Christchurch Sermons

God has done it all

How can it be possible that the declaration “there is no condemnation for sinners in Christ Jesus” holds fast despite the believer’s ongoing struggle with sin and failure to love God as required by the law? 

No Condemnation

“Let this be the end of it if you flip flop between God being for you and going off you. There’s no small print. No footnote. No T’s + C’s. There’s simply no condemnation. Not now. Not ever. ”As we begin a series through the greatest chapter of the greatest letter ever written, we begin with arguably the greatest sentence of them all: there is therefore now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus” and consider how this sentence will bring us freedom today. Lewis preaches the first in o...

Four Reasons we Give to Mission

“Our giving is not about charity. It’s about cruciformity.” For nearly 30 years, it has been Christchurch Newport’s practice and privilege to take up a mission offering to support churches, pastors and planters across globe. On Sunday April 21, we’ll do so again. Ahead of this ‘giving Sunday’, Lewis Roderick take us to Philippians 4: 10-20 and preaches four reasons why we give to mission.

True Grace

On April 7, we were privileged to welcome back Christopher Ash and hear him preach from the little known letter of Jude. Listen again as Christopher shows us how true grace leads to transformed lives.

Jesus is Lord

Our weekend of Easter celebration concluded by witnessing 6 new believers testify that that ‘Jesus is Lord’. Listen now as Lewis Roderick takes us to Romans 10 and shows us what this simple phrase means, and why believing it will change your life.

Joy and Peace

Emotions are powerful things: compelling, confusing, constraining. How are we meant to respond to them when they well up inside? Maybe the most confusing emotion of all is joy - often spoken of in the Scripture, joy is at the same time easily faked, shallow and empty.But true Christian joy leads us to the most precious place of all; peace. Join us as we hear Joel Virgo speak on the place of joy in the Christian life.

Jesus our shepherd and our host

“The paths of righteousness lead through the dark valley. And Jesus stands at the entrance and promises ‘I’ll meet you down there.’” Listen again as Simon Voth concludes our series King David and his King with this biographical message from Psalm 23.

Mums, God sees you.

For Mother’s Day, Pete Greasley takes us to the story of Hagar and shows how God sees, hears and cares for mothers.

Confession

“The mercies of God. They go on forever. And they always outnumber our sins.” As we trace the story of King David, we arrive at his darkest moment; the day the man after God’s own heart became became guilty of rape and murder. Is there ever hope for sin so bad to be forgiven? Listen as Lewis Roderick takes us to Psalm 51 and we hear David’s prayer of confession and his restoration to gospel joy.

The King’s Extraordinary Kindness

In what’s one of the most moving stories of the Old Testament, Bob opens up the story of King David’s kindness to Saul’s grandson, the disabled Mephibosheth.    As the story unfolds, we see how parallel the characters are to a greater King Jesus showing extraordinary kindness to even more broken Mephibosheths - us!

Wholehearted and Wholebodied Worship

As the Ark of the Covenant is brought into Jerusalem, King David danced ‘with all his might… uncovered before all the people’. It’s a peculiar and strange moment, and one that speaks loudly of what it means to worship God. As we continue our series tracing the life of David, we arrive at 2 Samuel 6 and hear Lewis Roderick show how the gospel of Jesus Christ prompts  wholehearted and wholebodied worship (spoiler alert; it’s very unBritish).

The long way ‘round

Continuing our series in the life of King David, Pete Greasley takes us into a cave where David has the opportunity to kill Saul and grasp the kingdom for himself - but doesn’t. Why not, and what do we see here? Three questions: What does this teach us?; who does this show us?; how do we respond?

Jesus and Envy

Envy. What comes to mind when you hear the word? We’ll likely think it’s similar to jealousy, but that’s only half the case. Whereas jealousy wants what the other’s got, envy goes further; it wants the other to lose it completely. Of course, we rarely think about envy like this. In fact, we rarely think of it at all. In this message, we see the way of envy in Saul’s response to David, and we’re invited to behold Christ, our true King, and the only real way out of it.

God’s Champion

Is there a more familiar story across the globe than the encounter between David And Goliath? Yet, as we engage with Ch 17, there’s more to this story as we discover there are now two Kings in Israel, and this epic story reveals why God has chosen David, the Spirit & faith filled Champion to lead the nation.    But listen in as Bob reveals why David, though Israel’s Champion is really foreshadowing his greater descendant Jesus, the greater Champion.  

The Better King

Saul has been rejected. What now? As chapter 16 begins, we encounter the prophet Samuel, bereft. Without a King, the nation will collapse.But the Lord had already seen his man. One unlike any other; one after God’s own heart; pure, whole, humble, faithful. A better Saul. And a better David. Listen in as Lewis Roderick tells the story of King David’s anointing and shows us how his story preaches Jesus our better King.

Better not call Saul!

As we begin our new series on the life of David, Pete Greasley takes us to the prequel, where we consider the first King of Israel, Saul; and how he is the opposite of the Perfect King who would come - not David, but Jesus himself. How are we like Saul and how, through the saviour’s sacrifice are we forgiven and changed by his Spirit to be more like our true King?

Blessed are those who mourn

“Don’t waste your grief. In a culture that loves good vibes, it’s tempting to repress or retreat from our sadnesses. But there’s blessing for those who mourn with the Lord.” As the new year begins, Lewis Roderick we hear Jesus’ promised blessing to those who mourn. Whether we’re entering the year in grief or even should God lead us into it in 2024, the King will never leave his people.

Redeemer

“Why this story, now?” That’s the vital question as the book of Ruth draws to a close. It’s a cool story of an unnamed opportunist and a legal dispute, but what difference does it make? And what does this story tell us about Jesus?  As we conclude our Bethlehem series, Lewis Roderick tells us there is a Redeemer; one who knew what it cost and willingly paid it all to buy for himself a people.

Back to Bethlehem Part 2

As we continue in the book of Ruth, Bob McCan takes us into the story of how God provides for Ruth and how she meets a redeemer.

Back to Bethlehem

“In Bethlehem, prodigals are welcomed home.” Listen in as Lewis Roderick begins the new sermon-series on the book of Ruth.  

Summing it up

“God calls us to the kind of life that makes no sense to the world.” How then can Christians live in this world? What is their comfort and hope? Listen in as Pete Greasly finishes the sermon series “Strangers and Exiles” on 1 Peter.

On Eldership

The relationship between Elders and their Church can be complicated, to say the least. But what does it mean to be an Elder of Christ´s Church? And how is the church to support them in their role? Listen in as Steve Levy teaches from 1 Peter chapter 5, verses 1-4.

Post-Christian survival guide

Christianity in the west is declining. There are three times more pet dogs in the UK than Christians. How is the church to survive and thrive in a post-christian age? Listen in as Lewis Roderick teaches Peter´s survival guide from chapter 4, verses 12-19.

Living for that day

The apostle Peter writes to the churches in Asia Minor encouraging them to stand fast in the midst of suffering. They are to follow the way of their saviour who suffered in the flesh. God uses suffering to produce fruit in their lives and although they may be reviled for their way of life, God will finally bring about their vindication in the judgement to come. And as it was for them, so it is for us.

The victory of Jesus

Grief as Christians is to never without hope, and through the Spirit, never alone. We turn to 1 Peter 3:18-22 and hear Lewis Roderick speak words of gospel comfort to a church hurting in sudden loss.

Good in Exile

As 1 Peter continues, the author’s attention shifts to focus on the suffering of God’s people whilst they live in exile. ’Who is there to harm you?“, Peter asks. How would you answer? In this message, Lewis Roderick seeks to paint a realistic picture of the opposition we might face in a Post-Christian society, and shows us that, despite this, through a commitment to good works, the Kingdom of God will still advance. [If you’re working through these in a group, jump straight to Apply]

Hope for the Middle East

The atrocities taking place in the Middle East are truly horrible. Who hasn’t watched the news this past week without being moved to outrage? As we continue our series through 1 Peter, we arrive at chapter 3: 8-12, and hear how radical and historically significant the the call to compassion, love and a tender heart. Pete Greasley preaches.

(Non-) Toxic Masculinity

Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honour to the woman as the weaker vessel. This sentence has always been controversial. ‘Weaker vessel?’ Standing out like an Andrew Tate comment, two thousand years ago it was the least surprising phrase of all. In a culture that valued horses higher than women - it’s the call to ‘live with your wife in an understanding way, showing honour to her’ that caused the commotion then. And yet in amongst all the controversy is a beau...

Lord of the Harvest

We go to the farm in this special message by Bob Mc Can and hear of Christ the true seed, the invitation to shell out husks and the Father’s joy in the harvest to come.

Exiled Wives

“In the church, she appears to be single” - Sarah Flashing Few groups in a church community are overlooked like those married to unbelieving husbands. Not to God. In this message, we listen in as he addresses them directly , encouraging them to believe that their lives can be so compelling that even if their husbands to do not obey the word, they may be won without a word when they see their respectful and pure conduct. Lewis Roderick takes us to the controversial yet deeply pastoral...

The Storm

Christchurch was delighted to welcome a dear friend, Joel Virgo, as he came to preach for us. Joel is an elder at Emmanuel Church, Brighton, and a leader within the New Frontiers movement.  Listen in as he takes us to a familiar story from Matthew 8, and tells us of the comfort that comes as we fear Christ.

Following in his footsteps

A Good Life

As believers following Jesus in a post-Christian world, do we mostly behave like second generation immigrants, colonisers or separatists? Peter thinks there’s something better. The way of exile is among the people, for the good of the people. So that the people would see and experience Christ. Lewis Roderick shows us God’s invitation to live as free and good exiles.

Paying God Back??

Bob McCan concludes our series of Summer Psalms with this message from Psalm 116.

Lift up your eyes

Tom Clewer continues our series of Summer Psalms with this message from Psalm 121.

The Sun-God

Lewis Roderick continues our series of Summer Psalms with this message from Psalm 19. The video that was shown during the sermon can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2iAytbmXYXE

Teach us to Pray

Owen Cottom continues our Summer in the Psalms series with this message from Psalm 80.

God the Soul Satisfier

Bob McCan preaches from Psalm 63 as we continue our Summer in the Psalms series.

Calm and quiet soul

Pete Greasley preaches from Psalm 131 as we continue our Summer in the Psalms series.

Meditation

What are the biggest influences on your life? Do they play a part in forming you more into the image of Christ, or do they deform you life chaff? Listen in as Lewis Roderick takes us to Psalm 1 and shows us the Blessed Man who invites us into his good life.

Reasons to be cheerful: part 2

“The Church should not be the opposition. We should be the alternative.” As we take a summer break from 1 Peter, Pete Greasley takes us to chapter 2 and shows us one more reason to be cheerful: belonging.

Reasons to be cheerful: part 1

Christians are exiles in a strange new world. And this is not new. As we continue our series through Peter’s first epistle, we arrive at the end of chapter one and hear of that which will not perish. Pete Greasley preaches from 1 Peter 1: 22 - 2:4

But if not

Holiness is not safe. Holiness is a protest movement.As we continue in 1 Peter, Lewis Roderick takes us to the beginning of Peter’s application, as we ask what is holiness? Why does it matter? And how do we get it?

What a salvation! (What a time to be alive!)

As we return to our series in 1 Peter, Bob McCan takes us to chapter 1: 10-12 to marvel together at the salvation we have in Jesus.

Post-Christian Joy

As we return to consider life in a post-Christian world, Lewis takes us to 1 Peter 1: 6-9 to tell us that though the world may hate us, we can know joy in its midst by remembering the parameters, purpose, presence and promise of our trials.

Trinity Sunday

To conclude our Church calendar inspired mini-series, Christchurch welcomed Daniel Hames to preach the good news of God the Trinity.

The Gift of Prophecy

As the church worldwide celebrate Pentecost, we take the opportunity to teach on a precious gift of the Holy Spirit - prophecy in the local church.  Listen in as Pete Greasley takes us to 1 Corinthians 14 and encourages us to pursue that which edifies and encourages others in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Living Hope

“Our inheritance in Christ: imperishable, undefiled, unfading. There is nothing you’ve lost that compares to what’s ahead. And nothing you do to lose it.”We continue our Strangers and Exiles series as Lewis Roderick preaches from 1 Peter 1: 3-5.

Exiled and Elect.

Christians are exiles in this world. We may look and sound like our neighbour, but fundamentally we’re different. Called by God, we answer to a different Lord. As we begin our new sermon series, Strangers and Exiles: Christ’s people in a post-Christian world, Lewis takes us to 1 Peter 1: 1, 2 and shows us what it means to live as exiles, and the difference it makes to be elect.

Breakfast with the King