St Pauls and St Barnabas

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SPB Sermons | Titus 2 | Gospel Living: Grace That Transforms Us

Titus 2 | Gospel Living: Grace That Trains Us Where do we find meaning in life? For many in our culture, the answer is simple: look within. “Be yourself, follow your truth, do what feels right” has become the slogan of the age. Yet Paul’s letter to Titus offers a different vision — one where life and purpose are not found in the self but in Christ, and where grace , not self-expression, is the power that shapes us. In Titus 2, Paul makes clear that the gospel touches everyone. Older men and women, younger men and women, even those in service — no one is left out. Each group is called to live in a way that reflects Christ. This is not about religious performance but about showing the world that the gospel is real. Sound doctrine is not just what we confess with our lips, but what we embody in our lives. At the heart of this passage is grace. Paul reminds Titus that “the grace of God has appeared” (v.11). Grace is not only pardon for the past; it is power for the p...

SPB Sermons || Titus 1:1-16 || Gospel Foundations

Leadership is one of the most pressing issues of our time. From politics to business to even the church, we hear constant stories of failure and disappointment. The island of Crete in Paul’s day was no different — a culture marked by dishonesty, corruption, and confusion. It was into that context that Paul wrote to Titus, calling the church to be rooted in the gospel and led by elders of godly character. In Titus 1 , Paul begins by reminding Titus of the gospel foundation. The good news of Jesus is not a human invention, but God’s eternal promise, revealed at the right time and entrusted to his people. Everything in the life of the church flows from this truth. He then turns to the character and calling of elders. Leadership in the church is not about charisma, influence, or worldly success, but about ordinary godliness lived consistently in a broken world. Family life, personal character, and sound doctrine all matter, because leaders are called to guide and guard God’s people. ...

Serving our Community || Safer Selves at St Paul’s in Partnership with Bryson Community

Safer Selves at St Paul’s & St Barnabas This October we’re delighted to partner with Bryson Pathways to host Safer Selves at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, 210 York Street, Belfast (BT15 1WZ). Bryson is a long-established Northern Ireland charity and social enterprise that serves communities through practical programmes—helping people to thrive at home, at work, and in their neighbourhoods. Their Pathways team specialises in community initiatives that build confidence, skills, and wellbeing with a warm, people-first approach. We’re very glad to welcome them to our parish. Why are we doing this? Because we believe the church is called to be good news for the whole community—body, mind, and spirit. On our patch of Belfast there are real pressures: busy streets, cost-of-living strains, and the everyday anxieties that come with city life. Hospitality and practical help are part of Christian love. When we open our doors for courses like this, we are saying to our neighbours: you m...

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 ...

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...

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...