We are a church community in the heart of the City of London for anyone who wants to investigate the claims of Jesus or who wants to know and serve him better. Whether you are working, studying or living in London we hope you will find meetings, talks, small groups and other events suitable for you.…
The St. Helen's Sunday talks podcast is truly exceptional and has consistently impressed me with its outstanding sermon content. The sermons are not only biblically sound but also culturally aware, making them relevant and applicable to the modern world. One of the things that sets this podcast apart is its articulate presentation of the Scriptures. Each sermon begins with a biblical text, and the readers who express the "feel" of the authors' intentions add an extra layer of depth and connection. Some of these readings have been deeply moving and have helped me to better understand and connect with the messages being conveyed. Regardless of which staff member fills the position, the exposition of the Word is always spot on, ensuring that listeners receive quality content every time.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to enrich my faith personally. The messages shared through these sermons have had a profound impact on my spiritual journey. They have challenged me to grow in my relationship with God, provided practical guidance for navigating life's challenges, and deepened my understanding of Scripture. This podcast has become a source of inspiration and encouragement for me, helping me to stay connected to God's truth and fostering a sense of hope in His abiding presence in my life and in the world.
As much as I appreciate this podcast, there are a few aspects that could be improved upon. Firstly, while each sermon is well-prepared and delivered with excellence, it would be beneficial if there was more variety in terms of preaching styles or guest speakers occasionally. This could add freshness to the content and provide different perspectives on biblical teachings. Additionally, it would be helpful if there was more interaction or opportunities for reflection built into each episode, such as discussion questions or suggestions for further study/practice.
In conclusion, The St Helen's Sunday talks podcast is truly exceptional in its delivery of biblically sound, culturally aware sermons that are articulate in presenting Scripture. The outstanding content consistently enriches my faith and optimism about God's presence in my life and in the world. While there is room for improvement in terms of introducing more variety and opportunities for interaction, overall, this podcast remains an invaluable resource for spiritual growth and understanding. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking insightful, thought-provoking sermons that will inspire and deepen their relationship with God.
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.
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.
Phil Hudson - At a wedding in Cana, Jesus performed his first sign—turning water into an abundance of exquisite wine. In this moment, his glory is revealed: the good Creator has come as the true Bridegroom, gathering a people to share in the joy of his new creation. As we behold this sign and glimpse his goodness, our hearts are drawn to love and trust him more deeply with our lives.
Drew Balch - First impressions count for a lot. Jesus' first ‘sign' is highly significant. It not only shows us his glory, but it gives us a foretaste of heaven.
William Taylor - Jesus makes extraordinary claims—claims that demand serious evidence to back them up. In his Gospel, Luke gives us exactly that. He shows us Jesus at work, speaking with authority, acting with power, and revealing a will completely aligned with God's purposes. Through it all, Luke writes to build our confidence in who Jesus is. His goal? Certainty—and his account delivers it.
William Taylor - Jesus makes extraordinary claims—claims that demand serious evidence to back them up. In his Gospel, Luke gives us exactly that. He shows us Jesus at work, speaking with authority, acting with power, and revealing a will completely aligned with God's purposes. Through it all, Luke writes to build our confidence in who Jesus is. His goal? Certainty—and his account delivers it.
Phil Colgan - John the Baptist humbly pointed others to Jesus, who gave his disciples a simple but powerful invitation: 'Come and see.' As the first disciples responded—hearing, believing, following, and telling others—we see that sharing Jesus is the natural outworking of knowing him. This passage challenges us to consider: how do we invite people to come and see Jesus today? And as Jesus promises greater things—ultimately opening the way to heaven—we're reminded that he is the true ladder between earth and heaven, the one who connects us to God himself.
Phil Colgan - John the Baptist humbly pointed others to Jesus, who gave his disciples a simple but powerful invitation: 'Come and see.' As the first disciples responded—hearing, believing, following, and telling others—we see that sharing Jesus is the natural outworking of knowing him. This passage challenges us to consider: how do we invite people to come and see Jesus today? And as Jesus promises greater things—ultimately opening the way to heaven—we're reminded that he is the true ladder between earth and heaven, the one who connects us to God himself.
George Diwakar - Many people ignore political manifestos. What makes Jesus and his manifesto for gospel proclamation worth not only reading but building our lives on? Luke 4:31-44 tells us: because gospel proclamation is his saving power, and therefore it is his sole priority.
Aneirin Glyn - Jesus' mission is of cosmic proportions. Luke shows us that Jesus has come to overthrow Satan's empire, and that the Kingdom of God will advance as the good news is proclaimed far and wide.
Phil Hudson - God has promised to remake this broken world. John the Baptist bears witness that the one who will accomplish God's great promises is Jesus - the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; the Son of God who baptises with the Holy Spirit.
Drew Balch - John wants us to have life in the name of Jesus. To persuade us, he pulls us as it were into the courtroom. We watch the witnessing of John testifying to Jesus being the Lamb of God and the Son of God. It's an explosive start to John's biography of Jesus.
William Taylor - Jesus is no ‘mini-me' people pleaser; he will not dance to our self-serving tune. This is both deeply challenging and profoundly relieving. He will save a people—but they will come from the most unlikely places, and this will cause some to hate him.
William Taylor - Jesus is no ‘mini-me' people pleaser; he will not dance to our self-serving tune. This is both deeply challenging and profoundly relieving. He will save a people—but they will come from the most unlikely places, and this will cause some to hate him.
Phil Hudson - We live either by the light of divine revelation or under the shadow of human speculation. To be guided by speculation is a form of tyranny—but it is not necessary, for God has made himself known. Through the Word made flesh, we can truly know him.
Drew Balch - Knowing God is the very purpose of life. Many of us have correct answers as to how we know God, but often we aren't moved by the reality and privilege of it. Jesus has made God known so that we can know him and enjoy life in his name.
William Taylor - Luke's goal is to give us confidence in who Jesus is and why he came. He does this not only by recording Jesus' words and works but also by framing them within the Old Testament's interpretive lens. One key example is Jesus' use of Isaiah 61 to reveal his identity and mission—a passage often misunderstood and misapplied. When rightly understood, Isaiah 61 shows us our deepest need and points us to our only true saviour.
William Taylor - Luke's goal is to give us confidence in who Jesus is and why he came. He does this not only by recording Jesus' words and works but also by framing them within the Old Testament's interpretive lens. One key example is Jesus' use of Isaiah 61 to reveal his identity and mission—a passage often misunderstood and misapplied. When rightly understood, Isaiah 61 shows us our deepest need and points us to our only true saviour.
Phil Hudson - As John introduces us to his gospel we discover the amazing story of God's grace. He is determined to make himself known and to gather his family.
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
