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SPB Sermons || The Future Indicative || Matthew 5:48 || Rev Josh Lenon

The Future Indicative - Matthew 5:48 The Future Indicative – Matthew 5:48 We had the joy of welcoming Rev. Josh Lenon from Red Door Community Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, to St. Paul’s and St. Barnabas (SPB) this past Sunday. His message deeply resonated with our congregation, challenging and uplifting us as he explored the powerful “Future Indicative” in Matthew 5:48. This passage, “Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect,” can often feel daunting. But Rev. Lenon helped us see it as a promise from Jesus—an assurance that God is actively at work in us, shaping us into His likeness. In his message, Rev. Lenon explained that Jesus’ words here are not a present imperative, an impossible demand to be flawless now. Instead, they are a future promise, spoken in what biblical scholars call the “Future Indicative” tense, meaning that this perfection is something we are moving toward, with God Himself leading us on this journey. The perfect
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Warmth in the Midst of Winter: Join Us Again for the Winter Coat Project 2024

Warmth in the Midst of Winter: Join Us Again for the Winter Coat Project 2024 As the winter winds return to Belfast, so too does the biting cold, the endless rain, and the kind of chill that seeps into your bones. For many in our community, this season can be more than a simple inconvenience; it can be a harsh reminder of unmet needs and the daily struggle to stay warm. But in these moments, something as simple as a warm coat can be a beacon of hope—a shield against the elements and a reminder that no one is alone. This year, we’re thrilled to launch the Winter Coat Project once again. This initiative, in partnership with ROC Northern Ireland , is about more than just distributing coats. It’s about extending compassion, sharing warmth, and creating a community that supports one another through challenging times. At St Paul’s & St Barnabas, we’re committed to ensuring that every person has access to the basics needed for a safe and warm winter, a
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Finding Hope: Free, Compassionate Counselling at St. Paul’s & St. Barnabas

Finding Hope: Free, Compassionate Counselling at St. Paul’s & St. Barnabas Finding Hope: Free, Compassionate Counselling at St. Paul’s & St. Barnabas Located at St. Paul’s & St. Barnabas Parish Church, 210 York Street, Belfast, BT15 1EN Life’s journey is filled with seasons, each bringing unique challenges and pressures. As we navigate the demands of family, work, education, and the many transitions of life, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or uncertain. Whether it’s the weight of expectations, the strain of changing seasons, or simply the need for a safe space to process, taking the step to seek support can make all the difference. At Hope Counselling Support, you’ll find a compassionate environment where, regardless of your background or beliefs, you are invited to share your story, find comfort, and begin a path toward healing.
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Opportunities To Gather and Grow || SPB NOTES || Coming up to Winter 2024

As we enter a season full of opportunities to gather and grow, I want to encourage everyone to participate in the life of our church. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.” Gathering is a vital part of our faith, and these events are designed to strengthen our fellowship, prayer life, and outreach efforts. Each event, whether it’s our community prayer meeting, the winter coat project, or the Advent services, is a chance for us to come together as the body of Christ, using the unique gifts God has given us. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 highlights that we are all members of one body, and every part is needed to function as God intended. When we gather, pray, and support the church’s work, we not only bless each other but our entire community. I encourage you to engage deeply in these events and find where you can serve. Whether it’s helping
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SPB Sermons || Jesus and His Heart || Mark 1:29-31 || Ordinand Matthew Campbell

Healed to Serve: Jesus' Compassion in Mark 1:29-31 Guest Preacher: Matthew Campbell, Student of Anglican Ministry at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute Matthew Campbell brings us to Mark 1:29-31, where Jesus heals Simon Peter's mother-in-law, revealing His deep compassion and divine authority. This story not only displays Jesus’ power to heal but also shows His care in everyday situations. Matthew highlights how Jesus’ presence in this household brings a transformation that moves Simon Peter's mother-in-law from illness to service, a journey we’re all called to follow in our faith. Mark 1:29-31 (ESV) And immediately he left the synagogue and entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law lay ill with a fever, and immediately they told him about her. And he came and took her by the
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SPB Sermons || The Servant's Way - Mark 10:32-45 || Andrew Irwin

The Servant's Way - Mark 10:32-4 5 The Servant’s Way – Mark 10:32-45 In our latest podcast episode, the SPB team dives into Mark 10:32-45, a passage where Jesus once again predicts His death, this time as He and His disciples journey toward Jerusalem. This moment marks a key point in Jesus’ ministry as He prepares His followers for the road ahead—one filled with suffering and sacrifice. The disciples, however, struggle to grasp the reality of what He is telling them, revealing their misunderstanding of what it means to follow the Messiah. In this episode, we explore how Jesus uses this teaching moment to contrast the world’s understanding of greatness with the true nature of His kingdom. While the world measures greatness by power and authority, Jesus teaches that the greatest among us must be the servant of all. It’s a radical shift in thinking,
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SPB Sermons || Seeds and the Saviour (Mark 4:1-20)

Seeds and the Saviour | Mark 4:1-20 | Sermon Podcast We invite you to listen to this week's sermon titled "Seeds and the Saviour," where Rev. Andrew Irwin reflects on the Parable of the Sower from Mark 4:1-20. Using personal stories and vivid imagery from his childhood on the family farm, Andrew explores how the condition of the soil reflects our own hearts and our readiness to receive God's Word. The parable reminds us that while the seed, the Word of God, remains the same, it is the soil that determines the fruitfulness of the seed. Are we allowing God's Word to take root in the soil of our hearts and produce fruit that lasts? In this message, we learn about the different types of soil Jesus describes: the hard path, rocky ground, thorny ground, and the good soil. Each represents a different response to the Gospel, challenging us to examine our own hearts. Are we ready to receive the seed of God’s Word and allow it to bear fru
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