St Helen's Sunday talks podcast

George Diwakar - In a broken world filled with uncertainty, disaster and fear, where can we find lasting hope? In Luke 8:22–25, Jesus calms a raging storm, revealing his divine authority over creation and his power to save. See why, even when live feels stormy, we can face the future without fear when we trust in the one who promises to rescue us and bring us home to a perfect new creation.

Aneirin Glyn - What does Jesus calming the raging storm with a word reveal to us? Here is the Creator himself at work controlling the elements. Even more, with Psalm 107 in mind, we see that this action reveals God is bringing to fulfilment his great plan to gather people to himself.

Gwilym Davies - There are so many conflicting voices when it comes to Jesus Christ. It can be overwhelming – and quite discouraging. In John 7, we see that the world can’t think straight about Jesus. But we also see that Jesus has promised to do something about it: to pour out his Spirit like rivers of living water.

Tim Sheppard - When theological experts cast doubt on the teachings of Jesus, it is easy to feel naïve or even to question our beliefs. Have theological experts seen something we haven’t? But John 7 shows us that the crowd has always included so-called ‘expert’ doubters. And just like in Jesus’ day, their doubt does not arise from expertise but rather from poor judgement and ignorance of the Scriptures. Meanwhile, as others in the crowd show us, Jesus really is building his church.

Jack Stileman - How do we receive Jesus’ salvation? In Luke 8:16–21, Jesus warns us that our response to his word reveals what is really going on in our hearts. But he also offers an extraordinary promise: those who hear God’s word and do it belong to his family.

Aneirin Glyn - How can we be those who bear fruit? The kingdom brings light to the world, and so we must shine. As we hear and obey God's word, we show ourselves to be members of his family, people who truly know God as our loving heavenly Father.

Gwilym Davies - Sometimes it feels as though everyone is walking away from Jesus. This can be true on a personal level, as old friends quietly drift away from the Christian faith. It can also seem true on a national level, as church congregations gradually decline. But in today's passage, John wants us to see that, however discouraging this may be, it is no reason to stop listening to Jesus. It does not take him by surprise. And Jesus still has the words of eternal life.

Tim Sheppard - To many, a sermon commending the Bible feels familiar and predictable. However, John 6 concludes with something far more profound, challenging our attitude towards Jesus' words. Peter's famous response to Jesus stands in sharp contrast to that of the other disciples in this passage and provides a crucial model for us to follow.

Jack Stileman - How do we receive the salvation Jesus offers? In Luke 8:1–15, Jesus teaches us that his salvation comes to us through his word. We receive the salvation he offers, therefore, by hearing it. 'Take care, then,' Jesus says, 'how you hear.'

Aneirin Glyn - The stunning kingdom of God is here, advancing through the proclamation of the good news. Jesus shows us the way the word works. Each of us needs to hear, and bear fruit.