St. Aidan's Cumbria Podcast

In this sermon on Ephesians 6:10–17, Alyssa explores Paul’s call to put on the full armour of God. As followers of Jesus, our greatest battle is not against other people but against the spiritual forces of evil. Yet through the death and resurrection of Christ, the victory has already been won. From the belt of truth to the sword of the Spirit, every piece of God’s armour reminds us of what Jesus...

In this sermon on Ephesians 5:21–6:9, Emily explores one of the Bible’s most challenging passages and uncovers God’s beautiful vision for relationships shaped by the gospel. Beginning with the call to “submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”, she shows how Jesus’ own example of sacrificial love transforms the way we relate to one another—in marriage, family, work, and the church. Rather...

In this sermon on Ephesians 4:17–5:20, John explores how the gospel changes not just what we do, but who we are becoming. Paul contrasts the “old self” with the “new self”, showing how our desires shape our thoughts, our thoughts shape our actions, and our actions shape our lives. Yet the good news of Jesus offers a different path. As we learn to put on the new self, practise habits that shape us...

In this sermon on Ephesians 4:1–16, Alyssa explores what it means to be united as the people of God. In a world that often encourages division and separation, Paul reminds us that there is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. Far from erasing our differences, Jesus brings people of different gifts, backgrounds, personalities, and experiences together into...

In this sermon on Ephesians 3:14–21, John explores Paul’s prayer that believers would know the power of God at work in their lives. Before turning to the practical implications of the gospel, Paul pauses to pray that we would be strengthened by the Spirit, rooted and established in Christ’s love, and filled with the fullness of God himself. At the heart of this passage is the invitation not simply...

In this interactive sermon on Ephesians 3:1–13, John pauses our journey through Ephesians to explore three simple tools for engaging with the Bible. Using resources from BibleProject, the practice of slow reading, and the Swedish Bible Study Method, this message is less about teaching one passage and more about helping us encounter God through Scripture for ourselves. As we read, reflect, discuss,...

In this Pentecost Sunday sermon on Acts 2, Francis explores the gift and work of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit who was present at creation, who empowered the ministry of Jesus, and who came upon the disciples at Pentecost is now given to all who belong to Christ. The Holy Spirit leads us to Jesus, liberates us from sin and guilt, and equips ordinary people to join in God’s mission in the world. Pent...

In this Celebration Sunday sermon on Matthew 9:35–38, John reflects on Jesus’ words: “The harvest is plentiful.” As St. Aidan’s looks back on all that God has done over the past year – from growing community and youth ministry to stories of faith, prayer, and baptism – we are reminded that God is still at work. The invitation of this message is not simply to celebrate the past, but to step forward...

In this sermon on Ephesians 2:11–22, John explores the divisions that so often shape our world, and the new unity that Jesus makes possible. Through his death and resurrection, Christ tears down the barriers that separate us from God and from one another, creating a new humanity built upon himself. The church is called not only to enjoy this unity, but to become a living sign of God’s coming Kingd...

In this sermon on Ephesians 2:1–10, Steve reflects on the powerful “before and after” story at the heart of the gospel. Once spiritually dead and cut off from God, we are made alive in Christ, not through our own effort, but by grace. This is not a small change, but a complete transformation: from mess to masterpiece. In Jesus, we are given new life and a new purpose, invited to walk in the good w...

In this sermon on Ephesians 1:15–23, Andy reflects on a renewed vision for the church: a people led not by their own plans, but by the living Jesus. At the heart of Paul’s prayer is a longing that we would truly see: that the eyes of our hearts would be opened to know Christ, his power, and his purposes. The church does not belong to us, but to Jesus, who is actively leading his people today. This...

In this opening sermon in our new series in Ephesians, John explores the breathtaking good news of all that God has done for us in Christ. Like a view that gives fresh perspective, this passage lifts our eyes to see the riches of God’s blessing: that we are chosen, adopted, forgiven, filled with his Spirit and more. At the heart of it all is a God who loves us and gives us himself, inviting us to...

In this Easter Sunday sermon, John reflects on the victory of Jesus Christ. What looks like defeat on the cross is revealed in the resurrection to be the greatest victory ever won. Jesus takes into himself the full weight of sin, evil, and death — and comes out the other side victorious. Because of him, death no longer has the final word, and a new life is opened to all who trust in him.

In this Good Friday sermon, John reflects on the cross as the place of rescue. While we may not always realise it, the Bible tells a story of a broken relationship between humanity and God — a barrier we cannot remove ourselves. In Jesus’ death, that barrier is taken away as he steps into our place, bearing the cost of our sin so that we can be restored. Good Friday is the moment where rescue is m...

In this sermon on John 12, John reflects on Jesus as the King – not the King people expected, but the King we truly need. As the crowds welcome him with palm branches, they look for a conquering ruler, but Jesus reveals a different kind of kingship: one marked by humility, sacrifice, and peace. Seen most clearly through the cross and resurrection, Jesus reigns not by force, but by laying down his...

In this sermon on John 15, Steve reflects on Jesus’ words, “I am the true vine.” A fruitful life with God is not about trying harder, but about staying connected to Jesus. As we remain in him, trusting the Father’s work in us, his life begins to flow through ours, producing fruit that reflects his love. This is an invitation to stay close to Jesus, to trust the gardener, and to become people whose...

In this sermon on John 14, John reflects on Jesus’ words, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” In a world that is hungry to know whether God is real, relevant, and accessible, Jesus reveals that God has made himself known and opened the way into his presence. The claim is both wonderfully good news and deeply challenging: the way to God is found in Jesus alone — and yet that way is opened wi...

In this sermon on John 11, John explores Jesus’ claim, “I am the resurrection and the life.” Through the story of Lazarus, Jesus reveals his glory by confronting humanity’s greatest enemy: death itself. The promise of the gospel is that in Christ, death no longer has the final word. Jesus offers a life that is stronger than death, inviting us to trust in him and find freedom from the fears that so...

In this sermon on John 10, John reflects on Jesus’ claim to be the Good Shepherd. Jesus does not simply give advice or instruction – he gives himself. In him, we are offered relationship with the God who knows us fully and loves us completely, protection from the enemies that threaten us, and provision for a life marked by peace, purpose, and hope. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the shee...

As we begin a new series looking at the 'I am' statements of Jesus, in this sermon on John 6, John explores Jesus’ claim, “I am the bread of life.” We spend our lives chasing good things – family, success, comfort, happiness – but Jesus invites us to look beyond the signs to what truly satisfies. The deepest hunger of the human heart is not met by a what, but by a who. In Christ, we are...

In this sermon on Jeremiah 29, Steve reflects on what it means to live generously in the places God has put us. Speaking into exile, God calls his people not to withdraw, but to build, plant, work, and pray for the peace and prosperity of their city. Generosity with our lives means pouring ourselves out for the good of our community — trusting that even in seasons that feel barren, God is at work...

In this sermon on John 20, Madi reflects on what it means to be generous with the gospel we have received. Through her own story and the story of Mary Magdalene, she shows how God meets us in fear, grief, and weakness — and then sends us out with good news to share. The gospel does not depend on confidence, gifting, or technique, but on trusting Jesus, who is alive and at work. This is an invitati...

In this sermon on 2 Corinthians 8–9, John reflects on how God’s generosity towards us shapes the way we use our money. At the heart of Christian giving is grace: Jesus gave up his riches to share our poverty, so that we might share in his life with God. In response, we are invited to be generous like God – giving joyfully, faithfully, and hopefully – trusting that God uses our material generosity...

Preaching at the CTICA Joint Service with churches from across the Cockermouth area, John reflects on what truly unites Christians who may look quite different to one another. Drawing on Luke 5 and 1 Corinthians 1, he explores our shared foundation in Jesus Christ, the undeserved grace we have all received, and the call to serve together in mission. As God brings a growing harvest, this message in...

In this final talk in our Foundations series, Steve reflects on Jesus’ call in Matthew 6:25–33 to seek first the Kingdom of God. He explores how trusting God frees us from worry and challenges us to live, work, and pray for the Kingdom of Jesus to come.