Life Church Southampton

This Sunday we gave to our Life Church Gift Day. Reading from Acts 4, Si Munsie addressed the relationship we have both with God and with the 'stuff' around us. The early church had been so radically effected by the grace they had received in Christ that it had wonderfully changed their relationship with their belongings. By grace, the same can be true for us.

It is the presence of Jesus in our lives that leads us to live extraordinary lives with extraordinary moments of breakthrough through the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer.

In this message Jon helps us what an authentic church looks like when engaging with those in poverty, be it economic, relational, aspirational or spiritual poverty. In Christ, we are empowered by the Spirit to bring good news to the poor.

We celebrate the great diversity of the church, because we are united together in Christ! On this occasion we look at generosity, both within our own church and across churches and nations - giving generously for the sake of the gospel.

What does it look like to be devoted to something? The early church, we’re told in Acts, devoted themselves to the Apostle’s teaching, fellowship with other believers, the breaking of bread and prayer. What does it look like, and what does this communicate to others, when we do the same?

When Peter preaches at Pentecost he speaks as a changed man, emboldened and equipped by the Holy Spirit which is now poured out on all believers. His proclamation for the need for repentance cuts to the heart of his listeners and some 3000 are added to the church that day.

Jesus told his disciples that it would be better for him to go, in order that the Father send the Holy Spirit who is present now in all believers. Si helps us to know who the Holy Spirit is, and how we can continue to be filled and see the work of the Spirit amongst us.

Moments before Jesus ascends he commands his followers to wait for the promised gift of the Father - the gift of the Holy Spirit. God's presence is about to be poured out on the church, empowering and transforming people for all time.

When Paul writes to Philippi he makes a bold claim about the future of the Philippian church. Paul says 'I am sure of this…'. How can Paul speak with such absolute certainty - only because of his confidence in the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

It seems like just the other day that news was shared of Dave and the McNee family moving on from Life church. In this LifePod episode Si and Dave reflect back on some memories of Dave's time here and talk about their next steps as they continue to seek and follow God's call together.

1 Corinthians makes clear that the gift of prophesy is available to all believers. It is a gift for building up God’s church. Alex helps us to trust God in both using and receiving prophecy for our good, and for God’s glory.

This Easter Chris Kilby considers Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, and shows what this means for us by looking at what it meant for the three men on crosses that day.

Simon considers the fear, humility and joy with which King David brought the arc to Jerusalem in the Old Testament. How much more liberated are we in the very presence of God, now we have been brought near in Christ and freed from condemnation through His sacrifice!

This powerful message teaches us that through prayer and by faith we able to see life’s circumstances differently, fight spiritually and gain prophetic insight.

God speaks to those we’d least expect through dreams that are windows into reality and they need interpretation through prayer, community and scripture. These dreams can encourage or warn and should be responded to in faith and will be used by God for His good purposes.

When you have an awe-inspiring authentic meeting with God, you will be changed. Si unpacks Isaiah’s response to God and helps us to consider our response when we have our own encounters with God.

Nehemiah’s prayer and fasting was an act of surrender, repenting from living life his own way and acknowledging that he couldn’t resolve the issues before him in his own strength. We can also sit before God and cry out about situations we face, surrendering ourselves in prayer and through fasting.

In this message, Annie considers the difficulty of Mary's circumstances and her response to them in Luke 1. We see how prayer and praise are of highest importance when we face all kinds of trials and difficulties.

Who's the main character in your life? Through the story of Simeon meeting the baby Jesus in the temple, Si explores what it looks to wait on God and to trust him.

On our final One Church Sunday, as we look ahead to being together in one place from the 25th February onwards, we welcome Guy Miller to continue our series about prayer. In Exodes 33 we read that God spoke with Moses ‘as a man speaks to his friend’. Guy helps us to see what this kind of prayer life looks like for the church?