Read the text – 1 Corinthians 1:17-31
Why did Jesus have to die, and more die in the way he did, especially since he knew he would rise again just three days later. Why go through all he did? In this Good Friday talk Ken Noakes looks at the foolishness of the cross – foolish in the eyes of so many in the world, yet the wisdom of God.
For thousands of years Christians have said the words of the Apostles’ Creed together. In the two talks which follow we look at the line in the creed ‘Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to the Dead’. These two talks together offer a helpful, yet different, treatment of this important and theologically loaded statement.
Read the texts – Isaiah 53:1-12; Matthew 27:11-54
This this talk, Nick Lindeback offers a narrative retelling of the trial, cross, death and burial of Jesus. In doing so he gives a broad overview of the importance of the atonement. Nick helps us to see how the Roman parades celebrating their military victories, set something of the context for the supposed ‘humiliation’ of Jesus – yet how by his wounds, and in his crucifixion, we see the coronation of the King of Kings.
In this talk, Dr Trace Akankunda looks at the significance of the sufferings and death of Jesus on the cross. He helps us to see Christ’s suffering in the context of salvation, and then helps us to rethink our own suffering in the context of hope.
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?
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.
JesusWORKS aims to introduce you to the Jesus of history by looking at his life, teaching and work. Primarily, it is for the person who wants to check out the claims of Jesus or the claims about Jesus – so that they can make up their own minds about him.
Yet, it is also for any Christian who wants to be prepared to give a reasoned answer for the hope that they have in the gospel of Jesus (1 Pet 3:15).
Jesus calls people to himself, yet he gives everyone the opportunity to examine him and his message before making that decision.
In this talk, we consider the frequently muttered expression ‘If I am good enough, then things will be fine!’. There was a reason why Jesus had to go to the cross – why?
Read the Bible text – Mark 15:21-39
For more information and resources that go with the JesusWORKS course – go here
Easter is a special time for many around the world – a time to reflect, to be thankful, to lift our minds and hearts above the day to day and to appreciate the world we live in.
Arguably, more than any other event in history, Easter has shaped our world. The coming of the man Jesus and then his arrest, trial, crucifixion and then resurrection stunned the world. What Jesus taught about life, love, good works, sin, justice, forgiveness, hope has shaped cultures, governments, legislation, education, tradition and so much more. Yet his death and resurrection transformed people’s lives and gave a personal hope beyond the grave. Love him or loath him, he has left his mark for the benefit of generations across history.
In this trilogy of Easter talks, we walk with Jesus through the pages of John’s Gospel from his arrest to his resurrection.
– David Shead
Read the Bible Text – John 18:1-27
– David Shead
Read the Bible Text – John 18:28-19:42
– David Shead
Read the Bible Text – John 20:1-31
Ken “unboxes” the Christmas story – and gives three reasons why Christmas is so special and three reasons why Christmas makes our life better.
Preacher: Ken Noakes
Read the Bible text Isaiah 7:13-17, Isaiah 9:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25 and Colossians 1:15-23
Workings and Script for this Christmas Talk – Isaiah 7 and 9, Matt 1, Col 1
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