News

Growth in grace – growing as a Christian – Firm Foundations #37

Posted on by Phill Sacre

How do we grow as Christians? For most of us, becoming a Christian doesn’t involve a massive overnight change. How do we grow, and how do we know that we’re growing? In this session I outline what I call the “cycle of grace”, how the Christian life works.

Links

Find out more about the Firm Foundations course by watching the Introduction. The previous session (part 36, on Joy) is here.

Share this:

Do not worry – Matthew 6:25-34 – 9th July 2023

Posted on by Phill Sacre

In this, one of Jesus’ most famous teachings, he says that we should not worry. But what does that mean? How do we put this into practise in our lives? How do we trust God instead of worrying?

Suggested songs

Bible readings

Catechism

The catechism videos are undated, as it’s best to work your way through in sequence. Simply pick the next one from this playlist.

Please do have a look at the Church with UTB page for a printable order of service and an online tool to help you find all the right videos / links etc.

Share this:

Joy – finding joy as a Christian – Firm Foundations #36

Posted on by Phill Sacre

The Bible says that joy is a state, not an emotion. Joy is something we can have any time, anywhere – it’s not about feeling happy or sad. It’s far deeper than any human emotion. What is it and how do we get it?

Find out more about the Firm Foundations course by watching the Introduction. The previous session (part 35, on Peace) is here.

Share this:

Treasure in Heaven – Matthew 6:19-24 – 2nd July 2023

Posted on by Phill Sacre

Jesus turns from authentic religion to how we should live in the rest of our lives. In this passage Jesus says that we should store up treasure in heaven, rather than treasure on earth. But what does that mean?

Suggested songs

Bible readings

Catechism

The catechism videos are undated, as it’s best to work your way through in sequence. Simply pick the next one from this playlist.

Please do have a look at the Church with UTB page for a printable order of service and an online tool to help you find all the right videos / links etc.

Share this:

Peace – how we know peace in any situation – Firm Foundations #35

Posted on by Phill Sacre

Everyone is looking for peace. In the Bible, peace is not simply the absence of conflict but something deeper. It’s a gift from God, and we can experience it regardless of our circumstances.

Find out more about the Firm Foundations course by watching the Introduction. The previous session (part 34, on Assurance) is here.

Share this:

Fasting and Authentic Religion – Matthew 6:16-18 – 25th June 2023

Posted on by Phill Sacre

In the third and final example of authentic religion, Jesus talks about fasting. In this sermon we think about what fasting is and whether it should be a regular part of our lives as Christians. We also think about what, in summary, Jesus wants us to learn about authentic religion.

Suggested songs

Bible readings

Catechism

The catechism videos are undated, as it’s best to work your way through in sequence. Simply pick the next one from this playlist.

Please do have a look at the Church with UTB page for a printable order of service and an online tool to help you find all the right videos / links etc.

Share this:

Assurance – can I know that I’m a Christian? – Firm Foundations #34

Posted on by Phill Sacre

Is it possible to be confident that you are a Christian? Can we know that we have received God’s grace? In this session we look into assurance to see what it is and what difference it makes.

The article I mention about justification is here on the website.

I also mention Session 29 about faith.

Find out more about the Firm Foundations course by watching the Introduction. The previous session (part 33, on Sanctification) is here.

Share this:

Authentic Prayer – Matthew 6:5-15 – 18th June 2023

Posted on by Phill Sacre

Last week we started thinking about how Jesus wants us to be authentic in our religion – not like the hypocrites. This week, he talks about prayer. What does it mean to pray authentically, not like the hypocrites?

Suggested songs

Bible readings

Catechism

The catechism videos are undated, as it’s best to work your way through in sequence. Simply pick the next one from this playlist.

Please do have a look at the Church with UTB page for a printable order of service and an online tool to help you find all the right videos / links etc.

Share this:

Sanctification – how God makes us holy – Firm Foundations #33

Posted on by Phill Sacre

We soon realise that becoming a Christian doesn’t solve the problem of sin. In fact, becoming a Christian is just the beginning of the process. So, how do we live a Christian life without feelings of guilt or shame?

Find out more about the Firm Foundations course by watching the Introduction. The previous session (part 32, on Adoption) is here.

Share this:

Authentic Religion – Matthew 6:1-4 – 11th June 2023

Posted on by Phill Sacre

In our passage in Church with UTB this week, we are looking at Jesus’ words about authentic religion. In this chapter, Jesus turns to how we live out our devotion to God. We should live authentically as Christians who want to honour God, rather than as the hypocrites who only want praise from other people.

Suggested songs

Bible readings

Catechism

The catechism videos are undated, as it’s best to work your way through in sequence. Simply pick the next one from this playlist.

Please do have a look at the Church with UTB page for a printable order of service and an online tool to help you find all the right videos / links etc.

Share this: