Christ Central Church Sermons

Épisodes

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  Costly Worship & Christly Service 22.07.2026 52min

  Episode Title: Costly Worship & Christly ServiceIn this Sunday service at Christ Central Church, we explore the profound biblical connection between extravagant worship and selfless service. Join us as we look at the powerful examples found in the Gospels, specifically focusing on:Mary’s Act of Worship: We examine the story of Mary anointing Jesus’s feet, a moment that appeared to be a "waste" to onlookers like Judas, but was a beautiful, sacrificial expression of devotion to Christ.Jesus’s Call to Service: Following His acceptance of Mary's worship, we see Jesus model the ultimate act of humility by washing His disciples' feet.Key Takeaways:Worship is never a waste: Whenever we treasure Jesus above everything else, the world may view it as excessive, but in His eyes, it is a beautiful and worthy offering.A Call to Radical Love: Just as Jesus served those around Him - even those who were difficult—we are called to engage in the "nitty-gritty" work of loving and serving one another in our community.Proximity in Ministry: We are challenged to move beyond the fringes and live out a faith that requires personal, inconvenient, and sacrificial love for our brothers and sisters in Christ.Whether you are treading heavily in your walk with Jesus or looking to deepen your devotion, this message serves as a reminder that God’s grace is always sufficient to refresh, renew, and restore us.
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  Treasuring Christ 22.07.2026 1h 3min

  Treasuring ChristIn this sermon from Christ Central Church, Max explores the nature of true worship and our posture before God by examining the encounter between Jesus and the sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50.Key Highlights:The Heart of Worship: Max discusses how true worship goes beyond corporate singing; it is a life-transforming response to the Good News of Jesus Christ.Jesus' Compassion: The sermon highlights how Jesus is uniquely drawn to the broken and needy, challenging us to drop our "religiously perfect" masks and come to Him in total honesty.Defining Our Posture: An exploration of what it means to orient our lives—career, relationships, and daily habits—around the worship of God.The Source of Devotion: Max emphasises that those who understand they have been forgiven much are the ones who truly love much. The invitation is not just to host Jesus in our lives, but to treasure Him above all else.Scripture Focus: Luke 7:36-50This message serves as a powerful call to surrender, encouraging listeners to move from spiritual apathy to a life defined by deep devotion and gratitude for the forgiveness found in Christ.
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  The Wonderful Works Of God - Mike Lillycrop 22.07.2026 52min

  Join us as we explore 'The Wonderful Works of God' with guest speaker Mike Lillycrop. In this sermon, Mike draws from the story of Jesus healing the man born blind in John 9:1-7 to discuss our role as co-workers with God in the world today.Key takeaways from the message include:God’s Good Intentions: Understanding that the works of God are a blessing for our future rather than a curse from our past.Unconventional Faith: Embracing the reality that God often moves in ways that challenge our expectations or human traditions.Eternal Perspective: Recognising the interconnectedness of God’s works throughout history and how our daily actions form part of a larger divine narrative.Radical Impact: How we are called to be instruments of prophetic revelation to the world, bearing witness to His goodness and power.This message serves as a powerful encouragement to step forward with hunger and courage, trusting that there is always 'more' to give away as we advance the kingdom of God together.
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  Philippians - Week 24: Giving - Partnership & Profit 08.07.2026 49min

  In this final instalment of our study on the book of Philippians, Chris Smith explores the profound biblical perspective on giving.Drawing from Philippians 4:12-20, this teaching unpacks how our financial generosity is more than just a donation - it is a partnership in the gospel and an act that yields eternal fruit to our credit. Throughout the message, we reflect on:Giving as an Act of Worship: How every interaction with God, from prayer to praise, involves a posture of giving.The Principle of Partnership: Why generosity requires trust and how the Philippian church modelled a beautiful partnership with the Apostle Paul in the advancement of the gospel.Giving Ourselves First: A reminder that our gifts of time, emotion, and resources are reflections of having first given ourselves to the Lord.The Promise of Provision: Trusting in God’s promise to supply every need according to His riches in glory.Join us as we conclude our series with a challenge to excel in the grace of giving and align our hearts with the generous heart of God.Key Scripture: Philippians 4:12-20
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  Philippians - Week 22: The Generosity Of God 24.06.2026 44min

  Join us at Christ Central Church for this week's message from Philippians on The Generosity Of God.In this sermon, we explore the profound theme of God's character as a generous provider. Drawing from Philippians 4:19, we look at how God’s promise to supply all our needs is rooted not in duty or obligation, but in His eternal, loving nature.Key takeaways from this episode:Jehovah Jireh: Discover what it means to truly trust in God's provision for our material, emotional, and spiritual needs.The Character of a Generous God: Understand how God's generosity is designed to deepen our fellowship with Him, inviting us to walk by faith rather than anxiety.Personal Testimony: We are blessed to hear an encouraging story of God's faithfulness in provision.Living with Gratitude: Learn why maintaining a heart of gratitude is essential for recognising God as our source and living free from the love of money.Whether you are currently facing trying times or seeking to deepen your faith, may this message encourage you to fix your eyes on the One who gave His all for us.About Christ Central Church: We are a community dedicated to growing closer to Jesus and encouraging one another in faith. For more resources, prayer requests, or to connect with us, please visit our website at https://www.christcentralchurch.org.uk/.
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  Philippians - Week 23: Strength For Every Circumstance 24.06.2026 54min

  "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." - Philippians 4:13Few verses are quoted more often—or misunderstood more frequently—than Philippians 4:13. It's often used to inspire ambition, success, and achievement, but is that what Paul actually meant?In this message, we explore the true meaning of Paul's words from a Roman prison cell and discover that this verse is not a promise that Christians can accomplish anything they desire. Rather, it is a promise that Christ will provide the strength we need to remain faithful in every circumstance.Together we'll consider:What Paul means by "all things"What it means to live through Christ rather than relying on ourselvesThe spiritual strength Christ supplies to His peopleHow to find contentment in both abundance and hardshipWhy Christ Himself is enough for every season of lifeWhether you're facing suffering, uncertainty, temptation, disappointment, or simply the pressures of everyday life, this message reminds us that our confidence is not in our own strength but in the sufficiency of Christ.Scripture References: Philippians 4:11–19, John 15:1–11, Isaiah 40:28–31For more information about Christ Central Church, visit our website or join us for a Sunday service.
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  Philippians - Week 21: The Secret Of Contentment 10.06.2026 44min

  In this week's sermon, Chris Smith unpacks for us Paul's secret of contentment from Philippians chapter 4 - a challenging and counter cultural encouragement in 2026.For more content from Christ Central Church please visit www.christcentralchurch.org.uk
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  Philippians - Week 20: The Mind Of Peace 02.06.2026 1h

  In Philippians 4:8–9, the Apostle Paul gives believers a powerful framework for cultivating a mind that knows the peace of God. In a world filled with anxiety, distraction and endless competing voices, we are called to take responsibility for our thought life and intentionally set our minds on things that honour Christ.In this message, "The Mind of Peace", we explore Paul's eight filters for Christian thinking—whatever is true, honourable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy—and consider how these qualities shape our hearts, our habits and our relationship with God.Most importantly, we see that each of these qualities is perfectly embodied in Jesus Himself. The goal of the Christian life is not merely better thinking, but a renewed mind that is increasingly occupied with Christ.As we learn to think on these things, we discover not only the peace of God, but the presence of the God of peace.Scripture: Philippians 4:8–9To find out more about Christ Central Church, please visit www.christcentralchurch.org.uk.
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  Philippians - Week 19: Anxiety & The Peace Of God 26.05.2026 41min

  In this week's sermon, we explore Philippians 4:6–7, focusing on the vital topic of overcoming anxiety through the peace of God. Our speaker, Barry Trim, unpacks what it truly means to replace our worries with prayer, supplication, and thanksgiving.Key takeaways from this message include:Understanding Anxiety: Defining what it means to be "anxious for nothing" and how scripture encourages us to bring our burdens directly to God.The Power of Prayer: How raw, honest, and persistent prayer serves as an antidote to stress.The Peace of God (Shalom): A deep dive into the biblical concept of peace—not just an absence of conflict, but a holistic wholeness that guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.Whether you are currently feeling the weight of the world or simply want to deepen your trust in God’s promises, this message offers practical, spiritual steps to finding a peace that surpasses all understanding.We pray this sermon encourages your faith and helps you grow closer to Jesus. If you enjoyed this message, don't forget to subscribe to our channel and share it with a friend!
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  Philippians - Week 18: Rejoice Always 20.05.2026 42min

  In this week's message at Christ Central Church, we explore the powerful theme of joy as presented in the book of Philippians. Drawing from Philippians 4:4-5, the sermon encourages believers to find lasting joy in the Lord rather than in temporary or difficult circumstances.Key Highlights & Topics:The Source of Joy: An examination of how Jesus serves as the foundation of Christian joy, enabling us to rejoice regardless of what we face.Overcoming Anxiety: A discussion on how anxiety acts as a thief of joy and why placing our faith in God’s plan is essential for peace.Serving Others: The importance of being a community that loves and serves one another, reflecting the fruits of the Spirit.Taking Care of Yourself: Using the example of the prophet Elijah to understand the need for rest and self-care in order to continue serving effectively.The Hope of Christ's Return: Focusing on the promise of the Day of Christ as our ultimate hope and source of restoration.Connect with Us: If you are new to Christ Central Church, we would love to connect with you. Visit our website at https://www.christcentralchurch.org.uk/ to learn more, share a prayer request, or support our ministry through online giving.
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  Philippians - Week 17: The Power Of Unity 20.05.2026 46min

  In this week's message, we delve into Philippians 4 to explore the profound biblical call to unity within the church family. Drawing from the apostle Paul’s appeal to the Philippian church, this sermon unpacks what it truly means to stand firm in the Lord together.Key Topics Discussed:The Meaning of Unity: Moving beyond organisational or denominational labels, we examine how true Christian unity is rooted in the Holy Spirit and the lordship of Jesus Christ.The Warfare of Unity: Unity is not a passive state but an active, intentional weapon. We discuss how choosing grace, forgiveness, and forbearance acts as a powerful witness of God’s manifold wisdom to the world and the spiritual realms.The Anointing of Unity: Referencing Psalm 133, we look at the blessing that occurs when believers dwell in harmony - an anointing that mirrors the refreshing dew of Hermon.Key Takeaway: Unity is not about agreeing on every minor detail, but about being a community devoted to Christ, taking up the cross daily, and reflecting God's love in a divided world. By laying aside personal ambitions and pride, we allow the gospel to shine through our relationships, serving as healers in a fractured society.Join us as we challenge one another to live out this counter-cultural call to love and prefer our brothers and sisters, just as Christ has loved us.
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  Philippians - Week 16: Awaiting Our Saviour 20.05.2026 52min

  What does it really look like to follow Jesus in everyday life?In this message from Philippians 3:17–21, we explore the difference between two ways of living: one shaped by the cross of Christ, and one shaped by the desires of this world. The Apostle Paul calls us to be intentional about who we follow and learn from, reminding us that the Christian life is not just taught—it’s caught.We’re challenged to examine what is truly driving our lives. Are we being shaped by comfort, success, and approval, or by surrender, humility, and obedience to Christ? Paul warns that there are many who appear close to faith but ultimately live as “enemies of the cross”—avoiding the cost of discipleship while still wanting its benefits.But for those in Christ, there is a greater reality: our citizenship is in heaven. We are not defined by this world, and we are not living for this moment. Instead, we are waiting for a Saviour—the Lord Jesus Christ—who will return and transform us by His power.This future hope reshapes how we live today. It gives purpose in suffering, clarity in decision-making, and confidence in the promises of God.So the question is: are we living for this world, or for the King who is coming?
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  Philippians - Week 15: Our Calling In Christ 29.04.2026 40min

  In this message, Barry Trim continues our series through the book of Philippians, focusing on the transformative power of knowing Christ and the clarity of our divine calling.Key Highlights from the Sermon:Knowing Christ: Barry explores how intimacy with God shifts our focus from worldly achievements—such as wisdom, strength, or riches—to a deep, personal relationship with Jesus, which is the foundation of true eternal life.The Nature of Calling: Often, we compare our lives to dramatic testimonies of global missions, wondering if our local context matters. Barry reassures the congregation that if you are a follower of Jesus, you have been appointed to bear fruit right where you are.Progressive Obedience: Drawing from the lives of Joseph and Abraham, the sermon highlights how callings are revealed progressively. We don’t need the full map to start; we only need to take the first step in obedience.Irrevocable Gifts: Barry emphasizes that God’s gifts and callings are irrevocable. Unlike human opportunities with expiration dates, God equips us with everything we need to succeed in our role within the Kingdom.Pressing On: Reflection on Philippians 3:13-14, encouraging us to forget what lies behind and strain toward the future, trusting that God has not given up on us, even in the midst of trauma, illness, or distress.Join us as we are reminded that our call is not just a job, but a lifelong journey of following Jesus, serving Him with our gifts, and pressing on toward the prize of our upward call in Christ Jesus.
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  Philippians - Week 14: The Surpassing Worth Of Knowing Christ 29.04.2026 48min

  In this message, we explore one of the most powerful and personal passages in Paul’s letter to the Philippians. From a place of deep conviction and lived experience, Paul declares that everything he once counted as gain is now loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord.This sermon unpacks what it truly means to place our confidence in Christ alone—not in our background, achievements, morality, or religious performance. Paul’s testimony challenges us to re-evaluate where we find our identity and righteousness, and invites us into something far greater: a personal, transforming relationship with Jesus.Key Themes:The danger of misplaced confidence (in the flesh)Paul’s radical re-evaluation of his former life and statusWhat it means to “count everything as loss”Righteousness through faith vs self-righteousnessThe surpassing worth of knowing Christ personallyKey Passage: Philippians 3:1–9 (ESV)
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  Philippians - Week 13: Shine Like Stars 13.04.2026 48min

  This message from Chris Smith confronts us with a challenging truth: grumbling isn't just a minor character flaw, it's a spiritual poison that can destroy our witness and rob us of joy.Drawing from Philippians 2:14-18 and the sobering example of the Israelites in Exodus 16, we're reminded that an entire generation died in the wilderness not because of their enemies, but because of their complaining hearts. The Israelites had been miraculously delivered from slavery, yet they grumbled about water, food, and every hardship they faced. Their ingratitude became a barrier between them and God's promises. For us today, this means examining our own hearts: Do we grumble about our jobs, our families, our circumstances? Or do we recognize these as gifts from God? The antidote is clear and beautifully simple: gratitude. When we choose thanksgiving over complaining, we position ourselves to shine as stars in a dark world. We're called to be lights, not because of our own brilliance, but because Christ, the true Light of the World, lives in us. This isn't about perfecting our circumstances, it's about transforming our attitudes. When we hold fast to truth and refuse to grumble, we become beacons of hope in a crooked and twisted generation, pointing others to the One who is worthy of all praise.
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  Easter Sunday Message 2026 13.04.2026 40min

  Welcome to the Christ Central Church podcast where we regularly share our sermons and teaching content.In this episode, Chris Smith preaches on the resurrection as part of our Easter Sunday Service.
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  Philippians - Week 12: Work Out Your Salvation 01.04.2026 50min

  This exploration of Philippians 2:12-13 tackles one of Christianity's most profound paradoxes: God's complete sovereignty working in perfect harmony with our human responsibility. We're invited to examine what it truly means to 'work out our salvation with fear and trembling' while recognizing that 'it is God who works in us both to will and to work for His good pleasure.' The message challenges us to avoid two dangerous extremes - passive Christianity that assumes God does everything so we do nothing, and performance-driven Christianity that exhausts us trying to earn what's already been freely given. Instead, we discover a beautiful partnership: God plants the seed of salvation and we cultivate it; God creates the spiritual muscle and we exercise it. The call isn't to create our own righteousness but to actively live out the transformation God has already begun in us. This means pursuing Christlikeness with reverence and intentionality, not treating our faith casually or becoming 'lukewarm and loving it.' We're reminded that salvation costs Jesus everything and that reality should shape how seriously we approach our daily walk with Him. The good news? God promises to provide both the desire and the power we need - transforming our hearts to want what He wants and empowering us through His Spirit to actually live it out.
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  Philippians - Week 11: Christ's Reward 25.03.2026 45min

  This profound exploration of Philippians 2 challenges us to reconsider what true humility actually means. We discover that humility is not about being shy, self-deprecating, or having a low opinion of ourselves. Instead, it's about adopting the mind of Christ, who though fully God, chose not to grasp at His divine rights and privileges. The teaching walks us through Christ's incredible descent from glory to a stable birth, refugee status, poverty, betrayal, and ultimately the cross. Yet this humiliation was not the end of the story. The passage reveals the beautiful arc from descent to exaltation, from death to resurrection and ascension, culminating in Christ being super-exalted above every name. For us, this means learning when to stand on our rights and when to release them, guided by the Holy Spirit rather than rigid formulas. We're called to be of one mind with Christ and one another, sharing His love and ambition for God's kingdom rather than selfish ambition. The mystery that Christ became sin so we might become the righteousness of God is beyond full comprehension, yet it's the foundation of our faith. We're reminded that we occupy a unique position in creation having experienced redemption, forgiveness, and healing in ways even angels cannot know. Our response is to walk humbly, speak carefully about others, and live in anticipation of our own glorification when we receive resurrection bodies and hear the Father's commendation.
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  Philippians - Week 10: Joy-Filled Community 17.03.2026 1h 1min

  What if the key to transforming our communities wasn't found in perfect doctrine or powerful programs, but in something far more challenging - genuine unity and humility? This exploration of Philippians 2 takes us into the heart of what it means to be a Spirit-filled community. Written from prison by a man facing potential execution, these words carry an urgency that sharpens their focus. Rather than asking for prayer for his release, Paul's primary concern is the unity of the church. This isn't about everyone thinking identically or agreeing on every doctrinal point - it's about attitude. It's about caring more for our brothers and sisters than for being right. The dramatic example of Chuck Colson bringing together a KKK member and a Black Panther in Christian brotherhood shows us the radical power of gospel unity. But for most of us, unity looks less dramatic and more costly: keeping quiet when our opinion could cause problems, forgiving when it's painful, going down on our knees to beg for reconciliation like Paul did with two women in conflict. The world around us is watching, and Jesus said they'll know we're His disciples not by our miracles or our doctrine, but by our love for one another. When we gather as people of different ages, backgrounds, and perspectives yet live in joyful unity, we become living proof that our God has an answer to the divisions tearing our world apart.
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  Philippians - Week 9: Gospel-Worthy Living 10.03.2026 47min

  This exploration of Philippians 1:27-30 challenges us to examine whether our lives truly reflect the transformative power of the gospel we claim to believe. At its heart lies a paradoxical truth: we're called to live lives worthy of the gospel, yet we cannot earn that worthiness through our own efforts. The message unpacks what it means to live authentically as Christians in a world filled with pressure, opposition, and suffering. We're reminded that the gospel isn't good news for people who are good enough - it's good news for people who know they aren't. This liberating truth frees us from the exhausting treadmill of trying to earn God's favor while simultaneously calling us to lives of radical transformation. The distinction between effort and earning becomes crucial here: the gospel isn't opposed to our effort, but it is completely opposed to the idea that we can earn our salvation. Like the haunting scene from Saving Private Ryan where Captain Miller whispers 'earn this' as he dies, many of us live under the weight of wondering if we've done enough. But Jesus doesn't pull us close and say 'earn this' - He declares 'it is finished.' Our acceptance before God is complete in Christ, and from that secure foundation, we're invited to live lives that reflect His glory. This message calls us to embrace four marks of gospel-worthy living: receiving grace as our starting point, standing united with other believers, living fearlessly in the face of opposition, and even embracing suffering as a mysterious gift that conforms us more closely to Christ. The challenge isn't to achieve perfection but to live authentically from the righteousness we've already received.