Sermon – Litigation in the Family (1 Cor 6:1-11)

Read the text – 1 Corinthians 6:1-11

What happens when Christians disagree? The church of Corinth was using the legal system, not to seek justice, but to deal with church family disagreements that should never involve secular authorities.

Ken Noakes helps us to see a biblical model for disagreement. The aim is to restore and uphold each other in faith and in the Christian family. Grace and unity are far more important that some of the ideals that a secular court of law will achieve. Interestingly, Ken shows how this passage addresses the way that we can unhelpfully use social media.

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Sermon – Sexual Immorality in the Family (1 Cor 4:14-5:13)

Read the text – 1 Corinthians 4:14-5:13

The church in Corinth, like any church, is a gathering of sinners. Yet they are a church who sit under the power of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul writes to help the Corinthian church family consider how to deal with sin which is celebrated within the church family. His directive? Don’t celebrate sin.

Ken Noakes show the principle at play in this passage shows how it is applied to a particular issue with the church family involving sexual immorality. Left unchecked, this sin is unhelpful for those involved and dangerous for the church family at large. How should the church exercise loving discipline – to care for those involved and to help one another be accountable under Christ.

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Sermon – Wisdom in Leadership (1 Cor 3:18-4:13)

Read the text – 1 Corinthians 3:18-4:13

What does a faithful leader under Christ look like: a steward and servant. In fact, a fool, and one whom you should imitate in Christ. In this Bible talk, Gary Haddon helps us to think through who a disciple follows and why – for it should be Christ whom we follow, as demonstrated by a leader who shows themselves to be faithful. They must strive to imitate Christ, being willing to become the scum of the earth in the process!

Sermon – Theological Foundations (1 Cor 3:1-17)

Read the text – 1 Corinthians 3:1-17

Growing up in faith means being built up upon the only true foundation Jesus Christ and grown by God. Take care, anyone who builds upon that foundation, for your work will be tested.

In this talk, Ken Noakes helps us to understand that growing in faith is grounded in what God has done through Jesus, yet demonstrated in the various ways that we each serve to build up his church. And we are warned that the good we do (under God) will last while the bad will be destroyed.

Sermon – Spiritual Wisdom (1 Cor 2:6-16)

Read the text – 1 Corinthians 2:6-16

What should hold a church together – Our relationships? Our feeling of belonging? Our gospel convictions? Jesus? The Apostle Paul wrote this extraordinary letter to a church he knew well, yet a church which had got itself into a bit of a muddle. It turns out that the Christian Family does matter – and it is important to ensure that Jesus sits at the heart and soul of this church and in fact any church.

In this talk, Ken Noakes looks at what it means to be mature in Christ by understanding the wisdom of God, which is impossible without the Spirit revealing it to us.

Sermon – Foolish Wisdom (1 Cor 1:18-2:5)

Read the text – 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5

The Apostle Paul wrote this extraordinary letter to a church he knew well, yet a church which had got itself into a bit of a muddle. The Christian Family matters so it is important to ensure that Jesus sits at the heart and soul of this church and in fact any church.

In this talk, Jared Lidgerwood holds up a mirror toward the Christian family and looks at the different ways that we consider something to be wise. The point: worldly wisdom is not match for the foolishness of God who saves through Christ crucified. Really?

Sermon – Gospel Unity (1 Cor 1:1-17)

Read the text – 1 Corinthians 1:1-17

What should hold a church together – Our relationships? Our feeling of belonging? Our gospel convictions? Jesus? The Apostle Paul wrote this extraordinary letter to a church he knew well, yet a church which had got itself into a bit of a muddle. It turns out that the Christian Family does matter – and it is important to ensure that Jesus sits at the heart and soul of this church and in fact any church.

In this Bible Talk, Dr Trace Akankunda looks at what it means for a Church family to be united in the call to preach the gospel and that in fact it is Christ’s call that should draw believers together first and foremost to preach the gospel.

Easter Sermons – Life is On! (Psalms 2, 72, 22 & 110)

Easter is such a special time for Christians. The king of heaven to hung on a cross – what a way to treat a king.

To reflect on Easter we have chosen four Psalms: the Psalms of the King. They are essentially about God’s promised once and for all time King, Jesus. The New Testament cites the Psalms more often than any other Old Testament book, so it is right for us to look at them and use them and preach on them, especially at Easter. May we understand how Jesus fulfils the expectations of this one true King.

Psalm 2 – The King over All
Psalm 72 – The King of Justice
Psalm 22 – The Forsaken King?
Psalm 110 – The King who Conquers

Sermon – Stand Firm: A Warning to the Idle (2 Thess. 3:6-18)

After writing against various false teachings that were prevalent around the church of Thessalonica, the Apostle Paul turns to speak to those who may be tempted to be idle. In light of the return of Jesus, he calls the believers to be wise stewards, and hardworking, so that their ministry might flourish in word and action.

The encouragement is well summarised by his words – “Brothers and sisters, do not grow weary of doing good”

Read the text – 2 Thess 3:6-18