Antioch Sheffield Podcast: Recent Episodes
Antioch Sheffield
We are a community of people who have encountered Jesus in a real and life-changing way. We seek to obey Him wholeheartedly: making disciples, equipping them to serve others in order to impact Sheffield, the UK and the world with the good news of Jesus. Encounter, Disciple, Serve, Impact. That’s how we are called to grow at Antioch. For more information about who we are, visit our website: antiochsheffield.org.uk
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been diving into the Practice of Celebration— but what if joy doesn’t come easily? What if you want to celebrate but feel emotionally disconnected—or simply tired? On Sunday, Lauren shared her journey of learning to feel joy again—how God brought healing, restored joy, and taught her to laugh again.
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We all have a built-in negativity bias — our brains are wired to feel negative emotions more strongly, dwell on them longer, and remember them more vividly. No wonder joy can feel out of reach sometimes. And yet, Scripture commands us to rejoice always. This is where the discipline of celebration comes in: it’s a way to push back on our negativity bias and train ourselves to actually notice and embrace joy.
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One of the greatest challenges to practising celebration arises when we’re called to rejoice in the ways God has blessed others, which can stir feelings of envy and resentment. At other times, we hold back from celebrating, unsure how to embrace joy in a world marked by pain and suffering. Yet celebration isn’t something to avoid because of the world’s suffering—it’s something we desperately need because of it.
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We all have a built-in negativity bias — our brains are wired to feel negative emotions more strongly, dwell on them longer, and remember them more vividly. No wonder joy can feel out of reach sometimes. And yet, Scripture commands us to rejoice always. This is where the discipline of celebration comes in: it’s a way to push back on our negativity bias and train ourselves to actually notice and embrace joy.
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Celebration isn’t mere indulgence—it’s a vital spiritual discipline where we remember the good God has done so we can rest in the good He will do. This practice is rooted in how Scripture reveals God — not as an angry, distant figure, but as the happiest being in the universe.
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What happens when you finally say “yes” to God? In this honest and personal message, Kalyn shares her journey from comfort and control to deep intimacy with the Holy Spirit. Through stories of wrestling with doubt, breaking down spiritual boxes, and stepping out in faith, she invites us to trust that even the smallest yes can lead to life-changing encounters with God.
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Jesus didn’t just claim to be God — He proved it by rising from the dead. He is more than a story — He is the living Saviour, and that changes everything. He is risen indeed!
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Initially, Jesus’ death on the cross looked like a defeat — but it was actually a divine breakthrough. The moment He died, the temple veil tore from top to bottom—revealing that this was no ordinary execution. His sacrifice brought forgiveness for our sins and reopened the way into God’s presence.
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Jesus used the symbolism of the Passover meal—a celebration of God’s past deliverance—to usher in a new covenant. In doing so, He established a new way to remember: not what we must bring, but that He became what was needed, fulfilling what we never could. Now we no longer need to strive to measure up but instead are invited to live from the fullness of God's grace.
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On Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus was anointed at Bethany—a costly act of love that revealed the true essence of worship, showing us that offering our best to Jesus becomes a joy when we truly understand His worth.
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On Monday of Holy Week, Jesus did two surprising things: He cursed a fig tree and cleansed the Temple. While these actions might seem strange at first glance, a closer look reveals a profound message that is still relevant for us today.
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Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem was a deliberate fulfilment of prophecy and a public claim to be the Messiah. However, the same crowd that welcomed Him with praise on Sunday were clamouring for His death by Friday because He didn’t meet their expectations of a conquering king. This shift challenges us today: Will we continue to trust and worship God even when He doesn’t act according to our expectations?
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Jesus gave us a mandate to GO into all the world and make disciples, but rather than send us out on our own, Jesus invites us to YOKE ourselves to Him — meaning we rely on His strength, guidance, and power rather than our own efforts. By working in partnership with Him, we see a vision of mission that is reliant on His leadership and strength to do what is impossible on our own.
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While many associate fasting with personal devotion or intercession, few are aware of its connection in Scripture with “almsgiving” — a practice that combines generosity, serving, and justice. This perspective shifts fasting from a purely inward practice into a tangible way to love and serve our neighbours.
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Jesus taught that part of following Him means we will have to deny ourselves. But how can we develop a heart of self-denial while living in a culture that encourages us to indulge every appetite? One way is through the practice of fasting, which cultivates self-denial in us and transforms us to become like Jesus.
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Throughout Scripture and church history, the people of God have found that fasting increases the effectiveness of their prayers. But why? Fasting is a means of humbling ourselves before God, which seems to release God’s Kingdom in surprising ways.
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Fasting was a routine part of Christian life for the first 1,500 years of church history, but the Western Church rarely practices it anymore. Could it be that we are missing something? What if all those people throughout church history discovered that fasting could usher us into a much richer and more transformative experience of our faith?
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How does God transform us to become like Jesus? We commonly think that it’s the result of more information, more self-discipline, or that God will just miraculously fix us. But the pattern we see in Scripture reveals that transformation mostly comes through a process of confrontation, surrender, and practising the way of Jesus.
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We’re all in the process of formation. Every day, whether you’re a Christian or not, our culture is forming us to be like someone or something. So the question we all have to ask ourselves is: “What kind of person am I being formed into?” At Antioch, we exist to help you become like Jesus. Our transformation is the foundation for everything we do at church.
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On Sunday, we acknowledged the transition into the new year by giving God an opportunity to speak into our lives as we looked back at 2024 and sought His guidance and counsel for 2025.
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It's Christmas Eve, so we invite you to pause in your Christmas preparations to join us for a special service for the whole family as we recount the Christmas story and sing carols by candlelight.
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Whether it’s Handel’s 'Messiah' or 'Joy to the World', there’s a lot of talk at Christmas about Jesus being a King. But why do we proclaim Him “King” when Jesus never held political power of any sort? But when we understand the nature of Jesus’ kingship, we see that He truly is the King of Kings.
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When the angel appeared to Joseph in the nativity story, he not only told Joseph what to name the baby but also why he should have that name: because the child would save his people from their sins. The name of Jesus not only reveals his identity and mission, but it also confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: we need saving.
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We often sing about Jesus’ title Immanuel (“God with us”) at Christmastime. But what does it mean for Jesus to be “with us” today?
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When the angel appeared to Joseph in the nativity story, he not only told Joseph what to name the baby but also why he should have that name: because the child would save his people from their sins. The name of Jesus not only reveals his identity and mission, but it also confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: we need saving.
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We are often blind to the idols in our lives that hold us captive. But Jesus is so committed to setting us free that He will — with the care and precision of a surgeon —expose the captive places in our hearts and set us free.
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On Sunday, we took time as a church family to honour the different generations in our midst. Each generation has its own unique strengths and challenges, but they all have a vital role to play in fulfilling the mission of the church. In recognition of this, we devoted our service to honour and pray for each generation.
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We all love breakthrough stories, but what do we do when we need a breakthrough for ourselves? While there is no formula, there are some basic principles in Scripture that we can embrace as we contend for breakthrough.
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Sometimes God’s purposes for setting limits in our lives are obvious. But often, the purposes of limits aren’t readily apparent to us. They can seem illogical or counterintuitive. However, these mysterious limits create space for God to work in our lives and remind us of our ultimate dependence on Him
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The biggest barrier to embracing limits is that some people will be more gifted or blessed than we are. If we’re not careful, this will open the door to envy — which can be tremendously destructive to ourselves and others. But through the parable for The Prodigal Son, Jesus invites us to become people who “rejoice with those who rejoice” as we recognise the depth of His love for us.
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Sometimes God’s purposes for setting limits in our lives are obvious. But often, the purposes of limits aren’t readily apparent to us. They can seem illogical or counterintuitive. However, these mysterious limits create space for God to work in our lives and remind us of our ultimate dependence on Him
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The world is chronically busy. Our attempts to fit in more and more activity have led to widespread exhaustion and burnout. Thankfully, this isn't how Jesus wants us to live. In fact, being a follower of Jesus often means learning to resist the frantic busyness of our culture and embracing the easy yoke of Jesus.
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While we naturally resist limits, we follow a Saviour who embraced limits more than anyone — subjecting Himself to the limitations of being human and dying on a cross. As His followers, we follow His example to embrace limits — not out of a harsh legalism, but because limits allow our relationship with Jesus to thrive.
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All of us face limits in our lives: whether it’s a physical limit, a financial limit, or a limit in our talents and abilities. While our natural response to limits is to resist them and overcome them, what if limits are a gift to be embraced rather than a barrier to be overcome?
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Jesus concluded the Sermon on the Mount with a simple parable contrasting a wise and a foolish builder. Both built a house and both faced a violent storm, but only one house survived. What was the difference? The quality of the foundation: one house was built on sand and the other on rock. So how do we build our lives on the Rock?
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Our consumer culture constantly bombards us with adverts trying to convince us that their products will make our lives better. But the path to true life isn’t found in more stuff — it’s found in God alone. Embracing a lifestyle of simplicity breaks the stronghold of our consumer culture in our lives and enables us to find true contentment in God.
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Many believe that money is the secret to happiness. But is that true? Scripture and studies have shown that the practice of generosity actually results in the best quality of life. A lifestyle of generosity frees us from the power of greed and brings deeper joy and contentment.
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Money has great potential for good, but can also bring destruction when it takes the wrong place in our hearts. So what is it that defines our relationship with money and how can we make sure that we master our finances, rather than our finances mastering us?
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“How are you doing?” It’s a question we ask each other every day, but rarely do we actually pause to assess how we’re really doing. In the final part of this series, John Eldredge invites us to notice our internal barometers that tell us if our soul is doing well or poorly, and embrace the simple daily practices that will help us experience the life that Jesus promised us.
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Sadly, most Christians have been given the impression that the sum total of the Christian life is faith, obedience, and service. These are all necessary and good things, but Jesus invites us into something far more thrilling and beautiful -- UNION with Him. In this video teaching, John Eldredge describes the astonishing intimacy that is available with God and the practice of simply loving God which helps make it a daily experience.
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The relentless pace of modern life means that we rarely pause to address the emotional impact of life's setbacks, disappointments, and heartbreaks. Over time, this avoidance will inevitably impact our relationship with God and others. But how do we deal with these painful places? In this video teaching, John Eldredge explains how to care for the neglected places in our souls.
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Research has shown that the average persons spends 93% of their life indoors — often in environments that are almost entirely artificial. Deep down, we know our souls don’t thrive in these artificial environments, but it feels impossible to escape. In this week’s video teaching, John Eldredge encourages us to embrace the practice of getting outside on a daily basis — even for just a few minutes — in order to restore our souls and help us connect with God.
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Receiving God’s love, restoration, and connection hinges on our ability to give Him our attention. But in our modern world, our attention is increasingly fragmented by our highly addictive technology. In this video teaching, John Eldredge encourages us to practice “unplugging” to create moments of sacred space every day to give God our attention.
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We weren’t made to live at the relentless pace of our modern world. What we assume is a normal lifestyle is actually insanity to our hearts and souls. So how do we combat the relentless pace of the world and get our lives back? In this video teaching, John Eldredge encourages us to begin learning how to simply “be” with God through the practice of the One Minute Pause.
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There are two temptations when it comes to politics: to see them as irrelevant or to see them as our salvation. So how should Christians relate to politics? Todd encourages us to engage in politics as a way of loving our neighbour — both by voting and by praying.
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We live in a time when masculinity is shamed. It’s seen as something dangerous or toxic. But that’s not how God sees it. He’s created men to use their strength like Jesus did — who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. That is the essence of healthy masculinity.
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What happens when the storms of life come? Ian and Katrina Merton share their story of having their home flooded and its far-reaching impact on their family. As a result of the loss and upheaval, they’ve gained a fresh understanding of God’s ability to bring restoration. Their story is full of wisdom and hope for anyone who is facing the storms of life.
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Summer tends to be a time when you have cultural permission to live at a slower pace of life — which is a great opportunity to receive the restoration our souls so desperately need. But for many of us, summer can slip by in a frenzy of activity and leave us more exhausted and depleted. But what if we asked God what He has for us this summer? What if we allowed Him to challenge our assumptions and agreements, so that we can experience the restoration only He can give.
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As we continue to celebrate Pentecost, guest speaker Barry Manson looked at 4 things the early church experienced through the giving of the Holy Spirit: God's restoration, God's compassion, God's commission, and God's presence. We can experience those same things today as we learn to welcome the Holy Spirit into our lives.
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Sometimes finding God’s will can involve a lot of waiting. This is difficult for us because nobody likes to wait. So what can we do — and what is God doing in us while we are waiting for Him to reveal His will for our lives?
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Our culture has a high value for efficiency. We want to get from point A to point B as quickly and effortlessly as possible. But God’s goal isn’t efficiency — it’s transformation. He uses wilderness seasons in our lives to transform us into the kind of people who can actually fulfil His purposes.
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In order to find God’s will for our lives, it’s important to understand how God guides us. Whether it’s through our natural talents, our circumstances, or through dreams and visions — scripture teaches that God uses both natural and supernatural means to guide people.
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Throughout the Bible, God repeatedly promises to guide His people. But how do we know when God is speaking and when it’s something else? Thankfully, we can turn to the counsel of the Bible, the inner witness of the Holy Spirit, and our church community to help us to confidently discern God’s voice.
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As Christians, one of the most common questions we ask is “What is God’s will for my life?” But discerning God’s will isn’t always obvious. So how do we know God’s plan for our lives? It starts with the understanding that God’s will is more about the kind of person we’re becoming — not what activity we’re doing.
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We would all love for God to give us a clear sign to help us know His will in every situation -- but those occasions are rare. Instead, rather than giving us a sign, God wants to lead us with His peace. But for God to lead us with His peace we must first learn to discern the difference between worldly peace and God's peace.
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In the first Christian sermon ever recorded, Peter explained Jesus’ resurrection with an intriguing phrase: “Death could not hold Him.” On Sunday, Todd explained what Peter meant by this and how Jesus’ triumph over death has opened the door for all of us to eternal life.
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We tend to gravitate towards certain aspects of Jesus’ personality — His compassion, His wisdom, or His power — but we tend to avoid Jesus’ suffering. Isaiah 53 brings the suffering of Jesus into sharp focus and explains how he entered into our suffering on every level in order to redeem us from our sins and reconcile us to God.
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Why did Jesus die? Out of the thousands upon thousands of people crucified by the Romans, what makes His death so unique? Isaiah 53 foretold how God would come as the Suffering Servant to receive the punishment we deserve — making it possible for God’s justice to be fulfilled while still showing mercy to a broken and sinful world.
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The world looks for certain things to identify successful or significant people: money, looks, connections, credentials, and talents. But Jesus didn’t have any of those things. To the world’s eyes, He was completely ordinary. But God doesn’t see as the world sees. God looks at the heart — and under Jesus’ ordinary exterior beat the greatest heart that ever lived. Jesus shows us that God uses the ordinary of our lives to bring about the extraordinary.
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Suffering is often messy, disruptive, and painful to witness. So when we hear about someone else’s suffering, our natural response is to look the other way. But when we make the choice to enter into someone else’s suffering, we become vessels through which God pours out His comfort to the people who need it most.
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How should we respond when we’re in pain? Job’s response to suffering was affirmed by God, which is surprising since his prayers were more rants against God than proclamations of faith. So why did God affirm them? Because they were prayers. Job teaches us that we can’t go wrong if we’re going to God with our pain.
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Modern secular culture sees suffering as the ultimate evil — something to be avoided at all costs. But the early Christians took a different view: suffering was something to be embraced, not merely endured. How could they say that? Was this just macho chest-thumping? Or are they pointing us to something deeper — something essential that could transform our experience of suffering?
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It can be deeply troubling when bad things happen to good people. Not only does it serve as an uncomfortable reminder that life is uncertain, it also exposes the false idea that “If I’m a good person, then God will reward me.” But while the Bible never promises a life without suffering, it does present a God who suffered on our behalf so that suffering wouldn’t have the last word.
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Most of us are extremely uncomfortable with uncertainty. It’s the source of so much debilitating worry and anxiety. But does it have to be that way? On Sunday, Todd looked at how Jesus taught us to respond when we encounter life’s inevitable uncertainties.
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It’s easy to be apprehensive as we enter 2024 — with divisive elections looming and two wars which could escalate at any moment. But as followers of Jesus, we don’t just look at the news, we look to God and seek Him for guidance in navigating these uncertain days. On Sunday, Todd shared three ways we can walk with God into the new year.
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The start of a new year often triggers our longing to make changes to our lives. We often use New Year’s Resolutions to help us make those changes, but they rarely work. Instead, God invites us to walk with Him into the new year by seeking Him and receiving His counsel for our lives. On Sunday, Todd explained one approach to seeking God for your year called the VIM method.
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As Christians, we are all pilgrims — people who are on a journey toward Christlikeness and ultimately to heaven itself. On Sunday, Don Martin looked at three crucial mindsets of a pilgrim: turning, serving, and waiting. Embracing these mindsets helps us persevere in hope in our pilgrimage through life.
(A Pilgrim's Progress - Antioch Sheffield - 7th of January 2024 - YouTube) Permalink
The busy rush for Christmas is over. Now it's time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Join us as we retell the birth of Jesus and the Joy, peace, hope and love that means for us today.
(Christmas Eve - Antioch Sheffield - 24th of December 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
Christians are commanded to “rejoice always.” But can we really be commanded to rejoice? Isn’t joy something that depends on circumstances outside our control? The command to rejoice always isn't a command to deny the painful realities of our lives, but to anchor our souls in the transcendent reality of our faith.
(Anticipating Jesus - The Pathway to Joy - Antioch Sheffield - 17th of December 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
We often associate Christmas with peace. But the peace that Jesus offers us is very different from the sentimental peace we all long for at this time of year. In order to experience the peace of Christ, Jesus must first confront the things in us that hinder our connection to Him. While that confrontation can be disruptive and painful, it can set us free and allow us to experience a deep and lasting peace.
(Anticipating Jesus - Peace - Antioch Sheffield - 10th of December 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
The writers of the New Testament frequently mention hope as one of the key mindsets of the Christian life. But in a world as broken as ours, what is there to be hopeful about? Todd explores the critical role hope plays in anchoring and strengthening our faith in the midst of hardship and suffering.
(Anchored in Hope - Antioch Sheffield - 3rd of December 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
When it’s all said and done, what do we want to have said about our lives? On Sunday, guest speaker Phil Cartmail shared about the importance of embracing humility and learning to love well.
(Learning to Love Well - Antioch Sheffield - 26th of November 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
The ultimate goal of solitude is encountering God. Sometimes that happens easily. But sometimes our encounter looks more like a wrestling match, where we bring to Him the questions, doubts, and painful disappointments with Him that hide in the shadows of our hearts. But the story of Jacob shows us that if we are willing to wrestle through these painful places, we will discover a renewed trust and a deeper intimacy with God than ever before.
(Encountering God in Solitude - Antioch Sheffield - 19th of November 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
Solitude can be a place of spiritual warfare. Whether it’s subtle lies or intimidating attacks, the enemy will do anything to put us off spending time alone with God. Understanding the form those attacks take and knowing how to deal with them is vital if we’re going to embrace the practice of solitude.
(Encountering Spiritual Warfare in Solitude - Antioch Sheffield - 12th of November 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
Most of us are reluctant to practice solitude because deep down, we know that when we enter solitude all of the broken, wounded places inside us will come to the surface. And while it’s true that solitude often involves a confrontation with the most painful places in our lives — these are the very places God is most wanting to heal.
(Encountering Ourselves in Solitude - Antioch Sheffield - 5th of November 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
The beauty of God’s grace is that it has freed us from relating to God as a distant rule-giver; instead, it allows us to come to Him as our father. Barry Manson shows how grace transforms the Christian life from duty to delight.
(Sons Not Slaves - Antioch Sheffield - 29th of October 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
Todd kicks off a new series on the practice of solitude. But even though solitude is one of the key practices of the Christian life, many of us are reluctant to embrace it for ourselves. Todd looked at some of the reasons for this and explained some practical ways to begin to incorporate solitude into our lives.
(Embracing the Practice of Solitude - Antioch Sheffield - 22nd of October 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
Becoming like Jesus can seem like an impossible goal. So how does the impossible become possible? We participate in our transformation through the practice of spiritual disciplines, which create space for God to work in our hearts and train us to be like Jesus.
(Practice Makes Perfect - Antioch Sheffield - 15th of October 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
What does it look like when Jesus transforms lives? This week, we had an interview with Barry & Linda Manson — who encountered Jesus as young hippies and have seen Him intervene in their lives in extraordinary ways: from physical healing to supernatural provision, to learning how to truly rest in the grace of God. Their fascinating story demonstrates God’s faithfulness over four decades of ministry.
(God Stories- Barry & Linda Manson - Antioch Sheffield - 8th of October 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
In order to overcome the unique challenges that the church faces in our modern age, we must steadfastly practice three "one another’s" that have formed the backbone of church life for 2,000 years. This morning, Todd concludes our church vision series.
(Three Essentials for Church Life - Antioch Sheffield - 1st of October 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
Many Christians are looking for ways to share their faith. But surprisingly, one of the most missional things we can do is commit to the work of the Holy Spirit to become like Jesus. Our transformation is a compelling demonstration of the truth and power of the Gospel.
(The Ripple Effect of Transformed Lives - Antioch Sheffield - 24th of September 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
Our modern society often causes people to feel isolated and lonely, which is why being a part of a healthy community is so important for everyone. The ultimate expression of community is the church — which eradicates the normal social barriers and unites us around Jesus. However, anyone who has ever been part of a church knows that community doesn’t come easy. It requires commitment, sacrifice, and humility. This morning Todd takes a look at why community is so important and how it works at Antioch.
(PLacing the Lonely In Families: God's Vision for Community - Antioch Sheffield - 17th of September 2023 - YouTube) Permalink
As adults, it can be easy to overlook and minimise the importance that kids have, but Jesus delighted in their presence and welcomed them to Him. In this week's Family Service, our Children's Pastors Jack and Emily Peet shared what the kids have been learning over the last year, as well as how we can show the same value to our children that Jesus did.
All of us, as humans, have a void for identity, We seek it in almost anything we do, and if we don’t let Jesus define it we will put on a lot of false identities. On Sunday, Kalyn looked into Paul’s conversion story on the road to Damascus, and how God gave Paul a new identity.
(Saul: Encountering God on the Road to Damascus - Antioch Sheffield - 20th of August 2023 - YouTube)Permalink
When we think of God encounters, we often expect something dramatic or spectacular. But Samuel’s first encounter with God shows how He often comes to us in seemingly ordinary ways. On Sunday, Yin looked at how an ordinary invitation can lead to an extraordinary adventure.
(Samuel: Encountering God's Voice in the Night - Antioch Sheffield - 13th of August 2023 - YouTube)Permalink
Our culture encourages us to pursue our dreams and follow our heart. But when Isaiah encountered God, he was given the opportunity to set aside his own agenda in order to respond to God’s invitation for his life. On Sunday, Lauren explored what it means to surrender our own agenda for our lives and follow God into His calling for our lives.
(Isaiah: Encountering God in the Throne Room - Antioch Sheffield - 6th of August 2023 - YouTube)Permalink
When God calls us to something, we can be overwhelmed by our inadequacies. That’s what Moses felt when God spoke to him at the burning bush and instructed him to lead the people of Israel out of bondage in Egypt. But God answered Moses’ fears with the simple promise: “I will be with you.” No matter what God has called you to do, you can rest in the assurance that as long as God is with you, we have all we truly need.
(Moses: Encountering God at the Burning Bush - Antioch Sheffield - 30th of July 2023 - YouTube)Permalink
Our lives are often formed by the false labels and identities we’ve embraced. The story of Jacob is about a man who lived his life with the label of “deceiver”. But an unexpected encounter with God led to a new name and a true understanding of his identity. Katrina continues our God Encounters series.
When we find ourselves in an impossible situation, we long for God to intervene — but God’s intervention often comes in unexpected ways. This is what Joshua discovered on the eve of the Battle of Jericho when he had a surprise encounter with God — and heard His unlikely battle plan for the conquest of the city. Similarly, God is wanting to help us conquer the “Jerichos” in our lives, but the path to victory may not be the one we expected.
We all have an innate desire to be seen and known by other people and by God Himself. But when we encounter adversity in life, it can be easy to think that God doesn’t see or care about us. But when Hagar — an Egyptian slave from Abraham’s household — was at her lowest point in life, she encountered God and from that day forward called Him “the God who sees me.” Her revelation of God reassures us that no matter what circumstances we’re in, we can rest in the promise that “God sees us.”
The writers of scripture repeatedly warned us of the dangers of “the world” — part of the unholy trinity of “the world, the flesh, and the devil.” But what do they mean by “the world”? And how do we keep ourselves from being polluted by it? Join us as Todd looks at why “the world” is so destructive to our souls.
Everyone knows the irreplaceable importance of fathers, either because of the comfort, steadiness, and love we received from an attentive dad — or because of the pain caused by his absence or brokenness. But why do fathers have such an irreplaceable role? And what do we do with the pain caused by dads who have let us down? On Sunday Todd reflected on the irreplaceable role of a father.
Why do we take communion? For many Christians, communion is one of those things we do but we’re not always sure why we do it. As a result, we miss the power and beauty of this sacrament. Today, Todd looks at both why and how we take communion.
The Bible views a person as more than just a physical being, it describes us as a triune being — comprised of a spirit, soul, and body. In our culture, we often attend to the needs of our bodies and souls, but we often neglect our spirit. So how do we cause our spirit man to flourish? Peter Humphrey looks at what dulls our spirits and what makes them come alive.
We all know what it’s like to be physically thirsty, but do we recognise that we have spiritual thirst as well? God created our hearts to be filled with His presence, but we often settle for poor substitutes. So, how can we satisfy our spiritual thirst? Todd looks at Jesus’ invitation to “all who are thirsty.”
The gift of the Spirit means that God has come to dwell in our hearts permanently. But if God dwells in us, why isn’t it more of a tangible reality in our lives? Lauren shares with us some practical tools for learning to connect with the Holy Spirit in day-to-day life.
For many believers, the Holy Spirit can be difficult to relate to. Unlike Jesus and the Father, the Holy Spirit can feel very ethereal. But the Bible is full of scriptures which help us understand who the Holy Spirit is, as well as his role in our lives. Join us as Ian explores how the Holy Spirit is our Advocate who empowers us to live a life of obedience to God.
(The Advocate - Antioch Sheffield - 14th of May 2023 - YouTube)Permalink
Sunday was our annual Celebration Sunday — where we celebrated new life in our midst by dedicating babies and baptising new believers — all topped off with an ice cream cone.
(Celebration Sunday - Antioch Sheffield - 7th of May 2023 - YouTube)Permalink
What does it look like when Jesus transforms a life? This week, we have an interview with Nigel Williams, author of the book "From Darkness to Light" -- which tells how Jesus freed him from a life of crime, addiction, and mental illness. His astonishing story demonstrates that no one is so lost that Jesus cannot rescue them.
(God Stories- Nigel Williams - Antioch Sheffield - 30th of April 2023 - YouTube)Permalink
Jesus’ disciples were despondent in the aftermath of His death. But one by one, the good news of the resurrection lifted them from the depths of despair into the heights of joy. Pete Humphrey looks at Luke’s account of two disciples’ encounter with the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus, which gives us a glimpse of that dramatic reversal — as well as principles of faith for all of us who follow the risen Christ today.
(The Road To Emmaus - Antioch Sheffield - 23rd of April 2023 - YouTube)Permalink
Easter and the resurrection of Jesus is arguably the most significant event in all of history, but how many of us take the time to really think about what the resurrection means for us today? Join us as Ian shares how the resurrection means more to us than going to heaven one day, it is something that allows us to experience the fullness of life here on earth.
(What the Resurrection Means for Today - Antioch Sheffield - 16th of April 2023 - YouTube)Permalink
Jesus’ death and resurrection is a historical fact. But more importantly, it was a reversal of the consequences of the fall that began in the Garden of Eden, culminating in the reversal of death itself. As a result, sin and death no longer have the final word — Jesus will triumph over all.
(Easter Service - Antioch Sheffield - 9th of April 2023 - YouTube)
Why is there often such a wide gap between Jesus’ bold promises about prayer and our actual experience of prayer? Is Jesus guilty of false advertising, or are there other explanations? Todd addresses the elephant in the room in any conversation on prayer through the story of Lazarus.
(Unanswered Prayer - Antioch Sheffield - 2nd of April 2023 - YouTube)
Contemplative prayer is viewed with skepticism in much of the church today. At best, it’s seen as the domain of monks and introverts. But are we missing a vital tool in helping us connect with God and become like Jesus? Todd explores what contemplative prayer is, why it’s so important, and how we can practice it in our everyday lives.
(Contemplative Prayer: Beholding & Becoming - Antioch Sheffield - 26th of March 2023 - YouTube)
Hearing the voice of our loving Father — is one of the greatest joys of prayer. But many struggle with it because it feels too difficult, because it seems unbiblical, or because we have been hurt by others who claim to have heard God. As we continue our series on the Practice of Prayer, Ian unpacks how hearing God is a normal part of the Christian life that is far simpler than we might imagine.
(Listening Prayer - Antioch Sheffield - 19th of March 2023 - YouTube)
Most of us feel like we should be praying more. But if we’re honest, few of us understand WHY we need to pray more. Does prayer actually change anything? Or will God just do whatever He’s going to do anyway? Jesus taught that prayer is both the primary means of developing our relationship with God, as well as decisively affecting the shape of the future.
(Why Pray? - Antioch Sheffield - 12th of March 2023 - YouTube)
As we begin the season of Lent, it’s not uncommon to hear someone talk about some indulgence they’re “giving up for Lent.” But why is fasting a part of Lent? What is it meant to accomplish in our hearts? Lauren shares how God uses the practice of fasting to draw us closer to Himself.
(Why on earth should I fast? - Antioch Sheffield - 26nd of February 2023 - YouTube)
When you join a gym, you can reasonably expect you’ll become fitter as a result. But what can you expect from being part of a church? What impact will it have on your life? Todd explains how God uses church in a variety of ways to form us to become like Jesus.
(What is the Purpose of Church? - Antioch Sheffield - 19th of February 2023 - YouTube)
The Roberts are back! Yesterday, our Lead Pastors Todd and Lauren shared their experiences from their Sabbatical — how they experienced Jesus in fresh ways through the practice of solitude, as well as receiving the peace of God in places of anxiety. If you need a greater experience of God’s rest and peace, be sure to give this a listen!
(An Interview with Todd and Lauren Roberts - Antioch Sheffield - 12th of February 2023 - YouTube)
As we wrap up our series on the parable of the sower we look at both what it means to be good soil and what harvest we can expect to produce. Join us as we unpack how obedience to God's word leads to our lives being transformed in a way that shapes the world around us.
(The Good Soil - Antioch Sheffield - 5th of February 2023 - YouTube)
We live in a culture where we are constantly bombarded with reasons to be concerned as well as the message that the more we have, the happier we will be. As we continue our series on the parable of the four soils, Ian shares how this leads to a divided heart, which crowds out the word of God. If we want to be people of 'Good Soil' we need to learn how to recognise and remove any thorns that have begun to grow in our hearts.
(The Thorns - Antioch Sheffield - 29th of January 2023 - YouTube)
As we continue our series on the Parable of The Sower, we narrow in on the seed that fell on shallow soil. Join us as Ian unpacks how this soil represents a shallow faith, as well as how we can develop a healthy root system into God's love.
(The Shallow Faith - Antioch Sheffield - 22nd of January 2023 - YouTube)
Jesus taught through The Parable of the Sower that the posture of our hearts determines the fruit that we see in our lives. How can we be sure that our hearts reflect the 'good soil' that produces good fruit? Join us as Ian begins a new series looking into the four heart postures Jesus describes and how we can identify them in our lives.
(The Hard Heart - Antioch Sheffield - 15th of January 2023 - YouTube)
At this time of year, many of us may be thinking about what is in store for the road ahead, and the uncertainty of it all can seem overwhelming. But Barry Manson shows us through the life of Abraham that, whatever lies ahead, God is calling you into a radical, supernatural, and victorious lifestyle.
(Stepping Into Your Future - Antioch Sheffield - 8th of January 2023 - YouTube)
The word Peace is so associated with Christmas and so familiar that it can lose all meaning for us. What does it mean for Jesus to be our prince of peace and how do we live in peace in such a crazy world? Kalyn finishes our Christmas series.
(Prince of peace - Antioch Sheffield - 11th of December 2022 - YouTube)
Of all the names given to Jesus 'Everlasting Father' is perhaps the most confusing. How is it that the son could also be the father? As we continue our Christmas series Ian shares how Jesus revealed to us the heart of the father through the way he lived.
(Everlasting Father - Antioch Sheffield - 11th of December 2022 - YouTube)
When picturing a mighty God, it is easy to see Him as mighty when He walked on water or when he fed the 5,000 but what about for your life in your circumstances? This week we explored what it means that Jesus is a Mighty God for us individually.
(Mighty God - Antioch Sheffield - 4th of December 2022 - YouTube)
Isaiah 9:6 is probably one of the most familiar Christmas passages. We have all heard it read at Christmas time, but have we ever stopped to ponder these names given to Jesus? What does it mean that Jesus is our Wonderful Counsellor and how does that apply to our lives today? Tune in as Kalyn Hanson kicks off our Christmas series.
(Wonderful Counsellor - Antioch Sheffield - 28th of November 2022 - YouTube)
Life often presents us with situations that are beyond what we feel capable of dealing with. In these moments it is easy to feel overwhelmed and give up. But Yin Lai shares how God can multiply the limited resources that we are willing to offer Him to overcome life's problems.
(What's in Your Basket? - Antioch Sheffield - 20th of November 2022 - YouTube)
It’s not difficult to find things to complain about, but what you focus on becomes your perspective. Ian shares how embracing an attitude of gratitude enables you to recognise God’s blessings, which in turn transforms your own heart.
We are all aware of the impact sin has on our relationship with God, but how do we actually get to a place of freedom? Many people try in their own strength to live free from sin, but this never works. As we continue our Unto Him series Ian shares how we can triumph over sin through learning to receive God's love and grace.
We live in a world full of opportunities and options, which can be a great thing, but it can also lead to one big enemy of intimacy with God - Distraction. As Ian continues our Unto Him series he looks at what the bible has to say about removing distractions in order to receive more of God.
We live in a fast-paced world and our lives are getting busier than ever. But this rarely creates the space we need to engage with God in a meaningful way. Throughout this message, Ian explores how to slow down to create the space for God we need.
It’s easy as Christians to go on autopilot and start coasting in our faith. The problem is, when it comes to our faith, we never drift in the direction we want to go. If we want to be people who live fully unto God then we need to learn how to develop a lifestyle of intentionality.
None of us would consider sand to be a good foundation to build a house on, but what about when it comes to our lives? How can we know that our lives are built on the right foundations? Blake Hartsock shares how we can make sure our lives are built on solid rock as well as how to rebuild our foundations if they are built on sand.
We all want to experience more of God's presence in our lives. But how do we create a space where God delights to reveal himself? Katrina closes our worship series by sharing about the kind of people God is seeking.
King Jehoshaphat knew what it felt like to need a breakthrough. He was faced with an invasion from an enemy far greater than Judah. He teaches us that when we need a breakthrough, we can worship our way through.
Worship is more than just songs that we sing, it is a heart posture of surrender. Samantha Mudiwa shares how, as we live this lifestyle of surrender to God in worship, it has the power to transform us into God's image because we become what we behold.
Since the beginning worship has been an integral part of the Christian faith, but why do we worship? Understanding this helps us from falling into religious routines and wrong motives. Join us as we unpack what this means and delve into a new series on The Way of Worship.
As the Children of Israel advanced into the promised land they had to deal with opposition, and it is the same for us, as we move into what God has for us, we will face opposition. Often the opposition that we face can feel as daunting as the wall of Jericho. How do we battle against our walls and ultimately find breakthrough? Tune in as Barry Manson gives 4 keys to breakthrough.
If Gideon was to free Israel the time would come when he would have to face his enemy. Likewise, when we step into what God is calling us to we will often face opposition. But the story of Gideon reveals to us the weapons we can use to fight our own spiritual battles. So what are those weapons?
Most of us are willing to step into what we feel capable of doing. But responding to the call of God requires learning to rely on God's strength and not our own if we are going to have the impact God has called us to.
Gideon had a visitation from an angel. For most that would be enough confirmation of God's calling, but not for Gideon. He experienced something common to all of us - doubt. So how do we overcome doubt as we step into our calling?
When God called Gideon to destroy the Midianites the first act he called him to do was to destroy the idols the Israelites were worshipping. Often when God calls us to something he begins by working on our own hearts to remove the idols in our lives so that we can help others do the same.
God is calling all of us to partner with him in his story. But sometimes the biggest hindrance we face can actually be recognising God’s calling in the first place, which is why it is important for us to learn how to discern the voice of God.
Gideon saw himself as a nobody. Someone not important or special enough to be used by God. But he was chosen by God to do a very big thing. God is not looking for people who have all the qualifications, He is looking for those willing to say yes. And His promise is that He is with us on the journey.
Through Jesus, we can all experience the presence of God. But this isn't simply something we can feel from time to time, God sent His Holy Spirit to live in us. We carry the presence of God wherever we go, and his presence is what empowers and liberates us.
Jesus told us to keep watch of our oil supply. So how do you know if you are low on oil? And what do you need to do to refill it? Todd concludes our "Storing Up Oil" series.
We often subconsciously form our view of what God is like based on our relationship with our natural fathers. But our relationship with God is transformed when we experience the love, compassion, and generosity of our perfect Heavenly Father.
What do you do when you’re out of oil? When your intimacy with God is lacking? This week, Laura Humphrey continues our “Storing up Oil” series by looking at what Elijah did when he (rather spectacularly) ran out of oil himself.
There are so many things thrown our way in life, both good and bad, that can shift our focus off of God. This often leads down a path of losing peace, joy, hope, even purpose. Worship is what draws us back into the Presence of God. As we continue in our series of Storing Up Oil, today's message unpacks what it means to give a sacrifice of praise and how that draws us back into God's Presence. Katrina continues our “Storing Up Oil” series.
Our hearts were created to be nourished by the Word of God, but what does that mean? Many of us are familiar with reading the Bible, but not many actually create the space to meditate on it, but the practice of meditating on the Bible nourishes our hearts and helps unlock the treasures of Scripture. Ian continues our “Storing Up Oil” series.
We all have differing levels of experience with discipleship. The truth is that discipleship doesn't always lead to personal growth. There are actually things required of us in order for us to get the most out of discipleship, and one of the most important ingredients is hunger.
Discipleship is a word we often hear, but for many of us we don't really know what it is or why is it so important for us. But Discipleship is actually what Jesus spent most of His time doing, so we take the time to explore how discipleship has the power to transform our lives.
All of us deal with doubt at times, but we don’t always want to admit it. But doubt doesn’t have to destroy your faith. When it’s handled well, doubts can be the catalyst to strengthen your faith. But how do you handle doubts well?
What does union with God look like? How does it show up in people’s lives? Todd looks at 10 characteristics of union with God.
What we give our attention to will influence how we think, act, spend our time and money, and how we live our lives. Is it any wonder there is a battle for your attention? Winning this battle is key to experiencing union with God.
In his final instructions to his disciples, Jesus made it clear that the Christian life is meant to be lived in union with Him. But how do we stay united with Him when He’s not physically present? Jesus actually said it was better for him to go than stay in order for everyone, everywhere to have access to Him.
What stands in the way of living in union with God? Jesus identified one ever-present danger that faces every believer.
If union with God is so important to living the Christian life, then the obvious question is how do you live in union with God? The answer might surprise you.
One of the greatest pitfalls awaiting any Christian is to try to live the Christian life out of our own strength, which results is spiritual exhaustion, powerlessness, and legalism. But Christianity is impossible in our own strength, it’s meant to be lived in union with God.
Why on earth would someone fast? Is it just an outdated and unnecessary practice? Or is it just as relevant today as it has always been? Todd shares about the purpose and benefits of fasting in the Christian life, and how to do it in a healthy way.
If there’s one common thread running through the past six months, it's uncertainty. We just don’t know what’s going to happen next. So how do we respond to uncertainty? What can we put our confidence in? Don Martin shares how we can find certainty in the midst of an uncertain time.
We’re all thankful for modern technology, but one of the things lockdown has taught us is how vital being physically present with other people is to our emotional and spiritual well-being. Today Todd shares about how we’re moving forward as a church as we navigate the tension between safety and the importance of being together.
What lies closest to your heart? There are many things in life to enjoy, but it’s easy to allow them to capture more of our hearts than they should. This week Ian talks about identifying and removing the obstacles that stand between us and God so we can seek him with our whole hearts.
What do you do when you’re imprisoned by life’s circumstances? Living in a fallen world means all of us can wind up in a type of prison that entraps us in hopelessness or sin. But how do you respond when you’re in prison? Todd interviews Jimmy Seibert, the Founder and President of Antioch Ministries International. Jimmy shares his perspective on what God is up to in this season, and how we can respond when we find ourselves imprisoned by our circumstances.
Rick Bewsher, author of the book Wholehearted, shares about how we can cultivate friendship with God and overcome some of the common obstacles that can derail our friendship with Him.
All of our lives are ultimately rooted in something. It might be our family, or the pain of our past, or an ideology. Paul exhorts us to “Let your roots grow down into Jesus.” But what does that practically look like? How do we draw spiritual nourishment and support from Jesus?
Man has always made a great deal of memorials. Great people and great events and great tragedies often have memorials to commemorate them. Why? Memorials are all about remembering, which is why we need our own spiritual memorials. Especially in times of distress or spiritual dryness, we need to remember God’s faithfulness to us.
This week, we conclude an interview with John DeKruyter, an expert in Biblical History, who will be explaining what community looked like in Jesus' culture. John explains how two everyday scenes in the 1st century — temples and stone quarries — illustrate the purpose and experience of community.
This week, we’re airing the first half of a fascinating interview with John DeKruyter, an expert in Biblical History, who will be explaining what community looked like in Jesus' culture. In Part 1, John explains how the communal approach to Jewish courtship and marriage and resulted in healthier marriages. The principles we learn from their practices can be applied to our own experience of community.
We all live our lives by prioritizing one thing over another. The question is: are we prioritizing the right thing? Loving God is to be the priority of our lives and the foundation of our faith.
Just because we’re experiencing a pandemic, doesn’t mean we can’t be missional. In fact, it’s more important than ever because many people are more open to Jesus than they’ve ever been. But how do you live on mission in a time of social distancing?
What does it mean to be connected to church when we can’t gather publicly? It means choosing to stay engaged with your church community. This community is vital for the Christian life, without it, we drift and become vulnerable to temptation. This means we must find creative ways to prioritize our church community.
So often we look to control our environment in order to have peace, but we can never fully control the world around us. Peace is not based on circumstances, real peace comes from knowing Jesus. So we can have peace in any situation.
So often we look to control our environment in order to have peace, but we can never fully control the world around us. Peace is not based on circumstances, real peace comes from knowing Jesus. So we can have peace in any situation.
Recent events have drawn our attention to ongoing racial injustice in our society. But we believe this is an opportunity to bring about substantial change that results in a better future for people of all ethnicities. As Christians, we can help lead the way in bringing reconciliation in our culture thanks to the powerful principles we find in the Bible.
Todd interviews author & speaker John Eldredge about what God is up to in the midst of this pandemic, as well as the recent flare-up of racial injustice, and how to take care of your heart in the midst of it.
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We all love gifts, but most of us are not aware that God has given us an amazing gift. Jesus described the Holy Spirit as “the gift” the Father gives to his people, which began at Pentecost. But it’s a story that is somewhat strange at first glance, so it’s important to understand the cultural and historical context in order to fully appreciate the magnitude of what happened that day.
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Ronan Walker and his wife Catherine were committed to a life of radical faith in Jesus, living as inner-city missionaries and ministering in prisons. But one day as Ronan was preaching his first sermon to the inmates, an unimaginable tragedy struck which tested the foundations of his faith. Ronan shares his journey of walking through pain and loss and coming out the other side.
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We’ve all lost something over the past few months, whether it’s a loved one or a holiday or a job. But how do we handle our losses? We tend to minimize or ignore them and just hope the pain goes away, but that won’t allow our souls to heal. Instead we need to grieve, which is a bit of a lost art in our culture. But what does grief look like, especially for a Christian?
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When we face trails, we all want them to end quickly. Sometimes they do, but sometimes they last much longer than we hoped. So what do we do while we’re waiting for breakthrough?
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One of the first things we wonder about when experiencing pain is why are we suffering? Is there is a redemptive purpose to our pain? Even though it is unpleasant, God is able to use pain is significant ways in our lives.
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How could a good God allow suffering? Is COVID-19 a judgement from God? These are important questions people are asking right now. Thankfully, the Bible provides some helpful perspective for us to consider as we weather this crisis.
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For many people, life in lockdown is difficult. When all our normal routines are removed, it can have a big impact mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Lauren and Todd discuss how to thrive in lockdown — not just survive.
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The hinge on which history turned occurred 2,000 years ago when Jesus rose from the dead. Not only did it validate His claims and His teachings, it gave us peace in this life, and hope for the next.
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One of the most confusing aspects of prayer is that it can sometimes take so long to see the answer. But Jesus actually tells us to persevere in prayer, why? Because there is a purpose in the perseverance.
There are so many different examples in the bible of people coming together to pray. And with the current Coronavirus pandemic, praying together is more important now than ever before. But how do we pray together as a church in our current situation?
The Bible instructs us to pray at all times, but what does that really look like? Is a lifestyle of prayer actually possible for all believers? There are some practical tools that can help us grow in our ability to pray with confidence and consistency.