Learning to Pray: Meeting the Father in the Secret Place

Learning to Pray: Meeting the Father in the Secret Place

In this talk, Larry continues the Sermon on the Mount series by exploring Jesus’ teaching on prayer in Matthew 6. He reflects on the struggle many Christians feel when approaching prayer, including distraction, inadequacy, hypocrisy, and the temptation to use empty words. Larry reminds us that prayer is not about performance, technique, or being seen by others. Instead, Jesus calls us to come honestly before our Father, trusting that He sees in secret, knows our needs, and invites us to ask with confidence. Through the Lord’s Prayer, we are shown how our hearts can be reordered around God’s name, kingdom and will, before bringing our daily needs, confession and dependence before Him. A practical and encouraging message for anyone who finds prayer difficult, dry or inconsistent, pointing us back to the Father’s care and the grace made possible through Jesus.

Giving in Secret – Matthew 6:1–4

In this talk from Matthew 6:1–4, Alex continues our journey through the Sermon on the Mount and looks at Jesus’ teaching on giving. He explains that generosity is not presented as optional for followers of Christ — Jesus says when you give, not if you give. Alex explores the Old Testament background to giving, including God’s concern for the poor, the vulnerable and the outsider, and reminds us that giving should flow from a soft heart, an open hand and a generous spirit. The challenge of the passage is not simply whether we give, but why we give. Jesus warns against giving in order to be noticed, praised or admired by others. Instead, giving is to be done quietly, sincerely and as an act of worship before God, who sees what is done in secret.

Love Your Enemies: The Radical Lifestyle of the Kingdom | Matthew 5:43–48

In this message, Alex concludes our journey through Matthew 5 by exploring one of Jesus’ most challenging commands: “Love your enemies.” Reflecting on Pentecost and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit, Alex shows how kingdom living goes far beyond outward obedience and reaches the condition of the heart. Drawing together the themes of the Sermon on the Mount, he explains how followers of Jesus are called to reflect the character of their heavenly Father through prayer, forgiveness, compassion, generosity, and love without distinction. This message challenges us to move beyond merely being kind to actively blessing, doing good to, and praying for those around us—even those who are difficult to love. A practical and encouraging message about living as salt and light, walking in the Spirit, and displaying the love of Christ in Bristol and beyond. Key Themes: Pentecost • The Holy Spirit • Sermon on the Mount • Loving Your Enemies • Prayer • Kingdom Living • Matthew 5:43–48 • Christian Discipleship

An Eye for an Eye? The Kingdom Way of Justice | Matthew 5:38–48

In this challenging message from the Sermon on the Mount, Larry unpacks Jesus’ radical teaching on revenge, justice, and reconciliation. Looking at “an eye for an eye” and “love your enemies,” he explores how Jesus moves beyond external behaviour and confronts the deeper issues of the heart. Rather than being controlled by retaliation, status, possessions, or personal rights, followers of Jesus are called to reflect the heart of the Father—responding with grace, wisdom, and a desire for reconciliation. This is not weakness or ignoring injustice, but a Spirit-empowered way of living that points others to Christ. A powerful message about what it means to live differently in the Kingdom of God.

Kingdom Integrity: Let Your Yes Be Yes | Gospel of Matthew 5:33–37

In this week’s message, Alex continues our Kingdom Lifestyle series, exploring Jesus’ teaching on truth, integrity, and the power of our words in Matthew 5:33–37. Jesus challenges His followers not to rely on oaths, half-truths, or carefully chosen words to build credibility, but instead to live lives marked by honesty, consistency, and integrity. As citizens of God’s Kingdom, we carry His name in how we speak, act, and relate to others. This message reminds us that integrity is not simply about avoiding lies—it is about reflecting the character of God in everyday life, letting our “yes” be yes and our “no” be no. A timely call to repentance, authenticity, and wholehearted discipleship.