Past Preaching Programme

King David is one of the most famous characters in the Bible with stories such as his battle with Goliath regularly used as examples of the power of his faith and trust in God. Alongside its more inspiring sections, however, the story of David is full of plenty that perplexes us in the actions of 'the man after God's own heart'. In this series we will try to approach all of this material head on and seek to understand more of how all of the elements in the story of King David - the good, the bad and ugly - form a vital part of preparing the way for the coming of 'the Son of David' in Jesus Christ. 

King David is one of the most famous characters in the Bible with stories such as his battle with Goliath regularly used as examples of the power of his faith and trust in God. Alongside its more inspiring sections, however, the story of David is full of plenty that perplexes us in the actions of 'the man after God's own heart'. In this series we will try to approach all of this material head on and seek to understand more of how all of the elements in the story of King David - the good, the bad and ugly - form a vital part of preparing the way for the coming of 'the Son of David' in Jesus Christ. 

Galatians 5 contains Paul’s famous list of nine characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Rather than being a list from which we can select particular ones that ‘are us’, keeping in step with the Holy Spirit is about seeking to develop all of these characteristics so that we become more like Jesus. During this series we will look at each of these virtues in turn and consider practical ways in which we could demonstrate them more fully within both our daily lives and our life as a church.

Galatians 5 contains Paul’s famous list of nine characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Rather than being a list from which we can select particular ones that ‘are us’, keeping in step with the Holy Spirit is about seeking to develop all of these characteristics so that we become more like Jesus. During this series we will look at each of these virtues in turn and consider practical ways in which we could demonstrate them more fully within both our daily lives and our life as a church.

During July we will be considering 'God's Big Plan' and the overall arc of the Bible as one story leading to Jesus - and addressing some of the questions that come out of this.

During July we will be considering 'God's Big Plan' and the overall arc of the Bible as one story leading to Jesus - and addressing some of the questions that come out of this.

Over the last few years, we have used the month of August to have different members of Christ Church talk about ‘Why I am a Christian’. These have turned out to be some of the most popular and helpful talks that we have had during the year, with plenty of downloads recorded on the Christ Church website. Each year different members of our congregation tell us some of the story of their lives and the key factors that have led them to become and continue as Christians.

Over the last few years, we have used the month of August to have different members of Christ Church talk about ‘Why I am a Christian’. These have turned out to be some of the most popular and helpful talks that we have had during the year, with plenty of downloads recorded on the Christ Church website. Different members of our congregation tell us some of the story of their lives and the key factors that have led them to become and continue as Christians.

There is a great deal of sense in 'church' becoming habitual. At its best, all of the things that it represents - worship, teaching, service and community - becomes steadily built into the rhythm of our lives and transforms them. Its danger, however, is that we cease to reflect upon our response to these things causing our faith to become stale and less and less relevant to our daily lives.

In this series, we will seek to address this by looking for practical ways in which we can get the most out of church, looking at different aspects such as worship, service, giving and community. 

There is a great deal of sense in 'church' becoming habitual. At its best, all of the things that it represents - worship, teaching, service and community - becomes steadily built into the rhythm of our lives and transforms them. Its danger, however, is that we cease to reflect upon our response to these things causing our faith to become stale and less and less relevant to our daily lives.

In this series, we will seek to address this by looking for practical ways in which we can get the most out of church, looking at different aspects such as worship, service, giving and community.. 

Although perhaps the most obvious answer is forgiveness from our sins, Jesus also came to bring us other things as well, such as freedom, peace and unity. Each of these blessings comes through the mysterious process of us being joined to Jesus, and, as a result, each characteristic is transformed into something that goes far beyond our usual understanding of what freedom, peace and unity mean in our world today.

The sermons in this new series will explore how in Jesus Christ, the truth will set us free; how he will bring us not just peace but also 'a sword'; and the unique nature of the family that we belong to through him. 

Although perhaps the most obvious answer is forgiveness from our sins, Jesus also came to bring us other things as well, such as freedom, peace and unity. Each of these blessings comes through the mysterious process of us being joined to Jesus, and, as a result, each characteristic is transformed into something that goes far beyond our usual understanding of what freedom, peace and unity mean in our world today.

The sermons in this new series will explore how in Jesus Christ, the truth will set us free; how he will bring us not just peace but also 'a sword'; and the unique nature of the family that we belong to through him. 

Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas when we celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world. In a sense, the entire contents of the Bible before Jesus looks forward to his coming. During this series, however, we will look at some of the more obvious biblical figures who do this and try to understand more about the coming of Jesus from King David, the prophet Isaiah and John the Baptist.

Advent is a time of preparation for Christmas when we celebrate the coming of Jesus into the world. In a sense, the entire contents of the Bible before Jesus looks forward to his coming. During this series, however, we will look at some of the more obvious biblical figures who do this and try to understand more about the coming of Jesus from King David, the prophet Isaiah and John the Baptist.