Ivy Church : Helping you find your way back to God ivychurch.org

What do you do when life doesn't go to plan — not even close? In Week 3 of The Crown & The Cradle, Luke Anthony takes us into Matthew 1:18–25 and the extraordinary calling of Joseph… a man whose carefully laid plans were suddenly overturned by the breaking-in of God's Kingdom. Joseph had every reason to walk away. Confusion. Shock. Stigma. Uncertainty. But instead of clinging to his own story, he stepped into God's story — and everything changed. Luke shares with honesty, humour, and vulnerability (including parenting interruptions, haircut mishaps, and that stag-do moment!) as he unpacks three powerful truths from Joseph's life: 1️⃣ The Kingdom Interrupts Joseph had a plan — marriage, stability, a good reputation. Then came a pregnancy he couldn't explain and a future he didn't choose. God's Kingdom breaks in unexpectedly, inconveniently, and purposefully — often right in the middle of our “perfect plan.” 2️⃣ The Kingdom Requires Trust Joseph didn't get a spreadsheet, a roadmap, or a 10-year plan. Just: “Do not be afraid… this is from the Holy Spirit.” Luke shares honestly about trusting God through uncertainty — especially in the journey with his son Isaac — reminding us that God's promises hold even when life feels messy. 3️⃣ The Kingdom Redefines Life Joseph's obedience placed his small, ordinary life inside God's eternal story. The same is true for us. When we surrender our plan for God's plan, He reorders, repurposes, and redefines everything — not to shrink our lives, but to draw us into His Kingdom. This message will encourage you if you're navigating change, disappointment, or unexpected turns. Joseph shows us that when the Kingdom interrupts, trust becomes obedience, and obedience becomes transformation.

What if the life you're living isn't Plan B… but God's Plan A? In week two of our Advent & Christmas series The Crown & The Cradle, Anthony Delaney walks us through Mary's story in Luke 1 — the moment heaven interrupted an ordinary plan with an extraordinary invitation. Mary had her future mapped out: marriage, family, security, respect. Then an angel appeared with a call that would overturn all her expectations. From Mary's perspective, it looked like Plan B — scandal, uncertainty, risk. But from God's perspective? It was always Plan A. This message is for anyone who feels like life hasn't gone to plan… or that too many plans have fallen through. Christmas announces the truth that God repurposes lives, restores broken stories, and invites us into His plan — the one that leads to hope, purpose, and salvation through Jesus. Join us for worship, prayer, and this powerful teaching as we ask:

The King Comes to the Waiting | The Crown & The Cradle by Ivy Church Podcast

Following our Church Weekend Away where we explored the Ivy vision of Knowing - Growing - Going, Anthony explores our nexts steps through the Discipleship Pathway.

Expand the Church (Together) | VII Churches Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Once An Addict | Barry Woodward | Ivy Central by Ivy Church Podcast

Are we comfortable… or close to Jesus? In the final letter to the Seven Churches, Anthony Delaney unpacks Jesus' message to the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22) — a community that thought it had everything, yet made Jesus sick with its lukewarm faith. Laodicea's comfort had numbed its passion. They were rich in possessions but poor in spirit. Yet even in His rebuke, Jesus offers mercy: “Be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.” This powerful message calls us to break free from complacency and expand our intimacy with God — to open the door, reignite the fire, and rediscover wholehearted devotion to Jesus. Join us for worship, prayer, and this final call in our Revelation series as we ask:

What doors is God opening in your life? In week seven of our series VII Letters to the Church, Lisa Lee shares Jesus' message to the church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7–13). Though small and weak, this was the church that made Jesus smile. They held onto His Word, stayed faithful to His Name, and in return He promised them an open door that no one can shut. Jesus still opens doors today — doors of opportunity, calling, and mission. They can't be forced open, and they don't depend on our strength, but when He opens them, we are invited to step forward in faith. Join us for worship, prayer, and this inspiring message as we ask:

Are we living off reputation — or truly alive in Christ? In week six of our series VII Letters to the Church, Anthony Delaney unpacks Jesus' words to Sardis (Revelation 3:1–6). Outwardly, Sardis looked strong and vibrant. In reality, Jesus says, “You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” This sobering message reminds us that what matters is not our reputation but our reality before Jesus. A church (or a life) can coast on past glory while the Spirit's fire grows cold. But Jesus offers a way back: Wake up. Strengthen what remains. Remember the gospel. Repent. Join us for worship, prayer, and this timely call as we ask:

How do we tell the difference between what just sounds Christian and what is actually true? In week five of our series VII Letters to the Church, Matt Donaldson unpacks Jesus' words to the church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18–29). Outwardly thriving and fruitful, they were failing in one vital area — discernment. By tolerating false teaching, they were accepting what Jesus rejected. Jesus calls His church not to compromise but to cultivate discernment: to know His voice so clearly that anything counterfeit is exposed. He searches hearts and minds, warns against deception, but also promises authority and the morning star to those who remain faithful. Join us for worship, prayer, and this timely message as we ask:

What does it mean to live with integrity in a world full of pressure to compromise? In week four of our series VII Letters to the Church, Anthony Delaney explores Jesus' message to Pergamum (Revelation 2:12–17) — a city filled with idols, false teaching, and cultural pressure. Some believers held fast, but others were being pulled back into sin. Jesus calls us not to compromise but to live with integrity: whole, undivided, the same in private as in public. And He promises hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name to those who overcome. Join us for worship, prayer, and this challenging message as we ask:

What does it mean to follow Jesus when life gets hard? In week three of our series VII Letters to the Church, Anthony Delaney opens Jesus' words to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11). They were persecuted, poor, and under pressure — yet Jesus calls them rich in faith and promises them the crown of life. Like Smyrna, the suffering church today shows us that true faith shines brightest when it is tested. Through pain and pressure, the fragrance of Christ is released. Join us for worship, prayer, and this challenging message as we ask: - How do we stay faithful when fear rises? - What can we learn from the persecuted church? - How do we live boldly for Jesus in our world today? Scripture: Revelation 2:8–11 Preacher: Anthony Delaney

Recorded live at Ivy Central on 28 September 2025, Rev Dr Ian Paul reveals how and why we should read the book of Revelation.

First Love is True Love | VII Churches Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Expand your Vision | VII Churches Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Recorded live at Ivy Church's 'All Together' Service on 7th September 2025. Special guest David Pierce from Steiger International talks about reaching 'Lost Sheep' in lost sheep places.

Shalom in the World: Healing | Summer of Wellbeing Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Shalom with Others | Summer of Wellbeing Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Shalom with God: Holiness | Summer of Wellbeing Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Expand your Victory - COURAGE | Expand Your Life Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Stand Out More Children of Light | Expand Your Life Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Expand Your Thinking - CHURCH | Expand Your Life Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Recorded live at Ivy Central on 22 June 2025, Anthony speaks from Ezekiel 47.

Expand Your Strength - CONCRETE | Expand Your Life Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Invisible Walls - CALLED | Expand Your Life Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Made For More - CHOSEN | Expand Your Life Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome | Anthony Delaney | Ivy Central by Ivy Church Podcast

Fulfilling Our Purpose | ALIVE Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Jesus Brings Freedom | ALIVE Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Filled with peace | ALIVE Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Focus The Journey From Hopeless to Hopeful | ALIVE Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Mary Magdalene - The Love That Changes Everything | ALIVE Series by Ivy Church Podcast

I Have Good News To Share | Anthony Delaney | Ivy Central by Ivy Church Podcast

Looking Into The Empty Tomb | ALIVE Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Which KINGDOM Are You Building? | W.O.R.K. Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Reward - Who Are We Working For | W.O.R.K. Series by Ivy Church Podcast

How will you OCCUPY Your Time | W.O.R.K. Series by Ivy Church Podcast

James Aladiran, founder of Prayer Storm, exhorts us to pray, even when from our perspective nothing appears to be happening. He encourages us to see prayer from the spiritual dimension.

Work is Worship | W.O.R.K. Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Power and Protection | Prayer of Expansion Series by Ivy Church Podcast

A Prayer for a Life of Expanding IMPACT | Prayer of Expansion Series by Ivy Church Podcast

A Prayer of Overflowing Expansion | Prayer of Expansion Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Recorded live at our AGM [Annual Gratitude Meeting] 2025 with elders Kate Dean Allsup and Julia Scott, along with Anthony Delaney.

Prayer of Jabez | Prayer of Expansion Series by Ivy Church Podcast

S.H.A.P.E Workshop | Year of Expansion Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Experience | Year of Expansion Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Personality | Year of Expansion Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Recorded live at Ivy Central on 26 Jan 2025, Anthony speaks about Isaiah 54 and 'Enlarging the Tent' as we dive deeper into our 'Year of Expansion'.

Ability | Year of Expansion Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Heart Shape | Year of Expansion Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Spiritual Gifts | Year of Expansion Series by Ivy Church Podcast