Grace Church Stockholm Weekly Sermons

James Thackeray continues through 1 Samuel, focusing on the promising early reign of Saul: his calling, his surprising hesitation (hiding in the baggage), and his decisive rescue of Jabesh Gilead.
We reflect on what Saul’s rise teaches us about obedience, leadership, and the danger of rejecting or avoiding God’s clear call, and receive encouragement to fix our eyes on Jesus and follow God’s leading.

Phil Whittall helps us learn from 1 Samuel and the life of Samuel — the boy raised in the tabernacle, the prophet and judge who restored God's word and worship, and the old man who anointed Israel’s kings. The central theme is hearing and obeying the voice of the Lord.
We trace Samuel’s spiritual formation, his role in national renewal, the pain of rejection, and the consequences of seeking a human king. Key moments include the return of God’s word to Israel, Samuel’s warnings, and the anointing of Saul and David.
Practical application focuses on listening for the Spirit, living in obedience, serving faithfully, and recognizing Jesus as the ultimate King and fulfillment of prophet, priest, and judge.

In this episode of Grace Church Weekly we continue our 1 Samuel series and focus on the Ark of the Covenant: its meaning, misuse, and how Israel’s fear and disobedience led to judgment. The Philistines capture the Ark, plagues follow, and the Ark eventually returns—revealing God’s holiness, sovereignty, and call to true repentance. Samuel leads Israel back to the Lord, they repent, and God answers with deliverance, turning defeat into victory and setting up the stone Ebenezer as a sign of His help. The message explores what this story teaches us about reverence, trust, and wholehearted devotion to God.

In this series on 1 Samuel we focus on the tragic decline of Eli and his sons, who corrupted worship at Shiloh by stealing offerings and living in moral compromise.
We are confronted by God’s judgment on a household that failed to restrain sin, and then reminded of God's faithfulness as we see the rise of Samuel as a faithful priest, and the gospel fulfillment in Jesus — our perfect intercessor. We are urged towards wholehearted giving, refusing complicity in sin, and trusting Christ as the faithful priest.

This is the start of a new series on 1 Samuel where we begin by exploring the story of Hannah: a woman in deep grief who pours out her soul to God, makes a solemn vow, and receives the son Samuel. We follows her journey from sorrow to peace, the sacred dedication of her child, and the far-reaching impact of her faith.
We learn about bringing grief to God, praising Him in victory, and trusting Him when asked to give sacrificially. 

Phil Whittall teaches through John 15:1–17, focusing on Jesus’ promise that His joy can be in us and make our joy complete. He explains how remaining in Christ, being loved by the Father, and sharing in Jesus’ mission bring deep, lasting joy even amid trials.
Through scripture, personal stories, and practical application, the message invites you to rejoice, value the church as God’s treasured people, and receive God’s sustaining joy through communion with Christ.

As we conclude our series on "Everyone a Witness", Rajesh highlights the urgency of sharing the gospel in Stockholm and beyond. We are challenged to pray, trust the Holy Spirit, and boldly reach the lost with compassion and courage.
Through biblical teaching and real street‑evangelism stories, we are reminded that every second matters and that God uses ordinary people to change eternity for others.

As our evangelism series continues, we look at Acts 2:42–47 and the story of Peter and John healing the lame beggar at the Beautiful Gate.
It highlights the early church’s devotion to apostolic teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread and prayer, shows how God’s power led to healing and awe, and calls us to share what God has given us, especially the gospel in the name of Jesus.

Phil Whittall explores Luke 15’s three parables—the shepherd, the woman, and the prodigal son—showing God’s heart for the lost, the call to repentance, and the joy of restoration.
Listen for practical encouragement to share the gospel, the importance of repentance and trust.

James Thackeray explores the Fruit of the Spirit, gentleness, drawing on examples from Moses, Paul, Elijah, and Jesus. He explains gentleness as a combination of humility, strength, and self-control, and encourages listeners to rely on the Holy Spirit to choose gentleness in everyday situations.