Revelation Church Manchester

SEX: WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? | BY DESIGN #2 | DUNCAN BELL

This week Duncan continues our By Design series by exploring what the Bible has to say about sex. In a culture that glorifies sex through the media and advertising of our everyday lives, it can be challenging to understand how it fits into God's plan for us. From Genesis 1 to the modern day, we can see that sex is an important part of the human experience — but it is not the pinnacle of it. As we come to understand the gift of sex within the wider story of God's good design, we see how it points to something far greater: Jesus Christ, in whom we can find true fullness of life.

GRACE & TRUTH | BY DESIGN #1 | DUNCAN BELL

This week Duncan brings us the first message in our new series, By Design; looking at God's good plan for sex, relationships and identity. Through John 4:4-26, we see a conversation between Jesus and a Samaritan woman accused of adultery. Despite her social standing and broken relationships, we see that Jesus is full of grace and truth as he approaches this woman. His first priority is to draw near to her and gently convict her, rather than condemning her. His example here helps shape how we navigate difficult conversations around sexuality and relationships today. As we approach one another with grace and truth, we begin to establish trust, strengthen the church, and point each other back toward Christ.

JOYFUL SACRIFICE | GIVING SUNDAY | ROBIN COX

In 1 Chronicles 29:1-22, we see the people of Israel joining together in an act of joyful and generous giving, contributing large sums of materials for the building of God's temple. Through King David's prayer in this passage, we can see that this giving has come as a natural response to the abundance of wealth that he has received from God. This week Robin reminds us that sacrificial giving, in whatever capacity we are able to, is another way that we can demonstrate our devotion to God. As we build a habit of wholehearted giving, we continue to put God at the centre of our lives, acknowledging his provision for our everyday needs.Find out more about how you can give at: https://www.revelationchurchmanchester.co.uk/givingPledge your giving here: https://www.revelationchurchmanchester.co.uk/pledge2026

TARRY TO CARRY | MARTIN WILLIAMS

This week, Martin follows on from our Vision Sunday message of building around God's presence. Through 1 Kings 18:30-39, we see Elijah rebuilding the altar of the Lord with care and attention, so that the fire of the Lord might fall upon it. From this passage, we are encouraged to build routine into our prayer lives, and to abide in the presence of God, not idly waiting for him but actively seeking him out. It is only through this discipline and through lingering in God's presence that we are able to carry his power out into our communities, and impart it to others.

BUILDING AROUND GOD'S PRESENCE | VISION SUNDAY | DUNCAN BELL

In 1 Chronicles 13:1-4, we see one of David's first acts as king: returning the ark of God back to Jerusalem. Unlike Saul, who sought to build his kingdom on the strength of men, David's actions reveal the importance of working for God's agenda rather than our own. This week Duncan highlights how, as a church, we can begin to build God's kingdom together, through intentional community and growing in evangelism.Click here for more information on our vision for 2026: Vision Sunday 2026 Booklet

A GOSPEL FOR EVERYONE | ACTS #15 | JEM L

In Acts 8:26-40, we read about the Ethiopian man that Philip encounters on the road from Jerusalem, and how he is reading the scriptures of Isaiah. Through this story of a foreigner seeking to understand the good news of Jesus, we see how the gospel is already spreading toward the ends of the earth. This week, Jem reminds us that this same gospel is for each and every one of us, and how it is the only story we need in our lives. When we come to understand the depth of God's pursuit of us, and the resulting salvation we are gifted, we can go on our way rejoicing.

HOW TO MISS OUT ON GOD'S POWER | ACTS #14 | DUNCAN BELL

In Acts 8:1–24 we meet Simon the Sorcerer, a man who came close to experiencing God’s power but ultimately missed it. By trying to buy what was freely given, Simon revealed the pride of his heart and failed to grasp the significance of the cross. This week, Duncan challenges us to confront our own pride in light of Christ’s sacrifice. Only then do we truly recognise that God’s power is a gracious gift for all believers, and one that we desperately need in our lives.

WHEREVER, WHENEVER, WHOEVER | ACTS #13 | NAT PATTISON

In Acts 7 we witness Stephen, a man filled with the Holy Spirit, challenging the Jewish leaders of the Sanhedrin, even to the point of martyrdom. While figures such as Stephen can be great examples of how to live faithfully for God, the truth is that he was an ordinary person just like we are. This week Nat reminds us that access to God is not limited to any particular place or person. Instead, we can approach the Lord wherever we are, and receive his righteousness through faith alone.

A HEART POSTURE OF SURRENDER | SEYI ADELEYE

In Luke 7:36–50, we encounter Simon the Pharisee and the sinful woman with the alabaster jar. Despite her social standing and sinful past, the woman approaches Jesus in humble surrender, unlike Simon. In this message, Seyi challenges us to confront the depth of our own sin and bring it honestly before God. When we adopt a posture of surrender before the Lord, he is gentle with us, and begins to work in us, bringing true refinement and transformation.

THE PRINCE OF PEACE | JESUTOFUNMI OLANIYI

In this once-off Christmas message in Luke 1:26-38, we see the fulfillment of many Old Testament prophecies through the birth of a child, Jesus Christ. This week JT focuses on one such prophecy; Jesus came to Earth as a peacemaker, to restore the relationship between man and God. Even in the midst of chaos and the busyness of life, we can rest in the assurance that through Jesus, we are given a peace that transcends all understanding.