Common Ground Church Sea Point

In this episode of The Beautiful Resistance, Sheldon dives into Matthew 6 to unpack the hidden traps of people-pleasing and why it ultimately fails us. Rooted in the counter-cultural teachings of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount , this session exposes how chasing human approval only delivers temporary rewards , breeds hidden resentment , and fractures our intimacy with God. By shifting our focus from the public "stage" of performance to the quiet, honest reality of "the secret place" , we can re-train our hearts and re-root our true identity in a Father who already sees and loves us completely. Tired of the endless exhaustion of performative goodness? Tune in to discover how stepping off the stage of public approval and into the secret place of divine intimacy can truly set you free.Missed any of our teachings, we got you! You can catch up on the full series and grab the resources by heading over to the website here: https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/the-beautiful-resistance

We live in a culture obsessed with winning, being right, and getting the last word, but does "getting even" ever actually leave us satisfied? In this episode, we unpack Jesus' famous (and often misunderstood) advice on "turning the other cheek" and "walking the second mile." By looking at these first-century references, we discover they weren't calls to be a doormat, but tactical ways to reclaim dignity and disrupt power struggles without using violence. It's a challenge to move beyond the narrow circle of people who are easy to love and to start showing "enemy love" instead. Ultimately, we learn that this radical generosity isn't just a strategy - it's how we become mirrors of our Father, trading the exhausting cycle of retaliation for a life of spacious, transformative grace.If you have missed any installments of this series, you can catch up at www.cgseapoint.co.za/the-beautiful-resistance

Ever felt like you're doing "fine," yet there's a lingering sense of unease you just can't shake? We often label our struggles as "stress," "personality quirks," or "just a bad day," but what if there is something deeper beneath the surface?Confessions of a Respectable Sinner. Together, we'll be unmasking the "respectable" sins we love to excuse - things like anxiety, pride, and ingratitude and discover why some things can only truly be tackled by the power of the Gospel. Lee-Ann Maughan from CG Sea Point and Jane Hampton from the CG Rondebosch pastoral team lead us into this insightful conversation!

In this week's teaching, Paul explores Jesus' call to total integrity in Matthew 5:33-37. Jesus confronts the ancient habit of using elaborate oaths to mask dishonesty, inviting us instead to a life where a simple "Yes" or "No" is sufficient. The message provides a "deeper diagnosis" of our speech, revealing how lies often stem from heart idols - like the need for approval, control, or security - where we trust human opinion or material stability more than God. The alternative is to "put off falsehood" and live with a commitment to truth that honours our connection as one body. By resolving to live with integrity, we ensure that while lies may exist in the world, they do not triumph through us. If you want to catch up on the rest of the series or revisit previous teachings, you can find everything you need at ⁠https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/the-beautiful-resistance

The Beautiful Resistance: Week 8 - Marriage, Divorce & Grace. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the complexities of marriage, divorce, and grace as part of The Beautiful Resistance series. We explore the shifting marital landscape - where fewer people are marrying and divorce rates are climbing - and contrast these trends with Jesus' radical teaching on the sanctity of the marital bond. Drawing from Matthew 5 and 19, we discuss the profound difference between a transactional contract and a gospel-centred covenant designed for mutual transformation. Whether you are single, married, or navigating the pain of a broken relationship, this conversation points us toward the ultimate hope found in the Marriage of the Lamb and the relentless grace of God that meets us in our hardness of heart. If you want to catch up on the rest of the series or revisit previous teachings, you can find everything you need at https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/the-beautiful-resistance

In this week's episode, Paul dives into the challenging topic of Lust, using Jesus' teaching in Matthew 5:27-30 to explore how we can live with integrity in a hyper-sexualised culture. We move beyond simple rules to discuss the "Integrity of Sex," contrasting a transactional "Contract" mindset with the "Covenant" model a relational foundation based on identity, trust, and the Gospel that leads to a zone of security and greater freedom. Paul unpacks the "Unwanted Behaviour Cycle," showing how unmet longings and isolation can lead to shame, and points us toward a source of healing that involves reinforcing our true identity in Jesus and finding wholeness through healthy community. CATCH UP ON THE SERIES: Explore the full series, download the sermon slides, and read through the weekly summaries at: https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/the-beautiful-resistancehttps://www.cgseapoint.co.za/the-beautiful-resistance

In a world that often validates - and even celebrates - outrage as a primary tool for change, Jesus invites us into a radical and "beautiful resistance" against the destructive power of anger. This week, we explore the profound shift from external compliance to internal transformation, looking at how anger impacts our relationships with ourselves, others, and God. By understanding the deeper "unmet longings" that drive our reactions, we can begin to trade the cycle of brokenness for a path toward wholeness and reconciliation. Tune in as we reflect on how to cultivate a righteousness that goes beyond the surface and leads to true human flourishing.CATCH UP ON THE SERIES: Explore the full series, download the sermon slides, and read through the weekly summaries at: https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/the-beautiful-resistance

In this week's Easter Encounters, we follow Mary Magdalene's journey from the depths of grief at an empty tomb to the transformative hope of the resurrection. Standing outside the tomb weeping, Mary initially mistakes the risen Jesus for a gardener until He speaks her name, illustrating that the essence of Christianity is not just a set of historical facts, but a personal relationship where the Saviour calls us by name. Mary's story reminds us that Jesus is unique in His incarnation, atonement, and resurrection - the only one qualified to triumph over death and turn our mourning into a mission to announce that we have seen the Lord.You can find our full series page along with all its resources here: https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/easter-encounters

Description: In this week's Easter Encounters, we examine the trial where the notorious prisoner Barabbas was set free while Jesus, the innocent Christ, was condemned to death. Though Pilate's wife warned him of Jesus' righteousness and Pilate himself questioned what evil Jesus had done, the persuaded crowd demanded the release of the guilty and the crucifixion of the sinless. This moment illustrates "The Great Exchange," where Jesus was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities to bring us peace. The heart of the gospel is not that we are better than Barabbas, but that we are Barabbas - the guilty who go free because the Innocent took our place on Good Friday so we could live forever through Easter.You can find our full series page along with all its resources here: https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/easter-encounters

Are you looking for the King you want, or the King you actually need? In the second instalment of our Easter Encounters series, Lee dives into the dramatic tension of Holy Week, where the conflicting expectations of religious leaders and revolutionaries collided with the humble reality of Jesus. From the palm branches of the "Royal Entry" to the startling choice of a donkey over a war horse, we explore how Jesus fulfilled the ancient prophecy of Zechariah to become a ruler of peace rather than a tyrant of war. Tune in to encounter the King who traded a worldly throne for a cross just to bring us home.You can find our full series page along with all its resources here: https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/easter-encounters

In John 11, Jesus arrives at the tomb of his friend Lazarus four days too late — or so it seems. What follows is one of the most dramatic encounters in Scripture, revealing who Jesus is, what he is like, and what he came to do.You can find our full series page and resources here: https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/easter-encounters

Next Gen x Tech Bear OnlineThe algorithm is loud, but the voice of God is clearer. Join Jessie and Mark from Tech Bear Online for a punchy, practical conversation on navigating the digital roar. This isn't just about "tech tips" - it's about discipleship.We explore how to stop our devices from becoming "functional saviours" and how to reclaim our hearts and minds for Christ.Keep your digital parenting simple with these three anchors:P – Present: Model the behaviour you want to see.I – Interested: If it matters to them, it should matter to you.E – Engaged: Set the boundaries that allow for spiritual growth.Find our "Digital Discipleship" PDF guide here!Physical boundaries protect our kids. Here are the filters and monitors mentioned in the episode:Qustodio | BarkGoogle Family Link | Apple Screen TimeMicrosoft Family SafetyNeed deeper help with digital addiction or home boundaries? Reach out directly:Web: techbearonline.co.zaEmail: mark@techbearonline.co.zaWhatsApp: +27 72 843 9611

In a world where 57% of people describe themselves as "addicted" to their phones , our digital lives have become a squeeze of constant manipulation designed to consume as much of our conscious attention as possible. From the great rewiring"of childhood causing an epidemic of mental illness to South Africans spending over 56% of their waking hours staring at screens , the price of our devices is costing us our mental health, our relationships, and our very identity. This episode breaks down a 28-day "Digital Fast" - a four-week journey to Detach, Discover, Delight, and Determine - offering a practical R.E.S.I.S.T. strategy to silence the noise. Grounded in Romans 12:2, this fast is a spiritual realignment designed to renew the mind so we can discern the will of God over the roar of the algorithm. By turning down digital distractions and turning up the voice of God , we create the space to revisit what really matters and transition from the "fear of missing out" to the "joy of missing out".You can find our full series page and resources here: https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/digital-life.

This week, we dive into Romans 12:1–2 with a powerful message titled “How God Motivates His People.”What really drives lasting change in our lives? Too often we're shaped by pressure, guilt, fear, or expectation - but the gospel offers a very different motivation.In this episode, we explore what it truly means to live a life transformed by God's mercy rather than squeezed into the patterns of the world. Discover how the gospel reshapes not just what we do, but why we do it - and how real transformation begins from the inside out.You can find more sermons and resources here: https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/sermons

In this episode, we dive into Matthew 5:17-20 to explore Jesus' profound relationship with the Old Testament. Far from abolishing the Law, Jesus reveals himself as its ultimate fulfillment - the perfect high priest and sacrifice who embodies everything the prophets foretold. We discuss the challenge of living a "beautiful resistance" in a world of moral compromise, moving beyond the external legalism of the Pharisees toward a "whole-person righteousness" that aligns our hearts with God's kingdom.CATCH UP ON THE SERIES: Explore the full series, download the sermon slides, and read through the weekly summaries at: ⁠⁠https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/the-beautiful-resistance

In our latest episode, Paul challenges us to reclaim our identity as the salt of the earth and the light of the world in an age of deep cultural compromise. We tackle the modern tension between "following your inner light" and the radical, sacrificial devotion to Jesus that actually brings about justice and change. This isn't just a call to be "good people" - it is a summons to a radical, boundary-crossing engagement that prevents decay and gives glory to the Father. CATCH UP ON THE SERIES: Explore the full series, download the sermon slides, and read through the weekly summaries at: ⁠https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/the-beautiful-resistance

In this episode of The Beautiful Resistance, Paul Maughan explores the second half of the Beatitudes, revealing how the Sermon on the Mount describes the life we live when the Holy Spirit has His way with us. From the call to be truly merciful and pure in heart to the "great paradox" that the church is often most intense when facing cultural hostility, we dive into what it looks like to live out these counter-cultural values. We also tackle the common misconception of peacemaking, moving beyond simple conflict avoidance into a deeper, biblical maturity.CATCH UP ON THE SERIES: Explore the full series, download the sermon slides, and read through the weekly summaries at: https://www.cgseapoint.co.za/the-beautiful-resistance

Paul Maughan continues our series The Beautiful Resistance as we journey through Matthew 5 to 7. This week we look at Matthew 5:1 to 6, where Jesus opens the Sermon on the Mount and reveals the upside down nature of God's Kingdom. Those the world often overlooks are called blessed as they receive Him. Join us as we celebrate the generous love of God and the surprising beauty of life in His Kingdom.

Paul Maughan kicks off our new series, The Beautiful Resistance, with Matthew 5:1–6 from the Sermon on the Mount. This opening passage sets the scene for the radical, upside-down nature of God's Kingdom, where those the world often overlooks are called blessed as they receive Jesus. As we begin this journey together, we celebrate the generous and surprising love of God.

Waiting can feel unbearable in a world that wants everything now. In Psalm 130, Jessica unpacks the powerful image of the watchman - awake in the night, unable to force the dawn, yet utterly confident that morning will come. From the depths of prayer to the hope of redemption, this sermon invites us to discover how waiting is not wasted time but holy ground where God shapes our faith, anchors us in His steadfast love, and points us to Jesus, the One who entered our darkest night so the morning of salvation could surely break.

As a new year begins, we often ask what we want to achieve. This message invites us to ask a deeper, more formative question: who am I becoming? In this episode, Paul Maughan explores spiritual formation as the lifelong process of being shaped into people who love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength - and who love our neighbour as ourselves (Mark 12:28–31). Drawing on Scripture, the life of Jesus, and wisdom from other voices in the formation space, we are reminded that formation is always happening - whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Isaiah 35 is a radiant promise of our eternal home - a future of joy, healing, and restoration that Jesus secures for us. At the centre is the Christmas announcement in Isaiah 35:4: “He will come and save you.” That's why we celebrate on 25 December - because God has come near in Jesus, and He brings us home.

Sheldon Moultrie continues week 3 of our Advent series, Promises Delivered, for the festive season. From Isaiah 11:1–10, we see Jesus revealed as the Spirit-filled King who brings life out of decay, restores justice, and establishes lasting peace.

Steph Pienaar continues week two of our Advent: Promises Delivered series, exploring Isaiah 9:1 to 7. This passage points us to the child who is called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. Together we reflect on Jesus as the true light who enters our darkness and brokenness, bringing hope, wisdom and peace. Advent invites us to name the darkness honestly, so that we can celebrate the light we have in Christ more fully.

Paul Maughan opens our Advent: Promises Delivered series for the festive season. In Isaiah 40:1 to 11 we see despair turn to hope as God comforts His people, prepares the way through Christ, and renews them by His word. Listen in and be reminded of the greatness and compassion of our God.

Cam Venter walks us through Psalm 134, the final Song of Ascent. This short and beautiful psalm invites us to lift our eyes and bless the Lord as we reach the end of our own year's journey. Cam explores the exchange of blessing at the heart of the passage as we bless the Lord and the Lord blesses us, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Lee-Ann Maughan continues our journey through the Psalms with Psalm 13, a Psalm of Lament. This passage gives language for the tension between deep pain and real trust in God's sovereignty. From honest sorrow to bold prayer and finally choosing trust, Psalm 13 reminds us that even in struggle, God deals bountifully with us and our hope in Christ remains secure.

Paul Maughan wraps up our Spiritual Formation series by exploring what it means for the soul to be formed by God. Together we look at the invitation Jesus gives to find rest, the call to value our souls above worldly gain, the power of Scripture to revive us, and the fruit the Spirit produces in a life shaped by Christ.

Paul Maughan continues our Spiritual Formation series, exploring what it means to love the Lord with all your strength and to love your neighbour as yourself. Together we look at how transformation takes place in our bodies and in our relationships as we honour God with every part of our lives.

This week, we explore what it means to love the Lord with all our heart. As we look at passages like Matthew 6:33 and Proverbs 4:23, we're invited to trust God more deeply and follow Jesus wholeheartedly in every part of life.

Paul Maughan kicks off our new series, Spiritual Formation: Hope for a Change. We explore how every one of us is being spiritually formed, whether intentionally or not. This week focuses on what it means to love the Lord with all our mind as we begin to understand the process of true spiritual transformation.

Etienne Du Toit from Common Ground Durbanville unpacks why the church must sing. Using Warren Wiersbe's definition of worship as a foundation, he explores how we are created to sing, commanded to sing, and compelled to sing in response to who God is and what He has done.

Paul Maughan concludes our Ruth series with chapter 4. In this final instalment we see redemption completed and the genealogy of David and ultimately Jesus revealed through Boaz and Ruth. Paul explores how losing our lives is the way we truly find them, how God makes a way, and how ordinary people can see the kingdom come in extraordinary ways.

Jessica Carolissen continues week 4 of our Ruth series, exploring Ruth 3:1–18 and The Redeemer's Promise. Naomi sets a bold plan in motion, Ruth responds with risky obedience, and Boaz reveals the redeemer's response. Though Ruth does not yet have the wedding, land, or heir, she is upheld by Boaz's word, provision, and character. This points us to Jesus, our greater Redeemer, who fulfils God's radical plan, bears the cost of redemption, and secures our eternal hope.

Sheldon Moultrie continues week 3 of our Ruth series, unpacking Ruth 2:1-23. We follow Ruth as she steps into the unknown, meets the generous Boaz, and sees God's kindness and providence at work. This encounter brings provision for the present and hope for the future, pointing us to the ultimate Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Cam Venter continues week 2 of our Ruth series with a message from Ruth 1:15–22. As Naomi and Ruth return to Bethlehem, we are encouraged to see suffering honestly, recognise God's hand in it, and find the hope that carries us through.

Paul Maughan from Common Ground Church Sea Point and Iain Kruger from Common Ground Church Rondebosch wrap up our God and Sex series with a special bonus conversation. Together they reflect on key themes from the series, tackle some tough questions, and explore how following Jesus shapes our sexuality and identity today.

Lee-Ann Maughan opens our new series on Ruth with a message from Ruth 1:1-18. We see how God is sovereign over every detail, how He works through ordinary people, and how even suffering can draw us back to Him. The story of Ruth points us to redemption, community, and the fullness we receive in Christ.

Iain Kruger from Common Ground Rondebosch closes our God & Sex series by drawing on Jesus words in John 14:6. He explores what it means to follow Jesus in our sexuality and how the gospel brings power and healing as we come to the Father.

Paul Maughan continues our God & Sex series in week 5, exploring the topics of same sex attraction and transgenderism. Jesus held both conviction, affirming marriage as between male and female, and compassion, shown in his encounters with the woman caught in adultery and the woman at the well. This message invites us to hold both conviction and compassion as we follow him.

Paul Maughan continues our God & Sex series with week 4, focusing on singleness. Together we wrestle with the cultural stories around singleness and the pressures they bring, and then turn to the hopeful vision Jesus and Paul give us in Scripture. The message invites us to see singleness not as lack, but as a gift to be embraced in Christ and within the life of the church.

Paul Maughan continues our God & Sex series with a message on marriage, exploring the difference between covenant and contract. This talk invites you to reflect and respond as you consider God's design for marriage.