Greyfriars Church

Romans 16 Speaker Asa Humphreys In these final verses of this great letter, Paul highlights a number of people for their jobs – Priscilla and Aquila (vs3), Mary (vs6), Urbanus (vs9), Timothy (vs21) and more. They are commended for working hard and doing so “for the Lord”. Not all these people worked in ministry – Erastus was the city's director of public works. Paul himself was a tentmaker. God has created us to work (Genesis 2:15) and your job is part of God's plan to redeem this world, in the power of Christ.

Acts 8:26-40 Speaker: Chris Hall The passage tells the story of Philip, a deacon and evangelist, encountering an Ethiopian eunuch and converting him to Christianity. How do we follow the Holy Spirit?

Romans 15:14-33 Speaker - Dan Bright Paul brings his letter to a close with a reminder of his own priestly calling (vs16), speaking of Christ and ministering in the power of Christ, through signs and wonders (vs19). As we pray, share the Gospel and seek the kingdom of God, we too are taking on priestly duties. Paul made sure that Christ was glorified through words (the Gospel – vs18), works (ministry to the poor – vs26-27) and wonders (signs of the kingdom – vs19). Do we live in this fullness of calling, empowered by the Spirit?

Romans 15:1-13 Speaker: George Eapen Jesus came to this world to bring hope. Paul includes the passages from Isaiah 11 to remind the church in Rome that our hope is in Christ. Through Jesus, we are able to endure (vs5), to be encouraged (vs5), to accept others (vs7), and to know joy and peace (vs13). Paul's final prayer (vs 13) is for us to overflow with hope by the power of the Spirit, being a witness to the world of our hope in Christ.

Romans 14:1-23 Paul is writing to two groups of Christians – those who are more Jewish / conservative, and those who are more Gentile / liberal. These two groups are disagreeing on what to eat and it has caused a division in the church. Paul's response is to hold fast to the most important elements of the faith – the Gospel and the Lordship of Christ (vs9). He encourages us to ‘disagree well' on secondary issues, such as matters of diet. We are not to pass judgement on one another or to look down on others, but to love (vs15). How does this wisdom apply to other areas of dispute in our lives / the church?

Romans 13:8-14 Paul outlines, that the only debt we have (following on from vs 6-7) is to love your neighbour as yourself, and in doing so, he urges us to get ready for Christ's return. As part of his instruction to ‘wake up', we are to turn from darkness, sexual immorality, drunkenness and jealousy. Instead, we are to clothe ourselves with the Lord. In what ways do you need to wake up and get ready for Christ's return? What will you do differently, starting today?

John 20:19-29 Thomas believed that Jesus was alive when he saw him. How do we choose to believe when our eyes do not see?

Easter Sunday is the glorious celebration of Jesus' victory over death. While our journey through Lent reminds us of our human frailty and need for repentance, Easter declares that hope and life have the final word. Speaker: Natalie Worsfold

A reflective service with space for silent reflection interwoven around worship and examination of Jesus' actions from the day.

Exodus 16:22–17:7 Grumbling in the Desert (Part 2): Learning to Trust God's Continued Provision, Natalie Worsfold As the journey continues, the Israelites once again find themselves at a place of testing, needing water and questioning whether God is really with them. Despite repeated demonstrations of His care, they waver in faith and slip back into complaints. This cycle of doubt shows how prone we are to forget God's faithfulness once immediate needs arise again.

Exodus 15:22–16:21 Grumbling in the Desert (Part 1): When Thirst and Hunger Take Over Not long after their miraculous deliverance through the Red Sea, the Israelites begin to complain about their dire need for water and food. They forget how God saved them, focusing instead on what they lack. The bitter waters at Marah and the gift of manna reveal God's ongoing provision, yet the people's immediate response is grumbling rather than gratitude. Their physical hunger and thirst overshadow the memory of God's powerful intervention.

Exodus 14 Crossing Over: Trusting God's Deliverance Exodus 14 describes a breathtaking scene: God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to pass safely while swallowing up the pursuing Egyptian army. In this dramatic moment, the people come face to face with the reality of God's might and faithfulness. Their journey is a leap from a place of desperation to deliverance, and it underscores the truth that God can make a way where there seems to be no way.

Exodus 12:1-7 The Passover: salvation through the Lamb On the night of the Passover, the Israelites witness God's powerful judgment on Egypt, yet they experience his merciful protection through the blood of the lamb placed on their doorposts. This defining moment sets them on a journey out of slavery and into a covenant relationship with the Lord. It's a story of God's deliverance and his desire to set his people free.

Exodus 3:1–12 The God who calls In this first Sunday of Lent, we explore the moment Moses encounters God in the burning bush—a pivotal event where God reveals both his holiness and his intention to free the Israelites from slavery. Moses, an unlikely and hesitant leader, receives a divine call that will shape the course of history. This passage reminds us that God often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things for his purposes.

Romans 12:9-21 Love in Action As Christ's body, we are to show the love of God to each other and to the world. Paul spells out what love in action looks like – pursuing good, honouring others, faithfully praying, showing humility, living at peace with others and overcoming evil with good. What does this look like this week, for you?

Romans 12:3-8 Being the Body of Christ Part of the transformation that takes place in us is a humbling (vs3) and a joining together with other believers, as the body of Christ. Paul encourages us to think of the church as a body, with many parts that work together for one purpose. And so, he encourages us to serve, prophesy, teach, encourage, give and lead, together as one in Christ.

Sunday 16th February 2025, Dan Bright Romans 12:1-2 As Paul moves on from writing about Israel, he urges his readers to worship God by offering our whole lives as a sacrifice. This means that we need to be transformed by God and not be conformed to the world. In particular, our minds need transforming. To what extent are we conforming to the world rather than be transformed by God?

Sunday 9th February 2025, 9:30 Service, George Eapan Romans 11:25-36 Paul is fully expectant that “all Israel will be saved” (vs26), backed up by the words of Isaiah, reminding us of God's covenant with his people. Knowing that “God's gifts and call are irrevocable” (vs29), we are to expect God to pour out his mercy on the Jewish people (vs31) in the same way he showed mercy to us. Paul is not suggesting that the Jews will be saved apart from Christ. Jesus is the only way of salvation, and the expectation is that ‘Israel as a whole' will come to salvation in time. We are to show mercy to the Jewish people and pray for their salvation.

God's Mercy seen through radical inclusion of all people

Does God reject those who reject him? Paul gives a resounding ‘no'! He refers to Elijah, who declared to God “I am the only one left” (vs3) and yet God reserved seven thousand faithful, who had not worshipped Baal. This is grace. Paul tells us that there is a remnant chosen by grace (vs5), from which God will bring salvation. But for those whose hearts are hardened, they will not see the truth of who God is and his saving grace (vs8-10).

To have faith means to believe and declare Jesus as Lord. Paul tells the church in Rome that faith is a matter of the heart (vs9) and of our words (vs10). We believe and we profess Jesus as Lord. The only way non Christians (including the Jews) will hear the Gospel is if we tell them. Isaiah reminds us of “how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news” (vs15). We are to declare Jesus as Lord and to share the good news. Not all will believe (vs21), but we are still compelled by love to share the Gospel.

Paul outlines God's plan to reveal His glory to this world, through the Jews and the Gentiles (vs24), as prophesied in Hosea (vs25-26) and Isaiah (vs29). As Gentiles (non-Jews) we have found salvation through faith (vs30). The Jews have not found salvation yet as they pursed works, not faith (vs32). We are made righteous before God, by faith in Jesus. Paul longs for the Jews to be saved through Christ, who is the culmination of the law (vs4).

Paul now turns his attention to the Jews in chapters 9-11, from which he came (vs3). The heritage of Israel is great – covenants, the law, the temple, God's promises and the patriarchs (vs 4-5). And yet, Paul grieves that the Jewish people have not yet been saved, rejecting God's gift of redemption and forgiveness in Christ. Paul remembers Isaac (vs6-9) and Jacob (vs10-13), pointing to the truth that God's sovereign choice is his own. Sometimes we don't fully understand God's sovereign purposes, but we are called to trust him nevertheless and continue to pray.

Matthew 2:1-12 Now that we've celebrated the birth of Christ, this week reflects on how we respond to the extraordinary gifts we've received through Jesus. Like the wise men who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, we too are called to offer something in return—not material gifts, but our very lives. In light of the greatest gift of all—Jesus—we consider how we can respond with gratitude, using our unique gifts and talents to build up the body of Christ and serve His kingdom.

In our carol services, we reflect on Zechariah's prophecy, which celebrates the coming of Jesus as the fulfilment of God's promises. Zechariah's words speak of a new dawn breaking—God's mercy and salvation arriving to rescue His people from darkness and guide them in the way of peace. This message connects with the heart of Christmas: God stepping down to earth in the person of Jesus to bring light to a world in need. As we sing carols of joy and hope, we are reminded that Christmas is the dawn of a new beginning, a fresh start, made possible by God's tender mercy. The challenge for us is to embrace this light and live as people of hope, guided by the peace Jesus brings.

The rescue God provided through Jesus was not a political revolution or a military conquest but a spiritual deliverance. This week focuses on how Jesus rescues us from the darkness of sin and brokenness, offering a peace and salvation that defy expectations. His rescue mission, beginning in a humble manger, changes everything.

In this final section, we turn to Paul's powerful description of Christ's self-emptying love. Jesus, though equal with God, did not cling to His divine rights but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant and becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross. This talk explores how Jesus' kingship is marked by His ultimate sacrifice, the giving of His life for His people. Unlike worldly kings who send others to die for their cause, Jesus willingly gave Himself to save us. What does this sacrificial love mean for how we live our lives in response?

Sunday 24th November, 9:30 service, Natalie Worsfold. Romans 8:37-39. Even as we face opposition in our lives, we live as men and women who are victorious, because of Christ's victory over death and sin. We are also victorious because of the endless promise of God's love for us. As this passage reminds us, nothing can separate us from the love of God, in Christ.

Sunday 17th November, 9:30 service, Asa Humphreys. Romans 8:33-36. Not only is God with us and for us, but Paul reminds us that Christ is now seated at the right hand of the Father, praying for us. It is the love of Christ, demonstrated through his sacrifice and his ongoing prays for all his followers, that keeps us going when we face opposition and challenge in our lives (vs35).

Sunday 10th November 2024, 9:30 service, Chris Hall. Romans 8:31-32 Having explained that God works through our weakness and through the challenges we face in our lives, the apostle Paul asks “who can be against us?” The great message of the Gospel is that God has chosen to come to be with us, in Christ. In giving his one and only Son, we can be confident that our loving Father in heaven will provide for us in a multitude of ways (vs32).

Sunday 3rd November 2024, 6:30 service, Chris Hall. Romans 8:28-30. Whatever we may go through in life, God promises to work all things together for good, for those who love him. As a result we can have confidence that we will work his resurrection power to turn around situations which seem humanly impossible. Through God's goodness at work in our lives, we become more like Christ (vs 29) as we live according to his call on our lives.

Sunday 27th October, 9:30 service, Natalie Worsfold. Romans 8:26-28. As we live our lives waiting for Christ's return, we find ourselves in times of suffering and weakness. It is in these moments that we can find it hard to pray / to know how to pray. These words in Romans remind us that the Spirit of God is with us, helping us pray to God, even through wordless groans.

Sunday 20th October, 6:30 service, Dan Bright. Luke 5:1-11.

Sunday 20th October, 9:30 service, Chris Hall.

Sunday 13th October 2024, 6:30 service, Natalie Worsfold. Romans 8:18-25. Paul is clear that our current lives will involve suffering, as they did for the Apostle himself, and for creation. The glorious truth of Christ's redemption is that we await a future glory, when we will be united with Christ, resurrected with Christ and witness a renewed heaven and earth. It is this eternal persepctive that Paul is encouraging in this passage.

Sunday 6th October, 6:30 service, Abi Ord. Romans 8:12-17. As a result of our new identity in Christ, we are now adopted as sons and daughters of the living God, able to call him ‘Abba, Father'. The work of the Spirit affirms our new identity as God's children and followers of Christ, leading to suffering and then glory. Knowing our identity as sons and daughters of the living God is the most important part of our life as Christians.

Sunday 29th September, 9:30 service, Chris Hall. Romans 8:6-11 (and 5 AND 12!). Paul outlines the difference between a mind that is focused on “natural desires”, being ungodly ones AND a mind that is controlled by the Spirit. He reaffirms that as followers of Christ, we are not controlled by a sinful nature, but by the Spirit of God living in us (vs 9). We are raised with Christ to new life. Are we living according to our new identity in Christ?

Sunday 22nd September 2024, 9:30 service, Asa Humphries. Romans 8:1-5. The Apostle Paul has written part of his letter (chapters 6&7) outlining the tension in the Christian life between death to sin and new life in Christ. He now moves onto the wonderful truth of new life in the Spirit. As a result of Christ's sacrifice (vs3), we are made righteous and now live according to the Spirit. As temples of the Holy Spirit, we are to live according to the Spirit, setting our minds on what the Spirit desires (vs5). What does this look like in your life?

Sunday 15th September, 6:30 service, Tom Pollard. Revelation 2:1-7. What does God want His church to look like? John Stott writes in his commentary on Revelation; “although their message is related to the specific situations of those churches, it expresses concerns which apply to all churches. By praise and censure, by warning and exhortation, Christ reveals what he wants his church to be like in all places and at all times.” Notice the reading structure: The Address (2:1a), The Description (2:1b), The Commendation (2:2-3, 6), The Complaint (2:4), The Command (2:5a), The Warning (2:5b), The Appeal (2:7a) & The Promise (2:7b). Christ commends His church for their activity in ministry and observes the suffering that they face, yet what Christ seeks above all is their love; love being the mark of a true and living church. Jesus seeks our love. How might we repent of our activity being given greater priority then our first love, Jesus? Christs appeal, his invitation is to pay attention to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. How might we listen to the Spirit at this time in our church life? Other passages that relate to the life of the church in Ephesus: Acts 18:19-21, 24-26, Acts 19, leadership transition 1 Tim 1:3.

Sunday 15th September, 9:30 service, George Eapen. Revelation 2:1-7. What does God want His church to look like? John Stott writes in his commentary on Revelation; “although their message is related to the specific situations of those churches, it expresses concerns which apply to all churches. By praise and censure, by warning and exhortation, Christ reveals what he wants his church to be like in all places and at all times.” Notice the reading structure: The Address (2:1a), The Description (2:1b), The Commendation (2:2-3, 6), The Complaint (2:4), The Command (2:5a), The Warning (2:5b), The Appeal (2:7a) & The Promise (2:7b). Christ commends His church for their activity in ministry and observes the suffering that they face, yet what Christ seeks above all is their love; love being the mark of a true and living church. Jesus seeks our love. How might we repent of our activity being given greater priority then our first love, Jesus? Christs appeal, his invitation is to pay attention to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. How might we listen to the Spirit at this time in our church life? Other passages that relate to the life of the church in Ephesus: Acts 18:19-21, 24-26, Acts 19, leadership transition 1 Tim 1:3.

Sunday 8th September, 9:30 service, Natalie Worsfold. Revelation 1:9-20. NB. Apologies for the poor sound quality at the beginning - if you'd like to avoid a touch of feedback, please fast forward to 01minute 47seconds to where Natalie swaps microphones! In God's grand plan for the world there is a victory that comes and we long even now, to be part of that victory. We want to stand firmly as we await God's ultimate triumph. We need like John to have a vision of Jesus. Jesus: The Voice that shapes us to serve God and to be part of his work in the world. Jesus speaks to John about all that will happen grounding John in the knowledge of who HE is and reminding him that unless HE is our vision we're at risk of growing weary, disheartened and disillusioned. John's vision isn't of a gentle baby Jesus sung of in Christmas hymns, rather out of Christ's mouth comes a sharp double-edged sword and his face shines like the sun. This Jesus walks around among the lampstands that represent the churches and the stars depicting messengers to the church (‘angels' oft associated with church leaders). Jesus is the focus of this vision walking amid (v13) churches and their leaders. At the sight of Jesus John falls down as if dead. This is a posture we are called to share with John; on our faces before Jesus, as we seek his wisdom for who we should become as Jesus followers. In his good time, Jesus will reveal to us our next church leader.

Sunday 1st September 2024, 6:30 service, Chris Hall. John 21:15-22. Having denied Jesus three times (in the courtyard, before the crucifixion), Peter walks with Jesus as he is asked three searching questions, “do you love me?”. Jesus helps Peter understand that love for Christ means service – to feed and take care of others. In following Jesus (vs 19 and 22), we are to serve those around us by making disciples and taking care of one another.

Sunday 25th August 2024, 6:30 service, Andy Barwick. Luke 19:1-10. Zacchaeus was so keen to see Jesus, he climbed a tree! Jesus must have known that Zacchaeus was keen to see him, as he called him down from the tree, out of a crowd of people. Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus to his home, but before that he gave half his possessions to the poor. This was a sign of Zacchaeus' heart. How hungry are we to meet with Jesus? How prepared are we to surrender what we have, for Christ?

Sunday 18th August 2024, 6:30 service, Chris Hall. Luke 10:38-41. As Jesus enters Mary and Martha's house, he witnesses Mary sitting at his feet, whilst Martha is rushing around “distracted” by preparations. Are we more Mary or Martha? Jesus tells Martha “only one thing is needed”. Jesus calls us to be still, to sit at his feet, to listen to him and to praise him.

Sunday 11th August 2024, 6:30 service, Chris Greaves. A man is looking to be healed through the waters at the pool in Bethesda. Jesus shows him that he is looking in the wrong place – healing comes through Jesus. Jesus asks him “do you want to get well?”. What might Jesus want to ask you as you look at your life?

Sunday 4th August 2024, 6:30 service, Chris Hall. Jesus sees everything. He surprises the Samaritan woman in several ways: by speaking with her, offering her a drink, knowing her past and revealing his identity (I am – God). What would Jesus say to us in terms of our lives? In which areas of our lives do we need living water to refresh and renew us?

Sunday 28th July 2024, 6:30 service, Tom Pollard. Nicodemus, the Pharisee, approaches Jesus at night, out of fear that he will be seen. He knows Jesus is from God but asks Jesus what it means to be born again. Jesus explains that new life in Christ comes from a work of the Spirit in us. To be a Christian means that we live a new life in Christ – to what extent do we live in this new identity?

Sunday 21st July 2024, 9:30 service, Natalie Worsfold. The first miracle of Jesus was at a wedding in Cana. Jesus' mother approaches him with a very practical concern, that the wedding party had run out of wine. Jesus instructs the servants to fill six stone jars with water and he turns it into the best wine. Jesus reveals his glory, leading his disciples to believe in him. How much faith do we have to believe nothing is impossible for God?

Sunday 14th July, 6:30 service, Dan Bright. As a young boy, Jesus was taken to the temple in Jerusalem, at Passover. It was on their way back that they realised Jesus wasn't with them, but still at the temple. He was found listening to the teachers and asking questions. People were “amazed” at his understanding and questions. Jesus tells his parents he had to be in his Father's house, pointing to his identity and ministry. Jesus was one with God, and prioritised his relationship with his heavenly father. Each of us is invited into this story - to be lost and then to be found by a loving God who isn't hiding, but just needs to be sought after.

Sunday 7th July, 10:30 service (One Family Sunday), Running the Race. Hear from David Walker on his last Sunday as vicar of Greyfriars & New Hope Church, as he preaches from Hebrews 12:1-3, reminding us to keep running the race. We gathered as one family of 4 congregations at one service on Sunday 7th July, to celebrate the Walkers as they step out in faith to pastures new.

Sunday 30th June, 9:30 service, David Walker. This passage takes a couple of reads to get your head round it! How often do we find ourselves doing things we don't want to do? We want to do good, but more often than not we look back on our actions and realise that we didn't do the good we wanted. Paul here addresses the tension of what we often feel: that we might delight in God and love Him in our inner beings, but we are often drawn to sin in our own natures. But he gives us the reminder of verse 25 saying that Jesus has delivered us from sin once and for all in His mercy. This passage is a comfort to us trying to live Kingdom lives, as it serves as a reminder that all struggle with sin, but all have been delivered from it by Jesus.