St Pauls and St Barnabas

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...

Who Is My Neighbour? - A Reflection on Luke 10:25-37 Who Is My Neighbour? A Reflection on Luke 10:25-37 It’s always a dangerous thing to ask a question. How we ask it, and who we ask it of, makes all the difference. When it comes to the Gospels, asking a question of Jesus can lead you down a road you didn’t expect—and that’s exactly what happens in Luke 10:25-37. This passage begins with a question posed by an expert in the law: "Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus, in His usual fashion, doesn’t answer directly. Instead, He responds with a question of His own, turning it back on the expert: "What is written in the law? How do you read it?" The expert, knowing the law well, responds with the words from Deuteronomy: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and love ...

Who Is My Neighbour? - Sermon by Rev. Andrew Irwin Who Is My Neighbour? - A Reflection on Luke 10:25-37 The Parable of the Good Samaritan is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible, but its challenge and depth are often underestimated. In his latest sermon, Rev. Andrew Irwin brings fresh insight into this familiar passage from Luke 10:25-37, asking the question, "Who is my neighbour?" Through this teaching, Rev. Irwin dives into the conversation between Jesus and an expert in the law, unpacking the significance of the question and Jesus' surprising answer. He highlights the contrast between outward religious observance and genuine, Christ-like compassion. The priest and the Levite, despite their religious roles, pass by a man in need, while the Samaritan—a cultural outsider—steps in with extraordinary kindness and ...

Psalm 142: The God Who Understands Psalm 142: The God Who Understands On Sunday, 8th September 2024, the focus of our worship was on Psalm 142. This psalm, written by King David, speaks to moments of despair and isolation, offering an insight into where we might turn during our darkest times. It is a prayer for refuge, capturing David’s heartache as he sought the Lord’s presence while hiding in a cave, pursued by his enemies. We all face moments when life presents challenges that shake the normal rhythms we are used to. Whether it’s the unexpected or a difficult situation that has been long anticipated, we often find ourselves wondering where to turn. David’s response in Psalm 142 offers an answer – to turn to the Lord in prayer, honestly pouring out our hearts, knowing that He is always listening and always near. The sermon highlighted that prayer is not about formality or perfection. Instead, it’s about being genuine, sharin...

Volunteer for Aspire NI's Homework Club at Currie Primary School Join Us in Serving Our Community: Support Aspire NI's Homework Club at Currie Primary School At St. Paul’s & St. Barnabas Church (SPB), we are called to serve our community in meaningful and transformative ways. This calling is grounded in Scripture, where we are reminded that “each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms” (1 Peter 4:10). One of the most urgent needs in our local community is supporting the educational journey of young people, and we are excited to be supporting the work of Aspire NI and their Homework Club at Currie Primary School in North Belfast. The Educational Challenge in North Belfast North Belfast, like many urban areas, faces significant challenges in ...