Nicola Bass - Carol Service Short Talk

At Christmas, we remember a powerful and hope-filled truth: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5). In this short message from our Carol Service, we reflect on the meaning of Jesus’ birth and why He is described as the Light of the world.  We explore the story of the baby who came to save — Jesus, born not just to inspire us, but to rescue us from sin and bring light and life into every dark place (Matthew 1:20–21; John 3:16).  This message reminds us that no matter what we are facing — uncertainty, fear, loss, or weariness — the light of Christ still shines. And this Christmas, that light is for you.  Whether Christmas is a joyful season or a difficult one, this message points us to the hope, peace, and new life found in Jesus. #LightInTheDarkness #ChristmasMessage #JesusIsTheLight #CarolService #Hope #LifeVineyardChurch

Fear NOT! Peace That Transcends Understanding | Philippians 4 So many people today feel overwhelmed or unable to cope — a 2018 UK study found that 74% of adults experienced stress to that level in the previous year. Yet in Philippians 4, Paul shows us a way to live with a peace that “transcends all understanding” and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. In this message, we look at four biblical practices that help us experience God’s peace in everyday life: • Rejoice — choosing gratitude that lifts our perspective and strengthens wellbeing. • Pray — bringing every circumstance to God with honesty and thankfulness. • Think Good Thoughts — fixing our minds on what is true, noble, lovely, and praiseworthy. • Learn Contentment — discovering Paul’s secret: “I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13) Alongside Scripture, we also consider research showing how gratitude, prayer, and renewing the mind contribute to lower anxiety and improved mental health — echoing the wisdom of Philippians 4. If you’re longing for deeper peace, clarity, and steadiness in your daily life, this teaching will help you take practical, faith-filled steps toward it. #FearNot #PeaceThatTranscendsUnderstanding #Philippians4 #ChristianLiving #Faith #LifeVineyardChurch

In this message, we look honestly at the battles that take place within our minds — fear, doubt, lies, anxiety, and the inner narratives that work against the knowledge of God. Using 2 Corinthians 10:4–5, we explore how Scripture invites us to take every thought captive and bring it under the freeing, life-giving obedience of Christ. We walk through moments from John 13, where both Judas and Peter faced inner turmoil, reminding us that even Jesus’ closest friends were not immune to mental and emotional struggle. Yet Jesus meets them — and us — with truth, love, and grace. This message also draws on Brennan Manning’s powerful words from The Ragamuffin Gospel, reminding us that nothing — not weakness, fear, mistakes, rejection, loneliness, or uncertainty — can separate us from the love of Christ. We discover that the greatest weapon in spiritual warfare is not our own strength, but the obedience of Christ, whose grace and righteousness on the cross give us victory over every thought that rises against God’s truth. If you are wrestling with anxious thoughts, fear, or a battle within your mind, this message will point you back to the One who strengthens, steadies, and secures you with His love.   #FearNot #BattlesInOurMind #TakeEveryThoughtCaptive #ChristOurStrength #Grace #SpiritualWarfare #LifeVineyardChurch

In this message, David reminds us of one of the most life-changing truths in Scripture: God is with us. Whatever we face — sorrow, confusion, loss, or the unknown — God’s presence meets us right where we are with comfort, stillness, hope, and peace.   We explore how God draws near in our darkest moments and covers us with His compassion, bringing reassurance even when circumstances don’t make sense. And amazingly, He leads us into a place where rejoicing can coexist with grief, not because the pain disappears, but because His presence holds us through it.   If you are walking through a difficult season, feeling lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of the future, this message is a reminder that you are never alone — God is with you, and He is faithful.   #GodIsWithUs #ComfortInSorrow #HopeInHopelessness #PeaceInTheStorm #Faith #LifeVineyardChurch #ChristianEncouragement

In this powerful message, Nicola unpacks God’s heart for those who feel weary, overwhelmed, or at the end of themselves. Through Isaiah 40:25–31, we discover that God not only sees our weakness — He renews our strength with His own limitless power.   We are reminded that Christ Himself is our source of strength (Philippians 4:13), and that God’s power is often revealed most beautifully in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9–10).   Whether you are running, walking, or barely holding on, this message invites you to place your hope in the Lord — the One who helps us soar on wings like eagles, run without growing weary, and walk without fainting. Be encouraged: God renews, restores, and strengthens all who place their hope in Him. #FearNot #StrengthInGod #Isaiah40 #RenewedStrength #ChristianEncouragement #LifeVineyardChurch

What do we do when life feels like too much — when fear, exhaustion, and despair take over? In this message, we explore how God meets us in our lowest moments, just as He did with Ezekiel and Elijah, reminding us that His presence is constant and His strength is enough.   Through scriptures like Ezekiel 3:14–15, 1 Kings 19:3–5, and John 1:14, we see that even when we feel overwhelmed, God is near — Emmanuel, God with us. He doesn’t condemn our fear or weakness; He steps into it with compassion, grace, and truth.   This message invites you to take heart, to rest in God’s presence, and to remember that you are never alone.   #FearNot #GodWithUs #FaithOverFear #Encouragement #ChristianLiving #LifeVineyardChurch #HopeInChrist

Even when life feels hard, faithfulness to Jesus anchors us in joy, peace, and purpose. The Importance of Being Faithful | Faithful Followers of Jesus In this message, we explore what it means to be a faithful follower of Jesus. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 4:1–5 and Hebrews 11, we reflect on what it looks like to trust Jesus deeply, to hold on to joy and peace even in buffetings, and to remain steadfast in our discipleship. Faithfulness isn’t about perfection — it’s about trust, endurance, and a life anchored in Christ. #FaithfulFollowers #TrustInJesus #ChristianDiscipleship #Faith #JoyAndPeace #BiblicalTeaching #LifeVineyardChurch

God’s Kingdom is beautifully diverse yet powerfully united — every person, every gift, every story matters. Unity in Diversity | God’s United Kingdom In this message, we explore what it means to be part of God’s united yet beautifully diverse Kingdom. Just as the human body has many parts but functions as one, the Church is made up of many people with unique gifts, backgrounds, and callings — brought together in Christ to reveal His glory to the world. We look at how the Trinity models perfect unity and diversity, how God’s design in creation reflects this harmony, and how the body of Christ flourishes when each part plays its role. This message challenges and inspires us to celebrate our differences, serve one another, and reflect the unity of God’s Kingdom. 📖 Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 12:12–27, Genesis 2:18, 1 Peter 4:10, Ecclesiastes 4:12 Let’s be a living example to the world of what the united and diverse Kingdom of God is meant to look like. #UnityInDiversity #BodyOfChrist #GodsKingdom #SpiritualGifts #ChurchLife #Faith #ChristianLiving

When life feels uncertain, hope in God remains unshakable — anchored in His faithfulness, His promises, and His power. A Hopeful Life | A Real Five Star Life – Talk 5 In a world where optimism is fading, true hope is more vital than ever. In this final talk of our A Real Five Star Life series, we explore the difference between worldly hope and biblical hope — a hope anchored not in changing circumstances, but in God’s unchanging character and promises. We’re reminded that God is a promise keeper and always on time. Our hope is certain, not fragile, as we hold on to God’s faithfulness with confidence. This message invites you to look back at what God has done, hold fast to His promises, and live with unshakable hope for the future. #Hope #FiveStarLife #Trust #BiblicalHope #GodsPromises #Encouragement #ChristianLiving

What does it truly mean to live a "5-Star Life"? 🌟 Is happiness rooted in circumstances enough to sustain us, or is there something deeper that brings lasting fulfillment? In this message, we explore the profound difference between fleeting happiness and biblical joy — a joy rooted in God’s unchanging love and grace.  Whether you’re seeking encouragement, healing, or a deeper connection with God, this message is for you. Discover how joy can remain steadfast even in life’s toughest moments.   #BiblicalJoy #ChristianLiving #RealFiveStarLife #AJoyfulLife #Grace