Podcast by St Albans Baptist Church
Does God still do the impossible in everyday life, or has Western skepticism talked us out of expecting miracles? In Part 3 of our “People of the Spirit” series, Senior Pastor Chris Chalmers explores the “power gifts” from 1 Corinthians 12—the gift of faith, gifts of healings, and the working of miracles. Before unpacking these supernatural manifestations, Chris lays a clear biblical foundation for the baptism of the Holy Spirit as the gateway to spiritual authority, boldness, and external witness (Acts 1:8). Drawing on striking testimonies from Christchurch, youth camps, and around the world, this message challenges us to move past cultural doubt, embrace our identity in Christ, and understand why God chooses ordinary, humble people to demonstrate His kingdom power. Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:7–11; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:1–4; Acts 8:14–17; Acts 9:17–18; Acts 19:1–6; Luke 5:17; 2 Kings 6:5–7. Recommended Reading: Miracles Today by Craig S. Keener. Connect with St Albans Baptist Church: Website: https://www.sabc.org.nz YouTube: St Albans Baptist Church YouTube Channel Watch the service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uoj9Qr5pu-g
Are the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit still relevant for our everyday Christian lives, or has our Western worldview screened them out? In Part 2 of our “People of the Spirit” series, Senior Pastor Chris Chalmers dives into the spoken manifestation gifts from 1 Corinthians 12—prophecy, tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. Unpacking the cultural dilemma of the “excluded middle,” Chris examines how God equips believers with real spiritual tools for real spiritual warfare. Discover why New Testament prophecy is meant for encouragement, comfort, and strengthening within a safe, humble culture; how private prayer in tongues edifies the spirit when human words run dry; and why these supernatural gifts are tools of love for the common good—never badges of spiritual elitism. Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:7–11; 1 Corinthians 13; 1 Corinthians 14:1–3, 27–28; 1 Thessalonians 5:20; Jude 1:20; Romans 12:3–8; Ephesians 4:11–13. Connect with St Albans Baptist Church: Website: https://www.sabc.org.nz YouTube: St Albans Baptist Church YouTube Channel Watch the service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOlciNhjuMI
Are you living in spiritual poverty while sitting on a billion-dollar spiritual inheritance? In this opening message of our new 7-week series, “People of the Spirit,” we explore the foundational truth of who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in and through our lives. Moving past misconceptions of the Spirit as an impersonal force, we discover what it means to cultivate a dynamic, personal relationship with the third person of the Trinity. Key Highlights: • Understanding the Holy Spirit as a fully divine person, not an impersonal force. • The “Billionaire Bank Account”: Tapping into God's presence rather than living spiritually impoverished. • Sanctification: How the Holy Spirit produces organic spiritual fruit (Galatians 5) to make us more like Jesus. • Breaking down the 3 biblical gift lists: Motivational gifts (Romans 12), Ministry gifts (Ephesians 4), and Manifestation gifts (1 Corinthians 12). • Why supernatural gifts are tools of love given for the common good, not badges of spiritual status. Scripture References: Acts 5:1–6, 2 Corinthians 13:14, Galatians 5:22–23, Romans 12:3–8, Ephesians 4:11–13, 1 Corinthians 12:7–11. Connect: https://www.sabc.org.nz | YouTube Channel Watch the sermon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHRtP6xJVzU
What does it mean to live our everyday lives "for the glory of God"? In this service from 23 August 2026, Tori shares an inspiring healing testimony before unpacking Philippians 2:6–11 and 1 Corinthians 10:31. Looking at the humility and exaltation of Jesus, we explore four practical ways we can bring glory to God in our daily rhythms: extolling His character, praising His works, trusting His name, and obeying His word.
Ephesians 3:7-13 - Seb Norman - 09 09 2026 by St Albans Baptist Church
How deep is the love of Christ, and what does it look like when God's Spirit strengthens our inner being? In this message from the SABC Online Service (16 August 2026), we unpack Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14–21. Moving from theology into passionate prayer, Paul petitions the Father to strengthen believers from within, ground them in divine love, and expand their hearts to grasp the vast dimensions of Christ's love. Key Highlights: Kneeling before the Father: shifting from intellectual understanding to deep intercession. Spiritual strength in the inner person through the Holy Spirit. Being rooted and grounded in Christ's multidimensional love. Living with confidence in the God who does immeasurably more than we ask or imagine. Scripture References: Ephesians 3:14–21. Connect: sabc.org.nz | YouTube Channel
Ephesians 3:1–6 | The Mystery Revealed & A Mission Worth Suffering For In this message, we pause in the book of Ephesians to explore Paul's unexpected detour in chapter 3. Starting with "For this reason," Paul pauses a prayer of thanksgiving to remind the church who is praying: a man in prison specifically for preaching to the Gentiles. Paul unpacks the once-hidden "mystery" of God's eternal plan—that through Jesus, outsiders are brought near as full heirs and equal members of God's family. Rather than viewing his imprisonment as a failure, Paul shows us why the gospel is worth enduring hardship for, challenging us to consider what we are willing to sacrifice so others can know Christ.
In this sermon, we explore the transformational "journey into grace" through the life and story of the Apostle Peter [03:09]. By comparing Peter's two miraculous fishing trips on the Sea of Galilee—the first where he asked Jesus to depart due to his own sinfulness [06:25], and the second where he leapt into the water eager to draw near to Christ [24:05]—we are reminded that grace is undeserved favor and an active choice to love without expectation [04:08]. Discover how failure in the Kingdom of God is not the end, but an opportunity to stand before God with empty hands [17:29], drop our guard, and learn to reflect His grace to those around us [20:32]. Key Scripture Highlights: Luke 5:1–11: The First Fishing Trip [05:20] John 13 & Mark 14: Peter's Denial and Disappointment [10:45] Mark 16: The Call to Restitution ("Go tell his disciples and Peter") [14:03] John 21: The Second Fishing Trip and Restoration [22:50] Audio recording from the St Albans Baptist Church Christchurch service
Scripture: Ephesians 2:19–22 & 1 Peter 2:4–5 In this message, we dive into one of the New Testament's most profound metaphors for the local church: The Holy Temple of God. No longer foreigners or strangers, we are being built together into a dwelling place for God's Spirit [01:44]. Key Takeaways: The Blueprint: Jesus Christ is our Chief Cornerstone, anchoring everything we do [04:57]. The church is built firmly upon the foundation of God's Word [25:23], with believers serving as "living stones" [12:29]. Shift the Focus: In a self-focused world, the church is a radical counter-culture. It is not primarily about us or what we can get; we gather first and foremost to worship God and pray [15:44]. Better Together: There is no such thing as a "lone ranger" Christian. We are designed to experience spiritual growth, accountability, and regular community together, not in isolation [27:16]. Expect His Presence: God desires to dwell among us in increasing power and grace [30:51]. Reflecting on historic moves of God like the 1906 Azusa Street Revival, we are reminded of the global impact that happens when a humble church seeks a genuine outpouring of the Holy Spirit [31:39]. The Challenge: Let's be a people who passionately pursue God's presence, making space for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully in our homes, our church, and our community [37:21].
In this message from St Albans Baptist Church, we dive into Mark 6:1–6, exploring what happens when Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth. How does the living God spend 30 years in obscure, ordinary village life without anyone truly noticing? We sit in the tension of a community trying to explain away the supernatural with the ordinary, and look closely at the reality of Jesus's own family dynamics—as a morally perfect older brother who faced deep skepticism and rejection from his own siblings before his resurrection. If you are carrying a heavy heart for family members, friends, or loved ones who don't yet share your faith, this message is a timely encouragement. Jesus deeply understands the grit, grief, and disconnect of broken family dynamics. Discover how the powerful force of unbelief can be met with soft-hearted persistence, genuine witness, and a reliance on a Savior who never stops pursuing us. The service concludes with a moving, community-led time of prayer for our families and a reflection on lifting the weight of condemnation and shame. Scripture Focus: Mark 6:1–6 (with references to Matthew 13:53–58 & Isaiah 53:2)
What is the biggest threat to your spiritual fire? It isn't doubt or persecution—it's amnesia [01:04]. When we forget what God has rescued us from, our passion fades and church can feel mechanical [02:24]. In this message, we dive into Ephesians 2 to see how Jesus radically redrew the boundary lines of faith. Before Christ, we were completely alienated and without hope [10:02]. But through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus didn't just mend our vertical relationship with God—He destroyed the hostile, horizontal dividing walls that separate us from one another to create one new humanity [14:35], [17:16]. Because we share the same Holy Spirit, our unity isn't something we have to manufacture; it is a reality we are called to live out [19:40]. Living in disunity or harboring bitterness is like a spiritual autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself [21:52]. Listen in as we challenge ourselves to take the cross seriously by prioritizing authentic, loving community and letting the Holy Spirit make our biblical unity a tangible reality.
What does it actually mean to be a "People of the Word"? In this message, we peel back the layers on the Bible to explore how we got our modern translations, how we can faithfully interpret what scripture is saying to us today, and—most importantly—the practical tools we can use to study it well. Whether you're a lifelong believer or just starting to open the pages, this message will equip you to approach God's Word with fresh confidence and clarity.
In a fast-paced, noisy world, where do you turn for ultimate authority and direction? This week, we are continuing our journey through Psalm 119 with Pastor Chris in our series, 'Loving God and His Word.' This message is a beautiful reminder of how God's Word serves as a lamp to our feet and a true catalyst for heart transformation. Take some time this week to pause, listen, and let the Word refresh your spirit.
Loving God with All We Are – Mark 12:28-34 In this message, Emma Robinson from Jesus Time breaks down the Greatest Commandment, challenging us to move past a "5-minute-a-day" checklist and truly love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Explore what it looks like to align our desires with His, embrace our unique personalities in worship, dig deeper into scripture, and let a genuine passion for God overflow into how we love our neighbors. Includes closing reflection questions to help turn good intentions into daily habits.
The Power of Words: Life, Death, and Responsibility "The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit." — Proverbs 15:4 Words are never neutral; they carry the power to heal or to harm. This message explores the profound impact of our speech and our shared responsibility as image-bearers of God to use our voices with wisdom. Highlights: The Weight of Speech: How our words act as either a "tree of life" or a force that crushes the spirit. Reception & Context: Why understanding the listener's heart is just as important as the words we choose. A Royal Priesthood: Recognizing our authority to declare God's light and the responsibility that comes with representing Him. Prophesying Life: Choosing encouragement and Kingdom-building over negativity and cynicism. Whether you need to break free from negative words spoken over you or want to sharpen your own stewardship of speech, this message offers a path toward speaking life into the world around you.
In a world that often feels chaotic and opposing, where can we find a true sense of refuge and integrity? This week, we continue our deep dive into the "Word," focusing on the beautiful structure and profound promises of Psalm 119. We explore the transformative power of God's Word not just as intellectual knowledge, but as a lifestyle of integrity where our inner hearts and outer actions align. Join us as we discuss how keeping God's statutes leads to ultimate blessing—intimacy with our Creator—and provides the essential toolkit for victory in the spiritual battles we face daily. In this episode: The Power of Integrity: Why knowing the Word isn't enough, and how the Spirit empowers us to be "doers" rather than just "hearers." [08:11] The Ultimate Blessing: Moving beyond material promises to the infinite reward of relationship with God. [13:32] Victory Over Sin: How hiding the Word in your heart acts as a safeguard against the "off-roading" of life's temptations. [20:53] Spiritual Hunger: Treating Scripture as the "meat" your soul needs to stay strong through seasons of doubt and tragedy. [29:28] Building the Habit: Practical tips for establishing a Bible-reading routine that sticks, from apps to meditative study. [31:10] Whether you are in a season of "deconstructing" your faith or looking to deepen your daily walk, this message offers a roadmap for finding sweetness and strength in the scriptures.
In the service from April 26, Ps Chris begins a series focused on the Word of God, using Psalm 119 as the primary text. He explores the unique nature of the Bible as both a "human book"—written by over 40 authors in specific historical contexts—and a "divine book" that is inspired by God and eternally relevant to all people. Ps Chris emphasizes the authority of Scripture in a postmodern world often characterized by a "radical distrust" of external authority. He highlights that true humility involves submitting to God's Word rather than viewing it through the lens of personal preference or "my truth." By positioning the Bible as a lamp and a light, he encourages the congregation to move beyond being "analysts" of sermons or casual readers, but instead to develop a deep, reverent passion for Scripture that informs every decision and aspect of life.
In this devotion, Ps Chris explores what it truly means to worship the Father "in spirit and in truth." Drawing from Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4, Chris discusses the vital necessity of balancing a deep, reasoned commitment to God's Word with an active, empowered reliance on the Holy Spirit. He introduces the practice of "open worship" and challenges us to pursue a word-based spirituality that is supernaturally alive—avoiding the extremes of dry intellectualism or ungrounded experience—to build a faith that is both Biblically rooted and holistically transformed.
We are a people of worship. Join us as we explore Luke 7:36-48 and how the primacy of worship shapes our whole lives.
This Easter we explore our future hope in the resurrection and how it impacts how we live today.
As we turn out hearts towards the cross we explore the glorious truth at the heart of the gospel.
God has created us for purpose and mission, explore how knowing we are his handiwork created for good works he has prepared for us in advance changes how we go about every day life.
For it is by grace you have been saved! We explore how salvation through faith by grace sets us free from striving
Ephesians 2:4-7 - Sarah Chalmers - 08/03/26 by St Albans Baptist Church
We jump back into our series on Ephesians as Pastor Chris explores the opening verses of chapter 2. Paul paints a sobering picture of our condition apart from Christ, describing a life "dead in transgressions" and swept along by the currents of this world. By looking honestly at this spiritual reality, we begin to grasp the sheer magnitude of the rescue we've been given—moving from a state of spiritual death to the radical life found only in Jesus. Join us as we unpack these powerful verses and prepare our hearts for the incredible hope of the Gospel.
We continue with our passage in Luke 11, exploring how we can be shamelessly audacious knowing God is our Father and he cares for us.
Exploring the Lord's prayer in Luke 11 we learn how it can orient our hearts
The Greatest Commandment - Chris CHalmers by St Albans Baptist Church
Seven Churches - Robert Norriss by St Albans Baptist Church
Identity - Matt McInnes by St Albans Baptist Church
Christmas Eve - Simon Dodge by St Albans Baptist Church
Preparing for Christmas - Tara Morris by St Albans Baptist Church
Christmas: Eden to the Cross - Matt McInnes - 141225 by St Albans Baptist Church
Exploring the person of Jesus from scripture and how the truth about his nature draws us to worship him!.
Ps Chris and the Elders talk about our Church values and what they feel like God is saying to us as a community in the upcoming year.
Learn how to answer some of the most common questions people have about Christianity with confidence.
The Bible offers a powerful tool that will help us navigate successfully through relational conflict. Discover the causes of relational conflict and how we can Biblically be overcomers in this part of life
How can you answer some of the big questions people have
The Holy Spirit is involved in all stages of sharing the Gospel, in this message we explore what that looks like from God softening people heart to demonstrating his power with signs and wonders.
Ever wanted to share your faith but don't know how to get started or what to say if you did? In this message, Chris explores a simple way to share the gospel, along with some practical ways we can intentionally move into having faith conversations.
The second part of this series exploring things that hold us back from confidently sharing the gospel.
What are the things that are holding you back from sharing your faith?
The Gospel Explored Pt 1 - Sarah 28-09-2025 by St Albans Baptist Church
Luke 18:1-8 - Seb Norman - 21 September 2025 by St Albans Baptist Church
Ephesians 1:19b-23 - Sarah Chalmers - 14-09-2025 by St Albans Baptist Church
Ephesians 1:15-19a - Mike Collins - 07-09-2025 by St Albans Baptist Church
Ephesians 1:13-14 - Chris Chalmers 31-08-2025 by St Albans Baptist Church
Ephesians 1:13-14 - Chris Chalmers by St Albans Baptist Church
Ephesians 1:11-12 - Chris Chalmers by St Albans Baptist Church
Part three of Ephesians exploring our redemption in Christ
Part two of the Ephesians series exploring what it means to be found 'in Christ' regarding our election
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