Calvary Chapel

The Church that God Builds

Series: Empowered

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 18th October 2026

Passages:

• Matthew 16:18
• Acts 1:1-26
• Acts 2:1-47

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What is the church really? In this sermon on Acts 2 and Matthew 16:18, we see how Jesus keeps His promise, "I will build My church", when the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost.

"The Church God Builds" is the first message in our series on the Holy Spirit at Calvary Chapel Southampton. Working verse by verse through Matthew 16, Acts 1 and Acts 2, we ask why so many people in Britain see church as a building, an institution or a Sunday service. Scripture shows us something far more alive: a Spirit-formed people built by Jesus on Himself.

In this message:

Central idea: We don't build the church for God. God builds His church, by His Spirit, on His Son, and He builds it out of us.

Scripture: Matthew 16:13–18; Acts 1; Acts 2

When You’re Waiting on God | Ruth 3:10–18 | Ruth Waits, Boaz Works

Series: Ruth

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 27th September 2026

Passage: Ruth 3:10-18

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What do you do when you’ve prayed, obeyed, taken the step of faith—and now you have to wait?

In Ruth 3:10–18, Ruth reaches a moment where she can no longer control the outcome. Boaz is willing to redeem her, but there is another redeemer who is nearer. Naomi tells Ruth to wait and trust that Boaz will settle the matter.

This passage reminds us that waiting on God doesn’t mean God is doing nothing. Sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is surrender control and trust the character of our Redeemer.

In this message from Ruth 3:10–18, we explore:

Why waiting can be so difficult

Ruth waits. Boaz works. We trust our Redeemer.

📖 Ruth 3:10–18

You Don’t Have to Hide | Ruth 3:1–9 | Risking Vulnerability

Series: Ruth

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 20th September 2026

Passage: Ruth 3:1-9

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What does faith look like when you don’t know how things will turn out? In Ruth 3:1–9, Ruth takes a courageous step of vulnerability, trusting Boaz—the redeemer—to respond with kindness and faithfulness.

This powerful passage explores trusting God with the outcome, taking the next step of obedience, and coming out of hiding. Ultimately, Ruth’s story points us to Jesus Christ, our greater Redeemer, who knows us completely, loves us completely, and invites us to find refuge in Him.

In this message:

Trust the Redeemer—don’t wait for certainty.

📖 Bible passage: Ruth 3:1–9

If this message encourages you, consider liking the video, subscribing to the channel, and sharing it with someone who needs to be reminded of God’s love and faithfulness.

When Anxiety Won’t Go Away: How to Find Peace When Life Is Unresolved | Philippians 4

Series: Ordinary Church

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 13th September 2026

Passage: Philippians 4:1-23

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When Anxiety Won’t Go Away

What if peace doesn't require your problems to be resolved?

In Philippians 4, Paul speaks to Christians living with conflict, uncertainty, pressure and anxiety. His answer isn't to pretend everything is fine or simply try harder to feel peaceful. Instead, he points us towards a deeper reality: Christ is near, and we don't have to hold everything together ourselves.

Paul teaches us to turn our attention towards Christ, our posture towards others, and our anxieties towards God. We can bring God the things we cannot fix, ask him for what we need, give thanks even while the outcome is uncertain, and learn to trust Christ in both abundance and need.

And the promise is striking. God doesn't necessarily remove the circumstance. He promises that his peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

The diagnosis may still be there.

But you don't have to hold this together.

Jesus is here. Jesus is enough. And while it remains unresolved, you can trust him to stand guard over your heart and mind.

📖 Philippians 4:1–23

Brokenness - 2 Corinthians 4

Series: Topical

Preacher: Mark Walsh

Sunday Morning

Date: 13th September 2026

Passage: 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

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What does God do with our brokenness? In 2 Corinthians 4, Paul shows us that suffering, weakness and pressure don’t have to be the end of the story. Instead, God can use our broken lives to display the life and power of Jesus.

In this encouraging and honest message, we explore how Christians can keep going when life feels hard, where real hope is found in the middle of suffering, and why our struggles can become a place where Christ is seen most clearly.

Philippians 3 | Righteous through Christ

Series: Ordinary Church

Preacher: Zac Prosser

Date: 30th August 2026

Passage: Philippians 3:1-21

Philippians 2:19-29 | The People Every Child Needs

Series: Ordinary Church

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 23rd August 2026

Passage: Philippians 2:19-29

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The People Every Child Needs – Philippians 2:19–29

What does every child need to grow up knowing and following Jesus? In Philippians 2:19–29, Paul introduces us to Timothy and Epaphroditus—two ordinary men whose lives had been shaped by Christ. Their genuine care, sacrificial service and willingness to put others before themselves give us a picture of what Christian faith looks like when it is lived out.

Children learn what Christianity looks like by watching Christians. Parents have a unique responsibility, but they are not alone. Grandparents, friends, youth leaders and the whole church community all have a part to play in creating an environment where the next generation can see Jesus clearly.

This sermon explores what it means to become the kind of people who genuinely care for others, serve sacrificially and put Christ before ourselves. Ultimately, though, Paul points us beyond Timothy and Epaphroditus to Jesus—the One who perfectly demonstrated humility, service and sacrificial love by giving His life for us.

The People Every Child Needs challenges us to ask: What kind of Christian will the next generation see when they look at our lives?

Christlike Humility & Unity | Philippians 2:1–18

Series: Ordinary Church

Preacher: Joseph Connelly

Sunday Morning

Date: 16th August 2026

Passage: Philippians 2:1-18

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What does it look like for an ordinary church to live in a truly extraordinary way?

In Philippians 2:1–18, Paul calls the church to a radically different way of living: putting others before ourselves, pursuing unity, and choosing humility over selfish ambition. At the heart of this passage is the stunning example of Jesus Christ, who willingly humbled Himself, took the form of a servant, and went to the cross — before God exalted Him above every name.

The message of Jesus isn't simply something we believe; it shapes the way we live together.

In this sermon, we explore how the gospel moves us from what Christ has done for us to how we live for one another. If Jesus willingly went down for us, what might it look like for us to go down for others?

Key themes:

📖 Bible passage: Philippians 2:1–18

#Philippians #OrdinaryChurch #Jesus #ChristianLife #Humility #Unity #Gospel #Church #BibleTeachingFor

The King: His Works, Our Worship | Psalms 110–112

Series: Psalms Storyline

Preacher: Simon Lawrenson

Sunday Morning

Date: 16th August 2026

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What happens when we see God’s King rightly?

In Psalms 110–112, we’re taken on a remarkable journey: the King reigns, God’s works reveal His greatness, and His people learn to live in the fear of the Lord.

Psalm 110 points us to Jesus, the exalted Priest-King who reigns at God’s right hand and whose priesthood lasts forever. Psalm 111 turns our attention to the great works and faithful character of the Lord. Then Psalm 112 shows us the person who responds rightly: “Blessed is the man who fears the LORD.”

The movement is simple but profound:

The King → His works → His worshippers

The King we worship shapes the people we become.

And because Christ is on the throne, we don't have to carry the burden of being in charge. We can obey the King, trust the King, and rest in the King.

📖 Psalms 110–112

If this message encourages you, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who might need to hear it.

#Psalm110 #Psalm111 #Psalm112 #Jesus #Worship #ChristianSermon #CalvaryChapel #BibleTeachingFor

The Gospel Cannot Be Chained | Philippians 1:12-30

Series: Ordinary Church

Preacher: Joseph Diaper

Sunday Morning

Date: 2nd August 2026

Passage: Philippians 1:12-30

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The Gospel Cannot Be Chained | Philippians 1:12–30 | Verse-by-Verse Study

What happens when your circumstances seem to stop God's plans? In Philippians 1:12–30, the Apostle Paul writes from a Roman prison cell and reveals an incredible truth: the gospel cannot be chained.

Although imprisoned, Paul rejoices because God is using his suffering to advance the good news of Jesus Christ. His chains become a platform for the gospel, encouraging believers to stand boldly for Christ and reminding us that God's purposes cannot be hindered by human opposition.

In this sermon, we explore:

Why God can use suffering to advance His kingdom.

Whether you're facing hardship, wrestling with fear, or looking for encouragement to share your faith, this passage reminds us that King Jesus is still on the throne, His Word is never bound, and His gospel continues to transform lives.

Key Passage:

Key Truth:

If this message encouraged you, please consider liking the video, subscribing to the channel, and sharing it with someone who needs the hope of Christ today.

#Philippians #BibleStudy #Sermon #ChristianFaith #Gospel #Paul #ToLiveIsChrist #BibleTeaching #ExpositoryPreaching #JesusChrist #ChristianEncouragement #LivingWater