Christ Church Sutton Team Audio
Upload New mp3 Get this on itunesTalking Jesus 6- Light in the Darkness ()
Talking Jesus 4- knowing God's story ()
The fifth talk in our 'talking Jesus' series. Bible passages- 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 and John 3:16-21
by Philip Burgess Series: Talking Jesus
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Talking Jesus 3- let your light shine ()
Talking Jesus 2- the good shepherd ()
The second in our 'talking Jesus' series. Why bother to take the risk of evangelism? The parable of the good shepherd gives us a grounding- what we are like, what God is like, and how we find our motivation.
Bible passage- Luke 10:1-10
by Phil Brooks Series:
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Talking Jesus 1- who do you say he is? ()
The first in our 'Talking Jesus' series. Bible reading: Matthew 16:13-17
by Phil Brooks Series:
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psalm 95 ()
a sermon on psalm 95, preached Sunday 15th August 2021
by Phil Brooks Series: summer psalms
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psalm 73 ()
by Philip Burgess Series: summer psalms
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Rest- Psalm 131 ()
Rest- when things get scary ()
Rest- the day of rest ()
Rest- come to me ()
Resurrection Body 7- the beautiful bride ()
Resurrection Body 6- the end of pentecost ()
Resurrection Body 5- sent into the world ()
Resurrection Body 4- a real community ()
Resurrection Body 3- loved into loving service ()
Resurrection Body 2- Shaped by the Gospel ()
Resurrection Body 1- launchpad ()
The first in our series about the church, called 'who are we?' . We are Jesus' Resurrection body.
Bible readings: John 20:19-23, Acts 1:1-11
by Phil Brooks Series: Church
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Jeremiah 31 ()
Matthew 6: Do Not Worry ()
A sermon from Richard Springate, of St Patrick's church, Wallington, on Matthew 6:25-34.
by Richard Springate Series:
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John 2- Jesus clears the temple ()
A talk from Revd. Martin Hayward on John 2:13-22, Jesus clearing the temple courts
by Martin Hayward Series:
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Psalm 5 ()
Psalm 50 ()
John 1, Colossians 1 ()
Mark 1 21-28 ()
A talk on Mark chapter 1, vs 21-28. What do we mean by Authority? How does Jesus demonstrate his ?
by Nigel Bennett Series:
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genesis 14 ()
psalm 139 ()
Psalm 139 says some encouraging things about us- we are fearfully and wonderfully made, knitted together in our mother's wombs. Better yet, Psalm 139 points us towards a fearsome and wonderful maker.
by Phil Brooks Series:
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1 John chapter 4 ()
1 John 1 ()
Real Change ()
Real Church pt2 ()
Real Church pt1 ()
APCM 2020- the Three Crowns ()
Coronavirus is so-called because it looks like a crown. Crowns are symbols of authority and power. Coronavirus has authority and power over us. Our hope comes from another crown- the crown of thorns that Jesus wore; he died so that all who trust in him might receive the crown of life. Bible reading: Hebrews 1:1-4
by Phil Brooks Series:
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filled with the fullness of God ()
What are we becoming? ()
the beginning of a new series- what are we going back to? What does it mean for us as a church to be 'all together in ministry?'
2 Corinthians 4:16-5:5
by Phil Brooks Series: All Together In Ministry
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Psalm 71 ()
Psalm 65 ()
psalm 49 ()
Psalm 42 ()
'As the deer pants for the water, so my soul longs after you'. Our hearts are hungry for God, and we experience a great deal of doubt. Psalm 42 shows us that faith and doubt accompany one another, and that Jesus Christ is the one who showed real doubt and ultimate trust. With him, we can pray this psalm with gut-wrenching honesty and with joyful faith.
by Nigel Bennett Series: Summer Psalms
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Jacob's ladder ()
'God was in this place and I did not know it'- a reading of Genesis 28:10-17, followed by a sermon.
by Simon Keen Series:
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Genesis 25 and 27- Jacob and Esau ()
Genesis 25 and 27- Jacob and Esau- with sermon by Francesca Perlman
by Francesca Perlman Series:
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Genesis 24 ()
A reading of excerpts from Genesis 24, followed by a sermon on the passage
by Phil Brooks Series:
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Genesis 22- the binding of Isaac ()
Genesis 18:1-15, Genesis 21:1-7 ()
A sermon on Abraham's faith, God's goodness, and our need to trust in him alone. Bible readings: Genesis 18:1-15, Genesis 21:1-7
by Phil Brooks Series:
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Genesis 15 ()
The Great Commission ()
Pentecost- lockdown 2020 edition ()
Psalm 47- praising the King ()
God's people have used Psalm 47 through the centuries to celebrate the Ascension of Jesus Christ. In Psalm 47 we are called to worship Christ because he loves his church, and through his church will gather the whole world to himself.
by Phil Brooks Series:
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John 14:15-21 The Comforter ()
Jesus is talking to his disciples on the night before he dies. He promises that whatever happens, he will be present with them, always, through the comforter, the Holy Spirit. Bible reading: John 14:15-21
by Nigel Bennett Series:
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1 Peter 2: Living Stones ()
A sermon on 1 Peter 2:1-10. The building is not the church, but the church is a building- made of living stones, with Christ as the centrepiece. 1 PEter 2:1-10
by Phil Series:
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John 10- 'I am the good shepherd' ()
Psalm 116 ()
'I love the Lord, for he heard my cry'. Whoever wrote this Psalm has a real, lived, personal relationship with God; they know him as their rescuer, trust him with their life, and live in gratitude. This Psalm begins to deepen and widen as we read it with alongside the Lord Jesus- the true worshipper.
by Phil Brooks Series:
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Psalm 116 ()
'I love the Lord, for he heard my cry'. Whoever wrote this Psalm has a real, lived, personal relationship with God; they know him as their rescuer, trust him with their life, and live in gratitude. This Psalm begins to deepen and widen as we read it with alongside the Lord Jesus- the true worshipper.
by Phil Brooks Series:
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Easter 1- Thomas ()
Jesus' disciples have heard he's alive, but they're not quite sure what to make of it, so they hide together in a locked room. Jesus arrives in the midst of them- a joyful, life changing experience. Thomas isn't there. He finds it all hard to believe... until Jesus turns up again a week later. Do we need to see Jesus with our own eyes in order to believe in him? Bible reading: John 20:19-31
by Phil Brooks Series:
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Easter Sunday ()
He is not here- He is Risen! How are we to take the angel's message under the sad experience of Coronavirus? The angel, and the Risen Lord Jesus say 'Don't be afraid'- there is a tremendous amount of grace in that command. Bible reading: Matthew 28:1-10
by Phil Brooks Series:
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Palm Sunday- Passion Readings ()
A bible reading from Luke 22 and 23- with a sermon from Nigel afterwards.
by Nigel Bennett Series: Holy Week and Easter 2020
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Isaiah 65 ()
Isaiah 65, read by Terry, followed by a sermon by Phil.
As we reach the end of Isaiah in a time of exile, we rejoice that God is not silent, and that he is preparing a new heavens and a new earth for those who trust in him.
by Phil Brooks Series: Isaiah
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Isaiah 60 ()
Isaiah 60 is a vision of a sunrise over a dark city- God's glory shines on, and through his people. How can we as a church glorify God even with the challenges we are currently facing? 3 thoughts-
Trusting Jesus with our anxiety, being the best neighbours we can be, and continuing to worship and enjoy God. Reading: Isaiah 60
by Phil Brooks Series: Isaiah
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Isaiah 55 ()
In Isaiah 55, God calls his people to true life and satisfaction in him- freely given, to all who thirst. We are invited to drink the living water. John records an example of this from Jesus' ministry in Samaria- a woman who finds the living water standing in front of her. Bible readings: John 4, Isaiah 55
by Simon Keen Series: Isaiah
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Isaiah 52:13-53:12 ()
'by his wounds we are healed'. Jesus' death was violent, but it is the heart of the Christian faith. Christ's death was violent, vicarious and voluntary.
Reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12
by Phil Brooks Series: Isaiah
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Isaiah 49:1-13 ()
Isaiah 49 is a 'servant song'- showing us Christ. This servant is called to God's people to restore them, equip them- and send them out into the world. Jesus is radically inclusive- he calls his church to gather all people, from every race, nation, and background. Reading: Isaiah 49:1-13
by Moira Astin Series: Isaiah
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Isaiah 43 ()
I, even I, am the Lord, and apart from me there is no saviour'- Isaiah 43 declares the truth that salvation is found in Christ alone. Bible reading: Isaiah 43
by Francesca Perlman Series: Isaiah
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Isaiah 34 & 35 ()
Isaiah sees the end of the world as we know it- and sees that each of us is making a choice; to face the disaster and death of Isaiah 34, or the eternal joy of Isaiah 35. We see that Jesus went through the wrath of Isaiah 34 so that we could know the mercy and joy of Isaiah 35. Bible reading: Isaiah 34&35
by Phil Brooks Series: Isaiah
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Isaiah 30 ()
It is a given in the Bible that life is full of concerns and worries. The question is- what do we do with them? Isaiah 30 shows us the invitation of Christ - 'come to me, all who are weary, and I will give you rest'.
Bible reading: Isaiah 30:1-22
by Phil Brooks Series: Isaiah
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Isaiah 11&12 ()
Isaiah's vision of Jesus is enormous- a huge mountain range. Isaiah 11 is one of the peaks. Isaiah 11 shows us something about the now and future King Jesus, and the kind of Kingdom that he will one day bring about in fulness. Bible reading: Isaiah 11&12.
by John Adams Series: Isaiah
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Isaiah 6 ()
In the year King Uzziah died... Isaiah met the real King. We so often settle for bland God-talk, token sprinklings of holy water- and Isaiah is a much-needed does of reality. Isaiah sees a vision of God in his temple, and things are never the same again. Readings: Isaiah 6, John 12:37-46
by Phil Brooks Series: Isaiah
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Luke 19:1-10 ()
We don't know what Zaccheus was looking for when he climbed up a tree to get a better look at Jesus. What we do know is that Zaccheus' life was never the same- he heard Jesus' call, and was transformed for ever. Bible reading: Luke 19:1-10
by Francesca Perlman Series: Luke's Gospel
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Luke 18:18-30 ()
The young man approaches Jesus, respectful but gravely mistaken. What must I do to inherit eternal life? Jesus' answer devastates him. He thinks that Jesus is something he needs to add to his life; Jesus' response shows that eternal life is something that cannot be bought, and cannot just be added to your life. Bible reading: Luke 18:18-30
by Phil Brooks Series: Luke's Gospel
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Luke 9:10-17 ()
A large crowd gathers around Jesus, and it's got way past dinnertime and the shops are shut. Jesus turns to his disciples and says 'you feed them!'. How are we to respond to the needs of the world? bible reading: Luke 9:10-17
by Ray Skinner Series: Luke's Gospel
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Luke 8:40-56 ()
We don't find it easy when God seems to answer our prayers with less urgency than we pray them. Jairus meets Jesus in extreme need- his little girl is sick, near death. Jesus heads down to heal her, but en route has a significant conversation with someone whose needs seem less urgent; while this conversation is happening, the child dies. Jesus looks at grieving Jairus in the eyes, and says 'don't worry- have faith in me'. Bible reading: Luke 8:40-56
by Phil Brooks Series: Luke's Gospel
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Luke 8: 4-8, 22-24 ()
Seeds and Storms- Luke 8 begins with Jesus' parable of the sower; faith may begin brightly, but rocky ground will leave it fading quickly. When a (literal) storm hits the disciples, it reveals quickly their faith in Christ. When the (metaphorical) storms of life hit us- what kind of faith do they reveal? Bible readings: Luke 8:4-8, 22-24
by Simon Keen Series: Luke's Gospel
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Luke 7:36-50 ()
It's the nightmare dinner party scenario: The great and the good are gathered around, and you're embarassingly crashed by a woman of 'ill repute'. The interaction between Jesus and the 'sinful woman' is touching, beautiful,- but it also reveals the hearts of the pharisees gathered around, who find the whole thing revolting. This moment reveals our own hearts as well- do we see ourselves as basically good people, who need Jesus for some inspiration (as Simon and the Pharisees did), or do we see ourselves as sinners, rebels against God, only loved and rescued because of his great Kindness? Bible reading: Luke 5:36-50
by Nigel Bennett Series: Luke's Gospel
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Luke 5:27-32 ()
Jesus calls Levi- 'follow me'. In the same way, Jesus calls each one of us to follow him. Bible reading: Luke 5:27-32
by Bishop Graham Kings Series: Luke's Gospel
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Luke 5:12-16 ()
To have Leprosy is bad news at any time- in first century Palestine, it would leave you helpless, ostracised- an outsider in every way possible. When a Leper approaches, the gathered crowd would have expected Jesus to steer clear of him- yet instead, Jesus touches him, bringing healing and cleansing- life in all its fullness. Reading: Luke 5:12-16
by Phil Brooks Series: Luke's Gospel
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Luke 3:15-22 ()
In his Baptism, Jesus identifies with sinful humanity. After being Baptised, Jesus hears his heavenly Father speak words of delighted affirmation and sonship over him. Taken together, these two things are life-changing good news- through Jesus, Christians can know God as their heavenly Father. As we begin this series, we also note the reliability of Luke's Gospel. Bible reading: Luke 3:15-22
by Phil Brooks Series: Luke's Gospel
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Amos 5 ()
As we finish the book of Amos, we are given a glimpse of God, and a glimpse of his purposes that go beyond judgement- a restored, renewed creation. As we look back through the book of Amos, we see two things held in tension- that God hates sin and will judge it, and that God loves his people and will deliver them. Bible reading: Amos 9
by Phil Brooks Series: Amos
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Amos 4 ()
Amos 7 & 8 are doses of cold, hard reality- God's judgement is coming, and Israel has ignored one warning too many- is too late to avoid judgement. None of us know how long we will have until we face God to make account of our lives- we can be grateful that today is an opportunity to turn to Christ. Bible readings: Amos 7&8
by Phil Brooks Series: Amos
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Amos 3 ()
In chapters 5 & 6 of Amos, the Prophet speaks out against complacency. Through material comfort, military confidence and religious formalism, Israel had become complacent, and were no longer attuned to the voice of God. Amos' message presents challenges for us today- for our nation, for our national church, for us at Christ Church, and for each of us individually.
by Nigel Bennett Series: Amos
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Amos 2 ()
In Chapters 3&4 of Amos, we hear of God's fierce judgement over Israel. This judgement is not in spite of God's love for his people, but because of it. Rather than fearing and hating God's judgement, a Christian will know that God's judgement over sin is a good thing, and respond to God's warnings with gratitude. Bible readings: Amos 3&4, Luke 13:1-5
by Phil Brooks Series: Amos
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Amos 1 ()
In the Bible, we often see God speaking to his people in ways that are quiet and still. In Amos we come across a God who roars with a wild, fierce passion over his broken world. As we begin looking at the message of Amos, are we ready to meet this God? And are we prepared to hear this roar most powerfully in Jesus? Bible readings: Amos 1&2
by Phil Brooks Series: Amos
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Pentecost 2019 ()
In John 14, Jesus comforts his disciples with news of a 'comforter' who is to come. The disciples do not know at the time, but they will soon understand that Jesus will still be with them, even after he has ascended, through his Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will enable the disciples to know Jesus deeply, and to proclaim the good news with clarity, confidence and compassion. Readings: John 14:8-15, 25-27, Acts 2:1-21
by Phil Brooks Series:
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Are you a Parishioner? ()
Two disciples walk on the road, away from Jerusalem. They don't know Jesus is alive; in fact, they have rejected the claim. Jesus walks alongside them. God opens their eyes to the truth with His word, but also through hospitality. As a parish church, we have a duty to share Christ with the 10'000 or so who live in our Parish through proclamation and hospitality . Being a people of the Cross will give us the motivation, power, and humility that we need.
by Phil Brooks Series: Vision 2019
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The Two Trees ()
In Psalm 1, we are given the image of a tree planted by a stream of water; because it is connected to a never-ending source of life, the tree can withstand the pressures of drought and sunshine. In the same way, we are invited to take steps into the life of Christ. Bible readings: Psalm 1, Matthew 7:13-27
by Phil Brooks Series: Vision 2019
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Boasting in nothing else ()
In this new season, we consider our Mission Action Plan; not as a box to tick, but as a vision for the long-term ministry and mission of Christ Church. Paul tells the church in Galatia 'May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ'- our hope and prayer is that Jesus Christ will be our only boast, our only motivation, our only security. Following Jesus faithfully is the be-all and end-all of church life. The implications of 'boasting only in the cross' are life-changing and challenging. Bible reading: Galatians 6:11-18
by Phil Brooks Series: Vision 2019
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Easter Sunday ()
An all-age talk from Easter Sunday- Jesus is alive! But is this true? and what does it mean if it is?
Apologies the sound is less clear than usual.
by Phil Brooks Series:
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Leviticus- where do we go from here? ()
At the end of Leviticus, God tells Israel of the joy and blessings that will come from following him, and the curses and pain that will come from turning away. In this reading, we see that even the painful parts of life can be ways that God brings us back to him. When suffering comes, will we see God's hand in it as we turn back to him?
Reading: Leviticus 26
by Phil Brooks Series: Leviticus
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Leviticus: Jubilee ()
Leviticus 25 shows a radical way of ordering human society- every 50 years, all land would be returned to original owners, and all debts would be called off. This would involve trusting God for his provision, assurance of redemption, and the promise of a fresh start. All of these are found and fulfilled in Jesus. Readings: Leviticus 25, Matthew 6:25-34.
by Simon Keen Series: Leviticus
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Leviticus: Festivals ()
In Leviticus 23, God gives Israel yet another gift- an annual cycle of festivals that remember and anticipate God's goodness to them. In this talk, we see how these festivals point towards Jesus. Bible readings: Leviticus 23, Psalm 98
by Phil Brooks Series: Leviticus
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Leviticus: Sabbath ()
In Leviticus 23, God repeats the command that Israel is to set aside a day each week for rest. We often consider rest in terms of work/life balance, creativity and productivity, but Leviticus talks in terms of Holiness. Sabbath is about finding rest in God; for Christians, our rest is found in Christ. Readings: Leviticus 23:1-3 and Matthew 11:25-30.
by Phil Brooks Series: Leviticus
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Leviticus: Cleanliness is next to Godliness ()
chapters 11-15 of Leviticus contains detailed rules regarding food, illness, tent care and bodily discharge. Although it seems arbitrary, it is in fact a rich symbolic system for ritual purity, in order that they could dwell with a Holy God. Jesus radically changes how we read these laws- Christians are to value purity and integrity, but are free from the constraints of these chapters. What is more, when Jesus comes face to face with uncleanness, he offers compassion, wholeness and healing. Bible readings: Leviticus 11:1-12, 41-45, Leviticus 15:25-31, Mark 5:24-34
by Phil Brooks Series: Leviticus
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Leviticus: Messy Church ()
'out, damn spot!' Sin stains and spoils. In Leviticus, 4, God gives his people a way to know forgiveness and purity through the shedding of animal blood. For Christians, Jesus' blood is the final, complete, and only sacrifice we will ever need. However, Sin will still disrupt our relationship with God- and damage our joy in him. Honest confession and repentance is one of the ways that God gives us to know forgiveness and purity today. Bible reading: Leviticus 4&5.
by Phil Brooks Series: Leviticus
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Leviticus: Up In Smoke ()
Unlike the anxious sacrifices of the neighbouring cultures, Israel's offerings were given as joyful response to God's rescue and provision. In Leviticus 1, we read of the Burnt Offering- where precious gifts would go up in smoke. Christians can know that in Jesus, God has provided the only sacrifice we could ever offer God- but the call to offer what is precious to us remains. We can do so knowing that nothing that is offered to Christ is wasted. Bible reading: Leviticus 1-3
by Phil Brooks Series: Leviticus
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Leviticus: Strange Fire ()
Leviticus is one of the more difficult and books of the Bible, but it's major themes should be familiar to all Christians- Leviticus is how a Holy God can draw near to his people, show them how to be Holy, and arranges provision for when they fail to be Holy. The story of Nadab and Abihu is shocking, but demonstrates that God's Holiness is not something to be taken for granted.
Apologies that the first 30 seconds of the sermon are missing. Bible reading: Leviticus 10:1-17
by Phil Brooks Series: Leviticus
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Ephesians 6: Spiritual Warfare ()
The Christian life is a battle- we have an enemy who is determined to rob us of our joy in Christ. Paul urges us to put on the armour of God, in certainty that when we hold tight to the Gospel, we are safe from the temptations and despair of the devil. Bible reading: Ephesians 6:10-24
by Phil Brooks Series: Ephesians
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Ephesians 5:21-6:9 Mutual Submission ()
We live in a culture where personal freedom and autonomy are seen as essential for human happiness. The Bible speaks of a different way- communities of mutual submission and love are where people flourish best. In Chapter 5 and 6 of Ephesians, Paul shows examples of what this looks like in different areas of life. Bible reading: Ephesians 5:21-6:9
by Simon Keen Series: Ephesians
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Ephesians 4:17-32 ()
Paul encourages the Ephesians to take off the old life of sin, ignorance, and darkness, and put on new life in Christ. This is something all Christians struggle with, and yet deep change can only come as a gift of God. In our daily fight, we can be encouraged that growing in holiness is always battle, is largely invisible, and is usually slow- yet Christ will continue his work in each one of us. reading: Ephesians 4:17-32
by Phil Brooks Series: Ephesians
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Ephesians 4:1-16 ()
You won't find a group of people as diverse as the church; in a world that tends towards fracture, the church is a sign of a new humanity that God is creating through Jesus Christ.
In Ephesians chapter 4, we learn that the unity of the church is not an end to itself, but that its' purpose is that we might grow into maturity in Christ. For that to happen, each of us has a role to play. Bible reading: Ephesians 4:1-16
by Phil Brooks Series: Ephesians
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Ephesians 3 ()
Much of the religion around at the time Paul wrote to the Ephesians was based on 'mysteries'- invite-only secret knowledge. By contrast, God's mysteries are an 'open secret' revealed in Christ. God's infinite grace is available, through Jesus, to all; Paul's prayer is that his readers would grasp how 'wide and long and high and deep' the love of Christ is. Bible reading: Ephesians 3
by Nigel Bennett Series:
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Transforming Love ()
Ephesians 2 shows us three major transformations that Christians can be thankful for- from spiritual death to life in Christ, from hostile strangers into loving community, and finally into a living temple. Bible reading: Ephesians 2
by Simon Keen Series: Ephesians
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Christianity and Islam in the Western World ()
Knowing God ()
When Paul prays for the persecuted Christians in Ephesus, he doesn't pray for them to stop being persecuted- he prays that they might know God better. Ephesians 1:15-23 shows how we can know God, and tells us of the hope that comes from being Christ's treasure. Bible reading: Ephesians 1:15-23
by Phil Brooks Series: Ephesians
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Ephesians 1:1-14 ()
We begin our new series on Ephesians with a look at Paul's opening prayer. We unpack the blessings that Christians have in Christ- we are saved into community, we are saved into security, and we are saved for a purpose. Bible reading: Ephesians 1:1-14, Luke 12:22-32
by Phil Brooks Series: Ephesians
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There's a riot going on ()
The Ephesians are doing a brisk trade selling religious merchandise, until a growing number of Christians begin to affect their profits because they no longer buy idols. The second half of Acts 19 shows the effect that Christians can have on the surrounding culture, and gives us some principles for doing so. Bible reading: Acts 19:23-41
by Phil Brooks Series: Gospel Explosion
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Paul vs Athens ()
Paul arrives in Athens unexpectedly, and is distressed by the idolatry around him. The Athenians problem isn't that they are religious, but that they are worshipping false gods in ignorance. By God's grace, Paul is able to understand the culture, and speak into it powerfully. In doing so, Paul shows us how to address the idols of our own age, and in doing so points us to the living God of Jesus Christ. Bible reading: Acts 17:16-34
by Nigel Bennett Series: Gospel Explosions
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Paul and Barnabas in Lystra ()
Paul and Barnabas are mistaken for gods- and the response of the crowd shows their fear and anxiety. Paul shows the people of Lystra that the living God is bigger, better and kinder than they think. Whilst we today have vastly superior technology to the ancient world, we have the same basic anxieties that the ancients did- the comfort and joy of the good news of Jesus brings comfort and joy to us today.
Bible reading: Acts 14:8-20
by Phil Brooks Series: Gospel Explosion
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Philip and the Ethiopian ()
Philip's encounter with the Ethiopian Eunuch is clearly supernatural, but has some very familiar human elements to it as well. These two men were different from one another in most conceivable ways, and yet by the end of the encounter they are brothers in Christ. As Christians, we are called to demonstrate some of the same cross-cultural humility and courage that Philip and the Ethiopian show, so that we may know and share Christ's fulfilment of our deep loneliness and longing for acceptance. Bible reading: Acts 8:26-40
by Phil Brooks Series: Gospel Explosion
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Pentecost ()
The coming of the Holy Spirit transforms Jesus' followers- not into uniformity, but into diversity. Pentecost re-tells the story of Babel, transcending cultural, religious and racial barriers around the Lordship of Jesus. Listening well to the world around us- especially those whom we disagree with, or want to introduce to Christ- is a key part of following Jesus in our century as much as in the first.
Acts 1:1-21
by David Banks Series: Gospel Explosion
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Ascension ()
The Ascension is a commonly underestimated festival in the Christian year- St Augustine called it 'the crown of all the feasts'. The Ascension gives us the assurance that Christ reigns supreme, but doesn't leave us gawping at the sky- it sends us out into the world to share the love of Christ. Bible reading: Acts 1:1-11
by Simon Keen Series:
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Solid and Personal (APCM address) ()
In our age of 'DIY' spirituality, our hearts crave a meaning and purpose to life that is bigger than ourselves, but also personal. Only Christianity can offer this. After his Resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples, not as a ghost, but as a real person to give them solid hope. In this next season of church life, our hope and prayer is that we will increasingly put our trust in Christ. Bible reading: Luke 24:36-49
by Phil Brooks Series:
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Job 8 ()
In Job 42, we read of Job's final satisfaction in God. Job is not given the reason for his suffering, but he does experience the blessing of restored joy in God, and riches beyond his previous fortune. Job's restoration is a tantalising glimpse of the full and final restoration of heaven and earth that will be completed in Christ. Bible reading: Job 42
by Nigel Bennett Series: Job
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Job 7 ()
The God of the Bible does not meet our expectations. When God speaks to Job, he doesn't come gently and offer him a solution or explanation for his troubles. Instead, God arrives as a terrifying whirlwind and shows Job a glimpse of his awesome glory; within the whirlwind Job finds the 'terrible and tingling atmosphere of something too good to be told' (GK Chesterton). It is good news that God is not like us, and that he is far beyond our imagination and understanding. Bible readings: Job 38-41, Matthew 8:28-34
by Phil Brooks Series: Job
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Job 6 ()
Elihu is the last human voice to enter the conversation with Job. In his speech, he contends that suffering is not meaningless, and that God can use our pain to draw us to himself, and grow in our maturity in Christ. Suffering and pain are a certain part of life. What is less certain is how we respond. Will suffering bring us closer to God, or further away from him? Readings: Job 32-27, John 16:29-33
by Phil Brooks Series: Job
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Job 5 ()
With Zophar's harsh and unhelpful counsel, something in Job snaps. Job doesn't want to hear another word of human wisdom- he wants God. In the midst of terrible personal circumstances, the thing he grieves most is God's presence. Whatever the cost to himself, Job simply wants to be before Almighty God. When we suffer in life, will we turn from God, or towards him?
Readings: Job chapters 11-14 (selections) and Luke 13:1-5
by Phil Brooks Series: Job
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Job 4 ()
Job's friend Bildad is even less helpful than Eliphaz, turning Job's misery against him. Surely, all this disaster is your fault, Job? In despair, Job cries out for vindication, knowing that being counted righteous and innocent before God is his only hope. In crying out for a defence, Job points us towards Jesus- the Christians' true access to God, and our true righteousness before God's Holy throne. Bible readings: Job 8-11, Luke 23:44-47
by Simon Keen Series: Job
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Job 3 ()
How to Lose friends and alienate people: What do you say when someone is struggling? Job is in a pit of grief and despair, and eventually his friends begin to share their thoughts on Job's suffering. They're not very helpful. Eliphaz is first to speak, and although he speaks words of truth, he is far too simplistic and pious. The book of Job shows us that the problem of suffering is not a puzzle to solve, but a deep mystery. Bible readings: Job 4:1-11, 5:6-11, 5:17-27
by Phil Brooks Series: Job
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Job 2 (Job 2 v 11 - 3 v 26, John 11 v17-44)
Good Grief! Job's friends help him as he works through his grief. How are we dealing with grief or how can we help others through their grief? Bible readings: Job 2 v 11 - 3 v 26, John 11 v17-44
by Nigel Bennett Series: Job
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Job 1 ()
The book of Job is disturbing, bleakly beautiful, and deeply challenging. In the midst of the deepest pain, Job refuses to let go of his confidence in God's sovereignty. In doing so, Job points us towards the suffering and obedience of Jesus Christ. Bible readings: Job 1-2, John 9:1-12
by Phil Brooks Series: Job
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Pointing to Jesus ()
John the Baptist's ministry was mighty, but it was simple- he pointed people to Jesus Christ. In this talk, guest preacher John Adams (Emmanuel church, Wimbledon) encourages us to do the same. Reading: Mark 1:1-8
by John Adams Series:
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Christ the King of everything (including your wallet) ()
The Pharisees set a trap for Jesus, using a controversial issue of the day to try and get him into trouble. Instead, Jesus points to our obligation to give to God all that belongs to him- our entire lives. Bible passages: Deuteronomy 6:1-9, Matthew 22: 15-22
by Simon Keen Series: Money
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Jesus, you and Money ()
How we view and spend our money is an essential part of our response to the Gospel as disciples of Jesus. In this talk, we see how God's priority isn't our wallets, but our hearts. Bible readings: 2 Corinthians 8:1-9, Mark 12:41-44
by Phil Brooks Series: Money
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To the Glory of God Alone: Reformation 5 ()
When human beings insist on being glorified, it is deeply unattractive. What are we to make of God's command that we worship him only, and seek his glory above all others? The God of the Bible is not needy, and is glorified both by his creation and our redemption. The most soul-satisfying way to live is to cherish God's glory. Bible readings: Psalm 115:1-8, Luke 2:8-20
by Series: Reformation 500
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Lecture: Reformation 500 3/11/17 ()
A talk by Rev'd Dr Mark Smith, Chaplain of Christ's College, Cambridge, and Lecturer in Church History, University of Cambridge. Mark explores the background, impact and continuing influence of the reformation.
by Rev'd Dr Mark Smith Series: Reformation 500
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Scripture Alone: 29/10/17 ()
500 years ago, people across Europe were willing to risk being burned alive in order to read their Bibles in English. The truth that led them to do that was new and exciting to them, but dangerously familiar to us: The Bible is God's Word, given to us, and the ultimate authority for our lives. In this talk, we see that the Bible is enough, the Bible is challenging, and the Bible is personal. Readings: Psalm 19, Luke 24:13-27
by Series: Reformation 500
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Faith Alone: 22/10/17 ()
Salvation is offered to us through Christ, by Grace. We grasp that for ourselves by Faith in Jesus. In this talk, we hear that Faith in Christ is reasonable, Faith in Christ is personal, Faith in Christ is a gift, Faith in Christ is life-changing, and your Faith in Christ in insufficient- but the good news is that Christ's Faith is enough. Readings: Romans 5:1-11, Luke 5:17-26
by Phil Brooks Series: Reformation 500
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Grace Alone: 15/10/17 ()
We live in a world that is hungry for grace. The Bible shows us that our need for grace is deeper than we realise, but likewise God's grace to us in Christ is bigger still, and bought at a dearer cost than we can imagine. Bible readings: Ephesians 2:1-10 (also Mark 10:13-16)
by Phil Brooks Series: Reformation 500
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Christ Alone: 8/10/17 ()
Jesus Christ claims to be the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Whilst this is controversial, those who put their trust in Christ know him to be their comfort, their joy, and their hope for the future. Bible Readings: Colossians 1: 15-20, John 14:1-7.
by Phil Brooks Series: Reformation 500
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