The City Church: Recent Episodes
The City Church
We are one Church that meets in two locations, Canterbury and Whitstable.
We are a Bible believing, Jesus worshipping, Spirit filled people who are convinced that the Church is the hope of the world. We exist to ‘Invite everyone to encounter Jesus.’
Every person who is part of The City Church has a story of a life transformed by the forgiveness, grace and power of Jesus Christ and we can’t keep that to ourselves. Jesus really is the best news for everyone who has ever and will ever live.
What does it mean for the church to be God’s army?
In the final message of our Church series, we explore Ephesians 6:10–18 and Paul’s call to put on the full armour of God. Jesus has already defeated sin and death, so we are not fighting to earn victory—we stand together and proclaim the victory He has already won.
This message considers the reality of spiritual warfare, the strength we receive from God, and the armour He gives us: truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation and the Word of God. We also discover why prayer is not passive, but a powerful way to stand firm, take ground and remain connected to our Commander.
The church was never meant to fight alone. United in Christ, equipped by His Word and empowered by His Spirit, we are stronger together.
How does God bring about His purposes? In this message from Genesis 1:1–5, we explore the remarkable way God works, bringing light out of darkness, creating something from nothing, and fulfilling His promises through the power of His Spirit.
Mike Betts reminds us that God has not abandoned His world. From creation to the Church today, God's heart has always been for the earth and for His people to reflect His light in every community. Even when life feels uncertain, empty, or marked by waiting, God is still at work. The Holy Spirit is often "hovering" over situations long before we see breakthrough, preparing the way for God's purposes to come to fruition.
This message encourages us to trust God's timing, embrace seasons of waiting, and believe that no life, church, or community is beyond His ability to transform. Our confidence is not in our own strength or resources, but in the God who simply speaks and brings life.
In this message from our The Church series, we explore Paul’s powerful declaration in 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 that the Church is God’s temple—the place where His Spirit dwells among His people.
Tracing the story of the temple throughout Scripture, from creation to the tabernacle, the temple in Jerusalem, and ultimately to Jesus and His Church, this sermon reminds us that God’s desire has always been to dwell with His people. Because the Holy Spirit lives within us, the Church is now God’s dwelling place in the world.
As we reflect on what it means to be God’s temple, we’re challenged to remain attentive to the Holy Spirit, pursue unity, and recognise the sacred calling of belonging to Christ’s Church. Rather than allowing division, distraction, or complacency to shape us, we’re invited to become a Spirit-led people who display God’s presence together.
Whether you’re exploring faith or have followed Jesus for many years, this message encourages us all to treasure the Church as God’s holy dwelling place and to respond together to His presence.
What does it mean to be part of God’s royal priesthood? In this message from 1 Peter 2:9–10, we explore the incredible identity every believer has in Christ. Through Jesus, we are no longer distant from God. We are chosen, forgiven, and invited to carry His presence into the world.
Looking at the role of priests in the Old Testament and how Jesus fulfils that role as our Great High Priest, this sermon reminds us that every Christian has a part to play. We are called to minister to one another, build up the Church, and represent Jesus wherever He has placed us.
Whether you’ve ever wondered if you have anything to contribute to church life or questioned how God could use you, this message is a powerful reminder that every believer has been chosen for a purpose.
What does it mean to be part of God’s royal priesthood? In this message from 1 Peter 2:9–10, we explore the incredible identity every believer has in Christ. Through Jesus, we are no longer distant from God. We are chosen, forgiven, and invited to carry His presence into the world.
Looking at the role of priests in the Old Testament and how Jesus fulfils that role as our Great High Priest, this sermon reminds us that every Christian has a part to play. We are called to minister to one another, build up the Church, and represent Jesus wherever He has placed us.
Whether you’ve ever wondered if you have anything to contribute to church life or questioned how God could use you, this message is a powerful reminder that every believer has been chosen for a purpose.
What does it mean to be the household of God?
As we continue our series exploring the nature of the Church, this message looks at Paul’s powerful picture of the Church as God’s household in Ephesians 2:19–22. More than an organisation or a weekly gathering, the Church is a family brought together through Christ, united by a shared identity, a shared belonging, and a shared purpose.
In this sermon, we explore three key truths about the household of God:
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A New Identity – Through Christ, we are no longer strangers or outsiders but sons and daughters of God, united as brothers and sisters in His family.
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A Shared Belonging – We are joined together by Christ, our cornerstone, and called to live as a community marked by love, unity, and intentional relationships.
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A Divine Purpose – The Church is being built together as a dwelling place for God by His Spirit, displaying His presence to the world.
This message challenges us to consider how we relate to one another within the Church and how we can actively contribute to the life of God’s household. It reminds us that Christian community is not optional—it is central to God’s design for His people.
What does it mean for the Church to be the Bride of Christ?
In week two of our series The Church, we explore one of the Bible’s most powerful images of God’s people—the Bride of Christ. Looking at Ephesians 5:25–32 and the wider story of Scripture, this message reveals God’s covenant love for His people and His purpose for the Church.
We discover three life-changing truths:
• Jesus loves His bride
• Jesus laid down His life for His bride
• Jesus sanctifies His bride
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells the story of a God who passionately loves His people and invites them into a relationship marked by love, trust, and covenant faithfulness. This sermon reminds us that the Church is far more than a building, an event, or a social club—it is the beloved Bride of Christ, redeemed by His sacrifice and being prepared for the day when He returns.
Whether you’re exploring faith, recovering from church hurt, or asking what it means to be fully committed to Jesus, this message offers both encouragement and challenge as we consider what it looks like to be “all in” for Christ and His Church.
We’re beginning a brand-new series exploring the biblical vision of the Church. In a culture filled with misconceptions about what the church is, this message takes us back to Scripture to discover how God describes His people. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12, we explore the powerful image of the Church as the Body of Christ - many different people united together under Jesus, each with a vital role to play.
This sermon reminds us that the Church is far more than a building, an event, or an organisation. We are Christ’s body in the world, called to carry His presence, continue His mission, and demonstrate His wisdom to a watching world. Whether you feel unseen, insignificant, or disconnected, this message offers a fresh vision of belonging, purpose, unity, and the privilege of being part of God’s people.
In this message we explore:
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What it means to be the Body of Christ
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Why every believer is needed and valued
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The beauty of diversity within the Church
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How the Holy Spirit unites God’s people
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God’s call to honour, care for, and serve one another
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The Church’s mission to represent Jesus in the world
As this new series begins, may God renew our vision of His Church and help us see ourselves and one another through His eyes.
As we conclude our series in Titus, we come to one of the clearest and most powerful summaries of the gospel in Scripture. In Titus 3, Paul reminds us of three life-changing truths: what we were saved from, what we were saved by, and what we were saved for.
We reflect on the reality of our sin, the incredible grace of God that saves us, and the purpose we now have as followers of Jesus. Salvation is not something we earn through good works—it is a gift of God’s mercy, made possible through the work of Jesus and applied to us by the Holy Spirit. Yet grace doesn’t leave us unchanged. The gospel transforms us, calling us to live lives that stand out, bear fruit, and point others to Christ.
In this message, we explore:
• What we were saved from: slavery to sin and separation from God
• What we were saved by: God’s grace, mercy, and the finished work of Jesus
• What we were saved for: a life of good works, witness, and purpose
• The difference between earning salvation and living out its fruit
• How Christians are called to shine like stars in a dark world
• Why we are called to be “fireflies, not chameleons”—distinctive in the way we live
This sermon challenges us to consider whether the transforming power of the gospel is visible in our everyday lives. Are we becoming more like Jesus? Do our words, actions, and relationships reflect the grace we’ve received? And are we living as ambassadors of Christ in the places God has called us?
As we conclude our series in Titus, we come to one of the clearest and most powerful summaries of the gospel in Scripture. In Titus 3, Paul reminds us of three life-changing truths: what we were saved from, what we were saved by, and what we were saved for.
We reflect on the reality of our sin, the incredible grace of God that saves us, and the purpose we now have as followers of Jesus. Salvation is not something we earn through good works—it is a gift of God’s mercy, made possible through the work of Jesus and applied to us by the Holy Spirit. Yet grace doesn’t leave us unchanged. The gospel transforms us, calling us to live lives that stand out, bear fruit, and point others to Christ.
In this message, we explore:
• What we were saved from: slavery to sin and separation from God
• What we were saved by: God’s grace, mercy, and the finished work of Jesus
• What we were saved for: a life of good works, witness, and purpose
• The difference between earning salvation and living out its fruit
• How Christians are called to shine like stars in a dark world
• Why we are called to be “fireflies, not chameleons”—distinctive in the way we live
This sermon challenges us to consider whether the transforming power of the gospel is visible in our everyday lives. Are we becoming more like Jesus? Do our words, actions, and relationships reflect the grace we’ve received? And are we living as ambassadors of Christ in the places God has called us?
Grace transforms everyday life.
In this message from Titus 2, we continue our series through Paul’s letter to Titus and explore how the grace of God shapes the way we live every day. John unpacks Paul’s call to “sound doctrine” — teaching that doesn’t just inform our beliefs but transforms our character, actions, and everyday choices.
Through practical teaching and personal stories, we reflect on what it means to live lives marked by self-control, godly character, and transformation through the Holy Spirit. This sermon reminds us that following Jesus is not about behaviour modification alone, but about becoming people whose lives increasingly reflect Christ.
Drawing from Titus 2, we consider:
• How grace transforms everyday life
• Why sound doctrine should lead to lifestyle change
• The role of self-control and godly boundaries
• How the Holy Spirit empowers lasting transformation
• What it means to say “yes” to God and walk in alignment with Him
What kind of foundation are we building our lives on?
In this opening message of our new series through the book of Titus, Martin introduces Paul’s letter to Titus and explores the foundations of healthy Christian living and church leadership. Looking at Titus 1, we’re reminded that the gospel doesn’t just change what we believe — it transforms how we live.
Paul writes into a culture marked by deception, corruption, and poor leadership to remind the church of a foundational truth: God never lies. In a world where trust can feel fragile, we’re invited to build our lives on the unchanging character of Jesus.
This sermon explores:
• Why the character of God matters as the foundation of our faith
• What healthy, godly leadership looks like in the church
• Why character matters more than charisma
• How the gospel transforms every area of our lives
• What it means to build your life on Christ, the firm foundation
What happens when God shows mercy… and we don’t like it?
As we continue in the book of Jonah, we come to a surprising and deeply challenging moment. Nineveh has repented. God has relented. But instead of rejoicing, Jonah is angry. In this message, we explore Jonah chapter 4 and uncover the tension between justice and mercy—not just in Jonah’s heart, but in ours too.
This sermon invites us to reflect on how we respond when God’s compassion extends beyond our expectations. Are we aligned with God’s heart, or are we holding onto pride, prejudice, or a desire for control? Through Jonah’s story, we are reminded that God is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in love—and He invites us to reflect that same heart to others.
In this final message from our Jonah series, we explore Jonah chapter 4 and the surprising reaction of the prophet after Nineveh repents. Instead of rejoicing at God’s mercy, Jonah becomes angry — revealing the pride, bitterness, and despair that can grow in every human heart.
This sermon unpacks the danger of ungodly anger and the grace of God that continually pursues us, even when we run from Him. Through Jonah’s story, we’re challenged to examine our own hearts: where have we become bitter, judgmental, or resistant to God’s mercy toward others?
Most importantly, this message points us to Jesus — the better Jonah — who stood outside the city not in judgment, but in sacrificial love, making a way for us to receive grace, forgiveness, and freedom.
In this message from Jonah chapter 3, we explore the powerful theme of God’s grace and the reality of second chances. After running from God and experiencing His mercy, Jonah is recommissioned to go to Nineveh—and this time, he obeys.
But Jonah’s obedience isn’t perfect. Through his story, we see both imperfect obedience and genuine repentance, as an entire city turns back to God in response to a simple message. This passage reminds us that God works through weakness, calls us again when we fail, and responds with grace when we repent.
No matter where you’ve been or how far you feel you’ve drifted, God is still calling—and His grace is still available.
In this message from Jonah chapter 3, we explore the reality of God’s grace as a God of second chances. From Jonah’s reluctant obedience to Nineveh’s genuine repentance, this sermon reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy.
We see how God calls Jonah again—despite his failure—and how even imperfect obedience can be used for incredible impact. At the same time, the response of Nineveh challenges us to consider what true repentance looks like in our own lives.
Whether you feel like you’ve been running from God or simply struggling to follow Him fully, this message is a reminder that God’s grace meets you where you are—and calls you forward.
In this message from Jonah 2, we explore the reality of drifting from God—and the incredible grace that calls us back. Through Jonah’s story, we see a reflection of our own journey: moments of disobedience, seasons of distance, and the invitation to return to the Father.
This sermon reminds us that no matter how far we run, God’s rescue plan is always at work. From the depths of despair to restoration on dry ground, Jonah’s prayer reveals a God who hears, saves, and restores.
If you’ve ever felt distant from God, overwhelmed by guilt, or unsure how to return—this message is for you.
In this message, we dive into Jonah 2 and discover a powerful picture of God’s grace in the most unexpected place—the belly of the fish. Rather than a place of punishment, we see it as a moment of rescue, where Jonah encounters the mercy of God in the depths of his failure.
Through this passage, we explore three key shifts in Jonah’s journey:
• From focusing on judgment to recognising God’s grace
• From running away to abiding in God’s presence
• From death to life
This sermon challenges us to reconsider how we respond in difficult seasons. Do we default to questioning God’s judgment, or do we recognise His grace at work—even in the hardest moments?
Ultimately, we are reminded that just as Jonah was rescued, we too have been brought from death to life through Jesus. Our response is simple but powerful: to fix our eyes on Him by choosing to look, remember, and worship.
Have you ever felt frustrated with God—or struggled with the idea that His grace is available to anyone?
In this opening message of our Jonah series, we explore one of the most confronting truths of the gospel: God’s grace is both beautiful and deeply challenging. Through Jonah 1, we see a prophet running from God, wrestling with obedience, and struggling with the reality that God’s mercy extends even to those he despises.
This sermon unpacks three key movements in the story:
•Jonah’s flight
•God’s pursuit
•The echo of the gospel in Jesus
As Jonah runs in the opposite direction, God pursues him—not to punish, but to restore. And in the storm, the sailors, and even the great fish, we see a God who is relentlessly committed to saving, redeeming, and showing mercy.
Ultimately, Jonah’s story points us to Jesus—the greater and better Jonah—who didn’t run from God’s will, but obeyed fully, even to death on a cross, so that we could receive grace we could never earn.
This message takes us to the final chapter of Genesis, exploring Joseph’s story in Genesis 50:1–26 and the powerful truth that God can transform even the darkest intentions into channels of grace and life.
Through the lens of Joseph’s life, we unpack three key themes:
An understanding of mourning
We see that grief is not a lack of faith, but often an expression of love. Joseph openly mourns his father, reminding us that faith and sorrow can coexist, and that God meets us in our pain.
An understanding of forgiveness
Joseph’s response to his brothers challenges us deeply. Instead of holding onto resentment, he chooses forgiveness, declaring, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” This message invites us to wrestle honestly with forgiveness—recognising it as a process, a choice, and a pathway to freedom.
An understanding of faith
Joseph’s story ends not with dramatic triumph, but with steady, enduring faith. Even in Egypt, he trusted in God’s promises and looked beyond his own lifetime, reminding us that faith is about how we finish as much as how we begin.
This sermon encourages us to bring our grief, our hurts, and our circumstances before God—trusting that He is at work, even when life feels complicated. It’s a call to live with forgiveness in our hearts and faith for the future, knowing that God is always working for good.
In this message, we come to the final chapter of Genesis, looking at Genesis 50:15–21 and the interaction between Joseph and his brothers. 
Rather than ending with dramatic events, Genesis closes with an ordinary but significant moment—how people relate to one another after wrongdoing. This passage helps us reflect on two themes: the impact of unforgiveness and the practice of forgiveness.
Joseph’s response to his brothers shows a quiet confidence in God’s sovereignty alongside a personal choice to act with kindness and compassion. It also raises honest questions about how we handle guilt, strained relationships, and the difficulty of forgiving others.
As we approach Easter, this passage points us toward the wider story of the Bible, where forgiveness is ultimately found in Jesus. It invites us to consider what it means to live in light of that forgiveness in our everyday relationships.
As we continue our journey through Genesis, we step into a powerful moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers. In Genesis 42, a time of famine becomes the catalyst for something much deeper—God begins a work of transformation in a broken family.
This message explores how God uses crisis, confrontation, and compassion to awaken hearts, expose hidden sin, and lead people toward repentance and restoration. Through Joseph’s testing of his brothers, we see a picture of both truth and love—what the sermon describes as “frost and sun”—working together to soften hearts and bring lasting change.
Ultimately, this passage points us forward to Jesus, the greater substitute, who offers grace, forgiveness, and restoration in place of judgment.
In this message from our Genesis series, we look at the story of Joseph in Genesis 40, a chapter that begins and ends with Joseph still in prison.
Joseph’s situation is difficult and uncertain. Despite being wrongly imprisoned and seemingly forgotten, he continues to trust God, serve others, and remain faithful in the place where he finds himself. 
This passage invites us to reflect on how we respond during seasons of waiting or disappointment. Joseph’s example reminds us that even in challenging circumstances, we can continue to rely on God, use the gifts He has given us, and trust His timing.
Key themes from the message include:
•Recognising God’s presence in difficult seasons
•Serving others even while we are struggling
•Trusting God rather than placing our hope in people
•Persevering while we wait for God’s timing
This sermon explores the story of Joseph in prison from Genesis 40, focusing on what it means to remain faithful to God in the midst of suffering and uncertainty. Even while unjustly imprisoned, Joseph continues to serve those around him, trusting that God is still at work despite circumstances that seem to contradict His promises.
Through Joseph’s interaction with Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, we see a powerful example of how God can use us even in the most difficult seasons of life. Rather than becoming self-focused in his suffering, Joseph notices the needs of others and points them to God.
The message also draws powerful parallels between Joseph’s story and the life of Jesus. Just as Joseph suffered unjustly yet served faithfully, Jesus endured suffering on the cross while still showing compassion and extending forgiveness. While people may forget us—as the cupbearer forgot Joseph—Jesus never forgets His people and continues to intercede for them.
This sermon challenges us to shift our perspective when facing hardship. Instead of asking only how to escape suffering, we are encouraged to ask: What might God be doing in the midst of it? Even in our hardest moments, God remains present and has meaningful work prepared for us.
In this message from our Genesis series, we look at the story of Joseph in Genesis 40, a chapter that begins and ends with Joseph still in prison.
Joseph’s situation is difficult and uncertain. Despite being wrongly imprisoned and seemingly forgotten, he continues to trust God, serve others, and remain faithful in the place where he finds himself. 
This passage invites us to reflect on how we respond during seasons of waiting or disappointment. Joseph’s example reminds us that even in challenging circumstances, we can continue to rely on God, use the gifts He has given us, and trust His timing.
Key themes from the message include:
•Recognising God’s presence in difficult seasons
•Serving others even while we are struggling
•Trusting God rather than placing our hope in people
•Persevering while we wait for God’s timing
In this message from Genesis 39, we continue our journey through the life of Joseph and discover a powerful truth: God is with us, even in seasons of injustice, temptation, and suffering.
Joseph’s story is not one of easy blessing or instant breakthrough. Sold into slavery, falsely accused, and thrown into prison, Joseph remains faithful to God through it all. Despite relentless temptation and deep injustice, his heart posture stays fixed on the Lord. And in every high and low moment, we are reminded of this powerful refrain: “The Lord was with him.”
This sermon explores what it means to live with a heart fully devoted to God — not just in our actions, but in our character. We reflect on how temptation often comes persistently, how injustice can shake our faith, and how true hope is found not in immediate outcomes but in eternal perspective.
Ultimately, Joseph’s story points us to Jesus — the One who endured the greatest injustice so that we could receive mercy, grace, and redemption. Because of Christ, we can trust that God walks with us in every circumstance, and that one day true justice will be fully revealed.
This message continues our journey through the book of Genesis, focusing on Genesis 39 and the life of Joseph. In this second act of Joseph’s story, we see him betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and thrown into prison. Yet through suffering, temptation, and isolation, one theme stands out clearly: “The Lord was with Joseph.”
Rather than responding with anger, bitterness, or despair, Joseph displays remarkable integrity — in suffering, in secret, and in seclusion. His story challenges us to consider what integrity looks like in our own lives: at work, at home, online, and in the hidden places where no one else sees.
This sermon explores how suffering can refine us, how surrender shapes our character, and how true success in God’s kingdom often looks very different from the world’s definition. Ultimately, Joseph’s life points us forward to Jesus — the one who perfectly surrendered to the Father’s will and whose integrity in suffering brought us salvation.
This message continues our journey through Genesis as we turn to Genesis 37 and the beginning of Joseph’s story . From the dreams of a 17-year-old boy to the betrayal of his own brothers, this passage invites us to wrestle with both the promise and the pain that can mark the life of faith.
As we enter the final section of Genesis, we see the focus shift from Jacob to Joseph — a young man marked by favour, flawed by immaturity, and chosen by God. Joseph’s dreams point to a future of leadership and purpose, yet almost immediately those dreams give way to rejection, jealousy, and suffering. Hated by his brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery, Joseph’s story moves from dream to nightmare in a matter of moments.
In this sermon, we explore two key themes:
• Joseph’s Dreams – How God speaks, calls, and plants purpose in imperfect people
• Joseph’s Nightmare – How suffering, betrayal, and hardship do not cancel God’s promises
Along the way, we are challenged to examine our own hearts — the dangers of jealousy, anger, and hidden bitterness — and reminded that God’s grace meets us in our immaturity and weakness. The message also lifts our eyes to Jesus, the true and better Joseph: the beloved Son sent by the Father, rejected by His own, sold for silver, and yet positioned through suffering to bring salvation.
Whether you are holding onto a dream from God or walking through a season that feels more like a pit than a promise, this message reminds us that God is present in both. He does not abandon us in suffering; He works through it. There is hope, even in the darkest places.
Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary or lose heart (Hebrews 12:3).
In this message from Genesis 37, we look at the story of Joseph through two images: a new coat and an old goat.
Joseph’s robe of many colours symbolised favour, identity, and calling — yet it also stirred jealousy, comparison, and division. Through this familiar passage, we reflect on what truly defines us. Is it the “coat” we wear — status, gifting, recognition — or is it our identity as children of God?
We also consider Jacob’s journey, a man shaped through testing and failure, and how God used difficult circumstances to refine him. Ultimately, Joseph’s story points beyond itself — foreshadowing Christ, the rejected servant who fulfilled God’s greater purposes.
This sermon invites us to:
• Put off the old self and put on the new
• Align our lives with God’s purposes
• Recognise and steward the gifts He has given us
• Trust Him in both hardship and blessing
Whatever season you are in, be encouraged: God is at work. The coat does not define you — Christ does.
This sermon explores a key moment in the life of Jacob, when he is left alone and wrestles through the night with an unknown figure. As the encounter unfolds, Jacob is changed. He is given a new name, Israel, and comes away not only with a limp but with a deeper understanding of who God is.
Jacob’s life had been marked by striving—against others and within himself. In this passage, we reflect on how struggle is often a part of our journey too. Rather than seeing it as something to escape, this message encourages us to consider how God can meet us in those places of difficulty.
Transformation often comes when we reach the end of our own strength. Jacob’s story reminds us that God is faithful and present, even in seasons of waiting, wrestling, or uncertainty.
In this message, we look at a key moment in Jacob’s life as he begins a long and uncertain journey. Having left home in difficult circumstances, Jacob finds himself alone and unprepared—yet it is here that God meets him.
Through a dream of a staircase reaching to heaven, God graciously reaffirms His promises to Jacob, not because of Jacob’s faithfulness, but because of His own. This passage invites us to consider how God often meets us in unexpected places, not based on what we’ve done, but because of who He is.
In this week’s message from our Genesis series, we journey with Jacob as he flees into the wilderness—alone, broken, and far from God. What unfolds is one of the most breathtaking moments in Scripture: heaven opens, angels descend, and God meets Jacob exactly where he is.
Through Jacob’s dream at Bethel, we discover a powerful truth: God sees us—in our mess, in our wandering, and in our questions. Just like Jacob, we don’t have to climb our way to God. Instead, God comes down to us. This sermon unpacks how God’s presence transforms despair into purpose and shows how Jesus becomes the true “stairway” between heaven and earth.
In this message from our Genesis series, we look at the story of Jacob, Esau, Isaac, and Rebekah in Genesis 27—a story shaped by deception, manipulation, and broken trust.
As Jacob disguises himself to receive his father’s blessing, we reflect on the cost of trying to take control instead of waiting on God. Though Jacob receives the blessing, the fallout affects his family for years to come.
This passage invites us to consider:
• Are there times we’ve taken matters into our own hands rather than trusting God?
• Have we been tempted to force outcomes, even with good intentions?
• What does it mean to wait patiently and faithfully for God to fulfil His promises?
Despite the failures in this story, we see God’s grace at work. Jacob’s journey reminds us that even in our weakness, God is faithful—and that His purposes are not dependent on our perfection.
Even the most broken of families cannot stop the redeeming work of God.
In this message, we explore the deeply dysfunctional dynamics between Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Jacob in Genesis 27—a story marked by deception, favoritism, and failed communication. Yet through it all, God’s purposes still prevail.
John unpacks how each character strays from God’s will, but also how God sovereignly works through their flaws to bring about His promises. The story reminds us that although we often fail, God is faithful. More than that, He redeems.
This message is a powerful call to trust God’s process, to resist manipulating outcomes for our own gain, and to surrender our lives into the hands of a God who brings beauty from chaos.
This sermon explores the powerful story of Isaac, Rebekah, and their sons Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25. As we step into the new year, we are invited to reflect on God’s faithfulness, the power of prayer, and the weight of our spiritual inheritance in Christ.
We see how Isaac’s persistent intercession led to the fulfillment of God’s promise, and how Esau’s careless decision to trade his birthright for temporary satisfaction serves as a warning to guard the spiritual blessings we’ve been given.
We are reminded that God’s sovereign will prevails even through flawed people and imperfect stories—and that we are called to respond with faith, patience, and reverence for the eternal inheritance secured for us in Christ.
What do you do when it doesn’t feel like God has a plan for your life? In this message from our Genesis series, we explore Genesis 24—the story of Isaac and Rebekah—and discover how God’s perfect plans unfold even when we don’t see the full picture.
Through the faith of Abraham and the obedience of his servant, we see what it looks like to prioritise God’s plans over our own, to trust Him in the waiting, and to walk in partnership with Him. But ultimately, it’s Jesus who perfects God’s plan—redeeming us, calling us by name, and inviting us into His greater story.
This sermon is for anyone asking:
– “Is God really working in my life?”
– “Can I trust His timing?”
– “How do I follow when I don’t see the full path?”
In this message we explore Genesis 24 and see what it reveals about legacy, faith, and generational purpose.
Through the story of Abraham sending his servant to find a wife for Isaac, we see how God’s promises are sustained through faith-filled obedience, spiritual inheritance, and godly character. Abraham’s firm resolution, the servant’s faithful obedience, and Rebekah’s humble response all highlight the divine orchestration at work in fulfilling God’s covenant.
This isn’t just a story about marriage, it’s about the continuation of God’s promise and how faith is passed from one generation to the next. You’ll be challenged to consider: What legacy of faith are you building? And who are you passing it on to?
What do you treasure most? In this powerful and moving sermon, Olly unpacks one of the most uncomfortable yet transformational stories in Scripture—Genesis 22, where Abraham is asked to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac.
On a morning filled with joy for baby thanksgiving, we explore a passage about trust, obedience, and surrender. This message asks us to consider: What if God asked us to lay down the very thing we hold most dear?
Through Abraham’s radical obedience and God’s faithful provision, we’re pointed to the ultimate exchange—when God did not spare His own Son, Jesus, but gave Him up for us all. The story of Isaac becomes a prophetic shadow of the cross, reminding us that Jesus is our substitute, and that true faith is found in surrender.
In this message from our Genesis series, we explore Genesis 22—one of the most profound tests of faith in all of Scripture. Abraham is asked to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, and through this moment we discover what genuine faith, obedience, and trust in God’s provision truly look like.
John unpacks how Abraham’s journey mirrors our own: the moments where God calls us to take a step of faith without seeing the full path, the challenge of obeying even when it’s costly, and the confidence that God always provides exactly what we need. Through personal stories, biblical insight, and the wider picture of the gospel, we see how Abraham’s faith ultimately points us to Jesus—the true sacrificial Son whom God did not withhold.
If you’re wrestling with trust, stepping into something new, or longing to see God’s provision, this message will encourage you to take that step of faith knowing He will never let you fall.
In this message, we look at Genesis 17 and the covenant that God makes with Abraham, described as everlasting. Rather than being something that belongs only to the past, this covenant helps us understand how God works with His people today.
We reflect on how:
The covenant is initiated by God, not earned by human effort
Faith often requires waiting and trusting beyond what we can see
Belonging to God is marked by spiritual transformation, not just outward signs
God introduces Himself as El Shaddai, which means God Almighty. The passage highlights God’s character as both powerful and present. Even when Abraham laughs in disbelief, God remains faithful to His promise.
In this message, we continue our journey through the story of Abraham in Genesis 17, where God reaffirms His covenant and calls Abraham into deeper relationship, consecration, and transformation.
We explore three key themes:
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A Call to Relationship – God desires intimacy with us before He asks for anything from us.
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A Call to Consecration – Following God requires being set apart, inwardly surrendered, and wholly His.
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A Call to Transformation – True change begins when God renames and redefines us according to His promise and purpose.
This message reminds us that God’s promises are not just ancient words but present realities. Whether you feel far from God or in the midst of transformation, this sermon invites you to return to His presence and trust His process.
This message continues our journey through Genesis, focusing on the story of Hagar, Sarai, and Abram in Genesis 16. Don draws out a deeply challenging yet hope-filled truth: even when we try to take matters into our own hands, God still sees, hears, and meets us with compassion.
The passage reveals the devastating consequences of walking in our own strength instead of trusting God’s promises. Yet in the midst of pain, brokenness, and human failure, we encounter the God who sees us—El Roi—and responds with grace. Through the story of Hagar, we are reminded that God is near to the rejected, the marginalised, and the hurting.
This message urges us to examine our own lives: are we trusting God’s timing, or rushing ahead in our own plans? It also calls us to repentance, and to trust in God’s faithfulness, even when the wait is long and the way unclear.
This sermon encourages reflection on what it means to wait in faith, how God meets us in our wilderness, and the transforming power of His mercy.
This week’s message from Genesis 16 explores what it means to wait on God’s promises—even when the waiting feels endless. Sam Gardner unpacks the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar, showing how time can test faith and how easily we can take matters into our own hands when hope seems distant.
Yet even when we give up on God, He never gives up on us. Through Hagar’s encounter with “the God who sees,” we discover the unchanging truth that God meets us in our pain, restores what is broken, and remains faithful to every promise He has made.
This sermon invites us to reflect on where we might be weary in waiting, to recognise the warning signs of giving up on God, and to find fresh hope in the God who still sees, hears, and redeems.
This message reflects on the promises God made to Abraham in Genesis 12:1–3, and how those same promises still speak to us today through Christ, as echoed in Galatians 3:7–9.
We consider what it means to be blessed by God—not just as individuals, but as part of His family and for the sake of the world around us. The sermon also explores the importance of obedience, highlighting God’s simple call to Abraham: “Go.”
Like Abraham, we are invited to trust God without knowing the full picture, and to walk forward in faith, knowing His promises are sure.
This week’s message, Go Where God Leads, continues our series in Genesis and explores one of the most pivotal moments in Scripture—God’s call to Abram in Genesis 12. From a world marked by darkness and judgment, God brings hope and blessing through a single step of obedience.
In this sermon, we see how Abram’s call reveals the beginning of God’s redemptive plan for all humanity. We’re reminded that calling isn’t first about doing something for God, but about being devoted to Him. Like Abram, we’re invited to listen when God speaks, to let go of what holds us back, and to step forward in faith—trusting His promises even when the path is unclear.
As heirs of the same promise through Christ, we’re called to be channels of blessing wherever we are—at home, at work, in our communities—and to live as people who respond to the God who still speaks today.
In this message, we explore the story of Noah and the flood—not just as an account of judgment, but as a powerful picture of God’s heart, grace, and redemptive plan.
Genesis 6–9 shows a world corrupted by sin, where violence fills the earth and mankind’s intentions are evil continually. Yet, amidst the brokenness, one man—Noah—walks with God. Through his radical obedience and faith, God preserves creation and makes a covenant of hope.
This sermon traces the trajectory from creation to de-creation to recreation. We see how the flood points back to the Garden of Eden, and forward to the cross of Christ. Just as salvation came through one man, Noah, so our eternal salvation comes through one righteous man—Jesus.
You’ll be challenged to consider:
• How God responds to sin with grief, not rage
• What it means to walk with God in a broken world
• Why faith in the unseen is central to discipleship
• How the ark points to Christ, our ultimate place of refuge
This message invites us to deeper trust, radical obedience, and a renewed vision of God’s heart in the midst of human failure. The bow in the sky reminds us of His promise—but the cross reminds us of His love.
🏠 Visit our website
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ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
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This sermon explores the story of Noah and the flood in Genesis 6–9, tracing the movement from deep human corruption through divine judgment, and finally to God’s promise of redemption.
We reflect on what it meant for Noah to walk faithfully with God in the midst of widespread violence and decay—and what it means for us to do the same today. The message highlights the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the hope found in God’s covenant to redeem rather than destroy.
In the flood story, we see both the justice and mercy of God. Even in judgment, God provides a way of rescue. That same pattern is fulfilled ultimately in Christ—and we are invited not to strive for salvation, but to receive it as a gift.
This week’s message explores the story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4, offering insight into one of the Bible’s earliest accounts of rivalry, worship, and the human heart.
Through this familiar passage, we consider what it means to live seriously for God. The sermon invites us to reflect on questions such as:
What kind of offering am I bringing to God?
Is there any rivalry, comparison, or bitterness taking root in my heart?
Am I giving God my first and my best, or simply what’s left over?
We see how envy can cloud our perspective, how sin can subtly take hold, and how God’s mercy and grace remain available even in moments of failure. The message also points us to Jesus—whose blood speaks a better word than the blood of Abel, offering forgiveness and new life.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
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In this message from our Genesis series, Martin unpacks one of the most pivotal moments in Scripture — the Fall in Genesis 3.
Through this passage, we explore why the world so often feels broken, how sin entered humanity’s story, and what that means for our relationship with God.
Martin highlights both the problem — humanity’s rebellion and separation from God — and the promise — God’s first declaration of hope that one day a Saviour would come to crush the serpent’s head and restore what was lost.
This sermon invites us to reflect deeply on our own hearts, recognise our need for rescue, and lift our eyes to Jesus — the One who fulfils the promise and brings life where death once reigned.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_w9wZs7dNkCLQmvGrLZg0g
This Vision Sunday message sets the tone for the year ahead, calling us to live boldly and obediently in a cultural moment filled with both opportunity and challenge. As we reflect on the rising openness to the gospel across our nation and around the world, we’re reminded of the increasing call to stand firm in truth and grace.
Rooted in Acts 8:26–40, the sermon draws from Philip’s encounter with the Ethiopian eunuch as a prophetic picture of how the Church is to position itself: led by the Spirit, obedient in the everyday, and ready to share Jesus with a searching world. From unexpected moves to desert moments, we’re encouraged to trust God’s hidden and obvious guidance.
Key themes include:
• Responding to cultural openness with courage and clarity
• Discerning distortions of the gospel in our time
• Embracing the cost and joy of obedience
• Positioning ourselves to hear and follow God’s leading
• Living as witnesses who bring the hope of Jesus to a broken world
As we begin a new ministry year, the invitation is clear: make way for the King, and walk in obedience that leads to transformation—not only in us, but in the communities around us.
In this message from Genesis 2, we explore what it means to be created with purpose. This isn’t just a retelling of the creation story—it’s a revelation of God’s divine intent behind every part of it. From the foundation of the Sabbath to the creation of life, work, marriage, and our relationship with God, we see that nothing was accidental.
We learn that:
• God rested not out of tiredness, but because His work was complete—introducing the Sabbath as holy.
• Life itself began when God breathed into man, showing us that we are valuable because of His breath in us.
• Work was designed before the fall, and when we steward well, we honour God.
• God laid the foundation for obedience and relationship, desiring a people who would choose Him daily.
• Marriage was God’s idea, designed to reflect unity, purpose, and partnership.
This message is a reminder that you were made on purpose, for a purpose. May you encounter the Creator again and rediscover His intent for every part of your life.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_w9wZs7dNkCLQmvGrLZg0g
This week we begin a new preaching series through the book of Genesis, the foundational book of the Bible that reveals who God is, who we are, and what it means to live seriously for Him. In this opening message, Martin explores Genesis 1 and helps us reframe our worldview around the truth that God is the creator of all things.
Rather than diving into scientific debates, this message focuses on the original purpose of Genesis—to give God’s people a vision of His divine purpose, divine order, and divine image. You’ll be encouraged to think about how the story of creation shapes your identity, calling, and understanding of the world.
Key themes from the sermon include:
• We are not accidents—we are made by God and for God.
• The presence of God is central from the very beginning.
• We are made in His image to reflect His character and represent His rule.
• Our view of creation shapes our response to suffering, purpose, and mission.
This message invites all of us—whether exploring faith or long-time believers—to root our identity, purpose, and hope in the God who created all things and is present with us today.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecity.church
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_w9wZs7dNkCLQmvGrLZg0g
In this message, we finish our short series on The Heart of Worship, diving into Psalm 95 to explore what it truly means to live a life of worship. More than music or moments, worship is a lifestyle—one rooted in humility, reverence, obedience, and gratitude.
Psalm 95 presents both a joyful invitation and a serious warning. We are called to worship with joy and thanksgiving, remembering the greatness of our God who made us and sustains us. But we are also urged not to harden our hearts—true worship requires soft, responsive hearts before the Lord.
This sermon unpacks three key responses from Psalm 95:
• Joyful praise — Worship that responds to who God is and what He has done.
• Reverence — An awe-filled recognition of God’s greatness and creative power.
• Obedience — A heart posture of humility, repentance, and submission to God’s voice.
Whether you’re in a season of joy or struggle, this message reminds us that God gives us the grace to worship through it all. Worship is not about perfection—it’s about posture.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_w9wZs7dNkCLQmvGrLZg0g
In this moving talk, John Kirkby — founder of Christians Against Poverty and leader of the Isaiah 61 movement — shares his personal story of transformation: from a lost, broken man living in deep debt and despair, to a life turned around by the kindness of a stranger, the love of a local church, and the redeeming power of Jesus.
This message is not just a testimony — it’s a call to action. John challenges us to rethink evangelism and take five seconds of courage to change someone’s eternity. Through his story and the vision behind Isaiah 61, you’ll be inspired to believe again that no life is too far gone.
Whether you’re struggling to share your faith or longing to see your church culture shift towards Jesus-sharing, this talk will move and motivate you.
Find out more about the Isaiah 61 movement and how you or your church can get involved: https://i61m.org/
This week, we begin a new mini-series on Worship, exploring the richness and depth of what it means to live a life that honours God. In this sermon, we dive into Psalm 66, discovering that worship is far more than music—it’s a declaration, an invitation, and a daily choice.
We examine how worship involves every part of our lives: what we shout for joy over, how we respond in seasons of testing, and the sacrifices we make in both abundance and hardship. Worship is not just about singing, but about trusting, testifying, and choosing God even when it costs us.
From shouting and singing to testifying of God’s goodness in trials, Psalm 66 offers a powerful reminder: worship is our identity before it is ever our activity.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_w9wZs7dNkCLQmvGrLZg0g
This special message for Giving Sunday explores what it truly means to be rich towards God. Drawing from Luke 12:13-21, we reflect on Jesus’ challenge to avoid placing our security in wealth and instead live generously as an act of worship.
Key Themes in This Sermon:
• The heart behind generosity in the Kingdom of God
• Why financial giving is about trust, not obligation
• How a life surrendered to Christ transforms our perspective on money
• The joy of aligning our resources with God’s mission
This sermon is not just about one special offering—it’s a challenge to reorient our hearts to trust Jesus as our provider, rather than seeking security in possessions.
If you would like to give financially, you can find out how here: https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/how-to-give
As we continue our Practicing the Way series, this message explores the importance of establishing a Rule of Life—a framework for spiritual growth that helps us follow Jesus intentionally. Drawing from Matthew 7:24-27, we examine Jesus’ teaching on building our lives on the rock of His words.
A Rule of Life is not about rigid legalism but about structuring our daily habits to grow in Christlikeness.
This series encourages us to reflect on how we can follow Jesus in a deeper, more intentional way. It challenges us to move beyond cultural Christianity and embrace a way of life shaped by our relationship with Christ.
Stay tuned for the rest of the series, as we continue to unpack the key themes of spiritual formation and practical discipleship.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_w9wZs7dNkCLQmvGrLZg0g
This week in our Practising the Way series, we explore the call to do as Jesus did. Following Jesus isn’t just about believing—it's about action. Just as an apprentice learns from a master, we are called to continue Christ’s work, living out His mission in our daily lives.
Drawing from Matthew 28:16–20 and Matthew 4:17–25, we reflect on how Jesus trained His disciples and commissioned them to carry on His mission. What does it mean to truly live as His followers today? How do we take His presence into our workplaces, relationships, and communities?
This series encourages us to reflect on how we can follow Jesus in a deeper, more intentional way. It challenges us to move beyond cultural Christianity and embrace a way of life shaped by our relationship with Christ.
Stay tuned for the rest of the series, as we continue to unpack the key themes of spiritual formation and practical discipleship.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecity.church
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_w9wZs7dNkCLQmvGrLZg0g
As we continue our Practising the Way series, we explore the second key goal of apprenticeship to Jesus—becoming like Him. Building on last week’s message about being with Jesus, this sermon delves into the process of spiritual formation, highlighting how our habits, relationships, and environments shape us.
Drawing from Luke 6:39–40, we examine Jesus’ parable of the blind leading the blind and reflect on how the world is constantly forming us, often without us realising it. The message challenges us to be intentional in our discipleship, aligning our lives with Christ through the teachings of Scripture, spiritual disciplines, and community.
This series encourages us to reflect on how we can follow Jesus in a deeper, more intentional way. It challenges us to move beyond cultural Christianity and embrace a way of life shaped by our relationship with Christ.
Stay tuned for the rest of the series, as we continue to unpack the key themes of spiritual formation and practical discipleship.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecity.church
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_w9wZs7dNkCLQmvGrLZg0g
As we continue our Practising the Way series, we explore the foundation of all transformation and action – being with Jesus. Drawing from John 15, Carrie explains that abiding (or remaining) in Jesus is the ultimate goal of the Christian life. While fruitfulness and obedience are important, the primary focus should be on intentionally dwelling in God’s presence. Transformation and action naturally flow from this place of communion with Him.
This series encourages us to reflect on how we can follow Jesus in a deeper, more intentional way. It challenges us to move beyond cultural Christianity and embrace a way of life shaped by our relationship with Christ.
The series runs over the next seven weeks, with study materials based on Practicing the Way. Small groups are encouraged to engage with the book and its study guide to deepen their understanding of discipleship. Join one of our Small Groups here: https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/small-groups
Stay tuned for the rest of the series, as we continue to unpack the key themes of spiritual formation and practical discipleship.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecity.church
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_w9wZs7dNkCLQmvGrLZg0g
This sermon introduces Practising the Way, a new series exploring what it means to live as lifelong apprentices to Jesus. Drawing inspiration from the book Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, the series focuses on following Jesus in every area of life, growing as disciples, and rediscovering what it means to live out our faith in today’s world.
In this message, based on Mark 8:34–37, we consider three key challenges from Jesus:
Deny yourself
Take up your cross
Follow Him
The sermon unpacks the practical meaning of these instructions and highlights the transformation that true discipleship brings. It also examines the importance of surrendering self-interest, prioritising a life centred on Christ, and the value of living as disciples who are identifiable by their way of life.
This series encourages us to reflect on how we can follow Jesus in a deeper, more intentional way. It challenges us to move beyond cultural Christianity and embrace a way of life shaped by our relationship with Christ.
The series runs over the next seven weeks, with study materials based on Practicing the Way. Small groups are encouraged to engage with the book and its study guide to deepen their understanding of discipleship. Join one of our Small Groups here: https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/small-groups
Stay tuned for the rest of the series, as we continue to unpack the key themes of spiritual formation and practical discipleship.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecity.church
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_w9wZs7dNkCLQmvGrLZg0g
Starting our Christmas series, we look at the profound truth of the incarnation—God becoming human in Jesus Christ. It is through the incarnation that Jesus Christ saves us from our pit, shows us who God is, and shares with us his status and his Spirit.
Come and see how Jesus Christ is the light that shines in the darkness.
As we walk through passages from James 5:7-12, we are reminded of God’s eternal promises and the spiritual strength that grows through patient endurance. From everyday moments of impatience to more profound experiences of suffering, this message encourages us to trust in God’s presence and purpose. Discover how true wisdom invites us to embrace a 'long obedience in the same direction', grounded in the hope of Jesus’ return and the peace that He offers in all circumstances.
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ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
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In the fourth part of our sermon series in James, we explore the themes of humility, submission, and practical Christian living. James, the half-brother of Jesus, challenges us to examine our hearts and motives, particularly when it comes to issues like conflict, prayer, and our relationships with the world. How can we root out the causes of quarrels, practice humility, and grow in prayer with a focus on God rather than personal gain?
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ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
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In the second part of our True Wisdom series we explore the difference between empty religion and a faith that transforms lives. James 2 challenges us to live out our faith with authenticity, compassion, and mercy—reminding us that faith without works is dead.
Through a detailed look at James’ letter to the early Christians, we cover the importance of:
• Avoiding the dangers of performance-driven religion
• Showing no favouritism or partiality in the church
• Understanding that mercy triumphs over judgment
• Demonstrating our faith through our actions
• Creating a healthy, Christ-centred church culture
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ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
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On our International Sunday we were privileged to be joined by Dr. Jonathan Oloyede. In this message he shares his inspiring journey from Islam to Christianity and reflects on the beauty of unity among believers from all nations. Jonathan highlights the significance of coming together as the global Church, embracing diversity, and working towards God's kingdom here on Earth.
Be inspired by his call for unity, love, and transformation, not only within the Church but across cities, regions, and nations.
🏠 Visit our website
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ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
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In James chapter 1, we explore how we can find joy in the midst of life's trials and temptations. We learn that God uses our struggles not to punish us, but to refine and strengthen our faith. James challenges us to shift our perspective on suffering, reminding us that trials produce steadfastness and help us grow in spiritual maturity.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
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Join us as we begin our Week of Prayer, learning what it truly means to walk in the Spirit. In this short message, we explore Spirit-filled prayer, guided by the Holy Spirit, as we dive into Ephesians 6. Prayer is not just words but an essential part of a life lived in the Spirit. From praying in all circumstances to allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our prayers, this sermon is a call to deepen our relationship with God through prayer.
🏠 Visit our website
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ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_w9wZs7dNkCLQmvGrLZg0g
Our vision at The City Church is Inviting Everyone to Encounter Jesus.
Drawing from the story of Mary Magdalene at the tomb in John 20, Martin reflects on the importance of personal encounters with Christ as the foundation for sharing the gospel. The message explores obstacles to experiencing Jesus, such as grief, sin, and busyness, and highlights the transformative power of intimacy with Him. The sermon calls for deeper personal engagement with Christ, leading to an empowered mission of sharing His love with others.
🏠 Visit our website
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk
🎧 Find our sermon library here
https://subsplash.com/thecitychurch/sermons
ABOUT THE CITY CHURCH
Our vision is to invite everyone to encounter Jesus - no matter who you are or where you’ve come from, the message of hope that Jesus gives is for all people.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/
We are based in Canterbury in the UK, and we’d love to have you join us for a Sunday service or connect in by watching our livestream every Sunday morning at 10:30am.
https://www.thecitychurch.org.uk/sundays
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecitychurchincanterbury
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecity.church
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_w9wZs7dNkCLQmvGrLZg0g
In this three-part series on prayer, we explore three different prayers found in the Old Testament and examine how they can help us pray biblically and with faith.
In part 3 of Let Us Pray, we look at Nehemiah, who, upon hearing about Jerusalem’s broken walls, responds with mourning, fasting, and prayer. He confesses his sin and that of his people, acknowledging sin as the root issue. Nehemiah trusts in God’s promises and offers himself to be part of the solution, relying on God to guide him as he approaches King Artaxerxes for help.
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In this three-part series on prayer, we explore three different prayers found in the Old Testament and examine how they can help us pray biblically and with faith.
In part 2 of Let Us Pray, we look at a prayer of ‘Dependance’. We read about Habakkuk, a minor prophet, who is faced with turmoil and voices his frustration to God. We see how Habakkuk goes on a journey of raw honesty into reverent lament and eventual praise. We learn from this story that God invites us to lament honestly to Him, while also trusting His sovereignty.
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In this three-part series on prayer, we explore three different prayers found in the Old Testament and examine how they can help us pray biblically and with faith.
In the first part, we turn to 2 Kings 19, where the King of Judah receives a threatening letter from a powerful enemy. We see how he brings this daunting problem to the Lord and consider what we can learn from his example.
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Many of us struggle with emotional and spiritual imbalances, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life and disconnected from ourselves and God. As disciples of Christ, we often overlook the importance of inner health, leading to burnout, shallow relationships, and a lack of true peace.
“The Emotionally Healthy Disciple" offers a transformative opportunity to address these challenges. Based on the work by Pete Scazzero, we can learn how to integrate emotional health into our discipleship journey, leading to a more authentic, vibrant, and fulfilling walk with Christ.
In part three of this sermon series, we looked at the principle of 'slowing down for loving union'.
In Luke 10:38-42, we find a telling contrast between two sisters, Mary and Martha. Martha was overwhelmed and distracted by her many tasks, while Mary chose to sit at Jesus’ feet, savouring His presence and listening to His words.
To become emotionally healthy disciples, we need to follow Mary’s example by simplifying our lives and slowing down. This isn’t just about doing less; it’s about deepening our relationship with Jesus.
Many of us struggle with emotional and spiritual imbalances, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life and disconnected from ourselves and God. As disciples of Christ, we often overlook the importance of inner health, leading to burnout, shallow relationships, and a lack of true peace.
“The Emotionally Healthy Disciple" offers a transformative opportunity to address these challenges. Based on the work by Pete Scazzero, we can learn how to integrate emotional health into our discipleship journey, leading to a more authentic, vibrant, and fulfilling walk with Christ.
This week, we explored growing as emotionally healthy disciples by leading from our marriage or singleness, focusing on our identity in Christ and recognising our God-given limits. We also discussed practical ways to make our relational status our first ambition and loudest gospel message.
Many of us struggle with emotional and spiritual imbalances, feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life and disconnected from ourselves and God. As disciples of Christ, we often overlook the importance of inner health, leading to burnout, shallow relationships, and a lack of true peace.
“The Emotionally Healthy Disciple" offers a transformative opportunity to address these challenges. Based on the work by Pete Scazzero, we can learn how to integrate emotional health into our discipleship journey, leading to a more authentic, vibrant, and fulfilling walk with Christ.
In the first part, we look at the need to face our shadow. Everyone has sins, weaknesses and wounds that, whether we realise it or not, have a profound effect on our emotional health and our discipleship to Jesus.
1 Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul, who was encouraging his young coworker Timothy who was based in the church in Ephesus.
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On Sunday we were joined by guest speaker Phil Knox. Phil is an evangelism and missiology senior specialist at the Evangelical Alliance.
Speaking from John 15:5 - 17, Phil showed us that we are creatures that have been made for relational connection. Disconnection and loneliness, however, is rife in our society.
First and foremost, our most important relationship is our one with Jesus - who incredibly invites us into friendship with him. And it’s from looking at Jesus that we learn what great friendship looks like.
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1 Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul, who was encouraging his young coworker Timothy who was based in the church in Ephesus.
In this sermon, we delve into 1 Timothy 5, where Paul advises Timothy on organising the church in Ephesus by stressing the importance of family relationships, caring for true widows, and ensuring fair treatment and accountability among leaders. Paul's guidance reveals his vision for the church to function as a loving family, prioritising relational bonds over mere organisational structure. Join us as we explore how these principles can transform our church community.
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1 Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul, who was encouraging his young coworker Timothy who was based in the church in Ephesus.
In chapter 4, we explore Paul's advice to Timothy on training for godliness. Paul highlights the importance of grounding oneself in Scripture, prioritising spiritual health, enduring challenges, walking in confidence, and embracing one's calling. Join us as we delve into these key areas and learn how to apply them in our own lives.
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1 Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul, who was encouraging his young coworker Timothy who was based in the church in Ephesus.
In chapter 3 the Apostle Paul describes the church as a 'pillar and buttress' of the truth. Martin explores what this means, looking at the nature of truth, how there is a problem with 'truth' in our culture, and how the church has a responsibility to stand for and hold up the truth.
1 Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul, who was encouraging his young coworker Timothy who was based in the church in Ephesus.
In the second chapter we see Paul giving Timothy practical instructions for worship when the church is gathered.
1 Timothy was written by the Apostle Paul, who was encouraging his young coworker Timothy who was based in the church in Ephesus.
In the first chapter, we see that teachers had come into the church proclaiming what was actually a false gospel. Paul gives practical instruction to Timothy, contrasting the true and authentic gospel with the counterfeit.
Throughout the book of Amos, we have seen that God’s people are going to face God’s justice for their transgressions. In the final chapter of the book, however, we see that through their destruction, there is a promise of eventual restoration - the justice and the mercy of God come together, something that is fully realised in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
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In chapters 7 and 8 of Amos, God asks Amos the same question twice: Amos, what do you see. Throughout these two chapters, God shows him the judgment that is coming on the people of God because they have strayed from His commands. These chapters invite us to consider how we see God, how we see ourselves and how we see Jesus.
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Israel had become distracted by their prosperity, drifting away from God, oppressing the poor and worshipping idols.
In the second part of our series in Amos, we see that God is warning Israel from this drift away from his purpose, telling them to seek God and pursue justice - something that is relevant for all of us.
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In the first part of a 4 part series in the book of Amos, John Bailey opened up the first 2 chapters of this book in the Old Testament looking through the theme of Losers, Lions & Lessons.
Preaching from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians, Nii Noi shows us that giving is an act of grace that flows out of knowing the grace of God, and that giving is an essential part of our spiritual maturity.
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We live in an anxious age. As followers of Jesus, we follow the most non-anxious person who ever lived - despite the fate that He knew awaited Him.
We were blessed by Stef Liston as he opened up the scriptures to us, showing us the non-anxious life lived with God that He is inviting us into.
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In the final part of our Resilient Faith series, Olly speaks from chapter 10 looking at the topic of ‘Battle’. In order for us to have a faith that is going to be resilient for the rest of our lives, we need to realise that we are in our battle and to always be ready, using the weapons of the the Word of God and Prayer.
In our series "Resilient Faith," we are delving into the first 10 chapters of the book of Joshua, examining the challenges of the Christian life and emphasising the importance of cultivating a resilient, not fragile, faith.
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In Joshua 9 we see a failure on the part of Israel after entering the promised land. Martin shows us that failure is not something that we have to be afraid of, but it’s a necessary part of our growth, and how we have to both take responsibility for our failures, while also recognising we are in a spiritual battle.
In our series "Resilient Faith," we are delving into the first 10 chapters of the book of Joshua, examining the challenges of the Christian life and emphasising the importance of cultivating a resilient, not fragile, faith.
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In Joshua 8 we read about how God leads his people further into what He has promised them. Martin shows us that the Grace of God is evident in this story, and how Grace is fuel for our lives and at the very foundation of our faith.
In our series "Resilient Faith," we are delving into the first 10 chapters of the book of Joshua, examining the challenges of the Christian life and emphasising the importance of cultivating a resilient, not fragile, faith.
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In Joshua 7 we read of the story of Achan and the importance of not hiding our sins and failures from God. Nii Noi shows us that God's standards don't change, and that we are called to faith in Christ and to pursue holiness.
In our series "Resilient Faith," we are delving into the first 10 chapters of the book of Joshua, examining the challenges of the Christian life and emphasising the importance of cultivating a resilient, not fragile, faith.
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Martin continues our series looking at the theme of Endurance. In Joshua 6, the Israelites were heading to the promised land, but then they came up against the walls of Jericho.
How is our faith affected when we come up against obstacles that don’t seem to be in line with the promises of God? In this story we see the need for a faith that endures through challenges, remaining obedient and praying for breakthrough.
In our series "Resilient Faith," we are delving into the first 10 chapters of the book of Joshua, examining the challenges of the Christian life and emphasising the importance of cultivating a resilient, not fragile, faith.
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In our series "Resilient Faith," we are delving into the first 10 chapters of the book of Joshua, examining the challenges of the Christian life and emphasising the importance of cultivating a resilient, not fragile, faith.
As the children of Israel crossed the river Jordan through God's miraculous intervention, if their faith was going to be resilient it needed to get the right perspective - a perspective gained from looking back, resetting, and looking ahead.
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In our series "Resilient Faith," we are delving into the first 10 chapters of the book of Joshua, examining the challenges of the Christian life and emphasising the importance of cultivating a resilient, not fragile, faith.
In the second part of the series, Kathryn speaks from chapter 3 - the Israelites have been saved from Egypt, wandering for 40 years in the desert. Now the time has come to advance across the river Jordan, and God has specific instructions for them which have important principles for us today as we seek to follow God.
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In our series "Resilient Faith," we are delving into the first 10 chapters of the book of Joshua, examining the challenges of the Christian life and emphasising the importance of cultivating a resilient, not fragile, faith.
In the first part of the series, Nii Noi speaks from chapters 1 -2 on the need for courage as we face new, unsettling and unusual seasons ahead.
“Have you ever asked yourself why you are still alive?”
We were so blessed to be joined by Tom Scrivens from Hope Church Ipswich, who showed us that God has reason and a purpose for you which is to enjoy, be passionate about and be thrilled by God, and to share that with others - particularly the next generation. As part of Christ’s body, we all have a part to play in this.
We want to be a people that go deeper in our relationship with Jesus Christ, and reach wider into the culture with the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Martin opens up Acts 18 to show us the importance of accountable relationships in our walks with Christ.
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We know what our bodies need physically to fuel them, but how do we spiritually fuel ourselves?
In the first part of our FUEL series, Kathryn Bailey shows us how central and important the Word of God should be in our lives.
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There are some unhealthy messages in the world that pressure us into feeling that we have to be strong all the time. The Apostle Paul, however, was unafraid to boast of his weakness because it was through his weakness that God's power was at work. As a people who are marked out by the grace of God, could it be that our weakness is actually the agency of God's power?
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We had the privilege of being joined by Mike Betts on our Relational Mission Sunday, where we gathered with other churches and plants in our RM community. Listen to Mike as he shared a special message about the inevitability of God's church being built
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Jesus tells the story of a servant who had a huge debt wiped away, but he in turn refuses to forgive a lesser debt. Jesus uses this story to highlight the need for his followers to show forgiveness to those who have sinned against them because they themselves have received forgiveness from God.
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Using the story of the four friends who brought their paralysed companion to Jesus by lowering him through a roof, we see the importance of following Jesus through our friendships. This story illustrates the significance of prioritising and investing in friendships, as they can lead both believers and non-believers to Jesus through our actions, prayers, and words.
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It was a pleasure to welcome guest speaker Barney de Berry who came to speak in our ongoing Head On series, looking at ‘Sexuality’.
He explores what culture says about sexuality, what God says in His word, and how we as Christians faithfully follow Jesus on this topic.
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Maturity in Christ involves actively fleeing youthful passions, foolish controversies, and the snares of the devil, while also pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace.
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In 2 Kings 4:1-7, we see a story about Elijah and a widow that teaches us that we can come come to God empty in the midst of challenges, and through His Spirit we can leave full.
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In the final section of this letter, the Apostle Paul gives out commands relating to Christians who are taking advantage of the generosity of others by not working.
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After comforting the church in the previous section, the Apostle Paul moves on to rallying the church to continue to stand firm in the gospel.
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In this passage we get to one of Paul’s main reasons for writing this letter - to clarify that Jesus has not returned yet. Paul’s chief aim isn’t to pass on information but to impart comfort (2 Thess 2:16-17) – that for believers, the thought of the Day of the Lord should bring peace and reassurance that He will take all who are His with Him into eternity, and that all that is against Him will be eternally condemned. The signs are not meant to be our fixation, but rather the one the signs point to, Jesus.
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The second letter to the Thessalonian church follows shortly after Paul’s first letter. Paul writes with an encouragement to the church who were standing strong in the midst of persecution, bringing a godly perspective on their suffering and how the expectation of Christ’s coming should affect their lives now.
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In the final chapter of Joel, we see God calling the surround nations to judgement, as well as promising a glorious future for Judah - two things which we see ultimately fulfilled at the end of history when God will call all people to judgement, and a glorious eternal future in the New Jerusalem that descends from heaven (Revelation 21)
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After a period of devastation and repentance for the God's people, in Joel 2:18-32 we see a promise of restoration. There is a hope of physical restoration, but also a spiritual one as Joel speaks of a time when God's spirit will be poured out on all people.
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In the second part of our series in Joel, we see the critical difference between remorse and repentance, and that God wants genuine heart change. We also see how this section of Joel reveals some of the amazing characteristics of our God, who is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love.
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oel was one of the minor prophets, and the book starts with quite a shocking message - that God's judgement had turned towards his people in the form of a locust plague with an impending army invasion.
Preaching from chapter 1, John Bailey brings us a message about the nature of God’s judgement against sin, and the need for repentance. We are confronted with the need to ask the right questions, such as ‘Lord, which areas of my life do you want to change?’
In the final part of our series in Ephesians, we see the reality of the spiritual battle we are in. We see our need to stand firm, to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might, and to put on the whole armour of God.
Ephesians 6:1-9 can be hard to understand, and in places a misunderstanding of what Paul meant can be shocking. What is perhaps more shocking is that Paul emphasised that starting a personal revolution by daily submitting our lives to be imitators of the Fathers love for us, expressed most clearly by what Jesus won for us at the cross, is a higher priority than overthrowing the dominant culture and starting a social and cultural revolution.
In Ephesians 5:22-33, the Apostle Paul lays out some instructions to husbands and wives about how Christian marriages should function, and how they are a picture of the Gospel.
In Ephesians 4:17 - 5:21, Paul's emphasis on identity and actions in his letter is a timely reminder that our salvation isn't just a ticket to heaven, but it transforms every aspect of our lives.
As we explore the two keys to grasping maturity, we'll discover that our identity as beloved children of God and our actions as a response to God's affection for us are crucial.
On our first International Sunday, we celebrated our church's diversity of nations and languages.
Nii Noi opened up the Bible to show us that diversity has always been part of God's design right from creation, and how in Christ we are fellow citizens and members of one household.
Ephesians 4:1-16 encourages us to walk in a manner worthy of our calling, to maintain unity in the body of Christ, and to play our part in building up the church.
Paul kneels in reverence, praying for God's people to be empowered and for Christ to dwell in their hearts, comprehending God's love in all its dimensions.
The mystery of God that had been hidden for centuries was revealed through Jesus - and that mystery is the church. The church is Jesus’ body, made up of individuals from all tribes, tongues and nations. The church is not just a Sunday gathering, but God’s way of displaying his wisdom.
Having just explained the wonderful truth of God’s free gift of salvation by grace, Paul now goes on to explain further implications of the gospel. By the blood of Christ, we have bee brought near, with Jesus as the basis for our peace with one another and with God. We are now members of God’s household, we are now a temple in the Lord, we are a dwelling place for God.
After telling us all about the spiritual blessings we have received in Christ, Paul goes on to pray for the church in Ephesus.
He prays that God would give them the ‘spirit of wisdom and revelation’ who would enlighten the eyes of their hearts so that they would know 3 things:
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The hope they have been called to
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God's inheritance in the saints
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The power at work towards them
In Paul's opening to the letter to the Ephesians, he paints a big picture of who believers are in Christ and the blessings that they have received.
To walk by the Spirit is life transforming, but it can be challenging and difficult with the danger of falling into legalism or licence. We have our part to play in walking free in Christ and crucifying the desires of the flesh. If we walk by the Spirit, the fruit of the Spirit will grow in us. We will become more like Jesus and others will see the difference in us and be drawn to him.
In the short letter of Jude we are instructed to pray in the Holy Spirit. What does that mean? How do we do it? And what's the fruit that comes from it?
The baptism (or filling) of the Holy Spirit is something that is available to all believers, and the authentic mark of it is a transformed life, filled with power to be a witness for Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians to correct their misuse of spiritual gifts. They were abusing the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to the church, turning them into means of status and competition. Paul shows the Corinthians a better way, bringing them back to the main purpose of the gifts - love for God and for others.
It was a pleasure to have guest speaker James Mildred come and talk to us on the topic of morality.
Everyone has a set of morals, but on what are they based? James shows us that the worlds way of defining morality is subjective, whereas Christian morality is based upon the character of God himself, and so cannot change.
And contrary to popular belief, a life in submission to God's ways is where the good life is to be found.
Romans 8 tells us that the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. Why does he do this, and how does he help us?
The Holy Spirit is the 'spirit of adoption' (Romans 8:15) who reveals to us our identity as children of God, bringing assurance into the hearts of those who follow Jesus Christ.
On our first International Sunday, we celebrated our church's diversity of nations and languages.
Nii Noi opened up the Bible to show us that diversity has always been part of God's design right from creation, and how in Christ we are fellow citizens and members of one household.
In Ephesians 5, Paul tells the church to be 'filled with the Spirit'. What does this mean? What are the common misunderstandings about it? And what does it mean for the believer today?
Jesus is warning His disciples of persecution and His imminent departure - which will be to their advantage so that the Spirit of truth can come.
Preaching from John 16, Sam Gardner shows us what it means that the Holy Spirit is the 'Spirit of truth' and how that's good news for us today.
It’s really important to have a vision for our work, why we do what we do and to have faith to see God in it.
In this sermon, we see two common, incorrect visions of work and the right vision of work that Jesus wants us to have.
Jesus is in the temple, watching people give their money into the treasury.
He observes two groups of people - the rich, who gave lots out of their abundance, and a widow who gave just two coins.
Jesus celebrates the widow's offering, giving us a model for how to follow God with our money.
The call of Jesus on all Christians is to ‘follow me’. We are to follow Jesus in all ways, and in this mini series we are focussing in on 3 things.
In our first of the series, Nii Noi looks at how we are to follow Jesus with our homes. Speaking from Luke 7, we see how our homes should be a place to encounter Christ, as well as a place to honour the Lord.
As we conclude our series in 1 Thessalonians, Mark shows us how trusting in the return of Christ is the source of hope for Christians that puts everything into perspective.
God is inviting us to step into the supernatural, it is our inheritance. A gift from God to all believers.
Paul sends Timothy to the church in Thessalonica to ensure they are walking well in the midst of affliction. Timothy’s report back is a huge source of joy and encouragement to Paul and we see in this passage two main themes: Genuine Love and Authentic Lives.
Andrew explored the topic of identity, defining identity as our ‘controlling self-understanding'. The big question everyone has to ask themselves is ‘Who am I?’, but Andrew argued that the more foundational question to ask is ‘How do I find who I am?’
Andrew outlined the three main ways in which people can find who they are, showing us how one of them is far better and more true than the other two.
Looking at Paul’s example, we want to be equipped to discern authentic and trustworthy ministry that glorifies God and cares for his people.
Thessalonica was a thriving seaport in northern Greece and Paul had come there after preaching in Philippi where he had been beaten and thrown into prison. After being in Thessalonica for only a few weeks, he met similar opposition and had to flee the city.
How would this fledgling church survive?
Paul sent Timothy to find out how they were doing and the positive report that Timothy brings back shows that they are not just doing OK but they are an example to other believers throughout the region and their witness rings out far and wide.
Chapter 1 is full of thanks to God for this witness, for their work produced by faith, their labour prompted by love and their endurance inspired by hope.
Under the conviction of the Holy Spirit and knowing what it would cost them, they turned away from their idols to the living God and in the same moment met suffering and joy.
Their transformation and difference stands out.
In the concluding chapter of Hosea, Olly speaks on two themes: Returning to God, and relationship with him. Despite the total unfaithfulness of Israel, they can return to their God. We see the need to acknowledge sin, to see that it is only God who can save, that we're loved freely and God wants us to grow.
God continues to speak to His people through Hosea’s prophetic words, and reading through the four chapters (7 – 10), He makes it clear to Israel how they had become so engulfed by sin that they ironically didn’t even realise it any longer (Ch 7:1-2). Through these chapters, God isn’t merely moaning, condemning or complaining about sinful conduct, but His tone remains one of a concerned parent, eager to point out the error of His children, and how their sin had an impact on the relationship He desired to have with them.
Ultimately we see the impact of hearts that were divided, lives that had lost their purpose, and the invitation to turn back to God to become whole again.
Through the story of Hosea and Gomer, God is making an analogy between their marriage and his relationship with his people - that just as Gomer is unfaithful to Hosea, so are God’s people unfaithful to Him.
From Hosea chapter 4, the writing style changes from story to prophetic poetry, reinforcing this message. We see that there is no knowledge of God in the land resulting in sin, and the invitation that God has to come and know him - and when we do, we see that his grace towards us is greater than the sin in us.
In this section of John's letter, we see his affectionate words to his friends, challenging wrongful thinking and encouraging them to look to Jesus’s example of loving others.
John continues to address his readers lovingly and strongly with an encouragement to not sin. This should be our desire but we (and John) know that this is not possible. John explains that we have an advocate in Jesus who speaks for us for ongoing forgiveness based on our belief in Jesus.
John then talks about how our behaviour should reflect our belief that if we know him we will obey his commandments and walk as Jesus did.
“God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.” 1 John 1:5
Olly continues our series on 1 John, preaching from 1 John 1:5-10.
Olly explores two main themes that come from this passage - the contrast of light and darkness, and confession & forgiveness.
The letter of 1 John was written for two main reasons - to correct false teaching, and encourage the church.
In part 1 of our new series in this letter, Martin looked at the opening verses, which focus in on the nature of Christ; the one who has always existed, and made it possible for us to have eternal life - that is, to know Him - through being born as a man.
In our concluding sermon of the series, Olly Knight preaches from the final two chapters of Daniel.
Drawing out three main themes of War, Victory and Perseverance, Olly shows us how all of these point to and are fulfilled by the great storyline of the whole Bible of God sending His Son to rescue his people, who are now eagerly awaiting his return.
In Daniel chapters 9 & 10 there are more visions, and Tim Wilson highlights how Daniel interacted with God, what we can learn in our own devotional lives from that, as well as how God responds to Daniel's prayers.
Daniel 6 contains one of the most famous stories in the Bible - Daniel in the lion's den.
Do we have an expectation that good things will happen if we just do the right things? Mark Nottage preaches through the passage, showing us that although Daniel had lived a life of faithfulness to God, he was still conspired against, with the King tricked into making a law that would cause Daniel to be thrown in the Lion's den.
Nevertheless, we know that the story ends pointing us to God's miraculous preservation of Daniel, and this same God is alive and working His power towards us today.
Daniel 5 is a story of the contrast between two people - one was King, and one was a servant. One worshipped himself, and one worshipped God almighty.
John Bailey opens up the chapter, showing us what we can learn from Daniel and how we can be confident in the character of our God.
King Nebuchadnezzar had already seen great things from God but doesn’t quite grasp who He really is. It is a helpful example and warning for all of us, that it is possible to have encounters with God, revelation of who He is and His greatness and still have too high a view of ourselves.
In this sermon from Daniel 4, Kathryn Bailey shows us how the book of Daniel is all about the Kingdom of God - of which God is the King, and we are not - and that's good news.
In chapter 3 of Daniel, Daniel's 3 friends are thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow down and worship the idol that King Nebuchadnezzar had established.
With great openness and honesty, Kathryn shares from her own experience of being in the furnace, and how we are to be like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego - resolved to worship and trust in the character of our God, and not in our circumstances.
In chapter 2 of Daniel, none of King Nebuchadnezzar's wise men can tell him his dream and its interpretation. But Daniel trusts in the limitless nature of the God of Israel, and asks for it be revealed to him.
Nii Noi shows us how we serve a limitless God, who is sovereign over all humanity.
In part 1 we see the context of the book of Daniel, and the challenge that God's people were facing in being exiled to Babylon.
We also see the choice that Daniel made in being resolved to remain faithful to God - the one who always remains faithful to his promises.