Paul writes his letter to the Philippians from the depths of a Roman jail, awaiting sentencing for preaching the good news about Jesus that might end in his execution. Despite that though, Philippians is a book full of joy, comfort, warmth, and connection. The key, as Paul reveals, and as Oasis will be exploring through this series, is that Jesus is enough, full stop.

This week, Mike asks the question of what we are each rejoicing in. The Apostle Paul's status, in his culture, was untouchable - he was everything anyone could want to be, and he did everything he was supposed to have done. And yet, none of that was worth anything to him any more. Jesus had changed everything, and this new way of living, utterly tansformed, is one that we are each invited to enjoy and embrace.

6. What Do You Rejoice In? - Mike Blaber

Advent means ‘arrival’ or ‘appearing’, and is an annual season for engaging with the reality of the ‘time between’ the comings of Christ. It is not simply the ‘build up to Christmas’, as if we pretend Jesus has not yet been born and then celebrate his birth. Rather, it is ‘forward leaning’ and engages with the unseen forces at work in the world, facing the darkness, embracing the light, and encouraging us in how to wait patiently whatever situations we are living with.

In this third and final talk, Mike explores Luke 1:57-79 - taking a deep dive into the character of Zachariah, and exploring what his song of joy about the birth of his son (John the Baptist) reveals about the one who is to follow, Jesus, the saviour.

Advent 2023: The Joy of Future Hope - Mike Blaber

What does a good leader look like? This year, Oasis is exploring the life of King David - a leader in the Bible who was known as "a man after God's own heart". Ultimately, David's story is one which shows us that God is overflowing with kindness and generosity, that human frailty can’t derail his plans and his purposes, and that the one David’s life is pointing to even in his flaws and failures, the true King, Jesus, really is enough.

This week, Mike explores the 'big picture' implications of David's battle with Goliath - delving into the themes in the story which represent some of the big themes across the whole sweep of the Bible. Together, he helps us to look at how this story reveals that the coming Shepherd King, Jesus, is the one we ultimately need; the one who comes to fight the ultimate battle and win for us freedom, hope, and life.

3. The Shepherd's Battle - Mike Blaber

This week, on Palm Sunday, Mike explores Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem, and compares the shouts of 'Hosanna' celebrating his arrival with the shouts of 'Crucify!' demanding his death just a week later.

Palm Sunday - Mike Blaber

What does a good leader look like? This year, Oasis is exploring the life of King David - a leader in the Bible who was known as "a man after God's own heart". Ultimately, David's story is one which shows us that God is overflowing with kindness and generosity, that human frailty can’t derail his plans and his purposes, and that the one David’s life is pointing to even in his flaws and failures, the true King, Jesus, really is enough.

This week, Mike takes us through the story of David hearing about the death of Saul, posing the question for each of us "What are you leaning on?" Together, we unpack how Saul died as he lived, leaning on his spear, whilst David leans on God's promises and the community of faith, and what we can learn from these two men about where we too need to be placing our hope.

12. The Death of a King - Mike Blaber

Everyone worships something, something that we put at the centre of our lives and orient ourselves around. In this series, we are exploring together as a community what it truly means to worship God - to put Him at the centre and allow Him to shape and transform everything about us. This week, Mike explores worship in the workplace - how our vocations (whatever that is looking like for us right now) are a place to enjoy and encounter Jesus.

8. Worship In The Workplace - Mike Blaber

In a world which seems to be becoming increasingly polarised, fractious and bitter - when life feels like a battle - how are those who have centred their lives on Jesus to live?

Paul's encouragement to the church in Ephesus is to shift their perspective; remembering that people are not the enemy, but that there is a spiritual battle going on which can be easily missed. In light of that reality, what's needed is supernatural support, and that's what God gives to His people in the form of a spiritual armour which gives the strength to stand.

This week, Mike looks at the Helmet of Salvation.

3. The Helmet of Salvation - Mike Blaber

Easter is a season that reminds each of us that God is a LIVING God - someone we are invited to encounter every day in His power, His kindness, His wisdom and His grace. What Jesus does by coming as a human, living, dying, and rising again, changes everything because it means that the presence of God isn't for a select few. He is for everyone!

This week, Mike begins the series by exploring the story of Jesus raising Lazarus to life.

1. The Tomb - Mike Blaber

This summer, we are releasing Adrian Hurst, who leads the Oasis Team, for a three month sabbatical from the beginning of June until the end of August.

This is a fantastic opportunity for him to recharge after helping to lead the community through a period of significant transition over the past few years — including the move to South Street, it’s renovation, restoration and purchase, and the COVID pandemic. 

This week, Mike takes some time to unpack the Biblical basis for sabbatical, as well as honouring Adrian, Lucy and the Hurst Family for the significant role they play in the life of Oasis.

Sabbatical - Mike Blaber

The Psalms are the Bible's songbook, giving voice to the full range of human experience and emotion. Whatever you are going through, there's a Psalm that speaks into your situation. In this series, different people from within Oasis share about Psalms that have made a significant impact on their lives, and what those Psalms have taught them about God.

This week, Mike gives an introduction to the book - helping set it within its proper context and inviting us to journey deeper into this incredible collection.

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