Life Church Southampton

In this message the world's idea of 'If it feels right then do it' is held in comparison to the biblical idea for His people to 'Be Holy, as God is Holy'. Dave explores why it is that people, at times, seem to disagree so much and how hard it can be to reconcile those differences.

We hear it said all over the place that we should be true to ourselves and the world responds as if this is good news. But is it? The Word seems to say otherwise. Maybe true hope for fulfilment and fullness of life is found elsewhere?

The world tells us to follow your heart, love yourself, believe in yourself and be true to yourself. Jesus says, 'follow me', 'love the Lord your God and your neighbour', 'deny yourself' and 'believe in me'. How do we respond when the word and the world say very different things?

Between 23rd October and Christmas 2023, James Hatcher, Life Church Operations Manager and Elder, shall be taking a sabbatical. Hear James talking about this with Dave and Si on the latest LifePod episode, and read Chris Kilby’s blog post on the biblical reasoning which underlies our values of appropriate rest, here: https://www.lifesouthampton.org/james-sabbatical/

Living a full life is important to most people, but what the world tells us is a life of meaning, purpose and value is very different to what we see in the life of Jesus and the Bible.

On Sunday 24th September 2023 Pelumi Bolorunduro will be set in as an elder at Life Church. In this LifePod episode, Dave and Si give us the opportunity to get to know Pelumi that little bit better in the lead up to this great event for the church.

Jesus said we are to be both salt and light rather than blending in to the world around us. In this message Dave examines why Jesus gave us these two examples, and how these qualities impact those around us.

Friends. A word that used to describe people you knew 20 years ago, someone who added you on social media and the people you share everything with. Si explores what it means for us that Jesus calls us friends in John 15:15.

Is Psalm 139 good or bad news? Si explores the cost of being fully known, in order to be fully loved.

Psalm 103 is like a telescope that gives us a vision of our glorious God. As we look, we learn that he is holy and really good news, and so worthy of our praise.

This passage could break down into three headings - two treasures, two visions, two masters. In this message, Dave will dig into what Jesus is saying to us about each of these things and how it helps us to live a life of worship.

Through two short parables that Jesus told, Si explores what it means for us as humans to worship and to ask the question, who or what am I worshipping?

In Peter's closing verses, and in our final message of this teaching series in 1 Peter, the church is encouraged to continue together in mission, standing firm in our declaration of 'the true grace of God' in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Every church needs good shepherds who will lead, care for, protect and guide their flock. Elders are called to do these things, not because they have too, nor for personal gain, nor to be controlling of others - but in humility as an example to others, and for the unfading reward of our chief Shepherd. As we consider the role of elders in the church, we share a proposed addition to our own eldership team at Life Church, and invite the church to share their approval. Discover more in this message

As Peter sums up his main points, Si helps us to see how we relate to God in practical terms and how we resist a very real enemy.

1 Peter 4:12-19 encourages believers to rejoice in their sufferings, recognizing that they are sharing in Christ's sufferings and reminding them to commit to continuing to do good. We are reminded that it is the Holy Spirit who will enable us to do so.

Peter's encouragement to the church is to continue in love and service to one another, that God may be glorified - something that is only made possible in the strength and grace which we have received in Jesus.

In Christ, we are now made alive in the Holy Spirit and empowered to live according to God's will. Phil encourages us to to step into this new reality by faith, and ask for God's help and grace in the areas each of us need it.

In this passage Peter speaks about the flood of Noah and baptism in water. Chris explores how these things correspond, and what it means in light of the finished work of Christ.

Sometimes, the fear of others' opinions can hinder us from doing what we know is right. How can we live authentically, guided by love for God and others, rather than constantly worrying about how people will react to us? When we live in this different way we might be called upon to explain the reason we have for doing so and the hope we have in knowing that God has ultimately accepted us.