C3 Zurich Sunday Sermons: Recent Episodes
C3 Zurich
Welcome to the C3 Zurich Podcast! C3 Zurich is a church based in central Zurich, a comminuty of faith, hope and love. Here you can listen to our Sunday sermons which are bi-lingual in English and Swiss German.
Today Nadine shares how our current situation in lockdown can easily become ''Too Much'' and how we can respond in our faith.
This week Severin is preaching on the temple and the story of Jesus, taking a walk through the history of Christianity.
Continuing the story of Ruth this Easter Sunday. We also take communion together as a church.
Today we begin looking at the story of Ruth, and her unprecedented faith, despite circumstances around her
Today we're looking at the teachings of Paul, and where we should REALLY be stacking up
Simon talksto us about the lost art of neighbouring, aka loving eachother, through challenging times.
Christmas is just the beginning!
This December we are looking at Christmas as being about stories of beginnings. God is doing a new thing. And it's never more evident than in the Christmas stories.
And although we are approaching the end of the year, this season could be full of new beginnings for you too. Join us this Sunday to hear from Simon as a he preaches on "Announced - But Unexpected"
Blank Space - Recognising God's Voice
It's challenging to make space for God in our busy lives. But when we do make space and we do hear something, how do we make sure that it’s really Him. How do we differentiate the voice of God from the voice of the enemy or from our own?
Come and join us this Sunday to hear about discerning the voice of God.
Blank Space - Making room for God through prayer
Making space for God means we engage in passionate prayer. This Sunday we'll go further in the book of Acts to discover how prayer brought freedom and space to a very narrow situation.
Prayer can feel like talking to the wind. But the Bible describes passionate prayer as action! Prayer does things: It goes through walls, breaks barriers, fetches help, gives peace in the middle of crisis, breaks chains and opens doors. Prayer surprises us. This Sunday might too.
Blank Space - Making room for God through obedience
We all have selective hearing at times. But at the same time, we all want to hear from the Holy Spirit. How do we make room for God and fight against selective hearing? Through obedience.
Obedience opens destiny, because obedience trusts in the middle of uncertainty. God wants to grow a bolder, stronger, more confident you.
Blank space #3 radical hospitality
Listening to God is fine, hearing from him is even better. I mean, as long as God says the things He's supposed to - as long as it's inspiring, encouraging, affirming, and yes, maybe even postable.
But what if the things He says make us sail outside our comfort zone? How do we respond to the uncomfortable? The risky? Hey, even the dangerous?
Maybe we doubt that it was God in the first place. He wouldn't want us uncomfortable, right? Or maybe we weigh in with a good dose of reason, to balance God out... :-D
But what if you could care more...than some think is wise; risk more...than some think is safe; dream more...than some think is practical; expect more...than some think is possible?
Wouldn't that be…Faith?
This Sunday, we'll hear about a regular man who heard something that was way out of his comfort zone. But it's because of him, that we now have the New Testament in it's full length. What this man heard, was radical hospitality. Simple as that. But it changed the course of history.
To hear God's voice is so important and apparently, so simple!
There is not one person who couldn't profit from hearing from God. The worst of fights could be settled and transformed into peace with just one word from God. The biggest of worries could be lifted in a moment - when God speaks. The most horrible illnesses could be healed, the strongest desires could be stilled, the deepest of questions answered - when God speaks. Apparently God speaks all the time, and since Jesus said: "My sheep hear my voice" -- those who follow him, can hear him... just hear him. Period.
So much for the theory :-/
In "real life" It just sounds so different: If I talk to honest people, a lot of them are craving to hear from God, maybe for his guidance and for him to speak right into their situation, but can't hear anything. Others seem to hear something all the time, but aren't sure if they can trust these impressions that they have. Again, others are afraid to hear from God, since it could get uncomfortable quite quickly. Let's not forget that some people have done horrendous acts, all the while being sure they were following the voice of God. So hearing from God is simple? Are you kidding me?
That's exactly why this Sunday we've invited Dave and Kim Olson from Canada to talk about this: Hearing from God. How?
Blank Space - Making room for God Last week, we began the exciting series entitled "Blank Space." The focus is on learning to listen to God; in our busy and often self-directed life, when does God get to speak, and if He does, will we hear him. and most importantly obey what He says? This week, we continue with this life-changing series by focusing on one key ingredient...
Blank Space - Making space for God Our live has the potential to become God's masterpiece. The question is, can we make room on the canvas of our lives? How do we navigate listening on God in time full of noise? How can we hear the voice of God? We are excited to dive into Blank Space - Making room for God.
We all need friends in our orbit, people we can gravitate to. But what can you do, when you are loosing orbit and a friendship ends? Also, are there any valid reasons to distance yourself from someone? And what does that even mean? How can we find healing instead of drama and hurt? Yann is finishing this sermon series alongside these questions. We think you don't want to miss this!
Orbit series "build this village" Explain: Simon introduced the historically true story of Rosetto, a village in the US, where the health was outstanding, while none of the classical determinators could account for it. (The food wasn't more healthy, not everyone did more sports, etc.) But they had a healthy community.
being part of a healthy community is life bringing!
3 Keys to build a healthy community
- be present: Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Love and good works only work, when we are present! Be physically present (going to church, going to connect group, etc.), but also be mentally / spiritually present: pray when we pray, worship when we worship, engange during the sermon, connect after the service.
- be transparent: 1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
Fellowship (community) is only possible, when there is a level of transparency (walking in the light). Let's show your true colors, but expect change!
- be inclusive: Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.
Never stop bridging the chasms that we have in our society: between old and young, progressive and conservative, etc.
Orbit series "the three friends we need, --> the three friends we need to become"
Explain: We all need friends in our lives. But instead of waiting until they come to our corner, we need to become the friend people need, and friendship will come to us. C3 Zürich (an therefor your connect Group) is not just a really friendly church, it's a church of real friends. Jesus was an amazing friend to other people:
He saw more in them He lifted people up He spoke truth in love He saw more in them - He saw Simon and said: You are Peter the rock. - He sees Nathaniel and says: A righteous man (before he's proven anything) - He spent time with sinners, because yes, they were sinners, but that wasn't the whole story. Like you and I, everyone is a sinner, only, some are saved and changed by grace. real friends see more than is seen to the eye.
He lifted People up - He lifts Lazarus from the dead. How much faith does a dead man have? How much discipline? Sometimes we lift people up, sometimes they lift us up. Real friends pick each other up
He spoke the truth in love When Lazarus comes and betrays him, he says the truth: "Friend do what you came to do." That must have cut Lazarus deeply. But in proverbs it says: "Wounds / Cuts from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses. (Prov. 27:6)" Real friends speak the truth because the truth sets us free.
Orbit series: Psalm 1 Explain: there are levels of influence in our lives: - WALK: casual contacts - STAND IN THE WAY: deliberately run into - SIT: Have communion with.
There are levels of lack of relationship with God - THE WICKED: People without a relationship with God - THE SINNERS: People with an ongoing practice of evil - THE SCOFFERS: People that deliberately dispise God
The alternative to giving the wrong people the wrong levels of influence: - Having delight in the word of God and meditating on it on and on.
You asked for it topic "Simply 10" A lot of people look at Christians and say it's all about 'can't do this, can't do that.' What's that all about? How is living according to them make us more human, more alive and more free?
Exodus series "Fight right" Explain - Last week Simon preached about what made the Amalekites attack the Israelites, who were descendants from the same origin: Envy and rebellion against God. Not every battle has to be fought. The new testament is clear about what battles are ours to fight.
- not against people but a spiritual battle: Ephesians 6:10-13
- fleeing battles that are just a distraction from our real battles: (1. Timothy 6:1-11) Now, Israel HAS to fight. The good fight of faith is won on two dimensions: Joshua fights with action, which requires power. Power comes as he submits to the leadership of Moses, and trusts. Power comes as he steps out of the blue and follows the "GO" of Moses. Power comes as he engages. Moses fights in prayer which requires authority. This is where the battle is won. Yes, the engagement of Joshua was needed, but the battle was won in the lifting of hands. We get tired in private devotion way more quickly than in public engagement. This is why even heroes of faith like Moses need people left and right to keep their prayer up.
Exodus series "Middle Child Syndrome/sandwich kid" Explain - A big reason Amalek attacked Israel out of the blue, was they were envious. Amalek and Israel came from the same root and could be seen as family. But since they cam from Esau and saw the blessing on Jacobs descendants and kept comparing, envy grew hatred. Their envy and comparison in the end killed them. A lot of what hinders growth, blessing and development in our lives comes from comparison and and envy. Ways out of envy: - celebrating the other persons blessing: Instead of comparing and seeing where God "overlooked us", we can thank Him that he sees everyone. thankfulness kills comparison. - getting a bigger vision, having a Kingdom mindset: God blesses other people because his plans are way more vast than our gifts, talents, calls and ideas. If we can trust him, we wont envy.
Exodus series "Complaining" Explain - The groaning of the people in Exodus 15:24, and later on again and again, wasn't just "needy people, always complaining". But people without water for 3 days, or without food for 7 days. So in the wait, they came to the limit of their faith. Complaining is a sign that you have reached the limit of your faith! (amazing statement from Yann's sermon). But God is about stretching our faith and increasing.
God is Sovereign This Sunday we will have two sermons in one! Pastor Phil Pringle is preaching nearly live from Sydney to all the C3 churches globally. And Simon is back from his wandering to preach further in our series on “not all those who are wandering are lost”
When God Calls This Sunday, pastors Ian and Jedidja Borkent are joining us from C3 Rivers in the Netherlands. Pastor Ian continues our Exodus series and will share about how he needed fire to follow God's Calling for his life.
Suffering - God’s Opportunity For Rescue If you believe that just because you are wandering you are lost, you will be challenged to think differently by our new series focused on the book of Exodus. Come and learn how the Old Testament book of Exodus can speak to our daily life.
The first lesson in this series (Exodus Chapters 1 and 2) speaks to the topic of suffering. What can we learn about suffering, other than it HURTS? Find out what God has to say...
Simon pointed out that dating is a dangerous relationship, as nothing breaks like a heart. but it is our cultural way of making a relationship. In the bible there is no dating, since most marriages were arranged. So the bible doesn't speak about dating, but it speaks plenty about how to choose a future husband / wife. It also speaks plenty about relationships.
Simon continues our series on risky relationships, this look looking at what can happen in church...
What if love were a verb in church? How would it look if we all actively loved each other well? Today Nadine is sharing with us about what that would look like.
Simon kicks off our new series called Dangerous Liasons and how relationships are dangerous. And that's a good thing!
What happens when we live dangerously? When we are a danger to the Status Quo?
Be United in speech and intention is the latest installment of the B=1 series which explores the command of James 5:12 to never swear by God or the earth but to be reliable and true to our word.
What would it take for a community to make taking God as a witness obsolete?
In this episode, Jim shares from James 4 and how our inner passions and desires are at war distracting us from realising God's best. Our Heavenly Father is waiting to respond to us, wants us to draw closer to Him and submit our wills to Him alone.
Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing...Can both fresh water and saltwater flow from the same spring? James 3
Join us in this episode as Simon talks about having integrity in the way we speak. It's not because we speak better, that we become better people, but it's because the cross has changed everything in us that our speaking will adapt.
In our new sermon series, Simon is talking to us about being one in what we believe, and what we say and do. Join us on this challenging series!
In this series, we're breaking down the basics of Christianity. Got doubts about what it's all about? That's normal. Join us in this exciting series, where we're going back to basics.
Jim is beginning our "You Asked For It" series, where we ask you what your burning questions about Christianity are, and we provide answers!
In our final sermon of our "Freedom" series, Simon is sharing about finding validation.
This week Jim is sharing with us on the topic of adoption, and our adoption into God's family.
In this week's sermon, Yann kicks off with Galatians one, talking to us about the power and authority of scripture
Today we're beginning our 2019 new year series - BOLD. We're talking about how to pray more boldly, growing our faith as we do so.
In a world where bosses are rulers are perceived as horrible, bossy, controlling... our King is different.
Jesus is a a different King.
A King that doesn’t need my greatness, but can deal with my weakness.
A King that doesn’t oppress me, but shepherd me.
A King that doesn't stress, because he stands outside of time.
A humble King.
A shepherd King.
An eternal King.
Jesus is King
In the final sermon of our "Unstuck" series, Simon is preaching to us about being stuck in our love of things.
Following on from last week, Simon is preaching in our Unstuck series on the Parable of the Older Son
Bible Verses Mentioned:
Luke 15:1 Now the tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear him.
Alle Zöllner und Sünder suchten seine Nähe, um ihm zuzuhören.
2 And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.”
Und die Pharisäer und Schriftgelehrten murrten: Der nimmt Sünder auf und isst mit ihnen.
3 So he told them this parable:
Er aber erzählte ihnen das folgende Gleichnis:
28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him,
Da wurde er zornig und wollte nicht hineingehen. Sein Vater aber kam heraus und redete ihm zu.
29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.
Er aber entgegnete seinem Vater: All die Jahre diene ich dir nun, und nie habe ich ein Gebot von dir übertreten. Doch mir hast du nie einen Ziegenbock gegeben, dass ich mit meinen Freunden hätte feiern können.
30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’
Aber nun, da dein Sohn heimgekommen ist, der da, der dein Vermögen mit Huren verprasst hat, hast du für ihn das Mastkalb geschlachtet.
His father came out and began entreating him.
Sein Vater aber kam heraus und redete ihm zu.
"My child"
"Mein Kind"
“My child, you are always with me.”
"Mein Kind, du bist immer mit mir."
“My child, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours”
"Kind, du bist immer bei mir, und alles, was mein ist, ist dein."
Luke 15:32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
Feiern muss man jetzt und sich freuen, denn dieser dein Bruder war tot und ist lebendig geworden, war verloren und ist gefunden worden.
This week Matt is talking to us about getting Unstuck from faliure, through the Parable of the lost son
Bible Verses Mentioned:
Luke 15
20 So he got up and went to his father. “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. His father ran to him, hugged him, and kissed him.
20 Er machte sich auf den Weg und ging zurück zu seinem Vater. Der erkannte ihn schon von weitem. Voller Mitleid lief er ihm entgegen, fiel ihm um den Hals und küsste ihn.
18 I will get up and go to my father, and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I no longer deserve to be called your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.” ’
18 Ich will zu meinem Vater gehen und ihm sagen: Vater, ich bin schuldig geworden an Gott und an dir. 19 Sieh mich nicht länger als deinen Sohn an, ich bin es nicht mehr wert. Lass mich bitte als Arbeiter bei dir bleiben!‹
21 Then his son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants,
21 ›Vater‹, sagte der Sohn, ›ich bin schuldig geworden an Gott und an dir. Sieh mich nicht länger als deinen Sohn an, ich bin es nicht mehr wert.‹ 22 Sein Vater aber befahl den Knechten:
Romans 8:26–27
26 In the same way, the Spirit comes to help our weakness. We don’t know what we should pray, but the Spirit himself pleads our case with unexpressed groans. 27 The one who searches hearts knows how the Spirit thinks, because he pleads for the saints, consistent with God’s will.
26 Dabei hilft uns der Geist Gottes in all unseren Schwächen und Nöten. Wissen wir doch nicht einmal, wie wir beten sollen, damit es Gott gefällt! Deshalb tritt Gottes Geist für uns ein, er bittet für uns mit einem Seufzen, wie es sich nicht in Worte fassen lässt. 27 Und Gott, der unsere Herzen durch und durch kennt, weiß, was der Geist für uns betet. Denn im Gebet vertritt der Geist die Menschen, die zu Gott gehören, so wie Gott es möchte.
12 The younger son said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the inheritance.’ Then the father divided his estate between them.
12 Eines Tages sagte der jüngere zu ihm: ›Vater, ich will jetzt schon meinen Anteil am Erbe haben. Da teilte der Vater seinen Besitz unter die beiden auf.
Romans 5:6,7,8
6 While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people. 8 But God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us. 10 If we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son while we were still enemies, now that we have been reconciled, how much more certain is it that we will be saved by his life?
6 Diese Liebe zeigt sich darin, dass Christus zur rechten Zeit für uns gottlose Menschen gestorben ist. Als wir noch hilflos der Sünde ausgeliefert waren, hat er sein Leben für uns gegeben. 8 Gott aber beweist uns seine große Liebe gerade dadurch, dass Christus für uns starb, als wir noch Sünder waren. 10 Als wir Gott noch feindlich gegenüberstanden, hat er uns durch den Tod seines Sohnes mit sich selbst versöhnt. Wie viel mehr werden wir, da wir jetzt Frieden mit Gott haben, am Tag des Gerichts bewahrt bleiben, nachdem ja Christus auferstanden ist und lebt.
Romans 8:15
15 You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children.
15 Denn der Geist Gottes, den ihr empfangen habt, führt euch nicht in eine neue Sklaverei, in der ihr wieder Angst haben müsstet. Er hat euch vielmehr zu Gottes Söhnen und Töchtern gemacht.
Romans 8:32
32 He didn’t spare his own Son but gave him up for us all. Won’t he also freely give us all things with him?
32 Gott hat sogar seinen eigenen Sohn nicht verschont, sondern ihn für uns alle dem Tod ausgeliefert. Sollte er uns da noch etwas vorenthalten?
Avoidance is something everyone struggles with. I mean, who wants to face hard situations? Won't they just disappear if we ignore them? In this weeks sermon, Simon is preaching on the parable of the two builders.
Simon begins our new series "Unstuck" with the story of Naomi, focussing on the roots of bitterness
Today we have guest speaker Pam Borrow with us all the way from Sydney, to talk to us about living a life of singleness, and how we as a church community can embrace single people
This week, Simon is preaching on our "In not of" series, exploring the world of 1 Peter, and looking at how we can live as shepherds
Continuing with our "In not of" series, Simon is talking to us about living through suffering
Simon is beginning our new series on the book of 1 Peter, titled "In not of", where we look at how we can be a part of the world, but not of it's fabric.