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SPB Sermons || A worthy Life || Philippians 1:27-30

Living a Worthy Life | Philippians 1:27–30 What does it mean to live a life that is truly worthy ? In a world that measures worth by success, visibility, or possessions, Paul offers a different answer in Philippians 1:27–30. A life of real worth is a life rooted in Christ , shaped by the gospel, and lived out in daily surrender to Him. Paul writes to the Philippians from prison, reminding them that their lives are to “conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (v.27). This worth is not about status or comfort but about standing firm, living faithfully, and finding courage in God’s promises— even in the face of opposition. “A worthy life is not defined by success or status but by Christ at the centre. Every act of faith—seen or unseen—displays the worth of the cross.” Paul reframes hardship as part of the Christian calling. To believe in Christ is also to share in His suffering, trusting that our lives are secure in Him. This perspective ...
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SPB Sermons || True Joy & Gospel Partnership | Philippians 1:1–11

True Joy & Gospel Partnership | Philippians 1:1–11 How are you—really? In Northern Ireland, our instinctive answer is often just “fine” . Yet, if we are honest, life is rarely that simple. In Philippians 1:1–11, the Apostle Paul writes to the church in Philippi from prison, overflowing with joy and thankfulness . He reminds us that true joy does not depend on circumstances but on our partnership in the Gospel and God’s continuing work in us. Paul gives thanks for the Philippians’ faithful partnership from the first day until now, and he is confident that “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). His gratitude is not based on their size, status, or success but on the evidence of God’s grace at work among them. “True joy flows from Christ and in fellowship with one another. We should gather in joy, serve in joy, and even mourn in joy— not because we deny life’s hardships, but because in...
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Praying with Friends from Serge Global for Belfast

Welcoming Friends from Serge Global On Monday morning, St Paul’s & St Barnabas had the privilege of welcoming a group of around 30 visitors from Serge Global Network , who are travelling through Ireland to hear stories, pray for local churches, and learn about how the gospel is being lived out here in Belfast. Sharing the Story of SPB After a warm welcome and introductions, our visitors joined us for worship and then learned about St Paul’s & St Barnabas—its roots in North Belfast, our commitment to discipleship, community engagement, and gospel-centred renewal in a neighbourhood facing real challenges. Serge Global’s Work in Ireland & Belfast Serge is a mission organisation with a vision of gospel renewal in mission and local church life. They serve in over 20 countries, including Ireland, where their teams work in Dublin, Cork, and Belfast. Their approach is facilitative and relational—they focus on walking alongside local pastors, planters, and churches r...
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SPB Sermons || Life in the Spirit || Pentecost: A City Stirred, A Word Proclaimed (Acts 2)

Pentecost: A City Stirred, A Word Proclaimed Over the past two Sundays at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, we’ve taken time to linger in Acts 2 — that moment when everything changed. Pentecost wasn’t simply a dramatic scene in history; it was the beginning of God’s people living out the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. It wasn’t about the spectacle, but the sending. In Part 1 , A City Stirred , we stood alongside the disciples as the Spirit came in wind and fire. We heard how this divine disruption didn't just transform their hearts — it transformed the city. The crowd was bewildered, divided between amazement and mockery, yet all were confronted with the same question: “What does this mean for us?” In Part 2 , The Word Goes Out , we listened in as Peter — once full of fear — now stands filled with the Spirit, ready to speak truth with clarity and courage. His sermon is more than a speech; it’s the declaration that this Jesus, crucified and risen, is both Lord and Messi...
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SPB Sermons || Spiritual Vitality: A Psalm for the Weary || PSalm 63

Spiritual Vitality: A Psalm for the Spiritually Weary We don’t often admit it, but many of us know what it’s like to feel spiritually dry. We’re not hostile to God, just tired. Life keeps moving, we keep showing up, but our souls feel like they’re running on fumes. In this sermon from Psalm 63 , Rev. Andrew Irwin invites us to see spiritual vitality not as a bonus for the super-committed, but as a core part of walking with God — even in the wilderness. Desire in the Dry Places David writes this Psalm not from a mountaintop, but from the desert. Hunted, hiding, and weary, he cries, “O God, you are my God… my soul thirsts for you.” It’s not a cry for rescue, success, or answers — it’s a longing for God himself . David remembers being in the sanctuary, lifting his hands in worship, and he yearns for that nearness again. Spiritual vitality begins not with more effort, but with more honesty . When we admit our weariness and desire, we open ourselves to the God who satisfies. Dryne...
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SPB Sermons || A Vision of Worship and Witness || Revelation 7:9-17

A Vision of Worship and Witness A Vision of Worship and Witness At St Paul’s & St Barnabas, we were invited this week to lift our eyes and hearts to a bigger reality — the heavenly vision found in Revelation 7. In this powerful passage, the apostle John sees a great multitude gathered around the throne, worshipping the Lamb. This vision is not only a promise of what is to come, but a mirror of what the church is called to be today. Revelation 7 offers us two things: a vision of what is and a vision of what should be . It begins with worship — people from every tribe, tongue, and nation united in adoration of Jesus. This is not an abstract hope, but something we are already tasting. As we look around our congregation in North Belfast, we see glimpses of that future now: different backgrounds, cultures, and stories gathered by grace around one Saviour. Worship is not limited to songs or liturgy — it is a way of life, marked by grace and fuelled ...
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SPB Sermons || John 20:24-31 || An Invitation For All To See ||

The Invitation Still Stands John 20:24–31 | Holy Communion | Sunday, 6 May 2025 In this deeply personal and reflective message, Rev. Andrew Irwin explores one of the most well-known and misunderstood figures in the resurrection story — Thomas. Often labelled "doubting," Thomas is shown instead as honest, wounded, and longing for truth. His absence at Jesus' first appearance leaves him reeling in a sea of sorrow, having missed not only the risen Christ but also the peace and power the others received. Still, Jesus returns — not with rebuke, but with compassion. And in that grace-filled encounter, Thomas makes one of the clearest declarations of faith in all Scripture: "My Lord and my God." The sermon challenges the assumptions we carry about doubt, showing us that Jesus is not afraid of our honesty. Like Thomas, we are often shaped by pain, disappointment, and questions, yet we are also invited to bring them to Jesus — whose scar...
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