Regent Hall Sermons: Espresso Yourself

At the Last Supper Jesus makes a profound statement about what life would be like for those who follow him. It is very relevant to our thinking, especially in our volatile world at the start of a new decade. Jesus says: 'In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world'. Major Richard Mingay

'Epiphany' means shining forth and is linked to the three kings, or wise men, following the star to Bethlehem. Epiphany is not just the kings' journey - it is everyone's journey. It's ours. May we like the three wise men venture into the brave new land of 2020 - let the glory of the Lord, the light that is at the heart of all life, open us up on our travels. May we find the courage to trust every step of the way. Major Caroline Mingay

The great book of Revelation is vast and complex. It paints rich colours and pictures. It relates stories and prophecies that demand a deep understanding. Ultimately it reveals just a glimpse of future Glory under the reign of The King. We delve into a few verses to see how Kingship is relevant to our lives within our challenging contemporary context. Major Richard Mingay

We are looking at the reading from 2 Thessalonians. In the Bible the title for verses says "Warning against idleness". It made me think of that saying 'the devil makes use of the idle hands'. We'll be looking at Paul's words to the church in Thessalonica and seeing how we can apply it to our lives today to make sure we guard against this. Captain Ali Stone

Today is Remembrance Sunday. While today speaks of sacrifice, its proximity to Advent can indicate the inevitable Hope ahead. Psalm 10 reminds us that God is present - God will never desert or forget us. God is the helper of the helpless and the defender of the oppressed and afflicted. Through active remembrance and engagement, Christians must aid those who feel forgotten in their communities, and always pray more for peace in troubled times. Major Richard Mingay

Regent Hall blesses new members of its leadership team. Major Caroline Mingay reminds us of Paul's words, to 'Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ' (1 Corinthians 11:1). We all need to listen for God's voice as he leads the way.

Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham brings the Bible message encouraging us each to think about every part of our lives - everything that we do is an expression of how great God is. What is your purpose? Your life can be fulfilled by living with Christ.

We need to be the best ‘us’ we can be and do all that we do for the glory of God. We should look to glorify God in our bodies, in our conversations and in our thought lives. He will give us the right words to say to those that we meet that they might become children of God. Captain Alison Stone

On the Annual Day of Prayer for Victims of Human Trafficking, our teaching focus is based on the Joseph narrative, the boy once sold by his brothers into slavery and yet as an adult rose to become the highest slave-trader in the court of Egypt. Such teaching is harsh, but then truth is sometimes harsh - and our prayers need to become a resistance movement against the dangerous prospect that we ourselves, however unwittingly, might become pawns and enablers in this evil game. Major Caroline Mingay

Mary is crying at Jesus’s tomb. John 20 vs 14 says: ‘she turned around, saw Jesus standing there but did not realise it was Jesus. She thought he was the gardener.’ The principle here is the same as the story that Luke tells of the two on the road to Emmaus. It took time for them to recognise Jesus. They speak but it is only when Jesus broke bread in their home that they recognised him – and Scripture tells us that their eyes were opened. This morning I want to talk about recognising Jesus in three different ways: 1. Recognising Jesus in our personal lives 2. Recognising Jesus in others 3. The eternal Kingdom meaning for us Every moment is another chance - this moment right here. So we watch and listen and we’re open. Christ has made it possible. He looks like a gardener, but God is in Him… May that be so for all of us. Major Richard Mingay

Try saying 'I am difficult to offend' to help make the experience real for you. The parable of the prodigal son can help us reflect on being difficult to offend in our own lives. It helps us focus on a father who didn't take offence, who did not bear a grudge and who forgave his son. Captain Alison Stone

Jesus tells his followers to "Go and make disciples". For some this is easier said than done. It is a challenging commandment - we look further into what this simple sentence means for us individually. What kind of person can actually make a disciple? Major Richard Mingay

We all experience change in our lives - but how do we view change? God is in the business of change - transforming us to become more and more like Christ. Major Christine Comely

Major Caroline Mingay introduces the Theology of Welcome which underpins the new vision statement for the Regent Hall Church of The Salvation Army. 'Welcome' can be costly and challenging but where God's welcome is honoured, the Kingdom of Heaven is already breaking in.

This well known Bible reading from Ezekiel speaks to us today - God will not leave our lives in a scattered state. The Church is strongest when it is totally united. 1 Corinthians 12 teaches us that Christ can make the broken person whole again. God has the power to make things become what they ought to be. Major Richard Mingay

Captain Andrew Stone - editor of the War Cry weekly magazine - speaks about the joy of accepting God's call.

At the end of the Gospel of John, after the resurrection, Jesus appears to his disciples. This message is relevant to us too - it helps us come out of the Word and go into the World with the glory of Jesus's life and purpose inspiring our hearts. Major Richard Mingay

Major Richard Mingay considers the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and what it means for each of us - let us live as a resurrected people, enabling us to rise above the challenges of daily life. Encounter Christ in Spirit and in Truth.

Here is Easter morning and Christ is risen! Our hearts and minds are again taking in the good news of the third day. If you can't easily feel joyful and hopeful today, then I simply say this: Let Easter have its way with you. Easter is about a new creation. Trust in the Calvary work of Christ to give you faith and deep trust so that you may live in greater and greater hope. Major Richard Mingay

Major Caroline Mingay looks at John 19 to unpack the Good Friday message and the reminder of Jesus' sacrifice for each of us.