In this episode, we sit down with Tobi Bashiru to hear his story, his work as a health and safety professional, and the ways the Lord has shaped him through faithful service at Calvary Cork. Tobi reflects on lessons learned through behind-the-scenes ministry, discipleship, and how God met him with grace during a season of deep loss and trial.
In Joshua 5:13-15, Joshua stands on the edge of Jericho carrying the weight of leadership, fear, and uncertainty. It is here, in this in between moment, that he meets a mysterious figure with a drawn sword: the Commander of the Lord’s army.
In this Advent sermon, Pastor Mike explores how Christ, the true Commander, meets His people in their own liminal spaces. As Joshua discovers, the Lord does not come to take sides but to take charge. He confronts our assumptions, claims our allegiance, and comforts our hearts with His holy presence.
We reflect on what this means for followers of Jesus today: how God meets us in seasons of transition, how He refuses to be co-opted into our agendas, and how His presence turns ordinary ground into holy ground. The same One who stood before Joshua with a sword is the One who stepped into the world at Bethlehem, fully God and fully man, to shine light into our darkness.
If you are walking through uncertainty, change, or fear, this passage offers deep hope. Christ meets us at the threshold, leads us forward, and reminds us that we never stand on the edge alone.
Scripture: Joshua 5:13-15
Series: Light in the Darkness – Advent 2025
Church: Calvary Cork • https://calvarycork.org
In this follow up conversation to our Advent message on Genesis 32, Mike Neglia is joined by Nick Cady, pastor of White Fields Community Church in Longmont, Colorado, to explore Jacob’s long night of wrestling with God and the meaning of walking with a limp.
Together they talk through why God sometimes meets us in seasons of fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion; what a theophany or Christophany actually is; how divine wrestling frees us from self reliance; and why weakness often becomes the place where God’s grace does its deepest work. They also consider how Jacob’s story prepares us for Advent and points to Jesus, who enters our darkness and brings light, hope, and transformation.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re struggling spiritually or being pushed beyond your strength, this conversation offers encouragement and insight.
God often meets His people most profoundly in the struggle.
Watch Nick's sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHcQi3Ilgms
Why would God choose to meet someone in the dark with a fight?
In this Advent message from Genesis 32:22-32, Mike Neglia explores Jacob’s long night of wrestling with God – a turning point not only for Jacob’s life, but for anyone who has ever struggled with fear, uncertainty, or exhaustion.
Jacob is alone at the Jabbok, out of schemes and out of strength. But in the darkness he discovers a God who comes close, who confronts, who wounds in order to heal, and who gives a new name and a new identity.
This message traces the pattern of God’s grace: how He wrestles us out of our self reliance, how He reshapes us through weakness, and how He still meets His people in the places we least expect Him.
As Advent begins, Jacob’s story points us forward to Jesus – the God who enters our darkness, who wrestles in Gethsemane, who is pinned to the cross, and who rises to give us His strength and His peace.
If you are in a season of struggle, or searching spiritually, this message offers hope:
God is often closest when we feel weakest.
In this sermon from Matthew 27:57-66, Mike Neglia explores the often-overlooked moment between the cross and the resurrection: the burial of Jesus. Far from being a narrative pause, the burial is part of the gospel itself. It proves that Jesus truly died, exposes the weakness of alternative theories, and prepares us to grasp the wonder of the resurrection.
We look closely at Joseph of Arimathea and the way the death of Jesus draws courage out of a once-hidden disciple. We consider the costly devotion of those who handled the Lord’s body, the rich symbolism behind His burial, and the way Scripture anticipates Christ taking our cross, our grave, and even our uncleanness.
The message then moves from history to personal hope, showing how Romans 6 teaches that believers share in Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection. His story becomes our story. His grave becomes the turning of the tide. And because He broke the tomb open from the inside, we can step into the new life He gives.
Title: He Took My Cross, He Took My Grave
Text: Matthew 27:57-66
Speaker: Mike Neglia
Church: Calvary Cork
For more information about Calvary Cork or to find Sunday service details, visit calvarycork.org or follow @CalvaryCork on Instagram and Facebook.
In this episode, Mark Ryan from the Calvary Cork Care Team shares a warm and encouraging reflection on the heart of Christian thanksgiving. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and Psalm 100, Mark reminds us that gratitude is not just for good days, but for all circumstances, because God has been faithful in the past and will be faithful in the future. A brief devotional to lift your eyes, steady your heart and stir fresh thankfulness to the Lord.
In this sermon from Matthew 27 v.32–56, Tadgh O’Keefe walks us through the suffering of Jesus as the true King who saves his people through the cross. This passage brings together the promise of Genesis 3:15, the imagery of the Exodus, and the fulfilment of Scripture as Christ conquers evil and makes a way for us to be restored to God.
If you want to understand the cross more deeply or you need fresh encouragement in your own season of suffering, this message points you to the hope found in Jesus and his saving love.
Calvary Cork
Sundays at 11am
25 South Side Industrial Estate, T12 R792
https://calvarycork.org
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In this episode, Luke Ebrahim (husband to Lorna, dad to Eli and Izzy, and Life Group leader in Bandon) shares a warm and powerful reflection from our midweek Life Group gatherings as we’ve been working through Paul’s letter to the Galatians.
Calvary Cork recently launched Life Groups throughout Cork county, and we’ve been experiencing real joy and encouragement as we meet midweek to pray, study and support one another. We’ve seen answered prayers, breakthroughs and deepening fellowship as we seek to bear one another’s burdens.
This week, Luke walks us through one of the high points of Galatians:
Galatians 4v1–7
A passage where Paul reminds the believers that they are no longer slaves, but adopted sons and daughters of God, heirs with Christ, and filled with the Spirit who cries out in our hearts, “Abba! Father!”
Drawing on insights from Timothy Keller’s Galatians For You, Luke reflects on:
What biblical adoption means
Why Paul uses Jesus’ intimate Aramaic word Abba
How our standing before God shapes our daily lives
How the Spirit helps us fight sin and draw near to the Father
What it means to be heirs with Christ in every season
Whether you’re part of a Life Group or simply looking for midweek encouragement, this reflection reminds us who we truly are in Jesus Christ: deeply loved, fully adopted and welcomed into the Father’s presence with confidence.
In this episode, Mike sits down with trustees Keith Mutabazi and Cian Carroll for a warm and honest conversation about church membership at Calvary Cork. Together they walk through some of the most common questions people have asked as we introduce meaningful membership into the life of our church.
The conversation covers:
What church membership actually means
Why it’s worth pursuing as a follower of Jesus
How the membership process works through our phased approach
What to do if you have questions or areas of disagreement
Why you’re still welcome even if you’re not ready for membership
And whether membership is anything like David’s census in the Old Testament
Mike, Keith and Cian share from their different backgrounds and experiences, but with a shared conviction about the value of committed community and pastoral care.
Whether you’ve already signed up, you’re still thinking about it, or you’re brand new to Calvary Cork, this conversation is meant to help bring clarity, encouragement and confidence as we grow together.
For more information on membership, visit calvarycork.org or stop by the Connect Table on Sunday.
In Matthew 27.1–31 we step into the final hours before the cross and watch three defining scenes unfold.
Judas rejects Jesus in despair, Barabbas is released in his place, and the soldiers mock the innocent King with thorns and scarlet. Through betrayal, injustice, and humiliation, Matthew shows us the One who willingly carries the curse and sin of the world so that sinners can find restoration, freedom, and forgiveness.
This message explores the contrast between Judas and Peter and what the Bible calls godly sorrow versus worldly sorrow. It also reflects on the powerful picture of substitution in the release of Barabbas, and the deep symbolism behind the crown of thorns and the scarlet robe. Along the way, we offer a brief pastoral word on suicide and the hope Christ brings into moments of despair.
If you wrestle with guilt, regret, or questions of worth, this passage speaks directly into those places with the grace of Jesus.
If you or someone you love struggles with guilt, regret, despair, or questions of worth, this passage speaks hope. The King who was rejected is the same King who welcomes repentant people home.If you’re in Cork or nearby, we’d love to welcome you on Sunday mornings or connect with you through our mid-week gatherings and Life Groups.➡️ Find out more at calvarycork.org➡️ Follow on Instagram or Facebook @CalvaryCorkSuggested tags (for YouTube SEO):calvary cork, cork church, cork city church, bible teaching cork, christianity ireland, matthew 26 sermon, peter denial sermon, jesus faithfulness, five steps peter, pride prayerlessness presumption, gospel message ireland, church in cork, pastor mike, following jesusVisit https://calvarycork.org for more info.Calvary CorkSundays 11am25 South Side Industrial Estate, T12 R792
Peter took five steps down (pride → prayerlessness → presumption → proximity → peer pressure) yet Jesus took one step up in perfect faithfulness. In this sermon from Matthew 26:47-75 we trace Peter’s fall to show Christ’s rising, and invite you into hope rather than shame.
Recorded at: Calvary Cork
When: Sundays 11am
Address: 25 South Side Industrial Estate, T12 R792
Find us online: https://calvarycork.org | Instagram @CalvaryCork | Facebook /CalvaryCork
Scripture reference: Matthew 26:47-75
Reflection question: Which of the five steps resonates with you most, and how is Jesus’ faithfulness showing you the way back?
This message was recorded during the 2025 Child Evangelism Fellowship summer camp, where Mike continued walking through the Beatitudes with a group of teenagers eager to know what Jesus really meant by a “blessed life.”
The episode begins with a live Q&A where Mike responds to real questions from the campers on topics like anger, tattoos, and what to do when people misunderstand your faith. Then, we move into a message about what it means to be pure in heart - not flawless, but single-minded and sincere in our devotion to God.
Drawing from Scripture and real-life examples, Mike shows how Jesus calls us to go deeper than outward appearance and invites us to live from a transformed inner life. The reward? Seeing God - not only one day, but in glimpses even now.
Key Text:
Matthew 5:8
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
This message was recorded at the C.E.F. summer camp in 2025, where Mike was speaking to a room full of teenagers about the Beatitudes of Jesus.
In this episode, we explore what it means to hunger and thirst for righteousness and how that deep longing connects to receiving God’s mercy. Righteousness isn’t about rule-keeping or earning approval - it’s about desiring the right things, living under God’s reign, and trusting Him to make things right in us and through us. The message also points to Jesus as the only One who can truly satisfy the hunger in our hearts.
Originally preached in a youth camp setting, this sermon applies just as much to adults trying to follow Jesus in today’s upside-down world.
Key Text:
Matthew 5:6–7
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy."
Lonnie Berger breaks down the most important commandment straight from Jesus: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind." Here are the key takeaways:Your Relationship with God Matters MostJesus emphasised that loving God is the FIRST and GREATEST commandmentYour life's success depends on your connection with GodWhy Daily Quiet Time is Crucial Berger shares three reasons many Christians struggle with consistent spiritual time:Lack of training on how to spend time with GodSpiritual warfare (Satan tries to distract you)Need for accountability and supportPractical AdviceStart with just 15 minutes a dayPrioritize God in the morningAs Martin Luther said, "I have so much to do today, I'll need to spend the first hour in prayer"The Incredible Promise When you make God your priority, He multiplies your time and transforms your life. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:33, seek His kingdom first, and everything else will follow.Challenge: Are you making God your first priority today?Calvary CorkSundays 11am25 South Side Industrial Estate, T12 R792Find us on:Instagram @CalvaryCorkFacebook /CalvaryCorkSermons are also available on Spotify + Apple Podcasts#Matthew26 #Communion #LordSupper #JesusOurSource #CalvaryCork #Sermon #BibleTeaching #Gospel #NewCovenant #ChristianFaith #worship
In a quiet olive garden outside Jerusalem, the most important decision in history was made.
In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not My will, but Yours be done” – and the plan of redemption moved from promise to reality.
In this message from Matthew 26:30–56, Pastor Mike Neglia teaches on three key moments in the garden:
The failure of self-confidence
The example of honest prayer
The mystery of substitutionary love
Gethsemane shows us what happens when human strength collapses, divine love perseveres, and redemption begins to flow.
Listen and be reminded: The proud fell asleep, but the Saviour stayed awake for you.
Scripture: Matthew 26:30–56
Preacher: Mike Neglia
From: Calvary Cork
Listen in as Mike and Rachel recall some of the early challenges and lore of church planting in Cork and reflect on lessons learned over the past two decades!
In Matthew 26:17–30, Jesus transforms the Passover into a new covenant meal, revealing Himself as the true Lamb of God. Communion is more than remembrance — it’s a return to the source, a reorientation of our hearts toward the One who gives us life.
Join us as we reflect on how the Lord’s Table invites us to confession, forgiveness, and hope, reminding us that Jesus remains the centre of our worship and the source of our renewal.
By God’s grace, Calvary Cork will be a healthy church home that creates life-giving environmentsfor spiritual growth and meaningful connections.By God’s grace, Calvary Cork’s Women’s Ministry will seek to support this vision by encouragingand equipping the women of Calvary Cork to flourish in their faith, identity, and purpose asdaughters of the King.Our goal is to serve the women of Calvary Cork by creating opportunities for spiritual growthand meaningful connection that are intentionally created to minister to the unique needs ofwomen.Here are a few ways we’re doing that:*Saturday Morning Brunch and Bible StudyEvery third Saturday of the month, we meet here at the church for pancakes and our Bible study.We arrive, we hang out and eat, and then we sit down in table groups for our study. Then wediscuss the lesson together and then end with prayer. So we have good food, biblical teaching,prayer, and a chance to get to know each other in a much deeper way than is often possible on aSunday morning.This year, we’ve started a new video series called Now and Not Yet, which focuses on thefaithfulness of God no matter what our current circumstances are. We’re being encouraged tosee that God is profoundly present, how He wastes nothing, how He’s active and using this exactmoment in our lives for His good purposes.So ladies, whether you come every month, or whether you’ve never been before, we encourageyou to come along next Saturday at 10 am and be encouraged and built up as women in thebody of Calvary Cork.Katie: For those of you who want to continue deeper in the themes of this study, we have astudy book available.The cost is 15 euro, we have one left. Otherwise have a look on Amazon UK as they arerestocking them one at a time.*Mums and Toddlers GroupOur team recognises the benefit of walking with one another through similar seasons, and soKari and Erin, who are both mums of young children, are starting up a mums and toddlers groupwhich will meet every few months for a time of fellowship, connection, and play.Kari: First meet up is on November 8th, Conclusion:Speaking of WhatsApp groups, we have one for general events too, like Christmas parties andmore, so please sign up! We look forward to seeing you soon at one of our events. Being aChristian woman in this world is hard, so let’s be women who walk together and support oneanother and encourage each other to be women of God.
What others called waste, Jesus called beautiful. In Matthew 26:1-16 we watch treachery gather at the edges while a woman pours out costly love at the centre. This episode explores how true worship shines in a broken world and how even betrayal is woven into God’s redeeming plan.
Big idea: When others scheme or sell Him out, pour yourself out in devotion to the One who poured Himself out for you.
Text outline
Treachery – v. 1-5
Treasuring – v. 6-13
Traitorous – v. 14-16
Marks of true worship
Costly – Mark 14:5
Humble – John 12:3
Perceptive – Matthew 26:12
Timely – Matthew 26:11
Fruitful – John 12:3
Listen in to be encouraged toward heartfelt, grace-fuelled devotion to Jesus.
If you want alternates for the title, here are two more in the same vein:
Between Plots and Perfume – Worship and Betrayal in Matthew 26:1-16
A Beautiful Thing Before the Cross – Matthew 26:1-16
In this message from CEF Teen Camp, Mike Neglia continues exploring Jesus’ upside-down Kingdom in the Sermon on the Mount. Moving from “Blessed are those who mourn” to “Blessed are the meek”, Mike shows how true strength comes through surrender and how deep comfort is found in godly sorrow.
What kind of mourning does Jesus bless? Not self-pity or despair, but the grief that leads to repentance, renewal, and intimacy with God. And what is meekness? Far from weakness, it’s power under control — a steady, humble trust in the King who brings justice in His time.
Drawing from Scripture, culture, and real-life stories, this episode invites listeners to embrace a Kingdom posture of dependence and gentleness. In a world obsessed with self-expression and power, Jesus calls us to mourn what’s wrong and to trust God with gentle strength.
Jesus, Beatitudes, Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5, Blessed are those who mourn, Blessed are the meek, Mike Neglia, Calvary Cork, CEF Teen Camp, Christian humility, discipleship, spiritual formation, gospel, mourning, meekness, comfort, strength through surrender, Sermon on the Mount podcast, Kingdom of God
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