St John's Hartford: Recent Episodes
St John's Hartford
Sermons and talks from St John's Hartford, UK. St John's is an evangelical Christian church situated in the village of Hartford, near Northwich in Cheshire. We are part of the Church of England, in the Diocese of Chester. Our conviction is that when God's word the Bible is faithfully taught, God's voice is clearly heard. Please visit our website at www.stjohnshartford.org
"What is it like for people to come together to worship God?” And “Does it give meaning to life?” David Charlton explores these questions from Ecclesiastes 5, focusing on three key elements: watch your step for God is Holy, listen rather than speak and fulfil your promises to God.
Jeremy Hunns shows how Ecclesiastes chapter four has much to teach us about life today, from problems of oppression and jealously, to the important principles of work-life balance and the power of community.
Considering the question 'What is the purpose of our life?', Robin Barfield shows how Ecclesiastes 3 tells us to be satisfied in all the times we have, and to yearn for eternity.
What is life about? What do we gain from our labour? Jon Teasdale begins to unwrap the answer to these important questions from Ecclesiastes 1 & 2.
Jon Teasdale draws our attention to the grenade which has been thrown in through the window! He explains how the truth of Ecclesiastes 1 should shock us into paying attention.
For the message supporting the AGM, Jon Teasdale asks us to consider where God is taking us as a church, and helps us learn how we can trust him.
Looking at the examples of Timothy and Epaphroditus in Philippians 2, Jeremy Hunns considers how we should grow our mission.
Having been saved through Jesus' Death, James Doo uses Philippians 2 to consider how we should now live.
On Easter Sunday, James Doo explains how Jesus Christ came from being with God as the King of the Universe and gave his life to save us.
Looking at Matthew 21:1-17, Lewis Li points out that whatever king the people may have been expecting, God has given us the perfect King - the One we really need!
In the final part of our series on Sharing the Good News, James looks at the third session in "The Word One to One" material.The video link is: https://vimeo.com/703446358 .The Word One to One resources can be found at theword121.com .
Jon Teasdale concludes the series by drawing our attention to the message of James 1:19-27, which declares that we must not just listen to the Word of God, but do what it says.
In our series on Sharing the Good News, James looks at the second session in "The Word One to One" material.The video link is: https://vimeo.com/703446358The Word One to One resources can be found at theword121.com
Jon Teasdale explores Jesus' words in John 15 on what 'complete' joy looks like and how it can be achieved.
In our series on Sharing the Good News, James uses "The Word One to One" material, looking at Session 1. The video link is: https://vimeo.com/703439749. The Word One to One resources can be found at theword121.com
With Jesus' answer to the believing Jews in John 8:31-36, James Doo shows us how the Word of God brings us a wonderful freedom.
Jon starts a new series looking at sharing our faith with others. The video shown at the end of the service is not included for copyright reasons, but can be accessed on YouTube using this link: https://youtu.be/6md638smQd8
Expanding on Romans 15:1-13, Jon Teasdale brings encouragement by outlining the certainty of our hope which is based on the trustworthy Word of God.
Robin Barfield shows, from Psalm 119, how the Bible is like a light shining into a dark place.
Jon Teasdale expands upon the metaphor in Matthew 4:1-4 and other Scriptures, of how the Word of God is our spiritual food.
James looks at three of the Church of England's Articles of Religion together, a group of articles all concerning Good Works. They are numbers 12 to 14: of good works, of works before justification, and of works of supererogation.
Using Mark 12:41-44, Jon Teasdale explains how giving more is not just about monetary value.
Jon recaps some points from last week's talk, then explains Article XI which is about our justification by faith.The slideshow includes a photo of the flipchart that Jon used during the questions at the end of his talk.
From 1 Corinthians 3, Mike Smith explains how it is God who brings about growth in his church, and in his people into the likeness of his Son.
Article number ten - Jon tackles the subject of free will and how we are saved by grace alone.
With the help of verses 1, 2 & 8 from Matthew 5, James Doo helps us understand how we can look forward to seeing God face to face.
In our series on the Articles of Religion of the Anglican Church, James examines article number nine, 'of original sin'.
Mike Smith shows how the Word of God has transforming power in our lives using 1 Peter 1:22-2:10.
In the first Rooted service of 2026, Mike resumes our series on the 39 Articles with Article 8 - the faith we confess.
Jon Teasdale begins the new series asking "What is the Bible?", using 2 Timothy 3:10-17 to show how it is trustworthy.
Looking at Luke 2:15-21, Jon Teasdale asks "What can we learn and apply from those events of the first Christmas?".
Jeremy Hunns reflects on the mixed events of 2025 and reminds us of God's promise in Jeremiah 29 to prosper his people.
Mike Smith explains the Christingle service using the sayings of Jesus about himself in John's gospel.
Lewis Li challenges us with this big question, based upon Jesus words in Matthew 16:21-28.
Mike takes a look at Christmas - should we celebrate it? Or just cancel it? You may like to download the slideshow for links to the videos played or mentioned during the talk by visiting sermons.stjohnshartford.org
David Charlton shows how this was a momentous event in Matthew 16:13-20, when Jesus explored the disciples' understanding with this pivotal question.
James preaches from Luke 12:49-53 where Jesus declares 'I have come to bring fire on the earth'.
Using the Pharisees' demand for a sign from Jesus in Matthew 16, Mike Smith asks "What are the signs of the times?" and "How do we guard against dangerous teaching today?".
Having spoken about the certainty and the necessity of suffering, Mike concludes this series by looking at the brevity of our suffering.
James Doo focuses on how the feeding of the four thousand shows us God's compassion, which is for everyone.
The second of Mike's series on suffering - this week the title is 'the necessity of suffering'.
Following on from the diagnosis of our unclean condition (Matthew 15:1-20, 02/11/25), James Doo examines verses 21-28 to determine what we need to do about it.
In the first part of a new Rooted series called "Sharing in His Sufferings", Mike considers why we suffer.
James Doo expands on Jesus' explanation of what makes a man unclean in Matthew 15:1-20.
Using the example of Peter in Matthew 14, Michael Walters warns of the consequences of taking our eyes off Jesus.
The second and final talk in a short series entitled 'Living in a Strange New World' - this week, James looks at being Christian witnesses in the modern world.
Mike Smith asks "Why are we here?" and shows us how the answer can be found in these verses of 1 Chronicles 15 & 16.
Lewis Li uses the time of harvest thanksgiving to remind us that God gives us good things and that God graciously forgives us.
"Pitfalls" - the final part of James' series on Prayer. Please note that this is a re-recording of the sermon from the Rooted service on October 5th, due to issues with the original recording.
Mike Smith asks "How do we choose wisely?" and "How do we find God's blessing on our choices?", and shows how the chronicler helps to answer these questions.
In week 3 of his series of sermons on Prayer, James gives us some practical tips and ways to pray.
Mike Smith asks "Are you following the King that God has enthroned and appointed?" and points out that the chronicler warns us not to be a fake christian!
Mike Smith explains how the chronicler is telling us about God's promise to bless his people forever through a Son of David.
Mike Smith challenges us to consider whether we will we follow our own heroic 'king' whoever we happen to favour, or will we trust in King Jesus, the son of God, who is the anointed king over all creation?
The final session of our Church Weekend was also an all-age service. Alec finished his series by looking at the church as the body of Christ.
Jeremy Hunns explains how we are all commissioned by Jesus to tell the world about him.
The second session of our Church Weekend in September 2025. Alec continues to examine how we live lives devoted to God.
At our Church Weekend Away in 2025, Alec Ham looked at what it means to be "Devoted" in our faith - devoted to Jesus, to His Word, to prayer and to each other.
James Doo explains how the parable of the pearl shows us how great is God's love for us us.
David Charlton teaches what we can learn about relationships and forgiveness in the church from Paul pleading with Philemon to be reconciled to Onesimus.
James Doo opens up the letter of 2 John and reveals how God has declared we can walk in Truth.
Jon Teasdale explores how Obadiah contains a warning that God must act, and a deep comfort that he has triumphed.
James Doo asks, What if you found a ticket to a Kingdom where there is no despondency or sadness like in the current world?
As part of our Summer Praise evening service, Jon takes a look at Psalm 23. Please note that unfortunately one minute of the recording is missing (at 3 mins 50 seconds). This was due to a short power cut caused by a thunderstorm.
Mike Smith shows how the feeding of the multitude reveals Jesus heart as the merciful Messiah whose miracles can empower our ministry.
In this baptism service, Jon Teasdale issues a warning about evil to avoid, and a challenge of courageous faith to follow.
Confirmation Service from St John's led by Rob Munro, the Bishop of Ebbsfleet. This is the recording of the Bible reading and sermon, for the full service please click the 'Watch' link or go to our YouTube channel.
From Matthew 13, Jon Teasdale warns us of the danger of hearing God's Word without understanding it and putting it into practice.
Michael Walters looks at Article 7 which states that the Old Testament is not contrary to the New Testament.
James Doo explains how the Parable of the Net reveals that God will not put off judgement for ever.
We reach Article 5 - "Of the Holy Spirit" or "Of the Holy Ghost" in traditional language.
For Mission Sunday Jon Teasdale explains how mission is a partnership which requires our investment and is the responsibility of us all.
Mike Smith explains how, depending upon the state of our hearts, the parables can hide the knowledge of the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven or they can unlock those secrets to reveal the treasures within.
Lewis Li explains from the parable of the mustard seed that God's kingdom starts small but grows powerfully, and small acts of faith can make a big difference.
Mike Smith takes us through how God's people are a humble, inclusive, loyal and serving people whose hope is in the God of creation and of new beginnings.
In part three of our new series on the 39 Articles, Jon gets to Article 2 - "Of Christ the Son of God"
After last week's introduction, Jon examines Article 1 in our new series on the 39 Articles.
At the start of a new series in our Rooted evening services, Jon introduces the 39 Articles of Religion, the basis of our anglican faith. The service starts with evening prayer using the traditional form of the Book of Common prayer.
Readings and Jon's talk from our Easter Music service on March 30th 2025. There were six readings: Isaiah 1:2-4,16-20, Matthew 15:1-20, John 13:1-11, Mark 15:21-47, Matthew 28:1-10 and Colossians 2:13-15.
In the third and final part of the short series on the Church of England, Mike discusses the future.
We are running a short series on the Church of England in our Rooted evening services. This week, in part 2, Mike discusses 'The Crisis'.
The first of a three-part series on the Church of England. Mike starts the series by talking about 'The Journey', some history and how we got to where we are today.
James Doo preaches from Revelation 6, followed by a talk from guest speaker Keith Davies of CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide)
Jon Teasdale shows us how Jesus warned us against fake legalistic faith in Matthew 12:1-14
In the celebration of Chinese New Year, Lewis Li asks how we receive the word of God, looking at the parable of the sower in Matthew 13:1-23
Mike expounds on the two options for where we will spend eternity, looking at Matthew 11:20-30.
James does a recap on the first 49 chapters of Isaiah as an introduction to our new series looking at chapters 50 to 56.
Jon Teasdale introduces the new series The King and the Kingdom showing how John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus
For our Christingle Service James Doo demonstrates how Jesus was born as our Saviour from Luke 2:22-33
Mike Smith preaches There is Grace from Luke 1:26-56 in the Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of St Johns Church in Hartford
David Charlton preaches from Luke 1:5-25 for the second part of the Fear Not series entitled There is Hope
James Doo introduces the Fear Not series with 'There is a Promise', from Isaiah 41:10 to 43:1
Mike Smith concludes the two part series on The Sanctity of Life from Ecclesiastes 12:1-7 and Luke 2:25-35
Mike Smith introduces The Sancitity of Life using Psalm 139 in the first of a two part series
James Doo shows us how love is the fruit of growing deep roots in the Lord from Galatians 5:13-15
"Brothers, what shall we do?". Jon Teasdale takes us through Peter's answer to this question in Acts 2:37-41
Using the parable of the sower in Mark 4:1-20 Mike Smith explains the obstacles to growing deep roots and how we must build our lives on God's Word
Mike Smith introduces the new Deep Roots series showing from Psalm 1 how delighting in the Law of the Lord will enable us to sink deep roots in Him
James Doo shows us, from Acts 14:8-20 how Paul, after the healing of a crippled man, redirected the crowd's attention from themselves to God who is the maker of all things
Jon Teasdale explains using Acts 25:23-26:32, what to expect from the world, what witness involves, and what to expect from God
Jon Teasdale takes us through John's Gospel explaining how we can Meet Jesus in a Gospel
James Doo explains how 'The Gospel offers More' from the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian in Acts 8:26-40
Rev Mike Smith continues on The Hope of God's Promise with The Believers' Prayer in Acts 4:23-31
Just before the General Election on July 4th, we look at a Christian approach to choosing who to vote for
Our next sermon in our I AM series - looking at Jesus, the resurrection and the life on this Easter Sunday
Good Friday Meditation, led by Michael Walters. Bible readings were Luke 23:26-43, Luke 23:44-56 and John 19:17-30.
All age service for Good Friday, with a monologue (Thomas Teasdale playing Peter), Bible readings and talk from James Doo.
The talk from our Palm Sunday "Easter Music" service. Download the notes to see the service booklet giving information about the Bible readings and music.
The final sermon in our Kingdom Generosity series, looking at fellowship in the gospel, from 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 and various passages from Philippians.
Part of our series in Matthew's Gospel - this week was also the special guest service at the end of the CREATED art exhibition
Continuing with our Matthew series, this sermon is also the first in a short series of three on giving.
Next in our series of all-age talks on the 'I AM' sayings of Jesus, this time James talks to us about "I am the Light of the World"
We celebrated Chinese New Year with our Hong Kong members. As James continues our series in Matthew, the reading is in both English and Cantonese.
Family Carols by Candlelight on Christmas Eve. Jon speaks from Luke 2:1-21.Please note the YouTube recording of this service is audio only, for copyright and safeguarding reasons.
We had a small technical issue during the recording. Approximately 20 seconds of Mike's talk were lost, therefore at around 30 minutes and 40 seconds you will hear a short hiss that marks the missing section.
Guest service following the Imagining Eternity event at St John's.A few short sections during the 'Pass the Parcel' part of the talk have been removed for copyright reasons.
James Robson preaches from Matthew 2:1-12. This service came from our Church Centre so the sound quality is not as good as normal.
Galatians 4:8-31 - The third point of this sermon, entitled "Two sons (v21-31)", was not included in the Sunday morning service due to lack of time. Mike therefore preached this from home just afterwards, and you can see that if you wish at: https://youtu.be/8QyLjur0Oco
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - All-age service of thanksgiving and remembrance for the life of our Queen.
Mark 10:1-12 - The recording includes some selected verses from Psalm 139, in addition to the readings shown above.
2 Corinthians 10:1-6 - Due to technical problems, the whole of this service was not streamed as a single item to those watching on YouTube, and consequently can not be linked to watch online in the usual way.
However, you can now watch the whole service using this YouTube playlist. (the service is split into three parts).
John 15:9-17 - Here is a link to the YouTube video that Jon showed... https://youtu.be/StuOWU4b1to.
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 - The video referred to in the sermon is available at https://youtu.be/seBsfKi-v2w and for more information please go to https://www.crossway.org/weakness
- All age service, with a medley of readings from John's Gospel and First Letter: John 1:1,4; 1 John 1:1,2,5; John 3:19-21; 1 John 1:6,7,9; John 8:12b, 12:36a,46
Acts 11:19-30 - The preacher, Brandon Nelson, was visiting for the commissioning of Olivia Rigby for missionary work in Slovenia.
Ephesians 1:15-23 - What will the follower of Jesus get from the beginning to the end of the Christian life? In this sermon we consider Paul's prayer that Christians might know the incomparably great power of God at work for them.
Ephesians 1:15-23 - Do you pray? When you do, what do you say? In this section of Ephesians we see Paul's prayer for the Ephesian church - that they may know God better. Alec reflects on what that means for us today, and for our prayers.
Ephesians 1:3-14 - Guilt is a feeling we all experience, but what difference does it make to have redemption in Christ, and to know the forgiveness of sins?
John 20:19-31 - What should we make of John's account of the life, death and resurrected Jesus? What about us, who living today, have not seen Jesus with our own eyes? Can we still believe? Today we answer those questions as we consider John 20:19-31.