A Christmas Message: God's Extended Household (Luke 2:22-38)

 After the challenging year we've had, many people are seeking comfort and consolation at this Christmas time.  In this sermon (recorded on Sunday 20th December), we look in Luke's gospel at a man called Simeon, who was also waiting to be comforted.  We discover why he was able to rejoice when he saw the baby Jesus and how the comfort he experienced is still available today to people from all walks of life.

Welshpool Community Church · Christmas Message: God's Extended Household

A Christmas Message: When Christmas was almost cancelled (Matthew 2:1-18)

How do we avoid feeling like Christmas has been cancelled this year?  

In this message, we look back at the time when King Herod set out to kill the infant Jesus - a time when Christmas really was almost cancelled - and we explore the story told by the gifts of the Wise Men and how, in Jesus Christ, we find a joy that we can cling to and a joy-giver who will cling to us.

Welshpool Community Church · A Christmas Message: When Christmas Was Almost Cancelled

A Christmas Message: A small gathering for a big event (Luke 2:8-20)

This year, many people have had to organise a big event where they have only been allowed a small gathering.  When the number of invitations are limited, then those who do get an invite must be particularly important in some way.  

In this Christmas message, we explore why God chooses to invite a few shepherds to one of the biggest events in history - the birth of God's Son.

Welshpool Community Church · A Christmas Message: A Small Gathering For A Big Event

Just Another Melodic Monday: Psalm 121 (I lift my eyes)

During a time when we may be feeling isolated, it's good to be reminded that the Lord is with us and will help us.  Today's song, based on Psalm 121, is written by Kristyn Getty, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker and Matt Papa.  The words of the chorus are:

O my soul, praise the Lord most high

Strong to save, He upholds my life

Forevermore, he will be my light

I lift my eyes up to the Lord most high

Just Another Melodic Monday - O Come All You Unfaithful

"O Come All You Unfaithful" is written by Lisa Clow and Bob Kauflin and is the first track to be released from Sovereign Grace Music's forthcoming Christmas album, "Heaven has come".  Here is information from the YouTube page, explaining the filming of the video:

This video contains people who are processing “O Come, All You Unfaithful,” most of them for the first time, in light of their own experiences. A stillborn child. A strained marriage. Feelings of shame. Legalism. Loss. Loneliness. Or simply having a heart that weeps with those who weep. We think seeing their responses as Lisa Clow sings communicates even more clearly that Jesus wasn’t born for people who have it all together. He was born for those who have nothing. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”” (Matthew 11.28–30, ESV) “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1.21, ESV) So come.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

When we face the storms of life, it is good to know that Jesus Christ remains faithful as our Saviour and Lord; he is, as this song puts it, "the sure and steady anchor".  Whatever difficulties and weaknesses we experience, we can be assured of Christ's steadfastness.  

"Christ the Sure and Steady Anchor" is written by Matt Papa and Matt Boswell.

Just Another Melodic Monday - I will wait for you (Psalm 130)

20schemes is a ministry in Scotland that seeks to plant churches and evangelise in Scotland's poorest communities, the housing schemes.  Learn more about their work from their website: https://20schemes.com/

Today's song is taken from the 20schemes Music channel on YouTube.  The song is called "I will wait for you" and is written by Keith Getty, Stuart Townend, Jordan Kauflin and Matt Merker.  It's based on Psalm 130, which says in verse 5: "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope."

Sermon: The King in His Suffering (Psalm 22)

In this sermon, we look at Psalm 22 and learn how we are able to connect the suffering of David with both the suffering of Jesus Christ and our own suffering. When we do that, we discover truths that give us hope for the future and help us to move forward in life after we have experienced unjust suffering.

Welshpool Community Church · The King in His Suffering

Just Another Melodic Monday - Church (Take Me Back)

In Ephesians 2:11-22, the Apostle Paul describes how, through the reconciling work of Jesus Christ, we are able to find a solid foundation and a spiritual family in the church.

But later, in Revelation chapter 2, we find a letter written to the church in Ephesus where Christ warns them (verse 4): "But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first."

"Church (Take me back)" is a testimony song by Cochran & Co. about a person who had drifted away from church and from the cross.  The words of the second verse of the song struck me:

Tried to walk on my own but I wound up lost

Now I'm making my way to the foot of the cross

It's not a trophy for the winners

It's a shelter for the sinners

And it's right where I belong

Let's pray that, with so many church worship services now being made available to watch online, there will be many coming back to Jesus Christ and the love they had at first.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Forever Jesus

"Forever Jesus" is the newly released song from writers Matt Papa and Stuart Townend.  

Here are the words from the video's description on YouTube:

"Little did we know, when we were crafting the last verse of this new hymn, how relevant the lyric would be to the times we are living in:

“My final breath shall be forever Jesus

When shadows lengthen before my eyes;

My Lord and Friend, companion through the valley

When dearest ones are left behind,

His hand will lead me to the light.”

Not only are so many of us facing the prospect of battling this awful virus that has claimed so many lives already. But loved ones, relatives and friends are literally having to "be left behind" as the ill are taken into hospital, because of the dangers of passing on the virus. How important, then, to be reminded that Christ is there to "lead us to the light" - whether that is the light of eventual recovery, or (and this is the reality) the light of His eternal presence.
Perhaps we are not keen to be reminded of the awfulness of the times in which we live in a song! But to know that we are completely held in His loving arms, and guided by His all-powerful hand, is so vital for every single one of us right now."

Sermon: Knowing Christ (1 Peter 1:20-21)

In this message, we learn about God's rescue plan for sinners and how Jesus Christ is "made manifest" today.

Welshpool Community Church · Knowing Christ

Sermon: Facing the World (1 Peter 1:13-19)

In this message, we discover how the Christian hope of heaven can help us to face the world, and how we will live in the world if we are conscious of the cost of our hope.

Welshpool Community Church · Facing The World

Just Another Melodic Monday - There was Jesus

Dolly Parton provides backing vocals to this song by Zach Williams, called "There was Jesus".  The song provides a testimony of the faithfulness of our Saviour in every situation.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Your Grace Still Amazes Me

Here's a beautiful reminder of the wonder we experience when we think about God's grace.  The song is called "Your grace still amazes me" and is performed by Fountainview Academy, a Christian High School in Canada.

Morning Worship Service, 31st May

Here's a link to a recording of our Morning Worship Service that was livestreamed on Sunday, 31st May.  The service includes songs, prayers and a children's talk, plus Tom Magness preaches from Isaiah 7 on the theme of "Faith vs. Fear".

Just Another Melodic Monday - Worthy, Worthy

It's interesting that, in response to lockdown restrictions, so many churches are now recording songs of worship and putting them on YouTube.  It's an opportunity to hear Christian hymns and songs that are new to us.  "Worthy, Worthy" is a song I've not heard before which draws us to praise an infinite and awesome God who has made himself known to us.

The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament (1 Peter 1:10-12)

What was the Holy Spirit doing before Jesus was born? And if the Christian faith is all about Christ, why should we bother reading the Old Testament? We consider the answers to these questions and others in this sermon, based on 1 Peter 1:10-12.

Welshpool Community Church · The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament

How we can know and love Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:8-9)

If Jesus Christ lived 2000 years ago, how can we know him, let alone love him? We look at the answer to that question by considering Peter's words in 1 Peter 1:8-9, beginning: "Though you have not seen him, you love him."

Welshpool Community Church · How we can know and love Jesus Christ

God's Purposes in Our Suffering (1 Peter 1:6-7)

We can trust God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, and thus we are able to hold onto joy even when we suffer. In this part of his letter, Peter writes that God has a purpose in our "various trials" - he is proving the genuineness of our faith so that we will be ready for the day when Jesus Christ returns.

Welshpool Community Church · God's purposes in our suffering

The Promise of Praise, Honour and Glory (1 Peter 1:3-5)

In this sermon, we discover the reasons why Peter begins with an exclamation of praise for God. He writes of the clear and concrete hope we have because of God's plan, God's promises and God's power.

Welshpool Community Church · The Promise of Praise, Honour and Glory

God's Perfect Plan for an Imperfect World (1 Peter 1:1-2)

We're beginning a series of sermons going through Peter's first letter in the New Testament. In this introductory message, we recognise that Peter was an imperfect person writing to Christians in an imperfect situation but telling them about God's perfect plan.

Welshpool Community Church · God's Perfect Plan for an Imperfect World

Just Another Melodic Monday - Bluegrass Special!

Keith and Kristyn Getty are well known for their Christian worship songs.  During the lockdown, they've been sharing "Family Hymn Sings" on their YouTube channel, and the most recent was a bluegrass special!  Be encouraged as the whole family sings some classic hymns.

Just Another Melodic Monday: Before the Throne of God Above

This version of "Before the Throne of God Above", performed by Joseph Bradshaw and Sandra McCracken, provides us with a soothing sound and encouraging words for the start the week.  

The song reminds us of the greatness and glory of Jesus Christ; that he is the "sinless Saviour" who "made an end of all my sin"; and he is also the "risen Lamb" and my "great High Priest... who ever lives and pleads for me".  He truly is "the King of glory and of grace"!

Spiritual Growth, Episode 4: Love

In this Bible study, we first recognise God's plan for Christians to grow up spiritually, even when experiencing suffering. Then, we look at 1 John 4:7-11 and 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 and consider how important Christian love is in the life of a believer: "...and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love..."

Spiritual Growth, Episode 3: Prayer

In this Bible study, we first recognise God's plan for Christians to grow up spiritually, even in difficult circumstances. Then, we look at Colossians 4:2: "Continue steadfastly in prayer..." and consider how important the regular practice of prayer is in the life of a Christian.

Just Another Melodic Monday: Christ our Treasure

Today's song is taken from the album "The Glorious Christ" produced by Sovereign Grace Music, and its simple words express an important truth: "Christ our treasure, there is none like you!"

Spiritual Growth Episode 2: The Bible

God has given us the Bible as a means for spiritual growth.  In this study, we examine Paul's instruction in 2 Timothy 3:14: "...continue in what you have learned and firmly believed..." and consider what that looks like in practice.

Spiritual Growth Episode 1: An Introduction

We've started a series of Bible studies on Wednesday evenings looking at God's plan for the Christian life, and in this introduction, we recognise that God wants Christians to keep growing up spiritually, even while a lot of life is in lockdown.

Just Another Melodic Monday: Your Will be Done

Here is the latest song from CityAlight, called "Your Will be Done", encouraging us to trust in the Lord during this pandemic.  In their own words from their YouTube channel: 

"There is a God who is still ruling on the throne, and He is our good and loving Father.  If there is anything in which you can put your trust at this uncertain time, let it be the will of your loving Father.  Church, in the chaos - in bedrooms, living rooms, hospital rooms, and virtual rooms - let us lift our voices in prayer and sing, 'Father, not my will but yours be done!' "

A Midweek Message: The Death of Christ

In this second part of our series, we consider the death of Christ as we focus on 1 John 4:10: "In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son to be a propitiation for our sin."

Jesus Christ came to die on a cross, so that the anger of God could be absorbed and the love of God could be outpoured.

A Midweek Message: The Life of Christ

This is the first in a four-part series, looking at the life, death, resurrection and ascension to Heaven of Jesus Christ.  We'll be considering why they are all so important to the Christian faith.

This first part is based on 2 Corinthians 5:21: "For our sake, he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."  We learn that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life so that he could die carrying the sins of other people, and cover those people with his own sinless life.

Just Another Melodic Monday: Christ Our Hope in Life and Death

"Christ Our Hope in Life and Death" is a modern hymn by a group of songwriters from Getty Music.  It reminds us that, through the resurrection of Christ, we have a hope that enables us to sing in the face of death, for Christ has promised us a glorious future and a life beyond death's reach.

A Monday Message: Be Encouraged and an Encourager (Psalm 118)

This is a recording of the sermon from the first service to be live-streamed from our lounge last Sunday morning.  Even though we weren't able to meet together as a church, it was still wonderful to be able to connect with so many people over the internet!  

The message was based on Psalm 118, and explored the encouragement of community; the encouragement of testimony; and the encouragement of the gospel.

A Midweek Message: Evangelical Distinctives

In this sermon, Roger Davies explores the Gospel of Luke chapters 23 and 24, and provides a list of  Christian beliefs that are also "Evangelical Distinctives".

A Midweek Message: A Fatal Mystery (Daniel pt. 3)

How can someone remain calm in a crisis?  

In Daniel chapter 2, a mystery becomes an emergency when human power and knowledge are ineffective.  However, while others are panicking, Daniel exhibits prudence (being calm and wise), prayer (trusting God to help) and praise (in response to God's mercies).  

In this message, we consider how we can respond in the same way if we have the same faith as Daniel.

A Midweek Message: Dinner or Death! (Daniel pt.2)

We're continuing our series called "Choose God's Adventure" in the Book of Daniel.

Can God be in control, even when life is difficult?  The answer from the first chapter of Daniel is "Yes!"  In this message, we see the sovereignty of God in the life of His people, especially Daniel and his 3 friends.

Just Another Melodic Monday - How can it be?

Here is a wonderful acappella song by the Doxology Vocal Ensemble called "How can it be?"  The song expresses wonder at the grace and mercy that we find when we turn to God and ask for his forgiveness: "Oh, the grace reaching out for me - how can it be?"

Just Another Melodic Monday - Who is like the Lord?

CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International) provides the pathway and resources for churches to legally use Christian songs and videos for church worship.  They regularly update their Youtube channel with live performances of worship songs, and here is one example - "Who is like the Lord?" by Highlands Worship.

A Midweek Message: Choose God's Adventure (Daniel 1)

This is an introductory message to the book of Daniel, which we'll be teaching from for the next few months on Sunday evenings.  The title of the series is "Choose God's Adventure", and in this first sermon, we explore some of the history and context of the book.

A Midweek Message: True Greatness (Matthew 20)

As we look at the gospel of Matthew, chapter 20, we consider how Jesus defines, describes and demonstrates true greatness.  "Whoever would be great among you must be your servant..." (v26).

Just Another Melodic Monday - Give me Jesus

"Give me Jesus" was written about 150 years ago, and is a simple hymn that calls us to focus on Jesus Christ as the one who can truly give us satisfaction and peace.  This version is sung by "Sounds like Reign".  Their songs are free to download from their website, soundslikereign.com.

A Midweek Message: The Lord who welcomes (Matthew 19)

The disciples of Jesus are surprised again as Jesus welcomes and prays for little children.  In this sermon, we consider what the response of Jesus tells us about how he will welcome anyone who approaches him "like a little child".

A Midweek Message - Divorce and Remarriage (Matthew 19)

In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 19, the comments that Jesus makes about divorce and remarriage shock his followers, and we learn about God's plan for marriage and for singleness.

Just Another Melodic Monday - Psalm 23

This song is simply the words of Psalm 23 set to music.  The arrangement is written by Adam Wright under the moniker of "The Corner Room", and he has produced several albums where the songs are all Scripture passages set to music.  Although they aren't necessarily suitable for congregational singing, they can still be helpful as part of personal devotions.

Just Another Melodic Monday: Firm Foundation

"Firm Foundation" is written by Piper Jones, Rachel Hale and Sean Fallon.  The song reminds us that when someone trusts in Jesus Christ, they find a solid foundation upon which to build their life and a Saviour who will never leave them nor forsake them.  As the chorus says, "You are the hope to which I cling". 

Just Another Melodic Monday - For the Cause

"For the Cause of Christ the King", by Keith and Kristyn Getty and Stuart Townend, calls us to renew our commitment to walk in faith and to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.  

Words from the last verse can be offered as a prayer: "Let it be my life's refrain: 'To live is Christ, to die is gain!'

Just Another Melodic Monday - His Mercy is More

"His Mercy is More" is a song that we learned as a church last year, written by Matt Boswell and Matt Papa.  The words remind us of the mercy and forgiveness that we find when we come to God through Jesus Christ, for "in him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of his grace..." (Ephesians 1:7).

Just Another Melodic Monday: Turn your eyes

I heard this song back in November at a Sovereign Grace conference for pastors.  "Turn your eyes" is an update of an old chorus, and the extra verses help us to understand what it means to look to Jesus in faith as we remember his death, his resurrection and his promised return.  

The song is on the latest Sovereign Grace live album, "The Glorious Christ".