Embracing the Unchanging Nature of God: A Message for the New Year

Reverend Andrew Irwin Reflects on God's Constancy in a Changing World

In his insightful sermon at St Paul's & St Barnabas, Reverend Andrew Irwin offered profound reflections on embracing the unchanging nature of God as we step into the new year. He encouraged us to view the passage of time through the lens of God's eternal presence and love.

Reverend Irwin spoke about the traditional notion of New Year's resolutions and the societal pressure to transform ourselves with the dawn of a new year. He challenged this perspective by emphasizing that, despite the changes around us, God remains a constant and unchanging presence in our lives.

Delving into the themes of anxiety and anger that have marked recent years, Reverend Irwin encouraged listeners to find solace and strength in God's immutable nature. He illustrated this through biblical passages, including the story of Moses and the burning bush, where God reveals Himself as "I Am Who I Am". This profound statement underscores God’s eternal, unchanging nature, providing us with a foundation of faith to face the uncertainties of life.

Whether we are entering a year of new challenges or continuing our ongoing journeys, the sermon reminds us that God’s character remains steadfast. As Reverend Irwin eloquently put it, "It might be a new year, but the beauty of our faith is that in every season, whatever time we find ourselves in, it's the same God."

We invite you to listen to this moving sermon, embedded below, and reflect on how its message can guide us through 2024 and beyond. Whether you are part of our church family or simply seeking a moment of spiritual reflection, Reverend Irwin's words offer comfort and guidance in these changing times.

Comments

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 ...

This Is the Hour – Join Us for Holy Week 2025 at St Paul’s & St Barnabas

This Is the Hour – Join Us for Holy Week 2025 at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Belfast As we journey toward Easter this year at St Paul’s & St Barnabas in North Belfast, we invite you to take part in our Holy Week services under the theme “This Is the Hour.” This powerful phrase comes from John’s Gospel, where Jesus speaks of the appointed time—the hour—for which He came into the world. From Gethsemane to glory, Jesus moves with divine purpose toward the cross and the empty tomb. We are invited to walk with Him in that hour: to sit in the sorrow of betrayal, to receive the grace of service, to stand at the foot of the cross, and to rejoice at the dawn of resurrection. Our Holy Week reflections will follow the Gospel of John, focusing each evening on a key moment in Jesus’ journey. All services begin at 7:30 pm , and we warmly welcome you to come just as you are. Tuesday 15th April – 6:30pm Easter Community Prayer Walk Meeting at Salv...

Sermon || True Worship – John 12:1–8 || SPB Belfast

True Worship – John 12:1–8 | SPB Belfast True Worship – John 12:1–8 As we journey through Holy Week, we find ourselves in Bethany, just six days before the Passover, where Jesus is gathered with friends for a meal. Among them is Lazarus—recently raised from the dead—a quiet but powerful reminder of Jesus’ divine authority over life and death. In this setting, Mary responds not with words, but with worship. She breaks open a jar of costly perfume, pours it over Jesus’ feet, and wipes them with her hair. This extravagant act becomes a defining picture of what true worship looks like. In Sunday’s sermon, Rev. Andrew Irwin helped us explore the richness of this moment. Mary’s worship is more than emotion; it is the overflow of a heart transformed by grace. She had seen the power of Jesus firsthand when her brother Lazarus walked out of the tomb. Her act of worship ...

St Pauls and St Barnabas

Search This Blog