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Content From Andy Tilsley

Faithful Presence: A Creative Minority -

Andy Tilsley |

What does it look like to live as a Creative Minority? And what should our posture be as we seek to follow Jesus in a post-Christian age? In the first talk of our new series, Andy Tilsley looks at the...

Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes -

Andy Tilsley |

Jesus’ sermon begins with a picture of what the ‘blessed’ life looks like, and it’s not what you’d expect. In this sermon, Andy Tilsley looks at the Beatitudes, and considers what they teach us about the value-system of the Kingdom.

Prince of Peace: Courage for Mission -

Andy Tilsley |

The disciples were given an enormous task; being sent out to the ends of the Earth with the good news of Jesus. In this talk, Andy Tilsley looks at the story of Pentecost and considers how the Holy Spirit and...

Prince of Peace: Hope for the Future -

Andy Tilsley |

There are many reasons to be fearful about the future, with uncertainty at personal, national and international levels. In this talk, Andy Tilsley looks at how faith in the unchanging God can fill us with peace.  

Generosity: The Kingdom of Generosity -

Andy Tilsley |

In Matthew chapter 13, Jesus compares the kingdom of God to treasure hidden in a field, or a pearl so valuable a man sold everything he had to buy it. In this talk, Andy considers how we can dethrone the...

Awaken: Mission -

Andy Tilsley |

For centuries God had called His people to be a beacon of hope to the world. But instead, they had often kept their light hidden. In the final talk of our series, Andy considers Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 about...

Stand Alone Talks: Local Sunday: Sutton -

Andy Tilsley |

In this talk from our Sutton service, Andy shares from 1 Corinthians 1 on how God uses us to fulfil His plans through our faith and obedience, even in our weakness.

Proverbs: Parent Positively -

Andy Tilsley |

Raising children is a joy, and a challenge! In this talk from our Baby Dedication Services, Andy considers some Biblical wisdom for positive parenting.

Stand Alone Talks: Local Sunday: Sutton -

Andy Tilsley |

In this talk, Andy reflects on spiritual transformation, and the different ways we can nourish ourselves for spiritual growth.

Proverbs: Love Wisely -

Andy Tilsley |

All of us long for fulfilling relationships that last. In this talk, Andy looks at how we can develop healthy relationships, protect good boundaries, and avoid temptation.

Visions of God: The Son of Man and the Ancient of Days -

Andy Tilsley |

We begin our new series, ‘Visions of God’, by looking at the most common title Jesus used to describe himself, ‘The Son of Man.’ This talk from Daniel 7, encourages us to look deeper at who God really is, in...

Stand Alone Talks: Stockwell Dedications -

Andy Tilsley |

Listen to Andy Tilsley give a talk at our Stockwell dedication service

First Love: Worship and the Spirit -

Andy Tilsley |

Jesus said that God was looking for people who would worship Him ‘in Spirit and truth.’ In the final talk of our series, Andy considers what it means to worship God in Spirit.

Acts of the Spirit: The Spirit of Sacrifice -

Andy Tilsley |

When the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, they began living for something greater, even being willing to lay down their lives for others. In the final talk of this series, Andy Tilsley considers how the Holy Spirit causes...

Stop. Look. Listen.

Andy Tilsley |

I’ve been staring at Rembrandt’s masterpiece, ‘The Return of the Prodigal Son’ a lot recently. It was one of his final works, based on Jesus’ famous parable in Luke 15. I’m no expert, but I think it’s one of his...

Acts of the Spirit: The Spirit of Faith -

Andy Tilsley |

Listen to Andy Tilsley talk about the Spirit of Faith.

Acts of the Spirit: The Spirit of Devotion -

Andy Tilsley |

One of the hallmarks of the early church was their incredible generosity. In this talk, Andy considers what we can learn from the church’s sacrificial attitude, and how we can also practice generosity today.

David: The Rejected King - 2 Sam 13-19

Andy Tilsley |

David was promised a Son who would be a wonderful, anointed King. But his son Absalom was anything but. In this talk, we look at David’s experience of rejection, and our need for a Saviour.

David: The Fugitive -

Andy Tilsley |

Following the death of Goliath, the people celebrate David and Saul gets jealous, threatening to kill him. In this talk, Andy looks at how David acted with integrity and faith, even when he was pursued as a fugitive.

Fully Alive: The Temple - Exodus 19:4-6

Andy Tilsley |

God’s people are no longer in a garden, but a wilderness. Yet God continues to reach out to them, and through them to the world. In this talk, Andy looks at God’s plan to create a Kingdom of Priests.

Encounters with Jesus: Pontius Pilate - John 18:28-19:42

Andy Tilsley |

In a post-truth age, full of fake news and alternative facts, Pontius Pilate’s question seems strangely pertinent: “what is truth?” In this talk, Andy considers how Jesus fulfils our longing for coherence.

Encounters with Jesus: Nathanael - John 1:43-51

Andy Tilsley |

All of us have big questions – about life, about meaning, about God. But how can we explore these questions in a healthy way, which leads to answers? In the first talk of our new series, Andy looks at Jesus’...

The Lord's Prayers: A Hunger for God -

Andy Tilsley |

As well as praying, Jesus made a regular habit of fasting, and he taught his disciples to do the same. In this talk Andy Tilsley looks at what fasting is, what it achieves, and how it can enrich our prayer...

Stand Alone Talks: Carol Service ’16 -

Andy Tilsley |

Listen as Andy addresses the congregation at this years carol service. In the talk Andy looks back at some of the global highs and lows of 2016 before considering what the Christmas story can tell us about love, the potential...

Abraham: The Father of Faith: Faith and Patience -

Andy Tilsley |

Eager to see the promises of God fulfilled, Abraham and Sarah take a shortcut, with disastrous consequences! In this talk Andy looks at the story of Hagar and Ishmael and considers how we can live patiently, with faith in God’s...

Abraham: The Father of Faith: Faith for Central London -

Andy Tilsley |

We love London and are working for its cultural, social and spiritual renewal. But in this talk Andy Tilsley looks at our specific vision for the Central service and the ways we hope to serve this part of the city.

What’s My Life All About?

Andy Tilsley |

This is the question that used to haunt me – like Private Ryan wondering if his life was good enough. I’m clearly not alone in this, having just been invited to speak at a central London event on ‘The Quarter...

Abraham: The Father of Faith: Faith to Follow (Genesis 12:1-9) -

Andy Tilsley |

At the age of 75 Abraham was called to leave his country, his people and his household and follow God into the unknown. Andy Tilsley opens this new series by looking at how we can live with faith to follow...

The Heart of the Matter: Resisting the Forbidden Fruit -

Andy Tilsley |

How do the decisions we make affect us over the long haul? How should we resist temptation? And why do many people struggle with the idea of commitment? In this talk, Andy looks at lessons from the life of Samson.

The Heart of the Matter: Let’s Talk About Sex -

Andy Tilsley |

Sex is everywhere. Advertising, film, TV, music are all saturated with it. In this talk, Andy looks at many of our culture’s assumptions and considers some key elements that make up a healthy view of sex.

What Should The Church Say About Brexit?

Andy Tilsley |

Judging by the fear, anger and insecurity across the United Kingdom right now, it’s a brave person who writes about Brexit. Passions are running high amongst everyone I come across, and there is no place for the disgusting racism that’s...

The Power of a Whisper: Listening for the Whisper -

Andy Tilsley |

A whisper is a subtle and precious thing, easy to miss. If we are to hear God’s whispers, we will need to draw close to Him and learn to listen. In this talk, David considers how we can make a...

Let’s not bother praying for Brussels.

Andy Tilsley |

….so implied Andrew Seidel, a prominent atheist lawyer, whose online comments have sparked the expected outpouring of emotion from both supporters and detractors. ‘More religion is not the answer to this problem,’ he says. Perhaps his motives are to be commended....

Joshua: Rahab and the Spies -

Andy Tilsley |

The spies cross over into the Promised Land and encounter a lady named Rahab, who offered them help in order for protection. In this talk, Andy looks at how the church should be a place of refuge, where people can experience the...

Back to school: Three thoughts on facing change

Andy Tilsley |

Monday 10 September 1984 will forever be etched on my brain. Nerves. Excitement. Uncertainty. It was my first day of school. I stood in my short trousers and red jumper, with an impeccably coiffed side-parting (a style which was way...

Faith, Science and the Master of Silly Walks

Andy Tilsley |

‘I would like 2016 to be the year when people remembered that science is a method of investigation and NOT a belief system.’ So reads the first tweet of the year from the masterful John Cleese which, at the time...

Joshua: Joshua son of Nun -

Andy Tilsley |

As Moses’ life draws to an end, he hands over the baton to a young leader named Joshua. In the first talk of this new series, Andy Tilsley looks at Joshua’s story and considers how God prepared him to lead His people...

Our Father…

Andy Tilsley |

Scarcely has The Lord’s Prayer had more coverage. The furore began over the weekend when certain cinema chains decided they wouldn’t show a TV ad containing the prayer for fear it would cause offence. Cue the inevitable avalanche of tweets,...

Multiplicity: Galatia – A Welcoming Church -

Andy Tilsley |

The church at Galatia started well; breaking down barriers, welcoming everyone. But over time things began to get fragmented, and Paul had to write some challenging words to them. In this talk Andy Tilsley considers how we can build a church that...

Multiplicity: Jerusalem: A Sacrificial Church -

Andy Tilsley |

The story of the church begins at Jerusalem, where a small group of followers of Jesus sought to live lives marked out by sacrifice, devotion and commitment to community. In this talk Andy Tilsley considers what we can learn from their example.

Five Books on Leadership

Andy Tilsley |

This Sunday Andy Tilsley spoke on the theme of leadership from the story of Moses and Jethro in Exodus 18. Here are his top five books on Leadership, which you may enjoy. Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels Leadership Secrets of...

Moses: A Leader of Leaders - Exodus 18

Andy Tilsley |

Jethro recognises that Mosses cannot lead the people alone; trying to do so is affecting his family life and relationships. So he instructs Moses to appoint various leaders to share the burden. Andy Tilsley looks at what Moses’ example can teach us...

Moses: The Burning Bush - Exodus 3:1-22

Andy Tilsley |

In many ways, Moses wasn’t the obvious choice. A timid, stuttering man. A murderer. And yet God chose him to become a mighty leader. In this talk, Andy will look at the story of the burning bush and consider how...

Stand Alone Talks: Who is this man? -

Andy Tilsley |

If you were to fold history, where would you put the crease?” In this talk from our Baby Dedication Service, Andy Tilsley looks at the person of Jesus and considers why his life is so unique, and why he continues...

Simplify: Simplify your Finances -

Andy Tilsley |

In an expensive city like London, how should we handle money? And how does knowing what our priorities are help us to use our money wisely? In this talk, Andy Tilsley looks at some principles for how we can master...

Simplify your Life

Andy Tilsley |

With over 275 million books sold, his work translated into 40 languages, 9 Hollywood movies, and countless weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, John Grisham is undoubtedly one of the world’s most celebrated authors. What you may not...

Holy Week: Palm Sunday -

Andy Tilsley |

The crowds gather in Jerusalem to celebrate their annual festival. And in the midst of the celebrations, a would-be King makes an unusual entrance, riding on the back of a donkey. In this talk Andy Tilsley looks at the events...

The Way: Darkness and Light - Ephesians 5:1-20

Andy Tilsley |

At points in our journey we cross borders and find ourselves in new settings, which require different ways of thinking, living and acting. In this talk Andy looks at the metaphors of darkness and light and considers how moving from...

The Way: Exile - 1 Peter 1-2

Andy Tilsley |

What does it mean to be a stranger or alien in a foreign land? And what is our future hope? In the second talk of this series, Andy looks at the idea of ‘exile’ and considers how we can live effective lives...

Stand Alone Talks: Hope and Disappointment -

Andy Tilsley |

In this talk from our 2014 Christmas Carol Service, Andy Tilsley looks at the subjects of hope and disappointment, and how the story of Christmas offers a message of hope for all of us.

Welcome to the Team: Amy Howard

Andy Tilsley |

We’re really excited to announce that Amy Howard is going to be joining the church staff from January 2015 overseeing the Children’s Ministry at ChristChurch London. If you’ve been around the Mermaid Theatre on a Sunday, you’ll undoubtedly have noticed an...

Joseph: Fragile Dreams that changed the world: From Dreamer to Leader (Genesis 41:39-57) -

Andy Tilsley |

Having been thrown in a pit, sold into slavery, falsely accused and imprisoned for years, Joseph now finds himself in a position of influence, as second in charge over Egypt. But in contrast to chapter 37, this time Joseph handles...

Joseph: Fragile Dreams that changed the world: Keeping the Dream Alive - Genesis 39:20-40:22

Andy Tilsley |

Once again, Joseph is taken off-course. This time it is not a pit he’s thrown into but a prison cell. Yet even in this dark place, God is able to use him for good. In this talk, Andy explores how we can...

Joseph: Fragile Dreams that changed the world: Favour in Egypt - Genesis 39:1-6

Andy Tilsley |

Humiliated by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph finds himself miles away from his home, working for Potiphar in Egypt. But God had not forgotten him. In this talk, Andy looks at how we can enjoy favour from God and from...

Time to get Snipping!

Andy Tilsley |

You’ve probably never heard of Doug Hampson or Rodger Dudding, but they’re two of the most successful businessmen in British history. Their product: empty space. Thirty years ago the self-storage business didn’t exist in the UK. In fact when the...

Philippians: Finding joy in all of life: Philippians 1:15-30 -

Andy Tilsley |

How can we live in such a way as to encourage and bring out the best in others? How can the way in which we handle difficult circumstances enhance the joy that others experience? In the second week of our series, Andy...

First Serve: The Vision of a Servant - Haggai 1-2

Andy Tilsley |

There are all sorts of reasons why we might not want to serve: concerns about time, resources, or skills. Some of them may be very good reasons, whilst others may be excuses! The book of Haggai opens with a challenging call to...

The Art of Neighbouring: Elevenish - Matthew 28

Andy Tilsley |

The number 12 was an important number in Scripture; a number that represented fulness, completion and perfection. Yet when Jesus sent out the church they were not 12, but 11. In this talk from our dedication and baptism service, Andy...

The Art of Neighbouring: Everybody Needs Good Neighbours - John 13

Andy Tilsley |

How can we live and act in such a way as to bring strength and encouragement to the communities and individuals who live and work around us? In the third week of our series, Andy considers Jesus’ washing of the disciples’ feet...

The Cross of Christ: Relationship - Romans 8

Andy Tilsley |

How do you view God? A distant deity, disinterested in humanity? At the heart of the Christian message is not a list of rules, or a set of heavy-handed instructions, but the offer of relationship with our Creator. In this...

The Cross of Christ: Life - John 3

Andy Tilsley |

Jesus sat down with Nicodemus, a religious leader, and told him an ancient story about a plague of snakes and a bronze serpent. In this talk, Andy will unpack Jesus’ story and explain how the cross allows us to experience the full...

Songs in the Key of LIfe: Fear - Psalm 3

Andy Tilsley |

Many of the psalms were written by King David when facing danger: fleeing armies, preparing for war, or hiding from enemies. In the penultimate week of our sermon series, Andy Tilsley looks at the theme of fear and how God...

Songs in the Key of LIfe: Two Ways to Live - Psalm 1

Andy Tilsley |

The book of Psalms opens with a Psalm that really isn’t like a Psalm at all, but an invitation to ‘choose life’. Andy Tilsley kicks off our new sermon series, Songs in the Key of Life, by looking at Psalm...

Stand Alone Talks: Carol Service 2013 -

Andy Tilsley |

In this talk, from ChristChurch London’s Christmas Carol Service, Andy Tilsley looks at the joys and challenges of Christmas and what the birth of Jesus has to teach us about God’s love for mankind.

Nehemiah: Nehemiah 7:1-5 -

Andy Tilsley |

The walls have been completed, but the city is empty. In chapter 7, Nehemiah appoints leaders and ensures everyone is in the right place, ready for the influx of people. In this talk, Andy Tilsley looks at the things we...

Nehemiah: Nehemiah 5:1-19 -

Andy Tilsley |

Nehemiah, concerned that people are being mistreated, challenges the officials about the way they are exploiting the poor. In the fifth week of our series, Andy looks at the role we have to play in caring for those in need,...

Nehemiah: Nehemiah 2:1-20 -

Andy Tilsley |

Convinced that God has a contribution for him to make, Nehemiah makes a bold request of King Artaxerxes and leads a small group of people in an ambitious plan to rebuild the city of God. In week two of our...

Core Habits: Self Control - Titus 2:1-14

Andy Tilsley |

Many people think of religion as being all about dulling the passions and removing all fun from life. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Paul intends for us to be passionate people, but also people who are able to...

Core Habits: Love - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Andy Tilsley |

Love is the first fruit that Paul lists in Galatians 5, and it is the characteristic that undergirds all of the others. In week two of our new series, Andy Tilsley will look at love – what it is and...

Faith Conversations: Sorry, Thank You, Please -

Andy Tilsley |

In the final week of our Faith Conversations series, Andy Tilsley looks at how we can help people respond to the good news about Jesus, and how we get to enjoy the benefits of his life, death and resurrection.

Soul Food: Resting -

Andy Tilsley |

On the seventh day, God rested. And he recommends that we do the same. This week, Andy Tilsley addresses the subject of Sabbath and considers how we can build healthy patterns of work and rest into our lives.

Cross Roads: Luke 10:38-11:13 -

Andy Tilsley |

Jesus’ disciples observe him praying and ask him to teach them how to do it. This week, Andy Tilsley looks at the Lord’s Prayer, and a parable Jesus offers to encourage his followers to pray with faith.

Up – In – Out

Andy Tilsley |

The year is 2003. I was part of a television crew looking to expose a conman in Wales. It was exciting. I’ve always thought of myself as a character in a James Bond movie (I’ll leave you to guess which...

Cross Roads: Luke 5:1-11 -

Andy Tilsley |

After an unsuccessful night of fishing, Peter has an encounter with Jesus, which changes the trajectory of his life. This week, Andy Tilsley looks at what it means to take a step of faith and become a disciple of Jesus.

Advent: The Son of David - Matthew 1:1-21

Andy Tilsley |

A young carpenter from a royal line hears some puzzling news about his virgin fiancée. This week Andy Tilsley looks at the story of Joseph, and how he would become the father to the promised Son of David.

InHabit: Train - 2 Tim 2:1-13; 1 Tim 4:7-10

Andy Tilsley |

How can we build mature, consistent, disciplined lives? How can we learn to be faithful and consistent, even in difficult times? This week, Andy looks at Paul’s instructions to Timothy to be attentive like a soldier, train like an athlete...

InHabit: Dare - 1 Tim 4:11-16; 2 Tim 1:6-14

Andy Tilsley |

Many people never achieve the things they could because they are held back by fear. Fear of failure, fear of being looked down on, fear of inadequacy… but it doesn’t have to be like that. This week Andy looks at...

Love is a Verb: Make Love, Not War -

Andy Tilsley |

Every kind of relationship – between friends, colleagues, family members or married couples – is bound to hit difficulties eventually. When disagreements come, how can we manage them in such a way as to strengthen the friendship? In this final...

Love is a Verb: The Single Issue - 1 Corinthians 7

Andy Tilsley |

Around 50% of Londoners between the age of 20 and 59 are single. Some see singleness as liberating, others as a chore. What are the particular challenges and opportunities that single people face? What advice does the Bible have to...

Love is a Verb: Love is a Verb -

Andy Tilsley |

How can we take relationships with friends, family, colleagues, neighbours and partners beyond superficiality and towards something life-giving and lasting? Andy Tilsley looks at what it takes to build and sustain great relationships. Love is not an abstract feeling; a...

Empowered: Growing in Character -

Andy Tilsley |

What are the characteristics that God wants to develop in our lives, and how does the Holy Spirit help us to grow in these areas? This week Andy Tilsley will look at Paul’s teaching in Galatians 5 about the fruit...

Habakkuk: The Complaint - Habakkuk 1:1-11

Andy Tilsley |

Who was Habakkuk? Why was he writing? And why are we spending four weeks reading about him? In this talk we explore the context behind the book of Habakkuk and consider how to understand what is going on when it...

I Am: The Bread of Life - John 6:1-15; 25-69

Andy Tilsley |

Jesus miraculously feeds 5,000 people with five loaves and two fish, and then continues to explain that he is the bread of life. In this talk, Andy Tilsley explores what Jesus meant, and why it was such a controversial claim...

Enough: Contentment - Luke 12:13-34

Andy Tilsley |

It’s a new year and a new start; a great opportunity to re-evaluate and set priorities for the year ahead. Today Andy launches a four week practical series on money by looking at the parable of the Rich Fool and...

DNA: Friend - John 15:1-17

Andy Tilsley |

Fewer statements could be more audacious than this: God calls us His friends! In week three of our DNA series, Andy looks at what it means to be a friend of God, and how we can learn to rely on...

DNA: Devoted - Philippians 2:1-18

Andy Tilsley |

What does it mean to be devoted to Christ? In this talk, Andy Tilsley will unpack Paul’s song in Philippians 2, looking at the character of Jesus, and the kind of attitudes disciples should seek to develop in their own...

Esther: Scene III Character - Esther 5-6

Andy Tilsley |

Character will define you more than anything else, so how do you build it? In week three of this series, Andy draws examples from the lives of Mordecai and Esther in an individualistic culture.

Riots. What on earth do we do?

Andy Tilsley |

London is a mess. Like everyone else I’ve been shocked, saddened, angered, frustrated, watching so many images of violence, destruction, animosity and downright hatred. I was in Tottenham just before the riots broke out on Saturday, and you would never...

LittleBig Church: Fighting for Unity - Ephesians 3:14; Ephesians 4:6

Andy Tilsley |

The word ‘university’ literally means ‘unity in diversity.’ This is a brilliant picture of what God wants for His church; a diverse people who are deeply united and closely knit. This week, we will look at Paul’s prayer for the...

LittleBig Church: The Head and the Body - Ephesians 1:15-23

Andy Tilsley |

In the second week of our new series, Andy looks at Paul’s prayer for the Ephesian church, considering what it means for us to be called the body of Christ.  

Teach Us To Pray: Pray Without Ceasing - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

Andy Tilsley |

This week Andy Tilsley continued our prayer series, by speaking about the need for us to pray continually.

Teach Us To Pray: Cry, Wait, Hope - Psalm 130

Andy Tilsley |

Isn’t the church full of hypocrites? Why is life just so busy? Why hasn’t God answered that prayer? What is there in life to look forward to? And what on earth does any of that have to do with prayer?...

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