In Acts chapter 4, two ordinary men stand before powerful leaders — and somehow, they’re the freest people in the room. Why does their courage create wonder in some… and resistance in others? This episode explores boldness, surrender, and the quiet cost of embracing truth.

One of the big fears around religion is the idea that people who believe they have the truth can become prideful, divisive and even oppressive. 

Tim explores Acts 4, the nature of truth claims in a diverse society, and how the truth of Christ might bring good news.

A husband and wife in a supermarket.

Today, Mark Greenwood speaks to us on how ordinary interactions can carry extraordinary weight. Why do friendships fade so quickly? What happens when we slow down long enough to really notice people? And why might being yourself matter more than saying the right thing?

Kevin continues our series, For the One, speaking into one of Jesus' most famous parables - The Prodigal Son from Luke 15.

Revisiting a story we think we already know, we discover it’s not really about rebellion or rule-keeping, but the posture of the heart. Set in a moment of tension between the shamed and the self-righteous, Jesus tells a story that unsettles both.

It’s an invitation to look again at how we see God, others… and ourselves.

If repentance feels like a hostile word, you’re not alone. But what if it’s actually the kindest invitation God ever gives?

What if it’s not condemnation but invitation—to enter into a life free from shame and full of goodness.

As we explore Acts 3, we’ll discover a miracle that reveals who Jesus is, exposes the ways we turn from God, and invites us into the beauty and power of a repentant life.

Apologies - There was a slight problem with our recording this week resulting in poor sound quality for about a minute, four minutes in. Stick with it, it clears up soon enough 👍.

Speaking at our baptism service, Tim looks at the parable of the lost sheep from Luke 15.

The stage is set with both “sinners” and religious leaders. Who is Jesus sitting with? We are told that ‘this man welcomes sinners, and eats with them,’ which angers the religious leaders of the day. 

Tim shows us that to gather around Jesus we need to embrace:

Radical honesty about who we are. 

A radical welcome that we can be loved as we are.

Radical dependency, that we can’t do this in our own strength.

We hope you are blessed by this message. If you’d like to find out more about who we are, head to our website:

elimglossop.org.uk

There is a deep longing in the human spirit to be seen and known.

Looking at the encounter in Acts 3 between Peter and the lame man at the beautiful gate we will see that Peter has the eyes, the power and the heart of Christ. 

He really sees the outcast, heals him and completely restores him. 

Peter is a witness to Christ but so is the lame man. As Jesus’ followers, being a witness or sharing our faith can seem like a daunting task. Perhaps we need only to see Him and be seen by Him a little longer. 

A new hope

At the beginning of a new year we all have dreams, aspirations and new hopes. Hope is meant to be a good thing, right?

But what if some hopes are a trap and harm us? How is human hope different to biblical hope? Where is God in all our hopes?

Listen to explore why where we place our hope really matters.

This week we were joined by Elliot Sharp.

Elliot grew up in Huddersfield but was called by God to serve the people of Durres in Albania. During his latest trip back to the UK, God highlighted Glossop to him and we're very glad he did! 

Elliot carries the compassion of God in both a gentle and powerful way and speaks to us today from Psalm 103:8-12.

It is the human condition to forget, to forget all the good things we have been blessed with. Elliot brings to us a simple but profound reminder of God's love and mercy for each and every one of us!

Tim finishes off our consecrated life series with a message on consecrated politics. What does it mean for our politics to be set apart for God?

In Luke 20, some religious leaders try to trap Jesus with a politically loaded question about taxes. Jesus' answer not only amazed those listening at the time, but speaks to us today about the place politics should have for His followers...

"Give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God." Yes, give Caesar that which bears his image but, as His image bearers, we are to give God everything!

As Jesus' followers we shouldn't be divided by our political allegiance, we should be united by the gospel of Jesus Christ.