Living Rock Podcast

In this message, Sam Percival shares the prophetic picture God gave her of the church as God’s RNLI — His lifeboat crew. Building on the earlier “lighthouse” word, Sam explains that while a lighthouse warns and guides from the shore, lifeboats launch into the storm to seek and save those in danger. This is God’s call for His people: not only to shine but to go.Drawing parallels with the mission and values of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Sam highlights that the church too is a community of volunteers marked by selflessness, courage, trustworthiness, and dependability — united in one mission to rescue the lost. With courage, nothing is impossible, echoing Jesus’ words that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37) and Paul’s reminder that God “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20).Sam reminds us that we are a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9) and Christ’s ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20) — carrying auth

In this message, Richard Pemberton shares about Extraordinary Journeys, showing how God uses ordinary people who trust an extraordinary God to accomplish far more than they could ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20–21).Looking at Peter’s call in Luke 5:1–11, Richard draws out five key truths: 1. Extraordinary journeys begin with an opportunity — Jesus stepped into Peter’s ordinary routine and turned it into a moment of calling. The same is true for us when we make ourselves available. 2. They require perseverance — even after failure and weariness, Jesus asked Peter to try again. Trusting Him through disappointment often opens the door to breakthrough. 3. They stretch our faith beyond what we see — Peter’s hesitant obedience was still met with God’s abundant grace, reminding us that faith looks past natural limitations. 4. They expose our hearts and draw us into relationship with others — Peter recognised his own weakness before Jesus and saw the need for partners to share the load. Extraordinary journeys are never

In this message “Not Now, Not Ever”, Ovi Vlaicu shares from the story of Lazarus in John 11–12, reminding us that Jesus is never late, even when we think hope is gone. What seemed like delay was in fact part of God’s greater plan — that His glory would be revealed and many would believe (John 11:4, 40, 45).Ovi shows how the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection reveals two powerful truths: 1. Jesus transforms our darkest moments into testimonies of God’s glory. 2. The enemy always tries to pull us back into the grave from which Jesus rescued us. Just as the chief priests plotted to kill Lazarus after his resurrection (John 12:9–11), the enemy seeks to drag us back into our old life of sin and despair. But in Christ, we can declare: “Not today, Satan. Not ever.”Through examples from Scripture — Lot’s wife looking back (Genesis 19:26), Paul’s call to forget what is behind and press forward (Philippians 3:13–14), and God’s promise to make all things work for good (Romans 8:28) — Ovi urges us to leave the past behind

In this message, Benj unpacks what life in the Spirit looks like. We start by exploring how the Holy Spirit is both God and a person, present from creation (Genesis 1:2, John 14:16–17) and still at work today. The Spirit is God’s very breath, the one who brings life, fills the church, and empowers believers to live for Jesus.Looking at Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:1–4, Benj shows how the Spirit baptises and immerses us in God’s life, causing us to overflow with boldness, witness, freedom, and power — the same power that raised Christ from the dead (Ephesians 1:17–20). Life in the Spirit means transformation into Christ’s likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18), Scripture coming alive (2 Timothy 3:16), growing love for the lost (Romans 5:5), and unity in the church.Using Ezekiel’s visions of dry bones (Ezekiel 37) and the river from the temple bringing life wherever it flows (Ezekiel 47:1–12), Benj paints a picture of the Spirit reviving God’s people and making the church a source of life and fruitfulness for the world. He close

In this final message of the Pray series, Phil Chapman closes with the doxology often added to the Lord’s Prayer: “Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Though these words don’t appear in the oldest manuscripts of Matthew 6:13, Phil shows how they echo King David’s great prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:10–13, where all praise and honour are given to God as the true King.He explains that this declaration is like a doorway we walk through when leaving the quiet place of prayer and stepping back into daily life. It reorients us: God rules the kingdom, all power belongs to Him, and His glory is our purpose. From Ephesians 1:12–14, Phil reminds us that God redeems His people not just for heaven, but so that our lives now might “be for the praise of His glory.”The message lifts our eyes to the big picture of God’s plan to restore all things (Habakkuk 2:14), while also calling us to live practically as His glory bearers in every sphere of life, sacred and secular alike. For the believer, no plac

William & Eunice Okola lead Living Rock Church in Kenya and it was great to hear from them this Sunday! In this message William shares his testimony and teaching on how God gives fathers for the church. Reflecting on the prophetic call he received when the church prayed for him in 2009, William describes how the support, prayers, and ongoing relationship with spiritual fathers has enabled the growth and strength of the church in Kenya.Drawing from Jeremiah 3:15 (“I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding”), 1 Corinthians 4:15, and Hebrews 13:7,17, he shows that spiritual fathers provide guidance, correction in love, stability, and vision for the future. Just as a coach leads a team, so spiritual fathers help the church walk securely in God’s purposes.William emphasises that the growth of Living Rock Kenya is not by human effort but through God’s design of relationship, connection, and genuine partnership in the gospel. He urges every believer to value

In this message Benj shares on repentance and forgiveness as essential foundations for God’s presence among His people. Using the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32) and David’s heartfelt prayer of repentance in Psalm 51, he explains that true repentance is more than a change of mind — it’s a change of heart, a turning away from sin and turning back to God.Benj reminds us of the promise in Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” Repentance makes space for God’s Spirit to fully dwell in us, and forgiveness removes guilt and shame so we can walk in freedom. With practical illustrations, he encourages us to adopt a lifestyle of repentance — daily allowing the Holy Spirit to shine His light, convict us of sin (John 16:8), and clean house so that God’s presence feels fully at home.Just as Lazarus was raised to life but needed his grave clothes removed (John 11:43–44), we too must let go of guilt and shame, walking in t

In this message, Hilary explores the line from the Lord’s Prayer: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12–15). Using the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15) and Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness in Matthew 18, she highlights how God’s forgiveness toward us is extravagant, unconditional, and joy-filled — and how He calls us to extend that same forgiveness to others.Hilary reminds us that unforgiveness hardens our hearts, distorts our view of God, and damages relationships, as seen in the elder brother’s resentment. Drawing on stories from Scripture, church history, and modern testimony, she shows that forgiveness is not pretending the hurt never happened, but daily choosing to release resentment and trust God with justice.Ultimately, forgiveness opens the door to healing and hope — turning even places of sorrow and judgment into “a door of hope” (Hosea 2:15). Just as Jesus turned the cross, a place of death, into the source of life and peace, we are invited to receive God’s me

Peace is not always what we think it is. In this message we consider the words of Isaiah (26:1-4) to help us understand Biblical peace. Salvation is always the context for true peace, sustained through trust, and deepened through a growing dependency on the Person of the Holy Spirit. With this in mind, we consider some practical ways of pursuing God’s peace in our lives, through worshipping Him, walking together, and remembering His faithfulness. 

In this third message of the Pray series, Phil Chapman unpacks the Lord’s Prayer petition: “Give us today our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11). He reminds us that Jesus is teaching us to bring all our needs — physical, emotional, and spiritual — to our Heavenly Father, who already knows them (Matthew 6:25–34). Drawing from God’s miraculous provision of manna and quail for Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 16), Phil shows that where God leads, He will provide, and that this prayer is about daily dependence, not self-sufficiency.Exploring the rare Greek word used for “daily,” he offers a powerful rendering: “Give us today the bread that does not run out.” This points to God’s ongoing, unfailing provision as we seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33). Phil challenges us to pray this petition not just for ourselves but for our whole church family, community, and town, lifting our eyes to our Provider rather than making “stress sandwiches” of regret and anxiety. The call is to be a persistent, praying people, trusting tha

In this message, Tom unpacks Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28–30 to take His yoke and find rest for our souls. Using the agricultural image of a yoke — a wooden beam joining two animals to work together — Tom explains that Jesus doesn’t offer an escape from life’s challenges, but the strength, guidance, and partnership to walk through them. Just as mismatched animals can’t pull straight, we are called to be “yoked” with Jesus, matching His pace and direction, learning from His gentleness and humility.Drawing parallels with Psalm 23:4, Tom shows how God’s leading — like a shepherd’s rod and staff — may correct and guide us, but ultimately brings comfort and deeper trust. Through personal testimony of God’s provision during seasons of job loss, Tom illustrates how being yoked with Jesus builds perseverance (James 1:2–3) and peace, even in uncertainty. The call is to willingly submit to His leading, knowing His yoke is easy, His burden is light, and working with Him brings true rest and lasting fruit.

In this message, Seth Davies encourages us that “blessing is on the way”, even in life’s valleys. Looking at the Valley of Baca in Psalm 84:5–7, he explains that seasons of weeping and dryness are not places to remain, but to pass through with intentional movement toward God. As we walk in faith and worship, God transforms barren places into springs, refreshing us and taking us from strength to strength. Seth also revisits the story of Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20, where a battlefield became the Valley of Beracah (“blessing”) because God fought for His people as they worshipped. Through personal testimony of a miraculous healing, Seth shows how God makes a way, turning valleys of fear and uncertainty into testimonies of peace and provision. He reminds us that Jesus Himself walked through valleys of sorrow, suffering, and even death - and now walks with us in ours. The peace and blessing God gives are not just for our comfort but to be shared, so our story can become someone else’s hope. The call is to keep

In this Extraordinary series message, David Lyon shares five “great expectations” he is carrying for the church - not just hopes, but confident expectations based on God’s faithfulness and promises. Drawing from Romans 15:29–32, Philippians 3:12–14, and Ephesians 3:20, he calls the church to:Be immersed in the life and power of the Holy Spirit — walking in intimacy with Him, seeing miracles, healings, deliverance, and living in both the gifts (1 Corinthians 12:8–10) and fruit (Galatians 5:22–23) of the Spirit.See an explosion of new birth and recommitment to Jesus — the greatest miracle of all, with the church ready to welcome, disciple, and lead many to faith.Grow and change shape — embracing diversity, mobility, and constant growth as an expression of Christ’s body in many places.Be a church of extraordinary unity and maturity — living out Ephesians 4:11–13 with one heart and soul, overlooking offences, and growing in the stature of Christ.Prepare leadership for the next decade — recognising, equipping, and

In our next Pray series message, Hilary Dalziel unpacks the line from the Lord’s Prayer: “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Using the story of Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10), she shows that the kingdom is deeply personal (Jesus sees us, loves us, and invites us into His rule) but it also brings real change as we submit every part of our lives to His lordship. The kingdom is both present and future: we experience its reality now when we put our faith in Christ (Colossians 1:13), yet we long for the day when it fully comes and every knee bows to Jesus (Philippians 2:9–11). Living in this “now and not yet” tension calls for persevering prayer, like Abraham who trusted God’s promise against all odds (Romans 4:19–21), and for proclaiming and demonstrating the kingdom in our families, workplaces, communities, and to the ends of the earth.

In this opening message of the Pray series, Phil Chapman begins exploring the Lord’s Prayer by focusing on its first words: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9, Luke 11:2). He explains that when Jesus taught His disciples to address God as “Father” — using the intimate Aramaic word Abba — it was a radical invitation into the same close relationship He Himself enjoys with the Father. Through the Holy Spirit, believers are assured of their adoption into God’s family (Galatians 4:6–7), able to approach Him with both intimacy and reverence. Praying “hallowed be Your name” is a declaration of God’s holiness and a pledge to honour His name in our own lives. Phil reminds us that this opening line of the prayer reorients us; putting us in our place as God’s children, putting Him in His rightful place as holy above all, and setting the tone for worship before bringing our requests.

In this Extraordinary series message, Chris Vessey speaks about how God heals our minds and equips us to win “the battle for your thought life.” Drawing from Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:6–7, and Matthew 6:25–34, Chris shows how both external noise (the constant busyness, stimulation, and distraction of our culture) and internal noise (worry, anxiety, fear, and negative self-talk) rob us of the peace God promises. Looking at Jesus’ own example in passages like Luke 5:15–16 and Mark 1:35, he urges us to regularly withdraw to quiet, solitary places to be with the Father, hear His voice, and receive His love and affirmation. In that “furnace of transformation,” we can take every thought captive (2 Corinthians 10:3–5), overcome the lies of the enemy, fix our eyes on Jesus, and receive the perfect peace (Isaiah 26:3) that only He can give.

In this BUILD series message, Christopher Alton explores God’s great plan of restoration; not simply returning things to their original state, but bringing them to the fullness He always intended. Drawing from Colossians 1:17, Ephesians 1:10, and Acts 3:19–21, Christopher shows how God’s eternal purpose is centred on Christ, who will one day restore all things. Restoration begins with the human heart (Ezekiel 36:26, Isaiah 61:1–3), freeing the broken, healing the hurting, and breaking the power of sin and death. From there, God calls His people to be “restorers of streets to dwell in” (Isaiah 58:12) - rebuilding lives, breaking generational devastation through discipleship, repairing brokenness, and carrying His presence into communities. Ultimately, this work points to the restoration of nations, as people from every tribe and tongue are united in Christ, displaying His glory before the world.

In this final message of the Extraordinary series in Market Harborough before the summer, Phil Chapman shares from Galatians 5:16–26 about what it means to let the Holy Spirit guide your life. He unpacks the battle between our old sinful nature and the Spirit within us, showing how over-desires (even for good things) can become idols that pull us away from God’s best. Phil contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit, reminding us that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control all grow together as the life of Jesus flows through us. With practical encouragement, he calls us to “keep in step with the Spirit,” to nail sinful desires to the cross, and to nurture habits, relationships, and environments that feed the Spirit’s work in our lives, both individually and together as the church.

In this message, Ben reminds us that God isn’t just a comforter - He’s a healer! Drawing from key scriptures like Ezekiel 36:26, Psalm 147:3, and Isaiah 61, Ben shares how God restores us from the inside out, offering not just peace in pain, but complete heart healing.Through personal stories and powerful biblical truths, we’re invited to believe that healing isn’t just for the physical - God wants to touch the unseen places, renew our minds, and restore our hearts.Whether you're in a season of sorrow or walking alongside someone who is, this message brings hope: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” (Psalm 147:3)

What does it really mean to be led by the Holy Spirit in everyday life? Hilary Dalziel reminds us that being led by the Spirit is not reserved for the “super spiritual” - it’s a promise for every child of God.Drawing from key scriptures like John 14:16-18, John 15:5, and Romans 8, Hilary unpacks how the Spirit helps us in our weakness, intercedes for us, and leads us into God's perfect will - even when we feel uncertain or unqualified. Using powerful illustrations from Acts and personal stories, she encourages us to listen, depend, and obey as we grow in childlike faith and resist the cultural pressures that try to shape our decisions.This message is a timely reminder that we’re not alone, we’re not orphans, and we don’t have to figure it all out ourselves. The Holy Spirit is our advocate, our helper, and our guide