Stonelaw Church: Recent Episodes
Rev. Neil H Watson
In this message from 1 Peter 2:1–10, we explore one of the most beautiful images the New Testament gives for the Church: God's people as living stones being built together into a spiritual house.
As Stonelaw Church welcomes new members and reflects on God's ongoing work among us, we are reminded that the Church is not built by one person, one ministry, or one generation. It is built by Christ, the living Cornerstone, who brings ordinary people together and uses each of them for His purposes.
Peter challenges us to consider not only what God is building, but the kind of people He is building with. He calls us to put away the attitudes that divide and to cultivate a hunger for spiritual growth, remembering that healthy churches are made up of people who continue to seek after God.
At the heart of this passage is the encouraging truth that every believer has a place in God's plans. Some serve visibly, others quietly and unseen, but every prayer, every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every gift offered in faith matters because God uses it all to build His Church.
Above all, this message points us to Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone on whom the whole Church rests. Our confidence is not in ourselves, our resources, or our plans for the future, but in the One who continues to build His people and call them out of darkness into His marvellous light.
📖 Key Text: 1 Peter 2:1–10
✝️ Theme: Every stone matters
🎧 Takeaway: Jesus is still building His Church, and every believer has a place, a purpose, and a part to play in the story He is writing.
In this special anniversary message, we reflect on one of the most encouraging promises in Scripture: that the God who begins his work in us is faithful to carry it through to completion.
Looking back over five years of ministry together at Stonelaw, we remember God's faithfulness through seasons of challenge and blessing, uncertainty and growth. We give thanks for answered prayers, lives changed, friendships formed, and the countless ways God has quietly been at work among us.
Yet this message is not only about looking back. It is also about looking forward with confidence. The Christian life can often feel unfinished, and so can the life of a church. We all carry hopes, struggles, prayers, and dreams that remain incomplete. But Philippians reminds us that God is not finished. The One who began the work continues the work, and he will not abandon what he has started.
As we celebrate God's goodness in the past, we are invited to trust him for the future, knowing that his faithfulness is greater than our weakness and his purposes are still unfolding.
📖 Key Text: Philippians 1:1-11
✝️ Theme: The God who begins His work is faithful to complete it
🎧 Takeaway: When we remember God's faithfulness in the past, we can face the future with confidence, trusting that He is still at work in us and among us.
In this Trinity Sunday message, we explore one of the deepest mysteries of the Christian faith: how God reveals Himself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
For many Christians, the Trinity can feel difficult to explain. How can God be one and three at the same time? Why has the Church spent centuries wrestling with these questions? Yet perhaps the Trinity is not a puzzle to solve, but an invitation to know the God we encounter throughout Scripture.
Ultimately, Trinity Sunday calls us beyond explanation and into worship—into the love of the Father, the grace of the Son, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
📖 Key Text: John 14:8–17
✝️ Theme: The Trinity is not a problem to solve but the way God has made Himself known to us
🎧 Takeaway: We may never fully comprehend the mystery of God, but we can know Him, trust Him, and join with the Church across the centuries in saying, “We believe.”
In this Pentecost Sunday message, we reflect on the moment the Holy Spirit came like wind and fire—transforming ordinary, uncertain disciples into people filled with courage, hope, and purpose.
Before Pentecost, the disciples were simply waiting. They didn’t have all the answers. They were still carrying doubts, fears, and failures. But as they remained together and open to God, the Holy Spirit arrived in power and everything changed.
Pentecost reminds us that God doesn’t wait until we feel strong, confident, or fully prepared. The Spirit comes to ordinary people who are willing to show up, trust God, and make room for Him to move.
This message explores how the fire of the Spirit is not just about dramatic moments, but about lasting transformation—forming in us the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and faithfulness as we become more like Jesus over time.
The invitation of Pentecost is still open today: Come, Holy Spirit.
📖 Key Text: Acts 2:1–4
🕊️ Theme: The Holy Spirit fills ordinary people and transforms them from the inside out
🎧 Takeaway: We may not be able to create the wind of the Spirit - but we can open the windows and let him in
In this final message from the SENT series, we find ourselves on the shoreline with Peter—where failure, grace, and calling meet in a deeply personal encounter with Jesus.
After denying Jesus three times, Peter is gently restored—not with condemnation, but with a question that still speaks to us today: “Do you love me?”
Before giving Peter any mission, Jesus restores his heart. Grace comes first. And from that place, the call is simple: “Feed my sheep.”
This message reminds us that the mission of Jesus isn’t about programmes or perfection—it’s about people. Loving Jesus means caring for those He cares about, in the everyday moments right in front of us.
It’s not always easy. Following Jesus can be costly and uncomfortable. But His invitation remains the same: “Follow me.”
📖 Key Text: John 21:15–19
🕊️ Theme: Loving Jesus leads us to care for His people
🎧 Takeaway: You don’t need to be perfect—just willing to love, follow, and care for the people God places before you
In this message from the SENT series, we take another step forward—not just recognising that we are sent, or even that we have a story to share—but discovering what the mission of Jesus is actually meant to produce in and through us.
In Matthew 28, we find the disciples standing before the risen Jesus—worshipping, yet still wrestling with doubt. It’s a deeply honest moment that reflects our own experience of faith: holding both belief and uncertainty at the same time. But Jesus meets them right there, not waiting for perfect clarity, and speaks words that bring both authority and direction.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
With that foundation, Jesus calls His followers into something far deeper than a moment or a message. He sends them to make disciples—to walk with people, to see lives shaped over time, and to invite others into a living, growing relationship with Him.
This message reminds us that the mission is not about quick results or one-off conversations. It’s about journeying with people—going, baptising, and teaching in the context of real relationships and everyday life. It’s about faith that is lived out, not just spoken.
And yet, rather than overwhelming us with the scale of the call, Jesus brings it down to something simple and possible: one step at a time. One person. One invitation.
Like the Samaritan woman or Philip’s invitation to Nathanael, the call is not to have all the answers—but to say, “Come and see.”
In a world where sharing faith can feel intimidating, Jesus' message brings both clarity and freedom. We are not sent alone, and we are not sent to perform—we are sent with His authority, His presence, and His purpose.
📖 Key Texts: Matthew 28:16–20; John 4; John 1:46
🕊️ Theme: The mission of Jesus is not just to reach people—but to walk with them into discipleship
🎧 Takeaway: You don’t need perfect words—just a willingness to take the next step and invite someone to “come and see.”
In this message from the SENT series, we move beyond the idea of being sent and begin to understand what we are actually sent to do. In Luke 24, we step into a powerful post-resurrection moment where Jesus meets His disciples in the middle of their uncertainty and gently leads them into clarity, confidence, and calling.
The disciples aren’t bold or fearless—they’re startled, questioning, and trying to make sense of everything that has happened. But Jesus doesn’t withdraw from their doubt. He comes close. He invites them to see, to touch, to share a meal. In doing so, He shows that faith is not abstract—it’s deeply personal, formed in real encounters with a living Saviour.
As Jesus opens their minds to the bigger story of Scripture—from Genesis through the prophets—He reveals that His death and resurrection were never accidental, but part of God’s plan all along. And then He speaks words that define not only their identity, but ours: “You are witnesses of these things.”
This message reminds us that being a witness isn’t about having all the answers or winning arguments. It’s about simply sharing what we’ve seen and experienced. Like the man in John 9, our role is not to explain everything—but to say, “This is what Jesus has done in my life.”
In a world where faith can feel difficult to talk about, this message brings both challenge and relief. We are called to share—but not in our own strength. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, empowering ordinary people to carry an extraordinary message.
And rather than overwhelming us with the scale of the mission, this message brings it close to home: one person, one conversation, one step of faith.
📖 Key Texts: Luke 24:36–49
🕊️ Theme: We are not called to argue - but to witness what Jesus has done
🎧 Takeaway: You don’t need perfect words—just a real story and a willingness to share it
In this opening message from the SENT series, we step into the moment where the risen Jesus meets His disciples behind locked doors and speaks both peace and purpose into their fear.
At first glance, the disciples don’t look like people ready to change the world. They are uncertain, hesitant, and afraid. Yet it’s into that very space that Jesus comes — not with rebuke, but with peace. Before He sends them, He restores them.
This passage reminds us that the mission of God doesn’t begin with confidence or capability, but with encountering Jesus. His peace settles our fears,
His presence changes our identity, and His Spirit empowers us to step forward.
When Jesus says, “As the Father has sent me, so I send you,” He redefines what it means to follow Him. We are not just saved — we are sent. Not in our own strength, but filled and equipped by the Holy Spirit to live with purpose in everyday places.
And in a world where faith is often kept private, this message calls us to something simple and personal: to notice the one person God is placing on our hearts, and to step out with courage, compassion, and hope.
📖 Key Texts: John 20:19–22, Genesis 2, John 14:27, Romans 5:1
🕊️ Theme: Jesus meets us in our fear, gives us His peace, and sends us with His purpose
🎧 Takeaway: We don’t need to have it all together — we simply need to receive His peace and step out, trusting that He goes with us
In this Palm Sunday message, we step into the tension of one of the most well-known moments in the life of Jesus — a celebration that quickly turns into rejection.
As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowds cry out “Hosanna!” and welcome Him as King. Yet beneath the excitement lies a deeper misunderstanding.
They were looking for a king who would meet their expectations — a political rescuer, a powerful ruler, a quick solution to their problems.
But Jesus arrives in a very different way.
Riding on a donkey, He reveals a kingdom built not on power or force, but on humility, peace, and sacrificial love. He is the true King — just not the one they expected.
This message challenges us to reflect on our own expectations of Jesus. Do we follow Him only when He fits our plans, or are we willing to trust Him as the King we truly need?
Because while the crowd wanted immediate change around them, Jesus came to bring something deeper — transformation within. A salvation that reaches beyond circumstances and into the heart.
📖 Key Texts: Matthew 21:1–11, Zechariah 9:9, John 12:12–16
🕊️ Theme: Jesus is not always the King we expect, but He is always the King we need
🎧 Takeaway: True salvation isn’t about quick fixes — it’s about allowing Jesus to transform us from the inside out
In this last message from the BLESSED series, we reflect on Jesus’ final Beatitude: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
At first glance, persecution doesn’t look like blessing. Yet Jesus reveals that faithfulness to Him will sometimes bring opposition — not as a sign of failure, but as evidence that we belong to His kingdom.
Throughout the Bible and history, God’s people have faced this reality. From the prophets to Daniel, from the early church to believers around the world today, faithfulness has often come with a cost. But again and again, we see that God remains present and at work, even in the midst of suffering.
This Beatitude lifts our eyes beyond present struggles to an eternal hope. Our identity is not shaped by the approval of the world, but by belonging to Jesus. And the reward He promises far outweighs anything we may lose.
📖 Key Texts: Matthew 5:10–12, Daniel 6, Romans 8:18
🕊️ Theme: Faithfulness to Jesus may bring opposition, but it reveals our place in His kingdom
🎧 Takeaway: When we remain faithful in the face of pressure, we walk the path of Jesus — and discover it is always worth it.
In this message from the BLESSED series, we reflect on Jesus’ promise: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Peace in the way of Jesus isn’t simply avoiding conflict or keeping everyone comfortable. True peacemaking is active and courageous — it moves toward broken relationships, seeks reconciliation, and works for healing where division has taken root.
Peacemaking reflects the very heart of God. Through the gospel, God Himself stepped into our broken world through Jesus to reconcile us to Him. Because of the peace Christ has made through the cross, those who belong to Him are called to carry that same reconciling spirit into their homes, churches, and communities.
📖 Key Texts: Matthew 5:9, Colossians 1:19–20, Isaiah 2
🕊️ Theme: Peacemakers reflect the heart of God in a divided world
🎧 Takeaway: When we pursue reconciliation and healing, we begin to look more like our Father in heaven.
In this message from the BLESSED series, we explore Jesus’ promise: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”
Purity of heart isn’t about perfection — it’s about having an undivided devotion to God. When our hearts are pulled in too many directions by distraction, approval, or control, our spiritual vision becomes cloudy. But when we return to God with honesty and humility, He begins to clear away what stands in the way.
Through reflections on Scripture and everyday life, this sermon reminds us that God isn’t looking for flawless people, but for hearts that genuinely want more of Him. And as He reshapes our hearts, we begin to see His presence more clearly in the ordinary moments of life.
📖 Key Texts: Matthew 5:8 & Psalms 24 and 51
🕊️ Theme: An undivided heart allows us to see God more clearly
🎧 Takeaway: A heart fully turned toward God begins to recognise Him everywhere.
In this fifth message of the BLESSED series, we sit with one of Jesus’ most countercultural promises: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy.” Drawing from Matthew 5:7 and tracing the thread of mercy woven all through Scripture, this sermon invites us to consider not just whether we believe in mercy - but whether we are living it.
This sermon explores how mercy is far more than being nice or overlooking wrong. It’s love that chooses compassion over condemnation. It’s the evidence that grace has truly reached our hearts. When we’ve experienced God’s forgiveness for ourselves, we’re called to let that mercy flow outward - to the people who have hurt us, disappointed us, or simply made life difficult.
We reflect on the warning found in the parable of the unforgiving servant and the powerful image of Jesus on the cross praying, “Father, forgive them.” Mercy doesn’t deny pain or remove consequences, but it does break cycles of bitterness and release resentment into God’s hands. It’s not weakness - it’s Christ-shaped strength.
If you’ve been holding onto hurt, replaying old conversations, or quietly keeping score, this message gently challenges you to ask: has grace truly softened my heart? And who might need to experience the mercy of God through me?
📖 Key Text: Matthew 5:7 & Micah 6:6-8
🕊️ Theme: Those who have received mercy are called to reflect the heart of a merciful King
🎧 Takeaway: When we let mercy flow through us, we find fresh freedom, deeper joy, and a closer walk with God
In this fourth message of the BLESSED series, we lean into one of Jesus’ most searching promises: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Drawing from Matthew 5:6 and the powerful challenge of Isaiah 58, this sermon invites us to examine what we truly crave—and whether our spiritual appetite has grown dull on lesser things.
This episode gently confronts the distractions that quietly steal our spiritual appetite—success, comfort, approval, and endless noise—and calls us back to a deeper, daily dependence on God. We’re reminded that righteousness is both a gift and a pursuit: declared over us by grace through Jesus, and then lived out in practical, Spirit-filled obedience.
If you’ve felt spiritually restless, aware that something deeper is missing, or challenged by the gap between belief and action, this message is an invitation to let God stir holy hunger within you again—and to trust His promise to truly satisfy.
📖 Key Text: Matthew 5:6
🕊️ Theme: A holy hunger for God shapes both our hearts and our hands
🎧 Takeaway: When we crave righteousness above all else, God fills and transforms us
In this second message of the BLESSED series, we sit with one of Jesus’ most surprising and counter-cultural promises: “Blessed are those who mourn.” Drawing from Matthew 5:4, this sermon explores why Jesus doesn’t rush us past grief, minimise pain, or call sorrow a lack of faith—but instead names it as a place where God’s comfort meets us most deeply.
This message gently dismantles the idea that faith requires us to fake strength or suppress sadness. From personal loss and unanswered prayers, to grief over sin and the brokenness of the world, we’re reminded that mourning is not weakness—it’s honesty. Jesus meets us not with distance or correction, but with nearness, compassion, and real comfort.
If you’ve ever felt pressure to “be okay,” struggled to bring your pain to God, or wondered whether your tears still belong in a life of faith, this episode is a powerful invitation to stop holding it all together and let God meet you right where you are.
📖 Key Text: Matthew 5:4
🕊️ Theme: God draws near to the broken-hearted with real comfort
🎧 Takeaway: Mourning with God doesn’t harden us—it opens the door to healing, hope, and deeper faith
This week in Stonelaw we had a guest speaker. The Rev. Andrew Rooney who no works for Compassion UK spoke to us about the amazing work done by the charity, the difference Stonelaw are making through the support given and then preached on the transformations that happen in the Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37
In this opening message of a new series on the Beatitudes, we’re invited to rethink what it truly means to be blessed. From Matthew 5:3, Jesus challenges our culture’s ideas of success and self-sufficiency with a surprising declaration: “Blessed are the poor in spirit.”
This episode explores how poverty of spirit isn’t weakness or insecurity, but an honest recognition of our deep need for God. Rather than calling us to spiritual performance, Jesus invites us into humility, dependence, and grace—the very doorway to life in His Kingdom.
If you’ve ever felt pressure to have your faith all figured out, this message is a timely reminder that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs not to the self-sufficient, but to those who come to God with open hands and honest hearts.
📖 Key Text: Matthew 5:3
🕊️ Theme: True blessing begins with humility and dependence
🎧 Takeaway: When we admit our need for God, we make room for His grace and Kingdom to take root
While our minister, Neil, was on holiday this past Sunday we welcomed the Rev. Mike Watson as a guest to come and lead us in worship. In his sermon he speaks of the importance of discipleship in order for us to be apostles of Jesus, fulfilling the call to share the Good News with others.
Scriptures: Mark 1:14-20 & 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
In this message, First Things First: Ordering Our World, we’re invited to reflect on what it truly means to let God lead the direction of our lives. Drawing from the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5–6, this sermon explores how trust - not control - becomes the foundation for a life that is rightly ordered before God.
Many of us believe in God, yet still feel unsettled, anxious, or unsure about the choices we’re making. Trusting God goes beyond belief; it’s about placing the full weight of our decisions, fears, and hopes into His care. Like driving on a dark road with only headlights to guide us, God doesn’t promise the full picture - only enough light for the next faithful step.
This episode gently challenges our desire for certainty and self-reliance, inviting us instead to acknowledge God in all our ways and remain open to His guidance, even when it reshapes our plans. It’s a reminder that while following Jesus doesn’t guarantee an easy path, it does promise direction, meaning, and peace rooted in His presence.
If life feels busy but disordered, active but anxious, this message hopefully offers wisdom for the everyday moments where real trust is formed - one choice, one step at a time.
📖 Key Text: Proverbs 3:5–6
🧭 Theme: Trusting God with direction, not just belief
🎧 Takeaway: When we trust the Lord with all our heart, He brings clarity, peace, and purpose to every step of the journey
In this first message of the new year, Neil invites us into Jesus’ gentle yet challenging words from Matthew 6:25–34, where worry is met with trust and anxiety is answered with the Father’s care. As Jesus points to birds in the sky and lilies in the field, we’re reminded that our lives are held by a God who knows our needs long before we voice them.
This sermon explores why worry so easily captures our hearts—and how Jesus calls us to a better way. Rather than being consumed by tomorrow’s uncertainties, we’re invited to rest in God’s daily provision and realign our lives around what truly matters: His Kingdom.
This episode is a timely reminder that peace isn’t found in having everything figured out, but in trusting the One who holds it all together. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s pressures or weighed down by “what ifs,” this message will hopefully encourage you to loosen your grip on worry and lean into the faithful care of your heavenly Father.
📖 Key Text: Matthew 6:25–34
🕊️ Theme: Trading worry for trust in God’s provision
🎧 Takeaway: When we seek God’s Kingdom first, we can rest knowing He will take care of the rest.
In this Watchnight message, Emmanuel: God With Us, we pause to reflect on the heart of the Christmas story: not simply that God kept a promise, but that He came close. Drawing from Matthew’s Gospel and the ancient promise of Isaiah, this message invites us to consider what it truly means that God did not send help from a distance — He entered the story Himself.
Through Joseph’s confusion, Mary’s vulnerability, and the ordinary, messy reality of that first Christmas night, we are reminded that God is not afraid of darkness. In fact, He seems to do His best work there. Born under a night sky, in uncertainty and obscurity, Jesus reveals a God who steps into fear, grief, doubt, and unfinished stories — and chooses to dwell there with us.
This message speaks tenderly to those who find themselves standing at the edge of a new day carrying unanswered questions, unexpected losses, or quiet hopes. Christmas does not erase the darkness — but it declares that the darkness does not win. Emmanuel means we are never alone: not in our waiting, not in our uncertainty, and not as we step into a new year.
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📖 Key Texts: Matthew 1:18–25, Isaiah 7:14, John 1:5
🔥 Theme: God’s presence in the darkness
🎧 Takeaway: Christmas is not just the promise fulfilled — it is God choosing to be with us. Because Emmanuel is near, we can face any darkness with His light.
In this third week of Advent, we pause to listen to one of the most powerful announcements ever spoken — good news of great joy.
Drawing from Luke 2 and the angel’s unexpected proclamation to the shepherds, this message invites us to rediscover a joy that doesn’t depend on circumstances, comfort, or control. Not announced to kings or proclaimed in palaces, God’s joy breaks into the ordinary night of overlooked shepherds — weary people simply doing their job, unseen by the world but fully seen by God.
Through the shepherds’ encounter with the angels, we’re reminded that Christian joy is not something we create, perform, or pretend. It is announced. It is delivered. It begins with God’s initiative and is rooted in one profound truth: Emmanuel — God with us.
This joy doesn’t erase hardship or instantly change circumstances. Instead, it transforms everything from the inside out. Joy grows when we recognise that Jesus has drawn near — in our waiting, our weariness, our uncertainty, and even our fear. As the shepherds discover, true joy draws us toward Jesus, leads us into worship, and overflows into joyful witness that can’t be kept quiet.
Advent joy is not shallow happiness or seasonal cheer. It is the deep, steady gladness that comes from knowing we are never alone — that light has broken into the darkness, and God is with us still.
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📖 Key Texts: Luke 2:8–20, Philippians 4:4–7
🔥 Theme: Joy that breaks into the ordinary
🎧 Takeaway: Joy is not found in circumstances — it is found in the presence of Emmanuel. When Jesus is near, even a weary world can rejoice.
In this second week of Advent, we turn our attention to one of the deepest longings of the human heart: peace — not the fragile, fleeting kind we often talk about, but the kind only God can bring.
Drawing from Isaiah 40 and the ministry of John the Baptist in Luke 3, this message invites us to see that biblical peace doesn’t begin when life finally calms down. It begins when God speaks into our chaos, our weariness, and the places in us that feel undone.
Through Isaiah’s cry of “Comfort, O comfort my people” and John’s bold call to “prepare the way of the Lord,” we discover that the peace God promises is not passive. It’s transformative. It lifts valleys of discouragement, levels mountains of pride, straightens what’s crooked in us, and smooths what has grown rough and restless.
This week reminds us that peace isn’t something we manufacture — it’s Someone we welcome. Peace has a name, and that name is Jesus. And as we make room for Him through repentance, surrender, and openness, the peace of His kingdom begins to reshape our lives from the inside out.
We’re invited not only to receive His peace, but also to reflect it: through reconciliation, gentleness, humility, and the costly, Christlike work of becoming peacemakers in a restless world.
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📖 Key Texts: Isaiah 40:1–11, Luke 3:1–6
🔥 Theme: Peace that prepares the heart
🎧 Takeaway: The peace of Jesus comes where He reigns — in our thoughts, our decisions, our relationships, and every place where we clear the way for His presence.
In this first week of Advent, we open the season not with celebration, but with honesty — the kind of honesty the Bible doesn’t shy away from.
Drawing from Isaiah 9 and the story of Mary in Luke 1, Neil leads us into the deep truth that Advent always begins in the dark: in our waiting, our longing, and our quiet questions about whether God sees, remembers, and still moves.
Through Isaiah’s prophetic promise of a great light breaking into the gloom, and Mary’s courageous “yes” in the midst of confusion and uncertainty, this message invites us to rediscover biblical hope — not optimism, not wishful thinking, but a hope rooted in the unchanging character of God.
We’re reminded that the God who came quietly in Bethlehem still meets us in our smallness, still speaks into our night, and still works in our waiting. Advent teaches us that the darkness is real — but it will not win. A light has broken in, and hope is rising again.
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📖 Key Texts: Isaiah 9:1–7, Luke 1:26–38
🔥 Theme: Hope that grows in the waiting
🎧 Takeaway: God often begins with the small — a small town, a small flame, a small “yes.” And in those small beginnings, He brings His light into our darkness.
In this week’s message, as we mark Remembrance Sunday, Neil leads us through the powerful vision of Revelation 22 — a river of life flowing from the throne of God, and a tree whose leaves bring healing to the nations.
This sermon reflects on the courage and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for peace and freedom — and how their legacy points us toward the hope of God’s ultimate renewal.
Through this amazing vision in Revelation, we’re reminded that every act of love and sacrifice is woven into God’s plan to heal the world — and that one day, there will be no more curse, no more night, only the light of Jesus shining forever. ✨
📖 Key Text: Revelation 22:1–5
🔥 Theme: Hope and healing in the face of sacrifice
🎧 Takeaway: The river of God’s life still flows — bringing comfort to the grieving, peace to the broken, and light to every darkness.
In this week’s message Neil invites us to stand with believers around the world who serve Jesus amid hostility and hardship. Marking the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, this sermon reflects on how God’s power shines through weakness — drawing from 2 Corinthians 4:7–12 and the stories of pastors like Akashan, Mohan, and Wang Yi.
Through their courage, we see that the treasure of Christ’s gospel is carried in fragile “jars of clay,” revealing the strength of God when human strength runs out.
📖 Key Text: 2 Corinthians 4:7–12
🔥 Theme: God’s power in human weakness
🎧 Takeaway: Even under pressure, the light of Christ still shines through His people.
In this week’s message, “Words for a Waiting World,” Neil reminds us that God’s Word still carries life-giving power — even when everything around us feels dry and uncertain. Drawing from Isaiah 55, this sermon explores how God’s promises continue to work beneath the surface, accomplishing His purpose in ways we can’t always see.
Through vivid imagery and real-life reflection, Neil invites us to trust the slow, steady work of the Word — like rain soaking into thirsty soil — and to believe that what feels barren today can still bloom tomorrow.
If you’ve ever found yourself praying, hoping, or waiting for change, this episode will encourage you to keep sowing seeds of faith and trust that God’s Word will not return empty.
📖 Key Text: Isaiah 55:10–11
🌧️ Theme: Trusting the power of God’s Word in seasons of waiting
🎧 Takeaway: God’s Word is still working — even when you can’t see it grow.
In this final message of the “From Worry to Worship” series, Neil takes us on a journey through Habakkuk 3 — a passage that transforms fear into faith and complaint into praise. Just like Paul and Silas singing in the darkness of a prison cell, Habakkuk learns to worship even when the world is falling apart.
Through honest reflection, vivid imagery, and timeless truth, this sermon explores what it means to rejoice in God when everything else is uncertain. You’ll be encouraged to remember God’s past faithfulness, rest in His sovereign presence, and rejoice in His unchanging goodness — even when the fig tree doesn’t bud and the vines are bare.
If you’ve ever struggled to worship in the middle of hardship, this episode will remind you that the deepest praise often rises from the darkest places.
📖 Key Text: Habakkuk 3:1–19
🕊️ Theme: Worshipping God when life doesn’t make sense
🎧 Takeaway: True worship isn’t about what’s in your hands — it’s about who’s in your heart.
Are you feeling impatient, wondering when God will act? Well, this week we continue our journey through the powerful book of Habakkuk, focusing on the crucial lesson of waiting on God. Last week, we started unpacking Habakkuk's initial questions. This week, we dive deeper into what it means to trust in God's perfect timing, even when circumstances feel delayed or uncertain.
Scripture: Habakkuk 2:1-20
Is it ok to be honest with God when you're hurting? Today, in Stonelaw, we start a new sermon series called 'From Worry to Worship' based in the book of Habakkuk and learn that God really wants us to bring our struggles to him.
Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-12
This week, in Stonelaw, we paused to celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving. We focus on the idea that God has done amazing things in the past and will do so again. Even if we are sowing tears at the moment, we can reap joy!
Scripture: Psalm 126
Are you making the most of your unique gifts and abilities? This week, in Stonelaw, we look using our talents for God's glory and the benefit of others. Inspired by 1 Peter 4, we explore how faithful stewardship extends beyond financial giving to encompass the intentional use of our time, skills, and resources.
How do we move beyond hoarding our talents and start building something that will matter for eternity. It's time to reflect God's grace, be a faithful steward, and make a real difference in the lives of those around you!
Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-11
In a world of endless distractions and fleeting pleasures, how can we make the most of our time? This week, we dive deep into a powerful message about stewardship, challenging us to see time as our most valuable resource. Inspired by the Apostle Paul's letter to the Ephesians, we explore how to live intentionally, guided by the Spirit, and avoid being led astray by empty pursuits.
Are we investing our time in things that truly matter, or are we letting it slip away? It's time to redeem the time and live a life of purpose, gratitude, and devotion, stewarding our most valuable resource wisely!
Scripture: Ephesians 5:6-20
What does it truly mean to give with a cheerful heart? This week, in Stonelaw, we explore a vital aspect of Christian living... having a heart for giving! We read in the Bible that giving transcends mere financial transactions and becomes an act of worship, reflecting our trust in God's provision and our understanding of His grace.
We need to move passed common misconceptions about giving and cultivate a lifestyle of sowing generously, trusting God's provision, and experiencing the joy of participating in his divine work!
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9, Romans 12:1, John 3:16 and more...
What does it mean to be a good steward of the gifts God has given us? This week’s sermon from Stonelaw kicks off a new series on "Faithful Stewardship," using the 'Parable of the Talents' as a starting point. We examine how stewardship goes beyond just finances, encompassing our time, talents, and opportunities. Heed the call to identify your unique gifts, overcome fear, and actively engage in the work of the Kingdom.
Scripture: Matthew 25:14-30
In a world obsessed with outward appearances and curated online personas, it's easy to get caught in the trap of comparison and feel like we're falling short. What does it truly mean to be blessed and to be a blessing to others?
Drawing inspiration from the biblical story of Samuel anointing David, we'll discover how God looks beyond the surface, seeing the heart and potential within each of us.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Ever feel like worship is just a Sunday morning activity? This week in Stonelaw, we dive into Psalm 150, the "Grand Finale" of the Book of Psalms, to discover how praise is meant to be a vibrant, all-encompassing lifestyle. We are called to transform our life into a constant song of praise, honouring God in every task and celebrating His goodness, regardless of the circumstances. Are you ready to unleash the exuberance of joyful, full-bodied praise?
Scripture: Psalm 150
This week, we dive into Psalm 127 to explore how to build our homes – and our lives – on a foundation of faith. Are you striving but feeling like something's missing? This psalm uncovers the secret to true security, blessing, and rest that comes from prioritising God. We also reflect on the incredible gift of family and how to nurture those relationships with intention and grace.
Scripture: Psalm 127
This week, we explore Psalm 96 and its powerful message of praise, sovereignty, and hope. Often, we get caught up in routine and forget to truly see and celebrate God's ongoing work in our lives and the world around us. Psalm 96 helps us to learn how to live a life that reflects God's greatness, sharing His love and truth with the world. Are we ready to be inspired to fully worship through singing, proclaiming God's majesty, and living hope-filled lives?
Scripture: Psalm 96
This week, we continue our summer series by jumping into the timeless wisdom of Psalm 84, exploring the deep longing for God's presence and the joy it brings. In this episode, we unpack the psalmist's heartfelt yearning for God's house and how this resonates with our own spiritual journeys.
We examine how the psalm contrasts the fleeting pleasures of the world with the enduring satisfaction found in a relationship with God. Discover how to cultivate a heart that prioritises God's presence, even amidst the distractions of daily life.
Scripture: Psalm 84
This week we continue our summer series, Summer in the Psalms, by delving into the powerful and hope-filled words of Psalm 72, a prayer for justice, righteousness, peace, and prosperity under a righteous leader.
This psalm invites us to employ the principles of justice, mercy, humility, and love, as we actively seek God's kingdom here on earth!
Scripture: Psalm 72
Feeling lost, overwhelmed, or spiritually dry? This week in Stonelaw we continue our sermon series by diving into the powerful messages of Psalm 42 and 43. These interconnected psalms offer a roadmap for navigating seasons of doubt, fear, and pain, reminding us where to anchor our souls when life feels heavy. Listen on as Neil unpacks these timeless words and discover how to cultivate a persistent, active trust in God, even in the midst of life's storms.
Scripture: Psalms 42 and 43
This week in Stonelaw we continue our 'Summer in the Psalms' by exploring the message of Psalm 24 and its call to keep our eyes fixed on God amidst life's distractions and challenges. We discover how this powerful psalm invites us to make "fixing our eyes on the Lord" a daily practice, empowering us to face life's storms with faith and confidence. Even in our struggles, God is with us, offering His peace and comfort every step of the way!
Scripture: Psalm 24
This summer, we're diving into the Psalms! In this first sermon, we explore Psalm 1 and the two distinct paths it presents: the way of the righteous and the way of the wicked.
Discover how to identify and avoid negative influences that lead us astray, and how to cultivate a joyful delight in God's Word. Are you on the path to fleeting pleasures, or are you rooted in God's eternal truths?
Scripture: Psalm 1
What if the key to unlocking your purpose and impacting the world lies within you? This week we explore the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit. Inspired by 1 Corinthians 12:1-13, we unpack the concept of spiritual gifts and how they are not just for a select few. Discover how you can embrace the power within, overcome challenges, and contribute to God's eternal kingdom. Get ready to be inspired, equipped, and empowered to live a Spirit-led life!
Scriptures: Acts 2:1-15 & 1 Corinthians 12:1-13
This week, we conclude our sermon series, "Living as Resurrection People," by exploring the profound joy found in Christian community. Drawing inspiration from the early church in Acts, we examine how the resurrection of Jesus calls us to a vibrant, loving fellowship where God's love shines through.
Let's be challenged to make intentional choices to develop and nurture the joy of community in our lives.
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
What drives your daily actions? Are you living a life of purpose? This week at Stonelaw, we explore what it truly means to live with intention as "Resurrection People."
We delve into Ephesians, examining how the transforming power of Jesus' resurrection gives us a new identity and a profound purpose. Discover how, through Jesus, we are no longer defined by our past but empowered to live a vibrant life, reflecting His goodness in all we do.
This sermon challenges us to shift from merely existing to intentionally using our gifts to serve God and others. Our new life in Jesus Christ is meant to be lived out in the world, making a ripple effect of kindness and love!
Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10
This week at Stonelaw, we explore the incredible power available to us through the resurrection of Jesus. Drawing from Paul's letter to the Philippians, we discover that the resurrection isn't just a historical event, it's a present-day source of strength to conquer challenges, trials, and even feelings of inadequacy.
Are you facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles? Feeling disconnected or burdened by past mistakes? This message is for you!
Scripture: Philippians 3:1-14
How has your faith in Jesus allowed you to experience a personal resurrection in your life? Are you ready to embrace new beginnings and step into what God's purpose is for you? This week, we explore the hope of the resurrection and what it means to live as "Resurrection People." We'll reflect on the story of Mary and Martha, consider how we can share the Good News with others, and challenge ourselves to be vessels of grace in a world that desperately needs it.
Scriptures: John 11:17-27 & Romans 6:5-11
Our minister, Neil, delivered a short Easter message at our Easter celebration service that focussed on the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection and what it means to truly live in resurrection hope!
There is a radical transformation that occurs when we accept Jesus, becoming new creations filled with purpose. The resurrection invites us to look beyond earthly judgments and embrace the promise of new beginnings, regardless of our past mistakes or regrets, becoming light in a world that is so often dark.
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21
In this Palm Sunday sermon from Stonelaw Church, we explore the crowd's limited understanding of Jesus as a political liberator and challenge ourselves to seek a deeper, more transformative relationship with Him. Discover how Jesus' humble arrival on a donkey redefines our perceptions of greatness and leadership. Are we willing to let go of our preconceived notions and embrace the new thing God is doing?
Scripture: John 12:12-19
This week we close out our sermon series by exploring the message to the church in Laodicea from the Book of Revelation. Known for its wealth and prosperity, the Laodicean church faced a critical challenge: spiritual complacency. We explore the dangers of lukewarmness and self-deception, examining how a comfortable, passionless faith can hinder our relationship with Jesus.
Scripture: Revelation 3:14-22
This week, we delve into the powerful message to the church in Philadelphia from the Book of Revelation. Like the early Christians in Philadelphia, we too face challenges and trials that test our faith but we can persevere through difficult times by trusting in God's unwavering faithfulness and sovereignty. Be encouraged to stand firm in your faith, knowing that God sees your efforts, values your sacrifices, and has a reward waiting for you in eternity.
Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13
This week we focus on the challenging message Jesus delivered to the church in Sardis. We explore the paradox of a church being outwardly successful yet spiritually dead, highlighting the dangers of relying on outward appearances of faith while neglecting inner transformation.
Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6
This week we continue our sermon series, focussing on the opening to the Book of Revelation. The message to the church in Thyatira is just as relevant to us as it was to the 1st century Christians, as it emphasises the importance of accountability, discernment, and active perseverance in our faith, urging us to examine our lives and communities for areas needing correction and growth!
Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29
We continue our sermon series in the Book of Revelation this week, exploring the powerful message Jesus delivered to the church in Pergamum.
We see how their struggles resonate with our own challenges in 2025, as we navigate cultural, social, and political pressures that can tempt us to dilute our core beliefs and faith in Jesus, where true strength and hope are to be found!
Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17
This week's sermon delves into the powerful message of Revelation to the church in Smyrna. Facing intense persecution and poverty, the church in Smyrna remained steadfast in their faith. This message offers hope and encouragement for navigating life's challenges, reminding us that even in the midst of hardship, our faith can remain strong!
Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11
As we continue our sermon series in the Book of Revelation, this week's sermon explores Jesus' message to the church in Ephesus. We discover how even a hardworking, successful church can lose sight of its first love and the importance of nurturing our relationship with God through intentional prayer, worship, and Bible study. It's a powerful call to rekindle our passion and zeal for God's work!
Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7
This week in Stonelaw we begin a new series on the Book of Revelation, starting in chapter 1 where John receives an amazing vision of Jesus and is called to share it with 7 churches. Jesus wants us to spend some time in His presence so we may experience the same power and comfort that John did.
Scripture: Revelation 1:1-20
This past Sunday in Stonelaw we were again blessed by a guest preacher filling in for Neil as he is on annual leave. Rev. Mike Watson spoke about embracing our calling to be fishers of people, sharing the love of God and making a difference in our communities!
Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 & Matthew 4:12-22
This week in Stonelaw we were blessed by a guest preacher filling in for Neil as he is on annual leave. Rev. Mike Watson speaks of the need to recognise Jesus among us and share Him with others!
Scriptures: Isaiah 49: 1-7, 1 Corinthians 1: 1-9, John 1: 29-42
This week we focussed on homelessness and how we might respond in the way that Jesus would want us to. That we might see Him in the people we meet and serve.
Scripture: Matthew 25:34-40
This week in Stonelaw we discover how turning back to God can lead to spiritual renewal and a fresh start in our lives, understand the significance of Jesus’ baptism and what it reveals about His identity and our calling to follow Him, and how the Spirit prepares, refines, and transforms us for service in God's Kingdom.
Scripture: Matthew 3:1-17
Are you feeling like you are at a crossroads in life? If you are then there is good news! In this week's sermon from Stonelaw we reflect on God guiding us through our lives!
Scripture: Matthew 2:13-23
As we come to the first service of 2025 on Epiphany Sunday, we reflect on the gifts the Wise Men offer to Jesus and how we might offer our gifts that are fit for King Jesus!
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
This week in Stonelaw, we continue our Advent sermon series called "God with...". We are back in that opening to Luke's Gospel where we encounter Mary, the faithful, who moves passed fear through faith to fully accept and step into the plan that God had for her, even although she had no idea what her future would hold!
Scripture: Luke 1:26-38
This week in Stonelaw, we continue our Advent sermon series called "God with...". We are in the opening of Matthew's Gospel where we encounter Joseph, the dutiful, who moves passed mere obligation to stepping into the plan that God had for him.
Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25
This week in Stonelaw, our minister Neil has returned from holiday and we start a new sermon series called "God with...". We are in the opening of Luke's Gospel where we encounter Zechariah, the sceptic, as even in his doubt God was with him.
Scripture: Luke 1:5-25, 57-80
This week in Stonelaw we stopped to remember those who have died in wars and reflected on the ultimate sacrifice that Jesus made to ensure we could have at least one constant in an ever changing world!
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
We come to the end of our sermon series in the Letter to the Hebrews, which proclaims Jesus as the greatest. This week we focus on 5 things that mark people out as a follower of Jesus, the need to respect and pray for those in Christian leadership and the perfect picture of God!
Scripture: Hebrews 13
We continue our sermon series in the letter to the Hebrews, which proclaims that Jesus is the greatest. This week, we come to the part of the letter that turns to how we need to remain steadfast in our faith, even in the face of struggles and trials.
Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-39
We continue our sermon series in the Letter to the Hebrews this week, focussing on Jesus as the Great High Priest!
Scriptures: Hebrews 4:14-16, 8:1-13
We continue our sermon series on the Letter to the Hebrews this week, reflecting on Jesus being the greatest, even greater than Moses and that there is no need to turn back from God to find the ultimate rest we all seek!
Scriptures: Hebrews 3 & 4
This week we begin a new sermon series journeying through the Letter to the Hebrews. If we want to know more about what God is like then we need look no further than Jesus, who is the exact representation of God here on Earth. Indeed, Jesus is the greatest... even greater than the angels!
Scripture: Hebrews chapters 1 & 2
We conclude our sermon series looking at the parables in Matthew chapter 13 by looking at the Parable of the Sower, a parable that prompts us to examine our hearts and whether it is a fertile ground for the Word of God.
Scripture: Matthew 13:1-9; 18-23
We continue our sermon series looking at the parables in Matthew chapter 13, this week focussing on the Parable of the Weeds, where Jesus warns on making sure our faith is real and not counterfeit!
Scripture: Matthew 13:24-30; 36-43
This week we start a new sermon series looking at the parables Jesus teaches with in Matthew chapter 13 by focussing on the 'Parable of the Mustard Seed' and the 'Parable of the Yeast'.
Scripture: Matthew 13:31-35
This week we have a guest preacher, Rev. Andrew Rooney, from Compassion who came to speak to us about the charity and preach on the power of Jesus!
Scripture: Mark 5:1-20
So often we tend to forget things. Thankfully, God knows this and leaves us visual reminders. None more important than the meal we share during Communion services, that causes us to remember yesterday, today and tomorrow!
Scripture: Luke 22:7-20
This week in Stonelaw we reflect on the amazing miracle Jesus performs with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish, and how important it is to rest and be filled up by Jesus!
Scripture: Luke 9:10-17
We conclude our sermon series, FRUITFUL, looking at practices that are prevalent in fruitful congregations. This week we look at radical hospitality and how it is a key practice within fruitful congregations.
Scripture: Romans 15:1-7
We continue our sermon series, FRUITFUL, exploring 5 practices of fruitful congregations. This week we focus on risk-taking mission and service and how we are all called to reach out to and serve those in our path, as if we are serving Jesus Himself!
Scripture: Matthew 25:32-46 & Acts 14:8-20
We continue our sermon series, FRUITFUL, exploring 5 practices of fruitful congregations. This week we focus on intentional faith development and how our faith is an ongoing journey, alongside the need to help one another in this incredibly important work.
Scripture: Acts 2:42-47
We continue our sermon series, FRUITFUL, exploring 5 practices of fruitful congregations. This week we focus on the need for passionate worship where we can delight in the Lord's presence, received the Lord's strength and trust in the Lord's promises to us!
Scripture: Psalm 84
We start a new sermon series called FRUITFUL, exploring 5 practices of fruitful congregations. This week we focus on what it would look like if we were to practice an extravagant generosity to Jesus and others.
Scripture: Mark 14:1-11
Neil returned from holiday to speak about the deep and profound question Jesus asks of His followers... "who do you say I am"?
Scripture: Matthew 16:13-20
We close out our sermon series, REBUILD, finding the book of Nehemiah come to somewhat of an anti-climatic end. However, we are able to see how important it is to never be too reliant on one person to fuel our faith but be overly reliant on a God who promises to help us develop our faith.
Scripture: Nehemiah 13
We come to the second last sermon in our series REBUILD. Where last week the people proclaimed "Amen, Amen" upon giving their lives over to God, this week we find them putting something in place to ensure their Amen stays true!
Scripture: Nehemiah chapters 9-12
We continue our sermon series REBUILD. This week the people gathering to hear God's Word and experiencing the joy that comes from knowing and putting into practice what they hear. We too can experience the joy of the Lord being our strength!
Scripture: Nehemiah 8:1-18
We come back to our sermon series REBUILD this week, finding Nehemiah modelling a good and Godly leadership as he seeks to lock in a culture of encouraging and enabling others to step into the thing God is calling them to.
Scripture: Nehemiah 7:1-7
We continue our sermon series, REBUILD, looking at the story of Nehemiah. This week we focus on the need to stand firm in the things that matter, not allowing the negativity or attacks of others from knocking us off the path and work that God has placed before us!
Scripture: Nehemiah 6
We continue our sermon series REBUILD this week and we find Nehemiah showing true leadership by making sacrifices and modelling how everyone's needs must be taken care off, with no one being exploited.
Scripture: Nehemiah 5
We continue our sermon series REBUILD this week, focussing on the need to all work together with all our heart in order to leave a good foundation for future generations in the church!
Scripture: Nehemiah 3 and 4
Our podcast returns after Easter and we begin a new sermon series called REBUILD. We will be spending time in the Book of Nehemiah, drawing out some amazing advice and skills that will allow us to be rebuilt by God. This week we look at 'Getting Started'.
Scripture: Nehemiah 2:1-20
In today's Palm Sunday reading we find Jesus weeping over the city of Jerusalem and its people and we stop to reflect on whether we have the same heart as Jesus does for those who don't know Him?
Scripture: Luke 19:41-44
This week we close out our sermon series on the Letter to the Romans by exploring Paul's ambitious plans for mission and how that should inspire us to go out into the mission field, sharing that Good News of Jesus with others.
Scripture: Romans 15:14-33 (& Romans 16)
We continue our sermon series in Paul's letter to the Romans. This week we reflect on being dual citizens, of the world and the Kingdom of God, and how we should navigate that with the encouragement of our brothers and sisters in the church.
Scripture: Romans 13:1-14, 4:1-4
We continue our sermon series looking at Paul's letter to the Romans, specifically focussed on the need to use our every day lives as an act of worship to God.
Scripture: Romans 12:1-21
We continue our sermon series looking at Paul's Letter to the Romans. This week, we encounter the mysteries of God and how having taken our place in the family of God, we are all called to bring more people to Jesus so that they too can know Him like we do and receive the gift of eternal life.
Scripture: Romans 10:1-15
We continue our sermon series looking at Paul's letter to the Romans this week, finding that no matter what our struggles are, we can never be separated from the love of God. That through our faith in Jesus, we are adopted into the family of God and receive a glorious inheritance filled with hope.
Scripture: Romans 8
We continue our sermon series this week, celebrating the fact that we can be free from the power of sin, through our faith in Jesus, and the newness of life He brings!
Scripture: Romans 6:1-14
We continue our series looking at the themes in Paul's letter to the Romans. This week we pause to reflect on our salvation and how, through our faith in Jesus, we have been justified and now have peace with God!
Scripture: Romans 5:1-11
We continue our sermon series looking at Paul's Letter to the Romans. After finding out the bad news last week, that sin is the root cause of us falling short of the glory of God, we receive the Good News this week, that we are freely forgiven and redeemed by Jesus and His work on the cross!
Scriptures: Romans 3:19-26, 4:19-25
We continue our sermon series looking at Paul's letter to the Romans and find him getting to the main problem with humankind straight off the bat... that because of sin "all have fallen short of the glory of God" and that it is only through the free gift of God's Grace, shown and bought by Jesus on the cross, can we find forgiveness and eternal life.
Scriptures: Romans 1:18-23, 2:1-3, 3:21-24
We embark on a new series as we begin studying Paul's Letter to the Romans. This week we look at Paul's introduction and main purpose of writing to the house churches in Rome... that they would better understand the Good News of Jesus and see how it gives them access to the life God has planned for them.
Scripture: Romans 1:1-17
We continue our Advent sermon series, JOY, looking at the prophetic song and example of Zechariah. That the Good News of God's rescue plan, fulfilled in Jesus, means we never need to be hopeless or helpless.
Scripture: Luke 1:57-80
We continue our Advent sermon series, JOY, by looking at the need to be humble and recognising God's gifts to us.
Scripture: Luke 1:46-56
We begin our Advent sermon series, JOY, by focussing on the joy of the first hearers of the coming Messiah; Mary, Elizabeth and John!
Scripture: Luke 1:39-45
In this last Sunday before Advent begins next week we stop to reflect on the words of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel. That while we will all encounter tough seasons in our life, we are challenged to place our trust in Him, so that we might not be immobilised by worry.
Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34
This week we close out our sermon series looking at the I AM statements found in John's Gospel and find out how abiding in the True Vine allows us to practice sacrificial love. A very apt concept given we mark Remembrance this week.
Scripture: John 15:1-17
This week we continue our sermon series looking at the I AM statements from John's Gospel looking at what it means that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life!
Scripture: John 14:1-14
We continue our sermon series looking at the "I AM" statements Jesus makes in John's Gospel. This week we focus on Jesus' power over life and death as "the Resurrection and the Life"!
Scripture: John 11:17-44
We continue our sermon series looking at the I AM statements from John's Gospel, where Jesus makes various statements about Himself. This week we stop to reflect on how amazing it is to have a Good Shepherd!
Scripture: John 10:11-21
We continue our sermon series looking at Jesus' I AM statements from John's Gospel. This week we find Jesus referring to Himself as 'The Gate'!
Scripture: John 10:1-10
We continue you the series looking at the I AM statements of Jesus, found in John's Gospel. This week we look at the 2nd statement where Jesus says He is the "Light of the World"!
Scripture: John 8:12-20
With Neil returning from paternity leave, our sermons are back on the podcast. We begin a new sermon series looking at the "I AM" statements Jesus makes about Himself and are recorded in John's Gospel. This week we look at the first of these statements, " I AM the bread of life".
Scripture: John 6:35-40
We come to the end of our sermon series looking at aspects of the Acts 2 Church that should be appealing to current day churches. This week focussing on what true biblical joy looks like and why it is important to realise it's more than just a feeling.
Scriptures: Acts 2:42-47 & John 16:12-24
We continue our sermon series looking at aspects of the Acts 2 Church that we need to take on board and look to emulate in our context. This week we focus on the need to sow loving care into one another.
Scriptures: Luke 10:25-37 & Galatians 6:1-10
We continue our sermon series looking at the Acts 2 Church, this week focussing on being a church that is devoted to growing in our faith in order to stand firm for Jesus!
Scripture: 2 Peter 3:8-18
We continue our sermon series looking at the Acts 2 Church, this week focussing on being a church that is devoted to praying with thanksgiving!
Scriptures: Acts 12:6-17 & Colossians 4:2-6
We continue our sermon series looking at aspects of the Acts 2 Church. This week we focus on ensuring our hearts are in the right place as we give back to God what he has given us in terms of time, money and talent.
Scriptures: Acts 2:43-45 & Mark 12:41-44
We continue our summer series looking at the Acts 2 Church and focus on communion this week.
We continue with our summer series looking at the Acts 2 Church; this week unpacking what it means that they were devoted to the Apostles teachings and fellowship.
Scriptures: Matthew 28:16-20 & Romans 15:14
We continue our summer series looking at becoming more like the Acts 2 Church, this week reflecting on being a worshipping church!
Scriptures: Philippians 2:1-11 & 1 Corinthians 14:26
This week we begin our summer series looking at the Acts 2 Church and how we can look to develop the culture of our church to be more like that first church!
Scripture: Acts 2:37-47
This week, being Pentecost Sunday, we look at the idea of being strengthened and encouraged by the Spirit to be able to be bold in our proclaiming Jesus' name!
Scripture: Acts 4:1-21
This week we ask ourselves, if we are the Body do we always allow the Head to rule and guide us or are we fixed on earthly guides?
Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-23
Given the coronation this weekend, we look at Paul's first letter to Timothy where he refers to the King of kings and Lord of lords. What does it mean to follow Him?
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:11-16
This week we look at the importance of the Ascension of Jesus and how it fits into God's plan for humankind.
Scripture: Acts 1:1-11
We come to the end of Luke's Gospel this week and find Jesus returning to the disciples and other followers before ascending to heaven to be with the Father.
Scripture: Luke 24:36-53
As we come back to our Dear Theo sermon series, we find ourselves on the road to Emmaus with Cleopas, his friend and Jesus. What can we learn from this encounter and what should we do about it?
Scripture: Luke 24:13-35
We take a leap forward in our journey through Luke's Gospel for Palm Sunday where we read that the stones will cry out if we remain silent but what if we don't want to stay silent?
Scripture: Luke 19:28-40
We continue our journey through Luke's Gospel this week and focus on Jesus revealing the God of raising and healing!
Scripture: Luke 8:40-56
We continue our journey through Luke's Gospel, focussing on the fact that while storms are inevitable in life, with Jesus in our boat we have access to peace and hope, with a secure promise to reach the final destination!
Scripture: Luke 8:22-25
With our minister preaching at another church this week, our Session Clerk, David, led our service this morning and shared a message about how the Kingdom grows!
Scripture: Luke 8:4-21
We continue our journey through Luke's Gospel and are challenged by Jesus to be obedient to His call and to have Him as the absolute foundation in our life.
Scripture: Luke 6:39-49
We continue our journey through Luke's Gospel, this week we focus on treating others the way we would wish to be treated. Can we love others in the same way we have been loved first?
Scripture: Luke 6:27-38
We continue our journey through Luke's Gospel, focussing on what Jesus means when He speaks of those who are truly blessed. On the surface, the people He highlights don't appear to be blessed at all but this just reveals to the very different natures of our world and the Kingdom of God!
Scripture: Luke 6:12-26
We continue our journey through Luke's Gospel, this week we focus on Jesus equipping us for the things that He calls us to!
Scripture: Luke 5:1-11
We continue our journey through Luke's Gospel and find Jesus being rejected in His hometown of Nazareth. It can be incredibly difficult when we are rejected by our own but Jesus shows us how we can move forward with the strength of God going with us.
Scripture: Luke 4:14-30
We continue our journey through Luke's Gospel an spend some time reflecting on the devil's tactics in the area of temptation and how we can copy Jesus' approach to combatting them!
Scripture: Luke 4:1-13
We continue our journey through Luke's Gospel by focussing on Jesus' baptism in the Jordan river and seek an answer to the question of why did Jesus need to be baptised, given He was without sin and could baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire? Are we willing to live a life that shows the world that we are devoted followers of Jesus?
Scripture: Luke 3:15-22
We begin our time in Luke's Gospel by focussing on the faith of Anna and Simeon and how God always fulfils his promises to us; none more so than the delivering on his promise to redeem humanity through his Son, Jesus.
Scripture: Luke 2:22-40
Neil delivers a short Christmas message, wondering what it would be like if the hope of Jesus was to enter into our world through His followers!
We continue our Advent sermon series, Make Room, this week by focussing on the area of doubts. Do you have the same doubts in Jesus that John the Baptist had as he sat in his prison? Allow Jesus to help guide you to the truths that are needed to combat the doubts and help prepare a place for Him in your life.
Scripture: Matthew 11:1-6
We continue our Advent sermon series this week by reflecting on the value of time and how we are called to treasure it and use it wisely!
Scripture: Psalm 90:1-12
This week we start our Advent sermon series, Make Room, by focussing on the contrast between the call of Matthew and the Young Rich Man. We see the clear need to make room in our hearts and lives for Jesus, in order to fulfil the call to be fully devoted followers of Jesus.
Scriptures: Matthew 9:9-13 & 19:16-22
With our minister on annual leave, we were led in worship by his dad, Rev. Mike Watson, who preaches on being imitators of God by looking to Jesus' example.
Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-5:2
This week we stop to remember those who gave their lives in order that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today. This sacrificial loving is a direct parallel with the sacrificial love Jesus offers to the whole world.
Scripture: John 15:9-17
This Sunday, being the day marked out for the International Day of Prayer, we focus on our persecuted brothers and sisters and how in our remembering them, we need to be led to action because love is a "doing word"!
Scripture: Hebrews 13:1-3
This week in Stonelaw we are looking at one of the I AM statements from John's Gospel, specifically where Jesus announces to all that around, including the Pharisees that He is the "light of the world"! What does it mean to be walking in light, rather than stumbling around in the darkness?
Scripture: John 8:12-20
We close out our sermon series, The Prodigal Prophet, by finding God questioning Jonah's misdirected anger and unwillingness to see that this is God's world.
Scripture: Jonah 4:1-11
We continue our series 'The Prodigal Prophet' this week, focussing on the mystery of mercy and the God of second chances.
Scripture: Jonah 3:1-10
This week we continue our series, The Prodigal Prophet by focussing on why we shouldn't run from God's Grace!
Scripture: Jonah 1:17-2:10
This week in Stonelaw we start a new sermon series called 'The Prodigal Prophet' looking at the life and journey of Jonah. We focus on the fact that we are all called by God to something and no matter how hard we try, we can never out run God!
Scripture: Jonah 1:1-17
This week we celebrate our Harvest Thanksgiving service by focussing on the need to be "cheerful givers" out of God's great generosity!
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-12
This morning we reflect on the fact that God doesn't just say he loves us but that God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us! We can draw our peace from placing our hope in that.
Scripture: Romans 5:1-11
We focus on the hard work that is ahead of us and how we need to approach this work from a place of resting in God's presence.
Scripture: Luke 5:15-16
This week we closed out our series GIFTS, looking at being a people living by the Spirit and the fruit of self-control.
Scripture: 1 Samuel 26:1-12
We come back to our sermon series GIFTS this week and find the Apostle Paul showing us that we need to recognise how precious people are to God and treat them with gentleness, in the same way that God treats us as something that is fragile and precious!
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
This week we were delighted to have a guest preacher from Release International join us for morning worship, where we focused on putting trust in the Lord when we find ourselves in times of fear.
Scripture: Psalm 56
We continue our sermon series GIFTS by focussing on faithfulness and how we can grow and nurture our faith in God.
Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-13
We continue our sermon series GIFTS and focus on a supernatural kindness as shown by Jesus and how it often goes against cultural norms, as evidenced by King David with Mephibosheth.
Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-7
We come back to our sermon series GIFTS this week and focus on the fruit of patience. Neil speaks of the importance of understanding and accepting our differences in allowing us to slow down, appreciate the grace, mercy and patience God has shown us, and allow a supernatural patience flow through and out of us.
Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35
With our minister being on holiday this week, our service was led by his father Rev. Mike Watson who spoke about who our neighbour is.
Scripture: Luke 10:25-37
This week we continue our sermon series GIFTS, looking at being a people living by the Spirit, by focussing on the need to cultivate God's peace within ourselves by placing our trust in the One who is with us always.
Scripture: Isaiah 43:1-7
We return to our sermon series GIFTS this week, focussing on joy and how Jesus promises to gift us a life that is full!
Scripture: Luke 24:33-53
With our minister away at another church this week, our Session Clerk David shares what Jesus says about the Church and how we should rely on the Holy Spirit as we look to the future.
This week we start a new sermon series, GIFTS, that focusses on being a people "living by the Spirit" and are challenged by the idea that we love because God loved us first!
Scripture: Galatians 5:22-26 & 1 John 4:7-16
This week in Stonelaw we celebrated Pentecost and see the challenge laid before us to be Jesus' Church here and now, guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit!
Scripture: Acts 2:1-13, 42-47
Neil returns from annual leave and emphasises the importance of Jesus' Ascension, as part of God's plan.
Scripture: Acts 1:1-11
We close out our sermon series looking at the 5 Marks of Mission by looking at our response to them, concluding that if we are fully devoted followers of Jesus then the 5 Marks of Mission become an overflow of that devotion. This is a direct challenge to us as individuals and as a church, will we make the decision to devote our lives to Jesus and stand up for what and in whom we believe?
Scriptures: Mark 8:31-38 and Joshua 24:14-15
We continue with our sermon series on the 5 Marks of Mission, this week focussing on the need to Care for Creation.
Scriptures: Genesis 1:28-31 & Colossians 1:15-20
We continue our sermon series on the 5 Marks of Mission this week, focussing on how we serve society through Marks 3 and 4.
Scriptures: Mark 12:28-34 & Micah 2:1-13
This week in Stonelaw we begin a new sermon series looking at the 5 Marks of Mission and how they can provide us with holistic approach to mission as individuals and as a church.
Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20
This week we place ourselves in the crowd of that first Palm Sunday, before realising God's love surrounds and journeys with us always.
Scriptures: Mark 11:1-11, John 12:20-21 & Romans 8:28
This week we close our sermon series, Kingdom Vision, by focussing on the strength of Jesus.
Scripture: Philippians 4:4-9
This week we continue our sermon series, Kingdom Vision, by exploring the need for us to be a community who are quick to encourage one another with the truth of the Gospel and the saving nature of our faith!
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
This week we continue our sermon series 'Kingdom Vision' by exploring the need to recognise and call out the gold, strengths and potential, in others!
Scripture: Proverbs 18:21 & 25:11
This week we begin our new series 'Kingdom Vision' by looking at emulating Jesus' ability to not only see other people's needs but actively helping them, which can come with a sacrifice for us.
Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11
This week we close out our sermon series 'Praying the Jesus Way' by focussing on resisting the temptations of the evil one!
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13
This week we continue our sermon series 'Praying the Jesus Way' and focus on the need to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God. This is not an easy thing to do and requires help from God to do it. However, when we truly forgive someone or something it allows us to move forward free of carrying any unhealthy baggage with us.
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13
We continue our sermon series 'Praying the Jesus Way' this week and explore seeking daily spiritual bread from God to meet our needs.
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13
This week we continue our series 'Praying the Jesus way' by focussing on the part we need to play when asking for more of God's Kingdom to break into our world and that God's will would be done.
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13
We begin a new sermon series this week called Praying the Jesus Way, as we go through the wonderful pattern for prayer that Jesus leaves with His disciples, who have asked how they should pray. This week we focus on the opening line and reflect on how important God's name is and why it should be kept hallowed.
Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13
This week we take some time to reflect on the issue of homelessness and the parable of the sheep and the goats from Jesus' sermons from the Mount of Olives. Are we able to say that we are in the sheep category?
Scripture: Matthew 25:31-46
This week we spend time reflecting on Jesus' time in the Garden of Gethsemane and His surrendering to God's will. Do we find ourselves in a position to echo Jesus' words to the Father, "not what I want but what you want"?
Scripture: Matthew 26:36-46
Neil returned from his holiday this week and opened up Psalm 13 which sees David in a tough spot but ultimately reminded to put his trust in God even when God may seem distant. Through our faith and commitment to Jesus we are on the side of victory and God is always with us!
Scripture: Psalm 13
We continue this year's season of Advent by asking ourselves the question... where is the King in our lives?
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
This week we kick off this year's season of Advent by looking at a prophecy from the book of Isaiah and the idea of light breaking into a dark world!
Scripture: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7
As our minister was off on annual leave, David McTaggart, our Session Clerk led our service this past Sunday.
Scriptures: Colossians 1:15-23 & Revelation 1:9-20
This week, we stop to remember them and are challenged to turn our swords into ploughshares and our spears into pruning hooks.
Scripture: Isaiah 2:1-5
This week Neil focusses on the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church - it was extremely challenging to hear of the plight of those around the world who are unable to live as Christians - something we take for granted.
Trigger Warning: Neil speaks about various acts of persecution and martyrdom in this sermon.
Scripture: 1 Peter 1:1-9
This week we focus on the idea of climbing the mountain to get closer to God and experience a refresh and strengthening while spending time there, all in order to come back off the mountain to exercise the calling God has put on our lives.
Scripture: Mark 9:2-9
This week we explore the call on our lives as followers of Jesus to recognise the need for unity and taking an active part in the stewardship of God's Creation.
Scriptures: Genesis 9:1-17 & Psalm 104:1-31
We had our annual Harvest Thanksgiving service this morning and in our sermon Neil highlights that our thanksgiving should be more than words out of our mouths but words coupled with action. There is so much need in our world but we can play our part in ensuring less people go without the basic of human needs.
Scripture: Joel 2:21-28
This week in Stonelaw we reflect on the impact that the Church has had on the world and how we are challenged to continue on that legacy of impacting our world to this very day. Are you willing to accept that challenge?
Scripture: Matthew 28:16-20
This week we close out our sermon series, INVITE, by exploring what happens when Andrew and Philip have an encounter with Jesus and how is shows us the need to invite others to come and see Jesus, what He is doing and the amazing transformation that is on offer to all who accept the invitation!
Scripture: John 1:35-51
We come back to our sermon series, INVITE, and look at how invitation is not reserved for a specific group of people and that includes those that the world despises. In fact, it includes those people that we really struggle with in our own lives!
Scripture: Luke 19:1-10
Taking a break from our sermon series, this week as part of our Gift Day we focus on how we give back to God for the many blessings we have received.
Scripture: Philippians 2:1-11
This week we continue our sermon series, INVITE, by seeing that Jesus has no desire to be an outsider in our lives and, indeed, wants the category of outsider to no longer exist.
Scripture: John 4:1-42
This week we begin our new sermon series, INVITE, and we explore the idea that Jesus calls ordinary people like me and you to do extraordinary things. As we see with the calling of the first disciples, it all starts with an invitation!
Scripture: Matthew 4:18-22
In the absence of our Minister, who was on holiday, this week's service was led by our Session Clerk, David McTaggart who speaks to us about the amazing leadership of Hezekiah.
Scripture: 2 Chronicles 29
Our podcast returns this week as Neil explores the idea of embracing a childlike faith, not to be confused with a childish faith! Jesus says the "Kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" while lifting up children. We would do well to have the same levels of joy, adventure and willingness to learn as children do.
Scriptures: Matthew 18:1-5 & Matthew 19:13-15
This week we close out our sermon series, Faith that Works, by looking at James' closing to his letter. Far from throwing in something at the end of the letter for convenience, James highlights the most important tool in the toolbox for followers of Jesus... prayer! We are encouraged to pray daily and in every circumstance because God wants us to be connected with him always.
Scripture: James 5:13-20
Join us for this week's sermon from the 'Faith that Works' series, as we read of James urging us to have an eye on the future. That if we live with that eternal perspective, it changes our priorities and we are more likely to live lives that place a higher value on relationships and people over the gathering of material wealth, which is something we cannot take with us when our time on earth is over.
Scripture: James 5:1-12
This week we continue our sermon series 'Faith that Works' and are presented with the challenge of remembering who is in ultimate charge of our future! While planning should be encouraged, God alone knows the future and we would do well to include God in our planning. Equally, there is no need to worry about the future because through our faith in our Lord Jesus, we know that we have an eternal destiny ahead of us.
Scripture: James 4:4-10, 13-17
Unfortunately, we had technical issues in the Stonelaw Sanctuary this morning. We were also unable to record the service. However, we are thankful that one of our members recorded Neil’s sermon on their mobile phone and you can listen to it here now. We hope to be back to full production next week. This week we find James urging the readers of his letter to seek a Godly wisdom, ensuring their self-control was being driven by the Spirit.
Scripture: James 3:13-4:3, 11-12
James really hits hard with the challenge in this week's reading. As we continue our sermon series 'Faith that Works' we are reminded of the need to keep our tongues in control. They may be small compared to other parts of the body but they wield a great power... they can be used to praise God and build others up or they can be used to tear others down!
Scripture: James 3:1-12
As we come to the fifth sermon in our series 'Faith that Works', James unpacks a little about the role he sees faith playing in our world. For James, if we are to look at the life and ministry of Jesus, it is impossible to neglect the need for our faith to go to work. Again, our faith must inspire us to action!
Scripture: James 2:14-26
We continue our sermon series 'Faith that Works' and find James going to great lengths to alert the reader to the fact that having favourites is incompatible with the Christian faith. All are valued by God and it is important that we treat people the way that God sees them!
Scripture: James 2:1-13
This week as we continue our sermon series 'Faith that Works', we find James unpacking what he sees as a genuine Christianity. For James, it is important that we strike the perfect balance of working on faith for ourselves and allowing that faith to inspire us to action.
Scripture: James 1:19-27
We continue our journey through James' letter with our series 'Faith that Works'. This week we look at how when we are going through tests and trials it is so much easier to be tempted by things that will not necessarily be life-giving. It is in these times we need to lean into our faith in Jesus and allow it to go to work for us.
Scripture: James 1:13-18
Neil delivers his first sermon as minister of Stonelaw, starting a sermon series titled 'Faith that Works'. This week we explore how tests and trials are inevitable in life but, that with Jesus, there is always a way to navigate our way through these.
Scripture: James 1:1-12