The City Church

Are the gifts of the Holy Spirit still for today? And are they really for everyone?Continuing our A Charismatic People series, we explore why we believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit are just as relevant for the church today as they were in the New Testament.Drawing from Scripture, church history and the promise of Christ’s return, we unpack why God continues to give spiritual gifts to His people and why these gifts aren't reserved for a select few.Whether you've experienced the gifts of the Spirit, have questions about them, or have been hesitant because of past experiences, this message is an invitation to rediscover what it means to be empowered by the Holy Spirit.The gifts of the Spirit aren't something we earn. They're gifts of grace, given to every believer for the good of others.

What does it really mean to be a charismatic people?In this message, John continues our series exploring the person and work of the Holy Spirit, looking at the biblical meaning of charisma - a gift of grace.Through Ephesians 2, we see that grace is at the heart of the Christian life: grace that saves us, grace that gives to us, and grace that keeps on giving. We are saved not by what we can achieve, but entirely through the gift of God in Jesus Christ.But God’s grace doesn’t stop at salvation. He brings us near, makes us His children, gives us His Spirit and equips His church with gifts to serve, love and carry out His purposes in the world.As we seek to be a people led and empowered by the Holy Spirit, the challenge is simple: don’t switch Him off. Instead, let’s earnestly desire His gifts, grow in dependence on Him, and use everything He gives us for His glory.

What is God calling us to as a church in this next season?On Vision Sunday, Martin looks at Isaiah 49 and the mission God has given His people: to be called by Him, sent into our neighbourhoods, and to carry the good news of Jesus to the nations.The mission of The City Church remains the same: inviting everyone to encounter Jesus. Whether that means loving the people on our street, sharing Jesus with friends and colleagues, serving our communities, or being sent further afield, every one of us has a part to play.As we look ahead to a new year as a church, we want to grow in intimacy with Jesus, become more confident in sharing our faith, and be ready to follow wherever the Holy Spirit leads.

What does it actually mean to be led by both the Word and the Spirit?In this message, we explore why Christians need both: the truth and direction of Scripture, and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.The Bible helps us know who God is and how He calls us to live. The Holy Spirit helps us actually live it out, bringing freedom, courage, transformation and the strength to follow Jesus in everyday life.Whether reading the Bible has become difficult, your faith feels dry, or you simply want to know God more deeply, the invitation is the same: go again. Grow again. Press into His Word and ask for more of His Spirit.Part of our series exploring what it means to be a charismatic church.

Who is the Holy Spirit, and what difference does He actually make in our lives?In the first message of our new series, A Charismatic People, Martin explores what the Bible teaches about the Holy Spirit: not an impersonal force or something reserved for extraordinary moments, but God Himself, present with us, living in us and empowering us.Looking through John 14 and across the New Testament, we discover how the Holy Spirit convicts us, gives us new life, dwells within every believer and fills us with power to live the life Jesus has called us to.This series is an invitation for us as a church to rediscover what it means to live in the fullness of the Holy Spirit, not simply looking back at what God has done before, but becoming increasingly hungry for His presence and power today.