Grace Church Sunday Teaching: Recent Episodes
Grace Church Bognor Regis, Chichester & Havant
We all have moments when we feel far from God and Jonah discovered that running from God’s call on his life didn’t work. Facing death in a storm sent by God, God reminds him that grace is always there when we reach the bottom.
Jonah experiences the mercy of God from inside a fish but has he learnt anything or is there a good reason why he struggles? Discovering how mercy triumphs over judgement can change our story.
What kind of God do we meet in the opening chapter of Jonah? Discover a God whose mercy refuses to stay inside the borders we draw—a mercy that reaches His enemies, pursues the runaway, and ultimately reaches us through Jesus.
Paul encourages us to offer up our bodies as living sacrifices, our lives are to be an act of worship as servants of Christ. The passage amplifies what this means, explaining how God has given us all gifts that are to be used to serve God and one another.
Ever feel like God’s commands are just one more burden to carry? We look at what it means when John says Jesus commands aren’t burdensome, and how faith enables obedience to bring us joy.
As we finish our series on The Lord’s Prayer, we come to the verses “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one”. Can God really tempt us? And, how does the evil one affect our lives?
As we finish our series on The Lord’s Prayer, we come to the verses “lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one”. Can God really tempt us? And, how does the evil one affect our lives?
Jesus teaches us to pray, “Forgive us our debts.” We explore what our debt is and how a just God can forgive guilty sinners through the cross, and discover the cost of unforgiveness as well as the freedom that forgiving others brings.
The ‘grievance culture’ we live in tells us that there is always someone to blame when problems arise. But what if forgiveness was the radical solution this world needs? And how does accepting Jesus’ forgiveness change us and those around us?
So much of our fear and anxiety is about the future, worrying whether we’ll have all we need to get through life. Jesus teaches that the Father provides both ‘bread’ and grace for each day, not only for our physical needs but also our deepest need of all.
The first part of the Lord’s Prayer is important for shaping our request for daily bread It is a great comfort that God invites us to come and ask Him for what we need, but also that He hears us as we pray.
Jesus was showing God’s heart when he prayed that God’s kingdom would come to earth. It is not like the kingdoms of this world, but instead calls on us to surrender our will to God so that He might reign in our hearts.
We explore three different aspects to God’s will: secret, discerned and revealed. We unpack questions we might have relating to God’s will and actions we need to take as Christians in the light of God’s will.
God’s will is both sovereign and certain. Through every trial, God can be trusted, and whatever comes our way, He will work for our good. As we look at Jesus in the garden, we see the best example of surrendering our will to the Father’s.
In our Lord’s Prayer series, we look at the line “your kingdom come.” We trace the kingdom of God through the Bible, see how we enter through Jesus, and live between the kingdom’s “now and not yet,” looking ahead to Christ’s return, when it comes in full.
The many names of God portray his immensity and holiness and allow us to understand just who it is that we meet with in our times of prayer. As we pray “Hallowed be Your Name” we recognise and revere the holiness of our loving and just Father.
Firstly, this prayer is a petition for the nations to honour and glorify a mighty, majestic and holy God, and secondly for us to be in awe of God.
Before we ask God for anything, Jesus teaches us who we are talking to. Discover why this changes everything, how we come to truly know him, and how incredible this relationship can become when we grasp who God is and how much he loves us.
How do you approach God? Jesus’ prayer in Matthew 6 is a great encouragement to come boldly into God’s presence through prayer, guarding against both hesitation and presumption by nurturing a heartfelt desire to spend time with our heavenly Father.
Praying in the Spirit is vital, so what does that look like in our everyday lives? Paul asked for prayer for courage and clarity, it is also what we need.
As we complete the book of Ephesians, Paul reminds us to pray continually and in all kinds of ways. Encouraging us that prayer is both the way that we build our relationship with God as well as a weapon we use to enable us to overcome our trials.
Paul tells us that if we are a Christian, we are in a spiritual battle. And although we face a mighty enemy, we have an even mightier ally.
Paul talks of Christian life like a battle, but who is the enemy and what are his schemes? We need to understand the battle ground in the knowledge that God has equipped us with all that we need in Christ to live in the victory that he has won!
We don’t become Christians by the way we conduct our relationships; but the way people conduct our relationships should be redefined when we become Christians. Whether in the home or the workplace, the gospel calls believers to serve wholeheartedly.
We don’t become Christians by the way we conduct our relationships; but the way people conduct our relationships should be redefined when we become Christians. Whether in the home or the workplace, the gospel calls believers to serve wholeheartedly.
Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts, but it points to something far bigger than itself. In Ephesians 5, Paul shows us what healthy, flourishing, Christ-centred marriage actually looks like, and why it matters to every single one of us, married or not.
The Bible’s vision for marriage in Ephesians 5 is both more demanding and more beautiful than we might think. It is demanding because it is built on self-denial and self-sacrifice, and beautiful because it is all about Christ’s sacrifice for his church.
Paul’s calls us to make the most of every opportunity, but what does this look like for believers and what does this mean practically? Exploring how to live wisely and how we discern Gods will for our lives.
Having been called and received new identity in Christ, Christian believers are called to lives of wisdom and worship. This is far easier said than done but we are also given the power that leads to wisdom and worship in the person of the Holy Spirit.
This preach is a reminder that, as believers, we should allow the love of God to be expressed in our lifestyle. It should be the motive and driving force behind all we do, as we have been shown the deepest love by Christ. “God is Love and Love is God”.
God calls us to a life shaped by His love, leaving behind the old life, and stepping into the light. We are called to live differently—reflecting His love in how we walk, think, and shine in the world.
The crowd at the cross heard Jesus quote a psalm written a thousand years earlier that predicted his death in precise detail, and yet all they saw was a dying man crying for help. What do we do with evidence when our hearts aren’t ready to receive it?
On Easter Sunday, we’ve had the sadness of Friday, the silence of Saturday and now we can celebrate that Jesus is risen on Sunday. The resurrection is central to the gospel, but what difference does that make to our lives today?
Joe shares a message on Good Friday, where two cups show us the power of what Jesus accomplished on the cross. He offers us the cup of salvation because he drank of the cup of wrath for us.
What is the greatest need in the UK church right now? The charity Open Doors UK shares with us stories about persecuted Christians around the world and how God is working in these impossible situations to advance the gospel.
Having unhealthy eyes has a negative impact on all of life and Jesus used this as a metaphor for our relationship with money. We see clearly when we look to him and treasure him above all else.
What is your true identity? Paul in Ephesians 4 makes it clear there are only two options – in Christ or outside of Christ. When we know who we are in Jesus we discover that he also gives us the power to live a life that is ‘worthy’ of him.
The book of Ephesians becomes very practical when we come to chapter four onwards. In verses 17-32 Paul gives us a road map of how we change in our walk with God.
The unity of the church runs much deeper than we realise and within that unity, Jesus has given diverse gifts to his people. As unity grows and every member exercises their diverse gifts to bless the body, the church will grow to maturity in Christ.
Maturity in Christ is worked out in our maturity together. We need each other and we each receive gifts of grace from Jesus for the whole body.
God’s desire is for all Christians to know the fullness of God and for Christ to dwell in our hearts.
What does it mean to be rooted and established in God’s love and to have Christ living in us.
Paul is writing from prison, yet he’s full of confidence in God’s purposes. We explore how the gospel was always part of an eternal plan, how God is sovereign over every circumstance of our lives, and how the church is the very display of his wisdom.
It is very difficult for us to overestimate the prominence of the church in the plan of God. It is through the church – of all things/places – that God chooses to make his manifold wisdom known to the heavenly realms.
God’s people, the church, are one new humanity, Christ’s body, God’s household, citizens of God’s kingdom and living stones in God’s dwelling. We were far from God and foreigners to his people. But in Christ, we are near to God and included in his people.
Paul helps us to remember that without Christ, we were without hope. But now because of Jesus’ death, which acted as a wrecking ball to every barrier man has ever built, we can approach God personally and we are united as one body.
Paul prays that the Church knows God better through receiving the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and revelation. And that we may grasp the incomparably great power that is towards us in Jesus Christ.
What if the best news you could hear is that your life is not all about you? God transforms spiritually dead people into His masterpiece, created for His glory and praise. Discover how grace frees us to do good works that bring Him glory and us real joy.
What do you think your position in life is and does it affect how you live? Ephesians 2 gives us the true picture of what we were before following Jesus and what God has transformed us into because of His great love for us.
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian church reveals three essential things every believer needs: to know God as the glorious Father, to grasp the hope of our glorious inheritance, and to experience the incomparably great power that raised Christ from the dead.
Those who are in Christ have been blessed with every spiritual blessing. As we consider and begin to comprehend these many blessings, it is inevitable that praise of God flows naturally and incessantly from our hearts.
The more we understand and continue to comprehend who we are in Christ, and all that He has made available to us, the more it leads to outbursts of praises to Him who has done this awesome thing for us.
It is very easy to reduce church to the visible and practical, but the Bible never does this. Ephesians gives us a far grander vision of who/what the church is and then calls the church into living lives in keeping with that grand and beautiful identity.
It is very easy to reduce church to the visible and practical, but the Bible never does this. Ephesians gives us a far grander vision of who/what the church is and then calls the church into living lives in keeping with that grand and beautiful identity.
How can we continue the story of Acts, making Jesus known wherever and in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in? Jenny shares a reminder to allow the gospel to daily shape us so that we can maintain our own spiritual fervour as Paul did.
Through Paul’s journey in Acts 28, we are challenged to stay faithful in unexpected seasons, encourage one another, and boldly witness to Jesus wherever we are.
As Paul is escorted to Rome as a prisoner, his ship encounters a ferocious storm. The ship is lost, but his life and those of the crew are saved! Paul’s response helps us to see how, with faith and trust in God, we can face the sudden storms of life.
Making sure we have the foundations right in our lives to successfully survive the storm.
How did God come into your life? The perception of Mary as a silent character in the nativity is completely untrue. The Magnificat is a wonderful picture of Mary’s worshipping heart turned completely to God and His purposes for her life.
Exploring how Paul shares his experiences of Jesus, explains scripture and challenges those around him to bring them to the point where those listening have to decide one way or another: do you believe?
We are able to see from Acts 26 how Paul, despite being in chains was able to seize this as an opportunity for evangelism. He simply shared his story and that is what we are encouraged to do as we trust the Holy Spirit to do the convincing.
In Acts 25, it’s increasingly clear that God is sovereign over the events taking place as he works out his purposes. Just as he is sovereign over our lives and the smaller details, so he is sovereign over the universe and the grand narrative of history.
Paul faces continued injustice and corruption, yet stands before kings with unshakeable peace. When we suffer, our anxiety often reveals we doubt God’s love, not His power—but Christ holds us fast, and our peace in suffering testifies to His reality.
Acts 24 exposes a choice we all face: the world’s way of self-protection, manipulation and compromise or Jesus’ way of truth, integrity, faith and surrender. Through Paul’s trial, he demonstrates that God’s way, though costly, is always better.
Through Paul’s trial before Felix, Acts 24 shows that the gospel is always at work preparing, provoking and producing in the lives of people.
Paul, in the face of extreme conflict walks with a good conscience before God and displays courage that is from God. Jesus offers us the same as we walk according to the Holy Spirit.
The core issue at the heart of not just Acts 23, but the whole narrative of the New Testament and of history is around the resurrection of Jesus and, therefore, his people. The truth of the resurrection changes everything about everything.
Why do some hearts receive the gospel whilst others reject it? Jesus teaches that it is down to the soil – the human heart. Pain and suffering is often God’s way of softening our hearts so the gospel can take root and produce an abundant harvest.
Suffering is more normal and more universal than we like to think in a modern world. Steve Petch, who planted Grace Church nearly 20 years ago, teaches from Romans 8 on the reality of suffering for all and the reality of future hope for all Christians.
Ever felt too broken for God to use you? Paul had Christian blood on his hands—yet became one of the church’s greatest missionaries. Discover how the gospel transforms rebels into witnesses, and why no past is too dark for God’s grace.
When Paul defends himself to the mob in Jerusalem, he doesn’t produce a legal argument, declare his innocence or even show contempt. Instead, he respectfully tells them his story about how Jesus changed his life. We should be prepared to do the same.
Prophecy was part of the early church experience and reassured the disciples of God going ahead of them and his sovereign will for the advance of the gospel even in the midst of opposition. The same remains true for us today!
Acts provides a unique insight into Christian discipleship as the only narrative in the Bible to happen after the death and resurrection of Jesus. In Acts 21, we see a beautiful model of the community in discipleship as well as its complications and cost.
On a significant day for Grace Church, where three new elders are appointed, Acts 20 has much to say into the relationships, experience, and responsibility of local church elders.
Paul’s pattern in Acts 20 reveals three essential movements of healthy church life: gathering together for fellowship and mutual encouragement, growing through faithful teaching of God’s Word, and going out on mission to make disciples of all nations.
The risen Jesus promised his followers in Acts 1 that the gospel would spread to the ends of the earth. By chapter 20, we see that the word and power have indeed spread in miraculous measure and they continue to spread in the year 2025.
When the gospel of Jesus is preached and heard and the power of Jesus is demonstrated and seen, there is fruit and there is opposition. We see this pattern clearly in Acts 19 and repeatedly throughout the book. It is still true today.
The Holy Spirit is promised for and empowers our mission, but we must also be aware of false teachers who can misrepresent our mission. As we share the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, it is Jesus who changes lives – and this is our mission!
This preach explores our response to moments of trials, oppositions and challenges whether in ministry, in work, or in life and how God surrounds us with encouragement to keep going like He did with Paul in Acts 18.
We live in an increasingly polarising world where enraging others seems to take over engaging others in healthy conversations. Acts 18 has much to contribute on how Christians might respond to this situation and speak the gospel into this cultural moment.
Paul’s ministry in Athens shows how to engage with culture and share the gospel boldly to a world that doesn’t know God. His example encourages us to step out in evangelism, trusting God’s power rather than our own abilities.
When Paul preached the gospel, people responded. We should expect to see lives transformed in the same way. Learn from how Paul shared the gospel with the Athenians.
Acts 16 teaches that the gospel has the power to break every chain that binds us. Like Paul, Silas, and the Philippian jailer, we are called to trust God in hardship, rejoice in His freedom, and be witnesses of His light in the darkest places.
In the story of 2 Kings 7, God won a great battle. In the same way, as those who enjoy the benefits of the gospel, Christians are to be shaped not by self-preservation but by thinking and living for others.
The Jerusalem Council settles a crucial question for the church: are we saved by religious rule-keeping or grace alone? This moment reveals that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not rules, opening God’s family to all nations through his grace.
From a wealthy businesswoman (Lydia), to a demon-possessed slave girl, to a hardened jailer—Jesus meets people right where they are. Salvation is for all. The gospel moves with power, crossing boundaries, breaking chains and transforming lives.
Jesus has ALL authority in heaven and earth. This truth should increase our faith, bring deep peace, and give us boldness to tell others about him. When we trust His complete authority, we can courageously share the gospel, knowing He’s always with us.
It is in Christ alone that we are saved. We add nothing. The gospel is the gospel of grace. Keep on living in the good of it!
Tim Blaber shares from the Bible at the Sunday morning session at The Great Grace Camp Out 2025.
Terry Virgo shares from the Bible at the Saturday morning session at The Great Grace Camp Out 2025.
Joe Leach shares from the Bible at the Friday morning session at The Great Grace Camp Out 2025.
The theme of this Psalms in a word is unity, we just need to read the first verse where it talks about God’s people and God‘s church, dwelling together and loving each other in unity and in oneness.
In scripture Israel is often likened to a vine but forever failing to produce fruit! Jesus says he is the True Vine to which we as believers are connected and through remaining in Him we will produce fruit as seen in changed lives!
We are all on our journey through life, but the question is where is our destination? What are we using to show us the way there and how do we keep on the right path? Fortunately Jesus has the answer to all these questions.
Psalm 91 is like a promise from God for those moments when we feel afraid. It’s like a letter from Him saying, ‘You don’t have to be scared, I’ve got you.’
Jesus takes us to a tomb to teach us that he is the resurrection and the life – who gives us resurrection life.
We have a choice in who or what we follow in this life. This passage explores the differences between the hired hand and the good shepherd, and why Jesus is the good shepherd and the one worth following.
Find out more about how blessed we are as Christians and why we should seek God’s blessing in order to be a blessing to those around us.
We have a choice in who or what we follow in this life. This passage explores the differences between the hired hand and the good shepherd, and why Jesus is the good shepherd and the one worth following.
The bible describes times when God does afflict his people. This talk delves into Lamentations to answer the question, how does God feel about affliction?
It’s easy for us to assume that God is like a strict judge who enjoys judging the guilty. The truth revealed in Scripture is quite the opposite. Though God does afflict, he’s reluctant to do so. The heart of God delights to show mercy, even to the guilty.
In part, God’s glory can be seen in creation. However, sin has blurred the true beauty of the glory of God. It is only on the cross of Christ that glory becomes unblurred and we see it fully shining and unmissable.
The glory of God is so deep and profound, and is ultimately found in the cross of Christ.
What do we think of when we consider God’s glory? His creation? His power? While these things are true, perhaps the greatest demonstration of his glory is found in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross! How can this be so and what does it mean to us?
What is God like? How does God feel about us? God answers these questions in new ways when he reveals his nature to Moses in Exodus 34 and provides the ultimate answer at the cross of Christ. God is more loving than you think.
What is God like? How does God feel about us? God answers these questions in new ways when he reveals his nature to Moses in Exodus 34 and provides the ultimate answer at the cross of Christ. God is more loving than you think.
We need food to sustain us, but we need Jesus even more. Our cry when we fast is “I want more of you, God”.
Fasting (abstaining from food, or any of God’s good gifts, as an act of worship) can be easily misunderstood. Why not enjoy what God offers us? The reason we fast is to say to God and to ourselves that we want, need, and hunger for him more anything else.
What is your purpose in life? Paul finishes his letter of encouragement to the Philippians by showing them the secret of how to find contentment and purpose in the right place – through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The world searches for the secrets to contentment. In Philippians 4, Paul declares he has already learnt the secret to contentment. How can we learn contentment?
We explore what contentment looks like – that true contentment is found in Jesus and knowing Him. It is also learned through the battles in life that we face.
The peace of God is mind-boggling. It simply does not make sense. There is no formula to follow to experience this peace but it is available today and there are things we can do to make ourselves available and open to it.
The apostle Paul compare our faith journey as a race, if we were at the Olympics we’d be part ‘team heaven’. What does our training look like and how does our citizenship shape things?
The call on our lives is to know Christ and keep pressing on towards this goal. We do this as we understand who we are. Citizens of God, chosen by Him and eagerly awaiting a Saviour.
This preach gives insight into what the Gospel of Christ is about. We navigate topics such as rejoicing in the Lord, being vigilant of false teachers and embracing the truth that knowing Christ is worth everything.
Christ-like relationships run deep. We are family, co-workers and fellow soldiers as we grow in our gospel shaped partnerships.
Christian fellowship includes much more than being on a shared mission together. If we are modelling ourselves after Jesus, there should be genuine care and affection for one another.
In Philippians 2, Paul starts by describing our status as children of God. In 2:12-18, how does Paul explain this playing out as we live as children of God?
Christians are to work out their salvation. That is not to say they can save themselves but that they are to work out what it means to be saved. But that is not done alone. For as we work out our salvation, God works in us.
Paul calls believers to embrace Christ-like humility as the path to true greatness, exemplified by Jesus’ self-emptying sacrifice on the cross. This leads to exaltation and unity among God’s people when we emulate His selfless love in our daily lives.
If Jesus is your Lord, then becoming Christ-like is our aim. This is possible as we consider Jesus who gave up everything, so that we can gain everything.
We would love a world where people put others above themselves and yet we live for ourselves. Jonny explores why the way is of Jesus is the way to life and flourishing.
When we face storms in life, we can have joy in knowing that the gospel will advance, we can take courage because Jesus wins and we can have the Spirit’s power to live a life worthy of the gospel.
The apostle Paul wrote this letter when in prison and yet he is rejoicing! Paul faced terrible suffering for the sake of the Gospel and yet found his joy in Christ. As we face trials in life, how can we also find joy despite the circumstances?
Paul writes to his friends from prison and his joy is obvious despite his suffering. How can we follow Paul’s example and find joy in any of life’s circumstances?
Paul’s letter of encouragement to the church in Philippi can also be for us today, especially when facing difficult circumstances in life. Paul points them and us to the ultimate source of confidence and joy that is found in the gospel of Jesus.
Growing in Christ is done in community, in gospel-centred partnership with God and one another. We can be certain that God will complete the work He began in you.
Stewart Lake from Compassion UK shares from the story of Jesus healing the blind man and gives an update on the difference Grace Church is making to children living in poverty.
James Waddell from Compassion UK shares a biblical perspective on generosity and gives an update on the difference Grace Church is making to children living in poverty.
What does it mean to boast in Christ? And what part does that play in our mission to preach the good news?
In the Bible, boasting is not an inherently bad thing. Certainly, boasting in ourselves is to be avoided because the gospel shows us we have nothing to boast about. If we are boasting in Christ, however, then that is to be encouraged.
How can the right perspective and the power of prayer help us in sharing the good news with others? Ephesians 6 shows us how prayer is our key mission strategy in the spiritual battles we face.
We often forget that part of sharing the good news of Christ comes with a spiritual battle. What does Ephesians 6 teach us about who we are fighting against and how we fight?
When we share the good news of Jesus we are in a spiritual battle, but we have nothing to fear. This exploration of Ephesians demonstrates how Christ has the total victory and calls us to a prayerful awareness as we step out to speak with boldness.
Paul, the writer of 1 Corinthians, laid down his life to save some. How do we become all things to all people to advance the gospel?
Paul was hated not only by Jews and Gentiles, but also by the Christians he had persecuted. He refused to lose the focus of saving souls by being all things to all people – an example we should follow.
The big story of God is to bless all the nations. What does that look like in a local church context?
The good news of the gospel is for all the earth. God’s people are called to proclaim the salvation of God, not just to their local community, but to all peoples and all nations.
When sharing the gospel, we can often focus on how effective we can be by our actions or words. However, the New Testament is clear that strategy and effort are not the essential tools for mission. The Holy Spirit’s power is.
The early church preached the gospel and demonstrated the power of God through miracles. They did what Jesus had taught them to do and saw many new followers of Jesus. What might God want to do in and through us in Chichester?
Jesus calls his followers to be lights by serving those in need so people are drawn towards the true light of the world.
Jesus taught his followers that they are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. What did he really mean and what does this teaching mean for us today in our modern world?
We are salt and light, that is our position, our standing. How do we shine in our every day lives?
Is sharing the gospel unkind? Is it impossible to both love our neighbour and make disciples? No. Introducing someone to Jesus is the kindest thing we can do for them. We love by sharing the gospel, and we share the gospel through love.
Jesus tells his people to go and spread the good news of the gospel, but we may not be sure how to do that. There is no better way to live out the Great Commission, than by living out the Great Commandment. Love God. And love people.
For many Christians, sharing our faith is not something we are very excited about. It can feel like worship is the good bit, but mission is the inevitable catch. In fact, enjoyment of God is both the goal and the fuel for our mission.
Guest speaker Craig Gale gave us encouragement to consider the strength of our conviction and belief in the transforming power of Jesus and what it means for us as Christians.
Fasting is often neglected by Christians. But it can be a powerful way of encountering God – it is giving up a good gift in order to enjoy the Greatest Gift.
Guest speaker Adam North encourages us that whilst we may feel weak and unable, anxious and afraid; that is exactly how Gideon felt when God called him a valiant warrior and commissioned him to go into battle.
The widow in poverty and the churches in Macedonia serve as models or examples for Christians when it comes to cheerful and generous giving. That said, the greatest act of generosity is not done by any human for God but by God and for humanity.
The resurrection of Jesus is good news- good news because it means that Jesus is our risen King and we are welcome in his Kingdom.
Jesus never over promises. The resurrection – the most significant event in world history.
In the greatest trial in history, who was ultimately responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus – and why?
The values of Grace Church are about what we believe and how it shapes who we are. Moreover, we aspire to ensure that our values are gospel-shaped. It is only because of the gospel that we have anything and because we have this gospel, the world needs us.
Jesus taught this parable to encourage us to evaluate our heart. He challenges our thoughts and the ways we are tempted to approach God with our good works. Instead, we find freedom when we humble ourselves and acknowledge Jesus has made us righteous.
Jesus tells a story about a man who was so 'good' that he thought he was better than others, and a man who was wretched but came humbly before God. This parable shows us that God wants our humility and acknowledgement that above all what we need is Him.
Jesus told this parable to show that money is not something to be put at the centre of our lives, but that He is our perfect treasure. Wealth and earthly possessions are nothing compared to knowing Jesus.
Have you ever felt like giving up when your prayer doesn't seem to be answered? This parable gives encouragement to all Christians to keep praying, not because God needs to be persuaded, but because He is our heavenly Father.
Do you live your life for God because it is right or because you want to? Jesus shows us that following Him out of joy and not duty can only come from being in God's presence and knowing His abundant grace in our lives.
As we launch a new series entitled ‘The Stories that Jesus Told’, we look at the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. The Kingdom of Heaven is far more valuable than we can possibly imagine, and that has implications on all of us.
Jesus teaches that true Wisdom is to know that a relationship with Him - The Rock, is the only foundation that will stand against the storms of life. All other foundations will eventually lead us to disaster.
As we launch a new series entitled ‘The Stories that Jesus Told’, we look at the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. The Kingdom of Heaven is far more valuable than we can possibly imagine, and that has implications on all of us.
Peter concludes his letter with an encouragement and challenge to church leaders as well as a reminder to the whole church to live in humble obedience to God even in the midst of suffering, knowing that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Elders are firstly servants, everyone be humble and stay alert because we have an enemy.
Elders are firstly servants, everyone be humble and stay alert because we have an enemy.
Persecution for being a Christian is, according to the Bible, to be expected, and is even a privilege. Christians, therefore, are called to suffer for Christ but not before Christ has suffered for them.
How can we, as believers, live lives that bring glory to God? In this part of Peter’s letter we see that in Jesus there’s something far better to live for, far exceeding anything that this world has to offer.
Is God good when he allows us to suffer? Suffering is something all of us will face in our lives, but the apostle Peter offers us hope in Jesus who came and suffered for us and promises to be with us in our suffering.
So far, Peter has given a lot of his attention on submission to and for Christ, but in this passage he is now turning his attention to suffering and what it means to live Godly lives through whatever we’ll face.
The foundation for Christian marriage is, in the same way as Christ, humble sacrifice. Wives and husbands are equal in value and worth as co-heirs but have slightly different roles and ways to express their humble sacrifice in their marriage.
The default position of the Christian when responding to this world is to be one of submission. Jesus is the perfect example of submission and it is only when Christians grasp what he has done for them, that they can truly follow his example.
The default position of the Christian when responding to this world is to be one of submission. Jesus is the perfect example of submission and it is only when Christians grasp what he has done for them, that they can truly follow his example.
Peter knew what it was like to fall short, but he shows us that by knowing what Jesus has done and trusting in his grace, we find the power to resist sinful desires, submit our lives to others and live the life God has called us to.
We are all building our lives in a variety of ways. The call of the Christian is to build on the cornerstone of Jesus Christ who is an unshakeable and eternal foundation. Building well starts with knowing who we are and how we fit into God's church.
Peter describes Christians as living stones in chapter 2. Just as physical rocks have attributes, living stones do also and Peter explains what Christians can expect as living stones.
God is building a dwelling place for Himself on earth using Jesus as the Cornerstone and each of us as living stones.
What Christians are to do is grounded in what God has done. Christians are those who have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ and have been made holy by God. They should now live in light of this new identity.
Peter begins his letter with praise - and shows us that worshipping God means enjoying God.
We have a living hope because of Jesus’ resurrection and an eternal inheritance secured and kept by Jesus.
It is increasingly obvious to Christians that we don’t quite ‘fit’ in this world and the book of 1 Peter is clear that nothing about that should surprise us. Because Christians are chosen and saved by God, we are exiles in this land.
When thinking about sexuality, it can be easy to forget that we are not just talking about issues but people. In the second part of our preaching into love, identity, and desire, we focus on how Christians should respond to and show love to gay, transgender, and intersex people; and also how a Christian response to ideologies should differ from a Christian response to people.
The area of sexuality can often seem overwhelmingly complex and independent from everything Christians believe, but Christian sexuality is built on Christian principles. The Biblical perspectives on love, identity, and desire can provide a helpful framework and act as pillars that hold up the Biblical perspective on sexuality.
We may talk about what we will be doing for the Summer holidays with some regularity but we rarely think about what we will be doing in 500 years. Guest speaker, Tim Blaber, explores the beauty of what the resurrection means for the believer.
The resurrection changed everything for Peter. He received complete restoration and this can be true for each of us.
The resurrection changed everything for Peter. He received complete restoration and this can be true for each of us.
As Jesus’ journey to the cross begins, this is experienced through one of his closest friends Peter. How Peter’s experience of Jesus’ death bring us hope too?
As Jesus’ journey to the cross begins, this is experienced through one of his closest friends Peter. How Peter’s experience of Jesus’ death bring us hope too?
As Jesus’ journey to the cross begins, this is experienced through one of his closest friends Peter. How Peter’s experience of Jesus’ death bring us hope too?
At the end of the box of Exodus, the tabernacle, where God will dwell, has been built but Moses cannot go in. Jesus has now opened up a new and living way for us to be in the presence of God.
Only a few weeks after God miraculously frees the Israelites from slavery they decide to turn away from God and worship an idol on the form of a golden calf. But why?
When we realise that idolatry is not primarily about physical images but is about the heart, we realise that idolatry is as tempting for everyone as it is stupid for everyone. Justice is required and offers himself as Jesus our mediator.
In this part of the story, the Israelites turn to false gods as they impatiently wait for Moses to come down from Mount Sinai. God knows our needs, our frailty, and the challenges in our lives, but he is faithful and merciful even when we are not.
Old Testament law can seem irrelevant to us, but how does this inform us regarding God’s heart for the vulnerable and needy and what does that mean for us today?
Old Testament law can seem irrelevant to us, but how does this inform us regarding God’s heart for the vulnerable and needy and what does that mean for us today?
Old Testament law can seem irrelevant to us, but how does this inform us regarding God’s heart for the vulnerable and needy and what does that mean for us today?
It isn't until chapter 20 of the book of Exodus that God gives the Israelites Ten Commandments. Crucially, God has already rescued Israel before he gives them the law. God’s grace always precedes God’s law and the new covenant is even better than the old. There were audio difficulties in the first 20 minutes of this recording.
It isn't until chapter 20 of the book of Exodus that God gives the Israelites Ten Commandments. Crucially, God has already rescued Israel before he gives them the law. God’s grace always precedes God’s law and the new covenant is even better than the old.
Often we can view the Ten Commandments as rules we must keep or as commands no longer relevant. However, it is essential to step back and see how Israel viewed them at the time from the sequence of rescue, rules and relationship.
Godly leadership is humble and plural and preaches the gospel. In this story, we see Moses exercise remarkable humility as he delegates authority to build teams and is eager to preach the gospel to his father-in-law.
The Wilderness was not where the Israelites were expecting to come into after being brought out of Egypt, but God had great purpose for them. By looking at their experiences we can be encouraged as we face challenges in our Christian walk.
Time in the wilderness is part of the normal Christian life. But God has plans for our wilderness experiences - he gives them to us in order to give us Himself.
The people of Israel join together to worship God for their salvation from slavery to Egypt, but then find that God leads them into a time of testing. So how are we to respond and can the trials in our life really lead us to greater joy and peace?
Exploring the first recorded song in scripture sang by Moses and his sister Miriam in celebration of their salvation, and what it can teach us about giving God the glory.
After the Israelites passed through the Red Sea, Moses and Miriam lead the people in a worship Exodus song. Their exodus song echoes the worship song of our lives as well.
The salvation that God gives in the exodus story is a pre-telling of the salvation that God gives in the Christian story. The Israelites were saved out of slavery and into freedom by grace and through faith.
In chapter 12 Israel leaves Egypt with money, a meal and a multitude. Why were these items important in the story of the exodus and how does this apply to us?
After a night to remember, God’s people are finally on the move. Rescued out of slavery and into a journey with God, how does their experience compare with ours?
The Passover is a significant event for God’s people in the Old Testament. Jesus is the greater Passover Lamb and it is Jesus who we behold.
The story of the Exodus of Gods people from Slavery in Egypt over 3,000 years ago may feel irrelevant to us today, however this historical event when understood correctly through the biblical story points us towards our own slavery to sin and Gods promise to rescue us through Jesus.
The Passover is a significant event for God’s people in the Old Testament. Jesus is the greater Passover Lamb and it is Jesus who we behold.
Communion is something the church has celebrated since its inception and we continue to celebrate in it. But what are we doing and what is happening when we do that?
Communion is something the church has celebrated since its inception and we continue to celebrate in it. But what are we doing and what is happening when we do that?
Communion is something the church has celebrated since its inception and we continue to celebrate in it. But what are we doing and what is happening when we do that?
In Communion, we are encountering and experiencing the presence of Christ, by his Spirit. This can be difficult to understand but it contributes significantly to the beauty of what Communion is.
True joy is found in Jesus and this can be seen in the lives of two people getting baptised.
The world offers joy, however, it is only the baby in the manger that brings genuine joy which lasts the test of time.
The world offers joy, however, it is only the baby in the manger that brings genuine joy which lasts the test of time.
Much of the Christian life is about waiting. As Israel waited for the first advent (coming) of Christ, so we wait for the second advent when every tear will be wiped away and our joy will be complete.
When we look into the classic advent verses of Isaiah 9 we can see how this prophecy provided hope for Israel, but we can also find hope for ourselves today.
When we look into the classic advent verses of Isaiah 9 we can see how this prophecy provided hope for Israel, but we can also find hope for ourselves today.
In this preach, Sally explores why keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus as our ultimate source of hope is important for us as Christians.
Pharaoh holds out against Moses, the Lord's representative, and brings God’s judgment on the nation of Egypt.
During the plagues, God goes head-to-head with Pharoah and his gods. Through Exodus chapters 7-10 the plagues demonstrate there is only one winner.
Pharaoh is very willing to face-off with the God of the Hebrews because he doesn’t know who he is dealing with. This is a God who has and does graciously make himself known to us.
Human beings are created to know God. In this passage, God reveals his name and character to Moses, to the Israelites, and to us.
Most names do not make much difference to other people. However, Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush is a reminder that encountering God’s name changes everything.
God reveals himself as Yahweh ‘I AM WHO I AM’ . This explores how the self existent, sustaining, and unchanging identity of God provides a steadying foundation of who God is, in an ever changing world.
The story of Exodus is a single story of the people of God being delivered out of oppressive service to Pharaoh and in to life-giving service to God. This is the story of Christians who, by the gracious rescue of Jesus, have been delivered out of slavery to sin and in to life in God.
Guest speaker Terry Virgo talks about the joy that is available to believers in Jesus when they are filled with the Holy Spirit.
Looking at the Great Commission, we see that we will only effectively share the good news of the gospel when we are truly enjoying God’s grace. When we are living in the joy of our salvation we will not be able to keep that good news to ourselves.
Our church vision is to declare and demonstrate the grace of God to the communities we live in. But this raises the question, what does it mean to declare and demonstrate?
Looking at the Great Commission, we see that we will only effectively share the good news of the gospel when we are truly enjoying God’s grace. When we are living in the joy of our salvation we will not be able to keep that good news to ourselves.
We have a vision to be a healthy church that enjoys the grace of God. Our site leader in Bognor, Jonny, talks about what we mean when we say ‘healthy church’, why we have ‘church that enjoys the grace of God’ in our vision, and what that includes.
As a church, we have a vision to grow a healthy church that enjoys the grace of God and declares and demonstrates that grace to the communities we live in. Our lead elder, Joe, lays out that vision and gives some detail on the heart behind it.
Jesus accomplishes three things for Peter through the question he asks: he restores Peter, he revives Peter's calling and he tells Peter to relinquish control and accept Jesus is Lord.
While the disciples are fishing the risen Lord appears to them on the shore. Jesus asks Peter three times whether he loves him ande gently restores him. Jesus wants to restore us from our past failures so that we can fulfil the call he has on our lives.
Jesus accomplishes three things for Peter through the question he asks: he restores Peter, he revives Peter's calling and he tells Peter to relinquish control and accept Jesus is Lord.
Jesus accomplishes three things for Peter through the question he asks: he restores Peter, he revives Peter's calling and he tells Peter to relinquish control and accept Jesus is Lord.
It is easy to miss that God is at work in our lives. Luke 24 exemplifies how we can know deeper that God is at work in our circumstances, through the bible and through communion.
Tobi explores the importance of Jesus's encounter with the 2 disciples on the road to Emmaus. How does grief stop us recognising Jesus and seeing him walking with us.
Because Jesus rose from the dead, we have hope. Hope for yesterday, today, and tomorrow and this changes everything about how we think about and interact with all walks of life.
As the world mourns the death of Queen Elizabeth II, we look at the on a cross of her saviour and ours. Jesus’ death is dark in every sense but the truth and hope offered is that as Jesus suffered and died, he was saving the world.
When we go through difficult times it can lead us to a place of fear, today we look at how your view of Jesus and your relationship with him can make all the difference in your life.
Blind Bartimaeus receives his sight from Jesus. A story of faith and a story of a heart towards God.
Guest speaker Chris Kilby reminded us that the gift of prophecy is for believer’s today and that we can trust the Father’s voice. He challenged us with some activities to help fan the gift of prophecy into flame.
The most important thing in the life of any church is that love abounds. In response to God’s love shown to us, the people of God should be driven and motivated by love in all that they do.
As we gather on our weekend away together we are reminded that God is at work in and through his church today. That church includes many individuals that together make up one body.
Jesus needed his disciples and those in the crowd to understand the true cost of following Him. This question shows the depth of what the gospel requires from someone who wants to follow Jesus.
We need to hear this question from Jesus every day; Jesus asks it because he wants us to know him, as this is how he loves us best.
Jesus asks many questions in the Bible, but why does He do this? His question to two people in John 1 seems simple on the surface, but is far from incidental. It speaks to us today and goes to the very depths of our life's purpose as Christians.
In this talk, Guy looks at what we have in the church to offer the world at large and how we can effectively take this and do justice in the public square.
What does doing justice look like in the public square? As Christians, we are called to see where the tapestry of God's creation has become undone, and to weave people back into the picture.
What should the church look like today? Ephesians 4 is full of encouragements for the church and shows us where today's church can be restored to fulfill its purpose.
The Bible gives us God's wisdom on the issue of racial injustice: God is reversing racism in the world, through the gospel.
Racism is a big issue in our society and a big issue to God, but why? And how does the church model something different corporately and as individuals?
Racism is a big issue in our society and a big issue to God, but why? And how does the church model something different corporately and as individuals?
Doing justice is by definition proactive, but how do we do justice in today's world? In this talk, Joe looks at the meaningful implications for this in the future of Grace Church at three levels: relief, development and social reform.
What does it mean to leave an eternal legacy? In this talk, James Waddell, Director of Partnerships at Compassion UK, unpacks the story of Caleb to show how we can reflect more, risk more and invest more for God's kingdom.
When we think of neighbours we think of those we are close to or live in the house beside. In Luke 10, Jesus questions who our neighbour is and how we love like we love ourselves?
A whistlestop tour through the bible looking at God's heart for justice and his radical blueprint for a fair and just society.
Justice is a theme that is much discussed in secular culture today and is also a major theme throughout the Bible. God’s people are called to do justice by giving people their rights and generosity, especially to the vulnerable and those in need.
When we think of neighbours we think of those we are close to or live in the house beside. In Luke 10, Jesus questions who our neighbour is and how we love like we love ourselves?