Foundation Church Belfast

This message walks through Exodus 24 in a really simple way: God calls his people, cleanses them with covenant blood, communes with them at the table, and then sends them out on mission. It's a down-to-earth reminder that God draws near, makes us clean, shares life with us, and gives us purpose. If you're curious […]

Remember the Magi who left everything to follow a star? This passage (Matthew 2:1–12) shows Jesus isn't just a newborn; he's God worth our humility, time, and money. They dropped their status, travelled far, and worshipped him — and that same call is for you and me. So let's be honest: what do we treasure […]

Hey—if you've ever wondered what Christmas really means beyond carols and tinsel, this episode walks you through the heart-stopping truth: the eternal Son became one of us. We'll unpack what “incarnation” means, why Jesus had to be fully God and fully human, and how that strange, beautiful act opens the door for us to be […]

This Advent teaching series presents four Christian doctrines that Make Sense of Christmas.  In this first sermon, we examine the opening paragraph of St. John’s Gospel and realise that Christmas doesn’t begin at the Nativity, but rather In the Beginning (John 1:1). The message considers: Who is the Eternal Word? What did the Eternal Word come to do? […]

Johnny Carson preaches from 2 Kings 4 focusing on the Shunammite woman's hospitality, the prophecy of a son, his sudden death, and Elisha's miraculous restoration of life. He highlights Elisha as a foreshadow of Jesus and draws three faith postures from the chapter: faithful giving, resilient faith, and private, focused prayer. The message calls listeners […]

This episode reflects on 1 Samuel 31, recounting Saul and his sons’ deaths at Mount Gilboa, the Philistine victory, and the grim aftermath as towns are abandoned and bodies dishonoured. Through this we learn three lessons that carry eternal consequences for every person: the fallout of rebelling against God, the finality of our rebellion, and […]

This episode examines 1 Samuel 28:3–25, recounting King Saul's visit to the medium at Endor, his encounter with Samuel's spirit, and the grim consequences of his long resistance to God. The sermon outlines four signs of resisting God—being close to God but not truly with Him, living against God's word, persistent unbelief when faced with […]

Our reading from 1 Samuel 25 tells how David's men are insulted by the wealthy Nabal, and Abigail rushes in with food and humility to avert bloodshed.   The sermon draws out why peacemakers are needed, who they are (Abigail and ultimately Jesus), and practical steps to be peacemakers: be brave, humble, and sacrificial.   […]

This sermon walks through Psalm 42–43 to define spiritual depression—when the soul feels distant from God—and explains how it affects our body, mind and spirit. It explores possible causes (isolation, mocking, personal susceptibility), offers six practical responses (recognize the problem, use the Psalms, remember past blessings, approach God boldly, preach truth to yourself, anticipate future […]

How can we gain salvation? What does it take to be right with God and receive life from him?   This sermon highlights four steps we can take on the pathway to salvation:   The Earthquake The Cry The Belief The transformation   MAIN TEXT Acts 16:25-32   SPEAKER David Varney, Pastor at Foundation Church […]

This episode unpacks the familiar story of David and Goliath to explore how God chooses people who trust His word, walk in humility, listen and obey His voice, and recognize their need for a champion. Using David's example, the message connects the ancient battle to our lives today—showing that Jesus is the ultimate champion who […]

Why do we do what we do at Foundation Church Belfast?   In this six-part series we examine six key emphases that shape our gatherings: When You Come Together.   What are we to make of the spiritual gift of tongues as the Bible describes it? Has the gift ceased? Or if not, how should it […]

Why do we do what we do at Foundation Church Belfast?   In this six-part series we examine six key emphases that shape our gatherings: When You Come Together.   Healing occupies a prominent place in the earthly ministry of Jesus of Nazareth. It seemed integral to his main message – ‘The Kingdom of God is near, […]

Why do we do what we do at Foundation Church Belfast?   In this six-part series we examine six key emphases that shape our gatherings: When You Come Together.   This talk focuses on the revelatory gifts the Apostle Paul outlines in 1 Corinthians 12-14. Once we understand these gifts are given by the Holy Spirit […]

According to the Apostle Peter, suffering is not expected, it is to be considered normal for a disciple of Jesus.   In this sermon, Chris Mckinven points out four ways to deal with suffering as a Christian:   1. Don’t be surprised 2. Don’t be afraid 3. Don’t be silent 4. Don’t forget who you’re […]

Why do we do what we do at Foundation Church Belfast?   In this six-part series we examine six key emphases that shape our gatherings: When You Come Together.   This talk focuses on the Belonging to church- what is church membership? Why do we need it? And how do we belong practically?   MAIN TEXT […]

Why do we do what we do at Foundation Church Belfast?   In this six-part series we examine six key emphases that shape our gatherings: When You Come Together.   This talk focuses on the Sacraments – what are they? And how does Jesus strengthen the church through these gifts? Who are they even for?   […]

Why do we do what we do at Foundation Church Belfast?   In this six-part series we examine six key emphases that shape our gatherings: When You Come Together.   This talk focuses on the Word of God – what is it, what does it do, and how does it shape our life as a church? […]

Do you ever think: there’s a certain type of person God uses to do his work – and you’re not it?   We often find a variety of reasons why we think God won’t use you, or if he does, only minimally.   In this sermon we tackle three reasons we think God doesn’t use […]

Religion can be a dangerous thing. For many people, real religion is a profound expression of true faith in Jesus, a life of knowing, following and enjoying him.   But for others religion is a necessary evil, a hoop to jump through to keep God or others happy. This is how King Saul understood his […]

Message by Jonah from our series Seven Churches. This sermon encourages us to cling firm to Jesus under trials.   MAIN TEXT Revelation 3:7-13   FOUNDATION CHURCH BELFAST Every Sunday 10:30am – 2d Knockwood Crescent, Belfast, BT5 6GE   ADVANCE MOVEMENT We are part of the Advance Movement of churches and the wider Newfrontiers family. […]

Message by Sean Russell from our series Seven Churches. This sermon explores the problem of affluence and it blinds us to the reality of our spiritual poverty.   MAIN TEXT Revelation 3:14-22   SPEAKER Sean Russell, Foundation Church Belfast   FOUNDATION CHURCH BELFAST Every Sunday 10:30am – 2d Knockwood Crescent, Belfast, BT5 6GE   ADVANCE MOVEMENT […]

This talk examines 5 Components of Bold Faith. We see this in the extraordinary display of bravery and courage from Jonathan, son of King Saul.   God grants us faith so that we make use of it. Christian faith is more than an idea, or even an inner conviction. Faith is active – it does something […]

How we respond to the trials of life shows us a lot about what we fundamentally trust in.    Trials can either build faith or tear it down; push us towards God as our hope or away from him.   We see this play out in the life of King Saul. He was given a […]

If you are person of faith – how do you know if your faith is real? And how do you define your faith – by your own standards, or by a higher authority?   The Bible challenges us to examine ourselves to see whether we are ‘in the faith’ (2 Corinthians 13:5). It seems there […]

We sometimes pray: Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done, On Earth as it is in heaven. We are praying about the kingdom of God.   But have you ever wondered what that means? What are you really praying for? And how would you know when this prayer is answered? What even is the kingdom of God? […]

God’s choice of his first king surprised everyone, even the man himself, Saul.    But God makes Saul’s calling clear in three ways, in order to confirm and underscore his decision: Through signs By his Spirit Public selection   We then ask whether God still confirms his calling upon us in the same way today. […]

It is possible to believe in God in general but still remain dissatisfied with him.   This was the situation the people of God found themselves in as they demanded a new king.   However, their request revealed more about the peoples’ inner motivation. Their dissatisfaction with God was caused by: Comparison Rationalisation Bible misuse […]

God’s people experienced spiritual renewal under the ministry of Samuel their great leader.   Judging by recent statistics there is something of a ‘Quiet Revival’ taking place in the UK. Increased numbers of church attenders have been noticed over the last few years, particularly among men in 20-30 age bracket.   If we notice a […]

Glenn Wasson preaches on the love of Christ for sufferers in this message as part of the series Seven Churches.   Living as a disciple of Jesus will generate opposition from others at some point in our lives. But in this text we are reminded that Jesus cares for his suffering people.   It ends with […]

Both the Philistines and the Israelites experience the dangerous presence of God. The Ark of God seems to leave a trail of destruction behind it as it is passed from city to city, and then from Philistines back to the Israelites.   In this talk we see how God can be a dangerous presence to […]

We join two travellers on the road home from Jerusalem, discussing the events of that momentous weekend – the death of Jesus of Nazareth, and the early reports that his tomb was empty.   Jesus walked with them incognito, and drew them deeper into the Good News. During their time with Jesus, the travellers were […]

At the official entrance of Jesus into the city of Jerusalem on what would be his final trip, we see the crowds stirred up with untold enthusiasm.   However following quickly on is their collective disappointment that Jesus did not kick start the revolution they had been hoping for.   In this sermon we examine […]

Who doesn’t want to receive blessing from God? His power? His gifts? Most people would say yes to all these things. But did you know you can block blessing from God?   This sermon examines two blockages to receiving God’s blessing: Superstition Resistance   We end by seeing how Jesus restores the flow of God’s blessing […]

Clive Bowsher preaches from Philippians 3:8-16.

Terry Virgo speaks on SPIRITUAL WARFARE as part of the Advance Movement Ireland Conference 2025.   Terry is the founder of Newfrontiers, a global network of over 1,500 churches, which now exists as a collective of apostolic spheres, of which Advance is a part.   Find out more: https://www.advancemovement.com/   ADVANCE UK AND EUROPE CONFERENCE […]

Clive Bowsher teaches on CONFIDENCE that flows from our unity with God and one another in Jesus.   Clive teaches New Testament and Biblical Theology at Union School of Theology.   This talk was part of the Advance Movement Ireland Conference 2025.   ADVANCE is a movement of churches partnering together to plant and strengthen […]

Terry Virgo speaks on KINGDOM COME as part of the Advance Movement Ireland Conference 2025.   Terry is the founder of Newfrontiers, a global network of over 1,500 churches, which now exists as a collective of apostolic spheres, of which Advance is a part.   Find out more: https://www.advancemovement.com/   ADVANCE UK AND EUROPE CONFERENCE […]

Clive Bowsher teaches on the FREEDOM we have before the Father, in the Son, by the Spirit.   Clive teaches New Testament and Biblical Theology at Union School of Theology.   This talk was part of the Advance Movement Ireland Conference 2025.   ADVANCE is a movement of churches partnering together to plant and strengthen […]

When God speaks, a person is never the same again. We see this in the experience of Samuel, a young boy chosen by God to become an influential leader.   In this sermon, we learn about How to Hear God’s Word, but equally importantly, How Not to Hear God’s Word, as in the case of the old […]

Sean Russell preaches on the danger of compromise within a church, especially when some things appear to be going quite well.   Rather than excuse our compromises, we must see them as Jesus does – as a dangerous threat to the very life of the church.   Yet for anyone who hears the warning of […]

Leadership fails can be catastrophic for all who are connected to the leader in question. In this sermon we see two forms of catastrophic leadership fails – in the church and in the home. However, when all seems to be falling apart, God is quietly raising up a deliverer. Samuel gives us a pattern of […]

Anyone who experiences God’s deliverance power will never be the same again.   But how do you know if you qualify for God’s deliverance in your life? What sort of person must you be, or what must you do to obtain it?   Hannah’s prayer of thanks shows that some people can receive God’s salvation […]

God is delighted to deliver his people. He raises up a powerful leader to prepare the way for God’s king. That leader’s name is Samuel.   But like many significant figures in the Bible, Samuel had a miraculous birth story. His mother Hannah could not have children and she bore the deep anguish and pain […]

Jesus speaks to seven churches in ancient Asia Minor, addressing their strengths and weaknesses, and giving promises to those who hear his word and follow it.   In this message, Jonah shows how moral compromise can fatally damage a church, but how the gospel of Jesus is the power for faithfulness and fundamental life change. […]

The final talk in our series on the five catalytic gifts from Ephesians 4:11.   In this talk we ask: What is Teaching? Who does Teaching? Where do we need Teaching? How do we release Teaching?   MAIN TEXT Acts 11:19-26; Ephesians 4:11-16   SPEAKER David Varney, Pastor Foundation Church Belfast   FOUNDATION CHURCH BELFAST […]

Jesus speaks to seven churches in ancient Asia Minor, addressing their strengths and weaknesses, and giving promises to those who hear his word and follow it.   In this message, Nathan Brown explains the need in the first of the seven churches – they have lost their first love.   MAIN TEXT Revelation 2:1-7   […]

In this talk we examine the third catalytic gift Jesus gives to his church: the Evangelist.   Evangelism is announcing the what, why and how of the good news about Jesus.   When we think of an Evangelist, we might think of the biblical character of Philip the Evangelist (Acts 21:8), or a modern example […]

We discuss the second catalytic gift given by Jesus as described in Ephesians 4:11-16.   In this sermon we ask: What is prophecy? How do prophetic gifts work in the church? How do we at Foundation Church receive prophetic ministry?   As a church, our vision is to catalyse the gospel transformation of our city and […]

In this series we examine the biblical framework for the five catalytic gifts that Jesus gives to his church so that it may reach unity and maturity.   This talk focuses on the role and gift of the Apostle.    Who is an Apostle? How does an Apostle work? What is an Apostle like? How […]

In this series we examine the biblical framework for the five catalytic gifts that Jesus gives to his church so that it may reach unity and maturity.   This talk focuses on the role and gift of the Apostle.    Who is an Apostle? How does an Apostle work? What is an Apostle like? How […]