St Pauls and St Barnabas

The Importance of Reading the Bible The Importance of Reading the Bible The Bible is at the very heart of the Christian faith. It’s how God speaks to us, shaping our understanding of Him, deepening our faith, and guiding how we live as His people. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, we’re reminded that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” For many, however, reading the Bible can feel overwhelming. Where do we start? How do we stay consistent? And how do we move from simply reading words on a page to seeing God at work through them? The first thing to remember is that the Bible is a story—a great, overarching narrative of God’s work in creation, redemption,...

Christmas Day - Hope Fulfilled - Luke 2:1–16 Christmas Day - Hope Fulfilled - Luke 2:1–16 On Christmas Day, the sermon focused on the heart of the nativity story in Luke 2:1–16. This passage brings us to the stable in Bethlehem, where the hopes of generations were fulfilled in the birth of Jesus. It is a story of God’s faithfulness and love, demonstrating how He enters into our world to bring salvation to all people. The message highlighted how the arrival of Christ is not just an event in history but an invitation to each of us today, offering hope and purpose amidst life’s challenges. The birth of Jesus was the fulfilment of centuries of prophecy, a divine promise made to a broken and longing world. From the line of David to the town of Bethlehem, every detail of the nativity reminds us of God’s faithfulness to His word. This is not simply a message of history but one ...

Hope in the Impossible | Isaiah 7 Hope in the Impossible | Isaiah 7 Series: Discovering Hope in Jesus In the third part of our Advent series, *Discovering Hope*, Andrew Irwin explores the theme of hope in impossible circumstances, drawing from Isaiah 7:10-16. In this powerful passage, we see God offering King Ahaz and the people of Judah a sign of His presence and faithfulness: the promise of Emmanuel, “God with us.” This assurance points forward to Jesus, the ultimate fulfilment of hope for a broken and struggling world. God's Invitation in Uncertainty Life often confronts us with challenges that feel insurmountable. Like King Ahaz, we may face situations that leave us overwhelmed and searching for answers. In Isaiah’s time, Judah was on the brink of destruction, with enemy armies advancing and fear gripping the people. Despite their unfaithfulness, God exten...

Hope in the Waiting | SPB Church Blog Hope in the Waiting Advent is a season of anticipation, a time when we prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of Jesus. This past Sunday, Rev Andrew Irwin unpacked Micah 5:1-5, a passage filled with promises of hope, peace, and restoration. It reminds us of how God works through the humble and unexpected to accomplish His purposes. In the prophecy of a ruler from Bethlehem, we see a picture of Jesus, the Good Shepherd who stands in the strength of the Lord and brings peace that transforms lives. In his sermon, Andrew drew comparisons between the longing of God’s people in Micah’s day and our own lives today. For centuries, they waited for God to send a saviour, enduring times of uncertainty and hardship. Similarly, we often find ourselves in seasons of waiting, longing for peace, justice, and restoration in a world that feels broken. Yet, just as God’s promise was fulfilled in Jesus, we can trust in His...

Discovering Hope | Genesis 12 Discovering Hope | Genesis 12 Posted on: December 14, 2024 Series: Discovering Hope in Jesus This Advent, we are reflecting on the theme of hope, as seen in God’s redemptive plan from the very beginning. In this second sermon of our series, Andrew Irwin unpacks Genesis 12:1-9, where God calls Abraham and promises to bless him so that he will be a blessing to all nations. This is a foundational moment in Scripture, pointing us to the ultimate hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Hope for the Nations Last week, we saw the devastating effects of sin in Genesis 3 and caught a glimpse of hope in God’s promise of redemption. This week, we move forward to Abraham, a man called by God not because of his qualifications, but because of God’s purposes. In Genesis 12, God speaks to Abraham, calling him to leave his country and go to an unkn...

Discovering Hope | Genesis 3 SPB Discovering Hope | Genesis 3 Posted on: December 14, 2024 Series: Discovering Hope in Jesus As we journey through Advent, St. Paul’s & St. Barnabas invites you to discover hope afresh. In this first sermon of our new series, Andrew Irwin unpacks Genesis 3, diving into the tragedy of the fall and the enduring hope of redemption that echoes through Scripture. It’s a call to rediscover the joy of Christmas and to fix our eyes on Jesus, the light of the world. Where Are We Discovering Hope? In Genesis 3, we find a world shattered by sin, as Adam and Eve’s disobedience fractures the perfect shalom of Eden. The devastating effects of sin ripple through creation, leaving humanity longing for something more—a restoration, a Redeemer, a hope beyond the brokenness. In this passage, we see the beginning of God’s red...