St Pauls and St Barnabas Belfast

On this Easter Sunday at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Rev. Andrew Irwin preaches from John 20:1–18, reflecting on the quiet yet world-changing moment when Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus. In a world that often looks for spectacle, the resurrection comes with tenderness and truth — a Saviour who calls us by name and commissions us to go. This episode explores the hope, wonder, and challen...

On Palm Sunday, Rev. Andrew Irwin opens up Luke 19:28–40 with a powerful reflection on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem — not as a warrior king, but as the humble saviour riding on a donkey. Set against the backdrop of a city at boiling point, both ancient Jerusalem and modern Belfast come into view as places of longing, tension, and hope. In this episode, we are invited to consider how Jesus comes not...

In this message from John 12:1–8, Rev. Andrew reflects on Mary’s extraordinary act of devotion as she anoints Jesus with costly perfume. Her worship overflows from a heart transformed by thankfulness—not just for her brother Lazarus being raised, but because she has come to see Jesus for who He truly is: the Messiah, the Lord of life and death. Contrasting Mary’s humility with Judas’ critique, we’...

In this special Mothering Sunday message, Rev. Andrew Irwin reflects on the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32), inviting us to consider what it truly means to come home. Beginning with the image of home as more than just a place—a space of belonging, formation, and love—he draws attention to how Mothering Sunday historically called people back to their “mother church.” The parable then be...

Episode Title: Who Will You Serve? – Luke 4:1-13 In this episode, Rev. Andrew Irwin explores the powerful moment in Luke 4:1-13 where Jesus is tested in the wilderness. As Lent calls us to reflection and renewal, this passage asks a crucial question: Who or what will you serve? Jesus faces three temptations—provision, power, and presumption—each challenging His trust in God. Where Israel failed in...

Episode Description: In this episode, recorded on Sunday, 26th February 2025, at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, we explore Mark 12:28-34 and the greatest commandment. Rev. Ian Cahoon from our friends at Alexandra Presbyterian opens up the passage, highlighting Jesus’ challenge to move beyond a transactional understanding of faith toward a wholehearted love for God and neighbour. Through the lens of...

On Sunday, 16th February 2025, Matthew Campbell, a student at CITI preparing for ministry, preached from Jonah 2 on the theme "Salvation Comes from the Lord." In this sermon, he explored Jonah’s prayer from the belly of the great fish, highlighting God's sovereign grace in delivering those who call upon Him. Jonah’s descent into the depths of the sea mirrored his disobedience, yet Go...

In this episode, recorded on Sunday, 10th February 2025, at St Paul’s & St Barnabas, Rev. Andrew preaches from Luke 5:1-11 on the calling of Simon Peter, James, and John. In the midst of their ordinary routine, Jesus steps in and transforms everything, turning fishermen into followers. Rev. Andrew reflects on how God meets us in the mundane, calls us to obedience, and invites us into His abund...

In this episode, Rev Andrew unpacks Luke 4:21-30 , where Jesus’ words in the synagogue challenge those who thought they knew Him best. At first, the crowd marvels, but when confronted with the truth, their amazement turns to rejection. This passage forces us to ask: Are we truly ready to hear Jesus on His terms, or do we only listen when His words fit our expectations? The Gospel is not comfortabl...

The Body at Work: United in Mission, Diverse in Gifts In this episode, we explore Paul's powerful imagery of the Body of Christ from 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a. What does it mean to be many parts of one body? How does our diversity of gifts, backgrounds, and callings unite us in God’s mission? Drawing from the apostle’s words, we unpack the profound truth that every member of the church is indisp...

Join us this week as we reflect on John 2:1-11, where Jesus performs his first public miracle at a wedding in Cana. Through this act of turning water into wine, we see a glimpse of his glory, his mission as the Messiah, and his abundant provision for his people. This powerful passage reminds us that Jesus, the true Bridegroom, offers joy, renewal, and life in abundance for all who trust in him.

In this episode, we explore Isaiah 42:1-9 and discover “The Way of the Lord.” Rev Andrew unpacks the prophecy of the Servant, revealing Jesus as the ultimate hope for humanity. Through the Servant, God promises justice, healing, and restoration—something entirely new and transformative. Join us as we reflect on God’s faithfulness, the certainty of His promises, and how we are called to live as peo...

Listen in as we begin the New Year with a challenge from 1 John 4:7-21. The call as disciples to know the love of God and to make known the love of God by how we serve one another.

Untitled - December 29, 2024 In this post-Christmas message, the story of the shepherds in Luke 2:15-21 takes centre stage, highlighting the profound simplicity and transformative power of encountering Jesus. The shepherds, humble and ordinary, are drawn into the extraordinary as they witness the Messiah and proclaim His arrival with joy and bold faith. Their response, contrasted with Mary's quiet...

The message from Christmas day.

🎙️ Hope in the Impossible | Isaiah 7:10-16 In this third episode of our Advent series, Discovering Hope , Andrew reflects on the promise of Emmanuel—God with us. Drawing from Isaiah 7, he explores how God offers hope even in the most impossible situations. Whether you’re facing uncertainty or feeling overwhelmed, this message reminds us that God’s presence is our ultimate assurance. Listen now and...

In this episode, we explore Micah 5:1-5a and its powerful message of hope fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Join Rev Andrew Irwin as he unpacks the prophecy of a humble ruler from Bethlehem who will bring peace, restoration, and unity to God’s people. Reflecting on the promise of a Good Shepherd who stands in the strength of the Lord, we consider how this ancient hope speaks into our lives today. As we j...

In this second episode of our Advent series, Discovering Hope , Andrew Irwin delves into Genesis 12 and God’s call to Abraham. Through Abraham, God promises a blessing that overflows to all nations—a promise ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Join us as we reflect on what it means to be blessed to be a blessing, living as bearers of hope in a broken world. Listen now and be encouraged to discov...

This week, join us for the first episode of our Advent series, Discovering Hope in Jesus. In this powerful sermon, Andrew Irwin unpacks the profound truths of Genesis 3, exploring the devastating effects of sin and the promise of redemption. From the brokenness of the fall to the hope of a coming Redeemer, this message reminds us that God’s grace shines even in the darkest moments. Discover the “p...

In this episode, Simon Henry, National Youth Officer for the Church of Ireland Youth Department, joins us to explore the profound privilege and transformative power of prayer. Drawing from Matthew 6:5-13, Simon reflects on how prayer connects us with the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and brings joy, peace, and hope, even in life’s challenges. As we begin the Advent season, Simon offers prac...

In this episode, Rev. Andrew Irwin dives into Paul’s heartfelt words to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:1-7, exploring the call to “Rekindle the Flame.” Paul’s encouragement reminds us to fan into flame the gifts God has given us, to live boldly in faith, and to rely on the power of His Spirit. This inspiring message challenges us to examine our faith, reignite our passion for the Gospel, and embrace the c...

We welcome the Rev Colin Hall-Thompson to share from the Scriptures this remembrance Sunday.

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Rev. Josh Lenon, lead pastor of Red Door Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Josh shares a powerful message on the “Future Indicative” in Matthew 5:43-48, exploring Jesus’ call to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. He delves into the promise of verse 48: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Through this message, Josh rem...

In this episode, guest preacher Matthew Campbell, a student of Anglican ministry at the Church of Ireland Theological Institute (CITI), shares insights from Mark 1:29-31, where Jesus heals Simon Peter’s mother-in-law. Through this intimate miracle, Matthew highlights Jesus’ compassionate authority and explores what it means to respond to His transformative power. Are we turning to Christ in our ti...

In this episode, we explore Mark 10:32-45, where Jesus leads His disciples toward Jerusalem and predicts His death for the third time. As we reflect on His words, we are reminded that true greatness in God’s kingdom is not about power, but about service. Together, we’ll discuss how Jesus’ journey to the cross reshapes our view of leadership and calls us to follow Him on the path of humility and se...