City Church Cardiff Podcast: Recent Episodes
City Church
We are an Elim Pentecostal church in the centre of Cardiff dedicated to Bringing Hope in the Name of Jesus. Join us in listening to life-giving words from our Sunday morning and evening services.
When we invite Jesus into our lives, it means he will see both the good and the bad of our lives. In this message, we see Jesus encounter an ordinary person, responding with real emotions, and we see him communicate two core truths that are for everyone: He knows us. And He loves us.
No matter who you are, Jesus says the same to you: I know you, and I love you.
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Whilst the woman caught in adultery received grace and truth, Jesus' message was far tougher for the Pharisees, as he reminded everyone of the purpose of the Law - to protect us and point us toward him. Whether you need to receive God's grace or be challenged not to judge or twist God's word, this message has something for everyone.
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Are you truly surrendered to Jesus? The story of the rich young ruler is a reminder of the sacrifice that Jesus calls us to everyday. This message will challenge you to action!
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Jesus met a woman in the midst of her mess and she came to believe who he really was. He can do the same for you, and your mess can become a message that leads others to Jesus.
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Why would Jesus choose someone like me? In the first message of our Everyday With Jesus series, we explore the remarkable story of Levi (Matthew) and discover that Jesus meets us right where we are - with a call to follow Him, a place to belong, and the grace that leads to repentance. No matter what table you’re sitting at today, there’s grace at the table through Jesus.
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This sermon is gold - a look forward to when Jesus returns to the earth. You’ll hear an honest look at the Day of Judgement. For the Christian, that will not be a day to fear but when we receive our reward! This sermon will stir, challenge and encourage you to live for Jesus!
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As we conclude our Galatians series, discover what it means to keep doing good, refuse to give up, and expect a harvest in God’s perfect timing. If you’re waiting for God to move, this message is a reminder that He always works at just the right time!
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It's so easy to think that being a Christian is just about 'doing our best to be good people'. Join us for week 5 of our series in Galatians as we discover that the Bible has a far better plan for us to live the lives God designed for us.
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What does the Bible mean when it tells us we’re children of God? What does it mean for Christians to be a family? Join us as Sam Johnson unpacks Galatians chapter 4 to remind us just how incredible being adopted by God really is!
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In Galatians 3, Paul asks a searching question: “After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?” In this message, Stephen Gibson explores the difference between sleepy faith, striving faith and Spirit-led faith, and calls us to live in close dependence on the Holy Spirit rather than comfort or self-effort.
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When you are open to the Holy Spirit, let go of your doubts and submit to his guidance, and he will create new things in your life!
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The good news of Jesus is that we cannot earn our salvation, but that He has won it for us on the cross. However, we can be so quick to add other requirements or behaviours onto what it takes to be saved.
Join us as we go through Galatians 2 and rediscover the truth: that we are saved by grace alone, by faith alone, in Christ alone.
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Galatians 1 challenges us to stay rooted in the true gospel of Jesus Christ. When we add performance, religion, or status, we drift from grace — but the truth is simple: Grace Is Enough!
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Failure can leave you carrying guilt, facing consequences, and wondering what’s left. In this message, you’ll see Peter’s journey from denial to restoration and how Jesus meets you with grace, draws you back, and recommissions you with purpose. Even when you can’t go back, in Jesus, you can be restored to God, to your identity, and to a future with Him.
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The story of Thomas is one of a man who had faith but also had questions. Doubts are not a problem with Jesus. He reveals himself in the midst of our questions and brings us to faith and belief. Siân helps us understand how to allow Jesus to meet us in our questions.
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The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus teaches about how we respond in the midst of confusion. This message will encourage you to listen to God through His Word and by His Spirit, bringing you to a new place of revelation and understanding.
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It is a privilege to walk with Jesus and to let him bring clarity when we feel confused. But then why does it sometimes feel like he might be pulling away? This message will stir you to call out, ‘Don’t pass me by!’
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When the risen Jesus appeared to Mary in the garden, he was doing something both cosmic and personal! Get ready to be amazed and encouraged.
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In this message, Pastor RuthAnn Cannings will challenge us to be present with the Risen Lord to hear from him, receive from him and be transformed by him. This Easter, Jesus is waiting to eat with you. Are you willing to sit with him?
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Justice for sin matters to God because He cares for us. He doesn’t overlook it when people suffer at the hand of others. In this sermon, Mark Simpson looks powerfully at what Jesus accomplished for us through his death on the cross!
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What does it really mean to be the family of God? In this message, we explore how the church is called to be a spiritual family — with fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and brothers and sisters — creating a place of belonging, discipleship and love for all.
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What does the Bible really teach Christians about marriage? This sermon dives into the often misunderstood topics of submission, love and covenant. Whether you are married or not, this will challenge your thinking!
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There comes a time when you say, ‘enough!’ So, what do you do in those moments when something around you needs to change? This special message will encourage you to rise up in your God-given strength!
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King David would not sacrifice to God unless it cost him something. Are you willing to sacrifice to God or too concerned about your own comfort and convenience? This sermon will challenge you to the core!
Our bible reading plan: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/66326
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How do you shake yourself out of the trap of passivity and apathy? This sermon will challenge you to learn from King David’s mistakes and how the key was to humble himself before a merciful God!
Our bible reading plan: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/66326
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The story of David’s sin of adultery and murder is disturbing, but once he came to a place of true repentance, we see the grace of God. This sermon will challenge you to come honestly before God and experience forgiveness.
Our bible reading plan: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/66326
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What does it look like to worship God even when life is tough? In this sermon, you’ll learn keys from King David’s lifestyle of worship and how he held nothing back!
Our bible reading plan: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/66326
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How can you grow courage in your life to face the battles that come your way? This sermon will stir you to grow your trust in God and to step out with a new mindset!
Our bible reading plan: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/66326
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What does it really mean to have a Heart Like David? In this opening message of our new series, we explore how God sees the heart, how He shapes it, and why lasting change is something only He can bring. Join us as we look at 1 Samuel 16 and discover why the condition of your heart matters more than anything else!
Our bible reading plan: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/66326
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Instead of just receiving blessing, we are called to be channels of blessing to others. This sermon will encourage you to take your place as a royal priest in God’s Kingdom and to recognise the significance of speaking blessing to those around you.
What does prayer look like when you are waiting for something to happen? How do you live with the silence? More than a formula for answered prayer, this sermon will stir you to grow a deeper relationship with Jesus!
How do you respond to God when seeking His direction? This sermon will inspire you to seek God’s presence, pursue purity and keep walking in faith!
One man in the Christmas story teaches us how to wait on the leading of the Holy Spirit. This sermon will encourage you to live like Simeon who waited faithfully until God fulfilled His promise!
In the Old Testament, priests were consecrated for service in the temple with blood and anointing oil. When Jesus came, he became our permanent High Priest. But what does consecration look like for us today if we want to be set apart for God’s purposes?
God has called us to be a royal priesthood! God wants to break our poverty mindsets so we can adopt a priestly mindset. Learn how to grow a priestly mindset in this inspiring word for the year ahead.
In Matthew’s Gospel, we read several times about Joseph, the father of Jesus, having dreams where an angel delivered important messages from God. Why did God choose to speak to him in this way? If you are stressing about how or when you will hear from God, this message will encourage you to keep seeking and trusting him because God knows how to get your attention!
Angels are important messengers in the Nativity story. And across the Bible, we see their role in speaking God’s Word, in protecting, providing and offering worship. This sermon will encourage you to consider how these celestial beings are heaven sent, even for us today!
As the people of God wondered if God was ever going to break in and rescue them, prophecies throughout the Bible show us that the Christmas story is not the start of the story but the pinnacle of God’s plans, prepared for centuries. Sam shares with us the power of those prophecies.
We don’t often talk about judgement but today, Chris shares how the Bible’s message about the end of times is a message of hope, possibility and salvation, with a Saviour who holds back judgment for as long as possible.
Our world says our identity is rooted in our sexual identity. Stephen shares a better story of identities rooted in Jesus and the place of sex as wonderful within God’s perfect order.
The Bible is full of stories of God breaking out in power. This sermon will stir you to trust God for your life today! He can move supernaturally to bring healing, provision and freedom.
This sermon will grab you! Sarah encourages you to not lose heart if you are in the midst of suffering. You’ll be taught to have a hopeful posture, speak out honest prayers and turn to helpful people.
How do we make sense of so much violence and war in the Old Testament? This sermon powerfully helps you to see God’s ultimate desire for holiness and peace.has context menu
If you dive into reading the first five books of the Bible, you are introduced to the Law of Moses. Some if it is inspiring but a lot
seems strange or even offensive! So, if you are a follower of Jesus, do Old Testament laws still apply?
This sermon will give you confidence in God who created the universe and created you for a purpose! It also explores the Genesis account of creation in light of modern day science, enabling you to see the big picture and why the two are convincingly compatible.
The Bible is the best selling book of all time but there are some tough subjects to digest! So how do you make sense of these? Theologian, author and presenter, Dr Andrew Ollerton, helps bring clarity and challenges us to trust that God’s message really is good!
How can you meet with God and hear His voice? This message will encourage you to understand the journey that begins with Praise, continues into Worship and finishes with Encounter.
Worship is an expression of the heart, but why does it also involve your body, and especially your voice? This sermon will make you smile, but it will also challenge you to see the significance of engaging your whole self in honouring God.
What does it really mean to worship in spirit and truth? After all, that’s what Jesus said the Father was looking for. This sermon will stir you to surrender more fully to God and to experience the joy of true spiritual worship.
Worship happens each Sunday in church and makes you feel good, right? Actually it is so much more - worship is for God alone! This sermon will challenge you to see worship in a different light and stir you to love God even more.
We often feel choked and crushed by the struggles and battles of life. It is like an ivy crushing the life out of a tree. Self-control is the fruit of the Spirit that cuts off what is feeding our struggles. This sermon powerfully gives clarity on how we can learn to exercise self-control and live a more fruitful life.
People often push to get their own way but God wants you to live a different way, showing humility, compassion and strength under control. This is what the Bible calls gentleness and it is a fruit of the Spirit that you can develop! This sermon will encourage, challenge and make you smile!
Faithfulness could be described as a ‘long life’ fruit of the Spirit! You don’t see it instantly in someone’s life, but over time you come to admire their ability to be so loyal and steady. So how can you grow in faithfulness? This sermon will inspire you by learning from the lives of Ruth, Jonathan and Jesus who all remained so faithful.
When you read about fruits of the Spirit, virtues like joy and peace seem obvious and attractive. But what about goodness?! Perhaps we have overused the word and lost some of its meaning. Yet the bible tells us that God is good and all that He created is good. Not only that, but you are to grow in goodness! This message will fill your heart with hope as you hear stories of God’s goodness and reflect on God’s intention to have his goodness follow you all the days of your life!
In a world where selfishness and unkindness abounds, how do we as followers of Jesus live with humility and compassion for those around us? In this message David shares about how kindness can transform our relationships for the better.
In a world of instant gratification, we tend to want everything, now. However, God’s way is often a slow way and he calls us to a walk that is deeper and more meaningful. In this message Siân shares how to navigate life when God calls us to be patient.
How do you find peace in the midst of a storm? So often, we get stuck in anxiety but that doesn’t help! This sermon will deeply encourage you with tools for finding and staying in the peace of God!
Is there more to experiencing the fruit of joy in our lives than just trying to stay happy? In this fun and engaging message, you will be stirred to choose the joy of the Lord, even before you feel it!
Everyone in the world has the capacity to love but so often we resort to selfish behaviour. Based on the story of Jesus displaying love for his friends, Lazarus, Martha and Mary, this sermon will challenge you to consider how to really surrender to the work of the Holy Spirit so that the fruit you produce is affectionate, compassionate and sacrificial love.
We often have vague ideas of spending eternity in heaven, but what will it really be like? And how can we better prepare for that time? This sermon will stir you with hope and challenge you to live in light of that Day approaching!
How do we encourage a healthy culture of honour towards Christian leaders, especially in the midst of previous disappointments? This sermon will challenge you to hear God’s heart from Scripture and to recognise what leaders are expected to carry as part of their high calling.
How do you show honour to others in a culture where people are quick to accuse and shame? Jesus washed the feet of his disciples as an example of how they should honour each other. This sermon will inspire you to live out this radical example!
Have we reduced the fifth commandment down to an instruction for kids to listen to theirs parents and behave? We are all children, and this sermon will challenge you to honour your parents. And for parents, you’ll be stirred to develop a relationship with your children that displays mutual honour!
Where self is on the throne, you’ll find a culture of criticism. Where someone else is on the throne of your life, you’ll find idolisation or manipulation. This sermon will show you how to put Jesus on the throne of your life - that is Kingdom Honour!
Are you someone who shares your faith with your family and friends or are you often fearful and anxious? In this message, Siân and Adebola share from Acts 21 and their personal experience of how to be available to God and see him move in the lives of those closest to you.
How do we respond to the needs around us? In this powerful sermon, Sam challenges us to take what God has given us and use it not just for ourselves but to serve and reach others.
If you have given your life to Jesus, why don’t you just go straight to heaven? Does He have a greater purpose for you on the earth? This sermon will stir your faith to realise His plan was for you to be filled (and refilled) with the Holy Spirit so you can be His witness to your friends and family, to the forgotten and to those far away.
When you find yourself in a season of waiting and you don’t know what the future holds, what do you really need? Listen to this encouraging word because you will realise that God can provide hope, faith, love and grace!
In both the resurrection of Lazarus and Jesus, we see that the grave clothes had to be taken off so they could be released from restriction. In this engaging Easter sermon, you’ll understand what it means to become spiritually alive in Christ, and truly free from every restriction!
The world is full of darkness and the devil wants you to stay stuck there, hiding in your struggle and sin. But Jesus reveals Himself as the Light of the world! When you bring everything to Him, His light will shine and transform you!
What truly satisfies you in this life? You will have always have needs on a physical and soul level, but what does it look like to be spiritually satisfied by Jesus as the Bread of Life?
Encounters matter. They are reference points in our lives. When Jesus met people, things happened. This sermon from Adebola looks in Luke 24 at the disciples on the road to Emmaus. She will inspire you to encounter Jesus for yourself and be transformed as you realise who He is in your life.
We are all shaped by someone or something, whether that is our parents, our traditions, our culture or the events in our lives, both good and bad. This powerful sermon will help us understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and be shaped by him in our everyday life.
Even on the cross, God paused the events of the crucifixion to allow one more person to come into the Kingdom - this time a criminal being crucified alongside Jesus. This sermon will challenge you to keep believing that it is never too late for someone to call out to Jesus, including you!
Jesus describes himself like a good shepherd who leaves his flock to go and search for the one sheep that is lost. That is his heart for you and for anyone else who feels lost. This sermon will stir your passion to go looking for lost people and if you are the one who feels lost, Jesus wants to rescue you today!
Jesus cares and he understands if you have ever felt forgotten. This deeply encouraging sermon will show you how He came for those who have been neglected by the world. And when you choose Jesus, you can experience His freedom and favour!
If you have given your life to Jesus, you have a salvation song! But we often forget, get busy, get down - we lose the joy of our salvation. This moving sermon will inspire you by learning from the song of Mary and the song of Zechariah. Their joy overflowed and your joy can overflow once again too!
If you have given your life to Jesus, you have a salvation song! But we often forget, get busy, get down - we lose the joy of our salvation. This moving sermon will inspire you by learning from the song of Mary and the song of Zechariah. Their joy overflowed and your joy can overflow once again too!
How do you keep serving God when you are going through suffering? Drawing from the story of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane and Linda’s personal experience of sudden loss, this sermon will inspire you to keep following Jesus even in the midst of personal pain.
Jesus fed the crowds and showed us how to serve with compassion. What would it look like if you served others without any strings attached? Or kept loving people even if they are not grateful? This sermon will challenge you to serve more like Jesus!
In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus as the Servant. So what does it take to serve with His kind of attitude and to sustain it for the long haul? We so often tire or even burn out. In this sermon, you’ll be inspired by the dedication of Jesus to serve others and you’ll learn from his rhythms and wisdom.
In the Gospel of Mark, we see Jesus as the Servant. So what does it take to serve with His kind of attitude and to sustain it for the long haul? We so often tire or even burn out. In this sermon, you’ll be inspired by the dedication of Jesus to serve others and you’ll learn from his rhythms and wisdom.
The Bible has long been challenged and disputed with many viewing it as a piece of fiction. In this sermon, you will understand the trustworthiness of Gospels, along with comparisons between the four writers, their themes and different approaches. You will also be challenged as to what difference this makes to your life and whether you will count the cost of following Jesus, wherever he may lead you.
Before Jesus left his disciples, he commissioned them to go and make disciples of all nations. In this sermon you’ll be challenged that if you have made Jesus the Lord of your life, that command is for you too! Whether you cross the sea or cross the road, Jesus wants you to go!
Who would you say Jesus is? Many have said that he was a good teacher or even prophet. But when Jesus asked the disciples that question, Peter said, ‘you are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ In this sermon you’ll be challenged to consider what it means to truly acknowledge Jesus as Lord and God.
Jesus calming the storm must be one of the best known miracles in the Gospels! But more than just a kids story, it reminds us that He is Lord over all creation! Storms may come because of sin, the enemy or because God allows it. In this sermon you’ll be encouraged to trust Jesus, no matter the reason for the storm, because He will bring you through!
Pastor Stephen Gibson shares a key message for 2025 to encourage us not to remain in the safety of the harbour but to get out on the open seas until everyone knows!
In the first of a major new series on The Gospels, Pastor Stephen Gibson challenges us to let God’s Word change our hearts. Reading the bible cannot simply be an educational exercise, but a recognition that Jesus is Lord over all Scripture and we must build our lives on their truths.
The Wise Men were drawn to Bethlehem by a star and today God uses other signs to draw us to worship. This Christmas, more than presents or even the joy of family and friends, God wants you to fall to your knees, with your whole life surrendered to Jesus.
The birth of Jesus is filled with amazing moments - an unborn child leaping for joy, an angel choir appearing in the night sky and a star leading wise men to the exact location of the baby Jesus. This Christmas, you’ll be encouraged afresh by God’s Good News that brings great joy for everyone!
How do you build your life on God’s values and invest in what really matters? In this sermon you’ll discover what real, eternal treasure really looks like!
Do you find it hard to wait for God to fulfil His promises for you? In this sermon, you’ll be encouraged by the story of Simeon who was waiting for a promised Messiah. Good sees the big picture of your life and he knows the perfect time for these promises to be fulfilled!
Does life feel a bit crazy right now? Things have not turned out the way you expected, and there’s even some pain and disappointment. In this sermon, you’ll be encouraged by Mary & Joseph’s experience of travelling from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Even in their difficulty, they could hold onto the comfort of God’s presence in Mary’s womb - Jesus, the Son of God! And God can do the same for you - bring His comfort in the midst of your discomfort!
God’s Son began his downward journey from heaven to earth by becoming a baby, fully human. Then as a man, he served as our perfect example before dying on the cross. His life on the earth is incredible when you really think it through! This sermon will fill you with fresh wonder as we journey towards Christmas.
If you are a follower of Jesus, he has given you authority to heal! And how can you grow in this kind of ministry? In this sermon, you’ll be encouraged to see it less as a fixed method or formula and more about discerning the leading of the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus heals, he does more than physically restore. In this sermon you will learn more about His desire to make you ‘whole.’ And when you experience this wholeness, the only natural response is thanksgiving and praise!
A woman came to Jesus desperate for him to help her sick daughter. He was unusually out of his own nation, and Jesus could have resisted ministering but this woman persists with tears - Lord help me! Jesus honours her faith and her daughter is healed. In this sermon, you’ll be stirred to cry out to God and to stick at it until he responds.
Jesus often ministered healing and in some cases, delivered people from an evil spirit at the same time. So can sickness have spiritual reasons behind it? In this sermon, you’ll learn from the way Jesus ministered, dealing with the evil spirit but showing great care for the people involved. But this is not just a story for us to admire! It can serve as an example for how we as followers of Jesus can minister freedom to those under the influence of the enemy.
Unique to the Gospel of Mark, we read the unusual story of a blind man being healed. In this sermon, you will be encouraged by the compassion of Jesus for those who are suffering, and you’ll also learn why healing sometimes happens gradually.
Jesus makes a way when you have been thrown away! You will be inspired by this sermon to reach out in faith and touch Jesus, the one who can heal and restore you.
In this special extra message, Dr Keith Warrington explores the instructions in James 5:13-16 on how to pray for those who are sick - Have we read these correctly or is there more we can learn?
Dr Keith Warrington unpacks the story of Jesus healing a paralysed woman. This sermon will inspire you because Jesus does so much more than heal - he restores her dignity, draws her to himself in her frailty and touches her kindly. And Jesus wants to do the same for you!
In the first part of our new series, Jesus The Healer, Pastor Stephen reminds us that healing is a work of the Holy Spirit and the blood of Jesus. God uses us like the Good Samaritan to pour in this oil and wine onto the wounds of broken people and see them healed.
Jesus has commissioned us to share the Good News to the ends of the earth! But what does that mean? You’ll be inspired in this sermon to start where you are, even if that means getting uncomfortable!
If you are a follower of Jesus, you are called to share the Good News with others. But you need help! This sermon will stir you to be filled the Holy Spirit so you can connect people to Jesus. He will give you boldness to be a sign and a wonder of God’s power wherever you go!
Why do we get scared when it comes to sharing the Good News? In this second part of our Bridges series, this sermon will stir you to not be ashamed of Jesus and to take every opportunity to share your faith!
If you are a Christian, you have been commissioned to connect people to Jesus! In this message, will be stirred afresh to make disciples and to take the words of Jesus seriously to deny yourself, take up your cross and follow Him.
We are prone to wander off course like the people of Israel in the Old Testament and God’s desire is for you to return to Him with all your heart! Be challenged by this message to get rid of any idols, to confess your sin and allow this time to be an ‘Ebenezer moment’ - when you can say, ‘Thus Far The Lord Has Helped Us.’
Controlling your emotions is difficult, right? So is there a way for followers of Jesus to live differently? Continuing with our series in Proverbs, this sermon looks at issues like anger, anxiety and hatred and will challenge you to grow in gentleness, peace, joy and love!
How do you grow in wisdom? How do you learn to avoid foolish choices? In the second part of our series, Pearls of Wisdom, we consider how to draw help from God to make good decisions. The book of Proverbs is full of words of wisdom and so this sermon will encourage you to start by fearing God and to search for wisdom and to guard it with all you’ve got!
God created you to be fruitful in your work - so how do you do that for His glory? And what about the challenges we often face with our own abilities or with other people? This sermon is the beginning of ‘Pearls of Wisdom,’ a series where we dive into Proverbs to learn from this ancient book of wisdom in the Bible. You’ll be encouraged to be diligent, to be righteous and to love others just like Jesus did.
Join Pastors Dominic & Catherine for their final sermon as Senior Leaders of City Church! In this prophetic message, they draw inspiration from 2 Kings 2:19-22, the story of the healing of the bitter waters of Jericho. They explore how, even in seemingly pleasant places, a deeper spiritual barrenness can exist – and how as Christians, we are called to be agents of change, applying our salt to a society where the waters are in desperate need of healing. This sermon brings a powerful challenge and a message of hope; discover how we can bring healing to the contexts God has placed us in and cultivate spiritual fruitfulness in our spheres of influence.
In this message on Ephesians 3:16-19 we explore Paul's powerful prayer and see that it is not just for the Ephesians but for us today too. Discover how to access God's limitless strength, build a foundation of unshakeable love in Christ, and experience His immeasurable presence within you. Learn to face challenges in life, grow deeply in your faith alongside others, and be filled to overflowing with God's love – reflecting it to the world. This message is your call to grow closer to Jesus and to live fully in Christ.
This message by guest speakers, Greta and David Peters (SpiritLife Ministries, New Zealand), dives into God's promises for 2024. The Peters - sharing a prophetic word with us - explore seeking deeper intimacy with Jesus, leading to revelation and new assignments. The message also highlights God's power to overcome challenges and the impact we can have by encouraging others on their journey.
Have you ever considered the spiritual impact you have on the people around you? In this sermon, we look at the story of Peter’s shadow in Acts 5 as a metaphor for the incredible potential every Christian has to be a powerful force for healing and hope. We explore how we can each cast a far-reaching spiritual shadow by becoming carriers of the presence of God into the world around us.
How well do you really love others? The challenge is that your heart can be bruised and battered by the people close to you and you can end up hardened and closed. This sermon will encourage you to learn from the example of Jesus and to consider powerful words by the Apostle Peter to love each other deeply.
Have you ever wondered why Jesus got angry in the temple? This thought-provoking sermon dives into this intriguing moment; we explore how Jesus' anger wasn't rage but a righteous response to injustice. Discover what Jesus might want to overturn in our own lives to make room for Him and His purposes and be stirred by a powerful call to pursue justice and righteousness.
This sermon explores the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, contrasting their earthly lives and their eternal destinies. We discover how viewing life through the lens of eternity, with God's values as our guide, can radically change our perspective and the way we live our lives today. Learn how to navigate suffering with hope and also confront the reality of hell and what this should mean for Christians and non-believers today. Find out more about the Bible’s teaching on the afterlife and our urgent mission to share the message of salvation with those who do not yet have the hope of heaven.
For more on what it means to be a Christian, see https://www.citychurchcardiff.com/christianity.
This sermon reminds us about the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Looking at the transformative power of the Spirit in Peter’s life, we explore how the Holy Spirit equips believers with spiritual gifts, such as speaking in tongues, faith, and healing. Empowered by the Spirit, be challenged to step out in faith to impact your world with the love and power of Christ.
This Pentecost Sunday sermon will stir your spirit with a love, zeal, compassion, desire, and holy restlessness to serve God. Guest speaker Pastor Victor Adeyemi - President and Founder of Global Harvest Ministries - teaches us what it means to be baptised in the fire of the Holy Spirit. Discover how the fire of God energises, generates heat, illuminates, consumes, and ignites - and what that means for us today.
In this sermon we look at the teaching in Leviticus 6:8-13 and 9:24 to discover how to rekindle the fire of God on the altar of our own hearts. We look at repairing our connection with God by addressing sin, clearing away the ashes of the past, offering ourselves completely, and fuelling our fire with intentional acts of daily devotion and obedience. The message shows that while God ignites the fire, we have the responsibility to tend it. Discover how to move from a flickering flame to a life ablaze with God's presence and power – a life that burns with a passion for God!
The first followers of Jesus encountered the Holy Spirit like fire coming to rest on each of them and their lives were ignited with a passion to share the Good News. In the first part of this series, we look at the life of Philip the Evangelist - initially unknown but who came to be an inspiration as he stepped out with the Holy Spirit’s enabling. If you long for fresh and powerful encounters with the Holy Spirit, you will be encouraged by Philip’s story!
This final sermon in our ‘Babylon’ series delves into the story of Daniel in the lions’ den. We see how Daniel took a courageous stand for God in a hostile Babylonian culture. Looking at how Daniel faced the ultimate test, the message explores the challenges of living a Christian life in a changing world, where persecution is becoming more common; it offers guidance on finding strength and faith even in difficult times. Learn how to be a positive influence for God in your workplace or frontline, just like Daniel, who through his unwavering faith and cultivation of a spirit of excellence and hard work, made a hugely positive impact in Babylon. And, for those who presently find themselves in a den of difficulty or darkness, be encouraged about trusting the God who shuts the mouths of lions!
This sermon shows how Christians can positively navigate culture without fear, even in a society where there is a declining Christian population. We learn how Daniel didn’t just avoid or get angry at cultural practices but actively engaged with Babylonian society with wisdom and tact – all the while staying true to his faith and relying on God for discernment. The message highlights the importance of persistent prayer, praying friends, obedience, and seeing exile as a mission opportunity. Be encouraged to use what God has given you to serve God's purposes in this generation.
Feeling pressured to fit in? This sermon dives into the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, exploring the challenges they faced in Babylon and how they resisted the temptations of compromising faith for cultural acceptance. Be equipped to respond to pressures facing Christians today, to understand the importance of standing firm in your Christian values, and to live a life of integrity that glorifies God. Don't be consumed by the flames - learn how to walk through fire with faith!
This opening sermon in the 'Babylon' series explores the concept of exile. Looking at the story of Daniel, we learn that heaven, not our current world, is our true home. As Christians living on earth, we belong to God's kingdom and must find ways to hold onto our true identity. This sermon offers guidance: remember who you are in Christ, maintain a royal mindset, rely on God's constant presence through good times and challenges, and don’t forget your heavenly homeland and future.
The tomb is empty! In this culminating message of our ‘From Death to Life’ series, we explore the life-changing truth of the resurrection. Unpacking Luke 24:1-12, we meet three very different responses to the empty tomb, revealing how some embraced or investigated the good news, while others hesitated. Discover some of the historical evidence for the resurrection and explore its profound impact on our lives today - and for eternity.
Full sermon title: 'Easter Sunday: Responding to the Resurrection'
Calvary – the place where Jesus died - is the place of decision for every single human being. In this penultimate message in our ‘From Death to Life’ series, we journey to the foot of Calvary, witnessing the profound moment of Jesus' crucifixion on Good Friday, as depicted in Luke 23:32-46. We explore what Jesus was doing on the cross and reflect on our need for the forgiveness that Christ offers.
Full sermon title: 'Good Friday: At the Foot of the Cross'
In this fourth sermon in our Easter series, we explore how Jesus’ trials, as described in Luke 22-23 reveal the true nature of His kingdom and authority. We see a clash between earthly power and God’s divine authority. Jesus’ responses to accusations and judgments highlight that His kingdom is built on sacrificial love and service. Learn how we as Christians belong to a different kingdom and see how Jesus' kingdom really operates.
Full sermon title: 'The Trials of Jesus: Clash of Kingdoms'
This sermon explores the betrayals of Jesus by Judas and Peter in Luke 22. We see how though their motivations and outcomes differed, both Judas and Peter offer valuable lessons for us today about themes such as trust, betrayal, and redemption. How does betrayal by a trusted person impact us? Can we find forgiveness and restoration after our mistakes? Discover how the choices we make in the face of failure can shape our destinies – and also find the hope offered through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, even in the face of betrayal.
Full sermon title: 'Judas and Peter: The Sting of Betrayal'
In this second sermon of the Easter series 'From Death to Life', we journey with Jesus to the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus experiences profound agony and wrestles in prayer with the weight of His impending crucifixion. Drawing from Luke 22:39-46, we explore the depth of Jesus’ humanity as He grapples with the enormity of His mission and the weight of our sin. Despite facing overwhelming anguish, Jesus demonstrates unwavering obedience to the Father’s will. Learn about the themes of suffering, struggle, and surrender through the eyes of Jesus.
Full sermon title: 'Garden of Gethsemane: The Agony of Surrender'
For Christians, sharing in communion is a familiar part of our faith, but do we really understand the significance of this spiritual meal that Jesus began at ‘The Last Supper’ with His disciples? Get ready to understand in fresh ways how this intimate meal demonstrates the full extent of Christ’s love for us.
Full sermon title: 'The Last Supper: Prelude to Sacrifice'
There are moments in the Christian life when God’s presence is readily apparent and evident, but there can also be times when His silence seems deafening - when we wonder if He is still there at all. How do we respond to those occasions when God seems distant or absent? Drawing out lessons from Bible characters such as David in Psalm 13, we discover the wonderful truth that when God seems absent, He is still very much present. Learn how to run to God in times of difficulty and be encouraged how to find God even in the unlikely or not so obvious places or circumstances of life.
We don’t leave God’s presence behind in the church building on a Sunday but, through the Holy Spirit, carry His presence into our daily world. Learn how, being the temples of the Holy Spirit, believers today are the instrument that God uses to help others encounter the presence of God - wherever we go and whatever we are doing. Discover what it means to be carriers of God's presence even in the ordinary and how to bring hope into despair, light into dark places, and love into brokenness.
We know from the Bible that God’s presence is everywhere and in the heart of every believer. But what about moments when we sense his presence is more intense? This sermon explores what it means to experience the manifest presence of God. In Exodus 33, Moses appealed to God for His manifest presence to go with the people of Israel. In the same way, you can cry out for more of God’s transforming presence in your life.
Experiencing the presence of God is more than warm feelings but an encounter with the holiness of God which transforms our hearts and even nations! Be challenged by this call to pursue the presence of God in our lives in a new and fresh way.
What does it look like to have generosity as a regular practice in your life? In this final part of our Devoted series, learn from the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand, that generosity is more a practice of the heart, that it starts with small actions and it is willing to keep on giving.
The first followers of Jesus were devoted to loving community and God wants you to live the same way today. But how do you do that if you are nervous about where to start? Or what if you have been hurt? Learn more in this practical sermon about building safe spaces, real relationships and deep transformation.
Engaging with the Bible is an essential for us to grow in our relationships with God. As Head of Bible Society in Wales, Siân Rees is passionate about helping people to read and understand ‘God’s Word.’ And it doesn’t stop there - God speaks to us through the His Word, it directs and guides us and it helps us to defeat the enemy!
Prayer is an essential practice for Christians - an opportunity to partner with God, to align our hearts to His will and purposes and to hear His voice. It is principally about relationship with Him. Be inspired to grow in your prayer life this season.
Be encouraged by this word at the beginning of New Year - Jesus said that you are the light of the world! You were made to shine bright in a dark word with little hope. Romans 5 says that hope often comes through suffering, then perseverance, then character development and finally a resilient hope begins to emerge! So as you step into this New Year, Let Hope Burn Bright!
The Wise Men came seeking a king and found a baby being cared for by poor parents. This Christmas Day message reminds us to recognise that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us, in our ordinary lives. You’ll be encouraged to respond like the Wise Men - to bow and worship Him again once again.
The shepherds seemed an odd choice to first hear the news that a Saviour had been born. But God knew exactly what He was doing! Learn about how they point us towards Jesus as the Good Shepherd. You’ll be inspired to worship Jesus and share the Good News just like those Bethlehem shepherds did so long ago.
Joseph, the father of Jesus, knew he was a ‘son of David,’ and it was part of his identity. Do you have a clear sense of who you are? In this third part of ‘Unlikely Characters,’ be encouraged to see your identity in belonging to King Jesus!
The character of Elizabeth in the Christmas story is a fascinating one. She faced many years of struggle before God answered her with a special calling. Be inspired in this sermon by her faithfulness to God and allow God to craft you before the call!
In the bustle of Christmas, we can miss the best gift that God gave us! Just as Mary sat at the feet of Jesus while Martha hurried around stressed and busy, listen to this important reminder that one thing is needed - to love and listen to Him.
The story of Jesus’ birth highlights a host of unexpected people whom God chose to use as part of his amazing plan. Learn about Mary’s many limitations in the eyes of the world but God chose to use her significantly. And be encouraged that God has a special plan for your life too - he is not constrained by your circumstances because nothing is impossible with God!
It’s easy to become consumed by worry but the Apostle Paul instead instructs us to pray and give thanks. In the fourth and final part of this series on Philippians, be encouraged to experience the reality of God’s incredible peace.
The Apostle Paul said that everything in our lives, no matter how good or positive, is filth compared with knowing Jesus Christ! In the third part of our series on Philippians, be stirred by these provocative words to put Jesus right at the centre of your life.
What is your definition of greatness? Jesus said it is those who become a servant. In this second part of our series on Philippians, be inspired to choose humility, show concern and care less about your reputation, and more about honouring Jesus.
The letter of Philippians pulses with the theme that the greatest joy is knowing Jesus. In this first sermon, be inspired by the Apostle Paul’s cry, 'Christ be Magnified in Me,’ from Philippians 1 v 18b – 31. Learn more of how you can magnify Christ in your prayers, in your courage and in your living and dying.
God has placed a call on each person’s life and it is our joy to discover it and live it out! But confusion can get in the way and we stop pursuing God’s best. Learn from the life of Moses as he met God at the burning bush and received his call to go back to Egypt. Be inspired to step into your calling and not shrink back!
This sermon - which has lots of lessons for both single people and married people about how to think about singleness and relationships - celebrates the beauty of being single, dispelling myths that surround singleness and showing singles how to thrive and be fulfilled in life. Discover how singleness is not a season to be endured but a time to be enjoyed, when there are unique and abundant blessings and opportunities available.
The friendship between Jonathan, the son of King Saul, and David, the future king, serves as an great model for relationship. This sermon looks at the enduring bond between these two friends and draws out lessons on friendship, loyalty, commitment, and love – we see how to cultivate and cherish such qualities in our own relationships too.
In our sex-saturated and self-obsessed culture, what are we to do with the Bible's teaching on sexuality? In this sermon we look at how the Bible addresses human sexuality, relationships, and intimacy; we learn how to address sexual brokenness and find our identity in Christ. With pastoral sensitivity and within the framework of a firm commitment to biblical truth, we see that sex is good, that boundaries are good, and we discover that God's wonderful vision for human flourishing is indeed good!
This opening message in our 'Threads' series - a set of teaching all about how God weaves us together in relationships - reminds us that we are made for relationship because we are created in God's image. Drawing lessons from Jesus' parable about a good Samaritan, we learn how to love others with our heart, with our actions, and with our generosity. Let this sermon encourage you to see people for who they are, to be willing to care for them in their brokenness, and to make our skills and resources available to share with others too.
This sermon shows why doctrine matters, and specifically, why the doctrine of the Trinity matters! Far from being an abstract and irrelevant doctrine, the Trinity - because it concerns God’s very own nature - is foundational to Christian truth and living. It reveals who God is, what He is like, how He relates to us, and how we can relate to Him. Discover how understanding the nature of God as three-in-one shapes our beliefs, informs our worship, and guides our human relationships – and then take up the invitation to join in the life of the triune God and experience deeper fellowship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Have you ever wondered about the nature of God – how He can be both one and yet exist in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? In this enlightening sermon, we unpack the theological complexities surrounding the concept of the Trinity and see how deeply rooted in Scripture it is. Through a careful and accessible look at biblical teaching, we reveal how the Bible itself testifies to the unity of God in three persons. This sermon will help strengthen your faith, enable you to answer tough questions, and equip you to confidently profess your belief in the tri-personal nature of the one true God.
God is pouring out new wine – but where are the new wineskins that will contain it? This sermon, based on Jesus’ parable of the wineskins, inspires us to thirst for more of the Holy Spirit and also to be flexible enough to adapt, grow, and welcome the transformative teachings of Jesus. We see why new wine and old wineskins don’t mix – and we also learn how, if we’re willing, God can make us into new wineskins.
In this final message of our Just Like Jesus series – a 7-month journey in the Sermon on the Mount - we reflect on the significance of not only hearing Jesus’ words but also personally obeying them. We learn that, transformative though it is, the teaching of Jesus ultimately has no value to us unless it outworks its way into the practice of our lives. The sermon challenges us to think about the foundation upon which we are building our lives and whether or not we are really living out what we say we believe or affirm. We also gain valuable biblical insights about the kind of life that can stand strong in the face of trial and challenge.
Even at the age of 12, Jesus knew who He was and what He was called to do! Explore through this sermon how Jesus’ example illuminates the path to embracing our own God-given identities, fostering the freedom to become who we were created to be and live out our divine purpose.
This penultimate sermon in our Just Like Jesus series teaches us about the lordship of Jesus in our lives and encourages us to move beyond mere outward displays of faith to genuinely walking in the will of God. We see that how we live speaks louder than what we say and are challenged to align our actions with our professed beliefs.
In this sermon we unpack Jesus’ warning against false prophets and see the significance of looking beyond mere appearances and examining the fruits of a person's character, actions and teachings. We learn how to cultivate a discerning heart and distinguish truth from error, and also how to stay rooted in Christ and bear good fruit.
By following Christ's teachings, we find true purpose and fulfilment. This sermon explores the choice between the narrow gate and the broad road; we see that the narrow gate represents a challenging path of commitment to God's truth, leading to life, but the broad road is an easy path of worldly allure, which leads ultimately to destruction. Be encouraged through this message to go the way of the narrow gate and find abundant life.
This sermon highlights some of the essential ingredients of prayer; we unpack Jesus’ metaphors of asking, seeking, and knocking to illustrate that God is willing to respond to the sincere and persistent prayers of those who seek Him. We also uncover the power of Jesus’ version of the ‘Golden Rule’ and how to treat others with the same compassion, honour, and respect that we desire for ourselves. Be encouraged to pray more effectively and, based on God’s own goodness to us, to treat others with empathy and kindness too.
What do we do when we notice a flaw or a fault in others? Unpacking Jesus’ metaphors about specks and logs and dogs and hogs in the first six verses of Matthew 7, we see what Jesus has to say about the consequences of being judgemental, critical and hypocritical. Learn how to be discerning and exercise righteous judgement in a way that is pleasing to God, that values truth and that truly helps others.
Are you in a position to listen & recognise God’s voice? How do you respond to God’s voice? How can you help others draw closer to God? These are the questions at the heart of this Youth Takeover sermon, delivered by our Youth Pastor Becky and three of the young people in our Youth Ministry.
How do we deal with worry? This sermon explores what Jesus has to teach us about worry. We look at biblical truths that show us how we can tackle and overcome worry and are invited to trust in God’s provision and prioritise His kingdom. Take this opportunity to release anxiety and embrace a life of faith so you can experience God’s peace in every season.
This sermon inspires us to make Jesus our master. Unpacking Jesus' metaphor of servanthood in Matthew 6:24, we learn how to reduce the hold of money on our lives by being devoted to Jesus. We are encouraged towards spiritual practices such as giving, simplicity, hospitality, and sabbath - and in so doing to discover the joy of living wholeheartedly as a servant of Christ.
What occupies your attention, vision and purpose? Unpacking Jesus’ teaching on the eye being a lamp for the body, this sermon challenges us to not make wealth the focus of life but instead to pursue generosity and find our purpose in life in the greater call of God.
This message encourages us towards spiritual health; guest speaker Maldwyn Jones - who serves as Elim's Historian - challenges us from the words of Jesus about where our focus is, what our priorities are, and what we are seeing.
The location of your treasure, whether on earth or in heaven, is a pretty good indication of whether you're worldly or spiritual. In this sermon we explore Jesus' words in the Sermon on the Mount where He teaches His disciples about the importance of prioritising spiritual and eternal matters over material possessions and pursuits. We see how a person's priorities and affections are closely tied to what they value and treasure the most. Be encouraged to live your life today in such a way that the things you do last for eternity!
This sermon brings biblical insights and practical guidance on the sometimes neglected discipline of fasting. Explore the deeper meaning behind Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:16-18 and learn about the kind of spiritual practice that truly benefits us and the kind of fasting which God acknowledges and rewards.
In this Pentecost Sunday sermon, David & Greta Peters - founders of SpiritLife Ministries in New Zealand - minister prophetically; we are reminded that Jesus is the Saviour, Healer, Baptiser in the Holy Spirit, and Coming King and what this means for us today.
In this Pentecost Sunday sermon, David & Greta Peters - founders of SpiritLife Ministries in New Zealand - minister prophetically; we are reminded that Jesus is the Saviour, Healer, Baptiser in the Holy Spirit, and Coming King and what this means for us today.
This practical sermon explores the transformative power of forgiveness and its profound impact on our lives. Clarifying what forgiveness is and what it isn’t, and showing that forgiveness is a deliberate choice that requires intentional action, we look at what it means to put the words of Jesus in Matthew 6 into practice. Discover a new level of freedom, healing and restoration and be set free from bitterness, resentment or the desire for revenge as you learn about the significance of forgiveness and its impact on our relationship with God, others and ourselves.
Do you know how or what to pray? In this sermon we learn not only the way in which we are to approach God in prayer, we see how Jesus provides the Lord's Prayer as a model of prayer - a way to acknowledge God as our loving heavenly Father, pursue His kingdom and will, rely on Him for our daily needs, ask for forgiveness, and seek deliverance from temptation and evil.
In this message, guest speaker Rev Dr Israel Olofinjana - Director of the One People Commission at the Evangelical Alliance - shows how Jesus taught us to pray. Comparing and contrasting Jesus' model prayer with one of David's prayers in the Old Testament, we learn about the transforming power of prayer and are encouraged towards a lifestyle of prayer that flows out of intimacy with God.
Whether it be through money, time or energy, we should give to those in need – but it is vital that we give with the right motivation too! This sermon unpacks Jesus’ words on giving to the needy and challenges us to examine our own motivations for giving and to also consider the impact of our actions on those in need. We see that true acts of charity come from a place of selflessness without any desire for personal gain, public recognition or people’s approval. Be encouraged about the kind of giving that pleases God and the kind of giving that God rewards.
In this sermon we ascend to what many regard as the summit of the Sermon on the Mount: we look at Jesus’ teaching on loving our enemies and praying for those who mistreat us. Loving those who hurt us may seem like difficult words to follow but we learn here just exactly how to do this – and also why it is so important. Whether you're dealing with difficult people at work, facing conflict in your relationships, or struggling with feelings of anger or resentment, this message shows us the transformative power of biblical love and how to handle the negative things that others do or say to us God's way.
What if Christians were recognised for their unwavering commitment to honesty and integrity? In a world that is often full of deceit and dishonesty, what if our words as followers of Christ carried a weight of credibility and trust? This message, based on Jesus' teaching on oaths and promises found in Matthew 5:33-37, calls us into the transformative power of radical integrity by being a people of truth.
This inspiring sermon, preached on the most significant of days in the Christian calendar, shows how Jesus conquered the grave and overcame sin and death through His resurrection. We learn about some of the amazing consequences of the resurrection (the resurrection changes everything!) and how to respond to the claim that the tomb is empty and Jesus is alive. We also explore some of the reasons why we can be confident about the actual resurrection of Jesus from the dead and how we can live in resurrection power today.
This Easter sermon spans the pages of both the Old Testament and New Testament and draws back the curtain on the events of Good Friday. We discover the significance behind the tearing of the temple veil the moment Jesus died on the cross, and we see how the shed blood of Jesus extinguishes the fire of God’s judgement and opens up the way for human beings to come into the presence of God.
The current UK divorce rate is 42%. This will mean that, if we haven't experienced it personally, most of us will know someone who has walked through divorce. But with the Bible having such a high view of marriage, the question begs: are there ever legitimate biblical reasons for divorce? This sermon unpacks Jesus' teaching on divorce and remarriage in the Sermon on the Mount and brings a hopeful, biblical perspective to the issue.
Jesus didn’t die on the cross and rise from the dead to defeat the power of some sin but all of our sin; this means that God can redeem everything, including our sexual attraction and desire. This liberating message gets to the heart of the matter on the issue of lust; we see not only the seriousness of sin but how to personally deal with it and be transformed as we allow God to renew and purify our hearts. Be encouraged to live a life of integrity where inner thoughts and outward behaviours match up and you live in freedom in the life of the Spirit.
When the widow of Zarephath was at her lowest point, her simple response of obedience to a word from God changed everything. This inspiring Mother’s Day 2023 sermon encourages us about trusting God’s promises enough to obey His commands despite what we see with the natural eye. We get a real insight into authentic biblical faith and learn that, what we have in our hands remains comparatively little if it stays in our hands, but placing it into God's hands can even bring about the miraculous.
It can be easy for us to remember the wrong things that others have done to us, but what about when we have wronged others? Can this impact our relationship with God? According to Jesus it can! This sermon - following on from last week's teaching about the problem of anger - shows how to deal with our own issues; we learn why and how to make reconcilation with others a priority, and also how to bring the kind of worship that is acceptable to God.
This sermon gives us an insight into the kind of righteousness that Jesus expects of His disciples; we see that God is not merely concerned with external obedience but with internal holiness of heart too. Looking at what Jesus has to say about murder and anger specifically, we see how mismanaged anger can be a curse that brings us into severe judgement; we also discover what God wants to do in us to help us not only manage anger well but live according to His righteous standards.
The Bible is the greatest love story ever written but sometimes people struggle as to what to do with the Old Testament. In Matthew 5:17-20 Jesus affirms the unity and authority of the Old Testament – something He comes to fulfil and not abolish. In this sermon we learn how the Old Testament points forward to Jesus; we are reminded that Jesus is the central character of the Bible and are encouraged to be attentive to Him as we engage with God’s Word each day so that the Spirit of God can change us to be just like Jesus.
Jesus said that His followers are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. This sermon explains what Jesus meant through these word pictures and looks at the distinctive impact Christians are to have on the world around us as we seek to be a blessing to others in our day-to-day lives.
Discover the kind of life that is approved and blessed by God! This sermon unpacks the first words of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount: the Beatitudes. These are words which turn expectations upside down and which reveal the distinguishing marks of a true Christian - the traits that make us just like Jesus. So much of life can be spent pursuing happiness – here Jesus shows us what true happiness really looks like.
This eye-opening sermon kicks off ‘Just Like Jesus’, our 7-month series on the Sermon on the Mount – the life-changing words of Jesus which show us what it looks like to live as His disciples in the world. Expounding Matthew 5:1-2, we get an insight into the heart of true discipleship and what it means to be an apprentice of Jesus.
Few things matter more than learning to hear and discern the voice of God; few things can transform your life more than recognising how God speaks in everyday life. This message from guest speaker, Rev. Dr. Tania Harris - Director of God Conversations - encourages us about drawing closer to the God who speaks and the God who wants to make Himself known.
When it comes to fruitfulness, we often like to fast-forward to harvest - but what we reap in the harvest season depends on what we've done in planting season. This sermon inspires us about the part each of us has to play in being fruitful, and also the part that God plays too. We see that in every area of our lives in which we want to see greater fruitfulness, we need to be planting seed. Discover about the power of planted seed to totally transform our conditions and bring us into greater realisation of the promises of God.
We’re believing that this year you can walk in greater levels of fruitfulness! In this sermon our Senior Leaders, Catherine and Dominic, share about “fruitful”, our word for the year for 2023 – a specific word from God for our church at this specific time to help walk by God’s design in the months ahead. Discover four principles from the teaching of Jesus in John 15 about what it looks like to live a life of fruitfulness – these will position you to enter into God’s promise of fruitfulness this year.
Be inspired by this prophetic message from our New Year’s Eve Celebration which shows us how we can bear fruit to the glory of God despite the challenges around us. Discover how we can partner with God in 2023 to enter more fully into all of His promises.
Today millions of gifts will be opened. Some won’t fit, some will be the wrong colour, some won’t be what was hoped for – many will need to be returned or exchanged. But there’s one gift that will never wear out or need replacing, a gift that – regardless of culture, age or gender – meets everyone’s deepest need. This Christmas Day sermon highlights the indescribable gift believers have been given in Jesus and invites all to enter into a life-changing relationship with Jesus.
The Gospel of Matthew shows us a tale of two kings - Herod and Jesus - but only one of them is the true king. Jesus our true king didn’t come with a throne and fanfare - He came humbly and showed us what real power is and what real truth is. He came to give us life in all of its fullness and everlasting life with Him. This message of hope from Cardiff Carols invites us to respond to Jesus, King of kings.
God created you to enjoy meaningful connection through friendship. This sermon examines the unexpected friendship between Mary and Elizabeth as they walked through God-inspired experiences together. Learn the importance of sharing time, advice and faith with the people that God has brought in to your life.
Preparing for the “advent” of our Lord Jesus Christ is an important season for Christians to search our hearts, clear away the clutter and make room for Jesus. This sermon challenges us to examine our hearts and how wholeheartedly we love Jesus our Lord. There is a call to a fresh hunger for Christ and His kingdom – to pray, “Come Lord Jesus revive your church”.
We can rejoice and be grateful because of God’s grace, which in turns grows the fruit of joy in our hearts. This sermon encourages us to pursue defiant joy, whatever our circumstances or whether we feel it or not. Exploring the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles, we see that we can face our trials with defiant joy, fixing our eyes on Jesus even when we don’t know what to do.
We are not grateful because we are joyful; we are joyful because we are grateful. There is a joy that comes from abiding in Jesus, and this is a kind of joy that even defies the devil. This sermon inspires us about how we can have joy amidst challenges; without diminishing the troubles or difficulties we face, we discover how the joy of the Lord can be our strength – and how we can therefore be resilient regardless of what life throws at us.
Grumbling is a problem and it has consequences: it keeps us stuck in situations rather than having a hope for change; it negatively affects the people around us; and ultimately it blocks our relationship with God. This sermon takes us to the root cause of complaining and shows us how, by fixing our focus on the Lord, God can break the power of complaining and instead give us a new language of gratitude, thereby freeing us from shackles and taking us into a new quality of living.
Have you built a memorial to God? Not only does such remembrance display gratitude to God but something powerful happens in us, and also in others, when we recall the spiritually significant events of times past. Discover why it is important to keep on remembering the things that God has done – how as we remember God’s goodness and past faithfulness, we can build faith for today and hope for tomorrow, as well as keep the faith alive for future generations and further the mission of God.
This first sermon in our ‘Choose Gratitude’ series shows us how to be thankful in all circumstances. We learn principles from the Bible that remind us, exhort us and show us about how we should offer our thanks to God. We see how such an attitude of thankfulness is vital to helping us walk well through the challenging times of life, and also how gratitude is a mark of Christian discipleship. Let this sermon encourage you again about the goodness and grace of God, and to offer Him the gratitude that glorifies Him.
Be blessed by this sermon based on the story of the raising of the widow’s son in Luke Chapter 7. Guest Speaker Amy Summerfield – CEO of Kyria, a leadership network that champions, empowers and releases women into their spheres of influence, and Head of Development at Skylark International, a network of churches, charities and organisations – inspires us about how, through the power of Christ, we can see the things that are around us which are “dead” brought back to life.
If we are going to walk in the supernatural power of God, we need to rediscover and grasp hold of the power of prayer. This final sermon in our ‘Kingdom Of Power’ series shows us how to do this through reliance on God, being in His presence, and walking in our authority as followers of Jesus. Be galvanised to pray with fresh fervour as you learn just how critical prayer is in realising the promises of God.
At times the doctrine of faith has been abused or stretched beyond its biblical bounds; this hope-building sermon calibrates our understanding of faith whilst also exhorting us to reach out for all that God has said is possible. Based on the remarkable healing of the woman in Mark 5, we learn what faith is and what it isn’t; we discover that faith is only as strong as its object and that the source of true faith is the revealed promises of God. Learn about the important connection between faith and the power of God and also how to “faith the facts” so that with the hand of faith you can reach up to take hold of all that God has promised.
It is possible to know Jesus but to never have experienced the filling of the Holy Spirit. Through this teaching about the diverse gifts that the Holy Spirit gives to every Christian today, learn how to live a life empowered by the Spirit and how to discover and grow in the supernatural gift(s) that He has for you. See how this leads not only to personal joy but also to the extension of God's kingdom and much blessing to others.
Addressing the spiritual power deficit that exists in much of the western church, this inspiring sermon will provoke you to hunger for increasing manifestations of the supernatural power of God. Discover insights about the kingdom of God and learn about the power and authority that is available to us as believers as we seek to see something of heaven come to earth today.
We live in a time where some will seek to distort the gospel or degrade God's invitation of new life; this sermon reminds us that the people of God have been entrusted with keeping and defending the good news of salvation. We learn that there are good and reasonable answers to all objections raised against the gospel, and also how we can speak hope in this season of shaking.
This sermon gives us some of the practical tools and confidence we need to share the gospel naturally with others in our everyday settings. Learn how to tell both your story and Jesus' story, and be equipped in how to lead someone in making a response to Jesus.
In the Bible the demonstration and the proclamation of the gospel go hand in hand. This sermon continues our series Show & Tell by exploring the ways in which believers can demonstrate the gospel through godly living, doing good deeds, and operating in the gifts of the Spirit. Be inspired and equipped to be the kind of Christian whose life is a living witness of the hope, love and power of Jesus.
The gospel we believe - the way that we define the gospel - determines the type of Christian that we are and the type of disciples that we make. If we have a faulty or incomplete understanding of the gospel - if we fail to see that the gospel isn't just about conversion or forgiveness but about discipleship and the rule and reign of Jesus over every part of our lives - we won't live the kind of life that God desires. This opening sermon in our Show & Tell series helps us get to grips with what the good news of Jesus really is and brings us to the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
Do you ever feel like you don’t have what it takes? Do you feel limited by past failures or doubt your ability to keep going? Let this sermon encourage you in your calling as you hear how Jesus turned up to bring reassurance (and even cook some breakfast!) for his friends. This reassurance went beyond comfort and validation to a new place of motivation. As you listen, allow Jesus to remove your worry, comfort you and restore your confidence.
This concluding sermon in our series on the parables of Jesus in Matthew 13 is a clarion call about responding to Jesus before the judgement that is to come at the end of the age. We are reminded that time is short and we are shown what to do to get right with Jesus, as well encouraged about sharing the good news about Jesus' invitation into His kingdom with others.
This sermon reflects on Jesus’ sixth parable in Matthew 13 and shows us exactly why, when we discover Jesus and His kingdom, this is worth giving up everything to possess.
This sermon unpacks Jesus' fifth parable in Matthew 13 - a brief but insightful story about the kingdom of God using the metaphor of hidden treasure. Be practically inspired about how to first dig and then discover the treasures of knowing Jesus, as well as the joy and blessings that result from being completely sold out for God's kingdom.
This parable describes several important things about the working of the kingdom in our present age – it may have a small beginning but it will increase and can lead to tremendous growth. Be encouraged as you hear in your own growth as a believer and to allow God to transform you from the inside out
In this, the third parable of Matthew 13, Jesus continues to challenge those who have spiritual eyes and ears to understand more about the kingdom. Continuing His use of everyday objects such as wheat, weeds, and this time mustard seeds, Jesus emphasises the importance of both spiritual growth and increasing influence. Our lives are significant and our faith counts. This sermon helps us to consider the kind of spiritual fruit we hope to have produced by the end of our lives.
This second parable in Matthew 13 describes the growth of both wheat and weeds in the same field; Jesus goes on to explain how the children of the King exist in this age alongside, though not constrained by, evil - and ultimately how evil is vanquished and how His kingdom and kingdom people are harvested for glory. Allow this sermon to help you see the reign of God grow ever stronger in your life and to pray increasingly for God’s kingdom to come.
Why is it that two people can hear exactly the same Bible message and one can have their life changed by it and yet the other remains unmoved? Jesus reveals the answer in the parable of the four soils. This sermon draws out three helpful principles from Jesus' famous parable; taking a look at the garden of our own hearts, we discover how to deal with hardness, shallowness and weeds - all of which will stop the seed of God's Word from accomplishing what it really could in our lives - and we learn how to cultivate the soil of our heart in order to yield an amazing harvest for the kingdom of God.
This sermon by our Youth & Young Adults Pastor Becky Vesse on Youth Takeover Sunday encourages us from the book of Joshua about how all generations can enter together into the promises of God, and gives an insight into what God has been doing amongst City Church Youth this year.
Did you know you have a spiritual name? This name is attached to your destiny. This sermon teaches us about the names that God has for us, and also the names that the devil, the past and difficult life events try to thrust upon us; it gets us to think about the question: what name am I responding to in the spiritual realm? Be equipped and inspired to reject negative names and instead recognise your God-given names; this way the internal picture you have of yourself will line up with what God has spoken over your life, and even begin to make its way to the outside.
This sermon inspires us to put our trust in Jesus, no matter what we are facing. Looking at the account of Jesus healing the official's son in John 4, we learn that when we are on the journey between hearing from God and experiencing a breakthrough, we can be confident that Jesus is faithful and trustworthy.
Has the tithe been abolished? In this age of grace is the principle of tithing applicable? This final sermon in our ‘Financially Free’ series deals with the often contested matter of tithing. Addressing some of the misconceptions that exist about tithing, we see that the establishment of the tithe is a great starting point in seeking to fulfil the New Testament commands to give generously, cheerfully, proportionately and regularly. We discover how the freewill discipline and practice of tithing not only leads to the advancement of God’s work through the local church but also to blessing and freedom for the person tithing too – and as such is something that every believer should seek to cultivate in their life.
This sermon looks at how we can respond to the gift of grace from our generous, loving heavenly Father and how we can cultivate a generous lifestyle. Looking at Scriptures such as 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, we learn about the blessings that come our way when we choose generosity over fear and doubt.
What does gratefulness, generosity and godliness have to do with contentment? This sermon challenges popular notions about where contentment is to be found and shows us that Jesus is the true source of satisfaction and contentment in life.
This Pentecost Sunday sermon encourages us to raise our expectations about what the Holy Spirit wants to do in and through us. The Holy Spirit is available to all who have put their trust in Jesus and want to be filled; discover what it means to live a Spirit-empowered life and expect to have a tangible and actual experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
It's been a long night these past few years but dawn - a new morning - is coming! Listen to this uplifting prophetic message from guest speakers David & Greta Peters, founders of SpiritLife ministries in New Zealand.
Drawing on James 5:1-5 and other scriptural passages, this practical sermon teaches us what the wrong and right accumulation, acquisition and allocation of wealth looks like. You will discover what God requires of you when it comes to money and learn how to be wise with your wealth. Be inspired and equipped by the biblical insights and principles that are shared to walk in new levels of financial freedom and enjoy the blessings of God upon your life.
This sermon outlines the dangers around personal debt and shows how to move towards being debt free. Looking at four keys truths, we see debt in the context of God’s call to put Him first and to know His promise to provide in every area of our lives. We see that God’s Word gives direct warnings of the danger of debt, bondage and destruction that uncontrolled debt can bring. Noting that debt is a reality for many in our nation today we identify four steps to get us moving out of debt into the financial freedom God desires for His people.
This opening sermon in our ‘Financially Free’ series shows what it means to live out a Christian worldview in our day-to-day lives, not least when it comes to our finances. Bringing a balanced and informative biblical perspective on money, we discover how to stay free of the influence of Mammon - a spirit that can attach itself to money - and how to walk in God's plan of financial freedom. We see the vital link between our relationship with God and our relationship to money and learn how one’s attitude to, and use of, money is one of the best indicators of who or what they are trusting.
We all carry shame from our past. We can know we are forgiven but the devil tries to remind us of our shame and keep us help back from truly experiencing victory. This final message in our series will stir you to declare to the devil and even over yourself, “the blood triumphs over my shame!”
The blood of Jesus is sufficient and final! The New Testament, and the book of Hebrews in particular, teaches that the blood of Jesus performed what the ritual sacrifices and covenants of the Old Testament could only foreshadow: everlasting and eternal forgiveness from sin. Discover through this sermon how this means that we can have boldness to enter into the presence of God.
The resurrection is the bedrock of the Christian faith – take it away and you have nothing! Through this Easter Sunday sermon discover the firm foundation of truth that the Christian hope rests on and see some of the staggering implications if the resurrection is true. The resurrection proves that Jesus is who He said He is; it shows He has the power He claimed to have; and it means that He will do everything He says He would do. Learn more about how the act of Jesus rising from the dead changes everything for us – past, present and future!
This is the link to the supplementary video referred to in the sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhnGlQSotNc
Rahab’s city was destined for judgement and destruction but she and her family were delivered because she recognised God as the one true God and acted in faithful obedience by tying a red cord - a crimson thread - in her window. This red rope was a sign to the invading army not to touch her household and is a foreshadowing of our own redemption by the blood of Jesus. This Good Friday message shows us the glorious hope and future we have because of the shed blood of Jesus.
This message traces the crimson thread of salvation through Exodus and Leviticus. We learn about the way God provided for the Israelites to be delivered from death through the sacrifice of a spotless lamb and the application of that blood to their doorframes. We learn also about the Day of Atonement when the blood of bulls and goats was shed to permit an unholy people to draw near to our holy God. We see how these acts point powerfully to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross: Jesus the spotless lamb has provided a way for us to be delivered from eternal death and His blood has provided a once-and-for-all covering for our sin which means that we now can enjoy access to God.
Having lost their covering of God’s glory when they disobeyed God, Adam and Eve tried in vain to cover their nakedness by sewing fig leaves together. But nothing they did could ease their fear and shame; yet in His love and grace God provided blood-soaked tunics for these two unworthy sinners. This message unpacks the first death in the Bible – the first time we see the crimson thread of salvation - and reminds us that without Christ's blood we are left naked in our sin. The sermon is packed full of revelation about the power of Christ's work of substitutionary atonement on the cross and reminds us that through Jesus we can be clothed by God in a garment of righteousness – which means that we can boldly come into His presence, and so much more!
Although Mary is probably the most well-known mother in history, too often she is overlooked or misrepresented. This sermon, delivered on Mother's Day 2022, explores Mary's somewhat revolutionary song from Luke 1 and the wonderful and significant truths we can learn from it about who God is and what He has done.
There is life beyond this life, and it is during this life on earth that it is determined where we will go when we die and what our experience in eternity will be like. This sermon is packed full of Bible teaching and exhortation about end time concepts such as the great white throne, the judgement seat of Christ and the new creation. You will be both sobered and inspired as the curtain of eternity is pulled back and you learn about what awaits both believer and unbeliever beyond death’s door and in the age to come.
This sermon focuses upon the event of the second coming of Jesus as judge, Lord and coming king. We are reminded of the certainty of His coming and then consider the tumultuous changes in creation when He appears, accompanied with the resurrection of the dead and the judgement of all before Christ. We learn that this second coming is an event that we can prepare for - that Jesus teaches His followers to be ready and watch. We consider what we are supposed to be looking for and discover that Jesus as the coming King is already inaugurating His kingdom.
Our understanding of the end times impacts a whole lot of things! This message introduces us to four eschatological systems which have been used over the years to try to come to grips with the Bible’s teaching on the last days: dispensational premillennialism; historic premillennialism; postmillennialism & amillennialism. As you listen, not only will you be enlightened in your understanding of end time events such as the rapture, millennium or tribulation (all of which have variously been said to lead to the beginning of the end), you’ll also discover the importance of the fact of Jesus’ second coming and learn how to prepare now for the things that are to come.
Hard work pays off, right? And surely God responds more to people who serve Him wholeheartedly? The Christian life is certainly an invitation to good works, but what if people are helpless? Or what about when you are struggling? Is God less favourable towards you in those moments? This sermon challenges the notion that self-help is the ultimate goal and instead encourages you to surrender yourself fully to God in all that you do.
Some people think that if God exists then His main purpose is to make them happy. Christians too can be subtly seduced by this kind of thinking: that because we have come to Christ only good things should now happen. But this can lead to a number of serious errors in both theology and practice. This sermon highlights such problems and shows that, though happiness is a good thing, there are actually times when God won’t want us happy. Discover more about the Bible’s rich teaching on happiness and learn about the pathway to true contentment and satisfaction in life.
The idea that no sickness or trouble can touch the believer has a biblical veneer but actually it is deeply problematic. With its roots in the faulty teaching of the prosperity gospel, it lacks the power of explanation as to why problems occur in the lives of believers – for example, why godly people get sick, hurt or sometimes die very cruel deaths – all despite having faith! This sermon presents a more accurate biblical theology of suffering and shows why believers can have hope even in the most difficult of times.
The phrase "what goes around comes around" may cause some to think of karma - that our choices and circumstances define us and lead to certain positive or negative experiences. Of course, this can give us a sense of justice when someone appears to get what they deserve, but it can also leave a bitter taste too. In this sermon we assess this phrase through a biblical lens; looking at the story of the woman at the well in John 4, we see that it is Jesus who determines our future, not us; and we learn about the grace, freedom and future that is ours in Him.
There is something appealing about the thought but nowhere in the Bible are we told that God won't give us more than we can handle. This earthly life can be hard at times because the human heart is selfish and rebellious, but God gives us good things – for example, salvation, mercy, love, hope, peace, comfort, purpose, etc - because God is good. Discover some vital Christian truths through this sermon and learn how to stand strong in those times in which we can feel overwhelmed.
The phrase "everything happens for a reason" has often been used as a way to try to explain away the pain and hardship of life. But does everything that happens in our lives, in the lives of others and in the world around us ultimately happen for a good reason? This sermon explores God's goodness, authority and trustworthiness to help us understand why difficult things happen and what our response should be.
Prevailing culture can deceive us into seeking unachievable human perfection, which leaves us without true peace and satisfaction. Only when we hear God’s truth do we find a fulfilled life. God’s Word shows us that we are not perfect: we are sinful, rebellious and self-seeking - but when we receive the new life that Jesus has for us, He changes us in a wonderful way. God loves us just the way we are – even in our imperfection - but thankfully He doesn’t leave us that way!
In this first sermon in our series, The Bible doesn't say that, we look at the statement, ‘Get With The Times.’ Followers of Jesus can feel pressured to see life through the lens of popular culture. But what does it look like to see with a biblical worldview; to see through the eyes of Jesus? Discover the ways that Jesus challenged the status quo, drew from God’s Word and loved those who others hated.
This final sermon in our REBUILD series shows us what happens when God’s people take responsibility for funding the work of God, how our praise can impact even beyond our walls, and the importance of consecration when it comes to seeing God’s purposes outworked in our land. Discover more of what it means to pick up the bricks of provision, praise and purity as we seek to build a wall of revival in Cardiff and beyond.
Be inspired to pick up the bricks of pioneering, perseverance and the pursuit of justice in this third sermon in our REBUILD series. Learn what it means to be a people of action who lead the way, keep on going in the face of opposition, and respond to and tackle injustice.
This second sermon in our REBUILD series encourages us to pick up the bricks of participation, public gathering and the priority of the Word. We are reminded that the work of God gets done when the people of God put their heart and hands to the work; we see how the people of God assembling as one is critical for revival; and we learn that when God's people get hungry for the Word of God, spiritual renewal is surely not too far away.
The pandemic has left many things in disrepair and in need of rebuilding. This opening sermon in our 'Rebuild' series introduces our 'Word For The Year' and shows how to recover from disaster and difficulty. Drawing lessons from the book of Nehemiah, we learn about the significance of picking up the bricks of passion and prayer as we go about our mandate to rebuild the walls of revival. As you listen, be encouraged to step into the burden that God is wanting to put on our heart, to pray deeply and then to start the good work that He is calling us to do. Discover how God wants to rebuild you and then use you to rebuild that which is broken.
This New Year sermon, based on a prophetic word from Isaiah 10:27, shows us how to grow this year in the kind of anointing that breaks the yoke of the enemy. When we discover this fresh anointing, not only will we walk with a new freedom on the personal level but we also, just like Jesus, can minister this freedom to others too.
This short Christmas Day sermon, based on the popular carol by Phillips Brooks, inspires us about the Jesus who doesn’t just defeat fear but also brings hope. As you listen, be reminded that, no matter how hopeless you might feel, hope is here and His name is Jesus - God with us!
Guest speaker Mark Greenwood takes us on a Christmas journey – discover the God who deals with our past, comes alongside us in our present, and offers us an amazing future.
This short, fun, family sermon from our Kids Nativity Service encourages us, like those shepherds mentioned in the carol ‘The First Noel’, to run to Jesus.
In this short message, which draws out insights from Matthew 2 through the lens of the popular Christmas carol ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’, we learn about two groups who respond very differently to the news of the birth of Jesus. How will you respond to the invitation to know Jesus and grow in your love for Him?
In this opening sermon in our ‘Carols’ series, we delve into Charles Wesley’s song ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’. Discover fresh insights this Christmas about God coming into our world in human flesh, about the reconciliation that is possible between God and people, and also about the God of hope and new life.
Injustice is a cause for lament - but true lament about injustice leads us to take action. Based on the call to justice in the book of Amos, this sermon explores the place of lament in our response to injustice. Discover how we must allow our hearts to be broken for what breaks God’s heart as we seek to pursue justice in our nation and beyond.
We live in a world where racism is still a reality. As a church that desires to speak and act to eradicate racism in all its forms, this sermon by guest speaker Bishop Mike Royal - incoming General Secretary of Churches Together England - inspires us about God's heart for racial justice. Learn how God's people can be united amidst our glorious diversity and in so doing be a prophetic voice to the world.
Women and men are created in the image of God and are loved and valued by Him. Yet across the world women are the victims of abuse and violence at alarming rates. This sermon by guest speaker Bekah Legg – CEO of the charity Restored - explores the biblical basis for Christians to stand against violence against women and girls and also inspires us to make the environments we are part of places of safety where women and girls are valued.
The Climate Crisis is a Justice issue, with the world's poorest and most vulnerable being the most affected by climate change. But God has called us, His Church, to care for creation. In this sermon, guest speaker Dot Tyler- National Youth Director of Tearfund and Co-Director of the Justice Conference Uk, explores the biblical mandate to care for the environment and our role as Christians in loving our neighbour, wherever they are in the world.
The Bible is so important to growing our faith and becoming more like Jesus. Looking at a story of rebuilding and renewal in the book of Nehemiah, this message encourages us to allow God’s Word to speak, teach and move us. Filled with practical advice, it will help you to grow your love and understanding of God through engaging the Bible.
Can we claim any Bible promise? Can we apply any Bible text to our situation? Without a proper context for understanding the text of the Bible one can make it say pretty much whatever they want. This sermon is an opportunity to engage such issues of interpretation and also to highlight common errors people make when approaching the Bible. Be practically equipped and inspired to adopt the right framework and posture when approaching God’s Word.
Guest speaker Dr Amy Orr-Ewing presents evidence as to the reliability of the New Testament gospels and why we can trust the claims that the Bible makes. Be inspired and be reminded that the Bible is utterly unique and wholly reliable. At this cultural moment in which the Bible is regularly attacked as irrelevant and untrue, discover a fresh confidence in the truth and integrity of Scripture.
Whether you're familiar with the Bible or just getting started, this message offers a very helpful overview of the Bible's story from start to finish and presents the Christian worldview of creation, fall, redemption and restoration. Discover the Bible story afresh and come to a new appreciation of Scripture as God's Word to you.
The Bible is not a good luck charm that sits on a shelf; it will only profit us if we engage with it and apply it to our lives. This sermon examines the meaning of 2 Timothy 3:16-17; we look at the supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit in the production of Scripture, four amazing ways in which the Bible benefits us today, and how active engagement with the Bible results in Christian maturity and service.
Peter knew lots of failure and often put his foot in it - he had ample reason to give up but he never did. Even though at times his faith was feeble, Peter was resilient because he kept stepping out in faith. Be encouraged by this sermon to keep on stepping out and learn also what it means to have fearless faith that pulls others up.
Joseph was a remarkably resilient man; his story in the book of Genesis is one of many disappointments, setbacks and injustices – and yet Joseph seemed to bounce back whatever life and others threw at him. This sermon unpacks five principles which Joseph lived by to show us how to develop resilience and even thrive in the face of adversity.
David Parfitt chats to Dominic De Souza about Job, one of the most resilient characters in the Bible. Discover how Job's correct thinking about God, suffering, life and eternity helped him cultivate resilience in the face of immense challenges.
This sermon, inspired by the example of Moses in the Old Testament, offers a wonderful way to develop resilience: to cry out to God. When we are real and honest before Him - when we come to Him even when we think "I can't do this" - God answers and He gives us what we need to keep on going strong through life.
The second Sermon in our 'Resilient' series considers the life of Anna the prophetess. After the strains of bereavement and a long life we see how her intimacy with God built lasting resilience and brought the reward of seeing and proclaiming the Saviour Jesus. Resilience is something God grows in us as we grow closer in our personal walk with Him.
This opening sermon in our 'Resilient' series unpacks what it means to get through tough times well. Focusing on the story of Ruth in the Bible, we are reminded to press into relationships, pursue purpose and practice courage. Discover how to have staying power through the tests and trials of life.
This message reminds us that all around there are people who are paralysed by the results of sin. They won’t get to Jesus on their own; they need someone to carry them - they need you! Be inspired by the story of the four men who stopped at nothing to get their friend to Jesus – and discover the miraculous things that can happen when we partner with God in the salvation process.
Paul tells the Christians in Philippi not to worry about anything but to bring their needs with thanksgiving before God’s throne of grace. This is the way to experience God’s incomparable peace and the first part of this sermon shows us how to live in this state of true peace. In the second part, we focus on the God who meets our needs and also how God uses our generous giving to make us a blessing to others.
This message gives a great insight into Philippians 3 and shows how to run to win and not simply to avoid losing. We see that those who live an authentic Christian life acknowledge the privilege of personally knowing Christ, live in the power of the resurrection, press on toward the goal, and realise that their citizenship is in heaven.
Looking at the Philippian church and the characters of Timothy and Epaphroditus in Philippians 2, this sermon shows us what a Christian really looks like. Discover how to stand out for Christ in our crowded world by being consistent, compassionate and committed to Christ every day and everywhere.
This message is a call to Christlikeness. Looking at Jesus’ incarnation as the ultimate example of humility and servanthood, we consider how we are imitating Christ in our relationships with one another: how and where we are showing humility and being servant-hearted.
This sermon highlights Paul’s own journey of suffering - showing how he found joy in suffering and was able to honour Jesus regardless of life’s circumstances. This too should be our goal and experience. We are reminded that conducting our lives in a manner worthy of the gospel should be a key focus for our lives.
In this first part of our series on Philippians, we look at what it means to mature in Christ. If you desire to grow deeper in your faith by becoming more like Jesus, then be inspired by this message which focuses on the apostle’s Paul’s prayer about how to grow in love, discernment and purity.
Many believers are surprised when they find themselves in dark places but valleys – that is, those times in which we experience trouble or sorrow or pain - are actually a natural part of the landscape of life. This message, based on Psalm 23:4, unpacks a biblical theology of suffering and offers seven life-giving truths to help us navigate the dark places well. Learn how to discover God’s presence, power and protection in some of life’s most difficult moments.
Discover fresh insights about prayer through this inspiring sermon about the Parable of the Persistent Widow. Our persistence in prayer is not a plea to be heard but is rooted in who we are as children of God, and also who God is as the one who loves us and cares about us. In contrast to the widow in the parable who approached a judge who was unjust, we persist in prayer precisely because God is good and we can trust His promises.
For many Christians and many churches, corporate prayer has become an extra-curricular activity, not the indispensable reality that it is in the Bible. Drawing on the example of the early church, this sermon reminds us that if we are to be a powerful church then we must also be a prayerful church. We discover that the faith-filled, corporate prayers of God's people can change even impossible situations. Let this inspiring message open your eyes to the power of prayer and galvanise you to pray together with your brothers and sisters in Christ.
As far as the Bible is concerned, gathering for worship is neither an optional activity nor an occasional activity. At City Church we believe that the Lord is saying that it’s time to get together again in person! At a time of diminishing regular church attendance in churches across the nation, this sermon unpacks the spiritual discipline of church attendance and gives six powerful, life-impacting biblical reasons why showing up to the gathering really matters. Watch and be inspired with a fresh vision to get together regularly with God's people
This sermon is a call to share our lives with each another and be shaped by one another in our ongoing journey of transformation with Christ. We discover the best and most powerful space to do this is the Collective, the small group; this is a place where you can know others and be known - it is a group of people that God puts alongside you and with whom you can share your time, your table and your tenderness.
Packed with fresh insights about discipleship, this sermon reminds us that gathering together is essential to being a disciple of Jesus - that when we get together, we grow together so we can go together. Our getting together has purpose – to help us grow in our maturity, in our likeness to Jesus; and to equip us in our disciple-making.
The lockdown announcement of March 2020 meant that online ministry was thrust to the foreground; suddenly the only way to engage in church services was online. This opening sermon in our ‘Get Together’ series acknowledges the benefits of digital but also highlights some of the theological deficiencies; as restrictions ease and rhythms of home, work and play are reset, a biblical case is made for physical church attendance where practically possible. Whilst online is OK and even biblically legitimate when approached with a posture of worship and full engagement, we discover three powerful biblical reasons why an embodied, in-person experience of church is even better.
What does it look like for you to wake up spiritually and be ready for a breakthrough? This sermon explores how we need to be ready for suffering, ready for prayer and then ready for breakthrough. Drawing from the story of Peter’s miraculous escape from prison in Acts 12, this message will stir you to action!
What would it look like if the potential of the Church was unleashed? Recognising the vital importance of sharing the gospel, this Pentecost Sunday sermon explores how each one of us can be empowered to share the great news about Jesus through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and how as a result God can use us to have a significant impact on those around us.
What does it look like to be an unleashed people whose giftings have been unleashed not only in the church but also in the public square? Siân Rees – City Church member and Director of the Evangelical Alliance in Wales – reminds us about the power of togetherness and the beauty of sharing our lives together. Society will feel the impact as we become united in purpose and in mission.
Guest speaker, Gavin Calver – CEO of the Evangelical Alliance – reminds us about the powerful and compelling nature of both the God we serve and the message He has called us to bring. Looking at the example of the church in Acts who ministered in words, works and wonders, we are inspired to dream about what God can do through us in our day; as we commit to sharing the good news of Jesus, the presence and power of the Spirit is unleashed through us
Guest speaker Anne Calver – co-author of the book ‘Unleashed’ – kicks off our ‘Unleashed’ series. Anne’s sermon reminds us that God wants to pour out His Spirit upon us and encourages us to be a prayerful, courageous and Spirit-filled people who God can use to make an impact on our land.
The prayer language of tongues provides a suprarational way to relate to God that goes beyond the limitations of the human mind and vocabulary – it is a form of divine assistance to help us pray what we really need to pray. This sermon is an exposition of much of 1 Corinthians 14 and we discover principles such as tongues being god-ward, not human-ward, in direction; tongues being valuable for strengthening our inner spiritual person; and tongues not being an ecstatic or frenzied state but something that is under the control of the speaker. We also learn how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit when it comes to exercising this beautiful and powerful spiritual language.
Even those believers who profess theological belief in the modern-day occurrence of tongues do not necessarily speak in tongues so regularly. This sermon offers a powerful biblical and Pentecostal defence of tongues and shows why praying in tongues is so beneficial. Highlighting the difference between the public use of the spiritual gift of tongues and the personal use of tongues as a prayer language, the sermon looks at Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians and deals with some of the common misunderstandings.
This final sermon in our SEVEN Words From The Cross series takes us to the last words Jesus uttered before He died: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”. We discover that because of what Jesus did on the cross, we can commit our frustrations, our family, our friends and our future securely and confidently into God’s hands.
When Jesus said “I am thirsty” on the cross, these were words that not only revealed His full humanity and the extent of His suffering for us, but also His full divinity and desire to give us living water. In this Good Friday sermon, Elim General Superintendent Chris Cartwright unpacks these words of Jesus which offer hope and new beginning to all who are thirsty for real life
This Easter Sunday sermon highlights Jesus’ sixth statement on the cross: “it is finished”. By this Jesus meant that the debt of our sin has been paid for in full. These glorious words show that our search for salvation is over - that in Jesus we can find hope, meaning and love. They also remind us that the power of sin is broken – that the barrier to God is removed and that in Jesus we can find life. Be inspired by this message and gain deeper insight into, and fresh appreciation for, the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
This fourth statement from the cross shows Jesus’ cry of abandonment, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Yet Jesus spoke these words precisely so that we His followers would never have to say them. Discover through this sermon how Jesus was forsaken that we might be accepted and be blessed as you learn about what Jesus was doing and what He achieved for us when He took our place on the cross.
This sermon takes us right to the very heart of the gospel message. Looking at each of the men on the cross either side of Jesus - the criminal who repented and the other criminal who remained resolute in his forsaking of Jesus - we are confronted with the question: which side of the cross am I on - the side of rejection or the side of repentance? Depending on how one responds to Jesus, Christ's cross becomes either a cross of condemnation or a cross of redemption. The good news is that Christ’s promise to the penitent criminal of a heavenly future with Him extends to all who would believe in Jesus.
Just a few hours before He breathes His last, Jesus entrusts His mother into the care of His disciple John. In this message, Siân Rees – member of City Church and Director of Evangelical Alliance Wales – unpacks the amazing significance of this beautiful act: Jesus sees our need, Jesus refines family and Jesus changes our future. He also gives us a foretaste of His Church that is to come and the community that we are called to be to and with one another.
This sermon kicks off our brand new series, ‘SEVEN Words From The Cross’. Here, in the first of the seven sayings, Jesus offers up a prayer for his enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”. As your eyes are opened through this message to what Jesus was doing for us on the cross, discover lessons from Jesus about intimacy with the Father, prayer and also forgiveness
Scripture: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34
In this final sermon in our ‘Saturated’ series, we learn from the strange story about the seven sons of Sceva in Acts 19 that true spiritual power flows out of both personal relationship with God and submission to Christ. Are you walking in spiritual authority? Are there open doors in your life to the enemy? Does the devil see Jesus on the inside of you? Though the seven sons of Sceva had no power before the enemy, the remarkable thing is that the apostle Paul was so filled with the Spirit of Christ that even the devil recognised and respected his spiritual authority. Be inspired to go deeper in your relationship with Christ, submit to Him and be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit gives us power for living. He helps us in growing our relationship with God; He helps us to become more like Jesus and to follow God's will for our lives. But the power and presence of the Holy Spirit is not only for our own benefit but for the sake of others too because He empowers us for mission. This encouraging sermon shows how the Holy Spirit equips us to be God's witnesses in the world.
This sermon shows how to experience the baptism and fresh filling of the Holy Spirit. Presenting the baptism of the Holy Spirit as an invitation into a deeper relationship with God, Regional Leader for Elim churches in Wales, Steve Ball, gives us practical ways in which to experience God's gift of Holy Spirit baptism and deals with common hindrances that stop us from walking in that reality.
This sermon kicks off our 'Saturated' series. You will discover that while you cannot be a Christian without the Holy Spirit indwelling you, it is possible to go about the Christian life, and even live a satisfactory Christian life, without seeking the empowerment of the Spirit. But having our sins forgiven is just the beginning of our Christian walk; the Christian life is also about having a power by which to live. This empowering comes through the baptism of the Holy Spirit - and then through continually being filled with the Spirit - which ultimately gives us the power we need to carry out God's will and accomplish His purposes for our lives.
In this final sermon in our 'Shalom' series, we learn that God has created our emotions and that they have purpose. Whether we are feeling overwhelmed, are struggling to make sense of what we're feeling, or have become numb from the weight of everything that's going on, God's heart is to bring us to a place of emotional wellness. Learn practical ways of pursuing emotional wellness through the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes Christians may be tempted to think that it is only the spiritual rhythms that are important – this sermon reminds us of the importance of, and spirituality of, physical rhythms such as sleep, exercise and eating. God wants us to experience His “shalom” – wellbeing - in our physical bodies – we need to partner with Him so we are fit and able to complete the assignment He has prepared for us.
Relationships matter to your wellbeing. Forming life-giving, energising relationships - including connecting into church and small groups - will do wonders for your wellbeing. This sermon, by guest speaker Sarah Parkinson, will help you to grow in your relational health and enjoy better, more fulfilling relationships.
In this first message in our ‘Shalom’ series, learn how to partner with the Holy Spirit to come to a place of shalom, even amidst challenging life circumstances. Though commonly translated as ‘peace’, ‘shalom’ in the Bible is much more than that – it is about wholeness, completeness and wellbeing too. Discover what it means to experience shalom in all spheres of life: physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, financial and vocational.
In this sermon we discover how we can be like Simeon in Luke 2 who was moved by the Spirit, and Anna who worshipped day and night. Learn how a mark of someone who has the Spirit is their ability to hear God’s voice, and how worship propels us into mission.
Pastor Stephen is joined by Andre the Monkey for this fun-filled Christmas Day sermon for all the family!
Based on the journey of Terah in Genesis 11 who left Ur to go to Canaan but settled halfway in Haran, this sermon challenges us not to stop halfway to the promise but keep on progressing in our journey of discipleship. By not taking his next steps, Terah missed out on God’s best; he died in Haran and failed to experience many of the things that God had for him. Be encouraged this year to keep on moving towards your land of promise - to not settle for less than God’s best for you.
We often skip over the genealogy at the start of Matthew’s Gospel thinking that the Christmas action really begins in Matthew 1:18. This enlightening short sermon, preached at Cardiff Carols, shows how crucial the genealogy is for understanding not only the Christmas story but the mission and ministry of Jesus. Looking at the names on Jesus’ family tree which includes the disqualified, disenfranchised and the disappointed, you will appreciate afresh that Jesus descended from such people because He came for such people.
What if that baby in the manger really is God? This short sermon, delivered on the occasion of our Kids Nativity, reminds us that the Christmas message demands a personal response. Wherever you are on your journey of faith in Jesus, there are great blessings to be discovered when Christmas comes if you have a posture of openness and curiosity.
At the end of this strange and difficult year we may not know what to expect this Christmas time. This sermon explores the account of the shepherds in the Christmas story and shows us three things that we can expect this Christmas. Look forward to celebrating the birth of Jesus and expect joy, expect presence and expect transformation.
Holiness is not just about the absence of sin but also about being wholly committed to Jesus and passionately pursuing Him. Holiness, or sanctification, involves a lifetime of being changed into the image of Christ. Contrary to popular misconceptions of holiness, this sermon will open your eyes to the beauty and power of holiness and the deep and lasting satisfaction it brings. You will learn how to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to look more and more like Jesus as you progress in the Christian life.
When we truly develop a heart of compassion, we will see, feel and act a little more like Jesus. This sermon reminds us about the heartbeat of Jesus for the lost and the broken and shows us how to reflect Jesus' character, culture and concepts.
This sermon reveals how in the kingdom of God love for, service to and empowerment of others are the prerequisites for true greatness. Jesus came to serve others and God - that was how He lived His life. In order to become more like Jesus, we should be intentional about our service to others and God as well; in this way we can act, speak and love like those who belong to Christ.
Spiritual discernment is an ability to distinguish by the physical and spiritual senses or by
understanding in order to make good judgments whilst in partnership with the Holy Spirit. This sermon will teach you about discerning through your action, through your words and through your revelation.
God’s plan for our lives is that we become more and more like Jesus and as followers of Jesus we can grow in Christlikeness by becoming more truthful. This sermon, which kicks off our 'Becoming' series, will inspire you to love the truth, live the truth and speak the truth - to be committed to truth, to live integrated lives and to speak up for the vulnerable and the marginalised.
Regardless of the manner of death, human beings die in one of two spiritual conditions: in their sins or in the Lord. Ultimately, to die well is to die in the Lord; the worse way to die is by not having made peace with God. This sermon shows how the assurance of our relationship with Christ, which has ramifications for eternity, allows us to practice death faithfully and also know God's presence and peace even if in the grip of death. We discover that for the Christian death is never a loss but always a gain.
Guest speaker Michelle Nunn, Senior Pastor at Nantwich Elim Church, shows how the Holy Spirit’s is present during times of pain and sorrow. Learn how to draw upon the Holy's Spirit peace and power during times of grief and difficulty.
This sermon offers some practical insights how, as followers of Jesus, we can help those who mourn. Through the Word of God, the Spirit of God and as the people of God we can make a difference and share the comfort and love of Christ to bring hope. We should do this with sensitivity, mindful of silence and with sympathy, but we are called by Jesus to act and to be a blessing to those who are grieving.
Guest speaker Malcolm Duncan, Lead Pastor at Dundonald Elim Church, kicks off our new series 'Good Grief' in this honest, helpful and hopeful sermon that helps us grow our understanding of loss and bereavement. Discover more about the biblical theology of death and be inspired that as Christians our hope is not in that we avoid death - it's that because of Jesus, death does not have the last word!
Learn about the vital partnership between faith and action. This final message in our 'Steadfast' series challenges you to let yours be a living faith - a faith that makes a real difference in your life and the lives of others.
Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge and revelation from God; it is demonstrated in a good life and deeds. This sermon distinguishes between true and false wisdom and shows us how to grow in heavenly wisdom.
Who in our society is being oppressed and what are we doing about it? We live in a world that shows favouritism to the rich and dishonours the poor. This sermon, based on the words of James 2, is a passionate call to mercy and justice. If we show favouritism towards people based on certain categorisations, then we contradict the very faith we proclaim. Be inspired to show the mercy that God has shown us to others.
We don’t determine what challenges, hardships or difficulties come our way but we can determine how we react to them – and we can grow spiritually as a result. This sermon shows how to develop Christian maturity by remaining steadfast through the trials and troubles of life. Unpacking the illuminating words of James 1, you will be inspired to find the blessings in disguise in times of pain and discover how steadfastness is the pathway to the main goal in the Christian life: Christlikeness.
One thing for sure is that now more than ever we need godly leaders - Spirit-filled women and men who will lead with integrity, compassion and vision in the church and in the marketplace. For those who are already leading this sermon will encourage you to keep going; for those that haven’t yet stepped into their calling to leadership, you will be inspired to explore this gift. Step into your leadership calling and burn brightly with the fire of God!
This sermon expands the response of Isaiah 6:8 and the words "Here I am, send me". Lives moved by God's goodness become lives available to Him. Are you ready to follow God's call? Will you go and do God's will? Inspired and equipped by the Holy Spirit we can live each day as part of God's adventure - blessed, available and sent to do His good task.
When we pray "break me" - a dangerous, courageous and important prayer - God can take even our deepest hurts and use them for His purposes. This sermon also reminds us that we also need to adopt a posture of brokenness; for when God break our hearts for what breaks His, then the poor, hurting, lost and the broken will be reached.
This sermon explores the transformative power of prayer. Unpacking David's courageous prayer in Psalm 139, Pastor Gareth shows us what happens when we genuinely pray 'search me': God reveals to us not only the things that we need to change but He gives us the power to change. Discover how when we adopt such a posture in prayer God sets us free into the life that He has for us.
This opening sermon in our 'Dangerous Prayers' series, based on the book by the same name by Craig Groeschel, challenges us to be bold, to worship and to be specific as we pray. Be inspired to pray daring prayers that move the heart of God and learn fresh and exciting paradigms for prayer.
Your sense of peace is determined by what you see spiritually. This inspiring sermon - which sheds light on the existence of the invisible, spiritual realm - reminds us that there is more going on around us that what we actually see going on around us. The message encourages us about the power of prayer in opening our eyes to spiritual reality and shows us the wonderful truth that when we are in Christ we don't go through our battles or trials alone - for the God of angel armies is with us!
Leaving 99 to go after one sheep?! God’s heart is for wandering and lost people and he wants you to love them in the same way. Join our Associate Pastor, Stephen Gibson, and Kids Pastor, Jason Murray, as they look at the Parable of the Lost Sheep and unpack ways in which you can have the heart of a shepherd just like Jesus.
As we reset and prepare to come out of lockdown be inspired to step up and influence your world for Christ with this sermon on Jesus' words in Luke 10. Listen to this call to action from Siân Rees - City Church member and Director of the Evangelical Alliance, Wales - and take the next step in growing in your leadership in the different spheres of your life.
There is a powerful experience of empowering for every believer after salvation. In this short sermon, Ricardo Erasmus - our Youth Pastor here at City Church - reminds us that we need the power of the Holy Spirit to do the things that Jesus did and keep progressing on the Christian journey.
When we grasp that we belong to one another, we stop just watching church and instead we become the church. This sermon explores what it means to live out the 'one another commands' of the Bible, focusing on why and how we're called to love one another, be one with one another, value one another and encourage one another.
The Bible says nothing about lone-ranger Christians who live self-sufficient, autonomous lives isolated from other believers; on the contrary, Scripture reminds us that we were created for community and that we are shaped and transformed in community. This sermon presents a biblical vision for the church and unpacks some of the beautiful New Testament teachings about church membership.
How can you know Jesus as your close companion? Pastor Stephen & Rachel Gibson consider what it looks like to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him as part of your Christian journey - responding to His invitation to draw near, even in the midst of distraction and busyness.
Launching our LifeTrack series, Stephen Gibson looks at having a heart set on pilgrimage - God wants you to move forward in your faith journey and not get stuck. Examining some ancient Christian traditions and considering how we should respond in times of weariness, this message will encourage you to experience joy right to your final destination.
Guest speaker Stuart Blount - Director of Ministry for Elim - inspires us about the Holy Spirit who comes upon us and lives within us. Learn about the implications today of the miraculous and mysterious event of Pentecost some two thousand years ago and determine to seek afresh the power and enabling of the Spirit for the here and now.
Your relationships are strengthened when Jesus is present. In times of crisis like this, relationships can be put under strain - but they can also thrive too. This sermon unpacks biblical principles that will help you enjoy good relationships, especially during challenging times. Based on the story of Lazarus in John 11, learn about the reassurance, release and reawakening that Jesus brings
The current crisis has magnified the injustices in our world - but could this be the time that we shape a kinder, fairer and more equitable society? Pastor Catherine's sermon takes lessons from the book of Nehemiah to explore this vital issue. Be inspired to ask, advocate and act to tackle injustice and work to right what is wrong.
Even before the coronavirus, we were aware of a well-publicised statistic circulating that 1 in 4 people in the UK will suffer with some kind of diagnosable mental health condition in any given year; this has only been compounded by Covid-19. This sermon - delivered by Pastor Teresa Madden, a member of City Church - sheds biblical insight as to how we can foster good mental health and also support others too during such challenging times.
God heals today but there is coming a day when all pain will be eradicated and we will all experience total healing. This sermon from our Associate Minister unpacks the wonderful truths about eternity and the God who makes all things new.
The coronavirus has confronted us all again with the problem of pain and suffering. If God is good and all-powerful, why is He allowing this? Surely such suffering is incompatible with belief in God? In this sermon Pastor Dominic presents a biblical theology of suffering and shows us the great hope we have in the God who comes alongside us in our pain.
Navigating the tension between miracle and mystery, Associate Minister Stephen Gibson shares principles from God's Word about how to minister healing to others. God can and does desire to heal and when we are filled with the Holy Spirit He can use us to see the sick healed too.
In this sermon City Church member and Director of the Evangelical Alliance Wales, Siân Rees, shows us how to hold on to the promises of God when pain strikes. We discover that Jesus walks with us through our pain and also restores our joy even in the most trying of circumstances.
The resurrection changes everything - disprove it and you disprove Christianity; prove it and it authenticates everything Jesus said and promised. Discover why we can have confidence in the biblical claims about Jesus rising from the dead and learn about the profound and life-changing implications of the resurrection for each of us today.
Guest speaker Eric Gaudion tells his incredible story of God's faithfulness through a terrible 22 year ordeal of pain and sickness. Pastor Eric reminds us that we all have choices to make and inspires us to choose Christ and faith instead of fear.
As Christians we are not called to live in regret, we are called to a life of restoration. God's promise is that He will restore and the amazing thing is that God's restoration is not to how we were before, it's better. God restores more, God restores in abundance! God's heart is that we are restored to His original plan for all areas of our lives. When you've been knocked down to your knees, God doesn't just get you up on your feet, He sets your feet dancing!
In Judges chapters 4 and 5 we read about Deborah - the judge, prophet, leader and spiritual mother. Taking inspiration from her story, this sermon encourages us to have godly wisdom, God-inspired courage and a passion for God. Dare to be like Deborah and see what victory God will bring!
Our guest speaker Bart Gee inspires us about turning disability into possibility. Born with arthrogryposis (weak muscles and stiff joints), doctors told Bart's parents he would never walk and that he may never independently sit up. He was given a bleak outlook but then God stepped in!
Too many believers miss the NOW and NOT YET dynamic of the New Testament and focus exclusively either on the present "now" kingdom or the future "not yet" kingdom. What we need to understand though is that because the kingdom is already NOW here we can indeed experience healing today; however, because of the NOT YET it is not necessarily the case that every sick person will be healed 100% of the time. This sermon builds a responsible and biblical theology of healing whilst encouraging us to reach out for all that God says is possible in this present age whilst we await Christ's Second Coming.
Are there life giving habits that you've deserted? In this message guest speaker Dave Newton, Elim Director of Training & Principal of Regents Theological College, reminds us that the clean-up operation after desertion is much more costly than giving up the habits in the first place. Be inspired as you listen to endure no matter what.
Dave Newton, Director of Training for Elim and Principal of Regents Theological College, teaches us from James 1 about how to overcome internal and external conflict and authentically follow Jesus in uncertain and difficult times. Be inspired to live out what God has commanded you to do.
How do you respond to trouble? Do you ignore it, deny it, complain about it or over-spiritualise it? This message shows that one powerful biblical way to face our problems is to sing. Learn about the power of your song of deliverance as you worship God in the midst of your trial.
This message will give you a great insight into water baptism, the first act of obedience in the Christian life. In the New Testament, water baptism was the immediate next step after a person made a commitment of faith to Jesus. Discover in this sermon some core biblical reasons as to why baptism is so significant as Pastor Dominic also deals with some of the common obstacles that prevent people from being baptised today.
The Parable of the Four Soils describes every person who ever lived. Listen to this inspiring message from guest speaker Andy Hawthorne, founder and CEO of The Message, about being the type of person whose heart is in the right condition to receive from God.
In the final part of our Rhythms series, we look into the spiritual disciple of Simplicity. Simplicity in our wealth and in our possession, and how to handle them in a simplistic way to leave room for God in our lives.
There is a distinct connection between the disciplines of celebration and gratitude and the amount of joy we experience. This sermon shows how to implement celebration and gratitude; be inspired to count your blessings and not your problems and get tips on how to build joyful habits into your life.
As Christians we are called to cultivate a heart of generosity. In this message Pastor Nigel James explores what generosity looks like in the Bible, and how we can apply the teachings found therein into our own lives. How we can stop thinking about what we can get and start thinking about what we can give.
This sermon reminds us about the beauty and power of Scripture. You will learn the right posture to approach the Bible, discover key principles to aid Bible engagement and be inspired to put in place practices that will help you go deeper into God's Word.
Service is an active outward spiritual discipline. In this podcast guest speaker Arlette Frampton speaks about three values that are required to serve the kingdom of God; passion, commitment and love.
Wherever you see revival, you will find prayer and fasting. Yet it’s curious thing that the spiritual discipline of fasting, which is so prominent throughout the Bible and church history, is relatively unfamiliar to Christians today. This insightful sermon will give you seven reasons why fasting is important. Be inspired to establish a rhythm of fasting and be drawn into a deeper, more intimate and more powerful relationship with God.
‘Fellowship like early churches did.’ In this podcast, Pastor Ricardo brings us back to the Book of Acts where he shares about the importance of fellowship in our lives. Join us as we learn how to practice having the same heart and attitude as Jesus had!
Prayer changes things and prayer changes us. This practical sermon deals with some of the hindrances to daily prayer and will spur you on to develop the habit of prayer. Discover also how your private prayers can affect your public spaces and learn tips about how to more effectively engage in prayer on a daily basis.
What is solitude & silence? It's intentionally removing ourselves from noise and distraction to seek time with God. Join us as Pastor Gareth shares what the Bible has to say on the practice of solitude & silence, and why it's so important to make it one of our daily rhythms.
This sermon reminds us that Sabbath - setting aside a day a week for rest - is part of God's best intention for us: God designed us for the advance rhythm of work and the retreat rhythm of rest. Against legalism and busyness which prevent us from practicing true Sabbath, find practical suggestions here to establish a healthy rhythm of work and rest so we can better enjoy God and one another.
During our evening sermon pastor Stephen brought to us instructions on how to meditate while reading the Bible. In this podcast, you will learn about how Bible meditation can help you to draw closer to Jesus and become more like him by reading, imagining and praying the Word
We become what we repeatedly do. This introduction to 'Rhythms', our new series on the spiritual disciplines, inspires us to create rhythms that will help us to be with Jesus, become like Jesus and do the things that Jesus did. Discover more about the importance of creating habits that will help you live the life God intended you to live.
Who are you becoming? This sermon will inspire and equip you to reach out for God's best and become the person God had in mind when He created you. Learn how to partner with the Holy Spirit to become who you already are in Christ - to become fully and freely the person you were always destined to be.
This morning we listened to pastor Stephen reminding us about the goodness of God. How through His goodness we can be refreshed, comforted and experience it's overflow into our lives. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life.
This concluding sermon in our Predictive Text series explores the life-changing realities surrounding the promise of Immanuel - God with us. We learn that Jesus is God with us in all circumstances; that He is God for us - the Lord who saves; and that He wants to be God in us through the Holy Spirit.
What does it look like to live with a greater measure of faith? Guest speaker Steve Green shares with us practical tips on what it’s like to live in a posture of faith, open and engaged to accept what God is doing in our lives today.
700+ years before Christ was born in Bethlehem the prophet Micah predicted it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This message, the third in our 'Predictive Text' series, puts the spotlight on Bethlehem and unpacks the extraordinary prophetic detail of Micah 5:2. As we delve into the meaning and history of Bethlehem, we are provided with insight into the identity and mission of Christ and are encouraged that can do significant things out of the seemingly insignificant.
In the second part of Predictive Text series we continue to delve into the prophecies surrounding Jesus' birth, and explore how the Lord our God calls us out of bondage to live in freedom.
Join us for the Introduction to our Christmas sermon series called Predictive Text.
Hundreds of years before Jesus was born the Old Testament prophesied about His coming to a stunning degree of accuracy. This insightful sermon illustrates some of the amazing prophecies of Christmas which not only authenticate the claims Christians make about Jesus but also validate the Bible's power, truth and authority.
When we show welcome to others - to strangers as well as friends - we are demonstrating the face of Christ in a beautiful way. This sermon gives us an insight into the compassion, resilience and generosity that defines Christian hospitality. Discover how your home can be a place for people to find Jesus as you open your table to others.
In a world where stories and story telling is universal, learn how to share your own story. Every single person has their own story, for different season in their lives, different events. We also have the story of experiencing Jesus, be a witness to what God has done in your life, and others, and share YOUR story.
Rooted in the gospel, this message gives us the tools we need in order to pray for those who don't yet know Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.
Could it be that in a culture that is increasingly hostile towards Christianity we've unwittingly lost confidence in the gospel? This sermon shows us why in our ever-changing culture we can be confident of the never-changing gospel.
This message paints a picture of what an invitational lifestyle looks like. The great news of Jesus is too good to keep to ourselves. Our passion for Jesus needs to overflow into our invitations to others to encounter Him - intimacy WITH Jesus leads to invitations TO Jesus.
Do you need salvation in your household? This message Give us real life stories and practice tips that will help us bring salvation to our families and households.
Join us for you second message in our 'Living Story' sermon series, where we speak to some of our youth about sharing their personal stories and discussing what evangelism means to them.
In this highly practical opening to our 'Living Story' sermon series, you will discover the art of personal evangelism. Be inspired and equipped to bring the gospel of Christ into your existing relationships and also leverage everyday opportunities to share the life-changing good news of Jesus with others.