NCF Sunday Talks

It's not only famous and wealthy people who leave a legacy when they die. Everybody does! In fact, we all also have a legacy before we physically die. God has given you gifts - certain assets. They are peculiar to you, are beautiful and will encourage others if you use them. The Bible says that Jesus came to earth to serve humanity. We are definitely called to be servants to others too. The world is in need of normal Christians who happen to be spiritual heroes. People who forgive quickly, who support the vulnerable, who are good listeners and who follow Jesus as His apprentice. In the past there have been many Christian philanthropists who acted for God in society. We desperately need similar heroes again in 2026. Jesus was anointed to bring liberty to others (Isaiah 61:1,2). That can be our legacy too. Simply do what Jesus says! The script for the whole Service can be read here.

We hear about the work of Asia Link, with special attention given to one country. We are also reminded that we are all lights in the world too. You can read about the work of Asia Link here. The script for the whole Service can be read here.

The Book of Acts seems to not have a satisfactory ending at 28:31. There is no 'proper' conclusion. How wonderful! This reminds us that God is still at work today and has been through the past two thousand years. As well as concluding this Series of Talks, we are reminded to get involved with what God is doing today. He is at work. His actions on our behalf and for the good of the world are continuing. Don't be a spectator today or simply relish what He has done in the past! Actively work for and with Him today and tomorrow. The script for the whole Service can be read here.

Paul, who was transformed by God, wrote to many churches. He also wrote letters to various individuals - some of them were his protégés. There are four such letters in our New Testament canon: 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. He writes to them with important topics that come from his desire that they mature well in the things of God. He encourages them to be careful and thorough in doctrine and also that their life must revolve around prayer. They should cultivate and stir up the things of God in their own lives, as well in the lives of others. You can read the script for the whole Service here.

The New Testament has nine letters written by Paul to various churches - some of which he had helped to found whilst travelling around the Mediterranean. There are some clues in the these letters that he wrote several more, perhaps even many more! We often read of Paul's feelings towards those he loved throughout these letters. All were written to encourage believers, with most having strong doctrinal reasons for Paul spending the time either writing himself or dictating to an amanuensis. This Talk is a whistle-stop tour covering some of the foundations for each of the letters that we still have. They are all still relevant to be read today, as they were inspired by God. Read them yourself as you will benefit from each one. Take your time and ask God to lead you in research and meditation. As with all these Talks, they are not meant to be comprehensive, but to inspire you to seek out more details for yourself - perhaps asking others for their ideas too. The script for the whole Service can be found here.

Paul was led by God to make several long journeys where he explained who God was and the truly incredible things He had done for humanity. You are also on a missionary journey with God. This might seem like a burden or barrier to you at the moment. Pray to God, asking for His anointing and emboldening power to grow in you. Talk to other believers and read the Scriptures too. These things will encourage you to be active in what God is asking you personally to do for Him. Being sleepy is destructive. Wake up! Listen to what God is calling you to do and with His help (and with the help of others) get on with it. The script for the whole Service can be read here.

For over three years, Paul travelled with friends to take the Good News about Jesus, the risen Saviour to countless numbers of normal people. He covered many miles on foot and by ship in what we call his Second Missionary Journey. In each of the places he would speak and live his life as an apprentice, disciple and apostle of Jesus. Listen to this Talk to hear more details about what he did and who he met. The script for the whole Service can be read here.

Paul wasn't just called an "Apostle" - he lived his calling from God. What happened on his first journey, where did he go and who went with him? Learn about these things in this Talk. Expect to hear about God giving the initiative and the response being prayer with action and opposition to the Christ centred message. Hearing about Paul and his friends, does it inspire you to fulfill, in God's strength, what He is calling you to do? The script for the whole Service can be read here.

Many people in our society demand instant access, instant knowledge, instant food and instant results. Often there is no short cut to grasping new concepts etc. If we are to get to know God, we need to spend time with Him. This needs to be regular and over a long period of time. After meeting the risen Jesus near Damascus, Paul spent three years in obscurity on the Sinai Peninsular (Arabia). We don't know exactly what he did there, but it was definitely a time of preparation for what God was going to lead him to do over the next twenty or so years. Make time to regularly be with God. What you do in private, will help you do well in public. Take appropriate action to enable you to meet with God in worship, service and learning. Many people consider the word 'protracted' to be a needless, tedious or wasteful time. Spending extra time with God will nearly always be positive and encouraging to you and then to others. God certainly wants to spend time with you! The script for the whole Service can be read here.

Saul/Paul met the risen Jesus as he approached Damascus. He'd gone there to persecute the Jesus believers and to stop them spreading a message that he personally thought was blasphemous. He soon discovered that Jesus was the Messiah as his life was interrupted by Him. He realized that he was a sinner and needed a Saviour. Jesus was that Saviour. Acts 9, 22 and 26 tell us about what happened and how God used a normal person called Ananias to interact with Paul in a beautiful way. Let God interrupt your life. Know that He wants you to bless and stir others, as you give your life over to Him. Press stop to what you are doing, as you hear God whispering to you. The script for the whole Service can be read here.