St Helen's Sunday talks podcast

Jack Stileman - ‘God's steadfast love endures for ever.' That is the confident cry of Psalm 118. But how can God's people say it, especially when sin, suffering, or the state of the world makes his love feel far away? Psalm 118 takes us on the journey of God's King: delivered from death, established as the righteous cornerstone, and saving his people. In King Jesus, dead, risen and alive for ever, we see the proof: whatever our circumstances, ‘God's steadfast love endures for ever.'

Jack Stileman - ‘God's steadfast love endures for ever.' That is the confident cry of Psalm 118. But how can God's people say it, especially when sin, suffering, or the state of the world makes his love feel far away? Psalm 118 takes us on the journey of God's King: delivered from death, established as the righteous cornerstone, and saving his people. In King Jesus, dead, risen and alive for ever, we see the proof: whatever our circumstances, ‘God's steadfast love endures for ever.'

Paul Williams - In Jonah 4, we see the shocking reality of a man who loves God's grace when it is shown to him, but hates it when it is extended to those who have hurt him. As the Lord exposes Jonah's heart, we are challenged to examine our own attitudes towards those we find difficult, undeserving or even deeply hurtful. Ultimately, Jonah 4 points us away from our own instinct for judgement and towards the unfathomable grace and compassion of the Lord God—a God who cares deeply for lost and rebellious people, and who calls us to reflect that same grace to others.

Paul Williams - In Jonah 4, we see the shocking reality of a man who loves God's grace when it is shown to him, but hates it when it is extended to those who have hurt him. As the Lord exposes Jonah's heart, we are challenged to examine our own attitudes towards those we find difficult, undeserving or even deeply hurtful. Ultimately, Jonah 4 points us away from our own instinct for judgement and towards the unfathomable grace and compassion of the Lord God—a God who cares deeply for lost and rebellious people, and who calls us to reflect that same grace to others.

Aneirin Glyn - What's the big story being played out in our world? What marks those who have realised this? Psalm 96 shows us why it always makes sense for us to be singing to the Lord, glorifying him, and full of gladness and rejoicing.

Aneirin Glyn - What's the big story being played out in our world? What marks those who have realised this? Psalm 96 shows us why it always makes sense for us to be singing to the Lord, glorifying him, and full of gladness and rejoicing.

Paul Williams - What happens when the Word of God gets hold of a person — or even an entire city? In Jonah 3, we see the astonishing power of God's Word as the people of Nineveh turn from their evil ways and discover God's mercy. But we also see that Jonah's heart has not fully changed. As we explore repentance, judgement and grace, we're reminded that Jesus is the One greater than Jonah, who took our judgement upon Himself so that we can know forgiveness and new life.

Tim Sheppard - What happens when the Word of God gets hold of a person — or even an entire city? In Jonah 3, we see the astonishing power of God's Word as the people of Nineveh turn from their evil ways and discover God's mercy. But we also see that Jonah's heart has not fully changed. As we explore repentance, judgement and grace, we're reminded that Jesus is the One greater than Jonah, who took our judgement upon Himself so that we can know forgiveness and new life.

Andrew Markham - When the world looks out of control, it's easy to doubt that Jesus is reigning. In Psalm 89, God's amazing promises to David look like they've gone up in smoke. Ethan's prayer gives us permission to cry out to God, both in praise and confusion.

Andrew Markham - When the world looks out of control, it's easy to doubt that Jesus is reigning. In Psalm 89, God's amazing promises to David look like they've gone up in smoke. Ethan's prayer gives us permission to cry out to God, both in praise and confusion.

Tim Sheppard - Jonah 2 may feel like the least relatable part of this remarkable book: from the belly of a big fish, Jonah praises the Lord for saving him from a near-death experience. Actually, it turns out it is far more relatable than we might have imagined. As we eavesdrop on Jonah and hear how God rescued him, we are reminded of our own experience of grace. For anyone dulled to the wonder of grace, this striking prayer is designed to help us marvel afresh.

Tim Sheppard - Jonah 2 may feel like the least relatable part of this remarkable book: from the belly of a big fish, Jonah praises the Lord for saving him from a near-death experience. Actually, it turns out it is far more relatable than we might have imagined. As we eavesdrop on Jonah and hear how God rescued him, we are reminded of our own experience of grace. For anyone dulled to the wonder of grace, this striking prayer is designed to help us marvel afresh.

Andrew Markham - God has established Jesus as King and Lord of all—but why would we want to submit to him? Psalm 72 shows how wonderful it is to be in Jesus' perfect kingdom, so that we long that he would rule over us and everyone we know.

Andrew Markham - God has established Jesus as King and Lord of all—but why would we want to submit to him? Psalm 72 shows how wonderful it is to be in Jesus' perfect kingdom, so that we long that he would rule over us and everyone we know.

Paul Williams - Most Christians would say they believe in God's grace—but what if we've understood it far less deeply than we realise? In the opening chapter of Jonah, we meet a prophet who has experienced God's grace yet runs from God's will, exposing how easy it is for our lives to be out of step with what we profess to believe. This sermon explores God's relentless, gracious pursuit of rebellious people and invites us to discover what it really means to grasp the grace of God.

Paul Williams - Most Christians would say they believe in God's grace—but what if we've understood it far less deeply than we realise? In the opening chapter of Jonah, we meet a prophet who has experienced God's grace yet runs from God's will, exposing how easy it is for our lives to be out of step with what we profess to believe. This sermon explores God's relentless, gracious pursuit of rebellious people and invites us to discover what it really means to grasp the grace of God.

Jack Stileman - The world may reject God's rule, but Psalm 2 reminds us that Jesus is the true King, appointed by God to reign over all nations. While humanity rebels against him, God is never threatened by opposition—his Son will rule with justice and power. The psalm ends with a gracious invitation: 'Blessed are all who take refuge in him.' Explore what it means to submit to Christ's kingship and find true security and blessing in him.

Jack Stileman - The world may reject God's rule, but Psalm 2 reminds us that Jesus is the true King, appointed by God to reign over all nations. While humanity rebels against him, God is never threatened by opposition—his Son will rule with justice and power. The psalm ends with a gracious invitation: 'Blessed are all who take refuge in him.' Explore what it means to submit to Christ's kingship and find true security and blessing in him.

William Taylor - Zechariah is quoted more than any other in the passion narratives. His anticipation of the Shepherd who will be struck by God's sword, and of the ‘one whom they have pierced' explains why. These chapters enable us to make sense of the central place of the death of Jesus in the Christian faith.

William Taylor - Zechariah is quoted more than any other in the passion narratives. His anticipation of the Shepherd who will be struck by God's sword, and of the ‘one whom they have pierced' explains why. These chapters enable us to make sense of the central place of the death of Jesus in the Christian faith.

Luke Cornelius - Matthew 13 is the Kingdom training manual for disciple-scribes: those who've truly found the treasure of the Kingdom liquidate everything for it, then give their lives to studying, embodying, and passing on Jesus' words—all while awaiting a final sorting only he can see clearly enough to make.

Nick Heeley - Sometimes we don't realise how precious what we have in Jesus is. In these final parables in Matthew 13, Jesus reminds us how precious the Kingdom of God is. In light of it's certain future coming, Jesus encourages to bring out our treasure, our understanding of the Kingdom, to the world, that all may come to share in it.

William Taylor - Leadership matters. It is said that we get the leaders we deserve. Zechariah 9 – 11 form one long reflection, and prophecy, about God's leadership and human leadership. God's true leader is despised and valued at less than the price of a slave. As we reject God's leader, we are not left in a vacuum…we are given over to abject leadership.

William Taylor - Leadership matters. It is said that we get the leaders we deserve. Zechariah 9 – 11 form one long reflection, and prophecy, about God's leadership and human leadership. God's true leader is despised and valued at less than the price of a slave. As we reject God's leader, we are not left in a vacuum…we are given over to abject leadership.

Luke Cornelius - Jesus tells us we hold hidden wisdom in our hands: in his word, we learn that the kingdom of God advances unstoppably even while the enemy sows counterfeit believers among the true, and that both will be revealed at the final harvest. Confidence for the present, then, comes not from mastering hidden codes or conspiracies but from deep, patient engagement with the word of God, which alone reveals what's really going on in the world—and what's coming.

Nick Heeley - Jesus continues to help us persevere as disciple making disciples, as we live in an evil world, where we suffer and face opposition as God's people. Jesus says there will be a deliberate delay before he comes to judge and destroy evil for good - a delay so more people can come to know Jesus. But the delay will not affect the final outcome - God's kingdom will be the greatest of all kingdoms.

William Taylor - Every nation, the world over, seeks government that will deliver stability, security, and sustainability. Rulers come and go – none ultimately deliver. Zechariah introduces to us the one who will gift us these things, but through an entirely unconventional route. Apparent defeat is the place to look for God's ultimate victory. All the gospels reference this chapter of Zechariah – it ‘unlocks' the identity and achievement of Jesus.

William Taylor - Every nation, the world over, seeks government that will deliver stability, security, and sustainability. Rulers come and go – none ultimately deliver. Zechariah introduces to us the one who will gift us these things, but through an entirely unconventional route. Apparent defeat is the place to look for God's ultimate victory. All the gospels reference this chapter of Zechariah – it ‘unlocks' the identity and achievement of Jesus.

Luke Cornelius - Jesus explains why he begins teaching in parables: to reveal the kingdom's secrets to humble hearts while sealing them from the proud. Even rejection serves God's saving purposes, leading to the cross where forgiveness and Christ's kingship are won. The word of the kingdom hardens the proud and heals the humble.

Nick Heeley - How should we respond in the face of rejection when we share the gospel? In the parable of the sower, Jesus says we should tell more people, not fewer, because there is a certain harvest - there are people who will respond positively to the word of the kingdom. And we should tell more because there are hidden threats that stop the word bearing fruit.

William Taylor - All utopian dreams of humanity crumble, ultimately, because of immorality and idolatry. God's promise is that both of these will be removed and destroyed. God's promises for the future provide powerful incentives to engage in God's work today.

William Taylor - All utopian dreams of humanity crumble, ultimately, because of immorality and idolatry. God's promise is that both of these will be removed and destroyed. God's promises for the future provide powerful incentives to engage in God's work today.

George Diwakar - As summer begins, how can we keep going and keep growing as followers of Jesus? In this passage, Paul points us to three key habits: rejoicing in God's will, responding to God's word, and relying on God's unfailing faithfulness. Together, we'll explore how these truths can sustain us through the summer and consider practical ways to keep growing.

Aneirin Glyn - What should mark the lives of Christians? As Paul comes to the end of his letter, he exhorts to be those who rejoice, pray, and give thanks always. We are to speak to one another to help each other to live holy lives, as we eagerly await Christ's return.

William Taylor - Zechariah has been described as the ‘2 Corinthians of the Old Testament'. In the face of despair, discouragement, disappointment, delay and disapproval, God's people are spurred to action because of who God is, what God promises and what God has done. It is powerful medicine for those who are tempted to ‘despise the day of small things'.

William Taylor - Zechariah has been described as the ‘2 Corinthians of the Old Testament'. In the face of despair, discouragement, disappointment, delay and disapproval, God's people are spurred to action because of who God is, what God promises and what God has done. It is powerful medicine for those who are tempted to ‘despise the day of small things'.

George Diwakar - How can a church keep growing until Jesus returns? In 1 Thessalonians 5:12–15, Paul shows that healthy churches are built as we value those who serve in gospel ministry and actively love one another.

Aneirin Glyn - The Christian life is to be lived with others. The apostle Paul shows us how the teaching of this letter should be worked out in our relationships with our church leaders, with our church family, and with all people.

William Taylor - Zechariah is the most quoted prophet in Matthew's passion narrative. Matthew understands that Zechariah explains Jesus' death for us. At the heart of Zechariah's visions is a cleansed priesthood, with God removing sin from his people and from the nation Israel. We so easily overestimate the progressive possibilities of man, and underestimate the pervasive problem of our sin. God does not!

William Taylor - Zechariah is the most quoted prophet in Matthew's passion narrative. Matthew understands that Zechariah explains Jesus' death for us. At the heart of Zechariah's visions is a cleansed priesthood, with God removing sin from his people and from the nation Israel. We so easily overestimate the progressive possibilities of man, and underestimate the pervasive problem of our sin. God does not!

George Diwakar - Christians are waiting people, looking forward to the return of Jesus. In 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11, Paul reminds us that Christ's return will be sudden, but not surprising. Therefore, we must stay alert, stand firm in faith, love, and hope, and encourage one another until he comes.

Aneirin Glyn - What does the future hold? Paul reminds us of two certainties, and shows us the difference this makes to life today.

Tim Sheppard - What kind of tale are we in - happy ending or sad ending? It can be hard to keep going when we're not sure what the future will be like, but the final chapters of Daniel show us that while the future may be concerning, God has promised a glorious crown in the end. We can stand firm and speak for Jesus, confident of resurrection glory to come.

Tim Sheppard - What kind of tale are we in - happy ending or sad ending? It can be hard to keep going when we're not sure what the future will be like, but the final chapters of Daniel show us that while the future may be concerning, God has promised a glorious crown in the end. We can stand firm and speak for Jesus, confident of resurrection glory to come.

William Taylor - Death raises questions that every generation has faced: Is this really the end? What happens to those we love? In this passage, Paul points us to a hope that rests not on wishful thinking but on the risen Jesus. Because Christ died and rose again, those who belong to him have a future beyond the grave. Paul lifts our eyes to the day when Jesus will return, the dead will be raised, and God's people will be reunited with him forever. In a world marked by loss and uncertainty, these promises offer a deep and lasting hope that changes how we face both death and life today.

William Taylor - Death raises questions that every generation has faced: Is this really the end? What happens to those we love? In this passage, Paul points us to a hope that rests not on wishful thinking but on the risen Jesus. Because Christ died and rose again, those who belong to him have a future beyond the grave. Paul lifts our eyes to the day when Jesus will return, the dead will be raised, and God's people will be reunited with him forever. In a world marked by loss and uncertainty, these promises offer a deep and lasting hope that changes how we face both death and life today.

Tim Sheppard - We often look at the world—or our own lives—and wonder whether God has failed to deliver on what he promised. That was the question of Daniel's readers. But as Daniel 9 shows us, God hadn't failed them; he has kept every one of his promises. In fact, God is doing far more than they realised.

Tim Sheppard - We often look at the world—or our own lives—and wonder whether God has failed to deliver on what he promised. That was the question of Daniel's readers. But as Daniel 9 shows us, God hadn't failed them; he has kept every one of his promises. In fact, God is doing far more than they realised.

William Taylor - Were the Chancellor of the Exchequer to have a nation ‘ordered' according to Paul's teaching in 1 Thessalonians 4:1 – 12 all her problems would disappear! The Christian way is God's way, and God's way is the best way. But what produces such a radical change in conduct? The engine that drives gospel living is the gospel – and gospel proclamation, not political lobbying, is the only means to achieve God's purposes.

William Taylor - Were the Chancellor of the Exchequer to have a nation ‘ordered' according to Paul's teaching in 1 Thessalonians 4:1 – 12 all her problems would disappear! The Christian way is God's way, and God's way is the best way. But what produces such a radical change in conduct? The engine that drives gospel living is the gospel – and gospel proclamation, not political lobbying, is the only means to achieve God's purposes.

Tim Sheppard - So often those in power make us question whether God is really in control, and whether it is worth standing out as Christians. Daniel 7 records a vivid and unsettling dream that helps us make sense of a world marked by political upheaval and hostile powers. Yet at its centre stands a breathtaking vision of Jesus and his people—a vision that leaves us in no doubt which side we should want to be on.