Recent talks - The City Church

International Sunday 2026 | One body, many parts

February 8, 2026 • Alan Tower • Romans 12

On International Sunday, we reflect on the beautiful diversity and deep unity of the global Church. Drawing from Romans 12, this sermon reminds us that God’s people are described as one body made up of many parts—each with a unique role, gifting, and purpose. Through stories from around the world and everyday life, we’re invited to see that no role in the Church is insignificant. Whether visible or unseen, every act of service matters. God celebrates diversity, not conformity, and uses it to build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Church. This message also challenges us to think beyond ourselves and recognise how God calls us to serve together—locally and globally. With a special focus on welcoming international students, we’re reminded that mission often begins with simple hospitality, faithful presence, and shared life.

Morning: Wrestling with God

February 1, 2026 • Martin Segal • Genesis 32:22–32

This sermon explores a key moment in the life of Jacob, when he is left alone and wrestles through the night with an unknown figure. As the encounter unfolds, Jacob is changed. He is given a new name, Israel, and comes away not only with a limp but with a deeper understanding of who God is. Jacob’s life had been marked by striving—against others and within himself. In this passage, we reflect on how struggle is often a part of our journey too. Rather than seeing it as something to escape, this message encourages us to consider how God can meet us in those places of difficulty. Transformation often comes when we reach the end of our own strength. Jacob’s story reminds us that God is faithful and present, even in seasons of waiting, wrestling, or uncertainty.

Evening: God in the Wilderness

January 25, 2026 • Jonathan Lewis • Genesis 28:10–22

In this message, we look at a key moment in Jacob’s life as he begins a long and uncertain journey. Having left home in difficult circumstances, Jacob finds himself alone and unprepared—yet it is here that God meets him. Through a dream of a staircase reaching to heaven, God graciously reaffirms His promises to Jacob, not because of Jacob’s faithfulness, but because of His own. This passage invites us to consider how God often meets us in unexpected places, not based on what we’ve done, but because of who He is.

Morning: God in the Wilderness

January 25, 2026 • Kathryn Bailey • Genesis 28:10–22

In this week’s message from our Genesis series, we journey with Jacob as he flees into the wilderness—alone, broken, and far from God. What unfolds is one of the most breathtaking moments in Scripture: heaven opens, angels descend, and God meets Jacob exactly where he is. Through Jacob’s dream at Bethel, we discover a powerful truth: God sees us—in our mess, in our wandering, and in our questions. Just like Jacob, we don’t have to climb our way to God. Instead, God comes down to us. This sermon unpacks how God’s presence transforms despair into purpose and shows how Jesus becomes the true “stairway” between heaven and earth.

Evening: The Cost of Deception

January 18, 2026 • John Bailey • Genesis 27:1–45

Even the most broken of families cannot stop the redeeming work of God. In this message, we explore the deeply dysfunctional dynamics between Isaac, Rebekah, Esau, and Jacob in Genesis 27—a story marked by deception, favoritism, and failed communication. Yet through it all, God’s purposes still prevail. John unpacks how each character strays from God’s will, but also how God sovereignly works through their flaws to bring about His promises. The story reminds us that although we often fail, God is faithful. More than that, He redeems. This message is a powerful call to trust God’s process, to resist manipulating outcomes for our own gain, and to surrender our lives into the hands of a God who brings beauty from chaos.

Morning: The Cost of Deception

January 18, 2026 • Olly Knight • Genesis 27:1–45

In this message from our Genesis series, we look at the story of Jacob, Esau, Isaac, and Rebekah in Genesis 27—a story shaped by deception, manipulation, and broken trust. As Jacob disguises himself to receive his father’s blessing, we reflect on the cost of trying to take control instead of waiting on God. Though Jacob receives the blessing, the fallout affects his family for years to come. This passage invites us to consider: • Are there times we’ve taken matters into our own hands rather than trusting God? • Have we been tempted to force outcomes, even with good intentions? • What does it mean to wait patiently and faithfully for God to fulfil His promises? Despite the failures in this story, we see God’s grace at work. Jacob’s journey reminds us that even in our weakness, God is faithful—and that His purposes are not dependent on our perfection.

Evening: Why Prayer Still Matters in a Broken World

January 11, 2026 • Rhys Poore • 1 Samuel 1:1–20

As we begin 2026, this message encourages us to dedicate the year to prayer, even when it feels difficult or unclear. Looking at the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1, Rhys explores what it means to bring our real emotions and circumstances to God in prayer. Whether you’re feeling discouraged, unsure how to pray, or simply struggling to see the point, this talk reminds us that prayer doesn’t begin with perfect words or full understanding. It starts with honesty, openness, and trust in the God who hears.

Morning: Two Nations, One Plan

January 4, 2026 • Nii Noi Osuteye • Genesis 25:19–34

This sermon explores the powerful story of Isaac, Rebekah, and their sons Jacob and Esau in Genesis 25. As we step into the new year, we are invited to reflect on God’s faithfulness, the power of prayer, and the weight of our spiritual inheritance in Christ. We see how Isaac’s persistent intercession led to the fulfillment of God’s promise, and how Esau’s careless decision to trade his birthright for temporary satisfaction serves as a warning to guard the spiritual blessings we’ve been given. We are reminded that God’s sovereign will prevails even through flawed people and imperfect stories—and that we are called to respond with faith, patience, and reverence for the eternal inheritance secured for us in Christ.

Evening: A Legacy of Faith

December 7, 2025 • Dave Boulding • Genesis 24

What do you do when it doesn’t feel like God has a plan for your life? In this message from our Genesis series, we explore Genesis 24—the story of Isaac and Rebekah—and discover how God’s perfect plans unfold even when we don’t see the full picture. Through the faith of Abraham and the obedience of his servant, we see what it looks like to prioritise God’s plans over our own, to trust Him in the waiting, and to walk in partnership with Him. But ultimately, it’s Jesus who perfects God’s plan—redeeming us, calling us by name, and inviting us into His greater story. This sermon is for anyone asking: – “Is God really working in my life?” – “Can I trust His timing?” – “How do I follow when I don’t see the full path?”

Morning: A Legacy of Faith

December 7, 2025 • Nii Noi Osuteye • Genesis 24

In this message we explore Genesis 24 and see what it reveals about legacy, faith, and generational purpose. Through the story of Abraham sending his servant to find a wife for Isaac, we see how God’s promises are sustained through faith-filled obedience, spiritual inheritance, and godly character. Abraham’s firm resolution, the servant’s faithful obedience, and Rebekah’s humble response all highlight the divine orchestration at work in fulfilling God’s covenant. This isn’t just a story about marriage, it’s about the continuation of God’s promise and how faith is passed from one generation to the next. You’ll be challenged to consider: What legacy of faith are you building? And who are you passing it on to?