Understanding Adoption
2012-05-13 (AM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Free subject - Not in a Series
Romans 8:14-17
A primary ministry of the Holy Spirit is to bring about spiritual adoption. We become children of God. What difference should understanding this important Biblical theme make to our lives? We need more than knowledge here, but a heart encounter with our heavenly Father.
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Christian Aid Service
2012-05-13 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Genesis 1:26-31, Matthew 25:34-40
The service to mark the start of Christian Aid week. With particular reference to their work in Gbap (prounced Bap) in Sierra Leone.
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Mark 8:14-21
2012-05-06 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Mark 8-9 #2
Mark 8:14-21
The disciples misunderstand Jesus in this passage. As a result we get 3 messages instead of 1. There is a set of encouraging messages for when we misunderstand things about Jesus and make mistakes. There is an initial message about warnings and then there is a new message about storing up memories of times when God delivered answers to prayer for us and met our needs.
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Beyond physical things - the unseen things
2012-05-06 (PM)
Ian Crossley
Series: Thinking Beyond the Programme #2
Ephesians 6:10-12
This week we are looking a bit more into the unseen by going beyond the physical and are raising our awareness that there are bigger things going on behind the programme. Just because we can't see them doesn't mean we can't see them.
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The God Who Performs Miracles
2012-04-29 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Mark 8-9 #1
Mark 8:1-13
God doesn't work to rule, but nevertheless Mark 8:1-13 passage gives us an instructive insight into God's ways. In particular it helps to answer the questions 'Why does God perform miracles?' (Verses 1-3), 'When does God perform miracles?' (Verses 4-5), 'How does God perform miracles?' (Verses 6-10) and 'How does the world react to miracles?' (Verses 11-13). As believers, we should love the ways of God, because to know his ways is to know him and to find favour with him (Exodus 33:13)
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Thinking Beyond the Programme - Temporary
2012-04-29 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Thinking Beyond the Programme #1
Ecclesiastes 3:11, Luke 12:13-34
Start of a new series looking at some key things which can get missed or forgotten in the midst of a busy church programme. This first week, how easy it is to forget our mortality and how if we thought about the temporary nature of our lives on earth more it might change a range of things for the better.
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Romans 15
2012-04-22 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Romans 15
A free subject, picking out 4 themes found in Romans 15. 1. The Complicated mix of aspects involved in Guidance. 2. Encouragement and Endurance. 3. Generosity to the poor. 4 Struggling with and for others in prayer. We see how these applied to Paul, how they apply to the CAP anniversary and then how they apply to ourselves.
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God: Almighty or all-matey?
2012-04-22 (PM)
Chris McLeish
Free subject - Not in a Series
Psalm 8:1-9
A look at the nature of God and how we view Him. His awesome size and power and yet his desire to know us intimately and our response to this.
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Soup Supper Talk
2012-04-18 (PM)
Rev David Powe
Free subject - Not in a Series
2 Kings 22
A talk given by Rev David Powe about his prison ministry in Bristol
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Jesus - Exalted
2012-04-15 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Four Easter Verbs #4
Acts 10:39-43
Jesus wasn't simply raised to life - he was exalted to the place of supreme honour and glory where he has been invested with the power to save and the power to judge.
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Easter Sunday - Jesus Resurrected
2012-04-08 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Four Easter Verbs #3
Galatians 4:4-7, John 20:1-9
Easter Sunday morning message. Looking at how the Easter story fits with two other stories. Firstly the story of history before and after Easter. Secondly our own personal story.
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The Million Dollar Question
2012-04-08 (PM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Free subject - Not in a Series
John 20 1-8
Did Jesus really rise from the dead? is one of the crucial questions we need to answer when looking at the Easter story. It's the million dollar question. This message looks at one of the resurrection accounts and shows the resurrection story to be not only true, but free for all.
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Jesus Crucified
2012-04-01 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Four Easter Verbs #2
1 Corinthians 2:2, 1:23, 1:13, 2:8
Second in our Easter Series looking at Jesus. This time focusing on the cross and looking at 4 verses from the first 2 chapters of 1 Corinthians which each teach us something about the crucifixion. Together they point to the central message of the cross, the misunderstood aspect of the cross, the uniqueness of the cross and the victory of the cross.
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The time has come
2012-04-01 (PM)
Chris Hawker
Free subject - Not in a Series
John 17:1-26
Some of the key themes from Jesus' prayer in John 17 and what they mean for us.
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Jesus - A Man Accredited
2012-03-25 (AM)
Alistair McKitterick
Series: Four Easter Verbs #1
Acts 2:22
What was it about Jesus' ministry before his cross and resurrection that showed not only that he was a prophet, but that he was so much more than simply a good man? We consider what the Gospel writers want us to know about Jesus from his baptism, his healing of the paralyzed man, his stilling of the storm, the great commission, and the way that he is identified with Yhwh of the Old Testament.
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Contentment and Generosity
2012-03-25 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Philippians #10
Philippians 4:10-23
After a couple of - Finally - statements, Paul - finally - brings his letter to a close, but not before leaving us with two of the most loved verses in the New Testament and, according to one writer, - the most abused text in the Bible.
We're going to take a look at what Paul has to say in his final - finally, focusing particularly on the Holy Spirit-inspired truths about - contentment - and - generosity.
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Carrying Loads
2012-03-18 (AM)
Paul Mortimore
Free subject - Not in a Series
1 Peter 2:24, Galatians 6:2-5
The Bible uses the imagery of carrying loads to convey various truths:
Sometimes we need to carry each other's loads
Sometimes we need to carry loads together
Sometimes each must carry their own load
Always God carries us in love and Jesus carried our sin on the Cross.
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Philippians 4:2-9
2012-03-18 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Philippians #9
Philippians 4:2-9
Very near the end of this letter Paul throws in a number of quick fire lessons he is keen to convey to the church in Phillipi before signing off. Lessons about unity, rejoicing, prayer, behaviour towards others, thinking about the right things and following Paul's example.
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As if...
2012-03-11 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Ephesians 6:7, Colossians 3:23
A free-subject week, looking at a key value for CBC, our whole-life discipleship. Considering some of the issues around being a disciple of Jesus beyond church activities. Working, wherever we find ourselves, as if, working for the Lord and not men. This might mean paid work but it might be something else, the context for both verses used makes this clear.
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Philippians 3:12-4:1
2012-03-11 (PM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Series: Philippians #8
Philippians 3:12-4:1
We continue in our series in Philippians looking at Paul's metaphor of running the race. We have a race to run and a goal to aim for. The ultimate prize is knowing Jesus both now and into eternity.
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The Gift of Life Eternal
2012-03-10 (PM)
Colin Clark
Free subject - Not in a Series
A Christian response to diagnosis, treatment and recovery of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Colin relates some of his experiences and what he learned from God during this time. For the full story see: http://colinclark522405.blog.com/
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I have come that they may have life
2012-03-04 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Free subject - Not in a Series
John 10:1-11
Jesus came, of that there is no doubt. But why did he come? Was it to teach? To communicate on our level? To show us an example of love? Elsewhere John says that he came to destroy the devil's works (1 John 3:8). Genesis 3 describes what those works were in terms of our fractured relationships with God, others, ourselves, and our planet: in a word, death. Jesus came to bring us life, and points to himself as the gate by which we may experience it.
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Passion for Life - Prayer Event Message
2012-03-04 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
John 10:1-21
A shorter message given as part of our prayer evening for passion for life. Particularly looking at the commitment to us which Jesus shows and therefore the good reason we have to trust him, his role as trusted shepherd and his call and ours to go to other sheep. Some pictures are used and referred to - one showing a typical Eastern Shepherd and another showing the lack of British green pastures in Israel.
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God Guides the walking
2012-02-26 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Entering Uncharted Waters #6
Acts
The end of our series on Uncharted Waters. God guiding whilst his people are moving by the Spirit. We can learn from God closing some doors and opening some others. A shorter message to make space for others contributing comments on their thoughts and prayers regarding the whole series
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Philippians 3:1-11
2012-02-26 (PM)
Alistair McKitterick
Series: Philippians #7
Philippians 3:1-11
We consider what is a very personal passage from Paul. He warns his friends in the Philippian church against a group that would deflect them from the true gospel. Instead, we are to focus on what it means to be saved, and declare clearly that Jesus is Lord.
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Prayer for Life
2012-02-19 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, 2 Timothy 1:3-4, Philippians 4:6
Some personal guidelines to personal prayer in our everyday ordinary lives using the following headings: And Lord, Sparkle, Strength and Bright Hope, Over to You, With Worship, Signpost, Fast, Beyond Words, Invisible Struggle, Here is what I want.
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Two of the Best
2012-02-19 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Philippians #6
Philippians 2:19-30
Paul tells us about two of his best men - Timothy and Epaphroditus - and shows how these two men model greatness for us and are examples of men to imitate.
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Entering Uncharted Waters
2012-02-12 (AM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Series: Entering Uncharted Waters #5
Acts 8:26-40
Our series about entering uncharted waters continues with Philip obeying God and setting out on a journey without knowing where God was going to lead him. Sometimes God asks us to set out in faith without knowing the exact destination. It is a mark of our faith if we are willing to go with God into the unknown.
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Philippians 2:12-18
2012-02-12 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Philippians #5
Philippians 2:12-18
Continuing our Philippians series a passage which has some key challenges. Firstly we need to understand what it is not saying, because it could appear to be saying that we need to do work to help towards being saved. Then we can look at what it is telling us to work at, particularly in our relationships. Finally it is telling us that living our lives for God - spending ourselves totally for His cause is so worth it.
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The DNA of the Kingdom
2012-02-05 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Entering Uncharted Waters #4
Luke 13:18-21
A service with our two youth groups in and involved, they chose some adjectives to describe these passages and these then formed the framework for the sermon. They were, expanding, invisible, amazing and incredible, helpful, unstoppable and irreversible.
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Listening, Leadership & the Life scarcely imagined
2012-02-05 (PM)
Guest Speaker
Free subject - Not in a Series
John 10:1-21
On the surface, this talk of doors, gatekeepers, sheep and shepherds may not particularly, resonate with us in the Western world. However, when we look more closely, we can see that Jesus is offering guidance in an age of uncertainty, he's confronting the spineless leaders who have abused their authority and he's spelling-out the blueprint for God's rescue mission, not only for Israel but for every nation on the planet! But what is our role in God's great plan? And what does abundant life look like for those who follow him?
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The Running Father
2012-01-29 (AM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Free subject - Not in a Series
Luke 15:11-24
The story of the prodigal son could also be named 'the Running Father'. What does it mean to have a God who runs to us? This message looks at the transforming love of God our Father and how that can change our lives.
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Philippians 2:1-11
2012-01-29 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Philippians #4
Philippians 2:1-11
Is it possible that in these verses is a vital key to living life fully and well? And is it also possible that this teaching is more than words but rooted in the key example. How key is this teaching on living humbly? These issues are discussed alongside some other positive teaching for life mentioned in the book - Dear Sebastian.
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School of Faith
2012-01-22 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Entering Uncharted Waters #3
Mark 4:35-41
Third in our Uncharted Waters series. Looking at Jesus leading the disciples to new territory and teaching them on the way. We learn that, if we are followers of Jesus certain things are part of the deal. A God of Miracles, Reaching Out, Mistakes and Fear, Jesus with us and Growing and Learning are all part of the deal as we step into uncharted waters.
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A Gospel Lens
2012-01-22 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Philippians #3
Philippians 1:12-30
Paul surveys his life - what has happened to him in the past, what might happen to him in the future, and the present challenge of living a worthy life - and he sees it all through the lens of the gospel - living for Jesus.
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Going to a plentiful harvest
2012-01-15 (AM)
Ian Crossley
Series: Entering Uncharted Waters #2
Luke 10:1-12
When Jesus instructs his followers to go, it creates a tension that we hold in balance: Our vulnerability (as sheep among wolves) vs our invincibility as part of God's team; our weakness in ourselves vs our strength in God. It's the risk of going into uncharted waters in obedience to God.
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I love you guys!
2012-01-15 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Philippians #2
Philippians 1:3-11
Paul is writing a letter from the comfort of his prison environment to the church based in Philippi. We see how much he loved the Christians at Philippi, why he loved them so much, and how that expressed itself in his prayers on their behalf. In particular we will see that his priority prayer for them was that their love abounded more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. We will reflect on what that means, and the challenge to each one of us to put it into practice.
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The Call to Go
2012-01-08 (AM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Series: Entering Uncharted Waters #1
Matthew 28:16-20, Genesis 12:1-5
Entering Uncharted Waters means going into unfamiliar territory and navigating something unknown. Jesus calls every one of us to GO - He commissions us and calls us out. As a church we feel God is calling us OUT to share God's love more effectively with our community. This message explores some of the challenges we may face, illustrating that from Abraham's life.
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Philippians 1:1-2
2012-01-08 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Philippians #1
Philippians 1:1-2, Acts 16:6-40
Start of our series on Philippians, looking at how the church started and then learning some key lessons on Guidance and going out where God has called us, joy beyond happiness, receiving and responding with a generous heart, servant leaders, saints, grace and peace.
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Not your normal Christmas
2011-12-18 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Christmas 2011 Messages #3
Luke 2:11
The man whose birth we celebrate at Christmas wasn't - isn't - normal. He was nothing like the other king of the Jews, Herod the Great, who was alive at his birth. This Christmas need not be just another Christmas if we respond to Christ's message.
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Candlelight Message
2011-12-18 (PM)
Series: Christmas 2011 Messages #4
Luke 1:10-11
Christmas is a time when we communicate with friends and family - those that we see regularly and those that we don't. Jesus being born as a man is God's way of communicating with a world he loves. He has something to say to every individual.
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Great Expectations
2011-12-11 (AM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Series: Christmas 2011 Messages #1
Isaiah 9:2-7
This passage is a prophecy given by Isaiah about the expectation of Jesus' birth. It was a long time coming! This message looks at how Jesus can come to us in our times of waiting. He gives hope as we wait on him.
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Why do we need God to come to us?
2011-12-11 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Christmas 2011 Messages #2
Luke 1:32-33
A message looking at and preparing for some of the messages we might have with friends at this time of the year. Firstly we look at how we would answer someone asking why we need God to come to us, secondly we look at 3 questions raised by some artwork about Christmas. Finally we look at the need for our lives to communicate the message of Christmas - that we are now the stars by which people find the baby Jesus.
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Nehemiah 12:27-47
2011-12-04 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Nehemiah #9
Nehemiah 12:27-47
The end of our series on Nehemiah, in time to concentrate on our Christmas messages. The people come together to thank God for the completion of the walls. There is thanksgiving but more than worship, but more than that whole families are involved but more than that a message for others around to hear as well.
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The Giving God
2011-12-04 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Series: We need a God who can... #9
Romans 8:32
Our God is a giving God - he can't help it! It's in his nature. And his giving is generous, timely and sacrificial.
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Nehemiah 9
2011-11-27 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Nehemiah #8
Nehemiah 9:1-38
In this service 3 people were baptised and so we look at the relevance of this Old Testament passage to the testimonies we had heard earlier. In Nehemiah 9 the people make broad summary statements about God and about his people and about the consequences of their actions. In some ways this chapter helps us to give an overview for the whole Old Testament and therefore the need for Jesus and so sets the scene for the baptisms we celebrated.
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We need a God who can do more than we ask or imagine
2011-11-27 (PM)
Chris Hawker
Series: We need a God who can... #8
Ephesians 3:14-21
We look at three instances of God doing more than the people involved had asked or imagined. We consider what this all means for us and how we might respond
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Nehemiah 8
2011-11-20 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Nehemiah #7
Nehemiah 8:1-18
Looking at chapter 8 of Nehemiah, we consider whether this passage is a revival moment, the people call for the book to be read to them. They hear, understand and react emotionally and act positively to what they have heard. It is a head and heart and feet thing which we should seek in our lives too.
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The Great Invitation
2011-11-20 (PM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Free subject - Not in a Series
Luke 14:15-24
Our God is an inviting God. He invites us to share in a celebration, a great banquet. But many people don't realise just what a wonderful invitation they have been offered. Why is that? In fact, do we truly realise how generous God is? God invites us to share in his celebratory party and then calls us out, to invite others.
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The Persecuted Church
2011-11-13 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Free subject - Not in a Series
Hebrews 13:1-3
Many Christians are still being persecuted for their faith today. Jesus taught his disciples to expect it, and to count persecution a blessing, and this they consistently did. But what about those of us who are not at the sharp end? What should our attitude be towards the persecuted church?
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We need a God who is committed to us
2011-11-13 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: We need a God who... #7
Genesis 15:1-18, Hosea 6:6
A Youth lead service - with the congregation texting in contributions whilst the sermon was taking place. We need a God who is committed to us, we believe it for many reasons and it gives peace deep into our souls. God loves to see commitment in us and offers us a new start when we fail.
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The Disciple's Dress Code
2011-11-12 (PM)
Gavin Murray
Free subject - Not in a Series
Colossians 3:9-17
Ellen Wild's Induction Service The church is about making disciples that make disciples (i.e. pass it on). As we engage in new ways of doing this we need to put on humility. And over everything put on love - these are the oil and fuel of discipleship and mission.
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Dealing with the Defiant: Responding wisely to those who oppose us
2011-11-06 (AM)
Jim Memory
Series: Nehemiah #6
Nehemiah 6
How should we respond to those who defy us? In Nehemiah chapter 6 we read how Israel's governor faced private opposition which sought to distract him, public opposition which sought to intimidate him, and opposition from within which sought to corrupt him. His responses to each of these can teach us a lot about how to respond wisely to the opposition we face in our daily lives.
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We need a God who builds us up and gives us an inheritance
2011-11-06 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: We need to know a God who... #6
Acts 20:32
Continuing our series looking at characteristics of God, this time focusing on one verse and its context. A useful prayer when leaving people, when we can't personally fix things for people or when we just want to bless others.
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The Body in Action
2011-10-30 (AM)
Matt Winfield
Free subject - Not in a Series
1 Corinthians 12:14-27
CYE Sailing Centre are taking the service. We are looking at the body and how we play our part. Do we find ourselves being head strong / proud? Or paralyzing ourselves with doubt / despair? Ultimately there is no place for either at the foot of the cross.
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Cardiology for Christians
2011-10-30 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Free subject - Not in a Series
Ezekiel 36:25-27
The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart. We need a God who can diagnose our heart's condition, replace our hardened heart with a heart of flesh, and bind-up our broken hearts.
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People of the Book
2011-10-23 (AM)
Ian Crossley
Series: Nehemiah #5
Nehemiah 8:1-12
The Bible fits into history, is about real people living real lives. In Nehemiah 8 the people ask for the Law to be read. And respond positively to it.
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We need to know a God who... is giving and gracious
2011-10-23 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: We need to know a God who... #5
Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16
Today we look at the idea that we need a God who is Giving and Gracious. Both ideas (Giving and Gracious) overlap because to be gracious is to be giving and the most important way God is giving is to be gracious. We look at what Grace means and how it has potential to be misunderstood and even abused but also how it has power like nothing else to transform people for good.
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Nehemiah 5 - CAP Sunday
2011-10-16 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Nehemiah #4
Nehemiah 5:1-18
Our CAP Sunday service which started with showing most of a video which can be viewed here:
http://capuk.org/capsun2011/15minutes.php
Nehemiah saw people in a debt and poverty crises, the story in Nehemiah 5 has a familiar ring to it to the story of so many people in debt today.
He was angry, he thought hard about what to do, he worked for change and made sure God was kept central throughout.
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Halfway There
2011-10-09 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Nehemiah #3
Nehemiah 3-4:9
Once he had got commitment from the community to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, the rebuilding began in earnest. The community showed great unity in working hard together to see the wall to half its height. But their success inspired opposition. Whenever we are involved in a work of God, we can be sure that we will be opposed. Will we give up? Get distracted? Postpone the work? Or press on to see it completed?
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Dalesdown 2011 3) So how do we grapple with the issues?
2011-10-09 (AM)
Mark Stratton
Series: Dalesdown Youth Weekend 2011 #3
Proverbs 27:17
Talk 3 from the youth weekend at Dalesdown.
So how do we grapple with the issues?
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Dalesdown 2011 4) The Next Step
2011-10-09 (AM)
Mark Richards and Mark Stratton
Series: Dalesdown Youth Weekend 2011 #4
James 3:2-12, Ephesians 3:16-21
Talk 4 from the youth weekend at Dalesdown.
The next step...
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Dalesdown 2011 5) Communion - What is it all about?
2011-10-09 (AM)
Mark Richards
Series: Dalesdown Youth Weekend 2011 #5
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Talk 5 from the youth weekend at Dalesdown.
Communion - What is it all about?
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We need to know a God who is a refuge and can keep us from stumbling
2011-10-09 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: We need to know a God who... #4
Psalm 62:5-8, Numbers 35:11-12, Psalm 17:6-9
In this message we consider two great images for God which both describe God's protection. God as refuge describes God with us in when we find ourselves in a situation needing to be protected and really need a place of safety and God who keeps us from falling described Him protecting us as we go - out and about - in our daily lives. We also look at how we really apply them and make it true that God is our refuge and that he keeps us from falling today.
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Dalesdown 2011 2) Genuine Christian or Phoney Christian?
2011-10-08 (AM)
Mark Richards
Series: Dalesdown Youth Weekend 2011 #2
Matthew 7:15-23, Galatians 5:19-25
Talk 2 from the youth weekend at Dalesdown.
Genuine Christian or Phoney Christian?
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Dalesdown 2011 1) What does being a Christian really mean?
2011-10-07 (PM)
Mark Stratton
Series: Dalesdown Youth Weekend 2011 #1
Genesis 32:22-32
Talk 1 from the youth weekend at Dalesdown.
What does being a Christian really mean?
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The Challenge of Harvest
2011-10-02 (AM)
Liz New
Free subject - Not in a Series
Psalm 126:5-6
A talk thinking about the relevance of harvest in a time when most of us don't - plough the fields and scatter... It considers God's call on our lives to be thankful people, people producing fruit, generous people (not just with our money) and people who reach out and share Jesus with others.
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We need a God who knows it all
2011-10-02 (PM)
Dan Slatter
Series: We need to know a God who... #3
Psalm 139:2-6
Does God really know all things? The Bible points to the fact that God is indeed all knowing. So what does this mean for us in our everyday lives as followers of Christ. Where does our free will fit into the plans for our lives of the all knowing God?
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The Big Welcome
2011-09-25 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Matthew 11:28-29
Our Big Welcome, or Back to Church Sunday service. When Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to him and he will give them rest, he has a particular meaning for burdened and rest. Effectively he is describing a whole different way to live for everyone whether they are feeling particularly weary or not.
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Model Church
2011-09-25 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Free subject - Not in a Series
Philippians 1:3-5
The church in Philippi was, in Paul's eyes, the model church. He was full of gratitude to God whenever he thought of the Philippian Christians (1:3-4). Why? Because they partnered with Paul in the gospel (1:6), preaching Christ (1:18), contending as one man for the faith of the gospel (1:27). A church like that, and individuals like Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30), should inspire us to give our very best to God.
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Nehemiah and Faith
2011-09-18 (AM)
Billy Montgomery
Series: Nehemiah #2
Nehemiah 2
How Nehemiah was able to return to the city, enlist the peoples help and begin rebuilding the walls.
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We need a God who is always the same
2011-09-18 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: We need a God who... #2
Hebrews 13:8, Malachi 3:6-7, James 1:16-18
Why is it that for everyone else to be unchanging is a bad thing but for God is a good thing? How is it that God can respond to us and our prayer and still be unchanging? Is there any truth from God in your past or experience of him in the past and - go back to - and reclaim becauase he hasn't changed - so as to gain strength for today and tomorrow?
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Nehemiah 1
2011-09-11 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Nehemiah #1
Nehemiah 1:1-11
The start of our Autumn series looking at Nehemiah including an introduction to the book and a specific look at the the tears and heartbreak and powerfully specific prayer which Nehemiah brings.
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We need a God who can rejoice and cry
2011-09-11 (PM)
Ian Crossley
Series: We need a God who... #1
Psalm 104:31-34
God is Holy, loving, righteous, just, faithful, truth, all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present. But if God, who is all of these, at times rejoices or weeps, it shows us that it is spiritual for us to show emotions too. (After all, we are created in God's image.) But it also helps us to adjust our values, so that we can see if the stuff that gets us emotional is as important as the stuff that - chokes God up.
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Following Jesus
2011-09-04 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Work in Progress #5
Luke 9:57-62
In this short section in Luke three candidates present themselves for selection as possible disciples - two put themselves forwards, and a third is approached by Jesus. Each one is presented with a challenge to their commitment. Do they understand what following Jesus involves? Do they grasp how important following Jesus is? Are they willing to resolve the question of ultimate authority? These same questions face us today.
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Unsettled, not OK with OK
2011-09-04 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Acts 4:12, Matt 6:10, Luke 12:48, Ephesians 5:15-18
I believe as a church we have lots of healthy signs and you could easily say we are doing OK but I believe we should not be OK with OK. We should want and seek so much more than we have and so should be unsettled, hence the title this week. To be unsettled isn't the same thing as lacking peace. To be settled is to want to see more spiritual victories in all sorts of different ways. We look in this message at 4 relevant passages.
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Saul! Saul! A call to change direction
2011-08-28 (PM)
Andrew Poulsom
Series: Double Call #6
Acts 5:17-18, Acts 7:57-8:1, Acts 9:1-20
How can a God-fearing, clean-living, religious person end up as God's enemy? Is it enough just to believe in God? The first recorded words of Saul (later known as Paul) are 'Who are you, Lord?' It's a great question and one you and I need to ask ourselves. The answer proves to be THE ANSWER, as we meet the only one who can turn around our lives by forgiving our past, redeeming our present and securing our future. So we find that, at it's heart, Christianity is not a set of rules, nor merely a belief in God, but actually a relationship with the one He sent, His only son Jesus. This is Good News.
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Work in Progress - Luke 9:51-56
2011-08-21 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Work in Progress #4
Luke 9:51-56
Continuing our Work in Progress theme. You can have great faith and even be very zealous for God and not represent Jesus well. Jesus shows a lesson of being tolerant when his invitation isn't received well that we all need to learn from.
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Simon! Simon! The call to strengthen others
2011-08-21 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Double Call #5
Luke 22:31-34
In big ways and little ways, all of us fall. But do we all get up again? Is there hope after failure? In Jesus' words to Peter just prior to Peter's denial we have the grounds for hope of restoration and of future usefulness in God's service.
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On Target
2011-08-14 (AM)
Paul Mortimore
Series: Work in Progress #3
Luke 9:46-50
Luke describes the huge gulf between the aim and goal of Jesus and those of the disciples who were largely concerned with power, status and position. Jesus illustrates through a child that true greatness involves humility and service. The disciples also had to learn that the there were others serving Jesus beyond their small group.
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Martha! Martha! The call to prioritise
2011-08-14 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Double Call #4
Luke 10:41
Jesus using Martha's name twice in a row signifies an important conversation. There are lessons to learn from Mary about making time to hear from Jesus.
This sermon included a discussion time where the congregation considered what Mary might really have been thinking. We also considered the possibility that Jesus may have needed a place to sit and be quiet and someone to sit and simply listen.
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Faith is need for Healing
2011-08-07 (AM)
Peter Stockwell
Series: Work in Progress #2
Luke 9:37-45
The disciples had to learn the need for faith in Christ for both the healer and person seeking healing. They also needed to discern and understand the part that prayer takes in every aspect of the Christian faith, that healing comes from God not from any ability of theirs. We need to learn similar lessons.
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Samuel! Samuel! The call to bring God's message
2011-08-07 (PM)
Chris McLeish
Series: Double Call #3
1 Samuel 3:10
Just like Samuel and Jonah, we are all called to bring God's message to people. However the message of Judgement brought has been replaced with Jesus' message of forgiveness.
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Is it because there is no God in Israel?
2011-07-31 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Free subject - Not in a Series
2 Kings 1:6
Ahaziah turned for help to the false god of Philistia in his time of need. We often betray our own lack of belief in the one true God by turning to the wrong places for help.
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Moses! Moses! The Call to Leadership
2011-07-31 (PM)
Bruno Kondabeka
Series: Double Call #2
Exodus 3:4
Leadership is the art of making a path and pointing the way for others to walk on and fulfil their potential. We are all called to lead, so what are the characteristics required for a great and godly leader?
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Luke 9:28-36
2011-07-24 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Work in Progress #1
Luke 9:28-36
Start of a mini summer series looking at Luke 9:28-62. This talk covers an introduction to the whole series looking at the ways the disciples made mistakes and still learned and moved on. This specific talk looks at the Transfiguration and lessons which relate to not always knowing what is really going on and not being made to stay with mountain top experiences.
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Abraham! Abraham! The call to be a blessing
2011-07-24 (PM)
Cathy Madavan
Series: Double Call #1
Genesis 22:11
Abraham was blessed to be a blessing, and so are we. But what does it mean to be blessed or to bless?
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The place for boundaries
2011-07-17 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #9
Proverbs 7:1-27, Mark 1:35-39
The last in our series comparing ordering our spiritual lives with ordering a garden. Boundaries can set no-go areas, they can set protected areas and can be used to set recovery areas. Finally border disputes are considered - that is, how do we know where to set these boundaries.
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Become Like Jesus - Get Angry!
2011-07-17 (PM)
Paul Mortimore
Free subject - Not in a Series
Mark 3:1-6
Many people are angry currently in our society - angry about the intrusion of the press, about government cuts, about bankers' bonuses, etc. Mark makes the clear statement in his Gospel that Jesus could be angry. Yet the Bible tells us (James 1:20; Matthew 5:22) that man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God requires. So what should we make of this apparent contradiction? The answer may be that anger itself isn't necessarily wrong. The problem is that too often we display a good emotion but in the wrong place and in the wrong way. Jesus' anger was always disciplined and controlled, ours is often uncontrolled. Jesus' anger was always unselfish, ours is usually self-centred. Jesus' anger always led to effective action, we just get hot and bothered!
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The Gospel - power for a transformed life
2011-07-10 (AM)
Philip Coleman
Free subject - Not in a Series
1 Corinthians 15:1-58
A reminder of the Gospel, received and passed on by Paul and on through each generation, that Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead, and seen by many witnesses. The Gospel is the only basis of salvation with consequences for us in transformation of our lives, and our bodies, leading to the end that God is all in all.
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Confident Disciples Growing Together Part 4
2011-07-10 (AM)
Neil Hudson
Series: Church Weekend Away 2011 #4
From the church weekend away July 2011, Neil Hudson, Director of the Imagine Project LICC, Part 4 of 4. The talks included some discussion elements which may be hard to hear.
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Confident Disciples Growing Together Part 2
2011-07-09 (AM)
Neil Hudson
Series: Church Weekend Away 2011 #2
From the church weekend away July 2011, Neil Hudson, Director of the Imagine Project LICC, Part 2 of 4. The talks included some discussion elements which may be hard to hear.
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Confident Disciples Growing Together Part 3
2011-07-09 (PM)
Neil Hudson
Series: Church Weekend Away 2011 #3
From the church weekend away July 2011, Neil Hudson, Director of the Imagine Project LICC, Part 3 of 4. The talks included some discussion elements which may be hard to hear.
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Confident Disciples Growing Together Part 1
2011-07-08 (PM)
Neil Hudson
Series: Church Weekend Away 2011 #1
From the church weekend away July 2011, Neil Hudson, Director of the Imagine Project LICC, Part 1 of 4. The talks included some discussion elements which may be hard to hear.
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Competition for the Gardener's attention
2011-07-03 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #8
Philippians 3:7-14
What things compete for our time and attention and take away the time we need for spiritual growth and investigation? This message includes clips of several answers from one of the youth groups.
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Jesus in Decapolis
2011-07-03 (PM)
Ian Crossley
Series: Marks's Gospel #8
Mark 7:31-37
Jesus meets a deaf and mute man, but rather than healing him using the techniques his friends requested, used methods uniquely suited to the man's disbilities.
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Dealing with Rocks and Stones
2011-06-26 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #7
2 Corinthians 3:16-18, Acts 3:19-20
Comparing the process of dealing with sin in our lives with the process of dealing with stones and rocks in the garden. The key tool for removing these spiritual stones is repentance. Finally mention is made of those who, having claimed forgiveness still feel unworthy and guilty.
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Jesus in Tyre
2011-06-26 (PM)
Peter Stockwell
Series: Mark's Gospel #7
Mark 7:24-30
There are times when we need to rest and to allow other people to rest.
We need to find the fullest possible expressions for our daily worship.
Is the answering of our prayers based on our expectations? The difference between what God 'can' do and what God 'will' do.
Our attitude to people should always be in accord with Christ's will.
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Tools for the Gardener
2011-06-19 (AM)
Alistair McKitterick
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #6
Galatians 5:16
What tools do we need as we tend our inner garden? That is, how can we develop in our spiritual formation? This sermon considers the soul and draws from our rich Christian heritage in suggesting ways to draw from the Spirit's power to overcome the flesh.
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Mark 7:1-23
2011-06-19 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Mark's Gospel #6
Mark 7:1-23
Jesus sees through the hand-washing issue presented by the Pharisees and goes to the heart of the matter. Sometimes our cherished patterns don't matter, in fact sometimes our cherished patterns may get in the way of the things that matter and worse still, unless we get our priorities right some things that should matter are worthless.
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The Conditions for Growth
2011-06-12 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #5
Luke 8:4-15
We can't create spiritual growth but we can work on making the right conditions for growth just as a gardener can. What are the spiritual equivalents of, good soil, solar energy, water and nutrition, pruning, combating attacks, companion planting and seasons?
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Living Loved
2011-06-12 (PM)
Andy Hickford
Free subject - Not in a Series
Matthew 3:13-17
How can we be sure God loves us?
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Compassion and Creation
2011-06-05 (PM)
Ian Crossley
Series: Mark's Gospel #5
Mark 6:30-44
When Jesus took his disciples across the lake for a break, they were met by a shepherdless crowd. Jesus demonstrated his compassion by teaching them, and demonstrated his Divine credentials by feeding them.
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Each Day
2011-05-29 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Luke 9:23, Hebrews 3:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:12
When you read the New Testament - There are 3 daily instructions for Christians - that is to say 3 things to do each day if we are a follower of Jesus.
1 Deny self, take up your cross and follow,
2 Encourage one another,
3 Win the respect of outsiders.
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John the Baptist Beheaded
2011-05-29 (PM)
Peter Stockwell
Series: Mark's Gospel #4
Mark 6:14-29
This story is well known, either just as the beheading of John the Baptist or as Salome and the dance of the seven veils. It is portrayed in many works of art, oratorios and operas, and in today's world would be a dead cert for a super injunction.
John spoke out against what he believed to be wrong and for that he was put into prison. Herod respected John even though he neither liked or understood his message. Herod made a foolish, rash promise (and don't we all) but at the end of the day John, who expressed doubts, was described by Jesus as a man with greatest faith than anyone.
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The Place of Others' Blessing
2011-05-22 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin and Jude Edwards
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #4
Luke 11:1-13, Galatians 5:22-23
A shared message between Ken Benjamin and Jude Edwards. How our inner world/garden is to bring benefit to others. Our inner world is describable, shareable and noticeable.
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Word Association
2011-05-22 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Psalm 144
Looking at how people have an association with the Bible whether they know it or not! This association includes, words, phrases, ideas, values and morals and even what the significance of being a human being is.
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Ordering the Inner Garden - the place of encounter
2011-05-15 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #3
1 Kings 19:9-18
Looking at the ways we encounter God in this series following the theme of the garden. This message involved our two youth groups, Dwell and Elev8 sharing a drama and prayers and ideas in the message. Encountering God is often subtle, comes in unexpected ways, can come when we are not sorted or right, comes when we move in the right direction and comes for a purpose. Today also we encounter God when the Holy Spirit comes in significant ways.
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The Apprentices: Jesus sends out the 12 apostles
2011-05-15 (PM)
Phil Coleman
Series: Mark's Gospel #3
Mark 6:6-13
Jesus was on a mission. Great crowds had been following him. He had chosen a special group of 12 to be - apostles - people who were accredited to be sent on a particular assignment. We look at why Jesus sent them on this assignment, at this particular time. We think about some of the instructions he gave them. Finally, we compare this mission with ours and see what we can learn from it.
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The Unattended Garden
2011-05-08 (AM)
Ian White
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #2
Romans 6:1-14
What happens when my inner life gets disordered? It takes time for that disorder to come to the surface. In this message Ian White looks at how sin affects us on the private side of our lives and how to bring order out of chaos in our inner lives.
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Jesus Comes Home
2011-05-08 (PM)
Ian White
Series: Mark's Gospel #2
Mark 6:1-6
Jesus Christ is like Marmite - you either love him or you hate him. In Mark chapter 5 Jesus gave a sign to tell us who he is - and that sign was the greatest miracle anyone could ever perform, raising someone from the dead. Is it any wonder the people admired and loved him? In this passage he returns home and we might expect him to come back to a heroes welcome. Instead the people who listened to him speak, ended up hating him. Our task in this message is to work out why.
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God wants gardeners!
2011-05-01 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #1
1 Corinthians 3:5-8
Start of our morning series looking at our inner Spiritual lives and how God wants Gardeners! Only God can make growth open but we can create the right circumstances we can prepare the ground.
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Regime Change - The Kingdom of God
2011-05-01 (PM)
Paul Mortimore
Series: Mark's Gospel #1
Mark 1:1-4, 9-20
Regime Change is central to current news coverage. The regime change brought about by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is a key to understanding Mark's Gospel. The likely recipients of the Gospel in Rome in the mid-sixties are reminded of several consequences if followers of Jesus name him as Lord rather than Caesar. For example, the call to total commitment; the need for on-going learning; the church as a welcoming community; the prospect of unrelenting opposition; and the summons to global mission.
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Easter Sunday Morning
2011-04-24 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
John 20:1-18
Our Easter Sunday morning message. The one who gave life the first time must be the one to give life again - we can't DIY the thing that matters most. This sermon also contained information about the Alpha course and linked the Easter theme to the 2nd Anniversary of our Christians Against Poverty Centre.
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We've seen it, now we're telling you
2011-04-24 (PM)
Mark Stratton
Free subject - Not in a Series
1 John 1:1-4
As is often the case with New Testament letters, Johns is written, in part at least, to push against false teaching and to clarify the important stuff. John starts his letter in the same way as his gospel, with 'The Beginning'. He makes it clear that this eternal Jesus (the word of life), was with his Father at the beginning of time and that this same word, the now resurrected Jesus, John himself has heard, and seen, and even touched.
The theologian and commentary writer William Barclay poetically says 'In Jesus Christ eternity entered time'. John is an eye witness to this very fact and his intention as he writes, is for all his readers to be certain of the truth. We will explore what John is saying with the first few verses of this letter and we will then look at how John's attitude and resolve toward sharing the information might challenge and influence us today in the way we tell others about the risen Christ.
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2012-05-13 (AM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Free subject - Not in a Series
Romans 8:14-17
A primary ministry of the Holy Spirit is to bring about spiritual adoption. We become children of God. What difference should understanding this important Biblical theme make to our lives? We need more than knowledge here, but a heart encounter with our heavenly Father.
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Christian Aid Service
2012-05-13 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Genesis 1:26-31, Matthew 25:34-40
The service to mark the start of Christian Aid week. With particular reference to their work in Gbap (prounced Bap) in Sierra Leone.
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Mark 8:14-21
2012-05-06 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Mark 8-9 #2
Mark 8:14-21
The disciples misunderstand Jesus in this passage. As a result we get 3 messages instead of 1. There is a set of encouraging messages for when we misunderstand things about Jesus and make mistakes. There is an initial message about warnings and then there is a new message about storing up memories of times when God delivered answers to prayer for us and met our needs.
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Beyond physical things - the unseen things
2012-05-06 (PM)
Ian Crossley
Series: Thinking Beyond the Programme #2
Ephesians 6:10-12
This week we are looking a bit more into the unseen by going beyond the physical and are raising our awareness that there are bigger things going on behind the programme. Just because we can't see them doesn't mean we can't see them.
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The God Who Performs Miracles
2012-04-29 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Mark 8-9 #1
Mark 8:1-13
God doesn't work to rule, but nevertheless Mark 8:1-13 passage gives us an instructive insight into God's ways. In particular it helps to answer the questions 'Why does God perform miracles?' (Verses 1-3), 'When does God perform miracles?' (Verses 4-5), 'How does God perform miracles?' (Verses 6-10) and 'How does the world react to miracles?' (Verses 11-13). As believers, we should love the ways of God, because to know his ways is to know him and to find favour with him (Exodus 33:13)
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Thinking Beyond the Programme - Temporary
2012-04-29 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Thinking Beyond the Programme #1
Ecclesiastes 3:11, Luke 12:13-34
Start of a new series looking at some key things which can get missed or forgotten in the midst of a busy church programme. This first week, how easy it is to forget our mortality and how if we thought about the temporary nature of our lives on earth more it might change a range of things for the better.
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Romans 15
2012-04-22 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Romans 15
A free subject, picking out 4 themes found in Romans 15. 1. The Complicated mix of aspects involved in Guidance. 2. Encouragement and Endurance. 3. Generosity to the poor. 4 Struggling with and for others in prayer. We see how these applied to Paul, how they apply to the CAP anniversary and then how they apply to ourselves.
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God: Almighty or all-matey?
2012-04-22 (PM)
Chris McLeish
Free subject - Not in a Series
Psalm 8:1-9
A look at the nature of God and how we view Him. His awesome size and power and yet his desire to know us intimately and our response to this.
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Soup Supper Talk
2012-04-18 (PM)
Rev David Powe
Free subject - Not in a Series
2 Kings 22
A talk given by Rev David Powe about his prison ministry in Bristol
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Jesus - Exalted
2012-04-15 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Four Easter Verbs #4
Acts 10:39-43
Jesus wasn't simply raised to life - he was exalted to the place of supreme honour and glory where he has been invested with the power to save and the power to judge.
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Easter Sunday - Jesus Resurrected
2012-04-08 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Four Easter Verbs #3
Galatians 4:4-7, John 20:1-9
Easter Sunday morning message. Looking at how the Easter story fits with two other stories. Firstly the story of history before and after Easter. Secondly our own personal story.
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The Million Dollar Question
2012-04-08 (PM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Free subject - Not in a Series
John 20 1-8
Did Jesus really rise from the dead? is one of the crucial questions we need to answer when looking at the Easter story. It's the million dollar question. This message looks at one of the resurrection accounts and shows the resurrection story to be not only true, but free for all.
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Jesus Crucified
2012-04-01 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Four Easter Verbs #2
1 Corinthians 2:2, 1:23, 1:13, 2:8
Second in our Easter Series looking at Jesus. This time focusing on the cross and looking at 4 verses from the first 2 chapters of 1 Corinthians which each teach us something about the crucifixion. Together they point to the central message of the cross, the misunderstood aspect of the cross, the uniqueness of the cross and the victory of the cross.
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The time has come
2012-04-01 (PM)
Chris Hawker
Free subject - Not in a Series
John 17:1-26
Some of the key themes from Jesus' prayer in John 17 and what they mean for us.
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Jesus - A Man Accredited
2012-03-25 (AM)
Alistair McKitterick
Series: Four Easter Verbs #1
Acts 2:22
What was it about Jesus' ministry before his cross and resurrection that showed not only that he was a prophet, but that he was so much more than simply a good man? We consider what the Gospel writers want us to know about Jesus from his baptism, his healing of the paralyzed man, his stilling of the storm, the great commission, and the way that he is identified with Yhwh of the Old Testament.
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Contentment and Generosity
2012-03-25 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Philippians #10
Philippians 4:10-23
After a couple of - Finally - statements, Paul - finally - brings his letter to a close, but not before leaving us with two of the most loved verses in the New Testament and, according to one writer, - the most abused text in the Bible.
We're going to take a look at what Paul has to say in his final - finally, focusing particularly on the Holy Spirit-inspired truths about - contentment - and - generosity.
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Carrying Loads
2012-03-18 (AM)
Paul Mortimore
Free subject - Not in a Series
1 Peter 2:24, Galatians 6:2-5
The Bible uses the imagery of carrying loads to convey various truths:
Sometimes we need to carry each other's loads
Sometimes we need to carry loads together
Sometimes each must carry their own load
Always God carries us in love and Jesus carried our sin on the Cross.
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Philippians 4:2-9
2012-03-18 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Philippians #9
Philippians 4:2-9
Very near the end of this letter Paul throws in a number of quick fire lessons he is keen to convey to the church in Phillipi before signing off. Lessons about unity, rejoicing, prayer, behaviour towards others, thinking about the right things and following Paul's example.
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As if...
2012-03-11 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Ephesians 6:7, Colossians 3:23
A free-subject week, looking at a key value for CBC, our whole-life discipleship. Considering some of the issues around being a disciple of Jesus beyond church activities. Working, wherever we find ourselves, as if, working for the Lord and not men. This might mean paid work but it might be something else, the context for both verses used makes this clear.
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Philippians 3:12-4:1
2012-03-11 (PM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Series: Philippians #8
Philippians 3:12-4:1
We continue in our series in Philippians looking at Paul's metaphor of running the race. We have a race to run and a goal to aim for. The ultimate prize is knowing Jesus both now and into eternity.
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The Gift of Life Eternal
2012-03-10 (PM)
Colin Clark
Free subject - Not in a Series
A Christian response to diagnosis, treatment and recovery of non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Colin relates some of his experiences and what he learned from God during this time. For the full story see: http://colinclark522405.blog.com/
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I have come that they may have life
2012-03-04 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Free subject - Not in a Series
John 10:1-11
Jesus came, of that there is no doubt. But why did he come? Was it to teach? To communicate on our level? To show us an example of love? Elsewhere John says that he came to destroy the devil's works (1 John 3:8). Genesis 3 describes what those works were in terms of our fractured relationships with God, others, ourselves, and our planet: in a word, death. Jesus came to bring us life, and points to himself as the gate by which we may experience it.
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Passion for Life - Prayer Event Message
2012-03-04 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
John 10:1-21
A shorter message given as part of our prayer evening for passion for life. Particularly looking at the commitment to us which Jesus shows and therefore the good reason we have to trust him, his role as trusted shepherd and his call and ours to go to other sheep. Some pictures are used and referred to - one showing a typical Eastern Shepherd and another showing the lack of British green pastures in Israel.
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God Guides the walking
2012-02-26 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Entering Uncharted Waters #6
Acts
The end of our series on Uncharted Waters. God guiding whilst his people are moving by the Spirit. We can learn from God closing some doors and opening some others. A shorter message to make space for others contributing comments on their thoughts and prayers regarding the whole series
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Philippians 3:1-11
2012-02-26 (PM)
Alistair McKitterick
Series: Philippians #7
Philippians 3:1-11
We consider what is a very personal passage from Paul. He warns his friends in the Philippian church against a group that would deflect them from the true gospel. Instead, we are to focus on what it means to be saved, and declare clearly that Jesus is Lord.
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Prayer for Life
2012-02-19 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12, 2 Timothy 1:3-4, Philippians 4:6
Some personal guidelines to personal prayer in our everyday ordinary lives using the following headings: And Lord, Sparkle, Strength and Bright Hope, Over to You, With Worship, Signpost, Fast, Beyond Words, Invisible Struggle, Here is what I want.
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Two of the Best
2012-02-19 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Philippians #6
Philippians 2:19-30
Paul tells us about two of his best men - Timothy and Epaphroditus - and shows how these two men model greatness for us and are examples of men to imitate.
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Entering Uncharted Waters
2012-02-12 (AM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Series: Entering Uncharted Waters #5
Acts 8:26-40
Our series about entering uncharted waters continues with Philip obeying God and setting out on a journey without knowing where God was going to lead him. Sometimes God asks us to set out in faith without knowing the exact destination. It is a mark of our faith if we are willing to go with God into the unknown.
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Philippians 2:12-18
2012-02-12 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Philippians #5
Philippians 2:12-18
Continuing our Philippians series a passage which has some key challenges. Firstly we need to understand what it is not saying, because it could appear to be saying that we need to do work to help towards being saved. Then we can look at what it is telling us to work at, particularly in our relationships. Finally it is telling us that living our lives for God - spending ourselves totally for His cause is so worth it.
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The DNA of the Kingdom
2012-02-05 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Entering Uncharted Waters #4
Luke 13:18-21
A service with our two youth groups in and involved, they chose some adjectives to describe these passages and these then formed the framework for the sermon. They were, expanding, invisible, amazing and incredible, helpful, unstoppable and irreversible.
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Listening, Leadership & the Life scarcely imagined
2012-02-05 (PM)
Guest Speaker
Free subject - Not in a Series
John 10:1-21
On the surface, this talk of doors, gatekeepers, sheep and shepherds may not particularly, resonate with us in the Western world. However, when we look more closely, we can see that Jesus is offering guidance in an age of uncertainty, he's confronting the spineless leaders who have abused their authority and he's spelling-out the blueprint for God's rescue mission, not only for Israel but for every nation on the planet! But what is our role in God's great plan? And what does abundant life look like for those who follow him?
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The Running Father
2012-01-29 (AM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Free subject - Not in a Series
Luke 15:11-24
The story of the prodigal son could also be named 'the Running Father'. What does it mean to have a God who runs to us? This message looks at the transforming love of God our Father and how that can change our lives.
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Philippians 2:1-11
2012-01-29 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Philippians #4
Philippians 2:1-11
Is it possible that in these verses is a vital key to living life fully and well? And is it also possible that this teaching is more than words but rooted in the key example. How key is this teaching on living humbly? These issues are discussed alongside some other positive teaching for life mentioned in the book - Dear Sebastian.
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School of Faith
2012-01-22 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Entering Uncharted Waters #3
Mark 4:35-41
Third in our Uncharted Waters series. Looking at Jesus leading the disciples to new territory and teaching them on the way. We learn that, if we are followers of Jesus certain things are part of the deal. A God of Miracles, Reaching Out, Mistakes and Fear, Jesus with us and Growing and Learning are all part of the deal as we step into uncharted waters.
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A Gospel Lens
2012-01-22 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Philippians #3
Philippians 1:12-30
Paul surveys his life - what has happened to him in the past, what might happen to him in the future, and the present challenge of living a worthy life - and he sees it all through the lens of the gospel - living for Jesus.
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Going to a plentiful harvest
2012-01-15 (AM)
Ian Crossley
Series: Entering Uncharted Waters #2
Luke 10:1-12
When Jesus instructs his followers to go, it creates a tension that we hold in balance: Our vulnerability (as sheep among wolves) vs our invincibility as part of God's team; our weakness in ourselves vs our strength in God. It's the risk of going into uncharted waters in obedience to God.
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I love you guys!
2012-01-15 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Philippians #2
Philippians 1:3-11
Paul is writing a letter from the comfort of his prison environment to the church based in Philippi. We see how much he loved the Christians at Philippi, why he loved them so much, and how that expressed itself in his prayers on their behalf. In particular we will see that his priority prayer for them was that their love abounded more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. We will reflect on what that means, and the challenge to each one of us to put it into practice.
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The Call to Go
2012-01-08 (AM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Series: Entering Uncharted Waters #1
Matthew 28:16-20, Genesis 12:1-5
Entering Uncharted Waters means going into unfamiliar territory and navigating something unknown. Jesus calls every one of us to GO - He commissions us and calls us out. As a church we feel God is calling us OUT to share God's love more effectively with our community. This message explores some of the challenges we may face, illustrating that from Abraham's life.
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Philippians 1:1-2
2012-01-08 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Philippians #1
Philippians 1:1-2, Acts 16:6-40
Start of our series on Philippians, looking at how the church started and then learning some key lessons on Guidance and going out where God has called us, joy beyond happiness, receiving and responding with a generous heart, servant leaders, saints, grace and peace.
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Not your normal Christmas
2011-12-18 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Christmas 2011 Messages #3
Luke 2:11
The man whose birth we celebrate at Christmas wasn't - isn't - normal. He was nothing like the other king of the Jews, Herod the Great, who was alive at his birth. This Christmas need not be just another Christmas if we respond to Christ's message.
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Candlelight Message
2011-12-18 (PM)
Series: Christmas 2011 Messages #4
Luke 1:10-11
Christmas is a time when we communicate with friends and family - those that we see regularly and those that we don't. Jesus being born as a man is God's way of communicating with a world he loves. He has something to say to every individual.
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Great Expectations
2011-12-11 (AM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Series: Christmas 2011 Messages #1
Isaiah 9:2-7
This passage is a prophecy given by Isaiah about the expectation of Jesus' birth. It was a long time coming! This message looks at how Jesus can come to us in our times of waiting. He gives hope as we wait on him.
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Why do we need God to come to us?
2011-12-11 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Christmas 2011 Messages #2
Luke 1:32-33
A message looking at and preparing for some of the messages we might have with friends at this time of the year. Firstly we look at how we would answer someone asking why we need God to come to us, secondly we look at 3 questions raised by some artwork about Christmas. Finally we look at the need for our lives to communicate the message of Christmas - that we are now the stars by which people find the baby Jesus.
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Nehemiah 12:27-47
2011-12-04 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Nehemiah #9
Nehemiah 12:27-47
The end of our series on Nehemiah, in time to concentrate on our Christmas messages. The people come together to thank God for the completion of the walls. There is thanksgiving but more than worship, but more than that whole families are involved but more than that a message for others around to hear as well.
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The Giving God
2011-12-04 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Series: We need a God who can... #9
Romans 8:32
Our God is a giving God - he can't help it! It's in his nature. And his giving is generous, timely and sacrificial.
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Nehemiah 9
2011-11-27 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Nehemiah #8
Nehemiah 9:1-38
In this service 3 people were baptised and so we look at the relevance of this Old Testament passage to the testimonies we had heard earlier. In Nehemiah 9 the people make broad summary statements about God and about his people and about the consequences of their actions. In some ways this chapter helps us to give an overview for the whole Old Testament and therefore the need for Jesus and so sets the scene for the baptisms we celebrated.
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We need a God who can do more than we ask or imagine
2011-11-27 (PM)
Chris Hawker
Series: We need a God who can... #8
Ephesians 3:14-21
We look at three instances of God doing more than the people involved had asked or imagined. We consider what this all means for us and how we might respond
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Nehemiah 8
2011-11-20 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Nehemiah #7
Nehemiah 8:1-18
Looking at chapter 8 of Nehemiah, we consider whether this passage is a revival moment, the people call for the book to be read to them. They hear, understand and react emotionally and act positively to what they have heard. It is a head and heart and feet thing which we should seek in our lives too.
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The Great Invitation
2011-11-20 (PM)
Rev Ellen Wild
Free subject - Not in a Series
Luke 14:15-24
Our God is an inviting God. He invites us to share in a celebration, a great banquet. But many people don't realise just what a wonderful invitation they have been offered. Why is that? In fact, do we truly realise how generous God is? God invites us to share in his celebratory party and then calls us out, to invite others.
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The Persecuted Church
2011-11-13 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Free subject - Not in a Series
Hebrews 13:1-3
Many Christians are still being persecuted for their faith today. Jesus taught his disciples to expect it, and to count persecution a blessing, and this they consistently did. But what about those of us who are not at the sharp end? What should our attitude be towards the persecuted church?
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We need a God who is committed to us
2011-11-13 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: We need a God who... #7
Genesis 15:1-18, Hosea 6:6
A Youth lead service - with the congregation texting in contributions whilst the sermon was taking place. We need a God who is committed to us, we believe it for many reasons and it gives peace deep into our souls. God loves to see commitment in us and offers us a new start when we fail.
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The Disciple's Dress Code
2011-11-12 (PM)
Gavin Murray
Free subject - Not in a Series
Colossians 3:9-17
Ellen Wild's Induction Service The church is about making disciples that make disciples (i.e. pass it on). As we engage in new ways of doing this we need to put on humility. And over everything put on love - these are the oil and fuel of discipleship and mission.
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Dealing with the Defiant: Responding wisely to those who oppose us
2011-11-06 (AM)
Jim Memory
Series: Nehemiah #6
Nehemiah 6
How should we respond to those who defy us? In Nehemiah chapter 6 we read how Israel's governor faced private opposition which sought to distract him, public opposition which sought to intimidate him, and opposition from within which sought to corrupt him. His responses to each of these can teach us a lot about how to respond wisely to the opposition we face in our daily lives.
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We need a God who builds us up and gives us an inheritance
2011-11-06 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: We need to know a God who... #6
Acts 20:32
Continuing our series looking at characteristics of God, this time focusing on one verse and its context. A useful prayer when leaving people, when we can't personally fix things for people or when we just want to bless others.
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The Body in Action
2011-10-30 (AM)
Matt Winfield
Free subject - Not in a Series
1 Corinthians 12:14-27
CYE Sailing Centre are taking the service. We are looking at the body and how we play our part. Do we find ourselves being head strong / proud? Or paralyzing ourselves with doubt / despair? Ultimately there is no place for either at the foot of the cross.
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Cardiology for Christians
2011-10-30 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Free subject - Not in a Series
Ezekiel 36:25-27
The heart of the human problem is the problem of the human heart. We need a God who can diagnose our heart's condition, replace our hardened heart with a heart of flesh, and bind-up our broken hearts.
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People of the Book
2011-10-23 (AM)
Ian Crossley
Series: Nehemiah #5
Nehemiah 8:1-12
The Bible fits into history, is about real people living real lives. In Nehemiah 8 the people ask for the Law to be read. And respond positively to it.
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We need to know a God who... is giving and gracious
2011-10-23 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: We need to know a God who... #5
Ephesians 2:8-9, John 3:16
Today we look at the idea that we need a God who is Giving and Gracious. Both ideas (Giving and Gracious) overlap because to be gracious is to be giving and the most important way God is giving is to be gracious. We look at what Grace means and how it has potential to be misunderstood and even abused but also how it has power like nothing else to transform people for good.
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Nehemiah 5 - CAP Sunday
2011-10-16 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Nehemiah #4
Nehemiah 5:1-18
Our CAP Sunday service which started with showing most of a video which can be viewed here:
http://capuk.org/capsun2011/15minutes.php
Nehemiah saw people in a debt and poverty crises, the story in Nehemiah 5 has a familiar ring to it to the story of so many people in debt today.
He was angry, he thought hard about what to do, he worked for change and made sure God was kept central throughout.
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Halfway There
2011-10-09 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Nehemiah #3
Nehemiah 3-4:9
Once he had got commitment from the community to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, the rebuilding began in earnest. The community showed great unity in working hard together to see the wall to half its height. But their success inspired opposition. Whenever we are involved in a work of God, we can be sure that we will be opposed. Will we give up? Get distracted? Postpone the work? Or press on to see it completed?
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Dalesdown 2011 3) So how do we grapple with the issues?
2011-10-09 (AM)
Mark Stratton
Series: Dalesdown Youth Weekend 2011 #3
Proverbs 27:17
Talk 3 from the youth weekend at Dalesdown.
So how do we grapple with the issues?
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Dalesdown 2011 4) The Next Step
2011-10-09 (AM)
Mark Richards and Mark Stratton
Series: Dalesdown Youth Weekend 2011 #4
James 3:2-12, Ephesians 3:16-21
Talk 4 from the youth weekend at Dalesdown.
The next step...
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Dalesdown 2011 5) Communion - What is it all about?
2011-10-09 (AM)
Mark Richards
Series: Dalesdown Youth Weekend 2011 #5
1 Corinthians 11:23-26
Talk 5 from the youth weekend at Dalesdown.
Communion - What is it all about?
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We need to know a God who is a refuge and can keep us from stumbling
2011-10-09 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: We need to know a God who... #4
Psalm 62:5-8, Numbers 35:11-12, Psalm 17:6-9
In this message we consider two great images for God which both describe God's protection. God as refuge describes God with us in when we find ourselves in a situation needing to be protected and really need a place of safety and God who keeps us from falling described Him protecting us as we go - out and about - in our daily lives. We also look at how we really apply them and make it true that God is our refuge and that he keeps us from falling today.
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Dalesdown 2011 2) Genuine Christian or Phoney Christian?
2011-10-08 (AM)
Mark Richards
Series: Dalesdown Youth Weekend 2011 #2
Matthew 7:15-23, Galatians 5:19-25
Talk 2 from the youth weekend at Dalesdown.
Genuine Christian or Phoney Christian?
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Dalesdown 2011 1) What does being a Christian really mean?
2011-10-07 (PM)
Mark Stratton
Series: Dalesdown Youth Weekend 2011 #1
Genesis 32:22-32
Talk 1 from the youth weekend at Dalesdown.
What does being a Christian really mean?
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The Challenge of Harvest
2011-10-02 (AM)
Liz New
Free subject - Not in a Series
Psalm 126:5-6
A talk thinking about the relevance of harvest in a time when most of us don't - plough the fields and scatter... It considers God's call on our lives to be thankful people, people producing fruit, generous people (not just with our money) and people who reach out and share Jesus with others.
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We need a God who knows it all
2011-10-02 (PM)
Dan Slatter
Series: We need to know a God who... #3
Psalm 139:2-6
Does God really know all things? The Bible points to the fact that God is indeed all knowing. So what does this mean for us in our everyday lives as followers of Christ. Where does our free will fit into the plans for our lives of the all knowing God?
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The Big Welcome
2011-09-25 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Matthew 11:28-29
Our Big Welcome, or Back to Church Sunday service. When Jesus invites all who are weary and burdened to come to him and he will give them rest, he has a particular meaning for burdened and rest. Effectively he is describing a whole different way to live for everyone whether they are feeling particularly weary or not.
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Model Church
2011-09-25 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Free subject - Not in a Series
Philippians 1:3-5
The church in Philippi was, in Paul's eyes, the model church. He was full of gratitude to God whenever he thought of the Philippian Christians (1:3-4). Why? Because they partnered with Paul in the gospel (1:6), preaching Christ (1:18), contending as one man for the faith of the gospel (1:27). A church like that, and individuals like Timothy and Epaphroditus (2:19-30), should inspire us to give our very best to God.
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Nehemiah and Faith
2011-09-18 (AM)
Billy Montgomery
Series: Nehemiah #2
Nehemiah 2
How Nehemiah was able to return to the city, enlist the peoples help and begin rebuilding the walls.
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We need a God who is always the same
2011-09-18 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: We need a God who... #2
Hebrews 13:8, Malachi 3:6-7, James 1:16-18
Why is it that for everyone else to be unchanging is a bad thing but for God is a good thing? How is it that God can respond to us and our prayer and still be unchanging? Is there any truth from God in your past or experience of him in the past and - go back to - and reclaim becauase he hasn't changed - so as to gain strength for today and tomorrow?
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Nehemiah 1
2011-09-11 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Nehemiah #1
Nehemiah 1:1-11
The start of our Autumn series looking at Nehemiah including an introduction to the book and a specific look at the the tears and heartbreak and powerfully specific prayer which Nehemiah brings.
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We need a God who can rejoice and cry
2011-09-11 (PM)
Ian Crossley
Series: We need a God who... #1
Psalm 104:31-34
God is Holy, loving, righteous, just, faithful, truth, all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-present. But if God, who is all of these, at times rejoices or weeps, it shows us that it is spiritual for us to show emotions too. (After all, we are created in God's image.) But it also helps us to adjust our values, so that we can see if the stuff that gets us emotional is as important as the stuff that - chokes God up.
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Following Jesus
2011-09-04 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Work in Progress #5
Luke 9:57-62
In this short section in Luke three candidates present themselves for selection as possible disciples - two put themselves forwards, and a third is approached by Jesus. Each one is presented with a challenge to their commitment. Do they understand what following Jesus involves? Do they grasp how important following Jesus is? Are they willing to resolve the question of ultimate authority? These same questions face us today.
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Unsettled, not OK with OK
2011-09-04 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Acts 4:12, Matt 6:10, Luke 12:48, Ephesians 5:15-18
I believe as a church we have lots of healthy signs and you could easily say we are doing OK but I believe we should not be OK with OK. We should want and seek so much more than we have and so should be unsettled, hence the title this week. To be unsettled isn't the same thing as lacking peace. To be settled is to want to see more spiritual victories in all sorts of different ways. We look in this message at 4 relevant passages.
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Saul! Saul! A call to change direction
2011-08-28 (PM)
Andrew Poulsom
Series: Double Call #6
Acts 5:17-18, Acts 7:57-8:1, Acts 9:1-20
How can a God-fearing, clean-living, religious person end up as God's enemy? Is it enough just to believe in God? The first recorded words of Saul (later known as Paul) are 'Who are you, Lord?' It's a great question and one you and I need to ask ourselves. The answer proves to be THE ANSWER, as we meet the only one who can turn around our lives by forgiving our past, redeeming our present and securing our future. So we find that, at it's heart, Christianity is not a set of rules, nor merely a belief in God, but actually a relationship with the one He sent, His only son Jesus. This is Good News.
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Work in Progress - Luke 9:51-56
2011-08-21 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Work in Progress #4
Luke 9:51-56
Continuing our Work in Progress theme. You can have great faith and even be very zealous for God and not represent Jesus well. Jesus shows a lesson of being tolerant when his invitation isn't received well that we all need to learn from.
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Simon! Simon! The call to strengthen others
2011-08-21 (PM)
Roger Hubert
Series: Double Call #5
Luke 22:31-34
In big ways and little ways, all of us fall. But do we all get up again? Is there hope after failure? In Jesus' words to Peter just prior to Peter's denial we have the grounds for hope of restoration and of future usefulness in God's service.
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On Target
2011-08-14 (AM)
Paul Mortimore
Series: Work in Progress #3
Luke 9:46-50
Luke describes the huge gulf between the aim and goal of Jesus and those of the disciples who were largely concerned with power, status and position. Jesus illustrates through a child that true greatness involves humility and service. The disciples also had to learn that the there were others serving Jesus beyond their small group.
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Martha! Martha! The call to prioritise
2011-08-14 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Double Call #4
Luke 10:41
Jesus using Martha's name twice in a row signifies an important conversation. There are lessons to learn from Mary about making time to hear from Jesus.
This sermon included a discussion time where the congregation considered what Mary might really have been thinking. We also considered the possibility that Jesus may have needed a place to sit and be quiet and someone to sit and simply listen.
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Faith is need for Healing
2011-08-07 (AM)
Peter Stockwell
Series: Work in Progress #2
Luke 9:37-45
The disciples had to learn the need for faith in Christ for both the healer and person seeking healing. They also needed to discern and understand the part that prayer takes in every aspect of the Christian faith, that healing comes from God not from any ability of theirs. We need to learn similar lessons.
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Samuel! Samuel! The call to bring God's message
2011-08-07 (PM)
Chris McLeish
Series: Double Call #3
1 Samuel 3:10
Just like Samuel and Jonah, we are all called to bring God's message to people. However the message of Judgement brought has been replaced with Jesus' message of forgiveness.
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Is it because there is no God in Israel?
2011-07-31 (AM)
Roger Hubert
Free subject - Not in a Series
2 Kings 1:6
Ahaziah turned for help to the false god of Philistia in his time of need. We often betray our own lack of belief in the one true God by turning to the wrong places for help.
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Moses! Moses! The Call to Leadership
2011-07-31 (PM)
Bruno Kondabeka
Series: Double Call #2
Exodus 3:4
Leadership is the art of making a path and pointing the way for others to walk on and fulfil their potential. We are all called to lead, so what are the characteristics required for a great and godly leader?
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Luke 9:28-36
2011-07-24 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Work in Progress #1
Luke 9:28-36
Start of a mini summer series looking at Luke 9:28-62. This talk covers an introduction to the whole series looking at the ways the disciples made mistakes and still learned and moved on. This specific talk looks at the Transfiguration and lessons which relate to not always knowing what is really going on and not being made to stay with mountain top experiences.
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Abraham! Abraham! The call to be a blessing
2011-07-24 (PM)
Cathy Madavan
Series: Double Call #1
Genesis 22:11
Abraham was blessed to be a blessing, and so are we. But what does it mean to be blessed or to bless?
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The place for boundaries
2011-07-17 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #9
Proverbs 7:1-27, Mark 1:35-39
The last in our series comparing ordering our spiritual lives with ordering a garden. Boundaries can set no-go areas, they can set protected areas and can be used to set recovery areas. Finally border disputes are considered - that is, how do we know where to set these boundaries.
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Become Like Jesus - Get Angry!
2011-07-17 (PM)
Paul Mortimore
Free subject - Not in a Series
Mark 3:1-6
Many people are angry currently in our society - angry about the intrusion of the press, about government cuts, about bankers' bonuses, etc. Mark makes the clear statement in his Gospel that Jesus could be angry. Yet the Bible tells us (James 1:20; Matthew 5:22) that man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God requires. So what should we make of this apparent contradiction? The answer may be that anger itself isn't necessarily wrong. The problem is that too often we display a good emotion but in the wrong place and in the wrong way. Jesus' anger was always disciplined and controlled, ours is often uncontrolled. Jesus' anger was always unselfish, ours is usually self-centred. Jesus' anger always led to effective action, we just get hot and bothered!
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The Gospel - power for a transformed life
2011-07-10 (AM)
Philip Coleman
Free subject - Not in a Series
1 Corinthians 15:1-58
A reminder of the Gospel, received and passed on by Paul and on through each generation, that Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead, and seen by many witnesses. The Gospel is the only basis of salvation with consequences for us in transformation of our lives, and our bodies, leading to the end that God is all in all.
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Confident Disciples Growing Together Part 4
2011-07-10 (AM)
Neil Hudson
Series: Church Weekend Away 2011 #4
From the church weekend away July 2011, Neil Hudson, Director of the Imagine Project LICC, Part 4 of 4. The talks included some discussion elements which may be hard to hear.
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Confident Disciples Growing Together Part 2
2011-07-09 (AM)
Neil Hudson
Series: Church Weekend Away 2011 #2
From the church weekend away July 2011, Neil Hudson, Director of the Imagine Project LICC, Part 2 of 4. The talks included some discussion elements which may be hard to hear.
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Confident Disciples Growing Together Part 3
2011-07-09 (PM)
Neil Hudson
Series: Church Weekend Away 2011 #3
From the church weekend away July 2011, Neil Hudson, Director of the Imagine Project LICC, Part 3 of 4. The talks included some discussion elements which may be hard to hear.
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Confident Disciples Growing Together Part 1
2011-07-08 (PM)
Neil Hudson
Series: Church Weekend Away 2011 #1
From the church weekend away July 2011, Neil Hudson, Director of the Imagine Project LICC, Part 1 of 4. The talks included some discussion elements which may be hard to hear.
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Competition for the Gardener's attention
2011-07-03 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #8
Philippians 3:7-14
What things compete for our time and attention and take away the time we need for spiritual growth and investigation? This message includes clips of several answers from one of the youth groups.
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Jesus in Decapolis
2011-07-03 (PM)
Ian Crossley
Series: Marks's Gospel #8
Mark 7:31-37
Jesus meets a deaf and mute man, but rather than healing him using the techniques his friends requested, used methods uniquely suited to the man's disbilities.
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Dealing with Rocks and Stones
2011-06-26 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #7
2 Corinthians 3:16-18, Acts 3:19-20
Comparing the process of dealing with sin in our lives with the process of dealing with stones and rocks in the garden. The key tool for removing these spiritual stones is repentance. Finally mention is made of those who, having claimed forgiveness still feel unworthy and guilty.
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Jesus in Tyre
2011-06-26 (PM)
Peter Stockwell
Series: Mark's Gospel #7
Mark 7:24-30
There are times when we need to rest and to allow other people to rest.
We need to find the fullest possible expressions for our daily worship.
Is the answering of our prayers based on our expectations? The difference between what God 'can' do and what God 'will' do.
Our attitude to people should always be in accord with Christ's will.
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Tools for the Gardener
2011-06-19 (AM)
Alistair McKitterick
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #6
Galatians 5:16
What tools do we need as we tend our inner garden? That is, how can we develop in our spiritual formation? This sermon considers the soul and draws from our rich Christian heritage in suggesting ways to draw from the Spirit's power to overcome the flesh.
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Mark 7:1-23
2011-06-19 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Mark's Gospel #6
Mark 7:1-23
Jesus sees through the hand-washing issue presented by the Pharisees and goes to the heart of the matter. Sometimes our cherished patterns don't matter, in fact sometimes our cherished patterns may get in the way of the things that matter and worse still, unless we get our priorities right some things that should matter are worthless.
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The Conditions for Growth
2011-06-12 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #5
Luke 8:4-15
We can't create spiritual growth but we can work on making the right conditions for growth just as a gardener can. What are the spiritual equivalents of, good soil, solar energy, water and nutrition, pruning, combating attacks, companion planting and seasons?
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Living Loved
2011-06-12 (PM)
Andy Hickford
Free subject - Not in a Series
Matthew 3:13-17
How can we be sure God loves us?
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Compassion and Creation
2011-06-05 (PM)
Ian Crossley
Series: Mark's Gospel #5
Mark 6:30-44
When Jesus took his disciples across the lake for a break, they were met by a shepherdless crowd. Jesus demonstrated his compassion by teaching them, and demonstrated his Divine credentials by feeding them.
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Each Day
2011-05-29 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Luke 9:23, Hebrews 3:13, 1 Thessalonians 4:12
When you read the New Testament - There are 3 daily instructions for Christians - that is to say 3 things to do each day if we are a follower of Jesus.
1 Deny self, take up your cross and follow,
2 Encourage one another,
3 Win the respect of outsiders.
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John the Baptist Beheaded
2011-05-29 (PM)
Peter Stockwell
Series: Mark's Gospel #4
Mark 6:14-29
This story is well known, either just as the beheading of John the Baptist or as Salome and the dance of the seven veils. It is portrayed in many works of art, oratorios and operas, and in today's world would be a dead cert for a super injunction.
John spoke out against what he believed to be wrong and for that he was put into prison. Herod respected John even though he neither liked or understood his message. Herod made a foolish, rash promise (and don't we all) but at the end of the day John, who expressed doubts, was described by Jesus as a man with greatest faith than anyone.
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The Place of Others' Blessing
2011-05-22 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin and Jude Edwards
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #4
Luke 11:1-13, Galatians 5:22-23
A shared message between Ken Benjamin and Jude Edwards. How our inner world/garden is to bring benefit to others. Our inner world is describable, shareable and noticeable.
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Word Association
2011-05-22 (PM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
Psalm 144
Looking at how people have an association with the Bible whether they know it or not! This association includes, words, phrases, ideas, values and morals and even what the significance of being a human being is.
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Ordering the Inner Garden - the place of encounter
2011-05-15 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #3
1 Kings 19:9-18
Looking at the ways we encounter God in this series following the theme of the garden. This message involved our two youth groups, Dwell and Elev8 sharing a drama and prayers and ideas in the message. Encountering God is often subtle, comes in unexpected ways, can come when we are not sorted or right, comes when we move in the right direction and comes for a purpose. Today also we encounter God when the Holy Spirit comes in significant ways.
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The Apprentices: Jesus sends out the 12 apostles
2011-05-15 (PM)
Phil Coleman
Series: Mark's Gospel #3
Mark 6:6-13
Jesus was on a mission. Great crowds had been following him. He had chosen a special group of 12 to be - apostles - people who were accredited to be sent on a particular assignment. We look at why Jesus sent them on this assignment, at this particular time. We think about some of the instructions he gave them. Finally, we compare this mission with ours and see what we can learn from it.
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The Unattended Garden
2011-05-08 (AM)
Ian White
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #2
Romans 6:1-14
What happens when my inner life gets disordered? It takes time for that disorder to come to the surface. In this message Ian White looks at how sin affects us on the private side of our lives and how to bring order out of chaos in our inner lives.
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Jesus Comes Home
2011-05-08 (PM)
Ian White
Series: Mark's Gospel #2
Mark 6:1-6
Jesus Christ is like Marmite - you either love him or you hate him. In Mark chapter 5 Jesus gave a sign to tell us who he is - and that sign was the greatest miracle anyone could ever perform, raising someone from the dead. Is it any wonder the people admired and loved him? In this passage he returns home and we might expect him to come back to a heroes welcome. Instead the people who listened to him speak, ended up hating him. Our task in this message is to work out why.
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God wants gardeners!
2011-05-01 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Series: Ordering the Inner Garden #1
1 Corinthians 3:5-8
Start of our morning series looking at our inner Spiritual lives and how God wants Gardeners! Only God can make growth open but we can create the right circumstances we can prepare the ground.
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Regime Change - The Kingdom of God
2011-05-01 (PM)
Paul Mortimore
Series: Mark's Gospel #1
Mark 1:1-4, 9-20
Regime Change is central to current news coverage. The regime change brought about by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus is a key to understanding Mark's Gospel. The likely recipients of the Gospel in Rome in the mid-sixties are reminded of several consequences if followers of Jesus name him as Lord rather than Caesar. For example, the call to total commitment; the need for on-going learning; the church as a welcoming community; the prospect of unrelenting opposition; and the summons to global mission.
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Easter Sunday Morning
2011-04-24 (AM)
Rev Ken Benjamin
Free subject - Not in a Series
John 20:1-18
Our Easter Sunday morning message. The one who gave life the first time must be the one to give life again - we can't DIY the thing that matters most. This sermon also contained information about the Alpha course and linked the Easter theme to the 2nd Anniversary of our Christians Against Poverty Centre.
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We've seen it, now we're telling you
2011-04-24 (PM)
Mark Stratton
Free subject - Not in a Series
1 John 1:1-4
As is often the case with New Testament letters, Johns is written, in part at least, to push against false teaching and to clarify the important stuff. John starts his letter in the same way as his gospel, with 'The Beginning'. He makes it clear that this eternal Jesus (the word of life), was with his Father at the beginning of time and that this same word, the now resurrected Jesus, John himself has heard, and seen, and even touched.
The theologian and commentary writer William Barclay poetically says 'In Jesus Christ eternity entered time'. John is an eye witness to this very fact and his intention as he writes, is for all his readers to be certain of the truth. We will explore what John is saying with the first few verses of this letter and we will then look at how John's attitude and resolve toward sharing the information might challenge and influence us today in the way we tell others about the risen Christ.
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