Show Notes
In this Oak Hill College Chapel talk, Mark Stirling offers a personal and profound meditation on Isaiah 35:4. Moving beyond the standard translation of "anxious of heart," Mark explores the Hebrew literalism of the "hasty of heart"—those of us who are quick to react, busy of brain, and prone to responding out of fear or anger. Drawing from his own recent journey in counselling and self-awareness, Mark highlights four essential truths we must speak to our hasty hearts before we respond to the stimuli of life: God Comes: He is present regardless of our feelings. He Comes with Vengeance: He is the judge; we don't have to be. He Comes with Benefits: He is good and wants what is best for us. He Comes to Save: He is the Saviour; we are not. Learn why slowing down to recognise the Lord’s promised presence is life-transforming for our relationships and our leadership. Mark Stirling is the course director for the Masters in Contemporary Christian Leadership here at Oak Hill College. Mark has served in various ministry capacities, including work with students and leaders to encourage self-awareness and faithful stewardship of power.
More from Chapel Talks
In this Oak Hill College Chapel talk, Dr. Eric Ortlund preaches on Zechariah 3, exploring the scandal of Joshua the High Priest standing in filthy garments before God. Even when Satan’s accusations against us are objectively true, God shows an over-the-top, disproportionate grace—silencing the accuser, clothing his servant in clean garments, and promising complete atonement through "The Branch". Discover how God’s fierce protection and holiness meet to bring true restoration and deep rest. Speaker: Dr. Eric Ortlund Context: Oak Hill College Chapel Talk Passage: Zechariah 3
In this Chapel Talk from Oak Hill College, Jago Wynne (Rector of Holy Trinity Clapham) explores Ephesians 5:1–25 to unpack both the "what" and the "why" of Christian purity. Addressing single and married Christians alike, Jago counters the view that God is a "celestial killjoy". Instead, he demonstrates how biblical purity in our actions, thoughts, and speech flows directly from being deeply loved by God, radically transformed in Christ, and continuously filled with the Holy Spirit. Jago Wynne is the Rector of Holy Trinity Clapham (HTC) in South London. Before entering ordained Anglican ministry, Jago worked as a management consultant. He trained in theology at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, and is married to Susannah. Jago is an experienced speaker and author with a passion for workplace discipleship, gospel-driven relational integrity, and seeing lives radically transformed by Jesus Christ. Key Topics Covered: The Church as God's "Show Home" to the world Defining purity in actions, thoughts, and speech (Ephesians 5:3–4) Why marriage isn't an automatic cure for sexual struggle Three gospel motives: Walk in Love, Walk in Light, and Walk in Wisdom Replacing self-effort with the filling of the Holy Spirit Speaker: Jago Wynne (Holy Trinity Clapham) Passage: Ephesians 5:1–25 Venue: Oak Hill College Chapel, London Chapter Timestamps 00:00 - Opening Prayer & Introduction 00:00:48 - The Church as God's "Show Home" 00:03:00 - "Is Living for Jesus Boring?" (Hotel Story) 00:05:35 - The WHAT of Sexual Purity: Actions, Thoughts, and Words 00:07:30 - Singleness, Marriage, and Past Patterns 00:10:48 - The WHY (1): Walk a Life of Love (Ephesians 5:1–2) 00:15:08 - The WHY (2): Walk as Children of Light (Ephesians 5:8) 00:17:48 - Story of Radical Transformation at HTC 00:19:05 - The WHY (3): Walk in Wisdom & Be Filled with the Spirit 00:21:20 - Gospel Grace, Forgiveness, and No Judgment
In this Oak Hill College Chapel Talk, Dr. Eric Ortlund (Lecturer in Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew) preaches from Philippians 3:3–10 on the shocking truth behind Paul’s former life as a Pharisee. It was not Paul's moral failures that kept him from Jesus; it was his success and obedience in the flesh. Dr. Ortlund addresses how Christian ministry, academic excellence, and moral successes can subtlely obscure the grace of the gospel far more than our failures do. Discover what it truly means to receive "a righteousness from God that depends on faith" (v. 9) and to know Christ deeply.
In this Oak Hill College Chapel talk, speaker Blessing Chishanu preaches from Lamentations 3:19–33. Rather than rushing past pain or sanitising grief, biblical lament invites us to face tragedy square-on before turning our hearts toward God. Drawing from Church history, Augustine's reflections on the fall of Rome, and Jeremiah's grief over Jerusalem, Blessing challenges us to evaluate where our ultimate hope lies—and whether Christ remains our sufficient portion when success, recognition, and ministry ambitions fall away.
What does it mean to love the Lord your God with all your mind in a culture that separates love from thought? In this Oak Hill College Chapel Talk, Associate Teacher and church leader Mike Gilbart-Smith explores Jesus’ command in Mark 12:28–31. Addressing modern misconceptions of love, the rise of Artificial Intelligence, and the nature of Christian worship, Mike unpacks four essential ways we are called to love God with our intellect: