City Church Sheffield Podcast

We can never know what Jesus suffered in his darkest hour as he looked into the cup of our iniquities, but we can only marvel, and find forgiveness for our greatest sins, comfort in our deepest sorrows and grace to fight our strongest temptations.

The last meal Jesus had with his disciples is no longer about freedom from slavery in Egypt but freedom from slavery to sin. The Lord's Supper brings us back to Jesus when we've drifted, it reminds us of all Jesus bought for us and that we are part of God's people, and it helps us to look forward to the celebration meal in God's Kingdom.

We see in this passage a God who is control, a king who is worth worshipping and a challenge to guard our hearts. So let's worship him freely without worrying about what others might think.

There will be difficult times until Christ returns, but through it all God is in still in control. We must be alert, neither trying to predict when he will return or being unprepared for it, and should continue to love God and one another.

The Teachers of the Law pressurised the poor into giving what they couldn't afford, but Jesus wants us to take care of the poor and vulnerable, not insist that they give to the Church.

Strongholds hinder us in our walk with God. What are strongholds, what power do they have and how can we demolish them so we can walk in freedom?

The appearance of the angels to the Shepherds in the fields surrounding Bethlehem has the impact of completely transforming their lives. We too have heard the good news of Jesus' birth and are invited to draw near to him. What will our response be?

Jesus was the son of David, but he was much more than this. He is also David's Lord. The religious leaders responded to Jesus with silence, the crowds responded with delight, but we can respond by bowing down and worshipping him.

Jesus refuses to get drawn into pointless debates trying to rank the commandments in order of importance, and neither does he write off the entire law. Instead, he gets to the very heart of the Law

The Sadducees did not believe there was life after death, but thought that if there was then it would have to be a continuation of this life. They didn't know the power of God. We shouldn't think of heaven in earthly terms.

We are like rooms in God's house which Jesus comes and fills with his presence. When we are filled with the Spirit, we can face disputes and opposition but we need to deal with these and move on.

Jesus' opponents try to trap him into saying that the Jews should not pay taxes to Caesar, so that they can report him to the Roman authorities; but Jesus refuses to walk into their trap. In doing so, He challenges us to give our all to God, and give what is due to the authorities too.

Jesus tells a parable holding up a mirror of truth to the religious leaders of the time. When Jesus challenges us with the truth, will we respond, unlike them, by humbling ourselves before him and receive His mercy and freedom.

God has wiped out a huge debt for us. We also are called to forgive others even when it hurts.

What Jesus sees in the temple does not please Him. His actions there as well as the fate of the fig tree tells us of the judgement that was coming for the temple and the old covenant system, now that the King has come.

Jesus is the exact living image of the unseen God. By him and for his glory the universe in all its vastness was created, and by his grace we are invited into relationship with him.

Those who believe in Jesus will do greater works than he did. We are commissioned to proclaim the finished work of Christ and his glory by word and also by works.

Each disciple of Jesus is called to follow him and walk the way of the cross. This will involve hardship and will sometimes require the letting go of things to which we want to hold on.

It is a privilege to praise God, we praise him because he has opened our eyes, not because of our upbringing.

Paul uses three pictures: the church as a field, the church as a building, and the people as God's temple; in order to encourage a healthy view of leadership.

As high priest, Jesus had a sacrifice to offer; himself. His sacrifice was essential for our salvation, and it was exquisite, enduring and effective. How can we respond but to love and serve the Lord?

It is good for God's people to be united, but unity is something we should not just celebrate but also cultivate.

Like David, we are able to walk with God and keep our spiritual fervour by putting God first in all things, being captivated by a bigger vision, being prepared to correct our mistakes, and being willing to adjust our expectations.

We are in a battle for contentment which can only be found in God's glory. In order to be content we need to set aside pride and deal with our reactions to things.

God is holy and so it is inappropriate for sinful people to see his glory. Under the old covenant, even though God was dwelling with his people, they could not come into his presence, but now because of Christ's sacrifice his Spirit dwells within us.