St Pauls and St Barnabas

The First of Many Signs – SPB Belfast The First of Many Signs Passage: John 2:1-11 Date: Sunday, 19th January 2025 Preacher: Rev Andrew Irwin At St Paul’s & St Barnabas this past Sunday, we delved into John 2:1-11, the account of Jesus’ first public miracle at a wedding in Cana. This extraordinary moment reveals much about Jesus’ identity and mission, offering us a glimpse of his glory and abundant provision. It was not just a simple act of kindness but a profound sign pointing to who Jesus is: the Messiah, the Bridegroom, and the abundant giver of life. The Miracle at Cana The story begins at a wedding—a joyful occasion in the heart of a small, tight-knit community. Weddings in first-century Galilee were week-long events, filled with feasting, celebration, and fellowship. Yet, in this particular wedding, a crisis arose: the wine had run out. Such ...

The Beauty of the Lord – SPB Sermons The Beauty of the Lord In The Way Of The servant – Isaiah 42:1-9 This week at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Rev Andrew took us on a powerful journey through Isaiah 42:1-9, exploring what it means to behold *“The Beauty of the Lord.”* This remarkable passage introduces the Servant of the Lord, the One in whom God delights and through whom He brings justice and restoration to a broken world. Rev Andrew reminds us that this Servant is Jesus, the ultimate hope of humanity, whose mission is grounded in God’s faithfulness and glory. Isaiah paints a picture of hope that is both deeply personal and gloriously cosmic. Through the Servant, God promises not a mere return to what was, but something entirely new—a redemption that transforms lives, communities, and the world itself. In the sermon, Rev Andrew reflects on how Jesus embodies this mission with humility, compassion, and un...

The Way of Love | 1 John 4:7-21 The Way of Love On Sunday, 5th January 2025, Rev. Andrew Irwin preached a powerful sermon titled "The Way of Love," drawing from 1 John 4:7-21. This passage is a profound reminder of God’s deep, sacrificial love for us and how that love compels us to love one another. Andrew opened the sermon by reflecting on the new year as an opportunity to consider our call as disciples and our purpose as a church family. Love is a word we often hear but seldom grasp fully. In today’s world, love can be shallow, reduced to fleeting feelings or personal gratification. But 1 John 4 reveals the depth and reality of God’s love—a love that is present, committed, transformative, and sacrificial. Rev. Irwin emphasized that God’s love is not merely an internal sentiment but an active, tangible reality displayed most profoundly in the person of...