There has never been a perfect church. Corinth proves it. In this opening sermon of our series on 1 Corinthians, we look at Paul's letter to a gifted but status-obsessed church that was being shaped by the culture around it rather than by the cross. Paul reminds them (and us) who they already are: the church of God, sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be holy. Our confidence is not in leaders, gifts, or looking successful, but in the grace of God and the power of the cross.
11 Oct 2026
The Church of Today: Children, Parents, and the Family of God | Ephesians 6:1-4
Families matter to God—both our biological families and the church family. Following the Genesis series on God's purposes through Jacob's family, this sermon turns to Ephesians 6:1-4 to ask what it means for children, parents, and the whole church to live together as God's people.
1. Children and the Church Family: Paul speaks directly to children: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honour your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—'so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth'" (Eph. 6:1-3). By addressing them, Paul assumes children are present in the gathered church and able to respond to God themselves. They are not merely the church of the future; they are the church of today. This continues the Old Testament pattern of assembling men, women, and children to hear God's word. In Ephesians the whole church—including the young—is being built together into a dwelling place for God (Eph. 2:22) and called to bear with one another in love across generations (Eph. 4:1-2).
2. Parents and Discipleship: Paul then addresses fathers: "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). In a culture of absolute parental power, Paul calls for restraint and purposeful discipleship. The goal is not primarily happiness or worldly success, but that children love and serve Jesus above all else. Parents (fathers especially, with mothers and grandparents also vital) are the primary disciples of their children; the church partners with them but does not take over. This happens in ordinary life—talking about church on the way home, reading Scripture together, and living out authentic faith in decisions, priorities, and everyday choices (echoing Deuteronomy 6).
Conclusion: God wants young people to love Jesus so much that they obey their parents as part of their discipleship, and parents to love Jesus so much that they long for their children to know and serve Him. As a church family we are called to get alongside both our young people and our parents—encouraging, praying for, and investing in one another—so that we grow together as one intergenerational family for God's glory.
4 Oct 2026
God Finishes What He Starts | Genesis 35
Jacob made a vow at Bethel. God kept every promise; Jacob delayed his. Genesis 35 is God calling him back: put away the idols, lead the household, build the altar. The family is completed and still broken — Rachel dies, Reuben sins, the twelve sons are named — and God still confirms the covenant. The same God has met us in Jesus, the true Israel and promised King. He finishes what he starts. Put the idols away and come home.
Contact Lindisfarne Anglican Church Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Lindisfarne Anglican Church Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
