In the Christmas story, the most unlikely visitors became the first worshippers. The Magi weren’t prophets, priests, or spiritual elites. They were outsiders. Seekers. Star-gazers. Question-askers. Spiritual explorers. Yet they were the ones who followed the light they had — and found Jesus. In this fourth message of our Advent series The Crown & The Cradle, Anthony Delaney unpacks what the journey of the Magi teaches us about how God still draws people today: 1️⃣ They Followed the Light They Had God often starts with a whisper — an ache, a question, a sense that “there must be more.” Like the Magi, many today are being quietly drawn toward Jesus, even if they don’t fit the religious mould. 2️⃣ They Let Go of What They Knew To follow the King, the wise men had to leave comfort, reputation, and certainty behind. God still calls us to lay down our assumptions, our self-made stories, and open ourselves to something bigger. 3️⃣ They Opened Their Treasures — and Went Home Different Their journey didn’t end in front of a baby — it started there. They bowed. They worshipped. They offered their best. And they went home by another road, because an encounter with Jesus always changes your direction. Maybe you’re watching because God is drawing you. Maybe you’ve felt the whisper. The tug. The hunger. The King is still looking for those who are looking for Him. 🔗 CONNECT WITH IVY CHURCH: Website – ivychurch.org Instagram – @myivychurch Facebook – @MyIvyChurch 🙏 Need prayer? Get in touch via our website. 💌 New here? We’d love to connect with you – hi@ivychurch.org

What do you do when life doesn’t go to plan — not even close? In Week 3 of The Crown & The Cradle, Luke Anthony takes us into Matthew 1:18–25 and the extraordinary calling of Joseph… a man whose carefully laid plans were suddenly overturned by the breaking-in of God’s Kingdom. Joseph had every reason to walk away. Confusion. Shock. Stigma. Uncertainty. But instead of clinging to his own story, he stepped into God’s story — and everything changed. Luke shares with honesty, humour, and vulnerability (including parenting interruptions, haircut mishaps, and that stag-do moment!) as he unpacks three powerful truths from Joseph’s life: 1️⃣ The Kingdom Interrupts Joseph had a plan — marriage, stability, a good reputation. Then came a pregnancy he couldn’t explain and a future he didn’t choose. God’s Kingdom breaks in unexpectedly, inconveniently, and purposefully — often right in the middle of our “perfect plan.” 2️⃣ The Kingdom Requires Trust Joseph didn’t get a spreadsheet, a roadmap, or a 10-year plan. Just: “Do not be afraid… this is from the Holy Spirit.” Luke shares honestly about trusting God through uncertainty — especially in the journey with his son Isaac — reminding us that God’s promises hold even when life feels messy. 3️⃣ The Kingdom Redefines Life Joseph’s obedience placed his small, ordinary life inside God’s eternal story. The same is true for us. When we surrender our plan for God’s plan, He reorders, repurposes, and redefines everything — not to shrink our lives, but to draw us into His Kingdom. This message will encourage you if you’re navigating change, disappointment, or unexpected turns. Joseph shows us that when the Kingdom interrupts, trust becomes obedience, and obedience becomes transformation. 📖 Scripture: Matthew 1:18–25 🎙️ Preacher: Luke Anthony 📅 Series: The Crown & The Cradle (Week 3)

What if the life you’re living isn’t Plan B… but God’s Plan A? In week two of our Advent & Christmas series The Crown & The Cradle, Anthony Delaney walks us through Mary’s story in Luke 1 — the moment heaven interrupted an ordinary plan with an extraordinary invitation. Mary had her future mapped out: marriage, family, security, respect. Then an angel appeared with a call that would overturn all her expectations. From Mary’s perspective, it looked like Plan B — scandal, uncertainty, risk. But from God’s perspective? It was always Plan A. This message is for anyone who feels like life hasn’t gone to plan… or that too many plans have fallen through. Christmas announces the truth that God repurposes lives, restores broken stories, and invites us into His plan — the one that leads to hope, purpose, and salvation through Jesus. Join us for worship, prayer, and this powerful teaching as we ask: 👉 What does it look like to say YES to God’s plan today? 👉 How does Mary show us the courage of surrender? 👉 How might God repurpose your life this Christmas? 📖 Scripture: Luke 1:26–38 🎙️ Preacher: Anthony Delaney 📅 Series: The Crown & The Cradle (Week 2)

The King Comes to the Waiting | The Crown & The Cradle by Ivy Church Podcast

Following our Church Weekend Away where we explored the Ivy vision of Knowing - Growing - Going, Anthony explores our nexts steps through the Discipleship Pathway.

Expand the Church (Together) | VII Churches Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Are we comfortable… or close to Jesus? In the final letter to the Seven Churches, Anthony Delaney unpacks Jesus’ message to the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22) — a community that thought it had everything, yet made Jesus sick with its lukewarm faith. Laodicea’s comfort had numbed its passion. They were rich in possessions but poor in spirit. Yet even in His rebuke, Jesus offers mercy: “Be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock.” This powerful message calls us to break free from complacency and expand our intimacy with God — to open the door, reignite the fire, and rediscover wholehearted devotion to Jesus. Join us for worship, prayer, and this final call in our Revelation series as we ask: 👉 What does lukewarm faith look like today? 👉 How do comfort and consumerism dull our love for Jesus? 👉 What does true intimacy with Christ require of us? 📖 Scripture: Revelation 3:14–22 🎙️ Preacher: Anthony Delaney

Once An Addict | Barry Woodward | Ivy Central by Ivy Church Podcast

What doors is God opening in your life? In week seven of our series VII Letters to the Church, Lisa Lee shares Jesus’ message to the church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7–13). Though small and weak, this was the church that made Jesus smile. They held onto His Word, stayed faithful to His Name, and in return He promised them an open door that no one can shut. Jesus still opens doors today — doors of opportunity, calling, and mission. They can’t be forced open, and they don’t depend on our strength, but when He opens them, we are invited to step forward in faith. Join us for worship, prayer, and this inspiring message as we ask: 👉 What doors is Jesus opening in our church and in our lives? 👉 How do we overcome fear and step forward in faith? 👉 What promises does Jesus give to those who walk through His doors? 📖 Scripture: Revelation 3:7–13 🎙️ Preacher: Lisa Lee

Are we living off reputation — or truly alive in Christ? In week six of our series VII Letters to the Church, Anthony Delaney unpacks Jesus’ words to Sardis (Revelation 3:1–6). Outwardly, Sardis looked strong and vibrant. In reality, Jesus says, “You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.” This sobering message reminds us that what matters is not our reputation but our reality before Jesus. A church (or a life) can coast on past glory while the Spirit’s fire grows cold. But Jesus offers a way back: Wake up. Strengthen what remains. Remember the gospel. Repent. Join us for worship, prayer, and this timely call as we ask: 👉 How do we avoid the trap of spiritual complacency? 👉 What’s the difference between reputation and reality in our faith? 👉 How can we wake up to the Spirit’s power today? 📖 Scripture: Revelation 3:1–6 🎙️ Preacher: Anthony Delaney

How do we tell the difference between what just sounds Christian and what is actually true? In week five of our series VII Letters to the Church, Matt Donaldson unpacks Jesus’ words to the church in Thyatira (Revelation 2:18–29). Outwardly thriving and fruitful, they were failing in one vital area — discernment. By tolerating false teaching, they were accepting what Jesus rejected. Jesus calls His church not to compromise but to cultivate discernment: to know His voice so clearly that anything counterfeit is exposed. He searches hearts and minds, warns against deception, but also promises authority and the morning star to those who remain faithful. Join us for worship, prayer, and this timely message as we ask: 👉 How do we test voices and influences in the church today? 👉 Why is discernment so vital for discipleship? 👉 What does it look like to hold fast to Jesus in an age of compromise? 📖 Scripture: Revelation 2:18–29 🎙️ Preacher: Matt Donaldson

What does it mean to live with integrity in a world full of pressure to compromise? In week four of our series VII Letters to the Church, Anthony Delaney explores Jesus’ message to Pergamum (Revelation 2:12–17) — a city filled with idols, false teaching, and cultural pressure. Some believers held fast, but others were being pulled back into sin. Jesus calls us not to compromise but to live with integrity: whole, undivided, the same in private as in public. And He promises hidden manna, a white stone, and a new name to those who overcome. Join us for worship, prayer, and this challenging message as we ask: 👉 What does true integrity look like in everyday life? 👉 How can we resist subtle compromise and stay faithful? 👉 What rewards does Jesus promise to those who hold fast? 📖 Scripture: Revelation 2:12–17 🎙️ Preacher: Anthony Delaney

What does it mean to follow Jesus when life gets hard? In week three of our series VII Letters to the Church, Anthony Delaney opens Jesus’ words to the church in Smyrna (Revelation 2:8–11). They were persecuted, poor, and under pressure — yet Jesus calls them rich in faith and promises them the crown of life. Like Smyrna, the suffering church today shows us that true faith shines brightest when it is tested. Through pain and pressure, the fragrance of Christ is released. Join us for worship, prayer, and this challenging message as we ask: - How do we stay faithful when fear rises? - What can we learn from the persecuted church? - How do we live boldly for Jesus in our world today? Scripture: Revelation 2:8–11 Preacher: Anthony Delaney 🔗 Connect with Ivy Church: Website – ivychurch.org Instagram – @myivychurch Facebook – @MyIvyChurch 🙏 Need prayer? Get in touch via our website. 💌 New here? We’d love to connect with you.

Recorded live at Ivy Central on 28 September 2025, Rev Dr Ian Paul reveals how and why we should read the book of Revelation.

First Love is True Love | VII Churches Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Expand your Vision | VII Churches Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Recorded live at Ivy Church's 'All Together' Service on 7th September 2025. Special guest David Pierce from Steiger International talks about reaching 'Lost Sheep' in lost sheep places.

Shalom in the World: Healing | Summer of Wellbeing Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Shalom with Others | Summer of Wellbeing Series by Ivy Church Podcast

Shalom with God: Holiness | Summer of Wellbeing Series by Ivy Church Podcast