Community Church Edinburgh: Sermons

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 1st Mar 2026.It is so easy to read the so-called curses of Genesis 3 as God’s punishment on the erring humans. This reading has led to all kinds of unhelpful and even harmful practises such as hierarchy, gender roles etc. But is there a different way to read this text? Is there a better story to be told? Of a God who’s not punishing, who takes the wrongdoing seriously, but whose posture is one of healing and restoration?

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 22nd Feb 2026.Dis-union and Communion: How we found ourselves separated from God, ourselves and others and how God brings us back together. The story of the Fall, or original sin is one of the most deeply embedded stories in our collective psyches. Eve eats the fruit. Passes it to Adam, and next thing you know they are exiled from Eden. Among other things, this is a story of estrangement. People who were once intimately connected to one another, their creator, and the earth itself now feel distance, disharmony and shame. In this message, we will look at why this story resonates so deeply with us and what God has done to bring us back together.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 15th Feb 2026.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 8th Feb 2026.God saw all that God had made and it was very good. But what happened next? What was God’s intention for humanity in creation and can we experience that still today? This talk takes a look at the story of the garden and explores the invitation of life that God makes to us in it.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 1st Feb 2026.This week we dig into Genesis 2:4-25, and look at another aspect of the Creation story which is meant to shape us better than the stories we've come to believe in.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 25th Jan 2026.At the end of the creation story there is this odd phrase that God ‘rested' from his work. What does it mean for God to rest from work? It clearly can’t mean that God was stressed and tired. And what does it mean for us to enter God’s rest? How does that promote human flourishing? This sermon looks at four different ways that God’s rest has been understood offering a summary phrase for each, and a posture that helps us enter into this life-changing understanding.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 18th Jan 2026.We all live within a series of stories, personal stories, family stories, cultural stories, cosmic or religious stories. Sometimes these stories compete, and sometimes they feel grim or hopeless. We believe the scriptures speak a better and more beautiful story over us and helps us understand our identity, our purpose and our place in God's world. Perhaps there is no greater illustration of the paradox of human existence than the creation account in Genesis 1:26-31 whereby mankind is formed from dirt and then infused with divine breath. Sometimes it's hard to see anything but dirt in ourselves or in others, but this passage invites us to look deeper and see the divine love, beauty and dignity that animates us all.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 11th Jan 2026.Stories don’t tell us just what to think they train us how to see. They shape our imagination long before they shape our opinions. They teach us what kind of world we live in what kind of people we are and what kind of future is possible. We often think beliefs shape us most, but stories hold more power. That’s why arguments rarely transform people, but stories do. And that’s why the Bible doesn’t start with a list of doctrines, but it starts with a story. Much debate is had on how to interpret the early chapters of Genesis. But this debate often misses the powerful way in which these stories tell of who God is, what kind of world this is, and how we flourish as human beings.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 7th Dec 2025.This sermon concludes our Autumn series “A Christlike Way” by exploring the birth of Jesus and the counterintuitive nature of the incarnation of God. In the familiar Advent story of Jesus' birth we are exposed to contrasting figures of authority: Augustus Cesar, the most powerful man in the world, and Jesus, the world's creator, born in obscure poverty. In a world obsessed with upward mobility, aspiring to be more like Cesar, what would it look like to embrace the downward mobility of Jesus?

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 30th Nov 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 23rd Nov 2025.When we think about following Jesus we tend to think about the ‘shoulds and oughts’. But sometimes there is an invitation to just be.  In this sermon we explore what it looks like to show up authentically for ourselves and others. 

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 9th Nov 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 2nd Nov 2025.This Christ-like way sermon series has explored welcome, hospitality and inclusion. So does it matter how we live? This sermon explores a text that has often been used to exclude and reinterprets it as a text of invitation to experience the God-life here and now as we let go of our disordered passions.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 26th Oct 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 12th Oct 2025.When Jesus comes for lunch, Simon the Pharisee takes on the role of religious gatekeeper after an encounter with a woman who was a known sinner.  Jesus tells a very short that puts the woman's outrageous display of affection into perspective.  The story has a lot to say about who is welcome in Jesus presence, and in his community.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 19th Oct 2025.This week we looked at one of the seven facets listed in Brad Jersak’s book “A more Christlike way”, this week focusing on “Radical hospitality”. We based the message on part of the story of Ruth in the Bible, particularly chapter two when “Ruth, the Moabitess” is received, welcomed and included, by Boaz, into the community of God’s people. The challenge for us as a church, and individually, is how well we practice this radical hospitality and embrace the stranger, the alien and even those who may have been opposed to the good news of Jesus at one time.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 5th Oct 2025.Often when reading scripture we can be drawn to the obvious miraculous stories, but sometimes if you look closely beneath the surface you can find hidden miracles. This sermon explores a hidden miracle in Acts 16, the way of peace making and nonviolence that invites us into courageous and vulnerable presence with our enemies.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 28th Sep 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 21st Sep 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 14th Sep 2025.Keith looks at the importance of the Holy Spirit to the lives of the the early Christians, the early church, and to their mission. We explore what lessons we can learn, asking what difference does the Holy Spirit make to me, my church, and my community.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 7th Sep 2025.Colin looks at the glory and honour with which He is crowned, and His attraction for us, as well as at the emptying of Himself to taste death for all our sakes.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 31st Aug 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 24th Aug 2025.As The Deer: Revisited – Despite being the source material for a famously pastoral and serene worship song about a deer panting for water (if you know it, you know it well), Psalm 42 is a song of disorientation and despair. In this lament, the psalmist candidly refers to struggles which cause them to feel distant from God, crying a refrain of “why, my soul are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?” Perhaps this ancient saint's unabashed honesty can give us permission and courage to confront our own difficult emotions when our souls are downcast and God feels far away.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 10th Aug 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 3rd Aug 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 20th Jul 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 13th Jul 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 6th Jul 2025.The Psalms are often described by people as their favourite part of the bible because they find them so immediately relatable and emotionally powerful. As I've explored them through the lens of cinema, I've started to discover part of the reason why that is. Psalms are a unique art form: they employ vivid metaphors that ignite our imagination, utilize literary patterns that engage us and provoke us to reflection, and encompass the full range of human emotion. Indeed, the entire book has a narrative arc, like a film, unfolding through themes of exile and redemption. Ultimately, the Psalms reflect our deepest longings and provide transcendent experiences, where something is offered to our innermost parts.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 29th Jun 2025.In this talk we’ll explore part of David’s journey, namely his transition from a life of success and orientation in King Saul’s court to a place of suffering and disorientation in exile. We’ll use Psalm 22 to consider what it’s like to experience disorientation and what we can learn about how we respond to God from that place. We apologise, but due to technical issues, this recording is incomplete and only includes the second half of Malcolm’s talk.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 22nd Jun 2025.The psalms strongly encourage us to name and direct our real feelings towards God, at the very least.  They encourage real and authentic discourse with the aim that we would grow emotionally, psychologically into the likeness of Christ, sensitively and creatively relating to others. In thinking of the psalms of orientation, disorientation and new orientation we may ask ourselves at any point, “What place is this, that I am in? Is there something here that I need to say hello to?  For in being here we may become still enough to allow God to deepen us and move us (on). Be still and know that I am God. Significant verse or scripture: [yes] be angry but do not sin (Ephesians 4:26 cf Psalm 4:4) ie always think relationally.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 15th Jun 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 8th Jun 2025.In her talk on exhaustion and burnout, Bella explores how God tenderly cares for Elijah at his lowest point. She then reflects on the unexpected ways God reconnects with Elijah, not through dramatic signs but a quiet whisper. The message concludes with the renewed clarity Elijah receives about his purpose and calling.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 1st Jun 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 25th May 2025.Gill Lyth continues the ‘Naming the shadows’ series with her personal story of living with mental ill heath and the day to day realities of family, community, work and faith **Please note that this talk covers some sensitive topics** If you are affected by this talk and require help, please reach out to a therapist or your local church. For those who come to CCE do contact office@cce.community or speak to someone on Sunday morning.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 18th May 2025.This Sunday we start a short series about mental health. This is an important subject to talk about and to know that God is walking through all seasons of life with us. There can be stigma around this topic, however we want to be open and unafraid to explore mental health together. Kirsty Hook gives an introduction and highlights the need for community and the importance of reaching out.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 4th May 2025.This sermon reflects on the feeling of loneliness and fear when stepping into a new beginning, and how building community helps draw us closer to God. It comments on parallels between personal experiences and the early disciples after Jesus’ ascension,  how they formed strong fellowship rooted in teaching, prayer, and shared life (Acts 2:42–47). Through small steps of courage and openness, believers can find support, share faith, and experience God’s presence together. The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone, but with a community grounded in love, truth, and mutual encouragement.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 27th Apr 2025.‘The entire Bible is generated by and is all about God’s mission.' Christopher J.H. Wright Caroline Tyler explores God's mission to and for the world. What is God's mission and how are Jesus' followers invited to take part in that mission?

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 20th Apr 2025.This Easter Sunday Rupert Ward brings us a talk called ‘Bound to Life’ and looks at what the resurrection means for us in 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 13th Apr 2025.On Palm Sunday Andrew and Kirsty will take us through Jesus’s processional entry into Jerusalem. He rides a young donkey through a noisy mixed collection of crowds who have gathered for Passover, and for differing reasons. What might Jesus do and say? Will he now announce his claim for kingship and a change of order? This sermon includes reference to images, so we do recommend watching it via the YouTube link.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 6th Apr 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 30th Mar 2025.Rupert Ward concludes our ‘I am’ series and looks at Jesus’ statement I am the true vine.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 23rd Mar 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 16th Mar 2025.This Sunday we welcome Mark Michael from New International, a US based missions agency. Rupert Ward interviews Mark along with Jeremy and Erin Ferguson who are part of New International and have been involved in CCE since August last year.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 9th Mar 2025.In John 10, Jesus presents Himself as the Good Shepherd, drawing on the rich Old Testament imagery of God as the shepherd of His people. He fulfils the messianic prophecies of a ruler who will lovingly care for His flock with the divine authority and compassion only God can provide. Unlike hired hands, Jesus is utterly trustworthy and fully committed, even laying down His life for His sheep. In Him, we find the perfect shepherd who leads, protects, and knows His own by name.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 2nd Mar 2025.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 23rd Feb 2025.This week Andrew Strutzenberg continues our ‘I AM’ series. Andrew looks at the passage in the gospel of John when Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. This is an incredible story in itself but Jesus also says ‘I AM the resurrection and the life’. So, what does this mean for us today?

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 16th Feb 2025.Kirsty Hook leads us in a guided reflection, as we consider some of the engaging content that we’ve covered so far in this series.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 9th Feb 2025.One of our stated purposes in our community is to be a Christ centred community. This suggests some form or way of being that is shaped by the shape of Jesus' life. Looking at and round John 14:6 we will consider Jesus as the way (lifestyle, pattern), the truth (trustworthy and grounded as a guide to living and existing well) and the life (all synergy and energy).

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 2nd Feb 2025.Malcolm continues the “I AM” series, considering Jesus’s statement – “I AM the Light of the World”. Malcolm explores why Jesus compares himself to light, drawing on several scriptures, particularly in John’s gospel. He focuses on three themes; light as the source of all life, light as the means by which we see clearly and light as the overcomer of darkness. And finally asks the question what it means for us, as followers of Jesus, to be the light of the world.

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 26th Jan 2025.Jesus makes this extraordinary claim, that he himself is the bread of life. What kind of life does he bring? And in what circumstances? And how do we eat this bread?

The weekly message from Community Church Edinburgh. This talk is from Sunday, 19th Jan 2025.Who am I? And who is God? This week we look at the text where Moses has an encounter with God which changes his whole perspective and the course of his life. God describes himself to Moses in two different ways: first a very personal intimate way; second in a mysterious and transcendent way. “I am that I am”.  This sermon explores these two ways in which God reveals himself to people, and have that impacts the deep questions humans ask about themselves: who am I?