Post Category: sermon summary notes

Why do betrayers betray? Why do deserters desert? When you see the toxic fallout of unfaithfulness or desertion, you don't want to go there. But how can you stop yourself? What's behind betrayal? And what's the secret to loyalty - but not just loyalty from duty, but loyalty with joy? This Sunday we're going to look at a man in the Bible called Demas - and his story has m...

Regardless of what title we may carry at work, all of us, in one way or another, influence others. And some of us go further that informal influence - we lead. How can that leadership and influence be itself influenced by Christian faith? Paul was a great leader. This week we will see how he poured his wisdom into Timothy to see him develop to his full potential as a lead...

Personal failures are all too common. Failures of courage; moral failures; spiritual failures. The Bible is littered with them... and so, in all likelihood, is our personal experience. Yet the good news of Jesus doesn't leave us flat on our faces, it lifts us up. it restores and rebuilds broken lives. And the story of a young man named John Mark is a case in point. A young...

This Sunday we begin our Summer Series - 'Not a Team of Rivals' - looking at the men and women Paul gathered around him to fulfill the mission, beginning with Barnabas and the gift of Encouragement. Join us at 10.30am for our Morning Service Please note, during July and August there will be no evening service....

There is no end to the people with an opinion on how you should live your life, or what really matters in life. The question is, whose opinions should you listen to? Things don't change, at least not much. In the days of Jeremiah the prophet there were plenty of voices on the religious landscape telling people the way to personal fulfillment. And Jeremiah has some great a...

It would hardly be controversial to say that any civil society should seek to care for the poor and needy. Yet it seems so hard to achieve. Why is that? Jeremiah's interactions with a king some 2500 years ago give us a good idea why. Join us for our Morning Service, 10.30am, or our Evening Service at 6.30pm. Both will be at the Foyer Paroissial, St Sulpice....

It is not just in traditional honour and shame cultures that shame is a powerful weapon. It is in our own culture. Maybe increasingly so. But shame is not reserved for those times when you step out of line. You can know shame for what you have done or what others have done to you. If that's the case, what power is greater than shame? What can erase your shame, and free yo...

The Bible uses a number of different images as it helps us understand what God is like; images like a shepherd, a rock, a fortress. Each one helps us see something of God's character that helps us trust him. This Sunday we will consider another image - that of God as the potter - and our lives as clay in his hands. He moulds our lives, and all of history like a potter mou...

When someone describes themself as 'a person of faith' it implies that other people aren't 'people of faith.' The prophet Jeremiah says, 'that's wrong - we're all people of faith - it just depends what you're putting your faith in.' And he goes on to say that what you put your faith in has a profound influence on the kind of life you end up living. Will it be one of fruitf...

Charles Spurgeon, the great Victorian preacher, once wrote, 'Fits of depression come over the most of us. Usually cheerful as we may be, we must at intervals be cast down. The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy. There maybe here and there men of iron, to whom wear and tear work no perc...

When everything is in turmoil, how do you plant your feet? When your world seems to be unravelling, how do you navigate your way through life? This Sunday we begin our new series on the prophet Jeremiah. Over 40 years he experienced huge trauma and upheaval. Yet he managed to stay in the race through it all. How did he do it? Join us at our Morning Service, 10:30am, or o...

Money, sex and power. Find a leader who has falled and one (or more) of those is likely to be lurking large in the background. Why? What is it about them that prepares the ground for a downfall? This Sunday we'll be returning to the life of David, and seeing how sex and power seemed to offer so much, and yet how, ultimately, the brought about the downfall of, not just on...

This Sunday, please join us in our Morning Service at 10:30am as we consider who it is who was born at Christmas. In place of our normal Evening Service we will be hosting the Fenetre de l'Avent for the commune of St Sulpice. Please join us at 6:30pm for mulled wine, finger foods and some carol singing!...

In the account of Jesus' birth given in the Gospel of Luke there are two messengers. The first issues a decree from Caesar, the second an announcement from God. The first message is bad news, the second contains wonderfully good news. The first implied threat, the second brought joy. Their difference is what makes Christmas so lastingly relevent for our own lives - whateve...

This Sunday we begin our Advent celebrations as we prepare for Christmas. In place of our morning service, there will be a Toddler Service, for those with children aged 0-4yrs, beginning at 10am, at the Foyer Paroissial, St Sulpice. In place of our evening service, there will be our traditional Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, open to all, beginning at 6pm, at the F...

When someone experiences a catastrophic moral failure it rarely, if ever, comes out of the blue. There were multiple small decisions made along the way. Multiple small steps down the spiral. David expereinced just such a catastrophic failure. His descent into sin, and the way back up to hope has much to teach us. Join us at our Morning Service, 10:30am or our Evening Serv...

How do you respond when a plan is thwarted, an opportunity closed down, or a door is shut in your face? When such things happen it can reveal something of what was motivating us. We think that our best is always going to be found in our plans coming together, and us getting to do what we want to do. What if the truth is different to that? Join us this Sunday as we contin...

Power is never an end in itself. Not even for the power hungry. Even they want power because it promises them something else. So, when Jesus promises that those who follow him will be 'clothed with power', what was he meaning? What was that power he spoke of and what was it for? This Sunday we will be celebrating Pentecost - the time when we remember the coming of the Hol...

It would be hard to miss the fact that we live in the middle of a war of ideas. Not least, a war of ideas as to how you can really thrive as an individual. Strangely enough, this is nothing new. The apostle Paul found himself in the very same battle, and this Sunday we'll look at what he had to say about the shooting match. Join us for our Morning Service at 10:30am. Ple...

What does a 'full' life look like? What if your life could be filled with wisdom, fruitfulness, inner strength, perseverence, joy and thankfulness? That would be a full life. The question is, where do you find those things? And how do you see them growing and filling your life? This Sunday we will be looking at Colossians 1 and seeing how all of these qualities can be o...

What does it mean to be truly great? What does a life well-lived look like? How can we rise above our failures and the sufferings of life that drag us down? In our Morning Service we'll be looking at what Jesus has to say about greatness - that the way up is down; to be truly great you must humble yourself. In our Evening Service we'll be looking at what Peter has to say...

Who has the power to change your life for the better? Who has the power to help you face the tough times of life? Today, our culture will tell us that only you have the power, and the right, to change your life. That the strength you need for the hard times is inside you. But the Gospel says something different - it says the power we all need to change our lives doesn't co...

Our culture says that we must be true to ourselves - and let the real us 'out'. Jesus says something very different - and it has profound implications for the way we live and relate to others. He also says it's the way to real life. In our Morning Service we'll be continuing in the Gospel of Matthew: Cross and Crown. In our Evening Service we'll be continuing in 1 Peter ...

We tend not to think of Jesus as being offensive. Yet, in his own day, he clearly was. People didn't like being called hypocrites, or being told that it was their hearts that were the problem. But do we like hearing that any more today than they did then? And if Jesus says the problem of the human condition is the human heart - what's the solution? We can't give ourselves ...

Power corrupts... but why? And what power could work in our lives in a way that, rather than corrupt us, it transforms us? In our Morning Service we will continue looking at the Gospel of Matthew: 14:1-21: Two Kings and Two Feasts. In our Evening Service we will conclude our series in Judges: 19-21: Who Needs a King? ...

Jesus tells two parables about treasure hidden in a field and a pearl of great price, and then proceeds to talk of the final judgement. So what's the connection? In our Morning Service(10:30am) we will continue looking at Matthew's Gospel, chapter 13. In our Evening Service(6:30pm) we look at the Book of Judgeschapters 17-18: The King and Priest We Need. Both services w...

The problem of evil is something that can undermine the faith of many. And yet it's also a problem for those who don't believe. After all - why is evil a problem if there are no moral absolutes and no God? So, given that evil is a problem for believer and unbeliever alike, what does Jesus have to say about it? In our Morning Service(10:30am) we will continue looking at M...

If it's good to ask questions (and it is), and if it's good to seek evidence for belief (and it is), why does Jesus give the religous leaders of his day such a hard time when they asked him for proof? And what does his response have to teach us in our secular, sceptical age? In our Morning Service we will continue looking at the Gospel of Matthew, 12:38-50: Sceptics, Sign...

We have little problem with the idea of a God of Love, but a God who judges.... well, that's a different matter. In fact, some would say that love and judgment cannot go together. And yet, Jesus saw things differently. He went from pronouncing curses on cities to offering rest for the weary and heavy laden. How can you reconcile those two things? In our Morning Service we...

At a crisis point in his life, John the Baptist doubted. At a crisis point in the life of Israel, Deborah didn't. Yet in both cases, God came through. What can we learn from these two people? In our Sunday Morning service we will continue looking at the Gospel of Matthew, 11:1-19 - Dealing With Your Doubts In our Sunday Evening service we will be looking at the Book of J...

Whether you are a Christian or not, the character of Jesus of Nazareth is compelling. But he is also divisive. That is no less true today than in his own day. So if you want to imitate his compassion and truth speaking in the world, how are you supposed to handle the negative responses you will get? In our Sunday Morning Service we will be looking at Matthew's Gospel, Mat...

This Sunday we will begin two new series. In the Morning Service we will return to the Gospel of Matthew and see how Jesus' compassion for the world moves his followers out into the world: Proclamation, Pushback, Promise In the Evening Service we'll start looking at the book of Judges - and how, despite a people's repeated failures, God keeps coming back to rescue them: F...

Someone once said that the church is the only organisation that does not exist for its members. That's not quite true. As we have seen over the last few weeks, God's vision for his church - his people - is that we Gather, and that we Grow. But in some sense it is true. God's vision is also that we Go! This Sunday is our missions sunday and we will be considering what it ...

In a world where God seems absent, is God at work? And if he is, how does he work? In our Morning Service we will finish our series in Esther, looking at chapters 9-10: God's Work, Our response. In our Evening Service we will finish our series in Romans, looking at chapters 15-16. ...

When a cause grips you, how do you stop wanting to talk down those who oppose it? And how do you find a cause to live for in the first place? In our Morning Service we'll be continuing our series in Esther, chapters 7-8: God of Turnarounds. In our Evening Service we'll be continuing our series in the book of Romans, chapter 14....

How can you be bold in standing up for what's right, without doing so out of pride, or without becoming proud? This Sunday, in our Morning Service we'll be looking at Esther 5-6: Pride, Humility, and the Gospel of God. You can read sermon summary notes below. In our Evening Service we will be continuing our series in the Letter to the Romans, Chapter 13: Look Up Prid...

In the book of Esther we see a young woman who uses her position and influence for those who have no power. But to do so she had to be willing to risk losing everything. Where can you get the courage, and love for others, to do the same? In our Morning Service we will be looking at Esther 4. In our Evening Service we will be looking at Romans 12:9-21....

Please join us this Ascension Sunday! In the Morning Service we will continue our series in Esther, 2:19-3:15- and see how God is present in the ordinariness, the disappointments, and the hard places of life. In the Evening Service we will continue our series in Romans, 12:1-8, and consider True Worship....

In a culture that puts so much weight on how others view you, how can you be a person of integrity, who is not controlled by what others think of you? Where can you find a courage to confront injustice that doesn't make you proud, and an identity that makes you bold but gentle? This Sunday, in our Morning Service we will be looking at Esther 2: the King who Makes Beautifu...

In an increasingly secular and pluralistic culture, God can seem very absent. How are you supposed to live with faith and courage when that's the case? The Book of Esther, which we begin this Sunday Morning, was written to answer just that question. You can read sermon summary notes below. In the Evening Service we will continue to look at the Letter to the Romans: Faith...

When life seems chaotic, or broken, what can see you through? How do you find courage and strength when that's the case? In the Morning Service we will look at Daniel 10-12: Faithful to the End.You can find sermon summary notes below. In the Evening Service we will look at Romans 9:1-29. ------------- Faithful to the End Daniel 10-12 The last three chapters of Daniel...

When life is hard, where do you turn? This week as we continue to look at the Book of Daniel in the Morning Service we see Daniel turning to God in prayer - he knows where his help comes from. In the Evening Service we will continue looking at Paul's Letter to the Romans - and in the second half of chapter 8 he tells us where we can find hope and purpose in the hard times...

When the law is used against faith, or when society becomes intolerant to absolute truth claims, where should we put our hope for change? In political leaders, or elsewhere? In our Sunday morning service we will be looking at Daniel 6: Fear, Flattery and Faithfulness, as the law is used against Daniel. In our Evening Service we will be looking at Romans 6 - and the freed...

Taking pride - or finding significance - in your 'performance' is dangerous. For you and for others. The question is, how can you get out of a mindset that derives your sense of self-worth from what achieve? More than that, how can you get out of a mind-set that needs to see yourself as the centre of your universe? In the Morning Service we will continue looking at the Bo...

Our Western societies have shifted in what they worship. But how does that impact how power is exercised? And what can a king's dream 2500 years ago teach us about power and living under it? In our Morning Service we will continue our series in the book of Daniel, looking at The One Enduring Empire. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereor you can read them...

In a society that is averse to absolute truth claims, how can you speak truth to power? In a culture that has adopted a rationalistic and materialistic mindset, how do you find the courage to speak of a God who exists outside of a 'closed' universe? In the Morning Service we will continue our series in Daniel and look at Daniel 2: Speaking Truth to Power. You can download...

When you think it's right to oppose something you think is wrong, how can you do that in a way that wins people, rather than alienates them? Daniel is a good example of doing just that. In the Morning Service we will continue our series in Daniel, this week: Seeking the Welfare of the City. You can download notes in English here, or you can read them below. In the Eveni...

When everyone is saying the same thing, where can you find the courage to speak out and say something different? And rather than be moulded by the surrounding culture, how can you be different? In the Morning Service we will continue our series in the Book of Daniel: Steadfast Faith in a Changing World. You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or you can rea...

This week we begin two new teaching series. In the Morning Service we will begin looking at the books of Daniel and Esther - two people who learnt what it was to live with faith in a changing world. You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or you can read them below. In the Evening Service we will begin looking at the book of Romans - and how the Gospel is...

Many people see Christmas as a time to be kind and generous. But we struggle to live like this all year round: our self-centredness gets in the way. So what does the coming of Christ as Christmas have to say to our self-absoption? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: Power and Weakness Philippians 2:1-11 ...

What is it about Christmas that makes it magical? What is it about the season that makes it feel like something magical has broken into our mundane? This Sunday we will be beginning our Advent series - Power and Weakness, as we look at how something out of this world really did break into our world. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here....

Please join us this Sunday at either our Morning or Evening Service. In the Morning Service we'll be continuing our series in Matthew's Gospel,looking at Jesus: the Great Physician.You can download sermon summary notes here. In the Evening Service we'll be continuing our series, Foundations for Life, looking at Good News to Share. You can download sermon summary notes fo...

Many people had their lives turned around and transformed by Jesus. So, of all the stories the gospel writers could have picked, why did they highlight the ones they did? This Sunday morning we will look at Jesus healing three very different people: a leper, the servant of a Roman army officer, and a woman. But why does Matthew's gospel highlight them? In what way are we ...

If you look at the world, you might think there are many ways to do life - especially religion, or the life of faith. However, as Jesus wraps up the Sermon on the Mount, he says something startling: that in fact there are only two ways, and only one that you really want to be on. This Sunday Morning we'll continue our series in Matthew's Gospel, and look at The Way to Lif...

What is the link between our ambitions and our anxieties? And what has that to do with the Kingdom of God? In the Morning Service we will continue our series in the Gospel According to Matthew, and we will look at Ambition and the Abolition of Anxiety. You can download sermon summary notes in English here, or you can read them below. In the Evening Service we will conti...

Two things can have a powerful effect on your life: money and the Cross of Christ. But the effect they each have will be very different. This Sunday we will be considering both. In our Morning Service we will be continuing our series on The Gospel of Matthew and we will look at what Jesus has to say about the power of money in our lives. In the Evening Service we will be...

In the Morning Service we will be continuing our series in the Gospel of Matthew, and look at what Jesus has to say about religious hypocrisy. After all, what is it about religion that it breeds hypocrites? You can download sermon summary notes in English here. In the Evening Service we will continue inour series on Foundations for Life, and look at the work of the Holy ...

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus touches on some of the most sensitive and intimate areas of our lives: our sexual desires, relationships and truthfulness. He calls us to live differently, but why, and where could we find the power to do so even if we wanted to? In the Morning Service we will continue our look at the Gospel of Matthew. You can download sermon summary no...

What's the way to a fulfilled and happy life? Obeying God's laws or throwing them off? Jesus' answer might surprise you. But then, when we talk about God, who are we talking about? In the Morning Service we'll be looking at Matthew's Gospel, and what Jesus has to say about God's law (and, interestingly, anger). You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in F...

This Sunday is the first Sunday of our new teaching program. In the Morning Service we will continue looking at the Gospel of Matthew, and how Jesus says his followers will be salt and light.... and think what that says about the world. In the Evening Service we will begin a new series on Christian Foundations, and we will look at the Word of God. You can download sermon...

To be called a sheep is not flattering. So why does Jesus do it? And if he's the shepherd, what is it about us that means we need guidance and protection? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: The Good Shepherd John 10:1-18 Your Sheepiness When Jesus uses this image of sheep and shepherd, he's drawing on...

What would 'the good life' - an abundant life - look like to you? Jesus says it's to know you belong, and to have the deepest desires of your heart met. He also says he's the gateway to that life. How come? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: "I am the Door" John 10:1-10 We're looking at the "I am" state...

How would you complete the following sentance for yourself: 'I am....' What? How would you describe yourself? Whilst that matters, how much more does it matter how God describes himself? In his 'I am' statements in John's gospel, that is exactly what Jesus doesm and they are life changing in their implications. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand i...

What you most love - what you most want - has the power to direct your life. That matters because Jesus says 'Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness.' But what is does that mean, and what kind of life will it result it? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: The Power, the Service and the...

What does a blessed life look like? What if God were to see it differently from you? This Sunday we begin looking at Jesus' famous 'Sermon on the Mount'. He begins by saying, 'Blessed are the poor...' You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: The Upside Down Kingdom Matthew 5:1-5 Today we start looking at the...

Why would a father tell his son he loves him and then lead him into a battlefield? In Matthew's gospel we are told that is what God does with Jesus. Why would he do that? Because everyone before and after him has fallen in the battlefield of temptation, and we need a Son who doesn't. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can rea...

Have you ever found yourself repeatedly saying the same thing to someone? Why is that? The Bible repeatedly tells us there is only one God. Why does it do that? What are the implications of that if it true - for your life and for the world? This Sunday is our Missions Sunday. We'll be considering the ramifications of the Bible's claim that there is only one God. You can...

In an age when image and style are everything, can a man in a hair shirt, calling us to repent, have anything relevant to say? The answer is 'yes.' This Sunday we will be looking at the ministry, message and master of John the Baptist, a voice that still speaks. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: A Voice...

In Matthew chapter 2, Matthew tells us about happenings in Jesus' life when he was still an infant. But what has that got to do with us? By tying those happenings to Old Testament prophecies, Matthew tells us it has everything to do with us - but what? You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or you can read them below: A New Rescue, A New Covenant, A New ...

We all worship something. And what we worship has a profound impact on our lives and those around us. So, what do you worship? Power? Religion? Yourself? Or something else? This Sunday we'll see how if you worship the one you were made for, joy and self-giving begin to flow. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them b...

This Sunday we start a new series looking at the Gospel of Matthew. The word gospel means 'Good News' - but why is the birth of a baby boy, 2000 years ago, in dubious circumstances, good news? And why try and sell that good news by beginning with a long genealogy? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. The Return of the King Matthew 1:...

This Sunday is Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate the resurrection of Christ. But is the resurrection believable, and if it did happen, what difference does it make to life? You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or you can read them below: On the Third Day John 20:1-21 A Christmas Carol begins with: 'Marley was dead. To begin with.' Christianity...

All of us have started something, but not finished it. And that can also be true for giving. We know we should, but we never quite get there. The church at Corinth was just the same. So how did Paul motivate them to pursue generosity? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. or you can read them below: Generous Church 2 Corinthians 8:1-1...

Jesus saw a poor widow put in two tiny, almost worthless, coins into the offering box. Yet he said she had given more than a whole load of rich people. Why? What was it he was seeing? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: Giving All Luke 20:45-21:4 In Malachi 3 the Lord calls his people back to reflecting ...

What does it mean to be generous? The way you see God fundamentally affects how you view generosity. If God seems mean to you, it's going to affect how you view your stuff. But if you realise God is generous - it opens whole new areas of joy. This Sunday we start a new sermon series on the Generous Life, beginning with the Generous God. You can download sermon summary no...

If Leviticus is known for anything, today it is known for what it says about homosexual relationships. But is it being inconsistent to appeal to Leviticus to ban same sex relationships, when the same book bans eating shellfish? You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or you can read them below: Sex and Shellfish Leviticus 18:1-6, 19-30 The Call to be Di...

When it comes to approaching God, we can sometimes think we are doing him a favour giving him space in our lives. If we aren't quite that self-confident we can still think we can approach him anytime we want. On the other end of the spectrum, we can feel totally unworthy to approach God. Leviticus speaks to both. It tells us that far from being able to come whenever we wa...

A philosopher said on his death bed, "Of course God will forgive me - that's his job." But is it? What if sin and forgiveness are costly, not easy? How then might we find forgiveness? This Sunday we'll be looking once more at Leviticus - and how God deals with the costliness of sin and forgiveness. And whilst his solution there is great, what it points to is even greater....

How would you describe God? And how do you know that you're right? Does it matter what you think of God? This week, from Leviticus, we'll be seeing how God descrives himself. He says he is holy. But what does that mean? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: "I am Holy" Leviticus 9:1-5, 22-10:3 It has been...

This Sunday we begin a new series in the book of Leviticus. What has a book that is full of animal sacrifices and some obscure rules got to say to us? Much - in many surprising ways. And this week we'll see how it tells us that God is a God who speaks to us and lives among us. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them b...

Whether of not you make some resolutions for 2016, you will most definitely face temptation. How should you handle that? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here....

In his song following the birth of his son, John (who will become John the Baptist), Zechariah praises God for the birth of the baby. But which baby? You can download sermon summary notes in English here....

The Christian faith is built on historical events: the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. When we read the accounts of his birth, a number of kings are involved; men like Caesar Augustus. But despite all these kings, we aren't one of them, though we often think we should be at the centre of every story! However, the one who is the true King appears the most...

What is God's will for your life? And even if you knew it, how could you achieve it? As Paul finished his letter to the Thessalonians, we discover the answer to both of these... and how to hear God speaking to us as we go alone. You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or you can read them below: God's Will, Word and Power for Your Life 1 Thessalonians 5...

It is sad but true that relationship breakdown, whether amongst celebrities, politicians or athletes, often seems to attract the media spotlight, and it is no different with the church. Rarely if ever, does news reporting feature something positive about the church - it seems that church in-fighting makes for much better news!In our verses for this week, the apostle Paul r...

Do you ever find yourself worrying about death, or about what happens after, or whether you are good enough to get into heaven? What if there were to be a day of reckoning, when God held us accountable for all we haev or have not done? How would you feel about that? The apostle Paul has a surprising answer to that. Such a day should hold no fear for you provided.... Prov...

When you love someone deeply, how do you feel when you lose them? The grief can be terrible. But where can you find hope to carry you through that grief? This week's passage tells us, as we read that we do not need to grieve as those without hope. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: Hope in the Face of De...

What does a life that pleases God look like? When the apostle Paul considers that, it's perhaps not surprising that love tops his list. But what does that look like, and how can you tell it's the genuine article? You can download summary notes of this Sunday's sermon in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: Love and its Counterfeits 1 Thessalonia...

We live in a narcissistic age, and we can see the damage it does. But whilst we admire a love that sacrifices itself in others, we're not so keen when it challenges our 'I want to be at the centre' mentality. And if we do live like that, we're likely to face push-back. So where can you find the strength to live like this? You can download sermon summary notes in English ...

What are the messages coming at you from your surrounding environment that shape you? What if the message that shapes you most becomes the good news of Jesus - what impact would it have, and especially if you faced opposition? You can download sermin summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: Faith in a Hostile Environment 1 Thessaloni...

If you can discredit the messenger, you can discredit the message. And that is certainly true when it comes to issues of religion. In the light of high-profile scandals, what is wrong with the human heart, and what does authentic Christian ministry look like? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: The Messeng...

The news is full of stuff that makes you realise how broken the world is. The Bible tells us God's answer to this is to create a new community. But what would such a community look like, and what kind of power could it have to really change things? This Sunday we begin our new sermon series in 1 Thessalonians: The Gospel for an Upside Down World. You can downlaod sermom ...

This Sunday we complete our summer series on the character of God - by looking at the justice and wrath of God. Not many of us would say we like the idea of God as Judge - but why is that? You can download summary notes of the sermon in French here....

The Bible tells us that God is everywhere. That means he's inescapable. But is that good news or bad news? This Sunday we'll be looking at God's omnipresence - at his inescapable goodness and his inescapable holiness, and the implications of both for us. You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or you can read them below: The Inescapable God God's chara...

Someone has said that our culture is 'allergic to truth'. Is that right? We certainly have a love/hate relationship with the truth. We know it's vital, but it can hurt and chafe. So what are the implications for us if the Bible tells us that God is the God of Truth? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: I AM...

How do you view our ability to change? As positive or negative. But what if God were subject to change? How could you trust him. The Bible tells us God never changes, and that is great news for all sorts of reasons. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below. The Unchanging God We tend to see a refusal to change...

What do you boast about? And why? Often we boast because we want others to think well of us. So hiding underneath our boasting is insecurity. The problem is, the stuff we boast in was never meant to bear the load of our inner confidence and security. So where can we find that? This Sunday, as we begin a new sermon series for the summer, called 'Who I Am?', we'll see how...

When you know you need a new start in life, or realise that things are not as they should be but you feel powerless to change them, where should you turn. As we finish the book of Nehemiah we'll see what this ageing man has to teach us. You can download a summary of the sermon in English here. Or you can read the notes below: Problems, Passion and Jesus Nehemiah 13:4-...

Someone has rightly said that we all worship something. The problem is that what you worship, you end up serving. So what master will you serve? This Sunday we'll be looking at Nehemiah 9-10, and what happens when you serve the wrong master, and how to get out of the mess that results. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can r...

What could make a group of people into a distinctive, stand-out community? What has the power to create such a community. This Sunday we'll see how such a community was created. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: A Different Kind of City Nehemiah 6:15-8:18 As the walls are completed Nehemiah knows wher...

What is God's mission in the world? And how can I find my place in that? To answer both of those questions we have to first answer, what is wrong with the world? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you read them below: God's Mission What is God's mission in the world, and how can I be a part of that? Those are two great questions...

Whether at home, work or elsewhere, many of us exercise some sort of leadership. And with that come certain specific temptations. So, how can you lead and not fall into these traps? This Sunday we'll see how two men set us great examples. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: Tempting a Leader Nehemiah 6 ...

Why is it that when you make a decision to do what's right things seem to start getting harder? And what can you do about it? Well, Nehemiah 4 gives us some great insight, both into why we face opposition, how it comes, and how we can respond to it. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: Building and Battling...

What personal characteristics are necessary for someone who wants to act on behalf of the vulnerable, the defenceless and for those who have lost their way? What might the character traits be of someone who cares about God's people and the honour of God's name? Nehemiah, who rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem, protecting her people, gives us a great example. You can download ...

How do you develop a heart for the city: for the poor and the needy and those whose lives are messed up by their own choices, without becoming proud or arrogant in the process? This week we start our new series in the remarkable book of Nehemiah - a man who went to a city in great need and transformed it. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French...

We often think (and hope) that if we do something good or right it will rub off on us. But this Sunday we'll see that the prophet Haggai says that you can't catch holiness like that. You can't make yourself acceptable to God by doing religious things. Worse still unholiness is contagious. Which leaves us in a hole... You can download sermon summary notes in English herean...

You probably know what it is to begin something with enthusiasm, but then reality sets in. Where can you get the strength to keep going? And when everything around you seems to be failing, where can you find hope that better days are coming? This Sunday we'll be seeing from the book of the prophet Haggai where this kind of encouragement and hope comes from. You can downl...

In the midst of a devastated city, why would a man call everyone else to build a temple to God, rather than concentrate on thier own homes, and what has that got to do with you and me? This Sunday we begin a new series looking at the Old Testament book of Haggai the prophet. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them bel...

How can you stay confident, and keep going, when you keep getting opposed and everything seems to hinder you? In the last chapter of Acts we'll see Paul do just that, and try and learn from him as he does it. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: And Finally... Acts 28:11-31 Acts began with Jesus saying t...

Is it possible to be in the middle of God's will for your life, and still face a storm of life? The experience of the apostle Paul tells us it is. And we can learn from his example how to stay calm, lead and encourage others when the storm hits. You can download sermon summary notes in English here....

What is it about people with power and authority that can be intimidating? And what are you supposed to do when you need to speak uncomfortable truth to such people? The apostle Paul found himself in just such a situation, and there is much to learn from him. You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or you can read them below: Speaking to the King Acts 2...

What would make a man, who previously persecuted the Christian faith, become its most famous advocate, and be prepared to suffer for it. This Sunday we'll be finding out, and discovering why it matters for us. You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or read the notes in full below: The Mission of the Gospel Acts 26:1-23 Two years after Paul had been o...

Perhaps strangely, trials and difficulties can be some of the defining moments of our lives. One reason is that they reveal the stuff we are really living for. As the apostle Paul goes on trial (Acts 24) we get an insight into what gives him the confidence he has, why he can respond to difficulties with poise and boldness. You can download sermon summary notes in English ...

Summary notes for this Sunday's sermon are avilable to download here or you can read them below: Truly Wise Men Summary Most of the things we think we know about the wise men comes from tradition. The Bible doesn't even tell us much about them! Except that they were wise. 4 things we can learn from the wise men: Wise men seek the Truth They were Truth-seekers. And wise...

When we choose a name for a baby, we go for a name we like. When God chooses a name, it always has significance. And Christmas begins with God doing some naming. That should make us sit up, and pay attention! You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or read them below: Advent: The Names Say It All John: The Lord is Gracious Luke 1 When...

Many of us long for a different kind of society... but often our worldviews will never get us there. In contrast the gospel results in a different kind of leader, and a radically different kind of community. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or read them in full below: Leaders, Community and the Gospel Acts 20:17-38 As we go thro...

Someone has said that we all worship something: intellect, possessions, power, appearance. The problem is when these things become ultimate things in our lives they never deliver. Worse they can destroy us. How can we live free of this sort of thing? We'll be looking at Acts 19 where we see that the answer lies in the good news of what God has already done for us in Jesus...

Athens was the academic centre of the world. Yet the gospel penetrated even there. What does the message Paul preached have to teach us in our intellectual age and environment? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them in full below: A God Greater and Nearer Acts 17:16-34 Acts tells us how the Gospel impacted people ...

Two reasons that the early church grew, and the gospel spread, as they did, were the joy and courage of the disciples. But how do you explain - and get - that kind of joy and courage? Becuase we could all do with more of that in our lives. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French. Or you can read them below: Joy and Courage at Midnight Acts 16...

Ever experienced a time when you're trying to make progress, but everywhere you turn you're met with a closed door? What is God up to in times like that? This Sunday we will see how God was at work in head-scratching times in the life of the Apostle Paul. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: Closed Doors a...

What is the answer to the question: 'how can you be saved?' But does it mean to be 'saved', and does it even matter? This Sunday we'll be looking at Acts 15 - where it's exactly this question that gets answered. And the way it gets answered brings real joy to people. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: Th...

When the apostles preached the gospel it both united and divided people. But why the division and the opposition? And what does that have to tell us in our own situation? This Sunday we'll be looking at Acts 14 which gives us some answers. You can download sermon summary notes in English here and in French here. Or you can read them below: The Gospel on Collision Course...

We like the idea of a God of compassion and power who uses His power to defend the powerless. We even like the idea of a God of justice who brings down the oppressor. But what if we find ourselves on the wrong side of such a God.... Can we worship Him then? Psalm 146 tells us how and why we can. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. ...

Few of us would claim not to feel anxious at times. But what lies behind that anxiety? And what's the answer to it? Psalm 27 tells us both (and in surprising ways). You can download sermon summary notes in English here, or in French here. Or you can read them below: Anxiety and the Confidence that Beats It Psalm 27 As we grow up, we lose some of our childhood fears, b...

This Sunday we'll be looking at Psalm 107 - which describes 4 ways we can get lost in life. Probably all of us can find ourselves somewhere there: the Wanderer, the Shadow Dweller, the Fool, the Overwhelmed. You can download sermon summary notes in English here, or read them below. Four Ways to be Lost and Found Psalm 107 Psalm 107 has one characteristic of God as its ...

A burning bush? Writing on the wall? A dream? How do we get guidance from God to help us make decisions for our lives? This Sunday's Psalm will hopefully give some insight to how God guides us. You can download sermon summary notes in English here and in French here. Or you can read them below: How God Guides Us? Psalm 25 Summary We live in a complicated world surroun...

How we talk when life is hard says a lot about what we really believe. So how do you respond? And how do you respond when the trouble you're facing is your own fault? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: A Passing Foreigner? Psalm 39 When we get away from the familiar psalms we find ones that can be unset...

'Happiness is the motive of every man, even those who hang themselves.' So wrote Blaise Pascal the french philosopher. But if we are all searching for happiness, what is true inner happiness and where can we find it? This Sunday we will take a look at Psalm 1, which tells where. You can download summary notes of the sermon in English hereor in French here. Or read them ...

Something happened in a city called Antioch 2000 years ago, the effects of which still reverberate today. What was going on there to have such an impact? You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or you can read them below: The Gospel-Centred Church Acts 11:19-30 This church at Antioch played a crucial role in the history of the world-wide church. In fact...

This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, when the church remembers the giving of the Holy Spirit. But what paved the way for the gospel coming to gentiles was not a talk on the Holy Spirit, but one about Jesus - his life, his death and his resurrection. Why is that? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: The Holy Spi...

In this Sunday's passage we meet a very good man - devout, religious, generous, wise. And yet he wasn't yet a Christian. And if he's not a Christian - what is Christianity? You can download Sermon Summary Notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: The Not-Yet Christian Acts 10:1-34 The dreams and visions in this passage have had a profound im...

How do you know whether a church is healthy or not? And what should such a church spend its time doing? In this Sunday's passage, Luke (who wrote the Book of Acts) gives us some clues. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or read them below: The Vibrant Church Acts 9:31-43 The stage is set in Acts for the gospel to go to the gentile...

If you want to change the world, you have to change hearts. But how can you change the heart of a proud, self-righteous, religious man? And where can you find the courage to love and forgive such people? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: The Conversion of a Pharisee Acts 9:1-30 Acts tells how the gospe...

Why would someone who had made major sacrifices to get to the top of the ladder, and who had got there, go looking for something else? You can download sermon summary notes for this Sunday's message in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: The Gospel Heads South Acts 8:26-40 We saw earlier in Acts 8 how God used persecution and 'mass evangelism' ...

When something has been going on for hundreds of years, it's valid to ask, 'why are we still doing this?' So, why are we still celebrating the death and resurrection of a man executed 2000 years ago? This Sunday we'll answer that question, and see the enduring legacy and relevance of the first Easter. Come and join us. You can download summary notes of the sermon in Engli...

What is it about the lives of others that we find inspiring? As Stephen, the first Christian martyr, stands trial for his faith, and urges the religious leaders not to repeat the mistakes of history, we discover why it is that Stephen's life has proved an inspiration to many. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them be...

Why is it so easy to lose the plot in life and get distracted, not just by bad things but by good things? And what is the plot in the first place? If we're to keep the main thing the main thing, what is the main thing? You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or you can read them below. Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing Acts 6:1-7 In writing Acts, Luk...

Where did the early Christians find the courage to keep sharing the gospel inspite of intense opposition and persecution? And where can we find the courage we need for what we face in life? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here, or you can read them below: Courage for Life (and Death) Acts 5:12-42 How did Christianity spread across th...

The need to appear better than we really are, the need to bolster our reputation or enhance our image is endemic. But why? And what hope is there for those honest enough to admit it? This week we'll find encouragement in a surprising, even shoking, story. You can download the sermon summary notes in English here, or in French here. Or read them below: Generosity, Reputa...

Whether through changes to society, or the building of hospitals and universities, the impact of Christianity has been huge. How did those changes begin?Acts tells the story of what happens when a community if gripped by the gospel. You can download sermon summary notesin Englishhere. Or you can read them below: Loving, Learning, Living Acts 2:37-47 How has Christiani...

Does the power to change our lives come from inside, or outside us? Pentecost tells us from outside - by God's Spirit, and what it looks like to be filled with that Spirit. You can download summary notes of the sermon in English here. Or you can read the notes below: Spreading Fire: The Mission Begins Acts 2:1-21 Luke describes 3 phenomena associated with the coming o...

What are the characteristics of the people who have achieved something that you'd like to emulate? This Sunday we'll see what happened immediately before Pentecost - and see the characteristics of a community which, against all odds, turned the world upside down for good. You can download the sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them be...

How come the life of Jesus of Nazareth has had the impact it has? Well, this Sunday we start our series in the book of Acts: Turning the World Upside Down, and if you want to know the answer to the question, you've got to start at Acts. You can download sermon summary notes in English here, and French here, or read them below: Acts 1:1-11 If you want to know how and why...

The build up to Christmas is filled with the expectancy of happiness. In the story of Advent in the Bible no one expresses that sense of expectant joy better than Zechariah, the father of John and the Baptist. And yet, despite years of infertility, his joy is not based on what you might think. You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or read them below: Zec...

In a world that seems to value getting over giving, how can we cultivate a generous life? In thanking the Philippians for their gift, Paul gives us some clues. You can download sermon summary notes in English here, or you can read them below. Cultivating Generosity Philippians 4:14-23 Before Paul signs off on this letter he wants to thank the Philippians for their gift...

Given the advertising industry, national lotteries, the celebrity culture and talent shows, contentment is in short supply in our modern world. So how can we find it? You can download sermon summary notes in English here, or in French here, or read them below. Contentment Philippians 4:10-13 Sometimes we tend to think that faith flourishes when life is good, but strugg...

When we feel under pressure, and life is out of control, our relationships can suffer, our inner sense of well-being can be lost, and we can become resentful about good things happening in others' lives. This Sunday we will hear St. Paul explain how we can find joy and peace under pressure. You can download sermon summary notes in English here, or read them below. Joy a...

If religious pride, and spiritual carelessness are two pitfalls of the Christian life, how can we avoid them? The apostle Paul's answer is 'think like the mature, and live like a citizens of another city. You can download summary notes for this coming Sunday's sermon in English hereand in French here. Or you read them below: Pressing Forward Philippians 3:12-21 The P...

You can find today's sermon's summary notes here in English. The Joy of Knowing Christ ...

If the good news is that God loves us because of what Jesus has done, and not because of anything we do, does that mean we can now sit around like a spiritual/moral couch-potato? You can download sermon notes in English hereand in French here. Or read them below: A Tale of Two Workers Philippians 2:12-18 In this passage Paul argues against two common errors in the Chr...

We live in a time when self-promotion and demanding our rights is the norm. Which makes Paul's call to humble service and putting the interests of others first all the more counter-cultural. The question is, how can you get there? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: The Humility of Christ Philippians 2:1-...

If you've lived in the expat environment, you know what it is to live as a foreigner abroad. This Sunday we'll see how Paul says we are live this life as citizens of another country, standing firm, standing together and not being afraid. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here. Or you can read them below: Citizens of Another Country Phil...

If you were faced with difficult circumstances, difficult people and an uncertain future (including possible execution) how would you respond? This Sunday we'll see how the apostle Paul responds, and why. You can download sermon summary notes in English here. Or you can read them below: The Unchained Gospel Philippians 1:12-26 The Philippians are worried about Paul h...

When people face circumstances that would crush others, and you see them responding with love, joy and generosity, you've got to sit up and take notice. As we start our new series in Philippians we see just that happening in the lives of Paul, and the people he's writing to. You can download summary notes for the sermon in English hereand in French here. Or read them b...

When there are a thousand and more different things a church could emphasise, why do we have as our vision: 'Rooted in the Gospel - Radical Transformation'? You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand French here. Or read them below: The Transforming Gospel 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 There are many different things we could emphasize as a church, but our visio...

There are times in life when our souls are parched and circumstances are overwhelming. Ps 42 and 43 tell us that in such times there is hope for dry and drowning souls. You can download sermon summary notes in English here....

After hearing a short clip of the Duane Miller healing testimony in yesterday's sermon there were many requests for a link to hear the whole thing. So, due to popular request; Click here to listen to the whole testimony....

What are the deep longings of the human heart? And where can you go to have them met? Well, Psalm 84 gives us the answer to both those questions. You can download sermon summary notes in English here....

Whilst the writter of Hebrews could say loads more, he finishes by praying for them. He knows that the real help they need comes from God. You can download sermon summary notes in English here....

What's the difference between God's grace and us trying to pay our own way? The writer says it's the difference between a party and a howling storm. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here....

If the Christian life is more like an endurance event than a sprint (which it is), where can you get the resources to stay in the race? You can download sermon summary notes in Englishhereand in French here....

How can we enjoy victories, endure dark days, and hang on in suffering, without giving up? The writer of Hebrews tells us its through living by faith. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here....

Is there a way to live life that brings pleasure to God and joy to us? There is, and the writer of Hebrews says it's the life of faith. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here....

Why do some people turn away from the Christian faith? Is there a way to build a robust faith that endures through life's hardships? You can download summary notes for this Sunday's sermon in English hereand in French here....

Both religion and consumerism are trying to fill a void in people's hearts - we lack a sense of completeness, of knowing that things are ok with us. The writer of Hebrews tells us we will only ever find that in Jesus. You can download summary notes for the sermon in English hereand in French here....

Everyone knows that sin damages relationships, and that most people are afraid of dying. The letter of Hebrews explains why these are linked... and why Christ is the answer to both. You can download summary notes for the sermon in English here, and in French here....

The first covenant God made with Israel through Moses served its purpose, but it couldn't set things straight between God and man. The new covenant is completely unconditional: we can receive salvation as a free gift, enjoying a permanent, unbroken relationship with God. Jesus paid it all. We contribute nothing! But grace is offensive! It's scandalous! We must utterly desp...

The writer to the Hebrews says something startling: despite all its attractions, religion is just a shadow of the reality. And it can never fix humanity's real problem - which is the heart. There has to be a better answer than religion. And there is. You can download sermon summary notes in English here, and in French here....

The Apostle Paul says that if Christ has not been raised from the dead, then Christians are of all people most to be pitied. Why? And what if Christ has been raised? You can download sermon summary notes for Easter Sunday, in English, here....

What do you need when your faith is tested to the limit? An example to follow and rock solid inner security. Our passage this Sunday is Hebrews 6:13-20. You can download sermon notes in English hereand in French here....

When you see a warning sign, what's its purpose? This Sunday we will look at oneof the most controversial passages in the New Testament. It hasn't been written for us to debate and argue over. It's been written to keep us from danger. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here....

When life is hard, or when you want to see change in your life, where do you look for the resources you need? The self-help gurus would tell you to look inside. The writer to the Hebrews has a better suggestion. You can download summary notes for the sermon in English hereand in French here. ...

Hebrews was written to people who were weary and felt like giving up. The writer's answer is to point them to God's offer of a deep inner rest - the rest we all need. You can download summary notes for the sermon in English hereand in French here....

Where do you get the energy to keep going when you feel like quitting? This Sunday we will be looking at Hebrews 3 which tackles just that issue. You can download sermon summary notes in English hereand in French here....

This Sunday we begin our mini Advent series. Just consider, what relevance has the birth of a boy 2000 years ago, in poverty, in Roman-occupied Judea possibly have for us? You can download sermon summary notes here....

This Sunday we will be looking at the last chapter of Jonah. You can download summary notes in English here....

This Sunday we will be looking at Jonah 3.How will Jonah respond if he is called to go to Nineveh a second time, and how will he react if his worst dreams come true? You can download sermon summary notes in English here....

This Sunday we'll look at Jonah 2. A question: why does the fish vomit Jonah out? Is he sick of him? You can download summary notes in English hereand in French here....

This Sunday we will be looking at the consequences of Jonah's running from God and how God intervenes for Jonah and the sailors' good. You can download summary notesin Englishhere; and in French here....

This Sunday we begin our new series in the book of Jonah: Pursued by Grace. If you find them helpful, you can download sermon summary notes here....

This Sunday is our last in Luke's Gospel. As we're going to see, it's the end but also very much the beginning. If you find them helpful, you can download sermon summary notes here....

This Sunday we will be looking at Jesus' bodily resurrection from the dead. The Christian faith stands or falls on the fact of the resurrection. You can download summary notes in English to help you follow the sermon here; and in French here....

This Sunday we will be looking at Jesus' crucifixion and death. Why has his death - out of the 1000s of men executed by crucifixion, become the pivot point of history? You can download summary notes for the sermon in englishhere, and in french here. Full sermon notes, audio and video will be posted after Sunday....