Ascension Sunday | John 17:20–26 | Rev. Andrew

In this Ascension Sunday sermon, Rev. Andrew Irwin opens Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17 and reflects on what it means for the Church to be united in glory, grace, and mission. Preached in the days leading up to Pentecost, this message reminds us that before Jesus ascended, he prayed — not only for his disciples, but for all who would come to believe in him. That includes us today.

Andrew explores how this prayer still shapes our identity and calling: we are a people who are united by faith, sent by the Spirit, and sustained by God’s love. Drawing on vivid scenes from city life in Belfast, the sermon paints a compelling picture of how the Church can be a sign of hope and transformation — not by uniformity, but by the shared life and love of Christ working through us.

“Unity is not just a structure. It’s the presence of Christ among his people. It’s not earned — it’s received by grace.”

In a fragmented world, this episode invites you to rediscover your part in Christ’s answered prayer: to live as one, so that the world might believe.

In this episode, we explore Psalm 63 and the invitation to spiritual vitality in the dry seasons of life. Preaching from the wilderness, David models not perfection, but presence—a deep longing for God in the midst of spiritual weariness. As Andrew Irwin opens the psalm, we hear how spiritual freshness isn’t a luxury for the elite, but a necessity for the ordinary. It’s not found in mere religious activity, but in intimacy with God—desiring Him above comfort, finding satisfaction in His presence, and trusting Him even when enemies surround. Through this powerful and personal psalm, we’re reminded that God meets us in our longing, holds us in our weakness, and satisfies us with Himself. If you’re in a season of dryness or distance, this message is for you. Take heart—His love is still better than life.

In this week’s sermon from Revelation 7, Andrew offers a powerful vision of the church gathered in worship — not only as a future reality in heaven, but as a present call for the people of God today. Through John’s glimpse of a great multitude clothed in white and united in praise, we are reminded that our identity is shaped by grace, not striving. We worship not because we are perfect, but because Christ has made us his. This passage challenges us to reflect the throne-room in our life together and sends us out to welcome others into the joy of the Lamb. Listen as we consider what it means to be a worshipping, witnessing, and welcoming church in North Belfast and beyond.

In this episode, we reflect on Thomas’s encounter with the risen Christ from John 20:24–31 and explore how Jesus meets us not with rebuke but with grace, inviting us—like Thomas—to see, believe, and proclaim, “My Lord and my God.” Rev. Andrew Irwin reminds us that faith begins not with perfect understanding but with honest longing and a real encounter with Jesus. The message challenges us to live in response to Christ’s wounds and resurrection by making him seen in the world around us, carrying the same invitation that still stands today.

Here’s a one-paragraph podcast episode description for you:

In this episode, Rev. Andrew Irwin opens John 20:19–31 and reflects on how the risen Jesus meets his fearful followers behind locked doors, speaks peace into their hearts, and shows his scars as the signs of victory. Just as Jesus was sent by the Father, so he sends us — a wounded yet Spirit-empowered Church — into a wounded world. Listen in as we are reminded that we are called to move outwards, not in our own strength, but in the way of the Cross, by the breath of the Spirit, carrying the hope and healing of the resurrection into everyday life.

On this Easter Sunday at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Rev. Andrew Irwin preaches from John 20:1–18, reflecting on the quiet yet world-changing moment when Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus. In a world that often looks for spectacle, the resurrection comes with tenderness and truth — a Saviour who calls us by name and commissions us to go. This episode explores the hope, wonder, and challenge of resurrection life today.

On Palm Sunday, Rev. Andrew Irwin opens up Luke 19:28–40 with a powerful reflection on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem — not as a warrior king, but as the humble saviour riding on a donkey. Set against the backdrop of a city at boiling point, both ancient Jerusalem and modern Belfast come into view as places of longing, tension, and hope. In this episode, we are invited to consider how Jesus comes not to meet our expectations but to shatter them with something far better — a kingdom built not by power or pride, but through the cross. Will we recognise him, receive him, and respond with lives of worship?

In this message from John 12:1–8, Rev. Andrew reflects on Mary’s extraordinary act of devotion as she anoints Jesus with costly perfume. Her worship overflows from a heart transformed by thankfulness—not just for her brother Lazarus being raised, but because she has come to see Jesus for who He truly is: the Messiah, the Lord of life and death. Contrasting Mary’s humility with Judas’ critique, we’re challenged to examine our own hearts: do our lives reflect true worship, or are we dulled by worldly logic disguised as piety? As we draw near to the Cross, this message invites us to consider what our worship says about who we believe Jesus is, and what we live for.

In this special Mothering Sunday message, Rev. Andrew Irwin reflects on the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32), inviting us to consider what it truly means to come home. Beginning with the image of home as more than just a place—a space of belonging, formation, and love—he draws attention to how Mothering Sunday historically called people back to their “mother church.” The parable then becomes a lens through which we see the heart of God as a loving Father who runs to meet the broken and repentant, restoring them not as servants but as sons and daughters.

The teaching highlights that both sons in the story are lost: the younger in rebellion, the older in self-righteousness. Yet the Father pursues them both. Jesus uses this to challenge His listeners—especially the religious leaders—to grasp the radical nature of God’s grace. The call is simple yet profound: we are all invited home. Whether we’ve wandered far or stayed close but cold in heart, the Father’s arms are open. The question is: how will we respond to His grace?

Teaching Summary:

God’s grace welcomes the repentant home, restores the broken fully, and invites even the self-righteous to celebrate. Both the rebellious and the religious need the Father’s compassion.

Episode Title: Who Will You Serve? – Luke 4:1-13

In this episode, Rev. Andrew Irwin explores the powerful moment in Luke 4:1-13 where Jesus is tested in the wilderness. As Lent calls us to reflection and renewal, this passage asks a crucial question: Who or what will you serve?

Jesus faces three temptations—provision, power, and presumption—each challenging His trust in God. Where Israel failed in the wilderness, Christ stands firm, proving Himself faithful and worthy of our worship. In a world that constantly pulls us toward self-sufficiency and control, Jesus calls us to trust in Him alone.

Join us as we unpack this passage and consider what it means to serve the only King who truly gives life.