We are beginning our Christmas series which will look at the songs of praise that come out as a response to Jesus' incarnation.  Our first and possibly most famous is Mary’s song, traditionally called the Magnificat (based on the first line), and it is just pure unashamed praise, coming from the depth of her heart.  This morning we are going to see the real reason for her praise and why we can praise with her.  All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

If someone asked you: “Why do you have hope in a world that is so uncertain?”, how would you answer them? This week is the beginning of advent and the first candle speaks of hope. This is not a vague, “I hope so,” but a confidence in the face of uncertainty. How can we have that kind of hope? That’s the question we will seek to answer as we ponder the ‘creed’ in 1 Timothy 3v16, and especially the line, “He was manifested in the flesh.” The reading will be Matthew 1:18-25 All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

We are looking forward to a visit from Colin Smith (Open the Bible) who will be preaching from Psalm 24. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

The life that we are called to by God’s grace is a life that runs in the opposite direction to the world. We are called by God to turn away from sin, and draw close to him. That will mean living out a very different set of beliefs to the world around us, and that is hard. It's hard to go against the flow of popular opinion. To stand up for what Jesus says, and speak against the popular views of our day can result in us being humiliated and cancelled. That is why Paul’s command to Timothy is so relevant for us - don’t be ashamed of Jesus, rather suffer for the gospel (2 Timothy 1v8). But how do we do that? How do we experience the Spirit of God strengthening us to obey this command? That’s what we’ll discover this Sunday morning. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

This week, we are looking forward to a visit from NTM as part of More on Mission. This morning Stephen Tibberts will be encouraging us to look to Christ as he opens up 1 Peter 4:7-19. Later we will hear from some of the students about their experience of short term mission and what it is like to study at North Cotes with NTM. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

How do you view the church? Is it a place you go to, as just another activity in the week? Is it a people you connect with, in the same way you are part of some other group or club? How we view the church will determine how we conduct ourselves as members of it. That’s why we need to see the glory of the church. When we see the glory of the church, and really grasp how precious it is to God, then our conduct as members of it will be radically altered. This week we will be considering the character, conduct and confession of the church from 1 Timothy 3:14-16. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

We want our churches to grow numerically. However, we are often not prepared for the cost of growth. Inevitably there will be more demands. The result is that leaders will either neglect their primary calling of prayer and word ministry, or they will suffer burn out. Then, because they won’t be able to meet everyone’s expectations, those who attend feel neglected. Mercifully God has provided a pattern for us in scripture to deal with growth that allows elders to do the essential work of word ministry, and for the congregational needs to be met. It is through the recognised service of “dignified servants” who support the work of the elders. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Harvest is a time to remember God’s provision for us. In harvest we see the character of God who sovereignly governs all things including the growth of seeds so that food is grown, the skill of farmers and food producers to turn raw food into edible products, and the provision of money so that we can buy food. For all of this we give God thanks, but we need to do more than that. Harvest is also a time to give back to the Lord, trusting in him to provide for us for another year. As God reveals his character to us, so we respond with trust in him. That’s what we will see as we open up Psalm 23 this morning. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

This week, Tim Shenton is bringing us a message drawn from Luke 23:32-43, with v43 as the key verse: And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

We are delighted to have Sam Gordon back with us to bring us this week's message from Ephesians. Join us as we delight together in the wonder of God's grace. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

When we think about our lives, often the way we describe them boils down to chaos, whether it is something with the family or at work, let alone thinking about what is going on in our world. Our lives are full of chaos, disorder, and general mayhem, and we certainly cannot ignore them. But what are we to do with them? Well, in Mark 4:35 – 41, we find Jesus with his disciples stuck on a boat in the midst of the chaos of a violent storm, a great biblical symbol of the chaos of our world. With the disciples, we need to realise who Jesus truly is and how we can come to him with our chaos.  All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Most of us have an interest in our family history. We love to listen to grandparents and parents talking about their past, and their parents and grandparents. Some people will make use of ancestry websites to trace their family tree. Those of us who have not done this still probably thought we would like to. Imagine then if we could trace our family history back 1000s of years. Well, if we are believers in Christ we can. As those united to him by faith, we are united to all those who have faith in him, including those in the Old Testament like Ruth, Boaz, and Naomi. What we will see this morning is that we belong to God’s family of faith, and that has implications for marriage, family and church. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

A child born in Bethlehem who becomes a redeemer of his family! That’s the message of Ruth 4, and it’s easy for us to see the link to Jesus. Redemption is a key theme in the Bible. It means to buy back. But it is far more than just a business transaction. It involves: - love that goes beyond the law - love that is costly and results in acceptance for those who were at one time outsiders to God’s covenant people. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

God is sovereignly governing all things to accomplish his purposes. His great purpose for his people is their eternal good, and his glory. However that doesn’t mean that we are pre-programmed robots, or that God limits the freedom of our actions, or the dignity of our choices. Divine sovereignty always calls for the human response of faith. Faith, as a response to God’s sovereignty and word, will mean exercising loving initiative, courageous loyalty and gracious generosity. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Ruth 2 describes what would have seemed a very ordinary scene in Israel - a refugee in great need, who encounters the kindness, compassion and generosity of a wealthy land owner. Yet behind the scenes is the sovereign hand of God to provide and protect. In this passage we see: The beauty of divine sovereignty and human responsibility. The beauty of God’s grace, reflected in the life of God’s people. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Sometimes life can become chaotic and dark. That could be because we have made unwise decisions. It could be because others have made unwise decisions, and we are experiencing the fall out. It could just be because we live in a fallen world, and experiencing chaos and darkness is just what happens this side of Jesus' return. The question for us is what do we need to trust God for, while we’re in that place? That’s what we will seek to answer this morning as we begin this short series in Ruth. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

As believers we still sin, and sometimes we experience God’s discipline because of our sin. All of this can leave us feeling defeated, grieved, and ashamed. Micah 7:18-20 offers hope when we find ourselves in that place. This chapter assures us that when we turn to the Lord against whom we have sinned, we meet a unique God who forgives our sins, choosing to not remember them against us.  All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

This week, Tim Shenton is continuing his occasional series in Ephesians 6: 10-18, concerning the schemes of the devil and the armour of God. The message is entitled Temptation.  All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

This week, we are delighted to welcome Sam Gordon back with us as we continue the series drawn from 1 Timothy entitled Guarding the deposit. The three main threads of this week's study are the sentiments of the apostle Paul, the significance of the church and the supremacy of Christ Join us as Sam shows us why we can declare: Grace is the heart of the gospel and grace is the heart of God All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

This morning we are looking at what have become some of the most controversial verses in the Bible. At one time they weren’t controversial. God’s people accepted this teaching as God’s pattern for church life. However, as the church has increasingly interpreted scripture in the light of contemporary culture, rather than allowing scripture to shape church culture, these verses have become controversial. That is why we need to see them in the context of the Bible story -the story of creation, fall, and redemption through Christ. When we do we will see that God’s pattern for the church in these verses will lead to us flourishing as humans, and commending the Gospel of Grace. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

The Gospel is like a beacon that shines brightly, displaying the grace of God to sinners through Christ Jesus. This beacon of grace is to be held up for all peoples on earth to see. What is the pillar that Christ uses to hold up this good news? It is the church. We are the pillar of the truth of God’s grace to sinners. We exist on earth to bring glory to God by holding up the Gospel of Christ. Now, if we are going to do this, then we need to maintain a 'neglected priority' when we gather. What is this neglected priority? That’s what we shall see this week as we continue our series in 1 Timothy.. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Maritime history is full of stories of ships that got wrecked because crew failed to follow the rules of navigation, or storms ran their ships aground, or engine failure cause them to drift into danger. The apostle Paul warns us that the same thing can happen to us spiritually. We can make shipwreck of our faith. It’s a powerful image designed to wake us up, and motivate us to wage the good warfare. But what does it all mean? This week we shall see what this war is, and what we need to fight it, so that we don’t shipwreck our faith. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Have you ever been tempted to ask the question, “why me?” If you have, and I’m sure we all have at times, then the context in which we ask it will determine our response. If we ask it from a place of feeling we deserve better than what we’re going through, then the response will be bitterness and envy. But if we ask it from the place of feeling we have received more blessing than we deserve, then the response will be joy. For believers in Christ, we can all ask, “why me?” in a way that will lead to joy in Christ. This morning we shall see how that’s possible as we consider God’s mercy and grace to the chief of sinners. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Relationships, which are essential for society to function, are based on trust. When truth is neglected, trust goes, and society crumbles. That is why truth matters. When it comes to our relationship with God, this is especially true. That is why Paul is so concerned to ensure those responsible for teaching in church, know the truth, live the truth, and teach the truth. Those who don’t must be silenced. How do we identify false teachers? That’s what we shall discover as we continue our series on “Guarding the Deposit” from 1 Timothy. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Christ sets the agenda for what church is to be, and how we are to behave as members of it. The agenda he sets is one that is counter cultural and therefore we need great courage to teach and live the commands of Christ. This courage will come as we set our confidence in Christ who is our hope and Lord. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

What is the secret to strength in all of the demands of life? How do we keep going as Christian believers? When we feel overwhelmed by life, and especially indwelling sin, where do we run? Nehemiah 8v10 shows us that there is a stronghold, a place of refuge. The place of refuge is our joy in the Lord. This morning we will see what this means, and how we can find this joy in the Lord. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

It’s fair to say that the greatest reality in the universe, God, is largely ignored. Despite him being the first cause and sustainer of everything, including us, most people rarely give him a thought. The church’s mission is to make him known. That means we need to be captivated with his glory, especially the glory of his grace. We need to look beyond the means of grace God has given us to see the beauty of God, especially the beauty of his holiness. Only then will we be equipped to speak of the Glory of God to those who are spiritually blind to it. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

We are delighted to welcome Richard Stamp among us. He will help us to see that God is our refuge in a world that is increasingly anxious, individualistic and frenetic. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Tim Shenton continues his series in Psalm 46. This week the focus is on vv 4 - 7 All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Over the last few weeks, we have been learning about missionaries and their calling to share the good news of Jesus with those around the world—a calling that should leave us feeling totally out of our depth.  However, we will be encouraged this Sunday by the great news that this is exactly the point!  All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

This week, as part of More on Mission, we are delighted to welcome back Stephen Tibberts from NTM.  The sermon is entitled God's character and mission, and Stephen will be drawing from Hebrews:1-3 and Psalm 27:3, with Psalm 34 as the reading, showing us two characteristics of God which have a direct impact on missions. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Jesus Christ is worthy of the highest praise. He is worthy of the highest praise for he has purchased people, not animals or angels, but people - people from every tribe, language and nation: A people purchased from sin (Rev 1:5-6), idolatry (Rev 13:7b-8), and God’s wrath (Rev 14:9-11). A people purchased for God - that is to be set free, with a new heart to praise God, especially Christ.  Knowing this drives global mission: Christ has authority over the whole earth  Knowing this drives praise: As those purchased by Christ we can join in the song, "Worthy is the Lamb.”. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

How do we pray for the whole church? We pray big, sweeping, but not insipid prayers - prayers like Paul’s in Ephesians 1v15-23. Paul prays out of the assurance that God is sovereign in the lives of his people, revealing the glory of his grace (v3-14). For that reason (v15), he gives thanks to God (v16), makes intercession to God (v17-19), and offers praise to God (v20-23). This is a prayer that God would enlighten the eyes of our hearts to know the reality of things that are as yet unseen. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Matthew gives us two witness statements - the witness of the soldiers and the witness of the women. Matthew’s question is which one will we believe? The way we answer has huge implications for our witness for Christ (v19), obedience to Christ (v20), and relationship with Christ (v10, 16). When we believe that Christ lives we will witness with courage, obey his teaching, and go to him to receive his grace.  All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Where do we look to find ultimate joy? Joy that will sustain us through suffering. Joy that won’t stop when the holiday ends, or the money runs out, or the game finishes Joy that will last forever. According to the prophecy of Zechariah 9:9-10, true joy, lasting joy, ultimate joy, is found in Jesus. This morning we shall see that Jesus is our king who fills us with joy. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

This evening, Pastor Tim concludes the series on how to pray for our church, as he looks at who we are in Christ and how recognising that and understanding it makes a difference to how we live. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

This week, we shall be continuing our series on praying for the church, as Assistant Pastor Steven brings God's word to us and we hear what God says about maturing together as a church. The sermon is drawn from Ephesians 4 and has the title Praying for maturity As we examine Ephesians 4:11 - 16, we will see that Jesus has provided his church with everything we need to mature in him. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

This week, we shall be continuing our series on praying for the church, and will see how we can pray for our church to love and serve one another. No matter how well we might be loving one another, there will always be room for improvement. We know that because this side of eternity we still fight against indwelling sin. We haven’t yet seen Christ face to face, and so we are not yet fully like him. The question is, when our relationships are put under pressure, and love is strained, how can we use those times to grow in our love for one another? That’s what we will seek to answer this week as look at the great love song in 1 Corinthians 13v4-7. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Over the next three weeks, we will be looking at what the church is meant to be, and therefore what we can ask God to do among us, as we go beyond just praying for individuals, and learn to pray for the church as a whole. The purpose behind this series is to bring us to see the blessing of belonging to a body, rather than just viewing ourselves as individuals who gather. In this way we seek to be:  a people who give reason for others to be thankful to God for us those who have eyes open to see what God is doing in the life of the church so that we can give thanks. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

This week we welcome Tim Shenton, who will continue his occasional series in Psalm 46 with a particular focus on vv8-9. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

God is both a God of wrath and mercy. This theme can be traced through the Bible. This message finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, where the wrath of Christ is poured out on Christ instead of us, so that God can show mercy to we who are sinners. That's why we are able to pray Habakkuk's prayer in chapter 2v3 for ourselves, our family and friends who don't know Jesus, and a world that is lost. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Every mountain climb begins in the valley. That was true emotionally for Habakkuk.  In his prophecy we find him lamenting in the valley. He is lamenting the sin of his people, and when God tells him what’s going to happen, he laments as he struggles to understand God’s ways. However, by the end of his prophecy we find him in the high place rejoicing in the Lord. Even though judgement is coming on the nation of Israel, even though he can’t understand how a holy God can use evil people to judge his own people … yet he is able to rejoice in the Lord.  What was this path of faith that brought him from the valley to the mountain of praise like? That’s what we shall see this morning. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Jesus' command to his people is to love our enemies and to pray for those who mistreat us. How can we do that, when within our hearts is a God given desire to see justice? Habakkuk helps us understand how this is possible by showing us that God is the one who deals justly with all sin. When we trust him to deal justly with those who sin against us, then it sets us free to forgive others, and pray for them.  All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

Not a day goes by when we don’t hear about destruction, contention, injustice, oppression and violence. Every day we see God’s law being disregarded. Even as believers we grieve over our failure to obey God perfectly. How are we to process our own feelings, hurts, and grief at the evil of suffering and sin? What Habakkuk shows is that because of God’s grace we can be really honest with God, and bring our hurting hearts to him. The more we care about God’s honour and the evil of suffering, the more we will need the language of lament.  All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

God uses evil to accomplish his purpose. This is a great mystery and may leave us, like Habakkuk, disturbed and questioning. (The following three sermons will deal with the questions). But we finally find the answer in cross where the greatest evil accomplished the greatest good - our salvation. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

This week, we are pleased to welcome Tim Shenton and look forward to hearing God speak through him regarding this psalm. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

What will be our greatest priority this year? What will keep us from envying those who seem to be doing better than us? What will set us free to serve people rather than be served? Psalm 37 helps us answer those questions particularly verse 34 where we are commanded to delight ourselves in the Lord. This week we will be exploring how we will obey this command so that we will be a people delighting in God, to the glory of God, for the good of all people! All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812

We have just spent several weeks focusing on the birth of Christ. We do it because the incarnation is amazing. The eternal God adding to his divine nature a human nature. Jesus, fully God and fully man. It is a reason to worship God. But what comes next? In the days after Christmas, how are we to continue worshipping? Luke shows us as he introduces us to one of the Christmas characters, who doesn't find his way into the nativity plays. This morning we shall be introduced to Simeon and explore the salvation he saw before he died. All music videos are streamed under our Streaming Plus Licence 1306812