Living Rock Podcast

In this message, Phil explores the profound moment when Jesus, fully aware of his divine authority and identity, humbles himself to wash his disciples' feet at the Last Supper (John 13:1-17). Through this intimate encounter, Phil reveals that Jesus' action demonstrates two powerful truths: a spiritual washing away of sin through the cross, and a practical example of servant-hearted love that Jesus calls his followers to imitate. As you listen, consider: Do I truly know who I am in Christ, and am I willing to follow Jesus' example of humble service to others, trusting in God's promise to bless those who love and serve one another?

In this second instalment of Seaside Stories, Benj explores the moment Jesus calms a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mark 4:35-41), where experienced fishermen find themselves terrified, convinced they're going to drown—until Jesus speaks and everything becomes still. Through this encounter, Benj reveals two essential questions that sustain us when life's storms shake us: Who is Jesus to me in this moment, and what has he said to me? As you listen, be encouraged that Jesus doesn't promise to remove all trouble from our lives, but he promises to be present with us in it, bringing order to chaos and peace that transcends our circumstances.

In this message, Ovi traces Simon Peter's remarkable journey with Jesus across three pivotal encounters—from the miraculous catch of fish in Luke 5, through Peter's devastating denial in Matthew 26, to his restoration by the sea in John 21—revealing that Jesus meets us not with condemnation but with restoration. Through the profound question "Do you love me?" asked three times over Peter's three denials, Ovi shows how Jesus breaks through our shame, fear, and feelings of unworthiness to call us back to purpose and belonging. As you listen, know that no matter how badly you've failed or how far you've wandered, Jesus is asking you the same question today: if you say yes, your story is not over—restoration is waiting.

In this message, Richard unpacks the often-overlooked story in Matthew 17 where Peter encounters Jesus over a simple tax question, and discovers that Jesus is just as glorious in ordinary conversations as he is on the mountain. Through the miracle of the coin in the fish, Richard reveals that Jesus already knows what we're worried about before we ask, sees opportunities where we see problems, and has already provided what we need before we even recognise the need exists. As you listen, be encouraged that the things occupying your thoughts this week have not caught Jesus off guard—he is already at work, already aware, and already providing.

In this message, Hilary tackles Jesus' confrontation with the Pharisees in Luke 11, where he exposes their hypocrisy—clean on the outside but filthy within, focused on outward rules whilst neglecting the condition of their hearts. With grace and truth, Jesus challenges them directly, not to condemn but to set them free, and warns his disciples (and us) that the same seeds of hypocrisy can creep into our own hearts if we're not careful. As you listen, ask yourself: How does my Monday life compare to my Sunday life, and am I willing to let Jesus expose what's hidden in my heart so that I can experience his forgiveness, grace, and transformation?

In this message, Patrick explores the story of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24) and reveals three profound truths: Jesus meets us in our confusion and opens our understanding through His Word, Jesus reveals himself in the breaking of bread with power and covenant, and Jesus commissions and empowers us to go out as witnesses of the resurrection. As you come to the table today, come with gratitude for Jesus' faithful presence, with faith and expectation in the power of the cross and resurrection, and with commitment to be boldly used by the Holy Spirit to carry the good news into the world.

In this message, David explores Jesus' tender yet profound final encounter with Peter by the seashore (John 21), where the risen Jesus asks the disciple three times: "Do you love me?"—offering restoration, forgiveness, and a fresh commission after Peter's devastating denial. Through Peter's journey from fisherman to apostle to shepherd, David reveals what it means to be loved by Jesus despite our failures, and to respond to that love by caring for His people. As you listen, consider: How is Jesus inviting you to draw near to Him today, and who is He calling you to shepherd and care for in His name?

In this message, William explores what it means that Jesus is truly the Lord over all creation—and how that reality transforms our everyday lives. Drawing on the feeding of the 5,000, walking on water, and healings throughout Mark 6, William shows us how Jesus takes ordinary things, people, and situations and uses them for extraordinary, supernatural purposes. As you listen, consider: What part of your life are you holding back from Jesus, and are you willing to bring that ordinary circumstance to him in faith, trusting that he can do far more than you can ask or imagine?

In this message, Chris explores one of Scripture's most powerful stories of faith tested and restored—the raising of Lazarus (John 11)—and reveals what Jesus is truly like in the midst of our suffering and grief. Through Martha and Mary's struggle with Jesus' delay, Chris shows us that God's timing is not always God's denial, and that Jesus meets us with both resurrection power and tender compassion, weeping with us even as he calls dead things to life. As you listen, ask yourself: Do I need to see God's power, experience his intimate presence in my pain, or am I being called to help others remove the grave clothes that have been binding them?

In this message, Raphael unpacks one of Scripture's most transformative encounters—when Jesus healed the man born blind (John 9) and revealed himself as the great "I Am." Through this powerful story, Raphael shows how Jesus meets us at the point of our greatest need and invites us into a personal relationship with him that's far deeper than religion or rules. As you listen, ask yourself: Where do I need to see Jesus as the light in my life right now—in my relationships, my work, my circumstances—and am I willing to empty myself, obey his word, and experience his transforming presence?

In this message, Benj explores one of Jesus' most transformative encounters on the Sea of Galilee (Luke 5:1-11) and reveals three empty things that Jesus fills: an empty boat given fresh purpose, empty fishermen filled with power, and empty nets overflowing with provision. As you listen, consider which of these resonates with you—perhaps you're wondering how God can use your work and life, or you've been trying hard but need Jesus' power to move forward, or you're waiting for His provision to fill what feels empty. Be encouraged that Jesus loves to fill the empty places in our lives, and when we listen to His voice and obey, we can expect His blessing and provision.

Discover how the Holy Spirit doesn't just visit us, but comes to live with us, empowering us to become more like Jesus every day. Through Hilary's teaching on Jesus' baptism and the healing of the paralysed man (Luke 5:17-26), this message explores how being filled with the Holy Spirit gives us power to overcome temptation, speak God's good news, and bring healing to those around us. As you listen, ask yourself: Am I letting the Holy Spirit fill me to overflowing so that I can go and do good things, help others, and see real transformation happen through God's power at school, work, and in my community?

In this message, Mike explores what it means to truly encounter Jesus through the power of simple, personal testimony. Drawing on the story of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:29) and other biblical examples—the demon-possessed man, the blind man, and the leper—Mike shows us that sharing our faith doesn't require complicated training or perfect answers; it just requires us to invite others to "come and see" what God has done in our lives. As you listen, ask yourself where your own "cities" are—the people around you who need to hear about Jesus—and prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to give you boldness and freedom to share both your testimony and your hope, trusting that he will provide the words you need.

In this message, William explores Jesus' encounter with the rich young man - a sincere seeker who asks the right question but struggles with the cost of following Jesus. Through this story, we're challenged to consider what might be competing for lordship in our own lives and to recognise that eternal life is not earned, but received as a gift. This message invites us to surrender fully to Jesus, trusting that what He offers is far greater than anything we might hold onto.

In Part 2, we explore how Jesus came to help us understand God's law—not as something restrictive or condemning, but as something restorative, and pointing us to His compassion. Through His words and actions, Jesus reveals the true purpose of the law and shows how it was always meant to lead us to life in Him.

In this message, David explores the story of the Samaritan woman at the well and the life-changing encounter she has with Jesus. Through this powerful moment, we see how Jesus meets us personally, breaks down barriers, and offers something far deeper than temporary satisfaction - living water that brings eternal life. This message invites us to recognise our own thirst and respond to Jesus, who alone can truly satisfy and transform our lives.

In Part 2, we explore how Jesus came to help us understand God's law—not as something restrictive or condemning, but as something restorative, and pointing us to His compassion. Through His words and actions, Jesus reveals the true purpose of the law and shows how it was always meant to lead us to life in Him.

In this message, Mike explores three encounters from Mark's Gospel - a woman, a man, and a disciple - to uncover how offence can quietly shape our relationship with Jesus. Through these stories, we're challenged not to be offended by who God is, how He works, or what He asks of us, but instead to trust His goodness, timing, and purpose.

In this Easter message, Benj explores the powerful story of Lazarus in John 11; a moment where Jesus stands at the edge of death and calls His friend back to life. Through this account, we see both the deep compassion of Jesus and His authority over sin and death, as well as the invitation for each of us to step out of the “grave clothes” that bind us. This message reminds us that Jesus still calls people by name today - out of darkness, into freedom, and into new life.

In this message, Phil looks at the story of Thomas and his journey from doubt to faith after the resurrection of Jesus. Through this honest and relatable account, we're reminded that Jesus meets us in our questions and invites us to move towards belief. This message encourages us to trust in the risen Christ, even when we cannot see, and to live with confident faith in who He is.

In this Easter message, Ovi Vlaicu reflects on the story of the women approaching Jesus' tomb and the “huge stone” standing in their way. Through this powerful moment, we're reminded that no obstacle, no matter how big, can prevent God's purposes or keep us from His love. This message encourages us to keep moving towards Jesus in faith, trusting that He is able to remove every barrier and bring new life.

In this Easter message, William unpacks the incredible gift at the heart of the gospel — LIFE. Through a simple but powerful framework, we're reminded that God loves us, invites us to receive His free gift, offers true freedom, and brings eternal life through Jesus. This message invites us to respond personally to the risen Jesus and discover the fullness of life that is only found in Him.

In this message, Raphael explores the request of the Greeks in John 12 — “we would like to see Jesus” — and what it reveals about the hunger people still carry today. Through this passage, we're reminded that Jesus is both Saviour and Lord, calling us not only to believe in Him but to follow Him fully. This message challenges us to stay connected to Jesus and to play our part in helping others encounter Him.

In this message, Hilary retells Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, inviting us to see the moment through the eyes of the disciples and the crowd. As expectations rise and questions swirl, we're confronted with the central question: Who is this Jesus? This message helps us see Him more clearly, as King, Saviour, and Lord, and calls us to respond with faith, obedience, and worship.

In this special Mother's Day message, a range of women from Living Rock Church share honest and faith-filled reflections from different stages of motherhood — from early years to grandparenting. Through stories of challenge, growth, grief, and joy, we hear how God meets us in every season and shapes us through the journey of raising and releasing children.

In this message, Ovi explores the story of Zacchaeus to reveal what it truly means for Jesus to be our Saviour. Contrasting Zacchaeus with the rich young ruler, we're reminded that salvation is not earned through good works, but received by grace through a surrendered heart. This message calls us to respond to Jesus today — to let Him in, allow real transformation, and walk in the new life He offers.

In this message, Phil unpacks the story of Zacchaeus and the life-changing moment when Jesus calls him by name. Through this well-known account, we're reminded that salvation is personal, available today, and leads to real transformation. This message invites us to respond to Jesus with repentance, receive a new perspective, and live as people shaped by His grace.

In this message, Andrew looks at the healing ministry of Jesus through the stories of the woman with the issue of blood and Jairus' daughter. These encounters reveal both the compassion and power of Jesus, and show how faith reaches out to receive what God promises. The message also challenges believers today to carry the authority of Jesus and to pray for the sick, trusting the Holy Spirit to bring healing and restoration.

As we continue in our series 'Jesus Lord & Saviour' Phil explores Jesus' encounter with Bartimaeus, the blind beggar who recognised Jesus as the Son of David and cried out for mercy. Through this story, we see what true spiritual vision looks like - faith that calls out to Jesus, casts aside everything else, and chooses to follow Him. This message invites us to consider where we need fresh sight and to respond to Jesus with wholehearted faith.

In this message on International Womens Day, Debora reflects on the life of Mary of Bethany, a woman remembered throughout the Gospels for her devotion to Jesus. Looking at three key moments in Mary's story, we explore what it means to sit at Jesus' feet, bring our pain honestly before Him, and offer our lives in wholehearted worship. This message invites us to consider how we can respond to Jesus with the same surrender and love.  

In this message, Benj explores Jesus' first recorded miracle at the wedding in Cana in John 2. Looking at the cultural context of the story, he reflects on how the miracle points to Jesus as the one who deals with both sin and shame, restoring dignity and identity. The message invites us to consider how the cross frees us from guilt and the deeper shame that can sometimes shape how we see ourselves.

In this message, David looks at the story of Jesus cleansing the leper in Mark 1 and what it reveals about the heart of Jesus. Exploring the theme of compassion throughout the Gospels, he reflects on how Jesus responds to human need and what it means to encounter Him personally. This message invites us to consider Jesus' willingness to meet people in their brokenness and bring restoration.

In this message, Mike reflects on Jesus' parable of the talents and contrasts two responses to Christ through the stories of Mary of Bethany and Judas. He explores what it means to use the life and opportunities God has given us and how offence toward Jesus can shape our response to Him. This message invites us to consider whether we are holding back or pouring our lives out in worship and obedience.

In this message, Phil explores the powerful encounter between Jesus and the sinful woman in Luke 7:36–50, revealing what it truly means for Jesus to be both Lord and Saviour. Through the contrast between Simon the Pharisee and the woman who anointed Jesus' feet, Phil unpacks themes of pride, forgiveness, humility, and extravagant worship. This message reminds us that no one is made unclean by coming to Jesus... instead, Jesus makes the unclean clean.

In this message, we explore how Jesus came to reveal God FULLY — not in fragments or shadows (as they prophets had done), but in Person. We consider how Jesus came to show us that God is not distant or abstract, but is our FATHER, and how His life and ministry proclaim something many of us sometimes struggle to believe: God is FOR US. This isn't just theology - it's revelation meant to be received. As we look again at Jesus, we're invited to see God through the Son's eyes, to lay down distorted images, and to discover the true heart of God toward us.

Tom shares 3 practical ways that we can be a people who serve one another, and serve God. As we start to unpack our new series, Jesus Lord & Saviour, it's important that we recognise that Jesus Himself came as a servant, to demonstrate to us how we can all live. 

In this message, Ovi Vlaicu invites us to go deeper in our relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Jesus' question to His disciples, we're challenged to move beyond second-hand knowledge and discover for ourselves who Jesus truly is. This talk encourages us to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8), to hear His voice personally, and to respond with faith and openness. Through reflections on passages like John 14:26 and John 16:13–15, we're reminded that the Holy Spirit is given to guide us into truth, reveal Jesus, and bring us into a living, daily relationship with God. This message is a call to step out of familiarity, listen for God's voice, and experience more of His presence and power in our lives. 

At His baptism the Father declares, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22) — a reminder that we don't earn God's approval, we live from it, just as Jesus says, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you” (John 15:9). From that secure identity, we learn from Christ who is “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29), showing us that true strength flows through humility and rest. We are also encouraged to listen for God's voice, like Elijah who heard the Lord not in the wind or fire but in a gentle whisper. This message calls us to receive God's love, lay down striving, and listen again for His voice — reminding us that we are dearly beloved. 

David introduces our new series for 2026: Jesus Lord & Saviour. 

In Disciple-Making Disciples, Phil unpacks Jesus' call not only to follow Him, but to intentionally help others follow Him too. Drawing from Matthew 4:19, Matthew 28:18–20, Colossians 1:28, and Colossians 3:1–4, Phil challenges us to examine the evidence of our own discipleship and to consider how we are actively discipling others. He contrasts the world's ideas of hierarchy and influence with Jesus' vision of relational, life-on-life discipleship, highlighting the vital role of community and Life Groups in shaping Christlike lives. This message calls the church to fix its eyes on Jesus, realign priorities, and embrace the shared responsibility of building a healthy, growing, disciple-making church.

In this message, James explores how worship is not limited to sung moments on a Sunday, but is a whole-life response of sacrifice, surrender, and devotion to God. Drawing from Genesis 22, James 4:8, and New Testament insights into worship, James shows how private, unseen worship becomes a powerful place of intimacy, breakthrough, and transformation. Through honest personal testimony, he reveals how moments of private worship—offering time, attention, obedience, and trust—can unlock healing, clarity, peace, and renewed faith. This message encourages every believer to cultivate a daily lifestyle of worship, discovering that as we draw near to God in the ordinary moments of life, He faithfully draws near to us.

As we begin a new year David shares his heart and vision for our church. Teaching from Hebrews 11–12, we explore the lives of the great heroes of faith—Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, and many others—and are challenged with three defining questions: What will we bring? What will we build? And what will we believe? This message calls the church to offer God our very best, to build lives, families, and churches that are places of safety and salvation, and to stretch our faith for all that God wants to do. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, we are invited to throw off every hindrance and run with endurance into a year of fruitfulness, growth, and bold obedience. 

In this message we explore Jesus' call for each of us to live with a healthy, life-giving rhythm of daily dependence on the Father. Drawing from the Lord's Prayer, we see that asking for “daily bread” (Mt 6:11) is not a shopping list but a posture of surrender—learning to trust God for today and to draw our life from Christ Himself, the true Bread from heaven (Jn 6:51).As we reflect on the bread and wine, we consider Jesus' daily call to let go of fear, frustration, and failure as we take hold of this Bread from heaven (Mt 26:26). We are reminded that we all have a share in the cup of the new covenant (Lk 22:17), which cleanses us by grace, yet calls us to lay down offence and unforgiveness (Mt 6:12) as we daily lay hold of His life and grace toward others (Eph 4:32).This message also marks the launch of Daily Bread for 2026, inviting us to journey together as a church—feeding daily on Christ.  https://www.livingrock.church/daily-bread 

In Ready, Steady, Go, Hilary opens the new year with a faith-filled call to listen, trust, and respond to God's leading. Drawing from the journey of the wise men and the flight to Egypt in Matthew 2:11–15, alongside wisdom from Proverbs 4:26, 1 Timothy 4:15–16, and the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20, Hilary challenges us to be a people who are ready to hear God's voice, steady in prayer, Scripture, and community, and willing to go wherever He leads. Through biblical insight, personal reflection, and practical encouragement, this message invites us to embrace change, heed God's warnings, and step courageously into a year of spiritual growth, obedience, and mission—trusting God both in the waiting and in the going.

In this message, Ovi opens the new year with a timely and practical challenge to live wisely and intentionally as followers of Jesus. Teaching from Ephesians 5:15–21, Ovi reminds us that while life is filled with distractions and difficulties, we are called to walk wisely, redeem the time, and live under the leading of the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on God's faithfulness in the past year and casting vision for the year ahead, this message encourages believers to prioritise their relationship with God, resist patterns that lead to reckless living, cultivate gratitude, and shape daily life around worship, thankfulness, and obedience.

In this message, Ovi explores how God delights in starting extraordinary works through ordinary, humble beginnings. Rooted in the Christmas story, Ovi draws from Micah 5:2, Luke 2, and Zechariah 4:10 to show how God chose a small town, a simple manger, and overlooked shepherds to bring salvation to the world. With warmth, faith, and practical encouragement, this message reminds us that God is not limited by small places, modest resources, or quiet faith. Instead, He uses what we offer—however small—to bring about powerful transformation. This is a hope-filled message inviting us to trust God with the small beginnings in our own lives and believe that He is still working miracles today. 

In The Greatest Gift, Phil reflects on the meaning of Christmas through the lens of giving, showing that the greatest gift ever offered was not something wrapped under a tree, but God giving Himself in the person of Jesus. Drawing on John 3:16–21 and Jesus' own words in John 12:44–47, Phil explains how Jesus came as light into a dark world—not to condemn, but to save. Phil invites us to consider the true purpose of Christmas: receiving God's gift of forgiveness, new life, and lasting hope by choosing Jesus as Lord and Saviour.

In The Miracle of Christmas, William explores the many miracles woven through the Christmas story and shows how they all point to one life-changing truth: nothing is impossible with God. Drawing from Luke 1–2, the prophecies of Isaiah and Micah, and the angel Gabriel's declaration to Mary, William traces how God orchestrated centuries of promise, prophecy, and divine intervention to bring Jesus—the Saviour—into the world. Through personal testimony and a powerful modern story of transformation, he reveals that Christmas is not just about a miraculous birth long ago, but about the miracle God wants to do in us today: forgiveness, new life, and eternal hope through faith in Jesus Christ.

In Light in the Darkness, Pete Stirrup traces the powerful biblical theme of light from Genesis 1 to Revelation 21, showing how God's light shines into a broken world and can never be overcome by darkness. Drawing on prophecies from Isaiah 7 & 9, the words of Jesus in Matthew 5 and John 8, and reflections from John 1 and 1 John, Pete unpacks how Jesus is the light of the world—bringing hope, forgiveness, and direction into places of fear, pain, and uncertainty. He reminds us that those who follow Christ now carry that same light, called to shine it through love, community, and compassion.

In The Real Christmas, Mike takes us beyond the seasonal noise to rediscover the historical, prophetic, and life-changing truth at the heart of Christmas. Drawing from the nativity account in Luke 1–2 and the astonishing number of Old Testament prophecies fulfilled in Jesus, he shows why the story of a virgin birth, visiting shepherds, and searching wise men is far more than myth or tradition—it's evidence that God Himself has entered human history. Mike explains why the Christian message stands up to scrutiny, why Jesus is the long-promised Messiah, and how every one of us is invited to respond.

In our Christmas message from Leamington Spa, The Miracle of Christmas, Benj explores why Christmas is a season that awakens our longing for miracles - and shows us the greatest miracle of all. Through stories, and Scripture from Luke 1, he reflects on everyday miracles, the wonder of childbirth, and the astonishing births of both John the Baptist and Jesus. Benj highlights the angel Gabriel's declaration that “nothing…is impossible with God,” revealing that beyond snow-day coincidences or heart-warming movie moments, the true miracle of Christmas is that Jesus (God with us) came so we could be born again into new life.