Episodes

The Spirit includes the unexpected. There are three stories, one after another, that Luke includes in his story of the early church. Each of these surprising stories are about men who were surprising converts. God still seems to take delight in calling to himself those who feel the least likely to be on his side.

Why do my words matter? God’s Spirit gifts us in many different ways, but the mark of an initial encounter with God in the book of Acts normally included a change in speech. Why is speech one of the main differences when the Spirit fills us?

How is God involved in the world? ‘Where is your God?’ is a question many of us have faced at one time or another. It is a good question, and one that the Bible doesn’t shy away from. The answer is daunting. God is at work in His world through us. But the good news is that He will give us His strength, direction and presence. We will not be alone. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit. It’s why it’s the gift that we can receive.

Who we are on the hard days? Jesus rescues us from the power of sin and then enables us withstand all the attacks that come our way. There is strength in a salvation that is ours.

Who are we when we think no one is watching? Knowing that Jesus is our Saviour changes our everyday relationships – in family life and work life, following Jesus makes all the difference in the world.

Who do you think you are? Paul’s vision for the church was that it would demonstrate the unity of Jew and Gentile. The wider world could only see their differences. Paul knew that they could be one because of Jesus – and that it was the grace he showers upon us in salvation that is the source of our unity.

Who do you think you are? Paul’s vision for the church was that it would demonstrate the unity of Jew and Gentile. The wider world could only see their differences Paul knew that they could be one because of Jesus – and that it was the grace he showers upon us in salvation that is the source of our unity.

Today we welcomed Sarah to be an assistant pastor with us in Salford. Together with Phil, her husband, and her children they will be making our church their home. We were also joined by our Regional Leader, Pastor James Glass.

Join us tomorrow as we worship in an extended time of praise.

Join us and listen to people share their stories of how faith in Jesus has led to changed directions, new priorities and a deep sense of purpose.

Sometimes it feels like you are the only person sitting in the church with doubts. The next thought is to accuse yourself of being a hypocrite. The next move is to stop coming. Here’s the truth: you’re not the only one. You’re not a hypocrite and you shouldn’t leave. Doubt can be the gateway to deeper understanding.

They know what we want. We are bombarded by ads that are personalised. They all offer a better life, better stuff, better experiences. And the advertising world is right. We do want life to be better. We are tired of what we have been offered so far. Jesus points the way to this blessed life. It’s remarkably simple to understand. And extremely hard to do. Are you ready to explore?

Jesus was such an attractive teacher. He drew all sorts of people to himself: the clever ones, the sophisticated ones and the desperate ones. What he asks of those who want to follow him is to lay aside their fear of what people might think of them and be courageous enough to follow a totally different path through life.

What does a successful life look like? Is it when everyone praises you – as long as you are doing what they want? Or is it about everyday acts of consistent service and courageous acts that change things? Explore with us what Jesus thought was important and the difference it can make for us.

Jesus is the Resurrection. Let’s explore the themes of grief, loss and hope in John chapter 11.

What does Freedom look like for us? Who can you trust? Which leader is worth our vote? Who will lead us out of the mess we are in? Jesus promised that we would be able to hear his voice – and that he would be the leader we have been looking for all this time.

Jesus makes us choose and gives us questions to ask ourselves. Are we willing to make a choice? Are we willing to make a stand?

The first Easter Sunday began with frightened women and perplexed men peering into an empty grave looking for their friend who had been killed a few days earlier. They were looking in the wrong place. They would find him and their worlds would be turned upside down. It’s just that he was never going to be found in a graveyard. He had risen. Life would never be the same again.

Sometimes our pain is caused by the reactions of others. We can be overcome by their disapproval and condemnation of us and the way we live. Watch how Jesus deals with the sense of guilt and the condemnation of others.

Everyone wants to be ‘spiritual’ but no one wants to be ‘religious’. What do we mean by ‘spirituality’ and what does it mean to be filled with the Spirit of God in everyday life?

What did Jesus mean when he identified a piece of bread with his flesh? What does it mean to feed on Jesus? What is happening in communion? And is it any surprise that people were confused by Jesus at times?

What is your deepest hunger? What are the things that feel insatiable? For some it’s intimacy, for others security, for others it might be approval. John points us to Jesus who feeds our deepest hungers.

Anxiety preys on all of us. It makes us fear we won’t have enough, or that we will be overwhelmed. Jesus knows this and is able to transform these fears of not having enough to living abundantly.

In a world where it feels everyone is ready to argue, it’s easy to be defensive about our own assumptions. But if we are going to see the world differently, we need to allow our assumptions about life to be challenged. It’s what Jesus did to people in his time. It’s what he still does.