In this episode Chris from Open Doors explores what it means to be a witness for Jesus in a world that often responds with hostility. Through Scripture—especially Jesus’ call to be witnesses and the Beatitudes—Chris frames the reality that following Christ can be costly but also redeeming. He shares powerful stories from around the world: Baheer from Turkmenistan who found faith amid brutality and forgave his persecutor; John from Yemen who left Islam for Christ and now ministers online despite daily death threats; Manga from Nigeria who survived a Boko Haram attack and bears the scars as testimony; and Ju Min from North Korea who returned to risk everything to encourage believers at home.

The episode covers global statistics on persecution, the theological context of suffering and reward, practical ways listeners can help—praying, signing petitions, and learning how to intercede—and an urgent call to stand with the persecuted church. Expect biblical teaching, moving testimonies, and concrete actions to support fellow believers under threat.

This episode is an expository sermon on Philippians 2:19–30, unpacking Paul’s commendation of Timothy and Epaphroditus as realistic models of gospel-centered service. 

Featured figures and examples include Timothy and Epaphroditus from Scripture, plus modern parallels such as Corrie ten Boom, a long-term missionary couple who left comfort to fight trafficking, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The message highlights themes of sacrificial service, suffering for the gospel, mutual care in the church, and the joy that flows from giving one’s life away for others.

Key takeaways:

Philippians 2:19-30

Matt Adams, member of Foundation Church Belfast

Every Sunday 10:30am - 2d Knockwood Crescent, Belfast, BT5 6GE

We are part of the Advance Movement of churches and the wider Newfrontiers family.

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foundation-church-belfast/id1599109887

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6uAXPfwFLdZGmKFlc0jRLX

Deezer https://link.deezer.com/s/30mr8UHtormGRTICQHHkP

Podbean https://foundationchurchbelfast.podbean.com/ 

Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d056dc4-313c-4ccf-9064-398b5c0a3b06

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@foundationchurchbelfast

The Bible calls us to Shine like lights in a dark world by working out our salvation; that is, expressing our new spiritual life in Christ.

We learn our calling to Shine like lights through:

Philippians 2:12-18

David Varney, pastor Foundation Church Belfast

Every Sunday 10:30am - 2d Knockwood Crescent, Belfast, BT5 6GE

We are part of the Advance Movement of churches and the wider Newfrontiers family.

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foundation-church-belfast/id1599109887

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6uAXPfwFLdZGmKFlc0jRLX

Deezer https://link.deezer.com/s/30mr8UHtormGRTICQHHkP

Podbean https://foundationchurchbelfast.podbean.com/ 

Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d056dc4-313c-4ccf-9064-398b5c0a3b06

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@foundationchurchbelfast

This episode unpacks Philippians 2:1–11, a sermon exploring why Christians should model the gospel in daily life and in the church. Pastor David Varney walks through Paul’s famous Christ-hymn and applies it to us today.

The four reasons to model the gospel

Philippians 2:1-11

David Varney, pastor Foundation Church Belfast

Every Sunday 10:30am - 2d Knockwood Crescent, Belfast, BT5 6GE

We are part of the Advance Movement of churches and the wider Newfrontiers family.

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foundation-church-belfast/id1599109887

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6uAXPfwFLdZGmKFlc0jRLX

Deezer https://link.deezer.com/s/30mr8UHtormGRTICQHHkP

Podbean https://foundationchurchbelfast.podbean.com/ 

Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d056dc4-313c-4ccf-9064-398b5c0a3b06

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@foundationchurchbelfast

In this episode a sermon on Philippians 1:18–30 explores how the Apostle Paul finds unshakable joy despite imprisonment. Pastor David Varney walks listeners through three inroads to joy — expectation, example, and entry — showing how prayer, the Holy Spirit, and partnership in the gospel sustain hope.

Philippians 1:18-30

David Varney, pastor Foundation Church Belfast

Every Sunday 10:30am - 2d Knockwood Crescent, Belfast, BT5 6GE

We are part of the Advance Movement of churches and the wider Newfrontiers family.

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foundation-church-belfast/id1599109887

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6uAXPfwFLdZGmKFlc0jRLX

Deezer https://link.deezer.com/s/30mr8UHtormGRTICQHHkP

Podbean https://foundationchurchbelfast.podbean.com/ 

Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d056dc4-313c-4ccf-9064-398b5c0a3b06

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@foundationchurchbelfast

This episode (Week 2 in the series through Philippians) is a sermon unpacking Philippians 1:12–18. We note how Paul’s imprisonment actually advanced the gospel—so much so that the imperial guard and many others heard about Christ—and explore why that produced joy.

Key topics include three roads that advance the gospel: hardship, example, and rivalry. The message includes reflections on church planting, ageing in ministry, the persecuted church, and practical applications for believers facing personal or communal hardship.

Philippians 1:12-18

David Varney, pastor Foundation Church Belfast

Every Sunday 10:30am - 2d Knockwood Crescent, Belfast, BT5 6GE

We are part of the Advance Movement of churches and the wider Newfrontiers family.

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foundation-church-belfast/id1599109887

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6uAXPfwFLdZGmKFlc0jRLX

Deezer https://link.deezer.com/s/30mr8UHtormGRTICQHHkP

Podbean https://foundationchurchbelfast.podbean.com/ 

Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d056dc4-313c-4ccf-9064-398b5c0a3b06

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@foundationchurchbelfast

Paul’s joy is contagious: even from prison he celebrates the Philippians’ faith, their generous partnership, and the sure promise that God will finish what he began in them.

But can we experience this kind of joy in our own lives? 

How may we lay hold of it?

Exodus 24:1 - 25:9

David Varney, pastor Foundation Church Belfast

Every Sunday 10:30am - 2d Knockwood Crescent, Belfast, BT5 6GE

We are part of the Advance Movement of churches and the wider Newfrontiers family.

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foundation-church-belfast/id1599109887

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6uAXPfwFLdZGmKFlc0jRLX

Deezer https://link.deezer.com/s/30mr8UHtormGRTICQHHkP

Podbean https://foundationchurchbelfast.podbean.com/ 

Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d056dc4-313c-4ccf-9064-398b5c0a3b06

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@foundationchurchbelfast

This message walks through Exodus 24 in a really simple way: God calls his people, cleanses them with covenant blood, communes with them at the table, and then sends them out on mission. It’s a down-to-earth reminder that God draws near, makes us clean, shares life with us, and gives us purpose.

If you’re curious about what that means for you: consider giving your allegiance to Jesus, plugging into a church family, and letting your time, talent, and treasure be used for something bigger. Come along — God wants to be with you and send you out.

Exodus 24:1 - 25:9

David Varney, pastor Foundation Church Belfast

Every Sunday 10:30am - 2d Knockwood Crescent, Belfast, BT5 6GE

We are part of the Advance Movement of churches and the wider Newfrontiers family.

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foundation-church-belfast/id1599109887

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6uAXPfwFLdZGmKFlc0jRLX

Deezer https://link.deezer.com/s/30mr8UHtormGRTICQHHkP

Podbean https://foundationchurchbelfast.podbean.com/ 

Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d056dc4-313c-4ccf-9064-398b5c0a3b06

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@foundationchurchbelfast

Remember the Magi who left everything to follow a star? This passage (Matthew 2:1–12) shows Jesus isn’t just a newborn; he’s God worth our humility, time, and money. They dropped their status, travelled far, and worshipped him — and that same call is for you and me.

So let’s be honest: what do we treasure most? The story nudges us to treasure Jesus above all, to worship from the heart, and to let that worship spill into how we live, give, and love others. Come with me this year — let’s choose him first, together.

Matthew 2:1-12

Matt Adams

Every Sunday 10:30am - 2d Knockwood Crescent, Belfast, BT5 6GE

We are part of the Advance Movement of churches and the wider Newfrontiers family.

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foundation-church-belfast/id1599109887

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6uAXPfwFLdZGmKFlc0jRLX

Deezer https://link.deezer.com/s/30mr8UHtormGRTICQHHkP

Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d056dc4-313c-4ccf-9064-398b5c0a3b06

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@foundationchurchbelfast

Hey—if you’ve ever wondered what Christmas really means beyond carols and tinsel, this episode walks you through the heart-stopping truth: the eternal Son became one of us. We’ll unpack what “incarnation” means, why Jesus had to be fully God and fully human, and how that strange, beautiful act opens the door for us to be forgiven, known, and invited into real fellowship with God.

No heavy theology lecture—just plain talk about how God stepping into our shoes changes everything: your body matters, your hurts are felt, and your future is transformed. Come away with a fresh sense of wonder and the simple, joyful aim of it all: to sit at God’s table and be loved.

John 1:14 & 1 John 1:1-4

David Varney, Pastor at Foundation Church Belfast

Every Sunday 10:30am - 2d Knockwood Crescent, Belfast, BT5 6GE

We are part of the Advance Movement of churches and the wider Newfrontiers family.

Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/foundation-church-belfast/id1599109887

Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/6uAXPfwFLdZGmKFlc0jRLX

Deezer https://link.deezer.com/s/30mr8UHtormGRTICQHHkP

Amazon Music https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/0d056dc4-313c-4ccf-9064-398b5c0a3b06

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@foundationchurchbelfast