St Jude's Southsea

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 25 May 2025. The readings were from 2 Kings 4:1-7 and John 2:1-11. In his talk, Simon Mitchell shared about the work of Tearfund, a Christian relief and development agency. He highlighted how Tearfund's Church and Community Transformation programme helps people in poverty to identify their resources and potential, and to work together to bring about change in their communities. Simon encouraged us to partner with Tearfund through prayer and financial support, to help transform lives around the world.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 18 May 2025. The reading was from 1 Peter 1:13-21. In this talk, Richard explores the theme of hope, emphasising that for Christians, hope is a firm confidence rooted in trust in God's promises and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He challenges us to make belief in and experience of Christ's resurrection our daily pattern, letting it shape our attitudes and actions. Richard encourages us to be "fully invested in hope," staking everything on the trustworthiness of God's promise, just as the parables of the hidden treasure and pearl of great price illustrate.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 11 May 2025. The reading was 1 Peter 1:10-12. In this insightful talk, Jane Portlock explores the themes of prophecy, patience and proclamation. She reflects on how the prophets searched intently for the time and circumstances of the Messiah's coming, demonstrating patience in waiting for God's timing. Jane challenges us to embrace our responsibility to proclaim the message of hope, just as the angels longed to look into these things. She encourages us to step into leadership roles and be part of the driving force behind the church's ministry, supported by the clergy team.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 4th May 2025. The reading was from 1 Peter 1:6-9. In this talk, Steve explores the theme of suffering in the Christian life. Drawing on examples from Star Wars, personal experience, and the life of an elderly congregation member, he highlights how God can use trials to refine our faith, draw us closer to Jesus, and fill us with inexpressible joy. The speaker encourages us to rejoice in suffering, resist Satan's lies, and rely on the Holy Spirit's help to endure. Ultimately, our hope is found in Christ's finished work on the cross and the promise of future glory.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 27th April 2025. The reading was 1 Peter 1:1-5. In this talk, Rachel explores the concept of living hope, comparing it to a dormant seed that contains the potential for life. She explains that through Jesus' resurrection, we have a confident expectation of future good. Despite facing challenges and suffering, we can trust in God's unfailing hope. Rachel encourages the congregation to look for signs of life in difficult situations and to share this living hope with others in Southaea who do not yet know Jesus.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 30th March 2025. The reading was Jeremiah 38:1-13. In this talk, the Adam summarises the book of Jeremiah, emphasising its themes of perseverance, perspective, and promise. Despite facing persecution for proclaiming God's truth, Jeremiah persevered. His prophecies offer a divine perspective that challenges our assumptions. The story ends with a reminder of God's promise and hope, even amidst difficult circumstances. The vicar encourages us to listen to and act on God's word today, trusting in His plans.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 23rd March 2025. The reading was from Jeremiah 34:8-20. In this thought-provoking talk, Andrew explores the concept of freedom and how we can gain it by battling spiritual strongholds. He discusses the Church of England's struggle with clericalism and the need for lay people to be equipped and empowered to serve God in their daily lives. Andrew shares his personal journey of overcoming rejection and emotional shutdown, emphasising the importance of consistent obedience and prayer in breaking free from strongholds. Ultimately, he reminds us that God wins, and encourages us to be willing to be fools for Jesus.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 16th March 2025. The reading was Jeremiah 33:10-22. In this talk, David explores God's steadfast love and faithfulness to His promises, even in times of doubt and struggle. He highlights three areas of promise: restoration for the people of Israel, the coming of the Saviour, and eternal promises. David emphasises that God longs for a deep relationship with His people, inviting us to return to Him and accept His forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on Sunday 9th March. The reading was from Jeremiah 32:1-15, 36-44. In this talk, Adam explores the theme of being "all in" for God, using Jeremiah's obedient purchase of a field at God's command, even as Jerusalem faced imminent destruction. Are we fully invested in God, in His church, and in His future plans, trusting in His faithfulness? Adam challenges us to courageously follow God's leading without holding back.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on Sunday 2nd March 2025. The reading was Jeremiah 31:31-34. In this talk, David explores the new covenant that God offers through the prophet Jeremiah. Despite the Judeans' past wrongdoings and the dire consequences they faced, God promises to forgive them, write his law on their hearts, and enable them to know him intimately. David connects this promise to Jesus' words at the Last Supper and Paul's teachings in Romans, showing how this new covenant is now available to all who put their trust in Christ. The talk invites listeners to seek God's forgiveness, desire what he wants, and grow in knowing him personally and through the community of believers.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 23rd February 2025. The reading was Jeremiah 29:1-14. In this powerful message, Damilola explores what it looks like for God's people to live faithfully in exile. Drawing from Jeremiah's letter to the exiles in Babylon, she challenges us to seek God's will above our own, to be sacrificially present in our culture while remaining distinct, and to rely on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Though we face hardships and live as foreigners in this world, we have the hope of God's ultimate restoration and the resources of heaven to live for His glory wherever He has placed us.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on Sunday, February 9th, 2024. The reading was Jeremiah 18:1-12. In this message, Adam explores the passage in Jeremiah 18 about the potter and the clay. He highlights three themes of hope: God's sovereignty, God being the God of second chances, and our need to surrender to God's shaping. Even when life feels messy or broken, we can trust that God is continuing to work in us for his good purposes until the day of completion.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 2nd February 2024. The reading was from Jeremiah 17: 1-14. In this Eco Church Sunday talk, Neil shows how God uses pictures from creation throughout the Bible to instruct and challenge his people. When humanity fails to care for God's creation, there are severe consequences. Jeremiah warns that those who turn away from God will end up in a spiritual wasteland. However, there is hope when we put our trust in the Lord. The church has a prophetic role to wake people up to treasure God's creation. We have a choice - to selfishly trash the planet, or to love God, love his creation and work to protect it.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 26th January 2025. The reading was Jeremiah 10: 1-18. In today's episode, we explore Jeremiah 10:1-18, a powerful passage contrasting the futility of idols with the majesty of the true God. Join Jos McCabe as he unpacks the timeless relevance of Jeremiah's message, reminding us of the dangers of misplaced worship and the call to serve the living God with grace and truth. Discover how this ancient text challenges us to reflect on our priorities and align our lives with God's eternal purpose.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 19th January 2025. The reading was Jeremiah 7:1-17. Join us this week as we delve into the powerful words of Jeremiah 7:1-17, where the prophet calls out hollow worship and challenges us to examine the sincerity of our devotion. In this episode, we explore the dangers of going through the motions in our faith, the importance of heartfelt worship, and how love—not fear—should drive our actions. Reflecting on Jeremiah's bold message at the temple gates, we discuss its relevance today and how we can live as truly devoted disciples, walking in God's love and holiness every day.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 12th January 2025. The reading was Jeremiah 2:1-13. In this sermon, Adam explores Jeremiah 2, drawing parallels between the Israelites' reliance on "broken cisterns" and our own tendency to place hope in worldly things. Through personal stories and insightful reflections, he challenges listeners to identify the "leaky pots" in their lives and turn back to Jesus, the true source of living water. An inspiring message on trusting God and offering His hope to others as we begin a new year.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 5th January 2025. The reading was Jeremiah 1: 1-12. Join us in this enlightening episode as we embark on a journey through the book of Jeremiah, starting with Chapter 1. Discover the profound calling of Jeremiah, a young prophet chosen by God to deliver messages of both impending doom and hopeful restoration. We'll explore the significance of his visions, the challenges he faced, and the unwavering faith that guided him. Whether you're familiar with Jeremiah's story or hearing it for the first time, this episode promises to deepen your understanding of God's faithfulness and the unique calling He has for each of us. Tune in and be inspired to embrace your own divine purpose, remembering that with God, there are no excuses—only opportunities to serve and grow.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 15th December 2024. The reading was Ephesians 3: 14-21. Join us in this episode as we delve into the profound spiritual insights of Ephesians 3:14-21, a passage known for its powerful prayer for the Ephesians. Richard guides us through the themes of unity and divine love, drawing connections to the timeless carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem." Discover how these scriptures and hymns invite us not just to observe but to actively participate in the transformative power of Christ's love this Christmas season.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 8th December 2024. The reading was Philippians 2:1–11. Join us this second Sunday of Advent as we explore the profound humility of Christ through Philippians 2. In this episode, Sam unpacks Paul's message to the church in Philippi, reflecting on Jesus' example of selflessness and servanthood. Discover how Christ's descent from divine glory to human lowliness challenges us to live with radical humility in our daily lives. Whether you're navigating complex relationships or seeking purpose in a hidden season, this conversation will inspire you to embrace Christ-like humility and trust in God's transformative power.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 1st December 2024. The reading was John 1:1-18. Join us for an inspiring episode as we delve into the profound themes of Advent and the incarnation of Christ. Our reading beautifully encapsulates the mystery of the Word becoming flesh. As we light the first candle of Advent, we reflect on the significance of this season as a time of preparation and anticipation for the coming of Jesus. Through exploring the beloved carol "O Come All Ye Faithful," we uncover its historical roots and its powerful message about faith and devotion. This episode invites you to embrace the joy and expectation of Advent, preparing your heart for the celebration of Christmas.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 24th November 2024. The reading for this episode is Matthew 4:18-22, which describes Jesus calling his first disciples—Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John—by the Sea of Galilee. This week, we explore the calling of Jesus' first disciples from Matthew 4:18-22, reflecting on how their journey mirrors our own paths of discipleship today. Discover how St. Jude's Church is living out its vision to make Jesus the heart of Southsea through growing faith, offering hope, and sharing God's love. Whether you're a seasoned believer or exploring faith for the first time, this episode will challenge and encourage you to respond to your own calling with courage and conviction.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 3rd November 2024. The readings were Psalm 119:105-112 and John 7:37-39. In this compelling talk, Adam explores what it means to live with true spiritual wealth through God's Word and Spirit. He challenges common perceptions of abundance, using powerful analogies like unused Bibles and the displaced Cholutica Bridge to illustrate how our spiritual practices may need realignment. Through an examination of Psalm 119 and John 7, he addresses the vital question of whether we're operating from genuine spiritual abundance or merely maintaining religious structures. The message offers practical insights for those feeling spiritually dry, emphasizing Jesus's invitation to "come and drink" while providing actionable steps for developing deeper engagement with Scripture and the Holy Spirit. Perfect for anyone seeking to revitalize their spiritual journey or looking to move beyond surface-level faith into genuine transformation.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 10th November 2024. The reading was Romans 8:9-14. This powerful talk weaves together the historical resilience of Portsmouth during WWII with profound spiritual insights from Romans 8. Through vivid wartime accounts, including the devastating bombing of January 10, 1941, and the inspiring story of St. Jude's Church standing as a beacon through the flames, the message explores how collective spirit shapes communities in times of crisis. Drawing parallels between the "bulldog spirit" of wartime Britain and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, this sermon offers a timely reflection on how spiritual strength can unite and uplift communities facing modern challenges. From Churchill's "never give in" resolve to the eternal hope found in Christ's resurrection, this message bridges historical remembrance with contemporary spiritual renewal[1]. Perfect for those seeking to understand how faith and community resilience intersect in both times of war and peace.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 3rd November 2024. In this compelling talk, explore the timeless relevance of Scripture in our rapidly changing world. From ancient psalms to modern-day testimonies, discover why God's Word remains an unshakeable foundation for life. Through fascinating examples—including the remarkable conversion story of Manfred Mann's Paul Jones—learn how Scripture continues to transform lives today. This thought-provoking message examines three key aspects of God's Word: its eternal nature, unchanging truth, and life-giving power. Perfect for anyone seeking stability and purpose in an ever-shifting world, this sermon reminds us why the Bible remains as relevant and powerful today as it was thousands of years ago. Join us for an inspiring exploration of how ancient wisdom meets contemporary life, and why Jesus's promise that "my words will never pass away" matters more than ever in 2024.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 20th October 2024. Dive into the transformative power of God's Word in this enlightening sermon from St. Jude's Church. Explore how the Bible, described as "alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword," can profoundly impact our lives and society. This episode unpacks Hebrews 4:12, revealing how Scripture: Acts as a faithful companion in times of trouble * Shapes personal character and behavior * Provides guidance for societal issues like environmental stewardship * Offers a path to approach God's throne with confidence Discover why the Bible isn't just another book, but a living, active force that has changed history and continues to transform lives today. Whether you're a long-time believer or simply curious about faith, this sermon offers valuable insights into the enduring relevance of God's Word in our modern world.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 13th October 2024. In this powerful sermon, Adam delves into Paul's prayer in Ephesians, challenging believers to examine their spiritual desperation and reliance on God. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical insights, he explores three key themes: the hope we have in Christ, our glorious inheritance as God's children, and the incomparable power available to believers. Adam addresses the comfort and complacency that can hinder our spiritual growth, urging listeners to rediscover their identity in Christ rather than in worldly achievements. He emphasizes the importance of heart knowledge over head knowledge, encouraging a deeper, more intimate understanding of God's promises. Through thought-provoking anecdotes and scriptural analysis, this message inspires listeners to embrace their weakness, rely on God's strength, and live with expectant faith. Whether you're feeling spiritually stagnant or seeking a fresh perspective on your walk with God, this sermon offers a compelling reminder of the transformative power of truly knowing Christ.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 6th October 2024. In this thought-provoking talk from Deuteronomy 8: 1-31 and Matthew 4: 1-11, Colin challenges listeners to embrace a "spiritual double life" - one that nourishes both body and soul. Drawing from biblical passages in Deuteronomy and Matthew, the message explores Jesus' teaching that "man shall not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." The sermon offers practical advice for incorporating daily Bible reading into our lives, comparing it to the necessity of regular meals. Listeners will learn: The importance of balancing physical and spiritual nourishment Practical tips for reading the entire Bible in a year Suggestions for organizing Bible reading by genre Tools for deeper Bible study, including commentaries and concordances Whether you're a seasoned Bible reader or just beginning your spiritual journey, this talk provides valuable insights on how to feed your soul and grow closer to God through His Word. Discover how dedicating just 14 minutes a day to Scripture can transform your spiritual life and deepen your relationship with Christ.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 29th September 2024. In this talk on Galatians 5:22-23, Rachel explores what it means to host the Holy Spirit in our lives and cultivate the fruit of the Spirit. Drawing from Galatians 5 and personal anecdotes, she emphasizes that as believers, we all have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. However, the extent to which we experience the transformative power of the Spirit depends on how well we "host" Him. Rachel offers practical suggestions for tending to our spiritual lives, such as spending time in the Word, asking the Spirit to fill us afresh, and learning from others who exemplify the fruit of the Spirit. She reminds us that it is ultimately God who produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our lives as we make space for Him. Whether you're a new believer or a seasoned Christian, this talk will encourage you to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit and experience the abundant life He offers.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 22nd September 2024. In this thought-provoking talk, Vicar Adam explores the profound message of Colossians 3:1-17, focusing on what it means to let Christ's message dwell richly within us. Using the vivid analogy of a village stream and its keeper, Adam illustrates how our spiritual lives depend on the attention we give to our inner selves. Through three key points - Prepare, Practice, and Preach - Adam challenges listeners to examine whether Christ's message is merely a visitor or a permanent resident in their lives. He encourages us to root out sin, embrace God's transformative grace, and allow our faith to overflow into every aspect of our lives. This inspiring message reminds us that as Christians, we are all preachers in our daily lives, and the health of our spiritual "stream" affects not only us but those around us. Join us for a refreshing dive into what it truly means to live as those made alive in Christ.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 15th September 2024. Discover the transformative power of spiritual gifts in this enlightening sermon from St. Jude's Church. Delving into 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, Neil explores how the gifts of the Holy Spirit are essential for building a vibrant, effective church in today's world. Learn why these gifts are given to all believers, how they benefit the entire community, and why embracing both the Word and the Spirit is crucial for spiritual growth. Whether you're a new Christian or a long-time believer, this message will inspire you to identify, develop, and use your unique spiritual gifts for God's glory and the common good. Join us as we unpack the adventure of living in the fullness of the Spirit and becoming more like Christ.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 8th September 2024. This powerful talk explores how God's Word equips believers for every good work. Drawing from 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Andrew Dow emphasizes that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. Through examples like Archbishop George Carey memorizing extensive portions of Scripture and Dr James Simpson pioneering anesthesia inspired by a biblical passage, the sermon illustrates Scripture's transformative impact. It offers practical tips, like the "AAA" approach (Adore, Admit, Aspire), to make the Bible come alive. This message will encourage you to dive deeper into God's Word and discover how it thoroughly equips you for the good works God has prepared for you.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 19th August 2024. Debs explores the story of Jesus healing the two blind men in Matthew 9:27-31. She highlights how the blind men demonstrated persevering faith by continually crying out to Jesus as the "Son of David," the long-awaited Messiah. Debs emphasizes the importance of faith in coming to Jesus for both physical and spiritual healing. She challenges listeners to consider their own spiritual blindness and need for Jesus, as well as how to share the hope of Christ with others who are lost and searching for peace in the wrong places.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 8th August 2024 The passage was from Matthew 9. In this sermon, Adam explores the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man in Matthew 9:1-8. He examines the passage in reverse order, focusing on three key words: miracle, misunderstanding, and motive. Adam emphasizes being filled with awe at Jesus' miracles, both in scripture and in our daily lives. He cautions against always linking individual sin and sickness, noting this passage is about Jesus' authority to forgive sins and bring wholeness. Finally, he highlights the importance of persevering faith through life's trials, sharing an inspiring testimony of a fellow priest battling terminal cancer yet radiant with hope and joy in Jesus.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 21st July 2024 The passage was from Matthew 7 and Neil spoke with the title ‘Building a life on truth.' In this impactful sermon, Neil delivers a wake-up call: it's not enough to just hear Jesus' words, we must put them into practice. Using powerful illustrations, he shows how lives not grounded in Christ's teachings will ultimately collapse. Neil challenges us to intentionally build our lives on the unshakable foundation of Jesus and His truth. He casts a compelling vision of a church that is "Jesus-centered and Kingdom-seeking." If you want your life to stand firm in the midst of life's storms, this message is for you. Tune in to be inspired to establish your life on the solid rock of Jesus Christ!

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 14th July 2024 The passage was from Matthew 7 and Adam Tams spoke with the title ‘Asking.' In this sermon, Adam delves into the challenging passage of Matthew 7:13-23, urging us to consider if we are in danger of being deceived in our spiritual lives. He emphasizes the importance of examining this difficult text rather than ignoring it.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 7th July 2024 The passage was from Matthew 7 and Debs Smart spoke with the title ‘Asking.' In this talk, Debs discusses Jesus' teachings on prayer and righteousness from the Sermon on the Mount. She emphasizes the importance of praying persistently with faith for God to develop inward righteousness and Christlike character in our lives. Debs encourages us to imitate God's loving nature by treating others as we want to be treated.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 30th June 2024. In this inspiring message, Pastor Mike Robins shares about the power of intervention and how sponsoring a child in need can transform lives and communities. Drawing from Scripture and his own experiences with Compassion UK, Pastor Mike challenges us to reflect God's heart for the poor and helpless.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 23rd June 2024 The passage was from Matthew 6 and Adam Tams spoke with the title ‘Judging.' In this sermon, Adam explores the importance of exhibiting both grace and truth as followers of Jesus. Drawing from John 1:14-17, he explains how Jesus himself was full of grace and truth, and calls Christians to reflect that same balance. The message examines the dangers of overemphasizing truth without grace, leading to judgmentalism, or grace without truth, leading to moral compromise. Practical suggestions are given for growing in both grace and truth.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 16th June 2024 The passage was from Matthew 6 and Neil Smart spoke with the title ‘Worry.' In this insightful sermon, Neil unpacks Jesus' famous teaching on worry in Matthew 6. Through personal stories and practical wisdom, he shows how living worry-free is possible when we trust God, seek His kingdom first, and find contentment in Christ - not the fleeting pleasures of this world. Discover the path to unshakable peace and joy, even in life's trials. Listen now for an encouraging and challenging message!

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 9th June 2024 The passage was from Matthew 6 and Ruth McCabe spoke with the title ‘Investing in Eternity.' In this sermon, Ruth unpacks Jesus' challenging teaching in Matthew 6:19-24 about money, possessions and wholehearted devotion to God. She explains how Jesus warns against storing up earthly treasures that can be destroyed or stolen, and instead calls us to store up eternal treasures in heaven through generosity and faithfulness. Ruth explores the importance of having spiritually healthy "eyes" and an undivided heart that is fully devoted to serving God rather than money. Referencing Scripture and illustrations, she urges the congregation to resist compromise with worldly attitudes and to pursue a life fully committed to loving and obeying Christ. This thought-provoking message will challenge you to examine what you truly treasure and inspire you to live wholeheartedly for God.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 2nd June 2024 The passage was from Matthew 6 and Bethan Fogell spoke with the title ‘Prayer.' The talk was about prayer and communicating with God. The key points were: There are many different ways we can communicate with each other, as illustrated by a quiz showing various communication methods like text messages, old telephones, letters, telegrams, social media posts, emails, fax machines, and TikTok. Similarly, there are many ways we can communicate with God through prayer - out loud, singing, silently, alone, or with others. The method doesn't matter, God is always ready to listen. Prayer is a two-way conversation, not just talking to God but also listening to Him. We need to make space to hear what God wants to say to us. God promises in the Bible that if we listen to Him, He will give us life. But His answers to prayers may be "no", "not yet", or more than we can imagine. God's timing is not always the same as ours. We need to be patient in waiting for His answers, trusting that He has good plans for us. Prayer doesn't require fancy words, just openly sharing our hearts, desires, fears, thanks with God. He is always ready to listen and will answer, though it may not be what we expect. In summary, the talk emphasized the importance of honest two-way communication with God through prayer, and trusting in His answers and timing.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 26th May 2024 The passage was from Matthew 6 and Anthony Rustell spoke with the title ‘Spiritual Authenticity.' Here is a summary of the sermon: The sermon focuses on Matthew 6:1-4 where Jesus warns against practicing righteousness in front of others to be seen by them, specifically when giving to the needy. The preacher suggests the reason people engage in inauthentic piety through almsgiving, prayer, and fasting is due to anxiety and lack of trust in God. Key points: - People in the 1st century would give alms openly to impress others and gain status, rather than out of authentic faith. Similarly, some pray inauthentically by going on and on, thinking more words will get God to listen. - At the heart of the Sermon on the Mount passages is the Lord's Prayer, which is ultimately a prayer of trust in God as Father. We are to put away anxiety and trust God. - The Christian faith centers on God's love for the world in sending His Son. The Holy Spirit, the love between Father and Son, is poured out on the church. - As we pray the Lord's Prayer, we can trust God because we have His Spirit and love pulling us to the Father. Authentic giving, prayer, and fasting come from this place of trust and love for God. Anthony encourages the congregation that as they go out, though they may be anxious, to remember God's love is with them and they can trust in Him. True spirituality flows from this trust.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 19th May 2024 The passage was from Matthew 5 and Jos McCabe spoke with the title ‘Hate and Enemies.' The sermon focuses on Jesus' teachings from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 about loving one's enemies and not retaliating when wronged. The main points are: 1. Jesus challenges the Pharisees' interpretation of "an eye for an eye" from the Old Testament, emphasizing that it was meant to be restrictive and ruled upon by judges, not individuals. 2. Jesus teaches his followers to be radically different by being non-retaliatory and loving their enemies, giving examples such as turning the other cheek, giving more than asked, and going the extra mile. 3. While Jesus does not condone injustice or wrongdoing against others, he calls his disciples to personally accept mistreatment and respond with love and forgiveness. 4. Christians are called to love their enemies through their words, deeds, and prayers, imitating God's love and grace. 5. The sermon acknowledges the tension and difficulty in living out these teachings, especially in the face of grave injustices, but emphasizes the transformative power of love and the need for the Holy Spirit's guidance. 6. The ultimate goal is to grow in maturity and live out one's God-given identity by extending the same generous love and grace to others that God shows to us.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 12th May 2024 The passage was from Matthew 5 and David Bacon spoke with the title ‘Adultery, Divorse and Oaths.' Adultery: Jesus says looking at someone lustfully is committing adultery in your heart. He uses hyperbole saying it's better to gouge out your eye than to sin, meaning we need to take drastic measures to avoid lust, like avoiding certain media. Divorce: In Jesus' time, some men divorced their wives for trivial reasons. Jesus says marriage is precious and divorce should only happen for very serious reasons like adultery. He acknowledges the pain of divorce. The preacher says to seek help if your marriage is struggling, but leave if being mistreated. Jesus offers comfort and forgiveness to the divorced. Oaths: Rather than swearing oaths to show you'll keep a promise, Jesus wants his followers to simply be honest people of their word, who mean "yes" when they say yes and "no" when they say no. David says we all fall short of Jesus' high standards, but we can repent - turn from wrongdoing to God - and receive forgiveness and new life through Jesus' death and resurrection. Jesus gives us his Spirit to help us live out his challenging Sermon on the Mount teachings.

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 5th May 2024 The passage was from Matthew 5 and Neil Smart spoke with the title ‘Relationships.'

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 28th April 2024 The passage was from Matthew 5 and Richard Portlock spoke with the title ‘The Law.'

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 21st April 2024 The passage was from Matthew 5 and Neil Smart spoke with the title ‘Influence.'

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 14th April 2024 The passage was Matthew 5 and Rachel Drake spoke with the title ‘Happiness.'

This is the talk from our 10:45 Easter service on 7th April 2024 The passage was John 21 and Bethan Fogell spoke with the title ‘Breakfast with Jesus.'

This is the talk from our 10:45 Easter service on 31st March 2024 The passage was John 20 and Adam Tams spoke with the title ‘The Risen Jesus and Mary.'

This is the talk from our 10:45 service on 24th March 2024 The passage was Romans 15-16 and Neil Smart spoke with the title ‘Romans: Giving.'