As we continue our Advent series Hopeful Waiting, in this sermon from Micah 5:2–5, we continue by exploring the promise that God does His greatest work through small and overlooked places. In a world shaped by numbers, visibility, and influence, Micah points us instead to Bethlehem — insignificant in the eyes of the world, yet chosen by God as the birthplace of the promised King.

This episode reflects on the kind of ruler we are waiting for: not a distant strongman, but a Shepherd-King who stands with His people, walks with them through the valleys, and brings a peace rooted in His presence rather than our circumstances. As Advent calls us to wait, this sermon invites us to trust that God is at work even in the ordinary, the unseen, and the long seasons of waiting, because the King has come, and He will come again.

In Episode 2 of our Advent series Hopeful Waiting, we turn to Romans 15:4–13, where the apostle Paul lifts our eyes to a hope shaped by Scripture, sustained by endurance, and strengthened by encouragement. Written to a divided church, this passage reminds us that true Christian hope is not shallow optimism, but a settled confidence rooted in the faithfulness of God.

As Advent continues, we reflect on what it means to wait well. Not passively, and not anxiously, but with patience, unity, and trust in the God who keeps his promises. Paul’s prayer points us to a hope that draws God’s people together, welcomes one another in Christ, and overflows by the power of the Holy Spirit.

As we begin our Advent 2025 series "Hopeful Waiting," we turn to Luke 3:1–18 and the fierce, hope-filled ministry of John the Baptist. Set against a backdrop of political power and religious expectation, the Word of God arrives not in the palace or the temple, but in the wilderness. From there John announces a call to repentance, fruitfulness, and readiness for the coming King. This sermon explores how Advent begins in the places we overlook, challenges our assumptions about spiritual life, and calls the church to prepare the way of the Lord in a weary and distracted world. We consider the wilderness of our own context, the practical marks of repentance, and the certain hope of Christ’s return.

In this week’s sermon Rev Andrew preaches from Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43 on the theme “When Wheat and Weeds Grow Together.” Jesus’ parable reveals the quiet work of the enemy, the patience and wisdom of the Master, and the certainty of the final harvest. In a world where good and evil grow side by side, we are called to put our roots down deep in Christ, to trust His timing, and to look with hope toward the day when the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. Join us as we consider what faithful, rooted discipleship looks like in the midst of a mixed field.

Remembrance Sunday

This Remembrance Sunday, we welcomed Rev Tim Wright from the Intercontinental Church Society (ICS) to St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Belfast. Drawing on his experience as a former Royal Air Force chaplain, Tim preached from Ephesians 2:13–22, reflecting on Christ as our peace — the One who breaks down every dividing wall of hostility and reconciles us to God and to one another.

Listen as we remember those who gave their lives in service and hear the hope of the gospel that brings true and lasting peace through Jesus Christ.

In this week’s message from Luke 19:1–10, we explore the remarkable encounter between Jesus and Zacchaeus — a man who seemed to have everything, yet was lost and searching. As Jesus passes through Jericho, He sees, knows, and calls Zacchaeus by name, bringing salvation and transformation into his home. Through this story, we’re reminded that grace still seeks us where we are, but never leaves us there. It changes hearts, homes, and communities.

Recorded live at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Belfast, this sermon challenges us to be a church that welcomes the outcast, seeks the lost, and lives out the joy of salvation in our city.

We would love to see you every Sunday in person and to find out more via our website.

In this week’s message from St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Belfast, Rev Andrew Irwin explores Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector from Luke 18:9–14. Two men go to the temple to pray, but only one leaves justified. What does this reveal about the kind of prayer God hears? Andrew unpacks the story’s challenge to pride and performance, showing that true prayer flows from a heart that is honest, humble, and hopeful. Whether you’re exploring faith, returning to it, or seeking renewal, this reflection invites you to pray again, “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner,” and to rediscover the grace that changes everything.

🎧 Recorded live at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Belfast. Visit www.spbbelfast.church for more information.

In this episode, we turn to 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5, where Paul urges Timothy to continue in what he has learned and to preach the Word in season and out of season. Andrew Irwin explores what it means to remain steadfast in Scripture amid cultural drift, reminding us that all Scripture is God-breathed and equips God’s people for every good work. Set in today’s Belfast context, this sermon calls the church to be a people of the Word—faithful, patient, and courageous in a world that often trades truth for myth. Listen as we are encouraged to keep preaching, living, and enduring in the gospel, confident that Christ still reigns and His Word is still enough.