One Hope Church Stellenbosch

In Acts 20, Ryan explores what biblical leadership looks like as Paul prepares to leave the Ephesian church. Biblical leadership is from God and for God, given for the good of his people, and ultimately cruciform — shaped by the self-giving example of Jesus. Paul's life shows that leadership is not about platforms, prestige or power, but about serving others, laying down our lives and remaining faithful to God's mission. Whether we are leading or following, we are all called to help the church grow in health, maturity and mission.

In Acts 19, the Holy Spirit turns lives and a city upside down—and ultimately, the right way up. Bates Alheit looks at what happens when the Spirit confronts what is false, leads us into genuine repentance, and re-centres our lives around Jesus. What has taken centre stage in your life? This sermon is an invitation to let the Holy Spirit reorient our hearts, habits and priorities so that Jesus is once again at the centre.

In Acts 18, we see the unstoppable mission of God advancing through ordinary people who faithfully play their part. Gareth Bowley explores how gospel partnerships, godly wisdom, divine encouragement and godly discipleship helped the gospel continue to spread despite opposition and difficulty. Through the examples of Paul, Aquila, Priscilla, Silas, Timothy and Apollos, we are reminded that we are not called to advance the gospel alone. God gives us people to partner with, wisdom to discern, encouragement to keep going and opportunities to disciple others. The gospel is unstoppable, and we each have a part to play.

In this sermon from Acts 17, Jono Hulley explores Paul's approach to engaging with the culture around him. Rather than withdrawing from culture, confronting it aggressively, or compromising the gospel, Paul compassionately enters people's world, learns their beliefs and values, builds meaningful bridges, and faithfully points them to Jesus. We are challenged to go where people are, pray for opportunities, understand those around us, communicate the whole gospel without compromise, and trust God with the results. Ultimately, our calling is not to measure success by visible outcomes, but to faithfully point people to Jesus.

Message from Arno De Bruin on August 16, 2026

In Acts 16, Gareth Bowley explores the unstoppable advance of the gospel through the Spirit-led lives of Paul and Silas. The passage challenges us to pursue obedience rather than simply taking every opportunity, trusting God in both open and closed doors. Through Lydia, the slave girl and the Philippian jailer, we see the gospel's power to save and unite people from radically different backgrounds. Finally, Paul and Silas' worship in the midst of suffering reminds us that God is worthy of praise in every circumstance and can use even our pain to advance His purposes.

Message from Matthew Clothier on August 9, 2026

In Acts 15, the early church faces a serious conflict over what is required for salvation and how Jewish and Gentile believers can live together in unity. Daniel Thomae explores how the church moved from rupture to repair and ultimately resilience by returning to the truth of the gospel: salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus alone. The passage challenges us to know Scripture, resist adding to the gospel, pursue unity across differences, and willingly surrender our preferences for the sake of others and the mission of the gospel.

In this sermon from Acts 13–14, Gareth explores the church in Antioch as a model of a healthy, mission-focused church. Grounded in faithful biblical teaching and led by the Holy Spirit, Antioch became a sending church that helped spread the gospel through church planting and global mission. This sermon examines how the unchanging message of Jesus can be communicated effectively in different contexts and challenges believers to rely on the Holy Spirit as they faithfully participate in God's mission wherever He has placed them.

Message from Kyle Peters on August 2, 2026

As we conclude our Respectable Sins series, Nathan explores one of the most subtle and dangerous sins of all: legalism. Through Luke 15, he reminds us that the gospel is not about striving harder or earning God's acceptance through our performance. We are not "sheepdogs" proving our worth, but helpless sheep rescued by the Good Shepherd and welcomed home as beloved sons and daughters. Discover the freedom of grace, the Father's heart towards sinners, and the joy of living from acceptance rather than striving for it.

Message from Oliver Vierhaus on July 19, 2026

Message from Gareth Bowley on July 12, 2026

Message from Johannes Brand on July 5, 2026

In this sermon Gareth explores how worry and anxiety often reveal a deeper issue beneath the surface: unbelief. Through Israel's wilderness journey and Jesus' teaching in Matthew 6, we are challenged to consider what we truly believe about God's character, faithfulness, and fatherly care. Rather than allowing fear and anxiety to harden our hearts, we are invited to trust the God who has proven Himself faithful time and time again. This message calls us to resist unbelief, remember God's goodness, and find freedom through renewed faith in Him

In this sermon Riley explores the hidden and destructive nature of pride. Far more than arrogance, pride is a heart that chooses self-dependence over dependence on God. Looking at Genesis 3 and throughout Scripture, she illustrates how pride lies beneath many of our struggles, shaping our identity, relationships, and view of God. Yet the gospel offers hope: God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Through resisting pride, repenting, receiving grace, and walking in community, we can find true freedom, rest, and transformation in Christ.

Message from Steve van Rhyn on June 14, 2026

In this sermon, Bates explores Paul's command in Ephesians 5:18 and reminds us that the Christian life is not meant to be lived through our own strength. Using the picture of a sailboat catching the wind, he shows how the Holy Spirit empowers, guides, and transforms believers as they position themselves to receive His work. Through Scripture, worship, prayer, community, and thanksgiving, we learn to pray a simple but life-changing prayer: “Holy Spirit, fill me and lead me.”

In Acts 12, Gareth's sermon explores the reality of gospel opposition and the power of prayer. As the early church faces persecution, imprisonment, and loss, they respond not with fear or self-reliance, but with earnest prayer. Through Peter's miraculous rescue and Herod's downfall, we see that while opposition is real, God's purposes remain unstoppable. This message challenges us to trust God in difficult circumstances, devote ourselves to prayer, and believe that He is still at work advancing His kingdom today.

In this sermon on Acts 11 and 13, Gareth unpacks how the church in Antioch became a powerful model of a healthy, Spirit-filled church. From multicultural unity and visible grace to discipleship, generosity, worship, and mission, Antioch displayed the transforming power of the gospel. This message challenges believers to embrace God's purposes, pursue unity across cultural barriers, and become a church that reflects the wisdom and glory of God to the world. Be inspired to ask: what kind of church are we becoming, and does it reflect the heart of Jesus?

In this sermon on Acts 10–11, Gareth explores God's heart for all people through the story of Peter and Cornelius. As God breaks cultural and ethnic barriers, the early church is challenged to embrace the truth that the gospel is for every nation, tribe, and background. This message unpacks how Jesus creates a diverse people united by faith and calls the church to reflect His kingdom through unity, hospitality, and reconciliation. Be encouraged and challenged to align your heart with God's vision for a gospel-centred, multicultural church.

In this sermon on Acts 9, Nathan explores the breathtaking conversion of Saul and the overwhelming reality of God's sovereign grace. From persecutor to preacher, Saul's story reveals that nobody is beyond the reach of Jesus Christ. This message reminds us that God pursues sinners, transforms hearts, and calls His church to become a forgiving and faith-filled family. Be encouraged to marvel at God's patience, pray boldly for those far from Him, and trust that the gospel of Jesus is truly unstoppable.

In this sermon from Acts 8, Scott unpacks how God used the scattering of the early church to spread the gospel far beyond Jerusalem. Through the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, we're reminded that evangelism isn't about having perfect answers or impressive ability, it's about simple obedience and trusting the Holy Spirit to work. Scott explores God's heart for the lost, the freedom that comes from relying on the Spirit, and the deep joy that flows from encountering the glory of Jesus and the message of the cross.

In Acts 6 and 7, Johannes shows how the gospel of Jesus is unstoppable despite threats from within and outside the church. Internal division over neglected widows was met with wise, Spirit-led leadership that restored unity and allowed the church to grow. External persecution against Stephen led not to silence, but to the spread of the gospel as believers were scattered. This sermon reminds us that conflict, suffering, and opposition cannot stop God's mission. Christ's church is called to unity, courage, and faithful witness today.

This sermon explores Psalm 77 and the powerful discipline of lament in the life of a believer. In a broken world marked by suffering, we are invited to turn to God, honestly pour out our hearts, and wrestle with real questions about His character. Rather than staying stuck in despair, the psalmist shows us how to speak truth to our hearts by remembering God's faithfulness. Ultimately, our hope is anchored in the greatest act of deliverance—the cross of Jesus—reminding us that God is good, present, and trustworthy even when His ways are unseen.

Easter stands at the center of the Christian faith: Jesus Christ truly died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This sermon explores the historical reality of the cross and the resurrection, showing that Jesus is alive and reigns as King. His victory means sin, death, and Satan are defeated, our forgiveness is secured, and we are given new life in Him. The empty tomb is not just a past event—it is the foundation of our hope, guaranteeing our future resurrection and eternal life with our risen King.

This sermon from Acts 4:31–5:42 explores what makes the church truly unstoppable. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the early believers lived in deep unity, bold witness, and radical generosity. Yet the story of Ananias and Sapphira reveals the danger of hypocrisy and compromised hearts, reminding us that God cares deeply about holiness within His church. Even amid internal challenges and external opposition, the gospel continued to spread powerfully. This message calls us to live with integrity, depend on the Spirit, and boldly participate in God's unstoppable mission.

Riley's sermon highlights that the gospel is unstoppable, even in the face of opposition. In Acts 3–4, a miraculous healing leads to bold proclamation about Jesus, which brings resistance from authorities. Instead of reacting with fear, the early church responds with unity and prayer. They remember God's sovereignty, recognize that opposition is part of His plan, and ask for boldness rather than safety. God answers by filling them with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to continue speaking courageously. The sermon challenges believers to depend on God, value His mission above comfort, and live as bold witnesses.

In Acts 2:14–47, we see the birth of the church and a blueprint for how the church should live today. After the Holy Spirit is poured out, Peter boldly proclaims the gospel—Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and lordship. The message pierces hearts and calls people to a radical response: repentance, baptism, forgiveness of sins, and receiving the Holy Spirit. As thousands respond, a new community is formed, devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, prayer, and sharing the gospel. This passage shows that when the gospel is central and the Spirit is at work, God forms a vibrant, missional community.

In this message, “Empowered for Mission” from Acts 2:1–4, Pete Cornford explores how the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost empowered the early church for God's mission. The same Spirit who filled the disciples is still given to every believer today—not just for personal experience, but to make us bold witnesses of Jesus. As we depend on the Spirit rather than our own ability, our lives begin to overflow with the gospel. The unstoppable mission of God advances when ordinary people are filled with the Holy Spirit and step out to share Christ with the world.

In this powerful sermon, Gareth explores the profound significance of living with a "Kingdom Mindset." Drawing from biblical principles, he emphasises that our perspective determines our reality and our impact on the world. He challenges believers to shift their focus from earthly distractions to divine priorities, cultivating a life rooted in faith, purpose, and spiritual authority. By aligning our thoughts with God's truth, we can overcome adversity and reflect His light in every area of life. This message is a compelling call to embrace our identity in Christ and live intentionally for His glory.

In this sermon, Bates emphasizes the "One Thing" that truly matters: the singular pursuit of Jesus Christ as our ultimate source of rest and purpose. He explores how this focus transforms three specific areas of our lives. First, he addresses how we find peace when we are in trouble, shifting our gaze from the storm to the Savior. Next, he speaks to the restlessness in our hearts, showing how intimacy with God settles internal anxieties. Finally, he discusses how the "One Thing" changes us while serving, ensuring our ministry flows from love rather than duty.

In this powerful sermon, Terry Virgo explores the transformative nature of God's grace, emphasizing that it is not merely a theological concept but a lived reality. Drawing from biblical foundations, he challenges believers to move beyond legalism and performance-based faith to embrace the finished work of Christ. Virgo highlights how understanding our identity in Christ empowers us to live in true freedom and joy. This message serves as a refreshing reminder that God's favour is unearned, encouraging listeners to rest in His love and let grace fuel their devotion and daily walk.

In this "Vision Sunday" sermon, Gareth reaffirms that the mission of the church is defined solely by Jesus' final commands in scripture rather than human strategy. Drawing from four biblical accounts, he identifies the church as a people of presence and peace, shaped by the Word, and sent on a "glocal" mission. A key highlight is the expansion of the church's mission statement to include "filling Stellenbosch and the world" with the life of Christ. Gareth concludes by emphasizing that this global mandate is impossible without a total, daily reliance on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

In this compelling sermon Sarah explores the profound nature of God as our Savior and the intentionality behind His rescue. Focusing on the truth that we cannot save ourselves, she highlights how God meets us in our deepest brokenness not with judgment, but with transformative grace. This sermon emphasizes that salvation is both a one-time event and a daily reliance on His strength to navigate life's trials. Listeners are challenged to surrender their self-sufficiency and find ultimate security in the finished work of Christ.

God doesn't want part of your heart — He wants all of it. In this confronting and hope-filled sermon, Gareth explores the biblical truth that God is a jealous God, not out of control or fear, but out of deep love and covenant faithfulness. This message challenges listeners to confront distractions, misplaced priorities, and hidden idols that compete for their devotion. It's a call to wholehearted worship, renewed obedience, and a deeper, more honest relationship with God

In this sermon from the "Behold" series, Gareth explores the sobering reality of God as Judge through the story of Achan in Joshua 7. By contrasting the miraculous victory at Jericho with the crushing defeat at Ai, it illustrates the corporate nature of sin and the necessity of God's righteous judgment. He challenges listeners to move beyond self-fashioned views of a comfortable deity to behold the biblical God whose wrath stems from a holy love for justice. Ultimately, the message points to Jesus as the ultimate propitiation, who stepped into the place of judgment to offer us grace and redemption.

Message from Nathan Fisher on January 11, 2026

In this Immanuel series message, Gareth shows how the incarnation enables Jesus to be our perfect and empathetic Great High Priest. Fully God and fully human, Jesus now continually ministers for us—advocating for our forgiveness, mediating our relationship with the Father, and interceding for us with compassion. Because Jesus understands our weakness and represents us perfectly before God, our salvation is secure and we are invited to draw near with confidence to receive mercy and grace in every moment of need.

The profound meaning of Christmas is God's definitive action to overcome humanity's separation from Him, declaring Immanuel—God with us. This sermon anchors the Christian faith in God's unchanging desire to dwell with His people. We trace this commitment from the prophetic promises to its ultimate fulfilment in the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Jesus became the visible, tangible, and permanent dwelling place of God. We then see how this access is a gift of grace through faith, calling us to communion, not performance. The sermon concludes with the glorious future hope of eternal, unveiled communion, where we will know Him fully and see Him "face to face".

In this final message from 1 Corinthians, Gareth unpacks Paul's closing chapter as a rich window into early church life—marked by global gospel partnership, planned generosity, and mutual strengthening. He highlights Paul's four urgent exhortations: be watchful, stand firm, act courageously, be strong, and let everything be done in love. The letter ends where it began—on the grace of Christ—calling us as a church to live gospel-shaped, outward-looking, love-filled lives as we await Jesus' return.

This sermon unpacks the transformative power of Christ's resurrection, addressing the sceptical question of what the resurrected body will be like, drawing from 1 Corinthians 15:35-58. The passage highlights God's incredible power, demonstrated even in a simple seed, to raise the dead. The sermon explores the glorious truth that at the last trumpet, believers will be instantaneously changed. This transformation culminates in the total victory over death and the presence of sin. Let this certain hope strengthen the believer to be steadfast and immovable, knowing that in the Lord, their labour is not in vain.

In this message, Amazing Grace: Responding to Grace, Gareth unpacks 1 Corinthians 15:8–10, showing how God's grace completely transformed the apostle Paul—from persecutor to passionate servant of Christ. He reminds us that grace is God's unearned, undeserved favour that changes our identity, fuels our motivation, and becomes our source of strength. When we truly see and understand grace, like Paul, we respond with wholehearted love, worship, and devotion to the One who saved us.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the unshakable foundation of our faith, not an optional belief. This truth from 1 Corinthians 15 is explored in a sermon that dives into the absolute core that underpins everything we believe. It delivers us from the exhausting struggle of trying to earn God's love, granting us a restful standing in His finished work. Discover how the Risen Christ gives you a secure, vertical identity, freeing you from defining yourself by performance or achievement. Join us to see how this victory ensures that your faith and your labour are never in vain.

"Build the body, not the ego" is the central theme of this week's message on 1 Corinthians 14, serving as the practical application of spiritual gifts through the lens of love. Paul is addressing the chaos and disorder in the Corinthian church's public gatherings. The sermon compares prophecy, which builds up the church in a common language, to tongues, which are personal and often unintelligible without an interpreter. Gifts are given for clarity and edification, not confusion or boasting. We'll explore Paul's call for order, including rules for speaking in tongues and dealing with disruptive voices. Ultimately, the goal is maturity, self-control, and using our gifts in love for tangible, compassionate action.

Based on Paul's teaching in 1 Corinthians 13, this sermon explores "a more excellent way" for the church: the supremacy of love. We learn that even the most spectacular Christian activities—from great sacrifice to profound knowledge—are rendered worthless if not motivated by genuine love, becoming nothing more than a "noisy gong". God's true measure is love, which is patient, kind, and never ends. Discover how Christ perfectly defines this love and how it's not a matter of striving harder, but of surrender, allowing God's Spirit to work it through us. Join us as we challenge motives and embrace the love that truly builds up the body.

In this week's message, Gareth unpacked 1 Corinthians 12, exploring Paul's teaching on spiritual gifts and their purpose in the life of the church. He showed how the Corinthians' confusion mirrors many believers today—some wary of spiritual gifts, others using them unwisely. Gareth reminded us that these gifts are freely given by God, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and intended for the common good. Each believer has a unique role within Christ's body, and when every gift is valued and activated, the whole church is built up and Jesus is glorified.

In week 19 of our Gospel Life series, Jono Hulley unpacks the meaning of the Lord's Supper from 1 Corinthians 11:17–34. Far more than a ritual, communion is the gospel made visible, a table of grace where Christ meets His people. This message explores how the meal calls us to reflect inward in repentance, backward in gratitude, forward in hope, and outward in love.

In 1 Corinthians 11, Paul addresses a passage we're often tempted to skip over—head coverings in worship. But beneath what might feel like a strange cultural issue lies something timeless and profound: God's creational design for men and women. In this sermon, we explore how Paul connects creation, culture, and the life of the church. What does it mean to live out God's order in our cultural moment, not just in Corinth, but here and now? Join us as we uncover how this passage points us beyond outward appearances to the beauty of God's design—and how trusting that design leads to flourishing in our lives, marriages, and communities.

Scott Landman: "Based on 1 Corinthians 10:23–11:1, this sermon explores the profound purpose of our lives. It argues that true purpose isn't found in personal freedom or fleeting goals, but in a singular, clear directive: to glorify God in everything we do. The message provides practical guidance on how to live out this purpose in our personal lives, our church community, and the wider world. Ultimately, we are called to imitate Christ, who is the perfect example of a life lived entirely for God's glory and the salvation of others."

Idolatry isn't just an ancient problem with golden calves or temple feasts—it's the daily battle of the human heart. In Corinth, Paul warned believers that to sit at the table of idols was to share in their worship. Today our idols may look different—success, approval, comfort, control—but the danger is the same: they promise much, but only enslave. Yet Paul points us to the good news: God is faithful, and in Christ He always provides a way of escape. As we flee idols, we run to Jesus—the only One who satisfies.