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In John 21:15-25, we see how Jesus challenges Simon Peter, asking him three times if he truly loves him. As Peter witnesses and convenes with the resurrected Christ, he cannot help but run to him, in spite of his own shortcomings. This week Nat challenges us to think about our own response to the resurrection of Jesus. As we begin to grasp the depth of his love for us, we are encouraged to follow after him with the same eagerness we see in Peter, regardless of our sin.

In John 21:1-14, we see the disciples unable to catch anything as they fish, until Jesus appears to them on the shore. As he proceeds to sit down with the disciples and enjoy breakfast with them, we are encouraged by the fact that Jesus gave up his life so that he could join in fellowship with us. This week Bethany highlights the beautiful picture of Christ and his church sharing a meal together, and reminds us of this relationship that was won for us at the cross.

In John 20 we see the resurrected Jesus make his first appearance to Mary Magdalene and the disciples. This Easter Sunday, Josiah reminds us of the great news that Jesus' resurrection is for each of our lives. As we reflect on Christ's sacrifice for us, and the new life he has brought us into, we begin to realise that our satisfaction comes solely from him.

In John 19:1-22, we read about Jesus' sentencing before the Jewish crowds and his subsequent death on the cross. As Jesus is prepared for his crucifixion, Pilate mocks his claim to kingship, laying purple robes and a crown of thorns upon him. This week Jem highlights the deep irony of Pilate's actions. The cross is not simply a dark point in history, nor a moment of defeat — it is the crowning victory of our king and the centrepiece of his coronation. As we come to recognise Jesus as our king, we can delight in the fact that he chose our salvation as the very means by which he would glorify himself.

In Matthew 22:23-33, the Sadducees attempt to challenge Jesus on the implications of marriage after the resurrection, and he emphasises that we will all remain single in eternity. This week Rhian continues our By Design series by showing us that like marriage, singleness is also good news, not just for eternity but also for our everyday lives. In recognising the gift of singleness, whatever our circumstances or relationship statuses are, we are reminded of what it looks like to live with full devotion to Christ, and we can eagerly anticipate the day when this will be brought to completion. 

In Ephesians 5:21-33 we see the outline of God’s good design for marriage, and what it means for each of us. Marriage is revealed as a profound act of sacrifice and unity, pointing beyond itself to a far greater promise. This week, Duncan shows us that whatever our circumstances or relationship statuses are, we are all caught up in this greater story. As we begin to understand the covenant made between husband and wife, our eyes are lifted to the greater reality it reflects: Christ and his church. In this, we are invited to wait with joy and anticipation for the day when we will be united with him.

As part of this year's Nations Sunday, where we celebrate the diversity of our church, Seyi brings us a one-off message from John 17:20-23. Here we see Jesus praying for all believers, encouraging them to be of one body, just as Jesus is united to God the Father. As we look to live as a people made in the image of God, this week we are challenged to set aside our differences and embrace one another wholly - that as a church we can be joined together in complete and radical unity. 

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.

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.

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/giving Pledge your giving here: https://www.revelationchurchmanchester.co.uk/pledge2026

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.

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

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.

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.

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.