Christ Church Balham Talks Christ Church Balham

In this talk, we'll consider themes of faith, family and forgiveness as we look at the whole of the book of Philemon

Join us in the last chapter of 1 Peter as we look at what kind of attributes and characteristics elders in the church should have, and how we should relate to them with humility in the light of our future hope in Christ.

Many of us are driven through life with a desire for acclaim and to make a name for ourselves. But Jesus was clear that following means facing shame and hatred for the sake of his name. So why would anyone choose to identify with Jesus in his suffering?

What is the great hope of the Christian life - to be free from suffering, or to be like Christ? In this passage the Apostle Peter shows how God uses our suffering to make us more like Christ - to put to death our sin for sin, and to prepare us for glory.

How should Christians respond to injustice and persecution? Some of us are tempted to shrink back, whilst others of us are tempted to fight back. But the Lord Jesus Christ shows us a better way, which opens the door to share the reason for the hope that we have.

Peter's letter continues to help Christians see how to live as exiles in this world, this time particularly focussing on aspects of God's beautiful and counter-cultural design for marriage.