Vineyard Church St Albans Podcasts

In this opening message of our Worship Series, Mark lays the foundation by inviting us to see worship not as a moment, but a way of life. He reminds us that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit — built to host the presence of God, not just attend services. Worship flows from identity: we are set apart to carry His name and presence. From there, we explore the idea that we are “priests first, shepherds second,” called to minister to the Lord before we minister for Him. When we love God first, everything else flows rightly. Finally, we're challenged to value purity over perfection — God doesn't want polish; He wants presence. Real worship means bringing our whole, imperfect selves before Him in love. The message is a call to reset our hearts and lives to truly become people who welcome and honour God's presence every day.

In this talk, we step into Paul's deep pastoral heart as he shares the struggle he carries for believers he's never even met. His longing? That they would be strengthened in heart, united in love, and grounded in the full assurance of knowing Christ. Paul reminds us that the Christian life isn't built on surface-level belief or individual effort — it's rooted in spiritual unity and anchored in Jesus. And Christ isn't just the centre of our faith — He is the treasure chest of all wisdom and knowledge. In a world searching for answers, Paul redirects our gaze: all that we truly need is found in Him. This message calls us to step out of isolation, lean into community, and re-centre our lives on the only One who satisfies.

We are commissioned to share and demonstrate the good news of the gospel wherever we find ourselves, yet if we are honest, we often find it hard to do so! In this talk we explore some of the truths that sets us free to be bold and courageous followers of Jesus, commissioned to share Him with the world! 

In this message from Colossians 1:3–14, we explore Paul's powerful prayer for the church in Colossaians — a prayer that remains deeply relevant for us today. Paul doesn't focus on external circumstances, but on the inner life of believers. His desire is that we be filled with the knowledge of God's will, not merely for understanding, but so that we may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, bearing fruit and growing in relationship with Him. And in walking this way, we are strengthened by God's power to endure with patience, joy, and thanksgiving. The talk this week invites us to reflect on what we're filled with, how our lives are reflecting our connection to Jesus, and the deep assurance we have as those delivered into the kingdom of His Son. It's a call to Spirit-filled living grounded in grace, not striving.

Welcome to Verso Vineyard Church! Welcome home! Thank you for joined us today! At Verso, we're a church passionate about becoming more like Jesus and inviting His presence into every part of our lives. Meeting across multiple locations, we love to worship together, serve others, and live out God's truth in community.••✨ Discover More About JesusJesus said, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." (John 10:10)If you're curious about who Jesus is, we'd love to share more. Visit: https://www.verso.church/

Easter Sunday proclaims the victorious truth that Love Wins. Though Friday's cross looked like defeat, Easter reveals the hidden triumph of love through Jesus' resurrection. The empty tomb declares that death, fear, guilt, and shame have all been defeated by the love of Christ. This isn't just history — it's hope for today. Through Jesus, we're invited into a new life, a new creation, not because we're perfect, but because He is alive. Baptisms today boldly declare this victory: love has won in the hearts of real people. And the same love that overcame the grave is reaching out to each of us — calling us from Friday's despair into Sunday's hope. The risen Jesus doesn't offer just a second chance, but a whole new life. The question remains: Has love won you?

Lingering in the Garden of Gethsemane we encounter Jesus in a way that invites us to engage afresh with both his humanity and his divinity. He unveils the reality of the Fathers heart to meet us where we are and keep moving towards who He has made us to be. 

As we finish the series on spiritual gifts, we look at how we can grow and develop in spiritual gifts, emphasizing the importance of consistent practice, obedience, and faith. Spiritual gifts should not be confined to special occasions but integrated into daily life to bring God's kingdom into all contexts. Practicing the gifts involves both hearing God's voice and obeying His promptings, even in the face of uncertainty. Faith, risk, and the willingness to step out are key components, and sharing personal testimonies encourages others to do the same. Being part of a community that values and practices these gifts, along with cultivating compassion for others, also fosters growth. Finally, some of the challenges like fear, lack of confidence, and distractions are addressed, with a call to overcome them through faith and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Why does the heart behind spiritual gifts matter? While the gifts are powerful and practical tools for ministry, Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 14:12 that their purpose is to build up the Church—not to elevate ourselves. In this second talk, we explore the motivation behind the gifts and how love must be our foundation. Paul encourages us to “eagerly desire spiritual gifts,” but always in the context of pursuing love (1 Corinthians 14:1). Without love, the gifts can lead to pride or misuse. Jesus operated in power, yet always with compassion and humility. Spiritual gifts are not about status—they're about service, and ultimately about pointing people to Jesus. As we learn to listen to God's voice, whether through a picture, a word, or a prompting, we grow in our ability to encourage others. Through simple steps of obedience and faith, we become a Spirit-led people, building up the Church and extending His Kingdom.

What are spiritual gifts, and why do they matter? The Bible teaches that the spiritual realm is as real as the physical, yet many struggle to embrace this truth. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 12:7 - 11 that spiritual gifts are manifestations of the Holy Spirit, given to every believer for the common good. These gifts — whether wisdom, healing, prophecy, or miracles — are not reserved for a select few but are tools for advancing God's Kingdom.Jesus demonstrated the power of the Spirit, calling His followers to do the same. The Great Commission is not just about words but about action. As Paul urges in 1 Corinthians 14:1, we are to “pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts.” When rooted in love, these gifts build up the Church, equip believers for ministry, and point people to Jesus. True Kingdom living is not about knowing what Jesus did but doing what Jesus did.

WHO IS JESUS?: "I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly". John 10v10. If you'd like to find out more, then visit https://www.verso.church/ JOIN IN: We want to help you get connected with all that's happening at church.

In John 10:10, Jesus made a clear contrast between his mission and the work of the devil. As believers, by virtue of the finished work of the cross – the life and mission of Jesus, we should all walk in the spirit of abundance. Yet so many of us are locked in a cycle of lack and scarcity. In this talk, we set out God's invitation to our community to walk in abundance. We examine Joseph's life at the mid-point of his story (Gen 41:41 – 46), unpack how we can walk in God's promise of the abundant life (Jer 17:7-8), and live from an understanding of who God is (Dan 11:32) and an overflow of what he has done in our lives (John 14:27).

Wendy traces the powerful creativity of Holy Spirit from Genesis to Revelation in revealing Jesus to us, and as we increasingly receive more of Him, how He transforms us from deep within. Holy Spirit is The Promised Gift and He gives us His supernatural gifts, so that we can bear His fruit in all seasons, and become His light bearers and overcomers in this dark age.••

The Christian race is run with hope—not wishful thinking, but the confident expectation that God's promises will come to pass. Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us to fix our eyes on the prize, pressing forward in faith. Biblical hope is anchored in God's unchanging character, secured through Christ's resurrection, and centered on Jesus Himself. Without hope, we lose momentum, but with it, we run with endurance. By dwelling on His promises, walking in faith, and trusting in His goodness, we remain steadfast, knowing that our hope in Christ will never be shaken.

The Christian race is not won by looking back. In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul urges us to forget what is behind and press on toward the prize—a life fully focused on Christ. While remembering God's past faithfulness brings gratitude and growth, dwelling on past failures, sins, or regrets can hinder our progress. Jesus warned against looking back, as seen in Lot's wife and the Israelites longing for Egypt. Holding onto bitterness, unforgiveness, or shame keeps us stuck, but Christ calls us to move forward in His grace. Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the champion of our faith, we run with endurance, knowing that He alone is our ultimate prize.

What does it mean to know Christ? The simple gospel reminds us that salvation comes through “Jesus PLUS nothing.” In Philippians 3:7-11, Paul shifts from salvation to the ultimate prize—knowing Christ. He warns against placing value on earthly achievements, as he once did, realising that everything is worthless compared to knowing Jesus. Salvation is not the finish line but the starting point of a deeper relationship with Him. Like Paul, we are called to pursue Christ personally, experience His resurrection power, and share in His sufferings. True joy and the ultimate prize, comes from knowing and being known by Him.

In this talk, we explore the five ways God guides us—Commanding Scripture, the Compelling Spirit, Counsel of the Saints, Common Sense, and Circumstantial Signs. We are reminded that the race we run only matters when it aligns with God's purpose. Through vivid examples and personal reflections, this message challenges us to ensure we are running the right race and to keep our focus on God's guidance to achieve the ultimate prize—bringing a smile to God's face.

What does it mean to run the race of faith? The simple gospel reminds us that salvation comes through “Jesus PLUS nothing.” In Philippians 3:2-4, Paul warns against complicating the gospel with rules or works, as some early believers attempted by adding the law to faith. Salvation is solely through Christ's finished work on the cross, which fulfilled the law and transformed our hearts. Like Abraham's covenant, marked by circumcision, we are now under a new covenant through Christ's shed blood. True freedom and lasting joy come from trusting wholly in Him, as our prize determines our race and our worship.

What does it mean to rejoice in the Lord? In Philippians 3:1, Paul calls us to rejoice—not in circumstances, but in Christ Himself. Writing from prison, he shows that joy is not about what we see but who we know. True joy strengthens our faith, protects us from despair, and keeps us running toward the ultimate prize. Like Jesus, who endured the cross “for the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2), we can rejoice in every season, knowing that our greatest reward is found in Him. • •

As we step into a new year, we often set goals, but have you considered what your ultimate goal is? In this talk, we explore Paul's words in Philippians 3, where he likens the Christian life to a race. He urges us to press on toward the ultimate prize—knowing Christ. The race is set by God, requiring perseverance, focus, and faithfulness. Our reward is not earthly success but the eternal joy of hearing, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” This year, let's run with purpose, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the true prize. • •

Fred invited us to reflect on the profound truth of Psalm 65:11, which reminds us that God crowns the year with His goodness. Through this encouraging message, we are called to trust in God's faithfulness, even amidst life's challenges. Fred unpacked how the Lord's goodness surrounds and sustains us, guiding us to seek Him with reverence, walk in the fruit of the Spirit, and remain steadfast in faith. "As you step into this new year, how can you trust in God's goodness and faithfulness in your daily life?"

Have you ever wondered how God chooses to reveal His plans and glory to the world? In this talk from our Christmas series, we explore the profound truth that God often works through the unexpected. Through the story of the shepherds—the first to hear the announcement of Jesus' birth—we see how God's grace reaches the outcasts, His glory is revealed beyond the temple, and His message inspires a response of worship and bold proclamation. This Christmas, we are reminded that God meets us where we are and calls us to share His light with the world. For Verso Groups using your talk, what 3 questions would you want them to discuss?” What does the announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds tell us about God's heart for the outcasts and marginalized? How does this challenge the way we view and treat others in society? The glory of God was revealed to the shepherds in the fields rather than in the temple. What does this signify about how and where God chooses to reveal Himself? How does this impact our understanding of experiencing God's presence in our own lives? The shepherds came to Jesus just as they were—empty-handed and in haste—to worship Him. What can we learn from their approach about authenticity in our relationship with God? How might this influence the way we come before Him in worship and prayer?

Have you ever felt stuck in a season of waiting, wondering if God is working? In this talk from our Christmas series, we reflect on the truth that God's timing is always perfect. Through the story of Simeon, Anna, and the 400 years of silence before Jesus' birth, we see how waiting can deepen our trust, refine our character, and prepare us for God's greater plans. This Christmas, we are reminded that even in our waiting, God is at work, aligning His purposes and preparing us for His light to break through the darkness.

Have you ever felt alone or distant from God? As we continue in our Christmas Talk Series, we reflect on the powerful truth of Emmanuel, meaning "God with us," revealed through the birth of Jesus Christ. His birth shows that God chose to enter our world, bringing comfort and hope in our struggles. His presence transforms us, offering peace and assurance. This Christmas, we are reminded that God is with us today, and one day, we will be with Him forever. • • 1. Reflecting on Darkness and Light: Isaiah 9:2 speaks of people walking in darkness and seeing a great light. Have you ever experienced a season in life that felt like "deep darkness"? How did you find hope or light during that time, and how does the message of Emmanuel—God with us—speak into such moments? 2.  The Impact of Emmanuel on Daily Life: The name Emmanuel means "God with us." How does the reality of God's presence—both through Jesus' incarnation and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit—bring comfort, hope, and transformation in your daily struggles? Can you share specific examples? 3. Living in Light of God's Presence: As believers, we are called to reflect the light of Christ to the world around us. How can you embody the presence of Emmanuel in your relationships, workplace, or community this Christmas season? What practical steps can you take to bring the light of hope, joy, and peace to others?

As we enter the Christmas season, we see lights all around us breaking into the darkness of winter. But does this symbolise something more than just decoration at Christmas time? Over 2,000 years ago the promised saviour of the world came into the darkness to bring light to the earth, an arrival which would change the course of history for ever.

This sermon emphasises preparing God's house—both as a physical space and within our hearts—as a dwelling for His presence. Worship is not merely an invitation but a command and a lifestyle that aligns with God's character and name. Through worship, we grow in faith, encounter Jesus, and establish His name in our lives and communities. The message highlights that we, as believers, are God's temple, called to live lives of worship, obedience, and reverence to reflect His glory. What does it mean to prepare your heart as a dwelling place for God's presence, and how can you actively do this in your daily life? 2. How does understanding worship as a command, rather than an option, shape your perspective on its role in your faith? 3. In what ways can our worship—both individually

God has called us to stewardship. As believers we are at the centre of His redemptive plan for the earth (Gen 1:26-27). In this talk, we explore how He calls and commissions us to walk in this understanding (Josh 1:1-3), and contend in prayer as we respond to the challenges and issues we face on the way with courage and purposeful action in order to bridge the reality of the circumstances that confront us daily, with God's prophetic destiny for our lives, our families and our world (Psalm 24:1; Luke 18:1). Can you think of any example of when (or how) you may have ruled yourself out of an opportunity to step out your comfort zone and live up to your potential? Joshua's accomplishments were driven by a mission that was greater than his experience, resources or capabilities at the time. What can we learn from how he was able to bridge the gap between what was required to accomplish his mission, and what he thought was practical or possible for him? What do you sense God is challenging you to (partner with him to) accomplish?

Who is Jesus? Was he a good teacher? Or maybe a prophet? Or was he the Son of God? As we look at the first of Jesus' ‘I am' statements found in the gospel of John, we find a wonderful answer to this question in the form of a metaphor – I am the bread of life! - We looked at the following points as it relates to the divine nature of the statement ‘I am the bread of life' – discuss each one and what it means The provision of God The purpose of God The plan of God The promise of God - We then look at our response – discuss what it means for us to ‘Eat his flesh and to drink his blood' - The scripture states that we are to ‘come, look and believe' how does this inform your view of your part to play in extending God's kingdom in the sphere of influence God has placed you in.

We are commissioned to go to the nations - including the one we live in and for the people we see everyday. No matter who we are, God has a part for us to play in giving everyone a chance to encounter his transformational love, and its why we are called to step into the second greatest command Jesus gives us to love our neighbours as ourselves.

Jesus demonstrates in his life, that as his disciples we will be moved to compassion for the multitude and moved to action for the one. As we look at a reality where nearly 40% of the world have still little or zero access to the good news of Jesus, some in the far reach places of the world, we are reminded in Matt 9 that the harvest is ripe! The question is how will we respond?

As we continue looking at the call to mission we unpack what it means to do mission as family, both as a church at Verso but also as part of the wider Vineyard movement.

Kick starting our Mission series we will explore the why, what and how of mission embedded in God's story and the impact on us as we steward the reach vision God has entrusted us with. We will discover how the bible provides a grounding framework and exhortation for everyone to step into taking their place in seeing the Great Commission fulfilled. • •

As we continue to explore the topic of money through the Parable of the Minas in Luke 19, we delve deeper into our role as stewards of God's possessions and the challenge Jesus presents as we await His return. • •

We don't like to talk about money in church and yet the whole world talks about, with thousands of marketing messages a day bombarding us with the lie that we need to accumulate to spend on ourselves. Yet what does the bible say about money, if anything? As we look into the Bible we find out God's blueprint for money in our lives and the promises for those who follow it.

How do you respond to a change in season? With excitement and hope or anxiety and dread? As we gear up for a new school term, Mark contrasts how the world would counsel us to approach it and how the Bible lays out our approach. Diving into the often mis-understood Book of Ecclesiastes, we see that ultimately, everything is Vanity! A message of hope!? You bet. • • #god #podcast #sundayservice #inspiration

As the summer ends and we gear up for another year of routine, Prit spends looks at three lies we might believe that can stop us giving the Lord our "yes", and some truths about who God is and how He loves to work with us. • •

Are there times where you just don't feel seen by anyone, let alone God? Join us this morning as we unpack Genesis 16 and are reminded that God is the God who sees – El Roi. • •

Journeying through John 4 and the women at Samaria's encounter with Jesus, we become witnesses to impact (and challenge!) of the outrageous compassion of Jesus, that began with a simple question and ended in the transformation not of just one woman but many in Samaria. • •

Rom 12:2 says don't be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your minds… We experience three transforming exchanges that renew our minds as we spend quality time in God's presence : • Exchanging Imposter Syndrome for Position and Purpose • Exchanging Striving for Partnership and Pace • Exchanging Fear for Protection and Provision And as we are transformed, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring God's presence and power into our lives and the lives of those around us. • •

As we continue in our Talk Series ‘Presence and Power' Chris offers a whistle stop tour of why testimonies help us as individuals and as a church, specifically: • They give glory to Jesus • They declare who Jesus is • They build faith in Jesus

The New Testament church is a prophetic revelatory church, that is called to speak Gods words and release His Spirit. The only way to do this legitimately is through the cross. There is a counter power in the earth called witchcraft which seeks to obscure the work of the cross. • • What do you think about the statement that the end time church is a prophetic revelatory church? Do you think it is? Do you consider yourself to be prophetic and revelatory? Do you carry words of the Lord that have been conceived by the Holy Spirit? Discuss What do you think about witchcraft being a work of the flesh that results in legalism in the church. Does this surprise you?

What's in a name? More than just a way to identify someone, a name represents the essence of someone – their nature, their position and even the authority they carry. As we continue to look at the Presence and Power of God, we see that there is a name which is above every name, and that name carries with it the very power of God, made available to all those who believe. And that name is? Jesus!

Are you looking for breakthrough in your life? The answer may very well be in the words you speak. We read in the bible that there is power of life and death in the words we speak and so as we continue in our Talk Series ‘Power and Presence' we look at the power of our words and the importance of proclaiming God's truth into our lives.

Within the heart of every one of us, God has placed a unique Hunger and passion for His presence and Power.  But live can be challenging and cause our hunger and passion for God to diminish. But God loves us abundantly and calls us to draw close to Him and as we do so, He draws closer to us. • •

What do we mean by the power of God in the lives of believers? What is the ‘source' of this power, the ‘purpose' of this power and the ‘why' of this power. As we continue in our Talk Series ‘Presence and Power' Mark walks through the first chapter of the letter to the Ephesians as we uncover the truth of God's power in our lives.

The great Pastor and Theologian AW Tozer, once said ‘Within every human breast rages this desire, driving him forward. Many a person confuses the object of that desire and spends his or her entire life striving for the unobtainable. Very simply put, the great passion in the heart of every human being, who are created in the image of God, is to experience the awesome majesty of God's presence.' Does that hit a chord with you? As we start a new Talk Series entitled ‘Presence and Power' we look at what it means to experience the presence of God and the invitation to draw near that God issues to each one of us.

What are you reaching for? A new car, a promotion or maybe success in another area. Whilst these are not bad in themselves, the question is, is that all? As we end the Reach Talk Series, Mark looks at 1 Corinthians 3 and the call to build in this life, in the light of eternity. • •