Riaan Boer preaches Colossians 4:7-18 at evening worship on Sunday 18th October 2026 in First Ards.

The Apostle Paul commends Epaphras for his faithful ministry of praying for fellow believers. His example reminds us that prayer is an act of service, often demanding perseverance and hard work and a means God uses to strengthen his people. We’re encouraged to pray earnestly for each other’s spiritual growth and steadfastness, following the example of Jesus, who continues to intercede for his people.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches Genesis 40 & 41 at evening worship on Sunday 11th October in First Ards.

We trace Joseph’s journey from a forgotten prisoner to a position of authority in Egypt. Through dreams, patient waiting and wise preparation, God works out his sovereign purpose to preserve many lives. Joseph’s story encourages us to trust God and use what he’s entrusted to us for others’ good. Above all, it points us to Jesus, the rejected and exalted Saviour who gives eternal life.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches John 17:14-15 at morning worship on Sunday 11th October 2026 in First Ards.

In John 17:14–15, Jesus prays for his people as they face the hostility of the world and the reality of spiritual opposition. Shaped by God’s word, Christians no longer belong to the world, yet Christ doesn’t ask that we be removed from it. Instead, he prays for our protection and faithfulness as we remain here, trusting in the Saviour who has overcome the world and continues to intercede for his people.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches Genesis 39 at evening worship on Sunday 4th October 2026 in First Ards.

We follow Joseph into slavery and prison, where repeated suffering seems to carry him further from God’s promises. Yet the Lord is with him throughout, enabling faithful service and holiness even under pressure and false accusation. Joseph’s story points beyond himself to Jesus, the perfectly righteous servant who suffered for sinners and through whose humiliation and exaltation God brings salvation.

Iliya Marinov, pastor of Evangelical Congregational Church Ruse in Bulgaria, preaches Philippians 1:3-5 at morning worship on Sunday 4th October 2026 in First Ards.

We’re reminded that gospel work is never carried by one person alone. Paul thanks God for the Philippians’ faithful partnership in the gospel, expressed through prayer, generosity and steadfast support. As we hear about the work in Ruse, we’re encouraged to see ourselves as fellow workers in Christ’s mission, gladly holding the rope together for the sake of the gospel.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches Genesis 38 at morning worship on Sunday 27th September 2026 in First Ards.

We turn from Joseph to Judah and we see how deeply sin has damaged the family of promise. Judah’s hypocrisy, Tamar’s mistreatment and the threat to the family line all expose the need for grace. Yet God both preserves the line through Perez and begins changing Judah himself, pointing us towards Jesus, the righteous King who comes from this broken family to save sinners.

Riaan Boer preaches John 17:13 at morning worship on Sunday 27th September 2026 in First Ards.

Jesus prays that his own joy would be fulfilled in his people. Christian joy isn’t something we manufacture or depend on changing circumstances to provide, but a gift rooted in Christ’s finished work and living word. Even in a fallen world of sorrow and trouble, believers can know a settled joy in God now as we look forward to fulness of joy in his presence.

Rev. Craig Lynn preaches Genesis 37:12-36 at evening worship on Sunday 13th September 2026 in First Ards.

Genesis 37:12–36 shows Joseph’s brothers acting with hatred, deceit and cruelty as they sell him into Egypt, while Jacob is left grieving what he believes is his son’s death. Yet the chapter’s quiet “meanwhile” reminds us that God’s sovereign purpose is still unfolding. Joseph’s rejection points us towards Christ, where human evil became the very means God used to accomplish salvation.