Grace Church Sunday Teaching: Recent Episodes
Grace Church Chichester, Bognor Regis and Havant
Acts 24 exposes a choice we all face: the world’s way of self-protection, manipulation and compromise or Jesus’ way of truth, integrity, faith and surrender. Through Paul’s trial, he demonstrates that God’s way, though costly, is always better.
Paul, in the face of extreme conflict walks with a good conscience before God and displays courage that is from God. Jesus offers us the same as we walk according to the Holy Spirit.
The core issue at the heart of not just Acts 23, but the whole narrative of the New Testament and of history is around the resurrection of Jesus and, therefore, his people. The truth of the resurrection changes everything about everything.
Why do some hearts receive the gospel whilst others reject it? Jesus teaches that it is down to the soil – the human heart. Pain and suffering is often God’s way of softening our hearts so the gospel can take root and produce an abundant harvest.
Suffering is more normal and more universal than we like to think in a modern world. Steve Petch, who planted Grace Church nearly 20 years ago, teaches from Romans 8 on the reality of suffering for all and the reality of future hope for all Christians.
Ever felt too broken for God to use you? Paul had Christian blood on his hands—yet became one of the church’s greatest missionaries. Discover how the gospel transforms rebels into witnesses, and why no past is too dark for God’s grace.
When Paul defends himself to the mob in Jerusalem, he doesn’t produce a legal argument, declare his innocence or even show contempt. Instead, he respectfully tells them his story about how Jesus changed his life. We should be prepared to do the same.
Prophecy was part of the early church experience and reassured the disciples of God going ahead of them and his sovereign will for the advance of the gospel even in the midst of opposition. The same remains true for us today!
On a significant day for Grace Church, where three new elders are appointed, Acts 20 has much to say into the relationships, experience, and responsibility of local church elders.
Paul’s pattern in Acts 20 reveals three essential movements of healthy church life: gathering together for fellowship and mutual encouragement, growing through faithful teaching of God’s Word, and going out on mission to make disciples of all nations.
The risen Jesus promised his followers in Acts 1 that the gospel would spread to the ends of the earth. By chapter 20, we see that the word and power have indeed spread in miraculous measure and they continue to spread in the year 2025.
When the gospel of Jesus is preached and heard and the power of Jesus is demonstrated and seen, there is fruit and there is opposition. We see this pattern clearly in Acts 19 and repeatedly throughout the book. It is still true today.
The Holy Spirit is promised for and empowers our mission, but we must also be aware of false teachers who can misrepresent our mission. As we share the gospel in the power of the Holy Spirit, it is Jesus who changes lives – and this is our mission!
This preach explores our response to moments of trials, oppositions and challenges whether in ministry, in work, or in life and how God surrounds us with encouragement to keep going like He did with Paul in Acts 18.
We live in an increasingly polarising world where enraging others seems to take over engaging others in healthy conversations. Acts 18 has much to contribute on how Christians might respond to this situation and speak the gospel into this cultural moment.
Paul’s ministry in Athens shows how to engage with culture and share the gospel boldly to a world that doesn’t know God. His example encourages us to step out in evangelism, trusting God’s power rather than our own abilities.
When Paul preached the gospel, people responded. We should expect to see lives transformed in the same way. Learn from how Paul shared the gospel with the Athenians.
Acts 16 teaches that the gospel has the power to break every chain that binds us. Like Paul, Silas, and the Philippian jailer, we are called to trust God in hardship, rejoice in His freedom, and be witnesses of His light in the darkest places.
In the story of 2 Kings 7, God won a great battle. In the same way, as those who enjoy the benefits of the gospel, Christians are to be shaped not by self-preservation but by thinking and living for others.
The Jerusalem Council settles a crucial question for the church: are we saved by religious rule-keeping or grace alone? This moment reveals that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not rules, opening God’s family to all nations through his grace.
From a wealthy businesswoman (Lydia), to a demon-possessed slave girl, to a hardened jailer—Jesus meets people right where they are. Salvation is for all. The gospel moves with power, crossing boundaries, breaking chains and transforming lives.
Jesus has ALL authority in heaven and earth. This truth should increase our faith, bring deep peace, and give us boldness to tell others about him. When we trust His complete authority, we can courageously share the gospel, knowing He’s always with us.
It is in Christ alone that we are saved. We add nothing. The gospel is the gospel of grace. Keep on living in the good of it!
Tim Blaber shares from the Bible at the Sunday morning session at The Great Grace Camp Out 2025.
Terry Virgo shares from the Bible at the Saturday morning session at The Great Grace Camp Out 2025.
Joe Leach shares from the Bible at the Friday morning session at The Great Grace Camp Out 2025.
The theme of this Psalms in a word is unity, we just need to read the first verse where it talks about God’s people and God‘s church, dwelling together and loving each other in unity and in oneness.
In scripture Israel is often likened to a vine but forever failing to produce fruit! Jesus says he is the True Vine to which we as believers are connected and through remaining in Him we will produce fruit as seen in changed lives!
We are all on our journey through life, but the question is where is our destination? What are we using to show us the way there and how do we keep on the right path? Fortunately Jesus has the answer to all these questions.
Psalm 91 is like a promise from God for those moments when we feel afraid. It’s like a letter from Him saying, ‘You don’t have to be scared, I’ve got you.’
Jesus takes us to a tomb to teach us that he is the resurrection and the life – who gives us resurrection life.
We have a choice in who or what we follow in this life. This passage explores the differences between the hired hand and the good shepherd, and why Jesus is the good shepherd and the one worth following.
Find out more about how blessed we are as Christians and why we should seek God’s blessing in order to be a blessing to those around us.
We have a choice in who or what we follow in this life. This passage explores the differences between the hired hand and the good shepherd, and why Jesus is the good shepherd and the one worth following.
Jesus is the gate and the only way to eternal life. Jesus offers us the promise of abundant life, which means knowing Him in increasing measures.
Jesus is the gate and the only way to eternal life. Jesus offers us the promise of abundant life, which means knowing Him in increasing measures.
According to Psalm 1 and 2, to be blessed is to delight in God’s word and live in the safety of God’s king. But why are these things blessings?
Jesus’ claim that he is the light of the world has big implications. It’s a statement that he is God and for his followers they have been transferred into his kingdom of light, are to walk in the light and let their light shine to point others to Jesus!
In Acts 12 we see the amazing power of God at work in response to the earnest prayers of the church. Prayer that releases prisoners and changes ruling powers. Prayer that is persistent, sacrificial, unified and God-focussed.
This passage explores Jesus’ claim to be the divine bread from heaven who satisfies our spiritual hunger. Everyone has two stomachs – physical and spiritual – and only Jesus can fill our deeper need for eternal life and purpose.
Jesus makes the claim to be fully God which enraged His opponents. Jesus goes on to say I can set you free and give you eternal life. You either crown Jesus as the true King or you kill Him.
So often we can complicate church, but in Acts 11 we see how God used and blessed the Antioch church because they kept the main thing the main thing.
The best way to understand Jesus, is to know who he considers himself to be. In a heated exchange with some Jews, Jesus took the title reserved for God, and applied it to himself. His words about identity may cause us offense, but are life-giving truth.
Paul and Barnabas’ time in Lystra shows us that we are all broken worshippers – but that there is hope for us in the Living God.
Following Jesus will lead to going and staying to make disciples and this will inevitably lead to hardship.
On Father’s Day, we look at the amazing father heart of God as he helps his two sons, and all of us, who are lost and need to be found.
Acts 13 contains an important moment in church history where God’s people begin to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. This responsibility continues to rest with the church, empowered by the Holy Spirit and sent out to proclaim the word of the Lord.
When Herod Agrippa executes James he then seizes Peter for the same purpose. But God miraculously rescues Peter from Herod’s prison. But why rescue Peter and not James?
In Acts 12, things take a turn in the wrong direction – James the disciple dies and Peter’s imprisoned. Yet we learn God remains sovereign over all circumstances, prayer and fellowship are our greatest resources, and His kingdom ultimately triumphs.
The end of Acts 9 shows us that sometimes the life of a Christian can involve loud and quiet moments. What do these look like for us now a God’s people?
Peter’s question challenges us: do we trust God’s sovereign grace or create our own barriers? Discover how God’s grace breaks down prejudices, creates unlikely unity, and motivates generous love beyond our comfort zones.
It is easy to assume that the famous story of Saul’s conversion was unique. In fact, the majority of what happens to Saul happens to all people who find salvation in Jesus. The saying is trustworthy: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
Adam brought a specific set of encouragements to the new Mosaic Church congregation about the step of faith that they are taking. Together they are a family in the service of man, on God’s mission.
Tim Blaber looks at Peter’s vision in Acts 10 and explores how the power of the Holy Spirit can show us the next steps in God’s plan.
In this sermon, we explore how everything in creation was made for God’s glory. We’ll discover how living for God’s glory transforms our relationships, work, and daily choices, bringing us the joy and peace we were designed to experience.
In Acts chapter 8, God shows us how He can turn trials into triumphs and how His mission is ultimately unstoppable.
This preach delves into how we as a church are to embrace our diversity and acknowledge that our unity is anchored in Christ. The true expression of this in our daily lifestyle is a witness to the world and it reflects what is to come in heaven.
Stephen sets the example that there is a cost to accepting to follow Jesus, but there is also a cost when we do not accept Him as Lord. Should we accept or reject his offer?
It is easy to assume that the famous story of Saul’s conversion was unique. In fact, the majority of what happens to Saul happens to all people who find salvation in Jesus. The saying is trustworthy: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
When persecution scattered the early church, believers carried the gospel to Samaria. We see three principles still relevant: persecution that advances God’s purpose, proclamation by ordinary believers, and the Holy Spirit’s power working through them.
We are all on the way to somewhere, but where are you on the way to? Guest speaker Ben Leney from King’s Gate church in Bognor Regis explores this question.
When persecution scattered the early church, believers carried the gospel to Samaria. We see three principles still relevant: persecution that advances God’s purpose, proclamation by ordinary believers, and the Holy Spirit’s power working through them.
The story of Stephen’s stoning and how does this momentous event in the early church affect our lives today.
As Grace Church in Bognor Regis takes new steps towards becoming an independent church, Joshua 4 teaches us some lessons to remember as we move forward on this new journey.
Stephen, the first martyr died to the glory of God. A man of the Spirit, full of faith and wisdom, declaring Jesus as the righteous one.
This message explores the powerful reality of Jesus’ resurrection. We examine historical evidence for this world-changing event and discover how it offers real hope amidst suffering, sin and death, when we see and encounter Jesus for ourselves.
Luke 24 is the first time that one group of people told another group about the Jesus’ resurrection story. There were two reactions, to dismiss or investigate. The choice is ours.
The Christian story of Jesus dying on a cross for the sins of the world and then God raising him back to life on the third day is being believed more and more. This Easter Sunday, Joe simply tells that story.
Where are we in the crowds that followed Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem some 2000 years ago? How can we best show people that Jesus is King?
This preach highlights the importance of the Cross with regards to the Easter story. It focuses on the purpose, the power and the victory of the Cross, exploring how it relates to our redemption and salvation.
Immediately after Jesus’ death, the temple curtain is torn in two. But what was the curtain? And why is the fact that it’s gone good news?
Acts 6 shows that all believers are called to ministry, demonstrating how different gifts work toward one purpose – the increase of God’s Kingdom. This service flows from our relationship with Jesus, not as obligation but a response to his grace and love.
The early church was growing quickly and as they served the poor among them, the potential for disunity and distraction arose. Everyone was called to play their own part and that principle should shape the modern church today.
The early church was growing quickly and as they served the poor among them, the potential for disunity and distraction arose. Everyone was called to play their own part and that principle should shape the modern church today.
There are two approaches we can have towards God: trying to be good enough by the law, or living by grace. Using Abraham’s story, the Apostle Paul shows how we often mistakenly return to law-keeping after initially accepting salvation by grace.
Motherhood, as is true of life in general, can be filled with both joy and longing. God knows these emotions himself and there are examples in Scripture of him expressing his love for us in a maternal sense which can help us in our relationship with him.
The early church saw many miracles and people added to their number despite fierce opposition from the religious authorities. Until Jesus returns, God will not be stopped. The church today must take up the mantle and proclaim Jesus, whatever the cost.
The early church saw many miracles and people added to their number despite fierce opposition from the religious authorities. Until Jesus returns, God will not be stopped. The church today must take up the mantle and proclaim Jesus, whatever the cost.
Signs and wonders, thousands added to the Church and persecution. All a part of the early Church’s journey. As we see God at work, will we be obedient and join in, whatever the cost. Our God is unstoppable.
There are moments we read in the Bible that can make us feel uncomfortable. This is one of them. What does a passage like this teach us about God’s grace and holiness?
Great fear of God came on the early church when God took drastic action over hypocrisy and this was no bad thing. Fear of God alongside powerful and the life-shaping grace of God can make for a powerful combination in the church.
Guest speaker Guy Miller continues our series Preaching Acts and encourages us to be a people who prioritise prayer and continue to ask God to ‘Do It Again’.
An evening led by Katherine Brown focusing on how to reach Gen Z with the gospel. Katherine works for Evangelical Alliance in the ‘Being Human’ team, which seeks to equip people to engage with cultural conversations.
Peter and John were ordinary men, declaring the gospel of Jesus with boldness and authority by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Peter and John were common ordinary men, yet when called to defend the Gospel of Jesus did so in with power and authority. How did this transformation take place and what does it mean for us, ordinary men and women in 2025?
This healing in Acts tells us a lot about how Jesus transforms and restores life, not just physically, but in every other way too. He uses this miracle to transform the lives of those who witnessed it as well and he can do them same for every one of us.
Discover what Jesus’ sacrifice means for us and the world around us as we take His power and presence out wherever we go.
Exploring how the disciples healed a man who couldn’t walk, not just to make his life more comfortable, but to widely share the message of hope through repentance and turning to Jesus.
This preach explores the devoted, selfless and communal nature of the early church and how their encounter with the Holy Spirit empowered them and sparked a deep sense of love and unity. This led to miraculous growth of the church.
After the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost, a new community is created. What is this community like, and what do they devote themselves to?
After the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and a radical encounter with God, the early church became a community of believers who lived out their lives in a radical way. True community can only be found in the church. What does that look like for us today?
Joe Leach, inspired by the Acts preaching series, leads through an evening on understanding biblical and personal perspectives on the person and work of the Holy Spirit.
Pentecost is the launch of a new age – the age of the Spirit. In this passage, Luke tells us about who the Spirit is, and how we respond.
After Pentecost Peter preaches to the bewildered crowd and reveals what you have witnessed was promised beforehand. The gospel is declared and the need for a heartfelt response of repentance.
The task of witnessing to the ends of the earth would be impossible were not for what happened after Jesus’ ascension at Pentecost. God poured out his Holy Spirit in a new way and his people are empowered to live for him and make disciples of all nations.
The task of witnessing to the ends of the earth would be impossible were not for what happened after Jesus’ ascension at Pentecost. God poured out his Holy Spirit in a new way and his people are empowered to live for him and make disciples of all nations.
Luke starts the book of Acts with an account of Jesus’ final instruction and his ascension. What can we learn from this and how are we to be people of action?
Luke, the writer of Acts, tells us that the crucified Jesus is king over all. Both the resurrection and the ascension of Christ are proof of this and this risen and ascended King has left his people with a mission to tell the world of his kingship.
In every situation, no matter what we may face know, that prayer is powerful and effective and it works.
When we pray, we recognise we come to a limitless God. We encounter God, and Jesus instructs us to pray for huge kingdom advance as well as our daily needs.
As Christians, our citizenship is in heaven. This means that while we live on an as yet unredeemed earth, we are exiles in a foreign land. This has significant implications for how we are to live our lives whilst we await the redemption of all creation.
As Christians, our citizenship is in heaven. This means that while we live on an as yet unredeemed earth, we are exiles in a foreign land. This has significant implications for how we are to live our lives whilst we await the redemption of all creation.
The bible describes times when God does afflict his people. This talk delves into Lamentations to answer the question, how does God feel about affliction?
It’s easy for us to assume that God is like a strict judge who enjoys judging the guilty. The truth revealed in Scripture is quite the opposite. Though God does afflict, he’s reluctant to do so. The heart of God delights to show mercy, even to the guilty.
In part, God’s glory can be seen in creation. However, sin has blurred the true beauty of the glory of God. It is only on the cross of Christ that glory becomes unblurred and we see it fully shining and unmissable.
The glory of God is so deep and profound, and is ultimately found in the cross of Christ.
What do we think of when we consider God’s glory? His creation? His power? While these things are true, perhaps the greatest demonstration of his glory is found in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross! How can this be so and what does it mean to us?
What is God like? How does God feel about us? God answers these questions in new ways when he reveals his nature to Moses in Exodus 34 and provides the ultimate answer at the cross of Christ. God is more loving than you think.
What is God like? How does God feel about us? God answers these questions in new ways when he reveals his nature to Moses in Exodus 34 and provides the ultimate answer at the cross of Christ. God is more loving than you think.
We need food to sustain us, but we need Jesus even more. Our cry when we fast is “I want more of you, God”.
Fasting (abstaining from food, or any of God’s good gifts, as an act of worship) can be easily misunderstood. Why not enjoy what God offers us? The reason we fast is to say to God and to ourselves that we want, need, and hunger for him more anything else.
What is your purpose in life? Paul finishes his letter of encouragement to the Philippians by showing them the secret of how to find contentment and purpose in the right place – through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
The world searches for the secrets to contentment. In Philippians 4, Paul declares he has already learnt the secret to contentment. How can we learn contentment?
We explore what contentment looks like – that true contentment is found in Jesus and knowing Him. It is also learned through the battles in life that we face.
The peace of God is mind-boggling. It simply does not make sense. There is no formula to follow to experience this peace but it is available today and there are things we can do to make ourselves available and open to it.
The apostle Paul compare our faith journey as a race, if we were at the Olympics we’d be part ‘team heaven’. What does our training look like and how does our citizenship shape things?
The call on our lives is to know Christ and keep pressing on towards this goal. We do this as we understand who we are. Citizens of God, chosen by Him and eagerly awaiting a Saviour.
This preach gives insight into what the Gospel of Christ is about. We navigate topics such as rejoicing in the Lord, being vigilant of false teachers and embracing the truth that knowing Christ is worth everything.
Christ-like relationships run deep. We are family, co-workers and fellow soldiers as we grow in our gospel shaped partnerships.
Christian fellowship includes much more than being on a shared mission together. If we are modelling ourselves after Jesus, there should be genuine care and affection for one another.
In Philippians 2, Paul starts by describing our status as children of God. In 2:12-18, how does Paul explain this playing out as we live as children of God?
Christians are to work out their salvation. That is not to say they can save themselves but that they are to work out what it means to be saved. But that is not done alone. For as we work out our salvation, God works in us.
If Jesus is your Lord, then becoming Christ-like is our aim. This is possible as we consider Jesus who gave up everything, so that we can gain everything.
When we face storms in life, we can have joy in knowing that the gospel will advance, we can take courage because Jesus wins and we can have the Spirit’s power to live a life worthy of the gospel.
The apostle Paul wrote this letter when in prison and yet he is rejoicing! Paul faced terrible suffering for the sake of the Gospel and yet found his joy in Christ. As we face trials in life, how can we also find joy despite the circumstances?
Paul writes to his friends from prison and his joy is obvious despite his suffering. How can we follow Paul’s example and find joy in any of life’s circumstances?
Paul’s letter of encouragement to the church in Philippi can also be for us today, especially when facing difficult circumstances in life. Paul points them and us to the ultimate source of confidence and joy that is found in the gospel of Jesus.
Stewart Lake from Compassion UK shares from the story of Jesus healing the blind man and gives an update on the difference Grace Church is making to children living in poverty.
James Waddell from Compassion UK shares a biblical perspective on generosity and gives an update on the difference Grace Church is making to children living in poverty.
What does it mean to boast in Christ? And what part does that play in our mission to preach the good news?
In the Bible, boasting is not an inherently bad thing. Certainly, boasting in ourselves is to be avoided because the gospel shows us we have nothing to boast about. If we are boasting in Christ, however, then that is to be encouraged.
How can the right perspective and the power of prayer help us in sharing the good news with others? Ephesians 6 shows us how prayer is our key mission strategy in the spiritual battles we face.
We often forget that part of sharing the good news of Christ comes with a spiritual battle. What does Ephesians 6 teach us about who we are fighting against and how we fight?
When we share the good news of Jesus we are in a spiritual battle, but we have nothing to fear. This exploration of Ephesians demonstrates how Christ has the total victory and calls us to a prayerful awareness as we step out to speak with boldness.
Paul, the writer of 1 Corinthians, laid down his life to save some. How do we become all things to all people to advance the gospel?
The big story of God is to bless all the nations. What does that look like in a local church context?
The good news of the gospel is for all the earth. God’s people are called to proclaim the salvation of God, not just to their local community, but to all peoples and all nations.
When sharing the gospel, we can often focus on how effective we can be by our actions or words. However, the New Testament is clear that strategy and effort are not the essential tools for mission. The Holy Spirit’s power is.
The early church preached the gospel and demonstrated the power of God through miracles. They did what Jesus had taught them to do and saw many new followers of Jesus. What might God want to do in and through us in Chichester?
Jesus calls his followers to be lights by serving those in need so people are drawn towards the true light of the world.
Is sharing the gospel unkind? Is it impossible to both love our neighbour and make disciples? No. Introducing someone to Jesus is the kindest thing we can do for them. We love by sharing the gospel, and we share the gospel through love.
Jesus tells his people to go and spread the good news of the gospel, but we may not be sure how to do that. There is no better way to live out the Great Commission, than by living out the Great Commandment. Love God. And love people.
For many Christians, sharing our faith is not something we are very excited about. It can feel like worship is the good bit, but mission is the inevitable catch. In fact, enjoyment of God is both the goal and the fuel for our mission.
Guest speaker Craig Gale gave us encouragement to consider the strength of our conviction and belief in the transforming power of Jesus and what it means for us as Christians.
Fasting is often neglected by Christians. But it can be a powerful way of encountering God – it is giving up a good gift in order to enjoy the Greatest Gift.
Guest speaker Adam North encourages us that whilst we may feel weak and unable, anxious and afraid; that is exactly how Gideon felt when God called him a valiant warrior and commissioned him to go into battle.
The widow in poverty and the churches in Macedonia serve as models or examples for Christians when it comes to cheerful and generous giving. That said, the greatest act of generosity is not done by any human for God but by God and for humanity.
The resurrection of Jesus is good news- good news because it means that Jesus is our risen King and we are welcome in his Kingdom.
Jesus never over promises. The resurrection – the most significant event in world history.
In the greatest trial in history, who was ultimately responsible for the crucifixion of Jesus – and why?
The values of Grace Church are about what we believe and how it shapes who we are. Moreover, we aspire to ensure that our values are gospel-shaped. It is only because of the gospel that we have anything and because we have this gospel, the world needs us.
Jesus taught this parable to encourage us to evaluate our heart. He challenges our thoughts and the ways we are tempted to approach God with our good works. Instead, we find freedom when we humble ourselves and acknowledge Jesus has made us righteous.
Jesus tells a story about a man who was so 'good' that he thought he was better than others, and a man who was wretched but came humbly before God. This parable shows us that God wants our humility and acknowledgement that above all what we need is Him.
Jesus told this parable to show that money is not something to be put at the centre of our lives, but that He is our perfect treasure. Wealth and earthly possessions are nothing compared to knowing Jesus.
Have you ever felt like giving up when your prayer doesn't seem to be answered? This parable gives encouragement to all Christians to keep praying, not because God needs to be persuaded, but because He is our heavenly Father.
Do you live your life for God because it is right or because you want to? Jesus shows us that following Him out of joy and not duty can only come from being in God's presence and knowing His abundant grace in our lives.
As we launch a new series entitled ‘The Stories that Jesus Told’, we look at the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. The Kingdom of Heaven is far more valuable than we can possibly imagine, and that has implications on all of us.
Jesus teaches that true Wisdom is to know that a relationship with Him - The Rock, is the only foundation that will stand against the storms of life. All other foundations will eventually lead us to disaster.
As we launch a new series entitled ‘The Stories that Jesus Told’, we look at the parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. The Kingdom of Heaven is far more valuable than we can possibly imagine, and that has implications on all of us.
Peter concludes his letter with an encouragement and challenge to church leaders as well as a reminder to the whole church to live in humble obedience to God even in the midst of suffering, knowing that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
Elders are firstly servants, everyone be humble and stay alert because we have an enemy.
Persecution for being a Christian is, according to the Bible, to be expected, and is even a privilege. Christians, therefore, are called to suffer for Christ but not before Christ has suffered for them.
How can we, as believers, live lives that bring glory to God? In this part of Peter’s letter we see that in Jesus there’s something far better to live for, far exceeding anything that this world has to offer.
Is God good when he allows us to suffer? Suffering is something all of us will face in our lives, but the apostle Peter offers us hope in Jesus who came and suffered for us and promises to be with us in our suffering.
So far, Peter has given a lot of his attention on submission to and for Christ, but in this passage he is now turning his attention to suffering and what it means to live Godly lives through whatever we’ll face.
The foundation for Christian marriage is, in the same way as Christ, humble sacrifice. Wives and husbands are equal in value and worth as co-heirs but have slightly different roles and ways to express their humble sacrifice in their marriage.
The default position of the Christian when responding to this world is to be one of submission. Jesus is the perfect example of submission and it is only when Christians grasp what he has done for them, that they can truly follow his example.
The default position of the Christian when responding to this world is to be one of submission. Jesus is the perfect example of submission and it is only when Christians grasp what he has done for them, that they can truly follow his example.
We are all building our lives in a variety of ways. The call of the Christian is to build on the cornerstone of Jesus Christ who is an unshakeable and eternal foundation. Building well starts with knowing who we are and how we fit into God's church.
Peter describes Christians as living stones in chapter 2. Just as physical rocks have attributes, living stones do also and Peter explains what Christians can expect as living stones.
God is building a dwelling place for Himself on earth using Jesus as the Cornerstone and each of us as living stones.
What Christians are to do is grounded in what God has done. Christians are those who have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ and have been made holy by God. They should now live in light of this new identity.
We have a living hope because of Jesus’ resurrection and an eternal inheritance secured and kept by Jesus.
We have a living hope because of Jesus’ resurrection and an eternal inheritance secured and kept by Jesus.
It is increasingly obvious to Christians that we don’t quite ‘fit’ in this world and the book of 1 Peter is clear that nothing about that should surprise us. Because Christians are chosen and saved by God, we are exiles in this land.
When thinking about sexuality, it can be easy to forget that we are not just talking about issues but people. In the second part of our preaching into love, identity, and desire, we focus on how Christians should respond to and show love to gay, transgender, and intersex people; and also how a Christian response to ideologies should differ from a Christian response to people.
The area of sexuality can often seem overwhelmingly complex and independent from everything Christians believe, but Christian sexuality is built on Christian principles. The Biblical perspectives on love, identity, and desire can provide a helpful framework and act as pillars that hold up the Biblical perspective on sexuality.
We may talk about what we will be doing for the Summer holidays with some regularity but we rarely think about what we will be doing in 500 years. Guest speaker, Tim Blaber, explores the beauty of what the resurrection means for the believer.
The resurrection changed everything for Peter. He received complete restoration and this can be true for each of us.
The resurrection changed everything for Peter. He received complete restoration and this can be true for each of us.
As Jesus’ journey to the cross begins, this is experienced through one of his closest friends Peter. How Peter’s experience of Jesus’ death bring us hope too?
As Jesus’ journey to the cross begins, this is experienced through one of his closest friends Peter. How Peter’s experience of Jesus’ death bring us hope too?
As Jesus’ journey to the cross begins, this is experienced through one of his closest friends Peter. How Peter’s experience of Jesus’ death bring us hope too?
At the end of the box of Exodus, the tabernacle, where God will dwell, has been built but Moses cannot go in. Jesus has now opened up a new and living way for us to be in the presence of God.
Only a few weeks after God miraculously frees the Israelites from slavery they decide to turn away from God and worship an idol on the form of a golden calf. But why?
When we realise that idolatry is not primarily about physical images but is about the heart, we realise that idolatry is as tempting for everyone as it is stupid for everyone. Justice is required and offers himself as Jesus our mediator.
In this part of the story, the Israelites turn to false gods as they impatiently wait for Moses to come down from Mount Sinai. God knows our needs, our frailty, and the challenges in our lives, but he is faithful and merciful even when we are not.
Old Testament law can seem irrelevant to us, but how does this inform us regarding God’s heart for the vulnerable and needy and what does that mean for us today?
Old Testament law can seem irrelevant to us, but how does this inform us regarding God’s heart for the vulnerable and needy and what does that mean for us today?
Old Testament law can seem irrelevant to us, but how does this inform us regarding God’s heart for the vulnerable and needy and what does that mean for us today?
It isn't until chapter 20 of the book of Exodus that God gives the Israelites Ten Commandments. Crucially, God has already rescued Israel before he gives them the law. God’s grace always precedes God’s law and the new covenant is even better than the old. There were audio difficulties in the first 20 minutes of this recording.
It isn't until chapter 20 of the book of Exodus that God gives the Israelites Ten Commandments. Crucially, God has already rescued Israel before he gives them the law. God’s grace always precedes God’s law and the new covenant is even better than the old.
Often we can view the Ten Commandments as rules we must keep or as commands no longer relevant. However, it is essential to step back and see how Israel viewed them at the time from the sequence of rescue, rules and relationship.
Godly leadership is humble and plural and preaches the gospel. In this story, we see Moses exercise remarkable humility as he delegates authority to build teams and is eager to preach the gospel to his father-in-law.
The Wilderness was not where the Israelites were expecting to come into after being brought out of Egypt, but God had great purpose for them. By looking at their experiences we can be encouraged as we face challenges in our Christian walk.
Time in the wilderness is part of the normal Christian life. But God has plans for our wilderness experiences - he gives them to us in order to give us Himself.
After the Israelites passed through the Red Sea, Moses and Miriam lead the people in a worship Exodus song. Their exodus song echoes the worship song of our lives as well.
The people of Israel join together to worship God for their salvation from slavery to Egypt, but then find that God leads them into a time of testing. So how are we to respond and can the trials in our life really lead us to greater joy and peace?
Exploring the first recorded song in scripture sang by Moses and his sister Miriam in celebration of their salvation, and what it can teach us about giving God the glory.
The salvation that God gives in the exodus story is a pre-telling of the salvation that God gives in the Christian story. The Israelites were saved out of slavery and into freedom by grace and through faith.
In chapter 12 Israel leaves Egypt with money, a meal and a multitude. Why were these items important in the story of the exodus and how does this apply to us?
This preach is on the beginning of the Israelite's journey from Egypt. It explores how the journey of the Israelites "somewhat" depicts the journey of salvation as Christians with regards to an ongoing growth in our knowledge of and relationship with God.
When we look into the classic advent verses of Isaiah 9 we can see how this prophecy provided hope for Israel, but we can also find hope for ourselves today.
When we look into the classic advent verses of Isaiah 9 we can see how this prophecy provided hope for Israel, but we can also find hope for ourselves today.
In this preach, Sally explores why keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus as our ultimate source of hope is important for us as Christians.
Pharaoh holds out against Moses, the Lord's representative, and brings God’s judgment on the nation of Egypt.
During the plagues, God goes head-to-head with Pharoah and his gods. Through Exodus chapters 7-10 the plagues demonstrate there is only one winner.
Pharaoh is very willing to face-off with the God of the Hebrews because he doesn’t know who he is dealing with. This is a God who has and does graciously make himself known to us.
Human beings are created to know God. In this passage, God reveals his name and character to Moses, to the Israelites, and to us.
Most names do not make much difference to other people. However, Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush is a reminder that encountering God’s name changes everything.
God reveals himself as Yahweh ‘I AM WHO I AM’ . This explores how the self existent, sustaining, and unchanging identity of God provides a steadying foundation of who God is, in an ever changing world.
The story of Exodus is a single story of the people of God being delivered out of oppressive service to Pharaoh and in to life-giving service to God. This is the story of Christians who, by the gracious rescue of Jesus, have been delivered out of slavery to sin and in to life in God.
Looking at the Great Commission, we see that we will only effectively share the good news of the gospel when we are truly enjoying God’s grace. When we are living in the joy of our salvation we will not be able to keep that good news to ourselves.
Our church vision is to declare and demonstrate the grace of God to the communities we live in. But this raises the question, what does it mean to declare and demonstrate?
We have a vision to be a healthy church that enjoys the grace of God. Our site leader in Bognor, Jonny, talks about what we mean when we say ‘healthy church’, why we have ‘church that enjoys the grace of God’ in our vision, and what that includes.