City Baptist Church - Weekly Sermons

The message last Sunday brought us a reminder to hold onto as we are moving into the Easter season. As we continued in 1 Peter, we study the triumph and victory found in Christ's suffering. Our victory is found in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He is exalted over all, and this is what we should proclaim in our words and through our lives. Through His suffering, we have victory.

The next instalment of Strangers & Pilgrims revisits the reality that we will all face persecution in our journey of following Jesus. However as we last heard, we can face life boldly. To do so, we must make Jesus the central focus of our lives. When Christ is magnified, our difficulties will become so much smaller. As a result, the Spirit will give us opportunities to share our faith as we magnify Christ.

Last Sunday we heard a challenge on the reality of persecution. This world is not our home, and as we follow Jesus we will indeed face opposition. Despite this truth we must remember we have God's Word, and His Spirit to illuminate our steps. He has never forsaken us and the gates of hell won't prevail against His church. We are encouraged to despite persecution, continue on faithfully for the Lord.

Last Sunday's time of Bible teaching continues our helpful study through 1 Peter. We are brought a powerful challenge once again on the theme of seeking peace and unity amongst our brothers and sisters in Christ. The diversity found in the Kingdom of God is a beautiful thing, and we are called to love each other and serve together with our unique gifts. We are also reminded to "turn the other cheek" - and to repay evil, with good. These are more principles we must live by in order to find and follow Jesus.

Last Sunday's time in the Word once again touches on the theme of submission. Submission is a Biblical principle, and we now focus in on God's model for this in the home. It must be practiced between a husband and wife, so that they can together submit to God. Living a life patterned after Biblical submission is a way that God can use us to reach others and further the Gospel. In order to truly submit to God, we must die to ourselves.

Last Sunday's message picks up in chapter 2 of 1 Peter. We continue on in the theme of submission to the God-given authority in our lives. We are reminded that in whatever setting or situation, God has placed authority there for a reason. We must also remember the unique and powerful impact our Godly testimony can have for the gospel. Whether in the work place or at home - submission is a Biblical principle we must receive.

Last Sunday's teaching was a deep challenge for all of us to consider. As we continue chapter 2, we receive a reminder to submit to those who God has placed over us in authority. 1 Peter gives us a Biblical road map on how we can live impactful lives, and submitting to our God-given authority is a way to show to others that we are Christ's disciples.

Our message last Sunday continues our study through 1 Peter. We receive a motivating reminder on the impact we should have on our journey of faith and following Jesus. We are strangers and pilgrims in this world passing through, but we must not pass through unnoticed. To make a lasting impact for the gospel, we must remember our position in Christ. We must also remember our calling, to reveal His light and glory through every aspect of our lives.

Our message last Sunday kicked off chapter 2 of 1 Peter with a hopeful reminder. God is building His spiritual kingdom through Bible-believing local churches. As we minister and serve His will, He is establishing this through us. We are reminded that as His church, we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and a peculiar people. We are called out of darkness and into His marvellous light. He is for us, and will accomplish His perfect will in each of our lives.

Last Sunday we returned to our study through 1 Peter. As we continue on in chapter 1, we now focus in on the pathway to spiritual transformation. We must cast off the world, and instead crave the Word. Only God's Word and being filled with His Spirit can allow us to move in this direction and be sanctified every day.

Our Vision Sunday message was a needed challenge to set the tone for the year ahead. We receive a word from Hebrews on the need for spiritual maturity. Spiritual growth is so essential for us, and this year will be one for us to pursue it together. The pursuit of spiritual maturity is the simplest and best way to live the Christian life.

Our first message of the new year challenges us to walk in the Light of Jesus - to walk in Christian fellowship and unity. To seek His face, and enjoy His presence. To walk in this way together is how we are meant to live. To be in fellowship with God and to be right with Him is a place of blessing and joy. As we expect great things over this upcoming year, we must walk in this way. There are unique blessings and joy that only come from walking in fellowship with God, and this is something we must experience together.

The conclusion to our Christmas series focuses in on our response to the gift of Jesus. How can we effectively share the gift with others if we ourselves do not experience the joy it offers? The arrival of Jesus brings true peace with God and our response to it should be praise. We must let this renew the joy of our salvation! May we respond by joyfully sharing the light of Jesus with the world.

Part 2 of our Christmas series brings us to the arrival of our Saviour. As we look at the Nativity story, it may seem at times that things were out of control. However, our message reminds us that everything was according to God's divine plan for the arrival of Jesus. Anything out of our control, is in God's hands. We are once again reminded of Mary's response to the words given to her. A response of surrender to God's will, and willingness for Him to have full control.

The first message of our Christmas series focuses in on the announcement of the birth of Christ. Christmas is a time to reflect on the hope, joy, and peace that only Jesus can bring, and His birth truly ushered this to mankind. The angel's announcement to Mary was specular and supernatural. Mary's response was one of surrender. We see how these opening events pave the way for the Word being made flesh, and entering our world.

The next instalment in our study of 1 Peter reminds of our calling to live with a reverent fear of God. He is our Father, an impartial Judge, and has redeemed us. The fear of God is something we must hold in our hearts and is a way to honour and live in surrender to Him. We are also reminded to deeply love others, with a fervent and pure heart. Scripture: 1 Peter 1:17-25

The next instalment of "Strangers & Pilgrims" focuses in on pursuing holiness. To pursue holiness is to pursue Jesus. We must walk in obedience, and strive to be more like Him in every aspect of life. We are strangers and pilgrims in this world - we are in the world, but not of it. Our message reminds of the call every believer has on their life - to become more like Jesus through obedience to His Word.

As we continue our study in 1 Peter, we receive a message on the joy of our salvation. Salvation is a beautiful and eternal gift from God. It was foretold by the prophets, and fulfilled by the Person of Jesus Christ. As we look at 1 Peter 1:8-11, we are reminded of some of these specific joys that are ours to claim. Salvation is something we must receive, be reminded of, and proclaim to the world. Scripture: 1 Peter 1:8-11

Last Sunday's message was an intro to our upcoming Missions Emphasis Weekend. From Matthew 28:19-20, we focus in on the heart of God's Church - His church sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the world. From our message we are reminded of God's power, purpose, and presence, that is always with us. This is what will enable us to fulfil His mission in our everyday lives. Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20

Part 3 of our study in 1 Peter focuses in on God's purpose for trials. Trials purge us, and are permitted by the Father to mold us into His image. Many times God will also leave a trial in our life, which results in a deeper trust and knowledge of Who He is. In seasons of trials, we must continue to trust and remain sensitive to the work He wants to accomplish through it. Trials are apart of our journey of faith, and God will always work these situations for His good and glory.