2 Peter 3:11 to 18 - Keep on living a holy and godly life

Peter closes his second letter by encouraging his readers to make every effort to live in the light of the fact that Jesus is Saviour and Lord and to keep on guard and to keep growing. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from 2 Peter 3:11-18 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 9th December 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Nehemiah 6&7 - Completion despite Opposition

As Christians and as a church we are always under attack. The devil seeks to play on our fears and drive us to self-protection, as we believe in ourselves rather than God, so we stop being God's worshipping people. Nehemiah shows us how we can take our fears to God and trust him to keep building his kingdom. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Nehemiah chapters 6 &7 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 9th December 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

2 Peter 3:1 to 10 - Delayed not cancelled

Why doesn't Jesus come back right now and sort everything out? Peter admits that's a real question but there is good reason for the delay - it's about God's perspective and God's patience. But we need to have confidence he will return, so we should live distinct Christian lives now, looking forward to our permanent home in the new heavens and the new earth. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from 2 Peter 3:1-10 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 2nd December 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Nehemiah 5 – Righteous Anger

Sometimes God's people are attacked from the outside, but sometimes it comes from the inside - we exploit or look down on one another. This divides us and ruins our witness. The people in Nehemiah's day are exploiting each other but Nehemiah challenges them to repent and they respond. The result is the praise of God and the people even more united, under a model leader who is driven by the fear of God and compassion for God's people. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Nehemiah chapters 5 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 2nd December 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

TalkBack: Dealing with Depression

TalkBacks are cafe style seminars with a presentation and opportunities for questions and discussion. What are the definitions, causes and symptoms of depression? Why do people get depressed? What are the dangers to avoid when thinking about why someone may be depressed? Why do we need to consider heart issues, internal beliefs and interpretations? When can medication be helpful? How can we care for those who are depressed? What should we do if we are depressed? On Sunday 25th November 2012, at Christ Church, Mark Ventham gave a presentation which included helpful information on the above questions, and then interviewed a church member who suffered with depression for many years. To listen, use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy For PDF of PowerPoint Slides Click here (Opens in a new window - takes a minute or two to load)

Nehemiah 2 to 4 – Prayerfully building and defending

How does kingdom building begin and how do we keep going? Nehemiah sets a great pattern. He starts as he means to go on: trusting God, constant in prayer bold in what he says and what he does because of that confidence and that relationship. Are you prayerfully getting stuck into the work of building the kingdom? Are you one of the workers or just an observer? Are you ready to defend as well as build? To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Nehemiah chapters 2 to 4 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 25th November 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Philippians 4:10 to 20 - A fragrant offering

What kind of aroma comes from our giving - of money, time or service. The musty smell of a rarely opened wallet, the clinical smell of cold legalistic service or a fragrant offering flowing from our concern for the kingdom of Christ, our concern for his work and our confidence he will supply all our needs. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from at Christ Church on Sunday morning 18th November 2012 use the link below. [audio:One_Off/Philippians4v10to20_GN.mp3] (Using Flash Audio Player) Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

2 Peter 2:10b to 22 - False teachers don't wear badges

Peter continues to talk about the false teachers - their arrogance, blasphemy and revolting behaviour. His language becomes more and more dramatic and critical to emphasise the seriousness of their teaching and behaviour. We need to beware. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from 2 Peter 2:10b-22 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 18th November 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

2 Peter 2:1-10a 'False teachers really do exist and will be judged'

False prophets are to be expected in the church, just as they were throughout the Old Testament. We need to beware because their teaching will not always be obvious heresy. It often appears to be gospel truth, but in fact it is teaching things that contradict the apostolic witness and put me in charge instead of Jesus Christ. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from 2 Peter 2:1-10a at Christ Church on Sunday evening 11th November 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Jesus - our Prophet, Priest and King

We often think of ourselves as wise, basically good and resilient. The fact is, when it comes to the real issues of life, about knowing God and knowing ourselves and strength to live the right way, we are ignorant, sinful and weak. We need Jesus to be our prophet, who teaches us; our priest who offered himself and now intercedes for us, and our King who leads us. To listen to Mark Ventham speaking at our All-Age Service from Hebrews 1:1-5 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 11th November 2012 use the links below. Or click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Nehemiah 1:5 to 10 - Listen and remember

Nehemiah’s prays “You are a great God, majestic and Awesome, faithful to all your promises we are repentant sinners returning to you trusting your covenant promises, please help me today.” Prayer recognises who God is, who we are and asks for specific things that will help build his kingdom on earth We need to pray like that. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Nehemiah1:5-10 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 4th November 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Nehemiah 1:1 to 4 - The walls are broken down

Nehemiah hears a report of how things are going with the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The answer is disappointing. The walls are broken down and the people are in distress. Nehemiah’s response is instructive for us. He feels the pain and expresses that in weeping and mourning. He then does what we should always instinctively do first –he prays. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Nehemiah1:1-4 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 28th October 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

2 Peter 1:12 to 21 - Where to hear God's voice

The gospel is the authentic word of God and we always need reminding of it. God the Father testified to the power and majesty of Jesus and the apostles are witnessing their story to us so that we might believe. In fact their testimony and the rest of scripture are not the thoughts of man alone but inspired by God. To listen to Dan Woodfield preaching from 2 Peter 1:12-21 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 4th November 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

2 Peter 1:1 to 11 - Everything we need

Jesus is all that we need. He gives us everything. We need to grab hold of him and keep hold and work out our salvation into every corner of our lives assured that at the end we will have rich welcome into the eternal kingdom. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from 2 Peter 1:1-11 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 21st October 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Esther 1 to 5 - Poetic Justice

What is God doing in the world? He is always there. In every situation he is working. Working for his glory and our good. He works through feeble people like us, who are just beginning to exercise faith and leave their fears behind. He works to judge and to save. He works to change our mourning into joy. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Esther 5 to 10 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 21st October 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

All Age: What does Jesus do plus Jim Jacobs testimony

To listen to Mark Ventham preaching on Sunday morning 14th October 2012 use the link below. Testimony starts at 24 minutes. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy  

Engaging with the world... the gospel is our mission

To listen to Nick McQuaker preaching on Sunday evening 14th October 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy  

Engaging with the world... but what if?

Naaman shows us a new believer who realises he needs to change and becomes uncomfortable about many of the things around him in the pagan culture. He stands as an example to us, but he also raises questions for us about how far we go to separate ourselves from the sinful practices of the people around us. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching on Sunday evening 7th October 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy  

Esther Chapters 1 to 4 - For such a time as this

We have a seemingly powerful but ultimately pathetic king. A young girl who seems compromised and badly advised. Her cousin is at best over-protective and rather provocative and then we have a man who is so annoyed by one Jew he plans mass Jewish genocide. Standing over all of these we have a sovereign God. What is he going to do? To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Esther 1 to 4 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 7th October 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

TalkBack - Dealing with sin

As Christians we want to follow Christ with all our beings and to repent of sin. This means working on our hearts, our minds and our wills Or click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Haggai 2:10 to 23 - Blessings for a defiled people

The date is 18th December 520 BC, a few months after the building work had started. There was apparently a moment perhaps a ceremony when a foundation stone was laid. The people are called to look back and look forward, each way considering carefully that as they turn in repentance God stands ready to bless them. As they look forward they see that God was going to establish Zerubbabel as their leader who himself is a forerunner to Jesus. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Haggai 2 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 23rd September 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Engaging with the world - God rather than man

When can Christians disobey the legal authorities? Perhaps when they are asked to deny their faith it is clear, but what about when we are asked to do something in our jobs that we think is wrong? To listen to Mark Ventham preaching on Sunday evening 16th September 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Haggai 2:1 to 9 - A Better House

The LORD wants to assure the Jews that although the temple they were rebuilding did not look much now and would not be as glorious as Solomon's God was with them and what he was building with them would be a kingdom that would never be shaken. It's the church - the great temple that is the only thing left standing at the end of time. To listen to Graham Nicholls from Haggai 2 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 16th September 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Engaging the world...when to submit to authorities

We might be tempted to withdraw from the world or actively campaign against pagan authorities, but rather, we are called to submit and do our duty. God has placed government and law-keepers there for our good and we recognise their leadership as part of our worship. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching on Sunday evening 9th September 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Haggai 1 - Think about Priorities

Haggai writes to the Jews who had returned from exile in Babylon. They had made wrong choices and given priority, time, effort and money to building their own houses and neglected the temple. God calls then to carefully consider that the consequence had been poor harvests and high inflation. The great thing is that the people respond and the Lord assures them he is with them as they repent and return to the work of building God’s house. This is full of helpful lessons for us about giving priority to building God’s kingdom and not our own. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Haggai 1 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 9th September 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Engaging the world...that opposes Christ

We begin a short series thinking about engaging with the world. Psalm 2 presents us with the reality that the world in general hates and opposes and wants to get rid of the rule of God through his Son, Jesus. However, God is not limited by this and all those who acknowledge the rule of Christ will be blessed but those who continue to reject him will experience the wrath of God. To listen to Mark Venetham preaching on Sunday evening 2nd September 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church...a gospel church, sharing in fellowship

We completed our series looking at the characteristics of a NT church by thinking together about fellowship: starting with a common faith that brings us into new family relationships, causing us to share our lives our homes and our money with others in need and with the church. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching at our All-Age Service on Sunday morning 2nd September 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church... where forgiveness is commonplace

The church should be a place where the forgiveness we have received from God in the sacrifice of Christ is reflected in our willingness to forgive others. To listen to Robert Fernandez preaching on Sunday morning 26th August 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church... with loving discipline

A gospel church includes loving discipline. We have the great privilege and responsibility to help each other grow in faith and avoid sin. Sometimes we need to speak directly with our Christian brother or sister and sometimes the church needs to be involved but always in love and seeking the best for others. A gospel church includes loving discipline To listen to Mark Ventham preaching on Sunday morning 19th August 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church... Encouraging one another

To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from 1 Thessalonians at Christ Church on Sunday morning 12th August 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Revelation 5:1-14 - The Lamb

Having seen God on the throne, John in Revelation 5 is shown the lamb who is the lion – Jesus. He is the Lord of history the one who executes God’s purpose and is to be worshipped as God by all creation, and by his people. To listen to Colin Strudwick preaching from Revelation 5:1-14 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 5th August 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church...serving Christ and one another

To be great in Christ’s Church we need to be servants. Servant-hearted leaders and servant hearted church members all wanting to our brothers and sisters in the church, the body of Christ. Our model and inspiration for service is Christ. He humbled himself all the way to the Cross as he showed his commitment to God’s purposes and his love for us. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 5th August 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Revelation 4 1 to 11 God's Throne

Revelation 4:1-11 God’s Throne (filename Revelation4v1to11_SHa.mp3) John the apostle, having heard the letters to the churches is taken by Jesus to the throne room where the great creator God is worshipped with perpetual praise from the elders (representing the church) and the “living creatures” representing creation. We need to acknowledge God’s honour and glory for his creative power and that Heaven will be filled with the praise of God the creator – praise that we need to join in with! To listen to Simon Hateley preaching from Revelation 4:1 to 11 about the vision of God on his throne, at Christ Church on Sunday evening 8th July 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church... Praising God Together

Christ’s Church… praising God together (Filename: ChurchPraisingGodTogether_GN.mp3) The Bible is full of praise to God. We need to speak in praise of God – to the Christian family and to anyone else who may be willing to listen. We also can praise God together in our singing. As we praise God, we are teaching each other truth about God. This can sometimes be a divisive issue and we need to maintain the perspective that the main thing is heartfelt worship to God, not whether we particularly like the songs or style. We need to reflect and sometimes comment to each other about this but always in love. We are aiming to have songs with good theological content and contemporary style but with including traditional hymns as part of our Christian heritage. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Acts 2:47 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 29th July 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Revelation 3:14-22 The Church at Laodicea

Are we lukewarm Christians – neither hot nor cold? This is not so much about our emotional state but more about whether we live in constant dependence in the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, acknowledging our sin and complete wretchedness but revelling in the wonder that Jesus wants to fellowship with us. To listen to Steve Mills preaching from Revelation 3:14 to 22 about the church in Laodicea, at Christ Church on Sunday evening 8th July 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church... Spirit filled

God the Holy Spirit lives in all Christians – he gives us spiritual life for us to respond to the call of the gospel. He also helps us to grow in our knowledge of God and develop Christ-like character. To be filled with the Spirit is to increasingly know the power of the Spirit giving us full assurance and helping us to hate sin and to love Christ with all our hearts. We want to be a Spirit-filled church where we cultivate his work in our lives. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching at Christ Church on Sunday evening 22nd July 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church... reaching out to our neighbours

The church of Christ should be characterised by energetic, prayerful and patient outreach. We call people to follow Jesus as he commands and because the gospel really is for everyone. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Acts 2:42 and other texts at Christ Church on Sunday morning 15th July 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Revelation 3:1 to 6 - Letter to Sardis

In Sardis there was a church that seemed alive but in fact it was dead. Could that describe our church? To listen to Robert Fernandez Ventham preaching from Revelation 3:1 to 6 about the church in Sardis, at Christ Church on Sunday evening 8th July 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church... showing generosity

The church of Christ should be characterised by joyful generosity with our money possessions time and ourselves. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Acts 2:42 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 8th July 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Lessons about obedience from Elijah

This Sunday we had a visit from John Cheeseman, an itinerant preacher based near Margate. John was preaching from 1 Kings 17. In the morning at Christ Church we looked at lessons about obedience from Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath: our obedience should be immediate, unquestioning and complete. In the evening, together with friends from the FIEC Mid Sussex Group, we looked at lessons on prayer from Elijah’s response to the death of the widow’s son. To listen to John Cheeseman preaching from 1 Kings 17:7-16 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 1st July 2012 use the links below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy To listen to John Cheeseman preaching from 1 Kings 17:17-24 at our joint 'MSG' service on Sunday evening 1st July 2012 use the links below. Or click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

TalkBack: Social Justice

As the church, our priority is to tell the gospel. The kingdom of God is those who are under the rule of king Jesus and not those who have better living or working conditions. However, the gospel changes us to be people who passionately believe and work for social justice - treating people fairly. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church: Welcoming Strangers

God in Christ welcomes us into his eternal kingdom even though we were enemies. The provides the pattern for our hospitality welcoming strangers in to the church and into our homes to eat and to stay. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching at Christ Church on Sunday morning 24th June 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Revelation 2:18 to 29 - Letter to Thyatira

In Thyatira it seemed that the false teaching had really taken root and Jesus uses strong words to condemn the false teachers and those who follow them and to encourage those in the church who were making progress in love, service and witness to keep going. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Revelation 2:18-29 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 17th July 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Philippians 1:21 - to die is gain

In the second half of our verse of the year Paul turns conventional wisdom upside down and says that dying is not a loss or a dead end but gain. It is better because it is where we belong in the presence of Christ awaiting the final resurrection. This should affect our view of life and death and the way we live sacrificially and give generously because we live for Christ and look forward to being with him. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from at Christ Church on Sunday morning 17th June 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Revelation 2:12 to 17 - Letter to Pergamum

Pergamum was at the centre of the Emperor worship cult with eating, food sacrificed to idols and indulging in immorality. Even some people in the church were teaching that compromise was acceptable. Against that background, the Christians are called to remain faithful as they had been in the past because Jesus is the ultimate judge and king. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Revelation 2:12-17 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 10th July 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church... remembering the Cross

The church of Christ should be characterised by joyful but serious celebration of the Cross of Christ. A great way Christ has given us to help us remember this is the Lord's Supper - the communion time when we remember the body of Jesus broken and the blood poured out for us. As we take the bread and wine we remember, proclaim and anticipate. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Acts 2:42 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 10th June 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Revelation 2:8 to 11 - Letter to Smyrna

Smyrna was a prosperous and prominent city, 2nd to Ephesus in local importance, well connected to the Roman Empire and worship cult, and probably with a sizeable Jewish population amd with a church probably planted by Paul. The letter has no condemnation of their behaviour but encouragement to keep going in suffering, hardship, imprisonment and perhaps even having to give up their lives for their Saviour who is victorious and will protect them from the second death of God’s judgment. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Revelation 2:8-11 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 3rd July 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church... constant in prayer

The church of Christ should be characterised individually and corporately by prayer. Prayer expresses our relationship and dependence on God, following the pattern of Jesus and his apostles. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Acts 2:42 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 3rd June 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

TalkBack - We are Charismatic

This was a talk by Graham Nicholls speaking at Christ Church on Sunday evening, 27th May 2012, followed by a question and answer session. The normal links to listen are just below. As there was a lot of information and references, we have included the bullet points from the PowerPoint slides in the text below plus a simple description of our current practice as a church. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy   Greek word Charismata = gifts “any capacity of the believer including aptitudes present before conversion brought under the controlling power of God’s grace and functioning in his service” The Contentious Charismata

• Speaking in tongues
• Prophecy
• Miracles including healings and other signs and wonders

Some key texts James 5:13 Acts 2 (2 Cor 12:12) Acts 8 Acts 10 (Are these normal experiences we would expect in the church?) Hebrews 2:4 (This seems to suggest that the confirmation of the testimony about Jesus by signs and wonders is now in the past?) Ephesians 4:7-13 (Apostles and prophets are foundational – are they continual?) Matthew 8:16-17 (Does this imply Jesus takes away NOW all our sicknesses as part of redemption) Focus on 1 Corinthians 12-14 Not written to give a model of church but to correct  chaos & pride Chapter 12 – Gifts

• The Holy Spirit leads people to confess that Jesus is Lord
• The Spirit works in all sorts of different ways in different Christians equipping them for the common good (analogous to the body)

Chapter 13 – Love

• Greatest virtue
• Gives all other spiritual gifts value
• Outlives prophecy and tongues, but when do they cease?
• At Christ’s return
• At the end of the apostolic age

Chapter 14 – order

• Understandable speech builds up the church
• In their context prophecy more useful than tongues
• Tongues may be interpreted to become plain speech but without interpretation, it does nothing to build up the church
• In their meetings there could be only interpreted tongues in an orderly way, weighed carefully by the church
• There is a distinction between what is personally helpful in private and what is helpful in the church

  Four views (forgive the over-simplification) 1.       Pentecostal

• All the gifts of the Spirit mentioned in the NT are for today
• Baptism in the Holy Spirit happens after conversion and should be sought by all
• Tongues are a sign that you have been baptised in the Holy Spirit
• Expectation of healing as the right of salvation proportionate to faith

2. Charismatic (third wave)

• Baptism in the Holy Spirit comes at conversion (some differ)
• Acceptance and encouragement of tongues speaking but not for everyone or is essential
• Proclamation of the gospel should be accompanied by apostolic ministries including
• signs wonders and miracles
• expectation of healing, possibly idea of gifted “healers”
• Prophecy: predictions and directions into many situations personally and corporately

3. Cessationist

• the miraculous ceased around the time the Bible was completed
• the miraculous were part of salvation history which is past
• the miraculous were clustered around the time of the apostles and were signs that their message was authentic

4. Open But Cautious

• Generally the view as Christ Church leaders
• Sympathetic to the cessation argument but not fully convinced
• Cautious about current practices and abuses and wary causing division
• Believe that the miraculous gifts not normal or essential
• Modern tongues speaking may not be same as NT as it does not appear to have the structure of a language but may be practiced privately for personal benefit
• Open to reality God does bring “prophetic” words. Not sure this the same as NT prophets, certainly not authoritative
• Do not see gifted healers in NT or that healing should continue as a sign but recognise our lack of faith and setting expectation God can heal
• See charismatic movement as God’s way of shaking up the 21^st century church
• Seeking fellowship and mutual learning with our charismatic brothers

  What does being open but cautious mean in practice for us as a church?

• Wanting to encourage multiple contributions in some of our meetings so we can all benefit from each other’s wisdom, insight and testimonies
• Although not persuaded that the miraculous gifts necessarily ceased at the completion of the NT, we are equally not convinced that they are an essential part of public meetings or that modern practices are equivalent to the NT or that they are now necessary to authenticate the word of God
• We therefore would not encourage or organise the exercise of gifts of tongues or directive and predictive prophecy and healing as an essential part of our corporate meetings
• We do not see a distinct healing gift but want to encourage much prayer for people to be healed and a real expectation that by God’s grace this will often be the outcome.

Christ's Church...shaped by the word of Christ

The church of Christ, just like creation, is brought into being by God’s word and God’s word continues to mould us and to keep us. We want to be a church who do not worship words, but who shape our worship by the words given us by God. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Acts 2:42 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 27th May 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Revelation 2:1 to 7 - Letter to Ephesus

The church in Ephesus was a great model of hard work and orthodox teaching, but there was a problem at the heart of church life – they had lost their first love. Their hard work and orthodoxy were becoming heartless religion. We are often in danger of this and we need to take the advice and Jesus to remember how we began the Christian life and to repent and learn again to love and trust Jesus. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Revelation 2:1-7 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 20th May 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church...connected to a worldwide family

We live in a broken world. In Christ Jesus, God is starting to restore us into a worldwide family of God’s people so the good news about Jesus is for everyone, regardless of race or culture. We need to be reminded that we are inter-dependant on other Christians and other churches and encouraged to support worldwide mission. To listen to Nick McQuaker preaching from Acts 2:39 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 20th May 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Revelation 1:9 to 20 - A Vision of Jesus

What do we need to help us in the struggles of life with the pressure to give up on living as Christians? We need a vision of Jesus. Not to imagine what he’s like but listen to the revelation we have been given. In particular we need to see Jesus as he is now – gloriously God and king but at the same time willing to speak to us and to commission us to do work for him in spreading his word. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Revelation 1:1-8 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 13th May 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy  

Christ's Church is a place to belong

The first people who heard the gospel preached by Peter immediately became part of a new family – the church. Being together to eat together pray together, praise together and learn together was important and natural for them. They stuck with their new Christian family. The challenge for us is whether we will make such a priority of church family life and recognise our interdependence with other believers. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Acts 2:42 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 13th May 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Christ's Church is a gospel church

The church is founded on the gospel and we want to be a gospel church. Peter in Acts 2 preaches the first gospel sermon declaring that they are witnesses to the fact that Jesus Christ is risen from the dead and is now declared to be God's promised King. People from all over the world need to turn to God in repentance for their sin and trust in the God who will forgive them because of his son, the king, Jesus Christ. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Acts 2:22 to 41 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 6th May 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Rahab - a prostitute becomes a princess (Joshua 2)

In the book of Joshua the story of the conquest of Jericho is interrupted by the story of Rahab. She hides the spies because she believes the LORD is the true God and the result of her faith and action is that she is saved when Jericho is destroyed. We learn from this that God is working to save, even in judgement, and that through God's saving work we become part of the people of God. To listen to Leonardo Oliveira (from Terisina, Brazil) preaching from Judges 2 and 6 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 6th May 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

The church and older people: The challenge and the opportunity

There are now more people aged over 65 in the UK than those under 16. With some exceptions, society tends to value the younger over the older and though the Bible teaches that older people are to be viewed as of great value and bearing particular dignity, the church does not always reflect this. It is important that we think through the challenges and opportunities we face as a church to ensure we reach out effectively to older people, care appropriately for them and use their wisdom. To listen to Roger Hitchings speaking at Christ Church on Sunday evening, 29th April 2012, use the link below. Roger was until recently, pastor of East Leake Evangelical Church, South Nottinghamshire. He is also former Director of Age Concern, Birmingham, a trustee of the charity Pilgrim Homes and author of books and articles on Dementia and Care of the Elderly. A copy of the Slides and Notes will be available for download soon. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

John 21:15 to 25 – Set Free to Serve

The risen Jesus is still leading and teaching his disciples. In a sensitive but powerful and public way he makes clear that Peter is still one of his disciples despite his terrible sin in denying he even knew Christ during the trial. He helps us all see that at the heart of discipleship and service is love for Christ, whatever the cost, and without comparing ourselves with other people. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from John 21:15-25 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 29th April 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Revelation 1:1 to 8 - The Revelation of Jesus

How does the victory of the risen Christ connect to the persecution and spiritual battles of the church?   The book of Revelation discloses the reality of the risen glorified Christ – who he is, what he has done and what he will do. There is blessing in understanding this in these last days so we can be encouraged to keep going, because Christ will return and every eye will see him and all will acknowledge his rule. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Revelation 1:1-8 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 22nd April 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy  

John 21:1 to 14 Breakfast with Jesus

John 21 is a great chapter that connects with the rest of John’s gospel in giving further evidence to encourage us to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and to have eternal life through his name.  But is also connects forward to the life of the church: Jesus sharing in close fellowship with his followers, commanding them but also serving them. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from John 21:1-14 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 22nd  April 2012 use the link below. [audio:John/John21v1to14_GN.mp3] (Using Flash Audio Player) Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Exodus 15:22 to 16:36 - Knowing God

The people of Israel are in the desert.  They have just experienced the greatest salvation miracle in history up to that time, but just three days into their journey they are starting to grumble and even accuse God of being vindictive or incompetent. But through their experiences of need, God provides for them, but also shows them something of his glory and provokes them to trust him fully. To listen to Dan Woodfield preaching from Exodus 15:22 to 16:36 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 15th April 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

John 20:19 to 29 - Seeing and believing

Jesus appears to his disciples commissioning them and calling us to be on a mission like his, to seek and save the lost in surrender to the Father and he gives them the power of the Holy Spirit.  Thomas was not with them the first time and he chooses not to believe their report but Jesus graciously makes another visit to convince him and lead him to repentance and faith. As readers of John’s gospel we have the opportunity to hear their testimony and the blessing of believing although we do not see. To listen to Robert Fernandez preaching from John 20:19-29 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 15th April 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy    

1 Corinthians 15 - So what?

The reality of the resurrection was central to the gospel and it means that our faith is not useless our hope is not futile and our labour is not in vain. To listen to Nick McQuaker preaching from 1 Corinthians 15 at Christ Church on Easter Sunday evening 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy    

John 20:1 to 18 The Empty Tomb

John in this chapter piles up the evidence for the real bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. He begins the drama by taking us to the empty tomb with the large stone rolled away. He then introduces us to the witnesses to the appearance of Jesus beginning with Mary Magdalene. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from John 20:1-18 at Christ Church on Easter Sunday morning 8th April 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Good Friday 2012 - Psalm 22

To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Psalm 22 at Christ Church on Good Friday morning 2012 use the links below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy    

John 19:28 to 42 - Dead and buried

Anyone’s death is sad. Some seem to be a particularly harrowing or tragic. Jesus' death was sad, and certainly a cruel and painful experience and it is described sympathetically by the gospel writers. But their focus is on the significance – what it means, how it connects to the rest of the Bible and how it relates to us right now. In this section John shows us the finished work of Jesus as God’s perfect lamb to take away our sin and make us clean. He died and his lifeless body was laid in a grave. Like us he waits for resurrection. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from John 19:28-42 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 1st April 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Jonah 4 - An ironic response to God's mercy

We end our studies in Jonah as we began - amazed at the sovereign grace of God. Jonah protests at the mercy of God to the Ninevites but he's more than happy when God's mercy helps him with some shade. Jonah has to learn that God's grace is not restricted by our views of who deserves it. God is concerned for all his creation and for many people who are currently in darkness - and we need to be the same. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Jonah 4:1-11 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 25th March 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

John 19:17 to 27 - Crucified

Looking at the Cross we see a man powerless, humiliated and using his last moments to speak with his mother. However looking with John's perspective we see the one who is still king for all the nations, even in his death; the one who was purposely serving in order to make us clean; and the one who was signalling the beginning of the new spiritual family - the church. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from John 19:16-27 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 25th March 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Jonah 3:1 to 10 Succesful Preaching

God’s grace is still the thread running through the book of Jonah as we get to chapter 3. Jonah is given a second chance and this time he heads North East and preaches to Nineveh and amazingly it turns out to be some of the most successful prophet work he has ever done. See God’s amazing grace even to the failures and the sinners.
To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Jonah 3:1-10 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 18th March 2012 use the link below.
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John 19:1 to 16 - Condemned

Pilate is a sad figure in history who knows Jesus is innocent, probably thinks he is special but still, because of his pride and his fear, sends him away to be crucified. The Jews just hate Jesus – he is the king they do not want over them. But at the same time, John presents Jesus, the object of injustice, flogged, mocked and mistreated but the true King and the perfect Passover Lamb. John invites us to take a good look.
To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from John 19:1-16 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 18th March 2012 use the link below.
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Jonah 2:1 to 10 - Deep Water Praying

Prayers have been recorded in remarkable places but perhaps one of the most unusual is Jonah’s prayer from inside the belly of a fish. Not a great place to live for three days but a great place to reflect on what has happened. Jonah’s prayer a re-telling in spiritual terms of what has just happened to him. It’s the story of a rescue for a man who was good as dead by a God who is much far more gracious than we deserve.
To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Jonah 2:1-10 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 11th March 2012 use the link below.
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Jesus Always Obeyed His Father (All Age Service)

Jesus always obeyed God the Father. He did this willingly and joyfully and he never failed and he never fell. Jesus grew in his obedience and learned the hard way to practise obedience despite the opposition and suffering it brought him. He did that for us that we might gain his perfection in place of our failure. This is what we thought about together at our All Age service
To listen to Mark Ventham preaching at our All Age Service on Sunday morning 11th March 2012 use the link below.

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John 18:28 to 40 - Tried

Jesus is on trial with the one who seems to have the power to decide whether he is executed or not. Pilate, the Roman governor, interrogates Jesus but ends up being himself questioned. Jesus is the innocent one who will give his life in place of the rebel revolutionary. Jesus is the true King whose kingdom will be built despite all the efforts of evil men. The question for Pilate and for us is this: will we recognise his rule or will we remain cynical or ignorant?
To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from John 18:28-40 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 4th March 2012 use the link below.
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Jonah 1:1 to 17 - Man overboard

The big banner headline across this book is God’s Sovereign Grace. In Chapter 1 God pursues Jonah across the Mediterranean; organises a storm; turns idol worshipping sailors into those who worship the LORD; and arranges a rescuing fish for the repenting Jonah. God's breath-taking mercy and persistent grace sets the tone in the first chapter for the rest of the book.
To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Jonah 1:1-18 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 4th March 2012 use the link below.
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John 18:15 to 27 - Forsaken

How does someone go from being prepared to lose his life for Jesus to denying he even knew him? Peter might be able to tell you. He did it. In John 18 Peter, after his enthusiasm to fight for Jesus, is now following at a distance. He stands with the rest of the world outside of the room where Jesus is being interrogated. It’s a symbol of how for this moment he stands apart from Jesus, and perhaps that explains his easy denials. How close are you to Jesus? Meanwhile Jesus himself answers with boldness and truth. A complete contrast to Peter. We are thankful that he does this for Peter and for us, but at the same time we do want to make every effort to stand with him. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from John 18:15-27 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 26th February 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Men are the same as Women, aren't they?

A brief summary of the Bible’s teaching on the subject of equality and diversity in men and women exercising their gifts in the local church. To listen to Graham Nicholls speaking at the begining of our TalkBack session on Sunday evening 26th February 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

John 18:1 to 14 - Arrested

John 18 turns from Jesus speaking to the dramatic narrative of his arrest and trial. Even in these few verses the nature and work of Jesus is on display. We will see that he is the everlasting Son of God who is absolutely determined to obey his Father so that none of his disciples will be lost. To listen to Graham Nicholls from John 18:1-14 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 19th February 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Nahum 3 - Learning from history

As we conclude this prophecy about Nineveh we see the reality of God’s judgment. There are good reasons for it, it will expose our shame and shatter our trust in material things. These words had a fatal reality for the Assyrians. They are words of warning for us which drive us to Jesus Christ who suffered the judgment that we deserved. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Nahum 3 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 19th February 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Jesus was an amazing teacher (All Age Service)

When Jesus was on this earth, listening to his teaching was never boring. In fact it was jaw-dropping, awesome. Sometimes the people didn’t understand or agree, but it was never dull. In our All Age service we thought about how Jesus was an amazing teacher because he taught with authority – he told the truth in an interesting way and he knew what he was talking about.
Will he be your teacher?
To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Mark 1:26 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 12th February 2012 use the link below.

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Nahum 2 - The Good News of the Justice of God

At first glance, God’s justice might not seem something to be glad about until you think about how ending suffering, putting right the wrongs and stopping cruelty, and doing the right thing. In our second study in Nahum we think about how the justice of God was good news for Judah and is good news for us too.
To listen to Nick McQuaker preaching from Nahum 2 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 12th February 2012 use the link below.
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Nahum 1 - the God of Justice

Nahum is written for Assyrians, for Israel and for us. It begins with great declarations about the character of God – his justice, his great power, and his determination to put an end to all who oppose him, but at the same time his patience and goodness in all he does. Not easy reading but Nahum does live up to his name – the LORD who comforts.
To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Nahum 1 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 6th February 2012 use the link below.
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John 17:20-26 - Father, unite them

Jesus ends this intimate prayer to his Father with some amazing words. He prays for people like us – people who believed because of the witness of the disciples. He prays we may be united with each other because we are united with the Father and the Son, and as a consequence the world will know the reality of the gospel. He then closes out the prayer with a shockingly beautiful declaration that he actually wants us to be with him in glory, and to know God now in our daily lives as we experience his love.

To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from John 17:20-26 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 6th February 2012 use the link below.

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John 17:16 to 19 - Father, protect them

In John 17 Jesus prays for his disciples. Jesus has revealed the Father to them by his works and words. He prays for his disciples that they may be protected by the word of God when he is gone. They are being sent into the world as he was sent: motivated by the love of God to bring the word of God. They are to be present but distinct - in the world but not of the world, immersed but not dissolved. This is our mission too. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from John 17:6-19 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 29th January 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

John 17:6 to 19 - Father, protect them

In John 17 Jesus prays for his disciples. Jesus has revealed the Father to them by his works and words. He prays for his disciples that they may be protected by the word of God when he is gone. They are being sent into the world as he was sent: motivated by the love of God to bring the word of God. They are to be present but distinct - in the world but not of the world, immersed but not dissolved. This is our mission too. To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from John 17:6-19 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 29th January 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

John 16:17 to 33 - Grief then Joy

Jesus continues to comfort his disciples that although he is leaving them, he will still be with them and they have everything to look forward to. In this section he assures them that they will be joyful again when they see him after his death and resurrection; they will be joyful when they realise they have a direct relationship with the Father because of the Son, and this will sustain them and give them peace even in great trouble that they will face. To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from John 16:17-33 at Christ Church on Sunday morning 15th January 2012 use the link below. Click here to listen in your own player or save a copy

Hebrews 13:1 to 25 – Life Together

As the anonymous writer closes this excellent letter, he brings a range of exhortations for their lives together as believers and their witness to the world around them. Christians so value Christ that they show love in practical help and solidarity with one another; they are contented with their marital status and their money; they serve willingly in the church; and are noted for lives of overflowing praise and prayer to God.

To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching from Hebrews 13:1 to 25 at Christ Church on Sunday evening 8th January 2012 use the link below.

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Philippians 1:21 To Live is Christ

Our verse for 2012 is Philippians 1:26 and on Sunday morning we concentrated on the first past of that verse "to live is Christ" and thought about what it means to be passionate about Christ because of who he is and what he has done.

To listen to Mark Ventham preaching from Philippians 1:21 at our All-Age Service on Sunday morning 8th January 2012 use the link below.

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Knowing God Better

To listen to Colin Strudwick preaching at Christ Church on Sunday morning 1st January 2012 use the link below.

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Christmas Day 2011

To listen to Graham Nicholls preaching at Christ Church on Christmas Day 2011 use the link below.

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