Calvary Church Brighton - Sermons: Steve Ellacott

The Sabbath

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Sabbath

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Sunday Morning

Date: 1st March 2026

Passages:

Genesis 1:24-2:3
Mark 2:23-27

Peace on earth?

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Peace on earth?

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 21st December 2025

Passage: Isaiah 2:1-5

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Peace and the gospel

Paul takes a stand

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 28 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Paul takes a stand

Series: Galatians

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 28th September 2025

Passage: Galatians 2:1-21

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Problems with the circumcision property

What is mankind? Seminar

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100

What is mankind? Seminar

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 10th August 2025

Passages:

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A follow up to the morning sermon on Psalm 8, addressing some of the scientific issues

What is mankind?

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0100

What is mankind?

Series: Psalms

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 10th August 2025

Passage: Psalm 1:1-150:6

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What is mankind? A big question with many answers

Paul arrested

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Paul arrested

Series: Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 1st June 2025

Passage: Acts 21:27-22:19

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Paul is arrested and gives his testimony

Contrasting responses

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 02 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Contrasting responses

Series: Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 2nd March 2025

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Searching the scriptures

A better story

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 24 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

A better story

Series: Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 24th November 2024

Passage: Acts 13:1-12

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In Antioch it all changed

Barnabas and Dorcas

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 27 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Barnabas and Dorcas

Series: Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 27th October 2024

Passage: Acts 9:19-34

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Two of the supporting cast

A problem and an opportunity

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0100

A problem and an opportunity

Series: Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 11th August 2024

Passage: Acts 6:1-15

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The deacon thing

Peter's second sermon

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Peter's second sermon

Series: Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 23rd June 2024

Passage: Acts 3:1-26

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The healing of a lame man gives Peter an opportunity

Waiting and going

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 26 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Waiting and going

Series: Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 26th May 2024

Passage: Acts 1:1-26

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Luke continues his history

Witnesses

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0100

Witnesses

Series: Easter

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 7th April 2024

Passage: Luke 24:36-52

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Witnesses of the risen Jesus

Closing the loop

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Closing the loop

Series: 1 Samuel

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 25th February 2024

Passage: 1 Samuel 28:3-25

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An ironical end to Saul's reign

Failure at Giigal

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 22 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Failure at Giigal

Series: 1 Samuel

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 22nd October 2023

Passage: 1 Samuel 13:1-22

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Saul's reign starts to unravel

Living for God in suffering

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 24 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Living for God in suffering

Series: 1 Peter

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 24th September 2023

Passage: 1 Peter 4:12-19

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Suffering for the gospel is a cause for joy

Saul anointed

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Saul anointed

Series: 1 Samuel

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 16th July 2023

Passage: 1 Samuel 9:1-10:11

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The story of the anointing of Israel's first king

Will all be well?

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Will all be well?

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 18th June 2023

Passages:

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Jeremiah condemns foolish optimism

Resurrection

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 00:00:00 +0100

Resurrection

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 30th April 2023

Passage: 1 Corinthians 15:1-58

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Without the resurrection, Christianity makes no sense

The vine and the branches

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 26 Mar 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The vine and the branches

Series: John's gospel

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 26th March 2023

Passage: John 15:1-17

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Remaining in Christ

Politics - Under the Sun

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Politics - Under the Sun

Series: Jesus is Lord

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 26th February 2023

Passages:

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Jesus is lord of history and law

The Lord's Prayer

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Lord's Prayer

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 22nd January 2023

Passage: Matthew 6:5-15

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Lord teach us to pray

The serpent crusher

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 13 Nov 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The serpent crusher

Series: Great prophecies of Christmas

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 13th November 2022

Passages:

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He will strike the head of the serpent

The Bread of Life

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 21 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The Bread of Life

Series: John's gospel

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 21st August 2022

Passage: John 6:25-59

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What is the true meaning of human life?

Why should we believe?

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Why should we believe?

Series: John's gospel

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 31st July 2022

Passage: John 5:31-47

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Three witnesses to Jesus

Taking Jesus at his word

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 10 Jul 2022 00:00:00 +0100

Taking Jesus at his word

Series: John's gospel

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 10th July 2022

Passages:

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A man in need has to exercise faith

The wedding at Cana - 7 days of revelation of Jesus: 7

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 29 May 2022 00:00:00 +0100

The wedding at Cana - 7 days of revelation of Jesus: 7

Series: John's gospel

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 29th May 2022

Passage: John 2:1-11

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Not the wedding, but a wedding

Gospel Shaped Ministry

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 27 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000

Gospel Shaped Ministry

Series: 1 Timothy

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 27th February 2022

Passage: 1 Timothy 4:1-10

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A spiritual health check

The Gospel Shaped Life

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000

The Gospel Shaped Life

Series: 1 Timothy

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 23rd January 2022

Passage: 1 Timothy 1:12-20

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We are all sinners

Hate won't win

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 01 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0100

Hate won't win

Series: Esther

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 1st August 2021

Passage: Esther 8:1-17

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Haman's violent plot is frustrated. We reflect on violence

For such a time as this...

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 04 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0100

For such a time as this...

Series: Esther

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 4th July 2021

Passage: Esther 4:1-17

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Esther gets going

Born in Zion

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 23 May 2021 00:00:00 +0100

Born in Zion

Series: Psalms

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 23rd May 2021

Passage: Psalm 1:1-150:6

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Foreigners become citizens of Zion

The Vine

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0100

The Vine

Series: Psalms

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 18th April 2021

Passage: Psalm 1:1-150:6

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Israel a broken down vine

Gethsemane: If it is possible...

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 21 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Gethsemane: If it is possible...

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 21st March 2021

Passage: Matthew 26:36-46

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The cup Jesus could not avoid

The skilful Shepherd

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

The skilful Shepherd

Series: Psalms

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 21st February 2021

Passage: Psalm 1:1-150:6

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The Shepherd of the people

Things we have heard and known

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 14 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

Things we have heard and known

Series: Psalms

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 14th February 2021

Passage: Psalm 1:1-150:6

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Do we learn from history?

My feet had almost slipped

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000

My feet had almost slipped

Series: Psalms

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 10th January 2021

Passage: Psalm 1:1-150:6

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The psalmist deals with discouragement

Blessed is the one...

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 06 Dec 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Blessed is the one...

Series: Psalms

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 6th December 2020

Passage: Psalm 1:1-150:6

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Where true wisdom is to be found

The seal on the tomb

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The seal on the tomb

Series: Matthew - life in the kingdom

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 8th November 2020

Passage: Matthew 27:62-66

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The Jewish leaders are worried about Jesus' body being stolen

Hail, king of the Jews

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 04 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Hail, king of the Jews

Series: Matthew - life in the kingdom

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 4th October 2020

Passage: Matthew 27:27-31

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The king is crowned. But by mocking soldiers.

The prayer at the olive press

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 23 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0100

The prayer at the olive press

Series: Matthew - life in the kingdom

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 23rd August 2020

Passage: Matthew 26:36-46

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Jesus' prayer at Gethsemane shows us the horror of sin

Be prepared

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 28 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Be prepared

Series: Matthew - life in the kingdom

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 28th June 2020

Passages:

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Watch for the Lord coming

Testing questions

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 31 May 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Testing questions

Series: Matthew - life in the kingdom

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 31st May 2020

Passage: Matthew 22:34-46

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The Pharisees and Jesus put each other to the test

Authority and obedience

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 26 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0100

Authority and obedience

Series: Matthew - life in the kingdom

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 26th April 2020

Passage: Matthew 21:23-32

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When it comes to the words of God, who is to be believed?

Following with eyes opened

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Following with eyes opened

Series: Matthew - life in the kingdom

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 22nd March 2020

Passage: Matthew 20:29-34

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Sometimes the blind see better than the signed

The key importance of forgiveness

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 09 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

The key importance of forgiveness

Series: Matthew - life in the kingdom

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 9th February 2020

Passage: Matthew 18:21-25

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Forgiveness is essential in the life of the church

The transfiguration

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 15 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The transfiguration

Series: Matthew - the king revealed

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 15th December 2019

Passage: Matthew 16:13-17:13

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Jesus' glory revealed

Response to Jesus

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 27 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0100

Response to Jesus

Series: Matthew - parables

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 27th October 2019

Passage: Matthew 13:53-58

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Jesus' townsfolk cannot accept him as a prophet. This results in a disconnection from reality.

Son of David or servant of Satan?

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 04 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0100

Son of David or servant of Satan?

Series: Matthew - Who is Jesus?

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 4th August 2019

Passage: Matthew 12:22-30

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The crowd is confused, the Pharisees are sceptical

The cost of allegiance

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 09 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0100

The cost of allegiance

Series: Matthew - a turning point

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 9th June 2019

Passage: Matthew 10:32-39

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The gospel requires total war on the forces of darkness. But with a strange kind of warrior.

About persecution

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 26 May 2019 00:00:00 +0100

About persecution

Series: Matthew - a turning point

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 26th May 2019

Passage: Matthew 10:21-25

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The Kingdom of Heaven stands in opposition to the kingdoms of this world. Conflict is inevitable.

Jesus has authority to forgive sins

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Jesus has authority to forgive sins

Series: Matthew - miracles

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 3rd March 2019

Passage: Matthew 9:1-8

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Who can forgive sins but God. Yet Jesus claims this authority.

Many healings

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 03 Feb 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Many healings

Series: Matthew - miracles

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 3rd February 2019

Passage: Matthew 7:28-8:18

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Healing miracles authenticate the saviour

Preparing for the future

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Preparing for the future

Series: Joseph

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 16th December 2018

Passage: Genesis 47:13-31

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Joseph helps out the Egyptians. But the Israelites must not get too comfortable. What is the proper ending to the story of Joseph?

Humiliated senior

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 28 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Humiliated senior

Series: Joseph

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 28th October 2018

Passages:

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What will happen to Joseph? The narrator makes us wait as he describes the family of Judah. Will Judah's line die out?

Final greetings

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 14 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Final greetings

Series: The letter to the Ephesians

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 14th October 2018

Passage: Ephesians 6:19-23

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Paul ends his letter to the Ephesians with a final greeting, where he reminds us of the authentic messenger and the authentic experience.

Non-Gentile living

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 02 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Non-Gentile living

Series: The letter to the Ephesians

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 2nd September 2018

Passage: Ephesians 4:17-5:2

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How you think determines how you live.

Sharers together

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 12 Aug 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Sharers together

Series: The letter to the Ephesians

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 12th August 2018

Passage: Ephesians 3:2-12

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A secret is revealed. All the nations are God's inheritance.

Judging and asking

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Judging and asking

Series: The Sermon on the Mount

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 24th June 2018

Passage: Matthew 7:1-12

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Self-righteousness destroys compassion and brings judgement on ourselves. We need to ask for kingdom grace.

Jesus law and kingdom

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 06 May 2018 00:00:00 +0100

Jesus law and kingdom

Series: The Sermon on the Mount

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 6th May 2018

Passage: Matthew 5:17-32

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God does not need a plan B: the law is from him. But Jesus fulfils the law and promises righteousness.

Give us today our daily bread

Steve Ellacott — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Give us today our daily bread

Series: The Lord's Prayer

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 29th January 2018

Passages:

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This central petition of the Lord's prayer is about what we need to sustain daily life

A new creation

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 10 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

A new creation

Series: Galatians

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 10th December 2017

Passage: Galatians 6:11-18

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All the benefits in the new covenant are found through a new creation in Christ alone

The freeborn son

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The freeborn son

Series: Galatians

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 5th November 2017

Passage: Galatians 4:1-31

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Included in Christ, we are heirs that inherit the promise

Children of Abraham

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Children of Abraham

Series: Galatians

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 29th October 2017

Passage: Galatians 3:15-29

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Law does not replace faith. The law is fulfilled for those included in Christ.

Have you been bewitched?

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 22 Oct 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Have you been bewitched?

Series: Galatians

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 22nd October 2017

Passage: Galatians 3:1-14

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The centre section of Galatians is one sustained argument exploring justification by faith and its implications.

The farewell tour

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 00:00:00 +0100

The farewell tour

Series: The gospel in a complicated world

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 6th August 2017

Passage: Acts 20:1-38

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Realising his time is short, Paul makes a final tour to encourage the young churches. What is his plan to defend the flock from the wolves? Many words!

Gods and money

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Gods and money

Series: The gospel in a complicated world

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 30th July 2017

Passage: Acts 19:1-41

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Paul encounters false religion, mixed up with economics, politics and civic pride. The gospel impacts culture.

Jews and the nations

Steve Ellacott — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Jews and the nations

Series: The gospel in a complicated world

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 24th July 2017

Passage: Acts 18:1-28

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Paul goes to the Jews first, then to the nations. The gospel has to make sense for Hellenistic Jews and God-rearing Gentiles.

Jews and Greeks

Steve Ellacott — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Jews and Greeks

Series: The gospel in a complicated world

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 17th July 2017

Passage: Acts 17:1-34

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When Paul speaks to the Aeropagus, he develops a groundbreaking new apologetic.

The problem of death

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 02 Jul 2017 00:00:00 +0100

The problem of death

Series: In the wilderness

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 2nd July 2017

Passage: Numbers 19:1-22

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The ritual of the red cow: a solution to the problem of death

The true priest

Steve Ellacott — Tue, 27 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100

The true priest

Series: In the wilderness

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 27th June 2017

Passage: Numbers 17:1-18:32

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Aaron is set apart by God for a high calling, as the symbolism of his staff shows. This sermon explains from Numbers 17,18 why spiritual leaders should be 'professional' in the best sense.

The end of the beginning

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 18 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100

The end of the beginning

Series: In the wilderness

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 18th June 2017

Passage: Numbers 16:1-50

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The politics of the exodus descends into chaos. But as Aaron stands between the dead and the living, there is a turning point.

Covenant reminders

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 11 Jun 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Covenant reminders

Series: In the wilderness

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 11th June 2017

Passage: Numbers 15:1-41

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At a time of crisis, Moses is reminded of the LORD's gracious covenant. There is a distinction between unintentional infringements and willful rebellion.

Grumpy spies

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 21 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Grumpy spies

Series: In the wilderness

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 21st May 2017

Passage: Numbers 13:1-14:45

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The Israelites stand on the brink of the promised land, but fail to trust the LORD and turn back. What does Moses have to say?

Grumpy leaders

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 14 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Grumpy leaders

Series: In the wilderness

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 14th May 2017

Passage: Numbers 12:1-16

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Miriam and Aaron argue with Moses

Grumpy People

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 07 May 2017 00:00:00 +0100

Grumpy People

Series: In the wilderness

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 7th May 2017

Passage: Numbers 11:1-35

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As the people move off from Sinai, things start to go wrong

The Passover, the cloud and the trumpets

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 02 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0100

The Passover, the cloud and the trumpets

Series: In the wilderness

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 2nd April 2017

Passage: Numbers 9:1-10:12

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Preparations for crossing the wilderness

Consecration of the Tent of Meeting

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 26 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Consecration of the Tent of Meeting

Series: In the wilderness

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 26th March 2017

Passage: Numbers 7:1-8:26

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The Tent of Meeting is dedicated. What goes in? And what comes out?

A holy people

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

A holy people

Series: In the wilderness

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 12th March 2017

Passage: Numbers 5:1-6:27

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Living in the wilderness requires holy living. Restitution of wrongs, faithfulness in marriage, clean living and keeping your word are all important. These make up the route to blessing.

The order of march

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 05 Mar 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The order of march

Series: In the wilderness

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 5th March 2017

Passage: Numbers 1:1-2:34

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The book of numbers is not much studied. There are issues with interpreting the numbers in the book, but the experience of the Israelites in the desert has much to teach Christians about life in a hostile world.

Jonathan's success

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Jonathan's success

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 5th February 2017

Passage: 1 Samuel 14:1-46

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Saul as all the religious stuff and spiritual language, but Jonathan has faith.

Saul's failure

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 29 Jan 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Saul's failure

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 29th January 2017

Passage: 1 Samuel 13:1-22

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Saul was the king who nearly succeeded, But disobedience and lack of faith lead to his eventual downfall.

Killing the prophets

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 27 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Killing the prophets

Series: Go with the woe

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 27th November 2016

Passage: Matthew 23:29-39

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Who are the true messengers of the covenant? Jesus sends prophets, sages and scribes, but they will be persecuted.

What counts is what is inside

Steve Ellacott — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

What counts is what is inside

Series: Go with the woe

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 22nd November 2016

Passage: Matthew 23:25-28

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Laws and rules can make the outside look pretty. But can they change what is inside?

What does God require?

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 13 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

What does God require?

Series: Go with the woe

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 13th November 2016

Passage: Matthew 23:1-39

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Jesus tells us first to make sense, then to focus on Justice, mercy, and faithfullness

The key to the kingdom

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 06 Nov 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The key to the kingdom

Series: Go with the woe

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 6th November 2016

Passage: Matthew 23:1-39

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Matthew 24 is Jesus' last public message. He warns disciples against the Pharisees and delivers woes to the latter. In this sermon we consider the introduction and two of the woes.

Clearing up the mess

Steve Ellacott — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Clearing up the mess

Series: Esther

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 11th October 2016

Passage: Esther 8:1-10:3

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Haman is gone. But What about that edict? Mordecai proposes a radical solution.

Esther's gambit

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 02 Oct 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Esther's gambit

Series: Esther

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 2nd October 2016

Passage: Esther 5:1-7:10

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With help from divine providence, Esther persuades Xerxes to execute Haman for his plan to wipe out the Jews.

Plots and conspiracies

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 25 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Plots and conspiracies

Series: Esther

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 25th September 2016

Passage: Esther 2:19-4:17

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An ancient feud threatened the survival of the Jews in the Persian empire. After a shaky start, Esther rises to the challenge.

A game of queens

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 18 Sep 2016 00:00:00 +0100

A game of queens

Series: Esther

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 18th September 2016

Passage: Esther 1:1-2:18

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King Xerxes needed a new queen. This is how Esther got the position. Difficult ethical choices had to be made.

The bride

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0100

The bride

Series: Pictures of the church

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 21st August 2016

Passages:

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The church is described as the bride of Christ. But where does this idea come from, and what does it really mean?

The holy nation

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 14 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0100

The holy nation

Series: Pictures of the church

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 14th August 2016

Passages:

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Moses had called the Israelites a holy nation. But they broke toe covenant, so Peter now applies these promises to the church.

The spiritual temple

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 07 Aug 2016 00:00:00 +0100

The spiritual temple

Series: Pictures of the church

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 7th August 2016

Passages:

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The new testament describes the church as a temple where God dwells by his Spirit. What is a temple, and how should we understand this?

The assembly

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0100

The assembly

Series: Pictures of the church

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 31st July 2016

Passages:

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What does the word church mean? Is assembling together important? When the church assembles, the Lord is present through the Spirit.

But about that promise

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0100

But about that promise

Series: Peter's second letter

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 10th July 2016

Passage: 2 Peter 3:1-18

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Will Jesus really return? Is this plausible? Yes he will, is Peter's answer.

...they are out to get you!

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 00:00:00 +0100

...they are out to get you!

Series: Peter's second letter

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 3rd July 2016

Passage: 2 Peter 1:19-2:22

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Why do we need to stand firm? Because the scammers, the false teachers, are on our case.

Stand firm

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 26 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Stand firm

Series: Peter's second letter

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 26th June 2016

Passage: 2 Peter 1:1-21

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Peter's farewell message to the church is to stand firm, concentrate on the essentials, live fruitful lives and hence confirm their faith and calling.

Psalms 117 and 118 Two Hallels

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 19 Jun 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Psalms 117 and 118 Two Hallels

Series: Psalms - prophecy set to music

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 19th June 2016

Passage: Psalm 117:1-118:29

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Praise the LORD, because he has a hero to fight the enemies of God.

Psalm 90 A prayer of Moses

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 29 May 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Psalm 90 A prayer of Moses

Series: Psalms - prophecy set to music

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 29th May 2016

Passage: Psalm 1:1-150:6

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What meaning can human life have in the face of the fact of death?

Psalm 77 A psalm of Asaph

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 22 May 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Psalm 77 A psalm of Asaph

Series: Psalms - prophecy set to music

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 22nd May 2016

Passage: Psalm 1:1-150:6

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Psalm 77 is an apparently bleak psalm, with an anatomy of doubt. But doubt has a remedy, and doubt gives faith its substance. (Note that the Thomas Olivers quotation is from 'The God of Abraham Praise', not 'Guide me O thou great Redeemer' as stated in the sermon.)

Psalm 44 A maskil of the Sons of Korah

Steve Ellacott — Mon, 02 May 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Psalm 44 A maskil of the Sons of Korah

Series: Psalms - prophecy set to music

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 2nd May 2016

Passage: Psalm 1:1-150:6

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God gives the victory. But what happens when he does not? Is there hope to be found? Yes! In King Jesus.

Psalm 16 A miktam of David

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 24 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Psalm 16 A miktam of David

Series: Psalms - prophecy set to music

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 24th April 2016

Passage: Psalm 1:1-150:6

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Psalm 16 describes the anointed king and his kingdom. It is a kingdom focused on the LORD.

Introduction to the Psalms

Steve Ellacott — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 00:00:00 +0100

Introduction to the Psalms

Series: Psalms - prophecy set to music

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 19th April 2016

Passage: Psalm 1:1-150:6

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The psalms are prophecies set to music. Psalms 1 and 2 provide a prolog to the collection, introducing the main themes.

A brush with the law

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 21 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

A brush with the law

Series: Disagreements

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 21st February 2016

Passage: Acts 16:16-40

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Paul and Silas show their respect for Roman law, in spite of am illegal arrest.

When colleagues fall out

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

When colleagues fall out

Series: Disagreements

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 14th February 2016

Passage: Acts 15:35-41

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An unexpected quarrel between Paul and Barnabas. There is much to be learned about maintaining unity from this incident.

When churches disgree

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 07 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

When churches disgree

Series: Disagreements

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 7th February 2016

Passage: Acts 15:1-33

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From the earliest times, churches have struggled to maintain unity. The council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 has lessons still relevant to today.

The big push

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 31 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The big push

Series: The Holy Spirit in Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 31st January 2016

Passages:

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The end of the beginning. In Acts 13, we find the missionary task that continues today. But what does it mean to follow Jesus?

Counter attack

Steve Ellacott — Wed, 27 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Counter attack

Series: The Holy Spirit in Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 27th January 2016

Passage: Acts 12:1-25

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The Jerusalem church is under pressure, but God protects and hides his people. Meanwhile Luke invites us to consider the question "Who is the true King of the Jews?"

The critical time, the critical place

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 17 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

The critical time, the critical place

Series: The Holy Spirit in Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 17th January 2016

Passages:

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Time for phase 3. The gospel is to be preached to the ends of the earth. But first there is a cultural barrier to get over.

Consolidation

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 10 Jan 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Consolidation

Series: The Holy Spirit in Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 10th January 2016

Passage: Acts 9:19-43

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With the gospel spread throughout Judea and Samaria, there is a time of strengthening and encouragement form the Holy Spirit.

A widening vision

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

A widening vision

Series: The Holy Spirit in Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 15th November 2015

Passages:

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As the gospel spreads in Judea, we see two unlikely conversions.

Leaving the comfort zone

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 08 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Leaving the comfort zone

Series: The Holy Spirit in Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 8th November 2015

Passage: Acts 8:1-25

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It is time for the Spirit to include the Samaritans in the new covenant.

Full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 01 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Full of the Holy Spirit and Wisdom

Series: The Holy Spirit in Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 1st November 2015

Passages:

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Luke presents us Stephen an an example of a man full of the Holy Spirit

By what power?

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 25 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0100

By what power?

Series: The Holy Spirit in Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 25th October 2015

Passages:

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The Spirit will come to us at need. But he will not be tested or lied to.

Speaking your language

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0100

Speaking your language

Series: The Holy Spirit in Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 18th October 2015

Passage: Acts 2:1-47

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When the Spirit comes to the church, he empowers it for witness, in a language the hearers can understand. The Spirit comes to the whole church.

Wait!

Steve Ellacott — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0100

Wait!

Series: The Holy Spirit in Acts

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 14th October 2015

Passage: Acts 1:1-17

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Jesus tells the disciples to go to the ends of the earth. But first they must wait for the Spirit to usher in the new covenant kingdom.

The strong and the weak

Steve Ellacott — Tue, 25 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0100

The strong and the weak

Series: Jonah and Nahum

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 25th August 2015

Passage: Nahum 3:8-19

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We think that bad things will never happen to us. But history says otherwise. Get real!

The lion and the prostitute

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0100

The lion and the prostitute

Series: Jonah and Nahum

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 16th August 2015

Passages:

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Nineveh will be destroyed by her own arrogance. Nineveh worships Ishtar the prostitute: in the end we become what we worship.

The bad news and the good news

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0100

The bad news and the good news

Series: Jonah and Nahum

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 9th August 2015

Passages:

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Nahum presents the LORD as the one who has power to judge.

An angry prophet

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 02 Aug 2015 00:00:00 +0100

An angry prophet

Series: Jonah and Nahum

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 2nd August 2015

Passages:

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The Ninevites repent at Jonah's preaching, but he is not pleased. He still has much to learn about God's grace.

An abashed prophet

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0100

An abashed prophet

Series: Jonah and Nahum

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 26th July 2015

Passage: Jonah 2:1-10

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Jonah's prayer from inside the fish is the spiritual high point of the book. Salvation comes from the LORD!

Jonah An absent prophet

Steve Ellacott — Sun, 19 Jul 2015 00:00:00 +0100

Jonah An absent prophet

Series: Jonah and Nahum

Preacher: Steve Ellacott

Date: 19th July 2015

Passage: Jonah 1:1-17

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God tells Jonah to warn Nineveh of Judgement. But Jonah is not happy.