Recent talks - The City Church

Running from God

April 12, 2026 • Jonathan Lewis • Jonah 1

Have you ever felt frustrated with God—or struggled with the idea that His grace is available to anyone? In this opening message of our Jonah series, we explore one of the most confronting truths of the gospel: God’s grace is both beautiful and deeply challenging. Through Jonah 1, we see a prophet running from God, wrestling with obedience, and struggling with the reality that God’s mercy extends even to those he despises. This sermon unpacks three key movements in the story: • Jonah’s flight • God’s pursuit • The echo of the gospel in Jesus As Jonah runs in the opposite direction, God pursues him—not to punish, but to restore. And in the storm, the sailors, and even the great fish, we see a God who is relentlessly committed to saving, redeeming, and showing mercy. Ultimately, Jonah’s story points us to Jesus—the greater and better Jonah—who didn’t run from God’s will, but obeyed fully, even to death on a cross, so that we could receive grace we could never earn.

Easter Sunday | Groundbreaking

April 5, 2026 • Martin Segal • Matthew 28:1–10

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the greatest news in history—Jesus is alive. But what does that really mean for us in a world that still feels broken, painful, and uncertain? In this message from Matthew 28:1–10, we explore how the resurrection of Jesus doesn’t ignore the reality of suffering—but transforms it. From the curse of sin in Genesis to the promise of restoration in Revelation, this sermon walks us through the full story of Scripture and shows how Jesus’ victory over death brings hope not just for us, but for all of creation. We look at three key themes: Broken Ground – understanding the reality of a fallen world Broken Promises – why the world’s solutions leave us empty Breakthrough – how Jesus’ death and resurrection change everything No matter what you’re facing today, this message reminds us: there is real hope, because Jesus is risen.

Evening: Genesis 50 | Forgiveness and Unforgiveness

March 29, 2026 • Ruth Dark • Genesis 50:15–21

This message takes us to the final chapter of Genesis, exploring Joseph’s story in Genesis 50:1–26 and the powerful truth that God can transform even the darkest intentions into channels of grace and life. Through the lens of Joseph’s life, we unpack three key themes: An understanding of mourning We see that grief is not a lack of faith, but often an expression of love. Joseph openly mourns his father, reminding us that faith and sorrow can coexist, and that God meets us in our pain. An understanding of forgiveness Joseph’s response to his brothers challenges us deeply. Instead of holding onto resentment, he chooses forgiveness, declaring, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” This message invites us to wrestle honestly with forgiveness—recognising it as a process, a choice, and a pathway to freedom. An understanding of faith Joseph’s story ends not with dramatic triumph, but with steady, enduring faith. Even in Egypt, he trusted in God’s promises and looked beyond his own lifetime, reminding us that faith is about how we finish as much as how we begin. This sermon encourages us to bring our grief, our hurts, and our circumstances before God—trusting that He is at work, even when life feels complicated. It’s a call to live with forgiveness in our hearts and faith for the future, knowing that God is always working for good.

Morning: Genesis 50 | Forgiveness and Unforgiveness

March 29, 2026 • Jonathan Law • Genesis 50:15–21

In this message, we come to the final chapter of Genesis, looking at Genesis 50:15–21 and the interaction between Joseph and his brothers. Rather than ending with dramatic events, Genesis closes with an ordinary but significant moment—how people relate to one another after wrongdoing. This passage helps us reflect on two themes: the impact of unforgiveness and the practice of forgiveness. Joseph’s response to his brothers shows a quiet confidence in God’s sovereignty alongside a personal choice to act with kindness and compassion. It also raises honest questions about how we handle guilt, strained relationships, and the difficulty of forgiving others. As we approach Easter, this passage points us toward the wider story of the Bible, where forgiveness is ultimately found in Jesus. It invites us to consider what it means to live in light of that forgiveness in our everyday relationships.

Evening: Genesis 42 | Be Reconciled

March 22, 2026 • Kathryn Bailey • Genesis 42

As we continue our journey through Genesis, we step into a powerful moment in the story of Joseph and his brothers. In Genesis 42, a time of famine becomes the catalyst for something much deeper—God begins a work of transformation in a broken family. This message explores how God uses crisis, confrontation, and compassion to awaken hearts, expose hidden sin, and lead people toward repentance and restoration. Through Joseph’s testing of his brothers, we see a picture of both truth and love—what the sermon describes as “frost and sun”—working together to soften hearts and bring lasting change. Ultimately, this passage points us forward to Jesus, the greater substitute, who offers grace, forgiveness, and restoration in place of judgment.

Morning: Genesis 42 | Be Reconciled

March 22, 2026 • Sam Gardner • Genesis 42

In this message, we continue our journey through Genesis, focusing on Genesis 42 and the powerful theme of reconciliation. After years of betrayal, suffering, and unexpected elevation, Joseph comes face to face with the very brothers who sold him into slavery. What should he do? This sermon explores Joseph’s surprising response—not revenge, not public justice, but the beginnings of reconciliation. As we unpack this moment, we’re invited to see how Joseph’s story points us to the heart of God: a God who desires reconciliation with His people. We reflect on: • Joseph’s journey from pain to reconciliation • The character of God as one who restores relationships • How Jesus makes reconciliation possible through the cross • What it means for us to live with a ministry of reconciliation This message challenges us to consider our own lives—where we need to receive reconciliation with God, and where we are called to pursue it with others.

Morning: Genesis 41 | Hold On

March 15, 2026 • Martin Segal • Genesis 41

In this message from our Genesis series, we look at the story of Joseph in Genesis 40, a chapter that begins and ends with Joseph still in prison. Joseph’s situation is difficult and uncertain. Despite being wrongly imprisoned and seemingly forgotten, he continues to trust God, serve others, and remain faithful in the place where he finds himself. This passage invites us to reflect on how we respond during seasons of waiting or disappointment. Joseph’s example reminds us that even in challenging circumstances, we can continue to rely on God, use the gifts He has given us, and trust His timing. Key themes from the message include: • Recognising God’s presence in difficult seasons • Serving others even while we are struggling • Trusting God rather than placing our hope in people • Persevering while we wait for God’s timing

Evening: Genesis 40 | Serving in Suffering

March 8, 2026 • Dave Boulding • Genesis 40

This sermon explores the story of Joseph in prison from Genesis 40, focusing on what it means to remain faithful to God in the midst of suffering and uncertainty. Even while unjustly imprisoned, Joseph continues to serve those around him, trusting that God is still at work despite circumstances that seem to contradict His promises. Through Joseph’s interaction with Pharaoh’s cupbearer and baker, we see a powerful example of how God can use us even in the most difficult seasons of life. Rather than becoming self-focused in his suffering, Joseph notices the needs of others and points them to God. The message also draws powerful parallels between Joseph’s story and the life of Jesus. Just as Joseph suffered unjustly yet served faithfully, Jesus endured suffering on the cross while still showing compassion and extending forgiveness. While people may forget us—as the cupbearer forgot Joseph—Jesus never forgets His people and continues to intercede for them. This sermon challenges us to shift our perspective when facing hardship. Instead of asking only how to escape suffering, we are encouraged to ask: What might God be doing in the midst of it? Even in our hardest moments, God remains present and has meaningful work prepared for us.

Morning: Genesis 40 | Serving God while Serving Time

March 8, 2026 • Nii Noi Osuteye • Genesis 40

In this message from our Genesis series, we look at the story of Joseph in Genesis 40, a chapter that begins and ends with Joseph still in prison. Joseph’s situation is difficult and uncertain. Despite being wrongly imprisoned and seemingly forgotten, he continues to trust God, serve others, and remain faithful in the place where he finds himself. This passage invites us to reflect on how we respond during seasons of waiting or disappointment. Joseph’s example reminds us that even in challenging circumstances, we can continue to rely on God, use the gifts He has given us, and trust His timing. Key themes from the message include: • Recognising God’s presence in difficult seasons • Serving others even while we are struggling • Trusting God rather than placing our hope in people • Persevering while we wait for God’s timing

Devoted to What?

March 1, 2026 • Martin Segal • Matthew 26:6–16

This week we take a one-week pause in our Genesis series to explore a topic Jesus spoke about often — money. In this message from Matthew 26:6–16, we look at the powerful contrast between Mary’s extravagant devotion and Judas’ betrayal. Through the story of the anointing at Bethany, we’re challenged with a searching question: What are you devoted to? Money itself is neutral — but how we use it reveals the direction of our hearts. Will it pull us towards Jesus or push us away from Him? In this sermon, we explore three key truths: • Money will either pull you towards Jesus or push you away from Him • Money will cultivate either a generous heart or a greedy heart • Money will leave a legacy of beauty or betrayal Mary pours out a year’s wages in worship. Judas asks, “What will you give me?” One act becomes a beautiful legacy remembered wherever the gospel is preached. The other becomes a warning that echoes through history. Jesus doesn’t need our money — but He deeply cares about our hearts. As followers of Christ, even our wallets are invited into discipleship. This message calls us to examine our devotion, respond to God’s generosity, and live lives that become a beautiful offering to Him.