We see in this passage the difference between counterfeit power and real power; and the difference between counterfeit conversion and real conversion.
Acts 8:4-25

Stephen, one of the seven table servants of the early church is embroiled in controversy and accused of blasphemy. In response, he preaches a sermon that is a lesson in Jewish history, exposing the folly of thinking that anyone could confine God to a box.
Acts 6:8 - 7:53

A short all-age address for our prizegiving family service.
John 8:12

We see once again in this passage the radical generosity of the early church. Luke presents us with a good example of this generosity, followed by a bad example and the deadly consequences of this.
Acts 4:32 - 5:11

Babies learn to speak by listening to the speech of others around them. In the same way, Christians learn to pray by listening to the prayers of others around them. This morning we have the privilege of listening in to a prayer meeting of the early church, who were facing their first crisis. What can we learn from their prayers?
Acts 4:23-31

Peter preaches another bold sermon setting forth the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection and what these events reveal to us of God's power both to heal and to save.
Acts 3:11-26

When the going gets tough in the Christian life, we can draw strength and encouragement from looking back and remembering why we started this journey, and looking forward and anticipating what lies before us. This short passage helps us practically to do this.
Colossians 3:1-4

In this passage we discover four things that the first Spirit-filled church in Jerusalem were devoted to, and we also see the impact of that devotion.
Acts 2:42-47

How did the disciples recognise the gift of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost? What was the crowd's reaction? Where did Peter turn to for an explanation? And what does this all mean for us today?
Acts 2:1-21

We see in these verses two massive encouragements for Christians today and a challenge inspired by the words of the mysterious men in white.
Acts 1:9-11

A message of affirmation on God’s covenant of marriage as we approach Valentine’s day.
Genesis 1:26-31;2:18-25

This is the climax of Exodus as the glory of the Lord finally fills the tabernacle. We journey through Scripture, following the glory of the Lord and marvel at where the Lord's glory resides today!
Exodus 39:32-40:38

Following on from the infamous golden calf debacle, Moses intercedes for God's people and seeks to settle two burning questions with the Lord: "Who's going?" and "How can I be sure?" 
Exodus 33:1 - 34:8

We reflect on a most unlikely invitation to a group of smelly shepherds on the hillside outside Bethlehem from a God whose heart is especially moved by those living on the margins of society.
Luke 2:8-20

Our reading is from John 1:1-14, and we reflect on the Lord Jesus Christ who is a King like no other. He is Almighty, he is life-giving, he is humble and he is generous.
John 1:1-14

Where did the materials and labour required to build the tabernacle come from? And what is the relevance of this ancient construction project to the church today?
Exodus 25:1-9; 31:1-11; 36:2-7

A short reflection on the origin of seeds for our harvest thanksgiving service.
Genesis 1:11; John 12:24

This chapter contains an astonishing invitation from the Lord to a group of the Israelite elders to ascend Mt Sinai and share a covenant meal with Him. We explore the significance of this invitation then and now.
Exodus 24:1-18

An encouragement to the young people to set an example for the older generations in the church family.
1 Timothy 4:9-16

How do we as Christians steer a course between extreme criticism of "the world" and an uncritical naivete towards "the world"? These verses provide us with some sound guidance.
Philippians 4:8-9

Why is unity such a big deal and what drastic steps does Paul take to overcome disunity in Philippi?
Philippians 4:1-3

Paul sets down the only two ways to live: are we friends or enemies of the cross of Christ?
Philippians 3:15-4:1

What does it mean for a Christian to be a "brother, co-worker and fellow soldier" (v. 25)?
Philippians 2:19-30

Paul encourages the believers in Philippi to resist the war without and to strive for peace within.
Philippians 1:27 - 2:4

In spite of Paul's imprisonment, the gospel is advancing. As we investigate how this is happening, may we catch Paul's passion for sharing the good news about Jesus.
Philippians 1:12-18

This morning we're starting a new series on Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. In Acts 16:11-40, we witness the birth of the Philippian church through the salvation of Lydia and the jailer, along with their households. These are the "saints in Christ Jesus" to whom the letter is addressed.
Acts 16:11-40; Philippians 1:1-2

This morning we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ! We reflect together on Jesus' reinstatement of Peter in John 21 as we seek to answer the question: "Is there a way back to God?"
John 21:15-23

As we prepare our hearts for Easter, we consider Jesus' anointing at Bethany. In the socially awkward dinner party, we witness a costly demonstration of love, a criticism and a commendation.
John 12:1-8

Using the first answer in the Westminster Shorter Catechism as a framework, we explore how these verses help and encourage us to glorify God and enjoy His presence forever.
Exodus 20:18-26

What does it mean to give false testimony? Why is lying such a serious thing? And how can we demonstrate that we are "on the side of truth" (John 18:37)?
Exodus 20:16

The attitude of our society towards adultery is very different from that of the ancient world. How are we to obey this commandment in the midst of a highly sexualised society?
Exodus 20:14

How do we honour our parents today, and what is the continuing relevance for those who no longer have parents alive to honour?
Exodus 20:12

What does it mean to take the Lord's name in vain? Why is it so serious? And where do we find hope for the guilty? Join us as we explore these questions together.
Exodus 20:7

Our focus this morning is on the birth of a Saviour who is Christ the Lord. We reflect on the wonder of the shepherds as, with eyes of faith, they recognised the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Luke 2:1-20

Our focus this morning is on the prophetic expectation of a Messiah - a man who was anointed by God to rescue God's people. Isaiah was waiting in hope for this Messiah as he penned the words of his prophecy.
Isaiah 52:13-53:12

This morning we're starting an advent series (a week early - apologies for any confusion!) focussing on "The WHOLE Christmas storty". This morning we focus on how God originally made the world whole as we reflect on the psalmist's poetic retelling of the Creation account in Psalm 104:1-24.
Psalm 104:1-24

We structure our meditation on the first commandment around three words: God, Grace and Law.
Exodus 20:1-3

A reflection on the significance of the transfiguration within the context of the whole Bible.
Matthew 17:1-13

We will chart a progression through this passage from Moses as a single, solitary leader of God's people to the nation as a "kingdom of priests", and consider what the implications are for us today.
Exodus 18:13-19:6

This passage reveals the power of personal testimony and speaks of a meal that was of huge significance in God's great plan of redemption.
Exodus 18:1-12

In this passage, the Lord is teaching His people to put their trust in Him for the day, for the Sabbath, and for eternity.
Exodus 15:25-16:36

What can we learn from this "Song at the Sea" about what it means to truly worship God?
Exodus 15:1-21

We reflect on the fact that the LORD both knows the way and shows the way; and just as he led His people out of Egypt, so He will lead His people today as we trust in His promises.
Exodus 13:17-22

We reflect on the substitutionary sacrifice of the Passover lamb.
Exodus 11:1 - 12:30

What three words describe the condition of your life? Oliver's words: Sinner, Jesus & Loved
Acts 2:22-24, 36-41

As we continue to reflect on the plague narrative, we see 1) The deceitfulness of sin, 2) the darkness of God's judgement, 3) the provision of light and life, and 4) the missional purpose of the plagues.
Exodus 9:1 - 10:29

We reflect on the absolute superiority of the LORD over the gods of Egypt, over creation, and over Pharaoh himself.
Exodus 7:1-8:32

We reflect on the realities of (i) the spiritual battle that all Christians are engaged in, and (ii) God's providence and plan. 
Exodus 5:1-23

We reflect on the dual call of God on the life of every Christian both to salvation and to vocation.
Exodus 4:1-17

This morning we are concluding a short series on the theme of Confidence that runs parallel to the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity's Lent Devotional series. We will be reflecting this morning on how we can be confident Christians through courage, focusing on the courage demonstrated by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel chapter 3, and the fact that they were not alone in the fiery furnace.
Daniel 3:1-30

We'll reflect on Peter's instruction to believers to "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." (1 Pet. 3:15) 
1 Peter 3:13-16

This morning we are continuing a short series on the theme of Confidence that runs parallel to the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity's Lent Devotional series. We will be reflecting this morning on how we can be confident Christians through compassion. We'll consider where compassion comes from and what it looks like in practice.
Luke 10:25-37

This morning we are starting a short series on the theme of Confidence that runs parallel to the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity's Lent Devotional series. We will be reflecting this morning on how we can be confident Christians as a result of being convinced
Romans 8:31-39

We unpack four contrasts in this passage: 1) Comfort or Discomfort, 2) Man's way or God's way, 3) Stand up or Stay seated and 4) Forgotten or Remembered.
Exodus 2:11-25

As we read this story of two courageous midwives, we see that a) Life is precious! b) We can honour God in our everyday activities, c) We are to fear God more than we fear people, and d) God honours those who honour Him.
Exodus 1:15-21

Matthew presents us with the conclusion to his gospel in a passage that has been called "The Great Commission". We will consider four questions: Who is it for? What is the basis of it? What does it consist of? And, what guarantee or reassurance is provided by Jesus?
Matthew 28:16-20

This morning we welcome Enoch Osezuwa to bring us a message of encouragement for the new year. He leads us through seven new things that we can experience in this new year: new birth, a new song, a new name, a new commandment, a new tongue, a new spirit and a new thing.
Isaiah 43:16-19

Echoes of the nativity story from this year's John Lewis advert, which can be found here: John Lewis Christmas advert 2022Hebrews 2:14

Zechariah is guided by the Holy Spirit to prophesy about a much anticipated heavenly visitor, a Redeemer and a Saviour. His song is a song of hope for his time and ours!
Luke1:67-80

As we study this passage, we will see the cost, communion and courage of discipleship, and the fact that God remains in control of this seemingly hopeless situation.
Matthew 27:55-66

We examine four sets of contrasts in this tragic passage: Fear of man OR fear of God; notorious criminal OR innocent man; self-proclaimed innocence OR true forgiveness; and mockery OR true worship.
Matthew 27:11-31

As we reflect on this tragic passage, we compare and contrast Peter and Judas. In what ways were they similar, and what was the key difference between them?
Matthew 26:69 - 27:10

We consider the "before and after" picture of the crippled beggar who went from being a poor man to a privileged man to a changed man. This is the difference that the Lord Jesus Christ can make in our lives if we will let Him in.
Acts 3:1-16

We consider these two scenes: the arrest in the garden and Jesus' trial before Caiaphas, and ask the question: "Who's in charge?" The answer may be surprising.
Matthew 26:47-68

Our passage this morning invites us to ask the simple and yet challenging question, "What is Jesus worth to you?"
Matthew 26:1-16

The parable of the talents challenges us once again to faithfulness and consecration to God in light of all that we have been given and of the Lord's return.
Matthew 25:14-30

This morning we return to our series in Matthew's gospel and consider why Jesus' return is both expected and unexpected and how we should live in the light of it.
Matthew 24:32-44

This morning we return to our series through Matthew's gospel and consider Jesus' teaching on the last days before his return. We will consider four exhortations of Jesus to his disciples as well as the importance of the knowledge and assurance of election.
Matthew 24:1-31

We reflect on the fact and the manner of Jesus' second coming.
Acts 1:1-11

This morning we listen to the seven woes that Jesus pronounces against the Pharisees and consider how both they and we might "escape being condemned to hell" (v. 33).
Matthew 23:13-39

We are encouraged to be "...filled to the measure of all the fulness of God." (v. 19)
Ephesians 3:14-21

This is the final instalment in the battle of the theological heavyweights that we've seen in chapter 22. Jesus both simplifies the Law and the Prophets in two short commandments and complexifies the Pharisees' understanding of the Messiah's identity. The key question is: "What do you think about the Christ?" (v. 42)
Matthew 22:34-46

The Pharisees and Herodians try to trap Jesus in his words. From his wise response we learn 3 key lessons as we grapple with our dual-citizenship status as citizens of both an earthly and a heavenly kingdom.
Matthew 22:15-22

In our passage this morning Jesus confronts the chief priests and Pharisees with a controversial parable about a vineyard and some unfaithful tenant farmers. We will try to understand this parable in its original context before drawing from it four lessons about the nature of God and our response to Him.
Matthew 21:33-46

This morning our good friend Barry Dennis is preaching from John 3:1-8 on Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus.
John 3:1-8

This morning we had an all-age service and Matt shared a brief message on what Jesus' resurrection means for us today.
Luke 24:1-8

This morning we join Christ in the school of prayer on the roadside between Bethany and Jerusalem and learn from him about the relationship between faith, fruitfulness and believing prayer.
Matthew 21:18-22

This morning we follow the journey of Jesus as he approaches Jerusalem. We hear a Prediction of Passion, a Plea for Priority and we see Jesus Pause for Pity's sake.
Matthew 20:17-34

This morning we think about what Jesus' statement that "many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first" (Matt. 19:30) means in relation to Jesus' encounters with little children and a wealthy young man.
Matthew 19:13-30

We consider Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant from which we understand the vital importance of forgiveness. Freely we have been forgiven a great debt, and we are called to freely forgive.
Matthew 18:21-35

We consider 3 lessons that Jesus taught his disciples about living in the new kingdom community of the church concerning humility, dealing with sin and protecting the vulnerable.
Matthew 18:1-10

We reflect on the second half of the hymn in Philippians 2:9-11, rejoicing in God's exaltation of Christ Jesus and asking ourselves whether we are truly living under the Lordship of Christ?
Philippians 2:9-11

We reflect on the darkness around and within us, but also on the "great light" that has dawned upon us in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 9:2,6

The church motto is "Still burning for Christ," and we spent time reflecting on what that actually means, looking at three Scriptural images for burning, and asking ourselves: "Are we still burning for Christ?"
Luke 24:13-35

In this message, we reflect on the blessings of the mountain experience as a preparation for returning to the valley.
Matthew 17:1-13

We ask and attempt to answer two incredibly important questions: "Who is Jesus?" and "How does this understanding of Jesus' identity relate to the church?"
Matthew 16:13-20

John zooms out and traces the structure of this section of Matthew's gospel, demonstrating Jesus' focus upon disciple-making and the surprising example at the centre of this narrative.
Matthew 15:32-39; 16:5-12

This passage tells the story of Jesus' encounter with the Canaanite mother. As we grapple with some of the difficulties of this passage, I'd like us to consider what we do know about this encounter, and what we don't know. We'll then go on to consider the woman's incredible Dependent Faith, God's Good Design and Jesus' Delight.
Matthew 15:21-28

As the opposition to Jesus intensifies, we see yet another confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees in Matthew 15:1-20. We will think about the tyranny of tradition and the tyranny of our hearts. The only way by which we can be liberated from these tyrannies is IN CHRIST.
Matthew 14:34 - 15:20

This morning we'll be reading about the rejection of Jesus in his home town of Nazareth (Matt. 13:53-58) and the rejection and execution of John the Baptist by Herod (Matt. 14:1-12) and asking what lessons we can learn from these two painful stories.
Matthew 13:53-14:12

These two short parables speak to us of the growth of the kingdom of heaven, and as we reflect on them we'll see that the kingdom inaugurated by Jesus is Growing, Reaching, Open to everyone and Welcoming through witnessing.
Matthew 13:31-35

We'll begin by thinking briefly about what a parable is, and why Jesus taught in parables, before looking at the four types of soil and asking ourselves, "What kind of soil am I?"
Matthew 13:1-23

The Pharisees' opposition to Jesus continues to intensify, and this morning we will be considering five lessons that we can learn from this opposition.
Matthew 12:22-37

We will consider this passage under three headings: (1) A stormy night, (2) a Sovereign visitor and (3) a sinking disciple.
Matthew 14:22-33

This morning we will be focusing our thoughts on Matthew 12:15-21. In these verses we will see the gentleness of Jesus, God's chosen and beloved servant, bringing hope to the nations.
Matthew 12:15-21

These verses contain an incredible invitation, and we will be asking three questions: "Who's it from?", "Who's it for?" and "What's it all about?"
Matthew 11:25-30

In this passage, Jesus graciously deals with the doubt of John the Baptist, and we'll see three ways in which we can deal with our doubts. Jesus then takes the opportunity to teach some lessons about the "kingdom of heaven," and we'll hear an encouragement and a warning.
Matthew 11:1-15

These are not easy verses to read, but the warnings given here by Jesus are part of the everyday experience of countless Christians around the world today. Alongside the warnings, we will also consider the corresponding encouragements and reasons to be unafraid that Jesus gives.
Matthew 10:16-31

Basic first aid teaches us that CPR saves lives. Jesus came into the world to save lives by opening up the way to eternal life. In this passage we'll be considering an alternative CPR: Compassion, Prayer and Response.
Matthew 9:35 - 10:4

We'll discover in these verses two challenges for us as individuals and as a church to get out of our "comfort zone".
Matthew 9:9-17

Through his resurrection appearances, Jesus reinstates his disciples and gives them peace, passion and purpose to live for him.
John 20:24-31

This Palm Sunday morning we will be taking a look at John's account of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. We'll be watching and listening and trying to get a sense of the excitement that surrounded that momentous occasion. None of the characters in the story seemed to fully grasp who Jesus was and what he had come to achieve - our task is to try to understand these things.
John 12:9-19

In our passage this morning we meet three types of disciples: one over-ready, one under-ready and some who follow Jesus into a boat (and then into a storm). Let us listen to what Jesus has to say to each.
Matthew 8:18-27

Our passage for this morning is Matthew 8:14-17, and we will be thinking about three glorious attributes of Jesus that we find in these verses: his compassion, his authority, and the fact that he bears our burdens.
Matthew 8:14-17

This morning we will be focusing on Jesus' healing of a leper in Matthew 8:1-4. How does Jesus' treatment of the leper reassure us as we come to him with our great problem, and what should be our response?
Matthew 8:1-4

 We're going to be looking at two further encouragements to pray and then at the so-called "Golden Rule".
Matthew 7:7-12

This is a time of great anxiety for many, and this morning we come to a passage that speaks directly into that. Why, according to Jesus should we not worry and what strategies can we employ to rid ourselves of worry?
Matthew 6:25-34

Mike unpacks what the Bible has to teach us about God's creation of time and his intervention into his creation at the right time, and challenges us concerning our use of time in the year ahead.
Genesis 1:14-19; Ephesians 1:3-14

This morning we will be seeking to better understand the grace of God by seeing grace in action in the story of the shepherds' visit to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem.
Luke 2:8-20

This morning we will be considering one further example that Jesus gives of how not to pray before turning to how we should pray, with an introduction to the Lord's Prayer from Matthew 6:7-15.
Matthew 6:7-15

This Sunday we will be focusing on Jesus' teaching on how we should respond to our enemies in Matthew 5:38-48. This teaching, which was revolutionary at the time, still shocks us today and begs the questions "Why?" and "How?". Sam will also be leading us in a prayer of intercession and Lily will bring us our Scripture reading.
Matthew 5:38-48

This Remembrance Sunday we will be observing a 2-minute silence at 11:00. Later in the service we will be considering Matthew 5:27-32, which is Jesus' teaching on adultery in his Sermon on the Mount. Samuel will also be leading us in a prayer of intercession.
Matthew 5:27-32

This morning we will be joining with brothers and sisters in Christ from Baptist Churches throughout Scotland and hearing about the "Ruthless Elimination of Hurry" from John Mark Comer. John Mark is the pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon. We will also be led in a prayer of intercession by Matt and be led in our sung worship by our amazing worship team.

This morning we will be studying Matthew 5:13-16 and considering what it means for us to really be the salt of the earth and the light in the world.
Matthew 5:13-16

This morning we will be studying Matthew 4:12-25 and focussing on the calling of the first disciples. What does it mean to be a "fisher of men", and are we prepared to respond in the radical way the first disciples did? Ishbel will lead us in intercessory prayer, and Matt will bring our Scripture reading.
Matthew 4:12-25