Salford Elim Church Podcast

Rome glorified vengeance; we are called to glorify sacrificial love.

In Rome, status was everything. In Christ’s body, humility and mutual dependence define greatness.

In the heart of the Roman Empire—where power, honour, social climbing, and vengeance defined the culture—Paul calls the church to display a radically different society shaped by mercy, humility, sacrifice, and love. The church becomes an alternative society only when shaped by God’s mercy rather than Rome’s patterns.

The Bible is clear – life will not continue as it is forever. There will be a moment when Jesus will return, when all people realise that he has always been the King, and when we will all be judged. That truth is a comfort and a challenge.

God has not left us to try and live this work in our own strength. He fills his children with his Spirit. It changes everything.

Creeds were never designed to be just for the brainy types, or those happy to ‘go deeper’. They were and are designed to help us live differently. The Creed concludes with the life of the church — forgiven, resurrected, and awaiting glory. It’s about how we live together in this life while we wait for the next life to come.

The heart of our faith is a simple phrase that changes everything: Jesus is Lord

The Bible consistently reminds us that God the Creator is the one who calls us his children.

We will be looking at a list of beliefs that the Church agreed 1700 years ago. Can these statements help us today? Why is it important that we start with ‘We Believe’ rather than ‘I feel’?

Jesus is alive!

Do you remember seeing the Christian wristbands stamped with WWJD: What Would Jesus Do. I think some people felt the answer would have been: NOT THAT. But what if doing what Jesus did is really positive? What might that look like?

We are changing all the time. There are all sorts of experiences and events that shape us. But how do we ensure we are being changed to become more like Jesus?

Christians are people who should be learning a whole new set of responses to the world.

Being Church is a 24/7 activity – it involves being faithful in every aspect of our lives wherever we are.

What does God want us to do when things look chaotic and people are not sure what they should do?

This Christian life involves our brothers and sisters. So we are called to encourage, support and cheer on one another. To do that we need to take notice of those around us.

We believe that God leads us in two ways. Normally, this will by using the wisdom that God gives us. But there are times when he will specifically guide us. That’s not always easy to discern, but it’s important that we stay alert so we can recognise it.

God has placed his people in all the places he needs them. We live out our discipleship in classrooms, shop floors, offices, families, and factories. The ordinary places of life.

The Early Church grew in grace, honesty and a belief that God was still able to do remarkable things.  It’s the same journey of growth for us.

We don’t want to just have more people attending church, we want a growing community.

Some signs warn you about what is round the corner. Others tell you that you have arrived at your destination. Others tell you where you need to go next. Signs are there to be paid attention to. Today we will look at one of the signs that got everyone’s attention.

You know the song: I wish it could be Christmas everyday. What would it look like if it was? How do we live the Christmas message for the 11 other months of the year?

Have you ever been to a party and been surprised at who else has been invited? Maybe you were surprised that it was you that was invited! The first Christmas stories are full of people that were the last people that you would have expected, but that gives hope to all of us!

The headline was ‘Jesus scores’. It still takes me by surprise when I see news about the Arsenal player named Jesus. But it reminds us that there was a time when Jesus was an everyday name, that had an out of the world meaning. His mission was in plain sight – every time he introduced himself to others.

Amongst all the tinsel and turkey, Christmas is about celebrating a down-to-earth God who came with a down-to-earth purpose that he wraps us up in. It might not feel very exciting sometimes, but it is absolutely life-transforming.