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Covent Garden Talks

by Covent Garden Talks

Covent Garden Talks are run by Christians who work in the Covent Garden, Holborn, Bloomsbury, St Giles and Strand areas.Our aim is to explain, from the Bible, the good news about Jesus Christ – who he is and what he has done – to people who work in this part of London. We are part of a large network of lunchtime talks called Gospel@Work and this video gives an idea of what we are on about.

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Episodes

  1. Acts 2:37-47 | The evidence of a changed world - Wes Illingsworth

    The latest census has over 46% of the UK identifying as Christian. Here in the City we have witnessed significant numbers of men and women expressing renewed interest in the Christian faith. This makes Acts 2:37-47 acutely relevant. What are the marks of authentic Christian believer?

  2. Acts 2:22-36 | The events that changed this world - Giulio Abortivi

    Is there enough evidence to know that Jesus really is Lord and Christ? Yes! In Acts 2:22-36 the apostle Peter lays out this evidence: Jesus' life, death, resurrection and ascension.

  3. Acts 2:1-21 | The agent of change in a changed world - Wes Illingsworth

    With over 650 million members, Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity comprise the fastest-growing religious movement in the world. One in sixteen people worldwide is part of this movement. The events of the Day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2:1-21, continue to impact the world today. But what...

  4. Acts 1 | The moment the world changed forever - Giulio Abortivi

    1066, 1492 or 9/11/2001? Which is the most consequential year in history? The opening verses of the book of Acts point us to events of a completely different order that have radically transformed human existence forever.

  5. Matthew 23:13-28 | The beautiful kingdom - Ola Onabolu

    Is all religion basically decent? Does it all ultimately lead to God one way or another? In Matthew 23, Jesus warns that any religion without him shares a common feature: it leads straight to hell...and such religion is not a thing of the past, but it's widespread today.

  6. Matthew 22:34-40 | The beautiful kingdom - Abraham Sin

    Controversy kills Christianity. How can we confidently keep believing in and sharing Jesus when what he says often sows controversy and debate? In this passage, Jesus gives us confidence to stick with him - even if the world disagrees...

  7. Matthew 22:23-33 | The beautiful kingdom - Abraham Sin

    The world is full of religious figures who claim to have authority over our lives. Many of them deceive and manipulate. But Jesus claims he is a king with unique authority - not just over our lives, but over death and beyond as well. How can know Jesus can be trusted? Is he is king, or is he a con?

  8. Luke 7:11-17 | The end of death - Paul Williams

    There aren't many more heartbreaking scenes than that of a widow burying her only son. But come and witness how Jesus transformed her heartbreak and brought hope - the hope that we all need in the face of death.

  9. Luke 7:1-10 | Worthy of the kingdom - Paul Williams

    We make value judgements about people all the time — ethically, economically, personally and spiritually. In Luke chapter 7 we discover the radical difference the gospel brings as we see Jesus approach to people whatever we think they're worth.

  10. Matthew 22:1-14 | The beautiful kingdom - Paul Williams

    What if following Jesus isn't about missing out, but being invited in?

  11. Matthew 21:33-46 | The beautiful kingdom - Wes Illingsworth

    Just days before Jesus Christ is crucified, the atmosphere in Jerusalem is boiling over as Jesus Christ clashes with the authorities of Israel. But why exactly did the religious leaders reject their wonder-working Messiah? And what does their rejection tell us today?

  12. Matthew 21:23-32 | The beautiful kingdom - Giulio Abortivi

    What right does a person have to say what they say or do what they do? Jesus' claims and actions were sufficiently extravagant for those around him regularly to question his authority. Their questions and his response reveal not only the truth about him – but also about them, and us!

  13. Matthew 21:12-22 | The beautiful kingdom - Giulio Abortivi

    Power both fascinates and appals us. Power is the issue when Jesus enters Jerusalem. Most particularly the abuse of religious power. Jesus, in divine power, both exposes and pronounces judgment on abusive power.

  14. Matthew 21:1-11 | The beautiful kingdom - Giulio Abortivi

    Presidents, regimes and ideologies are all in the business of putting the world to rights once and for all. However, despite their impressive display of power they don't seem that effective. This week it is Jesus who presents himself in his capital City, but his glory and might look very…

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  15. Matthew 20:17-34 | The beautiful kingdom - Giulio Abortivi

    Many think the teaching of Jesus can provide spiritual fulfilment, moral values or a sense of belonging. But what do we want from Jesus? Jesus shows us that what we seek from him is often very different from what he actually has to give us...

  16. Matthew 20:1-16 | The beautiful kingdom - Wes Illingsworth

    We all sign up to merit-based pay and rewards at work. But Jesus says the Kingdom of Heaven cannot operate like this. Come and bring others to see the beauty of his alternative economy.

  17. Hebrews 11:32-12:2 | Making it to the end - Abraham Sin

    Being a Christian means giving up this life for the next. But is it worth it? And how do we know? Hebrews tells us we can forfeit this life with certainty and even joy if we look to Jesus. His life shows us why it's all worth it.

  18. Hebrews 11:8-16 | Making it to the end - Abraham Sin

    Not every Christian makes it to the end. What do we need to do if we want to endure? God doesn't just tell us to "try harder". He has prepared a pattern of faith for us to follow...

  19. Hebrews 10:19-32 | Making it to the end - Giulio Abortivi

    Olympians, just like insurance brokers and software engineers, need motivation to work hard and reach their Olympic dreams. According to Hebrews 10, Christians have even more reason to keep going when tempted to give up on their hope.

  20. Matthew 19:27-30 | The beautiful kingdom - Leo Elbourne

    'The first will be last and the last first' - but what exactly does it mean to be 'last'? And how will God vindicate those who have given up everything for him?

  21. Matthew 19:16-26 | The beautiful kingdom - Wes Illingsworth

    Our media and culture exalts those who are both respectable and successful. Jesus Christ says, "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." Relatively-speaking, most of us are very wealthy. And there is no bigger issue than how…

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  22. Matthew 19:13-15 | The beautiful kingdom - Wes Illingsworth

    What kind of people do you think God blesses? Any of the following? - the religious - nobody, I don't think there is a God - nobody, the world's a chaotic disaster - God helps those who help themselves - everyone, that's his job - .........................?

  23. Matthew 19:1-12 | The beautiful kingdom - Wes Illingsworth

    One of the most common objections to Christianity is that Jesus' teaching is too challenging - particularly what he says about sex and marriage. Come with your questions as we consider how Jesus addresses this touchstone issue that is always in vogue.

  24. Genesis 11:10-12:3 | Key stage one - Giulio Abortivi

    What do you hope for this Christmas? Is it a new subscription, or a new fleece? Or perhaps something nobler: the end of wars, or a fairer economy? In the light of the first half of Genesis, our Christmas hopes are shown to be rather inadequate. The start of the Bible is there to raise our...

  25. Genesis 10:1-11:9 | Key stage one - Giulio Abortivi

    Is it wrong to want to be 'great'? Whether you are bought into the MAGA movement, or you are repelled by it, we all want to be GREAT in one way or another. However, the way we choose to make a name for ourselves - individually and collectively - can be so ugly and dehumanising. The God of the…

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  26. Genesis 8:20– 9:29 | Key stage one - Wes Illingsworth

    Politicians are telling us whether or not they are hopeful of an end to the war in Ukraine. Economists are telling us whether or not they are optimistic about the Budget and the British economy. What grounds for hope do you see as you look at the world, your family, your future?

  27. Genesis 8:1– 19 | Key stage one - Wes Illingsworth

    The government has been criticised over recent months for its numerous 'resets'. But don't we all sometimes wish we could press CTRL ALT DELETE and experience a proper reboot, whether at the personal or global level?

  28. Genesis 6:9-7:24 | Key stage one - Paul Williams

    Our world longs for peace and paradise, but instead we see violence and corruption. What hope is there for real rest? The story of Noah points us to a God who through judgement brings the rest our hearts so crave.

  29. Genesis 5:1-6:8 | Key stage one - Joel Chia

    Life often feels like a constant balancing act—juggling work, relationships, responsibilities, and the unexpected problems that come our way. Many people look for relief in rest, success, or distraction, but these solutions rarely last. Where do we find relief from the problems of life? Why not…

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  30. Genesis 4:1-26 | Key stage one - Joel Chia

    We live in an age of breathtaking progress — AI, cryptocurrency, biotechnology, space exploration — a world where humanity seems more capable and connected than ever before. In many ways, this advancement unfolds in a secular society, seemingly without reference to God. Yet Genesis 4 already…

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  31. Genesis 3:14-24 | Key stage one - Giulio Abortivi

    Why is the world is as broken as it is?. Genesis 3 is the best possible representation of the human experience on planet earth. It makes sense of our history, our flawed personalities and the brokeness in our life. If the Bible's diagnosis is so accurate, could the cure it suggests also be as...

  32. Genesis 3:1-13 | Key stage one - Giulio Abortivi

    If you asked your colleagues "What's wrong with the world?", they might come up with a number of plausible answers. The Bible has one precise idea as to where it all went wrong.

  33. Genesis 2:18-25 | Key stage one - Paul Williams

    Institutional sexism and inequality (not least of all in the workplace) continues to blight our world. So often, our world is ruined by men treating women appallingly and women understandably feeling the need to fight back. In Genesis chapter 2:18-25 we see how beautiful God's design is, and we…

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  34. Genesis 2:4-17 | Key stage one - Giulio Abortivi

    Having a job is certainly a blessing, but it can sometimes feel like a curse. However, it turns out that working is the very thing we were made for and it is a good thing!

  35. Genesis 2:1-3 | Key stage one - Wes Illingsworth

    Most of us have a nagging sense of restlessness and a painful awareness that our world is not what it should be. This week we’ll hear how 35 words in Genesis explains why this is, why we exist at all and how reaching our potential is actually possible.

  36. The heart of the global problem | Matthew 15:15-20 - Giulio Abortivi

    What is wrong with the world? Jesus has the answer, and it is very different from what you might hear on the street or read on the papers.

  37. 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 | God's blueprint for authentic work- Giulio Abortivi

    Whether it's Jurgen Klopp or 'Bazball', a new President, Prime Minister or Party Leader, we all know that leadership is everything. So what does gold-standard leadership for the Christian worker look like? Paul and his co-workers exemplify the blueprint.

  38. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 | God's blueprint for the authentic worker- Giulio Abortivi

    Social media and news feeds are full of news of the decline in main-line churches, and often of scandal. So what does true and faithful Christian leadership look like, and what is the kind of Christian work that grows a church? Thankfully the New Testament gives the answer!

  39. 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 | God's blueprint for authentic life - Wes Illingsworth

    What does the authentic work of God look like? Recently, a number of historians and social commentators have highlighted the huge impact Jesus' words have made to our society. However, there are many viewpoints on what being a Christian should look like. Join us this Thursday as we think about…

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  40. Matthew 11:28-30 | Receiving (Giulio Abortivi)

    Jesus, the most powerful leader and most followed man this world has ever known describes himself as 'gentle' and 'lowly'. He offers true rest for those who follow him. His 'light' burden and 'easy' load is welcome relief for wearisome ideologies of the world.

  41. Matthew 11:25-27 | Revealing (Giulio Abortivi)

    Jesus, the most powerful leader and most followed man this world has ever known describes himself as 'gentle' and 'lowly'. He offers true rest for those who follow him. His 'light' burden and 'easy' load is welcome relief for wearisome ideologies of the world.

  42. Luke 13:1-5 | How to deal with tragedy (Paul Williams)

    Suffering, pain and death is all around us and raise profound questions for each one of us. Come and hear Jesus' answer that equips us to cope. This is part three of a special three-week lunchtime series: Issues on our minds.

  43. Luke 12:13-21 | How to handle wealth (Paul Williams)

    Consultants and pension planners are falling over themselves to give us tips on how we can be financially prepared to enjoy our future. Come and hear the unique wisdom of the best financial and career adviser - Jesus Christ. This is part two of a special three-week lunchtime series: Issues on our...

  44. Matthew 11:16-24 | Resistance (Philip Prideaux)

    Resisting the rescue package.

  45. Matthew 11:1-15 | A great offense (Leo Elbourne)

    When God comes to the world, what will he be like? Matthew’s Gospel has many answers to that question, but chapter 11 has perhaps one of the most surprising: God’s coming will be offensive. To be offensive in the world today is considered worse than ever, but does this change when it is God who…

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  46. Matthew 10:40-42 | A great reward (Leo Elbourne)

    In every age, open association with the teaching of Jesus and of his followers will be 'costly'. Jesus insists that there are risks involved - reputational, relational and even physical. Given the price of membership, why would anyone welcome and receive Jesus and his people? The answer is simple…

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  47. Matthew 10:34-39 | A divisive message (Giulio Abortivi)

    Some understand Jesus' claim to be 'Prince of Peace' to mean that he sought to bring an end to all hostilities here on Earth... and failed. A kind of wannabe United Nations delegate. The reality is that he promised something very different... 'I have not come to bring peace, but a sword', he said.

  48. Matthew 10:24-33 | Fearless speakers of the message (Wes Illingsworth)

    In Matthew 10 Jesus puts his finger on one of the biggest inhibitors to living and speaking for Him: fear of other people – what they might think of us, say about us and do to us. In Matthew 10:24-33 Jesus unpacks the liberating and courage-giving remedy.

  49. Matthew 10:16-23 | Opposed carriers of the message (Wes Illingsworth)

    Jesus Christ offers wonderful news to all Londoners. Why then is it often met with such vigorous opposition, both here and around the world? Jesus explains it in Matthew 10:16-23.

  50. Matthew 10:1-15 | Authorised agents of the message (William Taylor)

    The party with a muddled manifesto will fall, the company with no clear vision will fail, the military campaign without an objective will falter. The church, similarly lacking in direction, will drift. So what is Jesus' mission for his disciples? With 46% of the UK describing ourselves as...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Covent Garden Talks are run by Christians who work in the Covent Garden, Holborn, Bloomsbury, St Giles and Strand areas.Our aim is to explain, from the Bible, the good news about Jesus Christ – who he is and what he has done – to people who work in this part of London. We are part of a large network of lunchtime talks called Gospel@Work and this video gives an idea of what we are on about.

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Covent Garden Talks

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How many episodes does Covent Garden Talks have?

Covent Garden Talks currently has 199 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Covent Garden Talks about?

Covent Garden Talks are run by Christians who work in the Covent Garden, Holborn, Bloomsbury, St Giles and Strand areas.Our aim is to explain, from the Bible, the good news about Jesus Christ – who he is and what he has done – to people who work in this part of London. We are part of a large...

How often does Covent Garden Talks release new episodes?

Covent Garden Talks publishes regularly with 199 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

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You can listen to Covent Garden Talks on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Covent Garden Talks?

Covent Garden Talks is created and hosted by Covent Garden Talks.
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