Christ Church Selly Park

Noah and the Flood

Peter Frere | Genesis 6:5-22, Genesis 8:18-9:17 

This is a story in vivid colour - the array of animals floating in the ark, the covenant symbolised by the rainbow - yet at heart it depicts human failure, judgement and the grace of God as a flawed humanity is given a new start. Peter explains what this means for our present situation, and what we can learn from the character of Noah.  

The book mentioned by Peter near the start of the talk is The Lost World of the Flood, by John Walton and others.

God said to Noah, "... I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark - you and your sons and your wife and your sons' wives with you."

Adam and Eve

Chris Chalmers | Genesis 1

This week we start a new series Lessons for Life, looking at what we can learn from some of the big characters in the Bible. We begin at the very beginning: first with an account of creation (possibly not a version you've heard before), then Chris explains how, after a good start, things started to go wrong. No spoiler intended, but 4 minutes into the talk we suggest you look into a mirror! If you possibly can, watch the video and song which followed the talk here. God's love inspires our response: truly a lesson for life.

Then God says, Let's make people. Like us, but human, with flesh and blood. Give them the job of caretakers of the vegetation... God looks at everything he's made and says, Fantastic! I love it! - From The Word on the Street

 

I am the resurrection and the life

Allan Bartlam | John 11:17-44 

How many people were recorded as being brought back from the dead in the Bible? The full answer to Allan's quiz question can be found here. In this talk we confront the reality of the one who not only has the answer to death, but is himself the answer to the greatest problem all of us must face.

Jesus said to [Martha], "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

I am the good shepherd

Bobbie Frere | John 10:11-21 

Even in an urban society, we understand something of the role of a shepherd. It's what the word "pastor" means and Bobbie has a recent example of someone who fulfils that role well. But Jesus goes far beyond what any other shepherd has ever done: going to the cross to rescue us and bring us into the flock.

[Jesus said,] "I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheepfold. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd."

I am the gate

Chris Turner | John 10:1-10

A sleep-deprived week spent camping with thousands of Christians of all ages... maybe not the ideal opportunity for sermon preparation, but it inspired Chris with a vision of what life could and should be like for those who gather in local churches. Jesus offers not just a way in to life but also the means to enjoy safety, growth and community.

One of the camping villages at New Wine: a temporary home for people of all ages and backgrounds

Jesus said again, 'Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.'

I am the light of the world

Susan Haynes | John 8:12-20

If you've ever been in pitch darkness, you'll know how frightening it can be. Speaking in an All In service, Susan reminds us of the many ways in which light can help us - and that only Jesus' light is true and lasting. What kind of light do we need most at the moment? 

Jesus once again addressed them: “I am the world’s Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.” [The Message version]

I am the bread of life

Chris Turner | John 6:25-40 

One moment the crowd want to make Jesus king, but soon we read that many of his disciples turned back from following him. Why were Jesus' claims about himself so hard to accept, and why do people follow him even today? Chris explains with hope and a challenge.

Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.'

Joining in prayer

John Lanchbury | 1 Timothy 2:1-6 | Hebrews 7:23-28 

"I can't do anything else, so I might as well pray." When confronted with a world full of evil and suffering, it's hard to believe that prayer should be a starting point or that it could really make any difference. Yet through John's guests we hear about a country where a prayer movement led to a peaceful revolution, and another where Christians who were once persecuted are now in positions of influence and need our prayer. Here's an encouragement to join together as God's people and be a blessing to the world.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

Because Jesus lives for ever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.

Eager to hear a good report

Geoff Lanham | Colossians 1:1-14 

In his final sermon as vicar of Christ Church, Geoff returns to a constant challenge we face: in all our activity and busyness, to put our relationship with God first. It's spending time reflecting on Jesus that makes us more like him - truly a people of love who can make a real difference in the world.

Geoff preaches his final sermon as our vicar

We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people - the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world - just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.

Lost property

Rachel Fasham | Luke 15:1-10 

Something's missing... that's annoying. Or, maybe, someone's missing... panic! Rachel has experienced both kinds of loss, and in this All Age service she reminds us how important it is that we seek the people who are currently missing from God's family.

Jesus told them this parable: ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home... I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.’