St Helen's Sunday talks podcast

William Taylor - Some presentations of Jesus and of what it means to follow him are quite simply fake. They bear no relation to who he is and what he offers. Jesus exposes these as he defines his real identity and true work.

William Taylor - Some presentations of Jesus and of what it means to follow him are quite simply fake. They bear no relation to who he is and what he offers. Jesus exposes these as he defines his real identity and true work.

Phil Hudson - James writes to help us grow in mature, fruitful, faith. And his method is to expose and diagnose the danger of double-mindedness, and equipping us with the gospel for single minded faith and growth. And that includes responding to the trials of poverty and wealth.

Drew Balch - The double minded Christian attempts to serve God while still being shaped by the world. James exposes how both wisdom and wealth can subtly pull our hearts away from single-minded devotion to the Lord. James calls us away from worldliness and back to humble dependence on a generous God, who delights to give wisdom to those who ask.

William Taylor - It is easy for us to shape our own views of who Jesus is such that he becomes a comfortable figure who fits nicely into our agenda for him. In John 6 Jesus challenges such ‘plastic Jesus' images. He is greater and more wonderful than anything we could invent…and less cosy!

William Taylor - It is easy for us to shape our own views of who Jesus is such that he becomes a comfortable figure who fits nicely into our agenda for him. In John 6 Jesus challenges such ‘plastic Jesus' images. He is greater and more wonderful than anything we could invent…and less cosy!

Phil Hudson - James is calling the church, amid the pressures of the world, to a single-minded faith in Jesus as Lord, trusting in the grace of God. Because how we respond to the various trials we face has a real bearing on our faith and fruitfulness, James seeks to equip us to respond wisely.

Drew Balch - Joy in trials? Really? James opens his letter with a shocking command to 'Count it all joy when you face trials of many kinds'. Is that wisdom or madness? James 1:1–4 explores this paradox at the heart of the Christian life: why suffering is not pointless, how God uses trials to grow steadfast faith, and where that painful road is ultimately leading.

Andrew Markham - Where can we find blessing in 2026? God's law isn't the obvious place to look. But Psalm 1 persuades us to prioritise delighting and meditating on God's word.

Andrew Markham - Where can we find blessing in 2026? God's law isn't the obvious place to look. But Psalm 1 persuades us to prioritise delighting and meditating on God's word.

Carl Matthei - In Colossians 3:1–17, Paul shows us what it means to live out the new life we already have in Christ. Because we have been raised with him, the old self no longer defines us. Instead, we are called to put off what belongs to our former way of life and to put on the character of Christ, as his word shapes our hearts, our relationships, and our worship.

Carl Matthei - In Colossians 3:1–17, Paul shows us what it means to live out the new life we already have in Christ. Because we have been raised with him, the old self no longer defines us. Instead, we are called to put off what belongs to our former way of life and to put on the character of Christ, as his word shapes our hearts, our relationships, and our worship.

Carl Matthei - Christmas is often dressed up as neat, clean, and sentimental—but the first Christmas was messy, uncomfortable, and full of flawed people. According to the Bible, Jesus didn't come for the morally impressive or the spiritually sorted. He came for sinners. In this talk from 1 Timothy, we hear the shocking claim at the heart of Christmas: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Through the story of the Apostle Paul—and the gritty reality of the nativity—we see that Christmas is not about earning God's favour, but receiving mercy and grace we don't deserve. This is good news for ordinary, broken people. Because Christmas isn't for good people. It's for people like us.

Paul Williams - At Christmas we celebrate the arrival of a baby in a manger—but John's Gospel tells us something far more surprising. This baby is the one who made the world, yet when he came into it, the world did not recognise him. Why was God so easily overlooked? And why did he come at all? This talk explores the wonder and shock of Christmas: the Creator stepping into his creation, being rejected by it, and yet offering forgiveness, restoration, and adoption into God's family. In a broken and weary world, Christmas isn't about trying harder or being good enough—it's about receiving an extraordinary gift: becoming children of God.

Tim Sheppard - While many attempt to write the next Christmas number one, they rarely produce anything that gets to the heart of what this season is all about. Mary's famous words at the start of Luke's gospel show us the meaning of Christmas—explaining why it is a cause for great joy, and a challenging us to respond rightly to God's remarkable offer.

Aneirin Glyn - Jesus will return, but his coming will be delayed. In the meantime, the way we use what he has entrusted to us reveals what we truly think of the King and his kingdom.

William Taylor - In the Gospel of John, Jesus repeatedly challenges responses that appear genuine at first glance. He insists that any expression of faith not grounded in his word is ultimately insufficient. Recognising this should profoundly shape both what we seek and how we live as Christians.

William Taylor - In the Gospel of John, Jesus repeatedly challenges responses that appear genuine at first glance. He insists that any expression of faith not grounded in his word is ultimately insufficient. Recognising this should profoundly shape both what we seek and how we live as Christians.

Tim Sheppard - We all know that we need to build our lives on a solid foundation. Jesus' famous parable at the end of Luke 6 encourages us that to build on his words will 'future-proof' our lives. But it also issues a challenge: when we hear his words, do we do them? When we call him ‘Lord', do we mean it?

Nick Heeley - As Jesus draws his Sermon on the Plain to a dramatic climax, he challenges the crowds who hear to not just listen to his word but do what he says. By building on the firm foundation of his teaching, they will be safe on the Day of Judgement.

Phil Hudson - Why was Jesus in Samaria talking to a woman by the well? Jesus wants us to see that the age of the unstoppable, global in-gathering to eternal life has begun – 'the fields are white for harvest'.

Drew Balch - Though the disciples are focused on eating lunch and moving on from Samaria, Jesus remains there for two days—discovering a depth of faith in a place they least expect. Remarkably, this moment marks the beginning of God's unfolding work in the gospel of John, a work into which we ourselves are joyfully invited.

Tim Sheppard - Why is it so hard to find forgiveness in a world that claims to prize it? In Luke 6, Jesus makes a bold call to radical generosity—and also shows that only those with a gospel root can hope to bear such fruit.

Nick Heeley - As Jesus continues his sermon on the plain, he turns to address the issue of who we listen to. Are those we listen to helping us grow into his likeness, bearing good fruit, or causing us to bear judgemental, hypocritical fruit, like the religious leaders of his day, whose hearts were not transformed by God's mercy. Take care Jesus says that we don't follow blind guides.

William Taylor - A proper understanding of Jesus' death and resurrection radically challenges our understanding of worship. The way we think about worship will show whether we genuinely grasp who Jesus is and what Jesus has done or whether, like the woman at the well, we still have pre-Christian concepts of worship.

William Taylor - A proper understanding of Jesus' death and resurrection radically challenges our understanding of worship. The way we think about worship will show whether we genuinely grasp who Jesus is and what Jesus has done or whether, like the woman at the well, we still have pre-Christian concepts of worship.

George Diwakar - Jesus calls his disciples to radical love — a love that reaches even our enemies. Pointing to the self-giving mercy of God, shown supremely on the cross, he challenges us to reflect his compassion, responding to hostility not with retaliation but with the grace we ourselves have received.

Nick Heeley - In Luke 6:27–36, Jesus calls his followers to a love that goes beyond instinct and self-interest: loving enemies, giving without expecting anything in return, and reflecting the mercy of our Father. This radical way of living isn't optional—it's the hallmark of God's children. Why not consider where Jesus is inviting you to practice this countercultural love, why it feels difficult, and how the Father's mercy empowers you to obey?

William Taylor - Great sportsmen and women speak of the cliff edge moment which comes when, having triumphed, they are left asking ‘what's next'? The cliff edge moment comes to us all. Jesus offers life from God that never leaves a person lacking fulfilment or satisfaction. The shock comes in realising that Jesus offers this life to anyone, for free, no matter what their background or previous performance.

William Taylor - Great sportsmen and women speak of the cliff edge moment which comes when, having triumphed, they are left asking ‘what's next'? The cliff edge moment comes to us all. Jesus offers life from God that never leaves a person lacking fulfilment or satisfaction. The shock comes in realising that Jesus offers this life to anyone, for free, no matter what their background or previous performance.

George Diwakar - True happiness isn't found in wealth, success, or popularity but in following Jesus with humble faith. In Luke 6:17–26, the Saviour turns the world's values upside down, showing that those who are poor, hungry, and hated for his sake are truly blessed, for the kingdom of God belongs to them.

Nick Heeley - At the beginning of the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus assures the needy, opposed disciples that they are blessed and can rejoice now in the face of opposition as they have a secure heavenly reward. Jesus as the Son of Man has authority to bless, and he will also judge those who oppose his people. To the many in the crowd who heard Jesus, this begins Jesus' challenge to them throughout the Sermon on the Plain - 'Will you follow me by building your life on what I say and be blessed?'

William Taylor - John chapter 3 overflows with the love of God. This makes the concluding statement that God's wrath remains on those who reject Jesus a jarring conclusion. Why would the wrath of God be an appropriate response to those who will not obey the Christ?

William Taylor - John chapter 3 overflows with the love of God. This makes the concluding statement that God's wrath remains on those who reject Jesus a jarring conclusion. Why would the wrath of God be an appropriate response to those who will not obey the Christ?

George Diwakar - In a world of fake news and doubt, Jesus appoints twelve real men as the foundation of his true family. This sermon shows how their eyewitness testimony gives us certainty about Christ and confidence in the gospel—God's revolutionary plan to build a new people on a trustworthy foundation.

Aneirin Glyn - Jesus the king was a man of persistent prayer, who appointed twelve to be his apostles. What does this show us about Jesus and his kingdom? What are the implications for us today as members of Jesus' kingdom?

William Taylor - By recording Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, John the Apostle enables us to make sense both of our own and of other people's response to Jesus. We are shown both why we need to believe in him – and why we don't.

William Taylor - By recording Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, John the Apostle enables us to make sense both of our own and of other people's response to Jesus. We are shown both why we need to believe in him – and why we don't.

Luke Cornelius - The Pharisees want to catch Jesus out with Sabbath rules, when he is bringing true Sabbath rest! He comes to restore his kingdom of rest.

Aneirin Glyn - Is Jesus Christ a force for good in the world, or a harmful threat to be rejected? In these verses, Jesus makes plain his identity, and the wonder of the life he has come to bring.

Gwilym Davies - Shouldn't love simply embrace people where they are? Yet, God's love is so much more than just affirmation. In John 3:16, we see the depth of his love for the world. He didn't love us with mere words, but through action: God's love is a Son-giving love — He gave his only Son for us. God's love is a life-giving love — Through Christ, we are offered eternal life. In the end, God's love isn't just about meeting us where we are; it's about offering something far greater: a new life in Jesus.

Tim Sheppard - John 3:16 is probably the most famous verse in the Bible, but it's easy to miss the weight of this 'gospel in miniature'. Tracing through seven surprises in this verse, we're shown how wonderfully God has demonstrated his love for us, and all that he has given to us in Jesus.

Luke Cornelius - Jesus says the whole Bible is about him and he is the salvation the world has been waiting for. So why do the religious reject him? In Luke 5, Jesus exposes why.

Aneirin Glyn - A wedding is a time for joy—and this one points us to an even greater celebration. As we delight in Jesus, the true bridegroom, we're invited to grasp the depth of his love: a love that led him to the cross for the sake of his bride.

Gwilym Davies - What would Jesus say to his would-be allies? Nicodemus comes to Jesus as someone who is Christ-curious, but wary of the radical action Jesus has taken in the temple: would it not be possible to have the kingdom without the chaos? And in John 3, Jesus gently shows him that he has come to do something much more radical than Nicodemus has yet realised: we must be born again, and Jesus must go to the cross.

Tim Sheppard - Jesus famously calls everyone to believe in him—so it's striking when John's Gospel introduces a kind of belief that Jesus doesn't trust. In his one-on-one conversation with Nicodemus, we discover what kind of belief falls short—and what kind Jesus is really looking for. This passage invites us to examine our own faith: is it the kind that truly trusts him?

Luke Cornelius - Who does Jesus call to join his kingdom movement and why? Why do some people who look godly miss out? Jesus explains here.

Aneirin Glyn - What are the marks of a member of God's kingdom? They follow as we grasp that Jesus is the king, the doctor, and the one who came to seek and to save the lost.

Gwilym Davies - Sometimes our ideas about Jesus are exposed when they are confronted with the realities of history. Jesus' cleansing of the temple is a jarring episode that many don't want to think too much about, but John's portrait of Jesus leaves us with someone far greater than the Jesus of our own invention. He is destroying dead religion, and building in its place an indestructible relationship with God.

Tim Sheppard - Sometimes our ideas about Jesus are exposed when they are confronted with the realities of history. Jesus' cleansing of the temple is a jarring episode that many don't want to think too much about, but John's portrait of Jesus leaves us with someone far greater than the Jesus of our own invention. He is destroying dead religion, and building in its place an indestructible relationship with God.

William Taylor - While many suggestions have been made about why Jesus came, he is crystal clear about his mission: he came to deal with humanity's greatest problem—sin and judgment. And once we grasp this, everything changes.