All Nations Christian Centre Sermons: Recent Episodes
All Nations Christian Centre
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.org
Jesus in His teaching in the sermon on the mount gives us a manifesto in what we should be known for, in how to rule in life with Kingdom values. Billy Fenning speaks on this manifesto of the kingdom.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
George Dunn speaks on how Jesus meets us personally, longing for a deep and lasting connection, planned since the beginning of time, and eagerly invites us into a relationship that brings peace, love, and purpose now and forever.All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Keith Jackson speaks on reaching out with the Good News, both home and away.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Looking at the lives of Gideon and Paul in the Bible, Vicki Cripps speaks on how we too should have an authentic connection with God.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
At our all-age service, One Big Church, Ellie Watson speaks on what Jesus meant when He said "I am the light of the world".All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Amanuel Andarge reflects on his journey in seeking a deeper, more personal relationship with God, who desires a daily, genuine relationship with us.All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Sarah Horne, the ministry director for Reach, speaks from Acts 17 and challenges us on reaching Reading, just as Paul did with the Athenians.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Do we call on Alexa more than God? Ellie Watson encourages us to approach God with reverence and gratitude, rather than treating Him like a virtual assistant for instant answers.All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
At our baptism service, Keith Jackson speaks from Colossians 2:9-15 and asks whether we are feeling fine.All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Keith Jackson continues his short series on the parable of the Prodigal Son. In this talk, Keith looks at the story from the perspective of the older brother.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Billy Fenning looks at being people of the kingdom and what that means for us living in the 21st century.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Keith Jackson starts a short series on the parable of the prodigal son. In this talk, Keith looks at the story from the perspective of the father.All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
At our all-age service, One Big Church, George Dunn speaks on what Jesus meant when He said "I am the bread of life".All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
At the launch of our first evening service, Keith Jackson speaks on why we are creating the space for God to move.All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Patrick Regan OBE speaks on how in these uncertain times, we are called to think small, creating space for the presence of God and to think differently.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Speaking from Ephesians 3:14-21, Billy Fenning warns us to pay attention to yourself because God cares more about the state of your heart than the work of your hand.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Alistair Kumi looks at how we are supercharged for good works with the gifts of the spirit.All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Pastor George speaks on the importance of being a person after God's heart, highlighting David's qualities and urging us to emulate these traits to live a life pleasing to God.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Sunday worship gatherings are great for engaging with God and strengthening our relationship, but Ellie Watson asks what about Monday morning?
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Looking at when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, Keith Jackson speaks on resurrecting the promises of God.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Looking at Matthew 17:20, George Dunn speaks on how we should have faith like a mustard seed; the role of faith in overcoming challenges and trusting in God’s unfailing power.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
During this season of the Olympic Games, Billy Fenning looks at the story of Ahimaaz from 2 Samuel 18 and running the race of our spiritual lives.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Keith Jackson concludes his two-part message on money matters and discovers that the heart of the believer is a generous one.All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Keith Jackson speaks on money matters. How we use, steward and view money is vitally important if we care about our vision here at All Nations.
All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.
For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.org
Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Billy Fenning challenges us to allow God to take ownership of our lives. Our lives are not our own, we belong to God and no one can serve two masters.All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
At our all-age service, Debbie Schofield reminds us how generous God has been and how we need to give generously back to him.All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
Explore forgiveness, prayer and giving as Alistair Kumi teaches on Christ Saved Me So...All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
As well as sharing about their ministry in Hungary, Roy and Lainey Hitchman speak on the importance of practising love through faith and embracing the mission of loving and serving others selflessly, following the example of Jesus.All Nations Christian Centre is an Elim Pentecostal Church in Reading, UK.For more information, please visit our website: https://www.allnationselim.orgOr follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @allnationselim
On Father’s Day, Keith Jackson speaks on the challenge that all Christian men need to take up of being living examples to children, to be men behaving Godly.You can view the accompanying notes to this message on Keith’s blog.
At our all-age service, Ellie Watson joined by Adaora and Risnum, looks at one of the church’s values of legacy; the future church today.Direct your children onto the right path,and when they are older, they will not leave it.
Proverbs 22:6
Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance, looks at three ways in which we need to be a witnessing church.
Concluding our series on the Holy Spirit, Billy Fenning looks at the gifts that the Holy Spirit benefits to the church.And it shall come to pass afterwardThat I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh;Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,Your old men shall dream dreams,Your young men shall see visions
Joel 2:28
Last week we looked at who the Holy Spirit is, the role He plays in salvation. In this message, Keith Jackson looks at how the Holy Spirit manifests to us.You can view the accompanying notes to this message on Keith’s blog.
Keith Jackson continues this month’s theme of the Holy Spirit, looking at what the role of the Holy Spirit is.You can view the accompanying notes to this message on Keith’s blog.
At our all-age service, One Big Church, Debbie Schofield and Prathisha Avidi explore who the Holy Spirit is.Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.
Acts 2:2-4
Continuing our series on worship, Billy Fenning speaks on how God longs for intimacy and how we should worship God in our hearts.But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers willworship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.
John 4:23-24
Continuing our series on worship, Aaron Dolding speaks on how we are created to worship, how there is a cost to worship and how we need to consecrate our lives to Jesus.
Keith Jackson speaks on how the different seasons in our lives bring different postures of discipleship.You can view the accompanying notes to this message on Keith’s blog.
At our all-age service, Debbie Schofield speaks on how we should live our lives as true worship to God, treating every moment of the day as our reaction to God’s action.For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth
John 4:24
On Easter Sunday at our water baptism service, Keith Jackson looks at the time that Philip met the Ethiopian eunuch and the questions that were asked, including “Here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptised?”You can view the accompanying notes to this message on Keith’s blog.
Christianity rests on the foundation that Christ died and was resurrected. On Good Friday morning, Keith Jackson reminds us that as Christians, we live in a Good Friday world but we are Easter Sunday people.You can view the accompanying notes to this message on Keith’s blog.
Mervyn Thomas, founder and president of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, speaks on standing up against injustice.
As Christians we have a paradox: as we mature the younger we become! On Insight Morning Keith Jackson speaks on how as disciples we are growing up to be a child.You can view the accompanying notes to this message on Keith’s blog.
Continuing our series on discipleship, Billy Fenning speaks on growing to be effective and how God desires that we be fruitful in every area of our lives by looking at the story of Ruth.
Richard Kay, the founder of the Reading-based charity Chapter2, speaks on how we can write hope into the fatherless story.For more information on how you can get involved, please visit Chapter2’s website www.chapter2.org.uk
Keith Jackson concludes our series on mission by exploring the biblical basis of mission in the New Testament.You can view the accompanying notes to this message on Keith’s blog.
Do you feel at times a lack of desire? Do you ever feel like your spirit is anything but fervent? Billy Fenning speaks on how to keep alive.not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord
Romans 12:11
At our all-age service, Debbie Schofield shares her testimony on how God can and will do something new.See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
Isaiah 43:19
Continuing his series on Philippians, Keith Jackson examines how Paul speaks about his past, present and future and how he has changed under the grace of God, giving him the right perspective.
Keith Jackson continues his series on Philippians, speaking on the joy that comes from sacrificial living.
Continuing his series on Philippians, Keith Jackson speaks on four characteristics of the Christlike attitude for us to emulate and how there is an advantage of holding with an open hand.
At our monthly all-age service, One Big Church, Vicki Cripps looks at how all words have power - even the ones we speak over ourselves.
Keith Jackson continues his series on Philippians speaking on how we must live a life worthy of the Gospel. Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in…
Keith Jackson starts his series on Philippians by looking at the three thoughts that Paul uses to describe true Christian fellowship of the gospel.
Why do I believe in church? Billy Fenning speaks on how the church is Gods means to bring transformation to the world.
At our all-age service, Billy Fenning speaks on making the right choice and how we should build our lives on the foundation of Jesus.It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.
Luke 6:48
On Pentecost Sunday, Chris Ragg first shares his missionary work in the Philippines and then speaks on the power of Pentecost.
Looking at the Parable of the Ten Servants found in Luke 19, Billy Fenning speaks on how your life is not your own, it belongs to God.
Keith Jackson concludes his series on Habakkuk by drawing points from chapter 3 on how we can have a living faith in a dying world.You can view the accompanying notes to this message on Keith’s blog.
At our all-age service, One Big Church, Debbie Schofield explores the upside down kingdom of God and reminds us that Jesus is the King of Kings and that everyone is invited to be people of the Kingdom.And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God. And note this: Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then
Luke 13:29-30
Reflecting on Revelation 22, Stuart Blount speaks on how if we want the life that God promises, we need to recognise the centrality of the throne.And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever.
Revelation 22:1-5
Billy Fenning speaks on how we are resurrection people living in a Good Friday world, but not only do we live with hope for tomorrow, we have power and strength for today.7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. 8 We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we areperplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed— 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death is working in us, but life in you. 13 And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed and therefore I spoke,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you.
2 Corinthians 4:7-14
Many people will shun Christianity and the possibility of there being a creator God. Keith Jackson looks at the time Zacchaeus hid in a tree as he wanted to see Jesus without others seeing him just looking, and how today Jesus still stops and looks up at the ‘tree’ that hides you from view.You can view the accompanying notes to this message on Keith’s blog.
Speaking from Luke 24:1-12 on Easter Sunday, Keith Jackson speaks on how the resurrection changes everything.
Keith Jackson speaks on the importance of water baptism, which signifies that we are drowning in His love – but we don’t stay under because there’s a resurrection too!Notes from this sermon can be found on Keith’s website.
Raj Holness shares her powerful testimony of how she came to Christian faith through so much persecution.The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Psalm 23:1-3
What does it mean to receive Christ as Lord? Billy Fenning speaks on how there is more to being a Christian than just being forgiven.As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him
Colossians 2:6
Before Jesus could rise from the dead, He had to go through immense suffering and ultimately become the Sacrificial Lamb. Milly Bright takes us through Jesus’ journey of suffering and death.“He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sinsand live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”
1 Peter 2:24
At our all-age service, One Big Church, Vicki Cripps speaks on how when we are running the race that is our life of faith, we need to: run to win, not allow anyone to cut in on us and run hard – right to the finish!You’ve all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race. Everyone runs; one wins. Run to win. All good athletes train hard. They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades. You’re after one that’s gold eternally. I don’t know about you, but I’m running hard for the finish line. I’m giving it everything I’ve got. No lazy living for me! I’m staying alert and in top condition. I’m not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself.
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Bina Makgwana looks at the life of David and how we can learn from him to have a heart to serve the Lord.But now your kingdom will not endure; the Lord has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him ruler of his people, because you have not kept the Lord’s command.”
1 Samuel 13:14
There are things in life that we all find hard to say. Rachel Tofts looks at what the Bible says about forgiveness, repentance and blessing.Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times
Matthew 18:21-22
Are you content with a little bit of God – just enough to give you peace that you have eternal life? God longs for a heartfelt relationship with us. Billy Fenning speaks on the importance of drawing near to God.Draw near to God and He will draw near to you
James 4:8
Keith Jackson continues his series from the book of Habakkuk and speaks on how if you want to live by faith, you need to be one who intercedes and seeks God for the nation and your town.
At our all-age service, One Big Church, Aaron looks at how we can have walls in our lives. But as God broke down the walls of Jericho to lead the people of Israel into the plans he had for them, we too can see God intervene in the strongholds that stop us and see him breaking down the walls.When the people heard the sound of the rams’ horns, they shouted as loud as they could. Suddenly, the walls of Jericho collapsed, and the Israelites charged straight into the town and captured it.
Joshua 6:20
At our annual Insight Meeting, Billy Fenning and Keith Jackson speak on how God is doing a new thing at All Nations.Do not remember the former things,Nor consider the things of old.Behold, I will do a new thing,
Isaiah 43:18-19
Billy Fenning looks at the life of Daniel, a man of integrity and challenges us to reflect on whether there is integrity in our own walk with God, in our relationship with others and in the way that we live.But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself
Daniel 1:8
Have you ever wondered why God is taking His time with you? Why does He take so long to answer Keith Jackson speaks on how we can learn from the prophet Habakkuk and keep praying when times are tough.Full notes for this sermon are available by clicking here.
Looking at the life of David in 2 Samuel, David Campbell speaks on how if you want to be a successful Christian that it’s your character, your anointing that decides where you’re going in life.And David perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel, and that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel’s sake.
2 Samuel 5:12
As we start a New Year God wants you to be fruitful, but we need to understand our identity and destiny. Billy Fenning asks what is my purpose in life?I am focusing all my energies on this one thing; Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead…I press on that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has taken hold of me.
Philippians 3:13-14
From Luke 2:1-20, Debbie Schofield looks at five surprising things about the Christmas story and how Jesus is God’s gift for everyone.
Jesus, the humble Prince of Peace, wasn’t born in royal robes but in a manger. Looking at Philippians 2 verses 1 to 11, Rachel Tofts speaks on how humility in Christ is knowing who you are through God’s word, through the Holy Spirit and acting on that truth in faith.
Hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus, God spoke over 300 prophecies that Jesus fulfilled through His birth, His life, death and resurrection. Milly Bright looks briefly at four of these and what they tell us about the nature of God and why Jesus came to earth.A voice of one calling:“In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord;make straight in the desert a highway for our God.Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low;the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together.For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”
Isaiah 40:3-5
Billy Fenning speaks on how the sabbath is God’s gift to us and despite the business of life, we need to delight in God’s rest.One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike.Let each be fully convinced in his own mind.
Romans 14:5
Believe it or not, there was a time in the 17th century when parliament cancelled Christmas! George Dunn outlines three areas where as a church, we have a responsibility to not cancel Christmas again.After One Big Church service this morning, I’m feeling on safe ground. The reason why I say that is because, for me, Christmas starts on the 1st of November. We have the Christmas playlist going on in the car – yes, if you drive with me from the 1st of November, it’ll be Christmas music! The Starbucks Eggnog Latte appears (other coffee shops are available, but frankly they’re not as good enough!) And Channel 5 starts to do those cheesy Christmas films on a Saturday afternoon that you canjust sit in front of and enjoy.
So I want to spend a few minutes just reflecting for a few moments on Christmas. I want to take you back to the middle of the 17th century, to the year 1640. In the midst of a huge rivalry between the parliamentarians and the royalists of the day, in 1640 we had the establishment of what was called the Long Parliament. Now if you wonder how long the Long Parliament was, it was 20 years, lasting until 1660. And it was during this time we had the 2nd English Civil War and the end of the 1st Carilionera with the execution of King Charles I in 1649. Now the Long Parliament was dominated by a group of English Protestants known as the Puritans, and their mission was to purify the Church of England of Roman Catholic practices. They maintained that the Church of England had not been fully reformed and should become much more Protestant. Now as part of their campaign, would you believe it, they were determined to put an end to Christmas.
This was partly because they disliked the extravagance of the Christmas celebrations of the time, which they said were ungodly, but also because they saw Christ mass as an unwelcome survival of the Roman Catholic faith, and they declared it a popish festival with no biblical justification. Can you believe it? That’s what they said. No biblical justification. And interestingly, they had the same ideas for Easter and a range of other festivals that the Church enjoyed. And in June 1947, the Long Parliament passed a law confirming the abolition of the feasts of Christmas, Easter, and Whitsun, and specific penalties were to be imposed on anyone holding or attending a special Christmas church service. You would have been thrown in jail this morning for One Big Church as to what happened in 1647. Specific penalties were to be imposed, and the Lord Mayor of London was ordered to ensure that London stayed open for business. They had cancelled Christmas.
Now of course, despite the law, there were those who continued to celebrate it privately until in the end, with the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 and the ushering in of the second Carilion era, Christmas was once again officially reestablished. Now just in the same way as those parliamentarians in the 17th century attempted to cancel Christmas overtly, covertly in today’s culture, we have strong attempts from a number of directions to cancel Christmas, or at least to cancel the true meaning of Christmas. And as a church, we have a responsibility to ensure that we hold strong and don’t allow Christmas to be cancelled.
First, let’s not cancel the history of Christmas. Now there are some who may believe that Christmas is some sort of Dickensian construct, or they may even refer back to the poem of Clement Clark Moore, a visit from St. Nicholas, or what we know as the night before Christmas. Others may hark back to St. Nicholas himself, who was a fourth-century Christian saint who was renowned for his gift-giving. And as Christians, we may point back to the origin of Christmas as being a manger in Bethlehem in which Jesus was placed as a newborn human baby, supernaturally conceived within the womb of Mary. I’m going to say it differently. To my mind, the history of Christmas goes back much further than that. In Ephesians 1, verses 3 and 4 we read this,
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Ephesians 1:3-4Brothers and sisters, the history of Christmas is eternal. It was always part of God’s plan. It existed in the mind of God and with God before anything else existed. In John 1, verses 1 to 5, which we often read at this time of year,
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5And skipping to verse 14,
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:14The history of Christmas is eternal, Jesus, the light of the world. This is all about Jesus, and Jesus has been around since the dawn of time. There is a popular Christmas song from the 1970s that you often hear on the radio by Greg Lake, and it’s called, I Believe in Father Christmas. And there’s a verse which says this;
They sold me a dream of Christmas.They sold me a silent night.They told me a fairy story till I believed in the Israelite.
Christmas is more than a dream. Christmas is more than a song, and Christmas is definitely not a fairy tale. Christmas is Jesus, God with us.
Secondly, let’s not cancel the joy of Christmas. One of the things that Puritans hated was the raucous celebrations that accompanied the Christmas festival, and I’m sure, like me, you’ll have listened to many sermons in which you’re told Christmas isn’t about the tinsel, the lights, the feasting, the baubles, the presents, the Christmas trees, and watching Miracle on 34th Street or It’s a Wonderful Life with a cup of cocoa on a sofa surrounded by your family. You know what? To me, it’s all about those things as I express my joy for the fact that Jesus is my salvation. Without Jesus, I would be lost. Jesus makes all things new. Jesus brings light in the darkness. He casts out all fear. Jesus is my healer. Jesus is my Redeemer. Jesus is my Savior and Lord. And you know what? If I can’t celebrate that with feasting, tinsel, lights, and wholesome Christmas films, that’s a travesty. I celebrate because of Jesus.
Let’s look at it from the perspective of the angels for a moment. Throughout the Bible, we find various references to angels. Mostly they appear singularly. Sometimes they appear in pairs. I think it was once at least that they appeared as a triple. But let’s read the account of Luke, and we’ve read it already this morning, in Luke 2, verses 8 to 14.
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:8-12Let’s just pause. Now imagine the scene. This is the angel who has been waiting for millennia, millennia to come and give the message to the shepherds. He was the one that was chosen. He was the one that was sent out to tell the shepherds what was going on. Imagine what he felt when he went on to declare that. And he said I am the one who has been chosen to bring this news. Then all of a sudden this happens.
A great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, glory to God in the highest heaven and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.
Luke 8:13-14It’s almost like the others couldn’t help themselves. He was the one that was chosen, and he turns around and he finds all of the angels are out of heaven, praising God and giving glory for the fact that Jesus had been born. They all spill out of heaven into the sky in huge numbers and praise God. Never recorded before that they did that. Never recorded again. The joy just spilt out of heaven. Interestingly, we don’t know if they sang. It doesn’t say that they sang, but they were clearly all full of joy. Imagine the pent-up joy of millennia, knowing that this was planned from the foundation of the world, and now God’s plan was coming to fruition. Why shouldn’t they be joyful? Why shouldn’t they be joyful about Christmas? Let’s not cancel the joy of Christmas.
And finally, let’s not cancel the spirit of Christmas. I often think about what people are celebrating at this time of the year if they’ve got no relationship with Jesus. What are they celebrating? Who do they think they’re celebrating? It’s not like a birthday or a retirement or a wedding or a christening or even a wake after a funeral. They all have a focal point for the celebration, but what about Christmas if it’s not about Jesus? Without Jesus, Christmas is empty. Without Jesus, Christmas is meaningless. It’ll be like holding the coronation of Charles III for the third Carilion era on the 6th of May without the king being there! It’ll be like attending a wedding feast without the bride and groom, just meaningless. In Galatians 4 we read this,
But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 4:4-7God sent the spirit of his son into our hearts. That’s the spirit of Christmas. We’re no longer slaves to sin, but we are God’s children. That’s the reason for our celebrations. So let’s not cancel Christmas, the eternal history of Christmas. Let’s not cancel the joy of Christmas, and let’s not cancel the spirit of Christmas.
Now you might be saying, you know what George, Christmas means nothing to me. It’s just another day, just another season, just another waste of time and money. Let me encourage you, maybe for the very first time this Christmas, to look into the eyes of Jesus, promised since before the foundation of time itself, declared with a multitude of joyous angels and opening up for us a way of salvation, a hope, and a future. This Christmas could be the very first time that you truly understand its history, its joy, and its spirit. Don’t miss out.
We live in a busy world, with deadlines to be meet, stress and long working hours. Billy Fenning speaks on how there is a key to emotional health and spiritual maturity; to embrace a new rhythm for living - Gods rhythm.
Examining James chapter 1, Robert Lewis speaks on how we need to listen and make a difference in the world around us.
Billy Fenning speaks on how if we are to maintain good emotional health and spiritual maturity, we must have the courage to let go of the past to take hold of the future.
Looking at the time when Joshua calls the Israelites to repentance and sets the example with the now famous verse as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord, Vicki Cripps challenges us that we need to make the same step over the line in the sand that Jesus draws today.
Our experiences in our past can define how we look at the world and even Gods Word. Rachel looks at how some people in the Bible viewed the world and the circumstances that they found themselves in, both positive and negative, and how we all need vision through Gods eyes.
Examining The Parable of The Wise and Foolish Builders, John Angliss speaks on how to survive the storms of life.
Many of us will go to our graves without really knowing who we are and sometimes we try and live someone else’s life as we feel insecure in our own skin. Taking a lesson from Gideon, Billy Fenning speaks on the importance of knowing your identity.
Phil MacInnes reflects on the transfiguration of Jesus and how we need to look to Jesus alone.
At our monthly all-age service, One Big Church, we conclude our Lost series by looking at the Parable Of The Lost Son. Bina Makgwana and Debbie Schofield speak on how through Jesus, we can all return to God.
Have you ever been through a season in your life where you don’t have all the answers you are facing leading you to ask the ‘Why Lord?’ question?
What is the living hope that Peter writes about in 1 Peter 1:3? Can we hope in God? Can we trust God even in our brokenness? Billy Fenning speaks on our living hope in a messy world.
At our monthly all-age service, One Big Church, Debbie Schofield speaks on how limitless our God is and how through him and with him we are limitless too!
Rana Kundi encourages us from Pauls words in Philippians 3:10-16 to take hold of that for which Christ has taken hold of you.
Speaking from Ezekiel 47:1-5, Robin Fenner, pastor of Micklefield Elim Church in High Wycombe, encourages us to go deeper in our walk with God. Lets go swimming with God!
Continuing on from Rachel Tofts talk, Milly Bright speaks on how we are carriers of His presence and the authority of God, so that we can release it to those around us.
Knock knock. Whos There? In the Bible, Jesus spoke a lot about doors; opening, knocking, and closing doors. Rachel Tofts examines what we can learn from Revelation 3:20-22.
In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus tells us that we all have a journey to take of which there are only two destinations; destruction and life. With this in mind, George Dunn asks are we progressing on this journey?
At the end of our Mega Makers holiday club, Debbie Schofield reflects on the challenge Jesus gives to those who follow him so that more and more people could become followers.
Billy Fenning examines Psalm 13, a song of distress and discovery, which gives us good advice for the dark season of the soul.
Sometimes we pray in a self-centred way, not knowing the way of God. Drawing on Pauls words from Ephesians, Billy Fenning speaks on the importance of praying in the Spirit.
Miselo Kangwa explores how the example of Nehemiah helps us in building spiritual endurance when things get tough.
At our monthly all-age service, One Big Church, Rachel Tofts looks at the Parable Of The Lost Coin and how you are valuable to God.
Tibebu Berhanu speaks on how there is healing in the New Testament through Jesus Christ.
Rana Kundi concludes his sermon mini-series on being with and becoming more like Jesus.
At our 2022 Ladies Conference “Chosen” Tarn Bright speaks on being chosen and precious.
At our 2022 Ladies Conference “Chosen” Velveta Thompson speaks on how we are daughters of destiny.
For some who have not had a good father, the image of God as Father may sound confusing, but on Fathers Day, Billy Fenning looks at how much God loves us and how God is our good good father.
As we rebuild in this post-pandemic season, Rana Kundi challenges us not to return to business as usual but to focus on being with and becoming more like Jesus.
At our monthly all-age service, One Big Church, Billy Fenning speaks on how, through the Holy Spirit in us, God can do more than we can ever imagine!
Billy Fenning concludes our series on the Names of God by looking at the last name given to God in the Old Testament; Jehovah Shammah - the Lord is there.
John McDonough updates us on the missionary work he and his family are a part of in Paraguay and then continues our series on the Names of God, looking at Jehovah Tsevaot - the Lord of hosts.
For such a time as this is often quoted from the book of Esther. Keith Jackson explores how being here for such a time as this is not a blessing to receive, it is a strategy to live out; it is a deliberate way of living that changes the culture around us.
Rana Kundi continues our series on the Names of God by looking at Jehovah Shalom - the Lord is peace.
At our monthly all-age service, One Big Church, Vicki Cripps looks at the Parable of the Lost Sheep and learned how God loves everyone - not just the 99.
Looking at Matthew 14 when Peter responds to Jesus walking on the water, Jon Williams asks what Peter are you?
On Easter Sunday, Billy Fenning speaks on four powerful words that changes history, that can change the world, that can change your life; Jesus Christ is Lord.
Rana Kundi continues our series on the Names of God by looking at Jehovah Rapha - the Lord our healer from Exodus 15:22-26.
Milly Bright speaks on how God has a plan too for the lives of each and every one of our children, our grandchildren, our nieces and nephews, our youth; and all of those plans are good!
Looking at Exodus 16, George Dunn continues our series on the Names of God by looking at Jehovah-Nissi - the Lord our banner.
Billy Fenning continues our Names Of God series looking at Jehovah-Jireh. Through the account of Abrahams testing, found in Genesis 22, Billy shares how God sees beforehand to provide for us.
At One Big Church, our monthly all-age service, Rachel speaks on how no matter what age you are or what education youve had, Gods wisdom is for everyone!
What kind of church does God want? Billy Fenning speaks about the kind of church that God wants; a working church, a worshipping church, a church of courage; a church without walls.
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Matthew 28:19-20
Continuing our series on the names of God, Rana Kundi speaks on Jehovah-Rohi; the Lord is my shepherd looking at Psalm 23.
Rana Kundi looks at a biblical theology of love and sex.
Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful!Your eyes are doves behind your veil.Your hair is like a flock of goats leaping down the slopes of Gilead.2 Your teeth are like a flock of shorn ewes that have come up from the washing,all of which bear twins, and not one among them has lost its young.3 Your lips are like a scarlet thread, and your mouth is lovely.Your cheeks are like halves of a pomegranate behind your veil.4 Your neck is like the tower of David, built in rows of stone;[a]on it hang a thousand shields, all of them shields of warriors.5 Your two breasts are like two fawns, twins of a gazelle, that graze among the lilies.6 Until the day breathes and the shadows flee,I will go away to the mountain of myrrh and the hill of frankincense.7 You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you.16 Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind!Blow upon my garden, let its spices flow.
Song of Solomon 4:1-16
Looking at the story of Esther, Bina Makgwana speaks on being crowned with a servant heart.
If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”
Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.”
Esther 4:14-16
During our monthly all-age service, One Big Church, we we look at three names of God in the Bible; Jehovah Raah, Jehovah Nissi and Jehovah Shammah and what they mean to us today.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.
Proverbs 18:10
Amanuel Andarge and Rachel Tofts continue our series examining at the names of God found in the Bible. This week we look at Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord Our Righteousness.
“Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord,“That I will raise to David a Branch of righteousness;A King shall reign and prosper,And execute judgment and righteousness in the earth.In His days Judah will be saved,And Israel will dwell safely;Now this is His name by which He will be called:
THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Jeremiah 23:5-6
What’s in a name? God has many names in the Bible. As we start our new series looking at these names that reveal God’s identity, Billy Fenning speaks about the names Elohim and Yahweh.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses;But we will remember the name of the Lord our God.
Psalm 20:7
Looking at the Parable of the Ten Servants found in Luke 19, Billy Fenning speaks on how your life is not your own, it belongs to God.
Looking at the example that the churches in Macedonia set in the New Testament, Billy Fenning challenges us on being a generous church in all aspects of living; in giving, forgiving, kindness and love.
Looking at Colossians 3:1-10, Rana Kundi shares an ancient message for a new day and a timeless truth for a new year.
On Christmas Day, Bina Makgwana speaks on the reason for the season examining Luke 2:8-15.
Many people think that they can’t find God because of the difficulty they are facing – but often God comes to us disguised in difficulty. Examining Matthew 1:18-24, Billy Fenning looks at when Joseph couldn’t make sense of what was happening, but how God explained everything.