Crowd Church Talks
Series: Origin | What does the Bible say about? | Mark’s Gospel | Alpha Course Online
Is the Christian God Cruel (Genesis Part 12)
Is the God of the Bible cruel? Sharon Edmundson tackles one of Scripture's most challenging stories – Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac – revealing how this passage actually demonstrates God's radical difference from ancient pagan deities. While other gods demanded child sacrifice, the true God provided an alternative, foreshadowing Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. During Conversation Street, the discussion explores surrender, testing, and living counter-culturally. Rather than a troubling tale of divine cruelty, this story reveals a God who makes a way when there seems to be none – the God who gives rather than takes.
Our New Covenant in Christ (Genesis Part 11)
This week, Matt Edmundson explores the radical nature of covenant through Abraham's story. Unlike modern contracts that can be broken with minimal consequences, ancient covenants were sealed in blood with one shocking rule: only death could break them. When God made His covenant with Abraham, He did something unprecedented—walking alone between the sacrificed animals, taking all responsibility upon Himself. This foreshadows Christ's sacrifice, establishing a new covenant through His blood. Discover how this ancient concept transforms our marriages, relationships with God, and very identities as believers today. A ‘mind-bending’ revelation that changes everything.
When Someone Else Gets The Win (Genesis Part 9)
Ever felt that sting when someone else gets the recognition you wanted? Pete Butland unpacks the story of Cain and Abel to reveal it's not just about murder – it's about our fundamental view of God. Using emergency Christmas presents and unwanted toffee pennies as illustrations, Pete exposes how we often give God our leftovers while keeping the best for ourselves. The real question: do we truly believe God is enough? When we don't, we become like Cain – resentful, bitter, and unable to celebrate others' success. But when we know God's abundance, we can give our best without fear and rejoice when others receive His favour.
When Everything Looks Good But God Says No (Genesis Part 5)
Ever felt torn between what looks good and what God says is good? This week, Jenny Mariner tackled one of the most challenging aspects of faith - those moments when God says no to something that seems perfectly right. Through a fresh look at Genesis, Jenny explored how our culture's "follow your desires" narrative contrasts with God's invitation to deeper trust. From chocolate cake cravings to life-changing decisions, she revealed how God isn't restricting our joy but inviting us into something better. The following discussion got refreshingly real about relationships, power, and what it means to trust God when everything in us wants to say yes.
Philippians #5 - Service & Sacrifice
Today is Remembrance Sunday. Andy Kettle explores themes of service and sacrifice through the lens of biblical figures Timothy and Epaphroditus, drawing parallels with the selflessness of soldiers commemorated on this day. Andy shares the inspiring story of Woodbine Willie, a chaplain known for his compassion during World War I.
Christianity And The Pursuit Of Happiness: Stephen's Reality Check
We carry on our study of the Book of Acts. Today we are looking at Acts 7:51-60, see what we can learn from the story of Stephen, who ends up being martyred for his faith and how that ties in with popular quotes stating that God doesn't just want to give you Jesus but an abundant life too.
Somehow, Stephen found supreme joy in having Jesus, despite facing death. So has Christianity in the West been watered down? Is faith just about personal prosperity and comfort, or rather as a commitment that may involve sacrifice and even persecution?
What about the contemporary interpretation of self-love, has it been distorted to prioritise individual comfort and personal gain rather than denying oneself to follow Christ? Brace yourself for a reality check that is as challenging as it is enlightening.