does this relate to Jesus teaching on prayer in Luke 18?

TAKE HOME FOOTNOTES

Jacob gets to be the one who carries the covenantal blessing of God (28:3-4). He flees to a far country, where he finds refuge wives and children. His blessing isn’t instant or easy however. Who do you think has the easier life, Esau or Jacob?

1. God is going to work on your character if you seek his blessing however as he does with Jacob. It’s not just a case of ‘bless me, but leave me unchanged’!

2. Family favouritism causes trouble, but Jacob doesn’t learn that lesson (c.f. Jacob & Joseph). It’s a problem through the generations of his family.

3. Jesus must have had this story in mind when he told his own story of the prodigal son. He inverts some of the characteristics of the two sons but his story lands with the question ‘do you want the father’s blessing’? No matter what our character or gifts are ‘seeking first the kingdom of God’ seeking blessing is the route to becoming part of God’s kingdom story, place and purpose.

Both / And: Jacob & Esau | David Mitchell at 8.30am | 7th February 2021

What can we learn from ‘both/and’ characters in the Bible?

7 February 2021 - 8.30am Zoom Service

Both / And: Jacob & Esau

This audio recording is from our Early Service which is runs live on Zoom.

David Mitchell shares a message on ‘Jacob & Esau’ from our preaching series Both / And.

This February and March, we’ll be exploring some of the rich characterisation of people we don’t often look at from the Bible.

In particular, we’ll be focusing on issues raised in these contrasting personalities. The people we’re focusing on will show different examples of what ambition, leadership and servanthood looked like and how their own strengths and weaknesses affected them and those in their lives. 

Remember, later today at the 11am and 7pm services we’ll hear pastors speak on the same topic. Go check it out!