Here we focus on Romans 1:14-17, the climax of Paul’s preface to his account of the gospel message he preaches. The radical conversion he experienced through meeting Jesus has put him in debt to all people – a debt he willingly repays by preaching the gospel to everyone, in obedience to Jesus’s command.

He declares his absolute confidence in the gospel. He says it is the power of God for salvation for those who believe it. Not only at the moment of salvation – it reveals the righteousness of God “from first to last”.

We continue to live and grow in Jesus by reflecting on and declaring the gospel.

This week we explore Romans 1:1–13 and reflect on how our  identity is shaped by the Gospel. Paul introduces himself not by achievements or status, but as a servant (doulos) of Christ, showing that true freedom is found in surrender to Jesus. Belonging to Christ transforms who we are and reorders our ambitions.

The Gospel Paul proclaims is not a new invention, but God’s promised plan, rooted in Scripture and fulfilled in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus’ willing sacrifice offers forgiveness, new life, and mercy where humanity offered rebellion. 

Paul reminds the church that holiness is not perfection, but being set apart because we belong to God. This identity leads to a lived faith marked by gratitude, prayer, mutual encouragement, and fruitfulness.

The Gospel does not need to be reinvented, but understood, believed, lived, and lovingly proclaimed.

On Sunday the Leadership Team revealed the vision text for 2026: "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes."  (Rom 1:16)

David shared a brief message relating to the text in which he explained some reasons why Paul's hearers might have felt the gospel was shameful. But Paul himself was not in the slightest ashamed or embarrassed in proclaiming the good news of Jesus because it was the 'Power of God' to change and transform lives. Today in our modern godless society people may still find the gospel message challenging news but we need to proclaim it without compromise as it is still the 'Power of God' that brings transformation.

David spoke from Ephesians 2:11-22. Jesus came to bring peace but does our world reflect this? Wars between nations, factions and disputes in countries, communities and families. David suggested three things to help us be ambassadors of peace: 1 – Tell the good news – that we can know peace through Jesus. 2 – Be peacemakers in the church family. 3 – Be peacemakers in our own families. 

Yesterday, Keith shared from Philippians 2:1-13 – written by Paul to the Christians in Philippi. This unusual place in North Greece was wealthy and powerful but was handed over to Roman soldiers after a battle in 42BC. They were given land and it became a colony – a microcosm of Rome. They became ambassadors for Rome – in a similar vein to us today, of having a different allegiance to those around us. We can go out with confidence and also know that we have each other. We strive together as one for the faith of the gospel. We are better together than we are alone. Keith gave some statements and helpful pointers for living in community.

Visiting speaker, David Herring, used Romans 8:9-17 and Luke 17:20-21 for this week's sermon. Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome and chapter 17 is the crescendo. David looked at what we mean by spirituality. Though we do not see Jesus in a physical form we know that there is a spiritual kingdom and he lives in us; the Holy Spirit works in and through us. There is a spiritual dimension – God was already there – not created. David encouraged us to develop our spiritual life. To continue to work out our salvation, and walk in the path of Jesus and do what he has asked of us. 

David spoke from Psalm 139 and reminded us of our role as ambassadors – this Psalm helps us to be equipped to do this. We have been made in God's image and are both fearfully and wonderfully made. He knows us intimately in our past, present and future. We are made for a purpose.

David challenged us to take a moment to ask ourselves if we have lost the ability to be amazed with awe and wonder at who God is and what he has done. This sense of wonder allows us to be led into worship and action. God sees all – including our mistakes and failures but his forgiveness means we are not separated from his love.

The Psalmist asks God to search his heart – a scary prospect if we are honest with ourselves. We need to be open to the Holy Spirit and allow him to speak to us or work in areas that need attention – whether that's in our innermost thoughts and worries, our will, our motivations and or real character. Despite our faults we can know his love and live in the knowledge of his comfort and protection.

The start of a new series with the overall theme of 'Ambassadors of Reconciliation', which is our vision for this year. Nigel spoke of being 'Made in God's image' from Genesis 1:26-31. With the image of a chimney cowl originally designed in 1855 by John Fisher, an ironmonger from Taunton, Nige reminded us that it is hard to know what something is for unless you know its purpose and who created it. One of the big questions as humans is why are we here, what are we here for – what is our identity? Genesis 1 helps us to fill in the answers to those questions and Nigel unpacks the issue in more depth.

Have you ever waited a long time for something in your life? How did you feel when it arrived?Waiting may seem easy on the face of it – just sit back, relax, cross your arms and wait. Does the life of Anna reflect this? The normal, everyday occurrence in the temple of babies being circumcised was this time, for her, a highly significant moment. Her relationship with God was such that she knew the King had arrived!  Hear Victor as he shares what we know about her from the short passage in Luke 2:22-39 and what we can learn from her.

Dorcas – the Woman who lived! Jo used Acts 9:36-43 to share on the life of Dorcas – one of a small and select group of people who were raised from the dead. Jo tested our brains to see if we could name the others in the Bible in chronological order – harder than we thought, it turns out. You can find out what Jo taught us from Dorcas including her faith, practical goodness and lasting legacy. Have a listen to learn how we can apply those things to our own lives.