Christ Church Balham Talks

Paul brings his letter to a close with a barrage of diverse commands, but all of them relate to the practical mechanics of how we might continue to grow in holiness and hope in the midst of hardship.

How is that Christians can grieve with certain hope? In this passage Paul explains that our eternal future is tied to Christ’s death, resurrection and return - which transforms not only how we die, but also how we live.

Distinctives - Why we believe what we believe that is secondary but important. Why we value arts and culture.

How ambitious should we be as Christians with regards to sexual holiness and generosity? By what standard should we measure whether we are sanctified enough? In this passage we see Paul’s fatherly heart for the Thessalonians as he encourages them to pursue holiness and love "more and more"

Distinctives - Why we believe what we believe that is secondary but important. Why we embrace spiritual gifts.

If God works when God’s people endure suffering through hearing God’s word, then what is Satan’s counter-work? And how might we counter his counter-work? Through lovingly longing, encouraging and strengthening, and praying.

Distinctives - Why we believe what we believe that is secondary but important. Why we are Sacramental.

When is God at work? In this passage we see how God is powerfully operating in his church, through the preaching of his word, in order that those in Christ would endure suffering with him

The credibility of a message is inevitably tied to the credibility of the messenger. In this passage we learn a great deal about Paul’s pattern of ministry, so that we can be effective and Christ-like leaders and messengers of the gospel.

Distinctives - Why we believe what we believe that is secondary but important. Why we have bishops.

What are the most important things to communicate to new Christians who’ve just begun following Jesus in a hostile city? In lieu of a proper onboarding, Paul writes to the Thessalonians to reassure them of where they are, what is normal, and why they exist.

Distinctives - Why we believe what we believe that is secondary but important. Why are we Anglican?

At this women's breakfast, Katherine speaks from Philippians 2:19-30

For our Co-Mission Sunday this year, Rob Newham, pastor of Becontree Church, speaks on Ezekiel 37 - the Valley of Dry Bones.

Christian Fielder, one of our elders, draws together themes from the first book of the Bible, Genesis, and shows, from the book of Galatians, how it is fulfilled in the coming of Jesus.

Our guest speaker, Yannick Christos-Wahab, from Stockwell Baptist Church, takes us to the book of Revelation, and shows how Christmas reminds us that we have the victory, and have a glorious future to look forward to.

What is the appropriate emotional response to the coming of the King? Joy, sorrow, or both? In this passage, Jesus demonstrates his absolute sovereign control over his mission to win peace between God and man.

What does Jesus want us to do while we wait for his return? This parable is a massive encouragement for us to keep busy with the king’s business. Sermon includes a deleted scene!

What sort of people does Jesus want on his team? In this passage Luke completely pulls the rug out from under our feet by demonstrating how Jesus shows mercy to the least likely person! Will we respond like the crowd or like Zacchaeus?

At this women's breakfast, Hannah speaks from Philippians 2:12-18

Why is it that some people 'see' who Jesus is and others don't? Is it just a matter of intelligent investigation? In this passage we are surprised to see that those who really should have seen Jesus do not whereas a man who really should not have seen Jesus does!

Why doesn’t God just instantly change me? Why do things take so long? Discover the surprising truth that God highly values process; and it’s crucial we know what the goal is.

Should your body be amazing, or is it not really you anyway? Amidst confusing messages from our world, God speaks with clarity about how good our physical bodies are, with huge implications for our lives and worship.

Why do we never have enough time? Part 2 of this series explores how to live wisely within our good, God-given limits in time.

Can our limits be good? In this first of a topical series, Jonny explores the goodness of humility as foundational to our humanity - dependent on God and on people.