Just Another Melodic Christmas: Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

An unusual arrangement of a classic hymn, this acoustic rendition is by Seacoast Worship.

Sermon: The Long-Expected, Unexpected King (Luke 1:26-38)

In this message, we look at the angel's message to Mary, and consider how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament promises concerning the King that God would provide, but not in the way that the Jewish people were expecting.

Church from Scratch: The Lord's Supper

We reach the end of our series covering some basic areas of church community life.  We haven't covered every topic on Sunday mornings (e.g. we've been studying the topic of prayer during our mid-week bible studies) but have tried to cover ones that are particularly relevant as we move towards becoming an independent church.

In this final part, we consider a foundational practice of the New Testament church - The Lord's Supper.  What does it mean? And who is it for?

Church From Scratch: The Bible

As we approach the end of our series covering church basics, Roger Davies teaches about the importance that the Word of God has as part of church community life.

Some Words for Tuesday: Church from Scratch - Money

In this part of our church basics series (as we move gradually towards independence from our planting church), we consider how faith in Christ changes the perspective we have on money.  How do we glorify God with our money?  

Just Another Melodic Monday - All My Days (Beautiful Saviour)

We sang this song yesterday when we gathered as a church, but we didn't sing it like this!  "All My Days (Beautiful Saviour)" is about the glory of Jesus Christ and how we can trust him to save us, from now to eternity.  The song is written by Stuart Townend.

Some Words for Tuesday: Church from Scratch - Mission

In this message, we consider why and how a church community should be involved in "mission" - the active support of the spread of the gospel around the world.

Some Words for Monday: Church from Scratch: Leadership

One of the elders from Newtown Evangelical Church, Tim Gill, came to speak about "The Church and Leadership" as part of our series looking at church basics.  In this overview, we consider the role and characteristics of church leaders - those who are referred to as "elders" in the New Testament.

Just Another Melodic Monday: He is our God

I had a great time last week at the Sovereign Grace UK Conference in Christ Church, Mayfair.  As well as some awesome teaching, we sang a couple of their new songs, which unfortunately have yet to make their way to Youtube.  Here, however, is another new song called "He is Our God", which is on the forthcoming live album, "Prayers of the Saints".

Some Words for Tuesday: The Bridegroom's Responsibility (John 2:1-11)

In John chapter 2, Jesus attends a wedding and transforms water into wine.  John describes this as a "sign" - a miracle with a message.  We consider what this event teaches us about the responsibility that Jesus has as the Bridegroom to provide for "the marriage supper of the Lamb" (Revelation 19:9).

Some Words for Monday: Church From Scratch - The Holy Spirit

In this message, we explore the person of the Holy Spirit and his role within the church community.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Reformation Hymn

Here is a modern hymn from Sovereign Grace Music, recognising the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and the "5 solas": Scripture alone; Christ alone; faith alone; grace alone; and God's glory alone.

Some Words for Tuesday: Church From Scratch - A Spiritual Family

Through Christ, we are able to come into God's family and receive "the Spirit of adoption".  The local church community, therefore, is a spiritual family which should be united and recognisable.  We explore these truths in this message.

Some Words for Monday: Church from Scratch - Baptism

We continue our series looking at some church basics, and focus our attention on the practice of baptism.

Just Another Melodic Monday - How Deep The Father's Love For us

How deep the Father's love for us!  How vast beyond all measure!

An encouraging reminder of God's love with an acoustic version of the hymn, "How deep the Father's love for us".

Some Words for Tuesday - Stability & Community (Ephesians 4)

As we consider Ephesians chapter 4, we note two characteristics of a church that is hearing and obeying the gospel: stability and community.

Some Words for Monday - 1 Corinthians 15: Paul's Post-it Note

This message was given at our first Sunday evening service, and explores what is of "first importance" (1 Corinthians 15v3).  Please note - I was using a whiteboard to write on, and at times the sound will go quieter as I move towards the whiteboard.  I'll remember next time to just have the board right next to me!

Just Another Melodic Monday - In The Sweet By And By

"In The Sweet By And By" - an upbeat song to wake us up this Monday morning by directing us to the glorious future that is promised to those who trust in Jesus Christ!

Just Another Melodic Monday - Make Me Wise

We sang this children's song for the first time last Sunday morning.  It reminds us of the importance of wisdom, and provides a great opportunity to explain to the young ones what it means to be wise!

Some Words for Tuesday - Psalm 22: David, Jesus and Me

In Psalm 22, David writes prophetically about the suffering of Jesus Christ on the cross, and poetically about his own suffering as a child of God.  In this message, we explore how we can connect this psalm to our own suffering, and thus find a resource of strength and hope.

Just Another Melodic Monday (on a Tuesday) - You are my all in all

A beautiful version of "You are my all in all" by Mark Rasmussen and friends: "Jesus, precious Lamb of God, worthy is your name!"

Some Words for Tuesday - Stand firm in your freedom (Galatians 5)

Paul encourages the church community in Galatia to stand firm in the freedom that Christ has obtained for them.  What is this freedom, and why is it so important?  What does a community of freed people look like?  We explore the answers to these questions in this message.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Man of Sorrows

We sang this classic hymn, "Man of Sorrows", on Sunday morning, and here is an acoustic version by The Fox Hounds (with just a few tweaks to give it a fresh sound.)

Some More Words for Tuesday - Matthew 8: The Authority of Jesus Christ

We've finally caught up with our recordings of our current sermon series in the gospel of Matthew!  Jesus demonstrates his authority over the spiritual realm as he casts out demons and we recognise, therefore, that our hope of eternal life is secure in Jesus Christ.

Some Words for Tuesday - Matthew 8: Terms and Conditions

Most of us are familiar with "terms and conditions".  Usually, they tell us what we're responsible for.  In Matthew 8, Jesus gives us some terms and conditions for following him.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Safe

"Safe" by Victory Worship is a song that expresses the absolute security we find in Jesus Christ.

Some Words for Wednesday: Don't wait to become worthy (Matthew 8)

In this passage, we are given a preview of the grace of God and His plan of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Some Words for Tuesday: Jesus Christ and the Authority of God (Matthew 8)

When Jesus is approached by a man with leprosy (in Matthew 8), it's tempting to turn the man into a metaphor, and to compare his leprosy with our sin.  However, if we do that, we're in danger of turning a real event into a parable.

Instead we are to consider what this witnessed event teaches us about Jesus, and how we should respond to the one who speaks with the authority of God.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Grace Unmeasured

Grace is one of the things we've been looking at recently in the Gospel of Matthew, so here is "Grace Unmeasured", a song from Sovereign Grace Music.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Show Us Christ

This song, from Sovereign Grace Music and called "Show Us Christ", recognises that God reveals His glory through the preaching of His Word.

Just Another Melodic Monday - There Is A Day

The song "There is a day" encourages us to live now in the light of the future that is secured by Jesus Christ for all of his people. 

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen." (2 Corinthians 4v17-18) 

Just Another Melodic Monday - Where, O Grave, Is Your Victory?

We've recently been learning this song as a church community.  It reminds us of the incredible future promised through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I've put the lyrics below the video.

Through all life’s sorrows and despairs

I will not be moved

When facing death I need not fear

I have this hope secured

Because Christ died at Calvary

Sin has on me no claim

Because he overcame the grave

With him I will be raised

Where, O grave, is your victory? 
Where, O death, is your sting? 
Eternity is won for me 
By heaven’s eternal King

On that glorious final day
I will not sleep or fade
But gazing on his nail-pierced hands
I’ll instantly be changed

Where, O grave, is your victory?...

Robed with immortality
Before his throne we’ll sing
At last reflecting perfectly
The glory of our King

Where, O grave, is your victory?...

Words & Music: © 2013 Ben Slee

Some Words for Wednesday - Don't Trust Your Heart & Your Hope To A Hypocrite (Matthew 7)

In the gospel of Matthew (chapter 7, verse 11) Jesus tells us about the kind of relationship we should avoid having with religious hypocrites.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Were you there...?

A classic from the archives - Johnny Cash and co performing "Were you there when they crucified my Lord?"

Some Words for Wednesday - Seek first the kingdom of God

Our series in the sermon on the Mount continues, as Jesus encourages his followers to not be anxious, but instead to trust in God's care for his people.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Love Come To Life

A beautiful, live recording of "Love Come To Life" by Melissa Helser and Molly Skaggs.

Friday to the Father (16/06/17)

Jesus said: "This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven...' " (Matthew 6v9)

Thank you for your prayers for us.  We continue to be encouraged.  The Lord has answered prayer regarding employment for myself.  Please continue to pray for others in the church as they seek stability in their work roles.  Pray that daily needs would be met, and wise choices would be made.

We're encouraged as we see people meeting together on Sunday mornings.  Pray for those who attend regularly but have not yet trusted in Jesus Christ.  We long to see people put their faith in Christ - ask God to pour out His mercy and bring the lost into the kingdom.

We're encouraged by those who come to the Mothers and Toddlers group on Wednesdays, and the fortnightly after-school club we help with on Thursdays (we again had about 30 children and family members attend our most recent half-term meal).  Pray for the children who attend, and for their families, as we share the message and the love of Christ.  Pray also that the Lord would open doors as we explore options for the next academic year.

We'll be meeting as a church in July to discuss future plans and consider how the Lord is developing the church's ministry.  Pray that God would guide us and lead us in His will.

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Some Words for Wednesday - The terror of losing what we treasure (Matthew 6)

I was feeling really ill when I shared this message, so it's shorter and more subdued than usual!  In the light of recent events, we may be asking ourselves: "Is there anything that can't be taken from us?"  In this sermon, I consider the answer that Jesus gives to that question.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Pass me not, O gentle Saviour

Pass me not, O gentle Saviour,

Hear my humble cry;

While on others thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.

Just Another Melodic Monday - It Is Well With My Soul

An acoustic version of an uplifting hymn, with a different chorus to the usual one.  The hymn reminds us of the eternal faithfulness of God; that, whatever my lot, "it is well with my soul".

The song is taken from the album "Draw me nearer" by Amy, Alisa and Mark Rasmussen.

Some Words for Wednesday - Praying to the Father (Matthew 6)

In Matthew 6, Jesus provides a model for prayer, and teaches us how to pray to a Father who is God.

Just Another Melodic Monday - The Cause of Christ

"The Cause of Christ" is a song from Kari Jobe's latest album, "The Garden", which we started to learn at our last song evening.  

Some Words for Wednesday - Matthew 6 - The Radiant, Hidden Life

In Matthew 5, Jesus has prompted his followers to cultivate the radiant life - to "let your light shine" (Matthew 5v16).  Now, in Matthew 6, Jesus prompts his followers to cultivate the hidden life, and gives examples of giving, praying and fasting.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Creation Sings The Father's Song

We sang this together recently.  Although the timing can be a little tricky to learn, the words are a great reminder that Christ came to redeem and renew the whole Creation.

Friday to the Father (12/5/17)

Jesus said: "This then is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven...' " (Matthew 6v9)

Thank you for all of your prayers for the work of the gospel in Welshpool.  We continue to be encouraged when meeting together on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.  Please pray that the Lord would build us up as the body of Christ, and that we would see unbelievers putting faith in Jesus Christ.

We're thankful for the opportunities to share the love of Christ during the after-school club and the mothers & toddlers group we're involved in.  Please pray for spiritual fruit to develop through these ministries, and that we'll be able to build relationships with the families.  Praise God that, at our after-school club meal last term, lots of children and family members came along - there were 35 of us altogether!

Please pray for the Lord's provision for our daily needs as several people within the church go through employment changes.

We're planning to meet in the near future to discuss future possibilities for the church and its ministry.  Please pray for unity and wisdom, particularly as we gradually move towards independence from our planting church.  

Thank you for your continued prayers.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Some Words for Wednesday - Jesus and the Law of Moses (Matthew 5)

We're now returning to our series in the gospel of Matthew.  In chapter 5, Jesus speaks about "the Law and the Prophets" before going on to describe the challenge of living now as citizens of God's kingdom.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Cornerstone (Acoustic Version)

Well, it's taken me a while to get back into the routine of updating the blog, but I am back.  The series "Around The Bible..." took a lot more work than I had anticipated, and with limited time, something had to give!  However, I'm now preaching through Matthew again, and slowing down the pace a bit so I can share more with those who are praying for Welshpool Community Church.  Your prayerful support is greatly appreciated.

Here's a song to start the week, drawing our attention to the solid foundation we find when we build our lives upon Jesus Christ and his gospel.

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Some Words for Friday: Around The Bible in 80 Days - Day 78: Return to the Tree of Life

Wow!  We've reached the end!  This is not only the last in our series "around the Bible in 80 days", but also the first time I've preached from the Book of Revelation!  We consider why Revelation is unique in the New Testament, while at the same time being not-so-unique, and focus our attention on the blessing that is promised to those who have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb.

Some Words For Thursday: Around The Bible in 80 Days - Day 71: The Holy Spirit and The Apostles

We reach day 71 of our journey "around the Bible in 80 days"!  Jesus ascends to heaven, and pours out the promised Holy Spirit.  The Apostles share the gospel with the enabling of the Spirit, and church communities begin to form as dwelling places for God.

Some Words for Tuesday: Around The Bible in 80 Days: Day 64 - The Resurrection

Jesus rises from the dead, confirming he is the king who can rule over an eternal, stable kingdom!  We continue our journey "around the Bible in 80 days" with the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Some Words for Sunday: Around The Bible in 80 Days - Day 57 - Jesus Christ

We enter the New Testament on our journey "around the Bible in 80 days".  We consider the life and death of Jesus Christ, and how they confirm that Jesus is the long-expected, unexpected King.

Some Words for Saturday: Around The Bible in 80 Days - Day 50: Return from Exile

We come to the end of the Old Testament as we reach day 50 of our journey "around the Bible in 80 days".  The people of God return home from exile.  It is a time of restoration and rebuilding, and yet there is a sense of disappointment.  God provides the hope of a more glorious future, and we learn more about the gospel.

Some Words for Friday: Around The Bible in 80 Days - Day 44: The Exile

As we continue our journey "around the Bible in 80 days", we reach the time of the exile, and God's promises appear to be breaking.  Is there hope for God's people?  And what does this period of Biblical history teach us about the gospel?

Some Words for Thursday: Around The Bible in 80 Days - Day 36: David

I'm finally catching up with uploading sermons to the blog!  We reach Day 36 of our journey around the Bible, and the time of David the king.  What does this period of history teach us about the gospel?

Some Words for Wednesday - Around The Bible in 80 Days - Day 29: Moses

Continuing our series "around the Bible in 80 days", reaching day 29 and the time of Moses and the Exodus.  How is the gospel of Jesus Christ revealed in these historical events?

Words for Wednesday - Around The Bible in 80 Days - Day 22 - Abraham and Isaac

We continue our journey "around the Bible in 80 days", reaching day 22 and God's promises to Abraham.  What do these promises teach us about Jesus Christ?

Some Words for Friday - Around The Bible in 80 Days - Day 8: Noah

We're taking a Christ-centred journey around the Bible in 80 days (or 11 Sunday mornings), starting at the tree of life in Genesis and finishing at the tree of life in Revelation.  

Our guide is Luke 24:27: "And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself."  

We've reached Day 8: Noah and the Ark.

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Some Words for Thursday - With Great Blessing Comes Great Responsibility (Matthew 5v13-16)

We're coming to a break in our series in Matthew, looking this week at the verses following "the beatitudes".  We see that the promises of future blessing do not lead to spiritual laziness in the present, but spiritual vigour.

(You'll notice we're trying a different format for the recordings, using Soundcloud instead of Youtube.  This should (hopefully) allow you to download the recording, rather than having to listen to it streaming.)