Know Surrender

Pastor Ian Thompson

Ian serves as the unpaid pastor and a trustee of Bootle Protestant Free Church, guiding the fellowship with a blend of biblical conviction, historical awareness, and gentle pastoral care. After a lifetime of professional work, he now devotes his time to preaching, teaching, and helping the church think faithfully about Scripture in a changing world. His ministry is shaped by a commitment to clear, accessible exposition of the Bible, a love for church history, and a desire to help believers understand the depth and beauty of the Christian faith. Know Surrender extends that ministry beyond Sunday, offering reflective conversations that help listeners engage more deeply with the themes raised in the weekly sermon. Ian’s approach is steady, thoughtful, and rooted in the conviction that true life is found in knowing surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ.

  1. Episode 1

    The Malefactor and the Martyr: A Testimony of Grace

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode Pastor Ian Thompson reflects on the transformative nature of faith by contrasting two striking biblical figures: the criminal on the cross and Stephen, the first Christian martyr. The sermon highlights how the thief receives salvation through a simple, sincere recognition of Christ’s divinity — without rituals, achievements, or theological sophistication. His story becomes a powerful reminder that divine grace is extended to flawed, broken individuals who come to Christ with nothing but need. In contrast, Stephen’s martyrdom displays a bold and public proclamation of faith, a vision of the risen Christ, and a courageous witness in the face of violent persecution. Together, these two lives reveal the breadth of God’s mercy: grace for the dying sinner and strength for the faithful servant. Pastor Thompson concludes by reflecting on communion as a vital spiritual refreshment — a means of grace that strengthens believers to remain steadfast in a secular and often hostile world. This episode invites listeners to see that whether one comes like the malefactor in desperation or like Stephen in devotion, the same Saviour meets both with mercy, power, and hope. Know Surrender is a weekly Bible study and reflection podcast offering gentle, scripture‑rooted teaching to help believers grow in faith and walk closely with God. Welcome to Know Surrender—a podcast about learning what it truly means to surrender to Jesus Christ. Not in defeat, but in devotion. Here we explore scripture, history, and the call to follow Christ with heart, mind, and life. To know surrender… is to know Him. Support the show If you enjoy hearing our podcasts why not consider supporting our church Bank Sort Code 60-20-23 Account Number 38445514 Account Name "Bootle Protestant Free Church or Cheques can be sent to Pastor Ian Thompson Made to "Bootle Protestant Free Church" University Rd/Trinity Road Bootle Merseyside L20 3BB and why not visit our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/bootleprotestantfreechurch

    20 min

About

Ian serves as the unpaid pastor and a trustee of Bootle Protestant Free Church, guiding the fellowship with a blend of biblical conviction, historical awareness, and gentle pastoral care. After a lifetime of professional work, he now devotes his time to preaching, teaching, and helping the church think faithfully about Scripture in a changing world. His ministry is shaped by a commitment to clear, accessible exposition of the Bible, a love for church history, and a desire to help believers understand the depth and beauty of the Christian faith. Know Surrender extends that ministry beyond Sunday, offering reflective conversations that help listeners engage more deeply with the themes raised in the weekly sermon. Ian’s approach is steady, thoughtful, and rooted in the conviction that true life is found in knowing surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ.