Covent Garden Talks

Controversy kills Christianity. How can we confidently keep believing in and sharing Jesus when what he says often sows controversy and debate? In this passage, Jesus gives us confidence to stick with him - even if the world disagrees...

The world is full of religious figures who claim to have authority over our lives. Many of them deceive and manipulate. But Jesus claims he is a king with unique authority - not just over our lives, but over death and beyond as well. How can know Jesus can be trusted? Is he is king, or is he a con?

There aren't many more heartbreaking scenes than that of a widow burying her only son. But come and witness how Jesus transformed her heartbreak and brought hope - the hope that we all need in the face of death.

We make value judgements about people all the time — ethically, economically, personally and spiritually. In Luke chapter 7 we discover the radical difference the gospel brings as we see Jesus approach to people whatever we think they're worth.

What if following Jesus isn't about missing out, but being invited in?

Just days before Jesus Christ is crucified, the atmosphere in Jerusalem is boiling over as Jesus Christ clashes with the authorities of Israel. But why exactly did the religious leaders reject their wonder-working Messiah? And what does their rejection tell us today?

What  right   does a person have to say what they say or do what they do? Jesus' claims and actions were sufficiently extravagant for those around him regularly to question his authority. Their questions and his response reveal not only the truth about him – but also about them, and us!

Power both fascinates and appals us.  Power is the issue when Jesus enters Jerusalem. Most particularly the abuse of religious power. Jesus, in divine power, both exposes and pronounces judgment on abusive power.

Presidents, regimes and ideologies are all in the business of putting the world to rights once and for all. However, despite their impressive display of power they don't seem that effective. This week it is Jesus who presents himself in his capital City, but his glory and might look very different from those of other aspiring kings and conquerors.

Many think the teaching of Jesus can provide spiritual fulfilment, moral values or a sense of belonging.  But what do  we  want from Jesus?   Jesus shows us that what we seek from him is often very different from what he actually has to give us...

We all sign up to merit-based pay and rewards at work. But Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven cannot operate like this. Come and bring others to see the beauty of his alternative economy.

Being a Christian means giving up this life for the next. But is it worth it? And how do we know? Hebrews tells us we can forfeit this life with certainty and even joy if we look to Jesus. His life shows us why it's all worth it.

Not every Christian makes it to the end. What do we need to do if we want to endure? God doesn't just tell us to "try harder". He has prepared a pattern of faith for us to follow...

Olympians, just like insurance brokers and software engineers, need motivation to work hard and reach their Olympic dreams. According to Hebrews 10, Christians have even more reason to keep going when tempted to give up on their hope.

'The first will be last and the last first' - but what exactly does it mean to be 'last'? And how will God vindicate those who have given up everything for him?

Our media and culture exalts those who are both respectable and successful. Jesus Christ says, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." Relatively-speaking, most of us are very wealthy. And there is no bigger issue than how we enter heaven. So, what does Jesus actually mean?!

What kind of people do you think God blesses? Any of the following?  - the religious  - nobody, I don't think there is a God - nobody, the world's a chaotic disaster - God helps those who help themselves - everyone, that's his job - .........................?

One of the most common objections to Christianity is that Jesus' teaching is too challenging - particularly what he says about sex and marriage. Come with your questions as we consider how Jesus addresses this touchstone issue that is always in vogue.

What do you hope for this Christmas? Is it a new subscription, or a new fleece? Or perhaps something nobler: the end of wars, or a fairer economy? In the light of the first half of Genesis, our Christmas hopes are shown to be rather inadequate. The start of the Bible is there to raise our viewpoint, and to make us hope for something bigger then our greatest wishes.

Is it wrong to want to be 'great'? Whether you are bought into the MAGA movement, or you are repelled by it, we all want to be GREAT in one way or another. However, the way we choose to make a name for ourselves - individually and collectively - can be so ugly and dehumanising. The God of the Bible has an opinion about that, and it might surprise us. 

Politicians are telling us whether or not they are hopeful of an end to the war in Ukraine. Economists are telling us whether or not they are optimistic about the Budget and the British economy. What grounds for hope do you see as you look at the world, your family, your future?

The government has been criticised over recent months for its numerous 'resets'. But don't we all sometimes wish we could press CTRL ALT DELETE and experience a proper reboot, whether at the personal or global level?

Our world longs for peace and paradise, but instead we see violence and corruption. What hope is there for real rest?  The story of Noah points us to a God who through judgement brings the rest our hearts so crave.

Life often feels like a constant balancing act—juggling work, relationships, responsibilities, and the unexpected problems that come our way. Many people look for relief in rest, success, or distraction, but these solutions rarely last. Where do we find relief from the problems of life? Why not ask this question to your college and invite them to the talk.

We live in an age of breathtaking progress — AI, cryptocurrency, biotechnology, space exploration — a world where humanity seems more capable and connected than ever before. In many ways, this advancement unfolds in a secular society, seemingly without reference to God. Yet Genesis 4 already paints a striking picture of what such flourishing looks like when God is left out of the frame.