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Myrtle House Podcast

Religion & Spirituality Podcas

Myrtle House is a church community in the heart of Llanelli who seek to live by steady faith, be known by extravagant love and generous hope. God has an amazing plan for your life and we would love to see you fulfil all He has for you. We meet every Sunday at 10.30am.

Location:

United Kingdom

Description:

Myrtle House is a church community in the heart of Llanelli who seek to live by steady faith, be known by extravagant love and generous hope. God has an amazing plan for your life and we would love to see you fulfil all He has for you. We meet every Sunday at 10.30am.

Twitter:

@myrtlehouse

Language:

English

Contact:

01554 756051


Episodes
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Words are Powerful

4/20/2024
Myrtle House Community Church was honored to welcome back Stuart Watkins, who delivered a poignant message on the profound impact of our words. Stuart began by highlighting our tendency to underestimate the power of words, emphasizing that our speech has the ability to create or destroy. He referenced God's creation of the heavens and earth through His spoken word, illustrating the immense power inherent in words. Drawing from Proverbs, he underscored the importance of controlling our tongues, as our words can either bring life or ruin. He emphasized how encouraging words can uplift and bring hope, while deceitful or hurtful words can crush the spirit. Our words, Stuart continued, shape our lives' trajectory. They have the power to set our hearts on paths of either blessing or destruction. Citing Hebrews, he emphasized the connection between our words and the fruit they produce, stressing that our speech can yield either positive or negative outcomes. Delving into the profound impact of our beliefs on our words and actions. He cautioned against trusting fear, highlighting the importance of believing in our identity and relationship with God. He urged the congregation to guard their hearts, as our words often reflect the condition of our inner selves. Quoting Bill Johnson, Stuart emphasized the importance of wisdom in discerning words that contribute to life and those that detract from it. He reminded listeners that our words have the power to shape others' days, journeys, and destinies. We were cautioned against speaking hastily, as words, once uttered, leave lasting impressions and he challenged attendees to consider the declarations they make over their own lives, urging them to speak life and hope, even when unaware of others' circumstances. In conclusion, Stuart urged the congregation to recognize the weight of their words and to always strive to speak life and hope, understanding the profound impact they can have on others and themselves.

Duration:00:39:04

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Honour is a Choice

4/13/2024
**Sermon Summary: "Honour is a Choice" by Bill Chapman** Bill Chapman continued our exploration of the Sermon on the Mount, particularly focusing on Matthew 5:13-16. He emphasized our call to be influencers, to make a difference, and to be actively involved in our community to change its atmosphere positively. Drawing from Romans 12:9-21, Bill outlined practical steps to be salt and light in our community. We are encouraged to genuinely love others, hate what is wrong, hold onto good, work diligently, serve enthusiastically, and practice hospitality. He highlighted the importance of blessing those who persecute us, rejoicing with the joyful, mourning with the sorrowful, and living harmoniously with one another. The message was clear: live in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable and strive to live peacefully with everyone. Bill focused on Romans 12:10, "Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other," challenging us to reflect on whether we truly delight in honouring others. Honour is a choice, a gift we offer to God. As Jon Tyson aptly put it, "Honour is the operating system of the Kingdom of God." Honouring others is a manifestation of our love and respect for them. It's a choice that requires validation of people's actions and behaviours. Bill reminded us of Jesus' experience in Nazareth where he was not honoured by his own community, emphasizing the significance of honouring honourable people as a mandate from God. Scriptures further illuminated the theme of honour: - Revelation 5:11-17 and John 5:22-23 speak of honouring God and the Lamb for eternity. - Isaiah 43:21 emphasizes Israel's destiny to honour God before the world. - 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 underscores honouring God with our bodies. - Proverbs 3:9-10 speaks of honouring the Lord with our wealth. - 1 Peter 3:7 instructs husbands to honour their wives. Bill concluded with a quote from C.S. Lewis, "There are no ordinary people; everybody has value." He challenged us to envision a community where everyone chooses to honour one another. In summary, Bill's message inspired, encouraged, challenged, and provoked us to understand that honour is a choice we must make to glorify God and bless others. To be truly honourable, we must actively work at it, choosing to live in a way that reflects our honourable nature.

Duration:00:44:51

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Test Yourself

4/6/2024
In the culmination of our series on the Beatitudes, Bill Chapman brings forth a powerful message urging us to continually test ourselves in our discipleship journey. Drawing from Matthew 5:10-12, Chapman emphasises the necessity of daily surrendering to Christ, laying down our own desires and embracing His will. Bill prompts us to reflect on our faith's robustness, challenging us to stand firm amidst trials and persecutions. He echoes Jesus' call to deny ourselves, take up our cross daily, and follow Him, as recounted in Luke 9:18-27. This is not a conditional commitment; it's a daily choice to die to self, be buried with Christ, and rise to new life through the Spirit. Highlighting Galatians 5:13-26, Bill underscores the importance of walking by the Spirit, crucifying the flesh's desires, and living in accordance with God's command to love one another. He emphasises that true discipleship requires prioritszing Jesus above all else, even if it means sacrificing familial ties or material wealth, as elucidated in Luke 9:57-62 and Luke 18:18-30. Bill challenges the congregation to examine their hearts, questioning whether they follow Jesus conditionally or wholeheartedly. He addresses common misconceptions, reminding us that discipleship entails embracing suffering, humility, patience, kindness, and obedience, even when it's uncomfortable or unpopular. In conclusion, we are called to be people who live for God's glory, willingly disciplining ourselves to Christ each day. Surrendering fully, picking up our cross and relinquishing all we are to follow Him. The sermon serves as a poignant reminder of the high cost of discipleship and the transformative power of wholehearted devotion to Christ.

Duration:00:46:59

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Reflecting on Holy Week

3/23/2024
As we embark on Holy Week, Myrtle House Community Church invites you to a special sermon featuring insights from Bill, Martin, and Ellen, reflecting on the significance of this sacred time leading up to Easter weekend. This sermon serves as a poignant reminder to pause and contemplate the profound sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for each one of us. Through the lens of scripture, Bill, Martin, and Ellen share their reflections on the journey towards Easter and what it means to them. It's a time to remember not just the historical events but to internalise the message of love, redemption, and hope that Jesus' sacrifice embodies. This is an opportunity for all of us to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and the transformative power of his resurrection. As part of our Holy Week observance, we will be hosting gatherings on both Good Friday and Easter Sunday. On Good Friday, join us from 10 am for hot cross buns and coffee, followed by a service at 11 am, and later enjoy a fish and chip lunch. On Easter Sunday, our doors will open at 10 am, with a service starting at 10:30 am. Following the service, there will be an Easter egg hunt for the children and another chance to enjoy hot cross buns and coffee together. Whether you can join us in person or virtually, we extend a warm invitation to come and commemorate this significant time in the Christian calendar with Myrtle House Community. Let's come together to reflect, worship, and celebrate the life, death, and resurrection of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We hope to see you there!

Duration:00:45:01

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Pure in Heart

3/16/2024
In this week's sermon at Myrtle House Community Church, Bill Chapman delved into the profound message of Matthew 5:8, exploring the theme of purity of heart. Drawing from the Beatitudes, Bill emphasised that the essence of a blessed life lies in having a heart untainted by impurity, as it leads to the ultimate reward of seeing God. Bill reminded the congregation that Jesus' message wasn't merely about outward appearances or behaviours, but about the inner purity of the heart. He highlighted that the Greek term for "pure" implies cleanliness, blamelessness, and freedom from guilt, often achieved through refining trials or experiences. Quoting biblical references such as Matthew 3:11 and Malachi 3:3-4, Bill illustrated the transformative power of God's touch on the human heart, likening it to a refining fire that purifies and transforms. He emphasized that God's desire is not merely for outward conformity but for genuine heart transformation. Bill stressed that the goal of purity isn't just to create a better society or life, but to enable believers to behold God. He underscored that sin acts as a barrier to this vision and that continual heart refinement is necessary on the journey of faith. Referencing Psalm 24:3-4, Bill differentiated between external righteousness and internal purity, emphasizing the importance of both. He cautioned against hypocrisy and hidden motives, urging the congregation to live transparently before God. Bill highlighted that while individuals cannot purify their own hearts, they can choose to keep them pure by drawing near to God and actively pursuing discipleship. He encouraged practical steps such as spending time in prayer and Scripture to cultivate intimacy with God. In conclusion, Bill reminded the congregation that a pure heart is not only a longing to see God but also a shaping force in one's life. He urged them to embrace the journey of discipleship, trusting in God's transformative power to purify and refine their hearts as they eagerly anticipate the blessedness of beholding Him.

Duration:00:37:20

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Peacemakers

3/2/2024
In today's sermon at Myrtle House Community Church, Joel Aston illuminated the profound calling we have as believers to be peacemakers, drawing inspiration from Matthew 5:9. He emphasised the urgency of this calling in a world rife with division and chaos, where the enemy seeks to sow discord even within the body of Christ. Joel cautioned against complacency, reminding the congregation that maintaining peace and unity in the church requires active engagement. Drawing a sharp distinction between peacekeepers and peacemakers, he urged listeners to adopt the latter approach, one characterised by boldness, engagement, and a willingness to confront underlying issues. Referencing Exodus 32:21-26, Joel highlighted the contrast between Aaron's passive peacekeeping and Moses's proactive peacemaking. He stressed that unity among believers is essential for God's purposes to be fulfilled, while division only serves the enemy's agenda. Offering practical guidance on initiating difficult conversations, Joel emphasised the importance of prayer, self-awareness, and emotional control. He underscored the need to approach such dialogues with love and humility, seeking to understand all perspectives before drawing conclusions. In conclusion, Joel challenged the congregation to embrace their role as peacemakers wholeheartedly, recognising that true unity requires courage, effort, and a commitment to seeing beyond surface conflicts. By embodying the principles of peacemaking in their interactions, believers can reflect the character of God and contribute to the flourishing of His kingdom.

Duration:00:40:48

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Living the Heart of Christ: Embracing Mercy and Compassion

2/24/2024
In today's sermon at Myrtle House Community Church, Martin O’Brien delved into Matthew 5:7, continuing the exploration of the Beatitudes. He emphasised the significance of embodying mercy and compassion, which lie at the core of Christ's teachings. Drawing from the verse "God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7, NLT), Martin highlighted the fundamental nature of mercy in the Christian life. He elucidated the Greek word for "merciful," Eleemon, which conveys active compassion. This compassion is manifested in various forms, including aiding the afflicted, extending help to the poor, and experiencing divine mercy through Christ's sacrifice. Martin underscored that Christ's very essence epitomises compassion and mercy towards the marginalised and suffering. Furthermore, Martin discussed the root word Eleos, which encompasses compassion, kindness, and the readiness to forgive. He emphasised that mercy and compassion are recurrent themes throughout scripture, citing examples from Psalms, Proverbs, Micah, Luke, Colossians, and James. The sermon challenged the congregation to introspect on their practice of mercy. Martin urged them to emulate Jesus' life, characterised by boundless mercy even towards enemies. He stressed that in the Kingdom of God, mercy isn't just an option but a way of life, a prerequisite for true discipleship. In conclusion, Martin reminded the listeners that the path to joy and abundant life lies in embracing mercy. Being merciful isn't merely a duty but a privilege bestowed upon believers. Thus, he encouraged everyone to embody the heart of Christ by showing compassion to all, mirroring the divine mercy extended to humanity.

Duration:00:23:39

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Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

2/17/2024
In today's sermon at Myrtle House Community Church, Bill Chapman delved into the profound significance of righteousness in the context of advancing the Kingdom of God, as highlighted in Matthew 5:6. The Beatitudes, as articulated by Jesus, frame the pursuit of righteousness as essential for spiritual fulfilment and divine blessing. Drawing from a tapestry of biblical references, Bill underscored the omnipresence of righteousness throughout scripture, emphasising its centrality to God's character and Kingdom agenda. Notably, Isaiah 61:10 underscores God's act of clothing believers with a righteousness they have not earned, underscoring the transformative power of divine grace. The call to hunger and thirst for righteousness resonates with an imperative to actively seek justice and goodness, both individually and communally. Bill illuminated how righteousness transcends mere adherence to rules; it is a heartfelt commitment to living for others, reflecting the love lavished upon believers. Through poignant examples, such as the parable of the Good Samaritan, Bill underscored the radical nature of righteous living, compelling believers to courageously engage with the needs of others. Quoting Jeremiah 22:3, he emphasised the imperative of acting justly and compassionately towards the marginalised and oppressed. Bill reminded the congregation of the pivotal role righteousness plays in the final judgment, as depicted in Matthew 25:31-46. The passage vividly illustrates how acts of kindness and compassion towards the vulnerable are equated with serving Christ Himself, reinforcing the inseparable link between righteousness and eternal life. Closing with a sobering reminder from Matthew 7:21, Bill urged listeners to move beyond mere profession of faith, emphasising the transformative power of righteous living. Ultimately, righteousness isn't just a religious obligation but a profound expression of devotion to God and His Kingdom agenda.

Duration:00:30:10

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Do You Realise Your Need for God

1/20/2024
Today, we delved into the profound teachings of Jesus found in Matthew 5:3, where he declares, "God blesses those who are poor and realise their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." This beatitude sets the stage for a life-altering perspective on our relationship with God. Martin recited the beautiful hymn, "I Need Thee Every Hour" by Annie Sherwood Hawks. The lyrics echoed the sentiment of our utter dependence on God and the recognition that only in Him can we find true peace and strength. We explored the Greek word for "poor," which is "ptochos." This term goes beyond financial poverty; it encompasses a humble acknowledgment of our destitution without God. It means to crouch, fall, be frightened, and even to beg. It signifies being lowly, afflicted, and lacking in eternal riches. Jesus assures us that those who recognize their profound need for Him are supremely blessed, fortunate, and happy. Our posture before the King matters. Jesus, the King of kings, calls us to approach Him with humility and an understanding of our complete dependence on His sacrifice for our salvation. The Beatitudes serve as a map guiding us to Jesus, who is the way. We reflected on Psalm 86, where David exemplifies the posture we should adopt before the throne of God—bowing down, seeking His protection, and acknowledging God's unfailing love and mercy. David understood that our life depends on God. The apostle Paul, in Philippians 4:10-20, emphasized contentment in every situation. Whether abased or abounding, Paul found strength in Christ and declared that God would supply all our needs according to His riches in glory. In conclusion, the essence of Matthew 5:3 is that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who humbly realize their need for God. It's not about our achievements but about what Jesus has done. From a posture of humility, we are elevated to possess and live in the kingdom of God. So, let us ask ourselves: How do we approach the King? Is Jesus truly our everything? The Kingdom of Heaven is yours, not by anything you've done but because of Jesus. From a posture of lowness, we are raised to a position of possessing and living in the Kingdom of God. We are all in need of Him. May we continue to approach our King with humility, recognising our need for Him in every hour of our lives.

Duration:00:19:55

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You are the Salt of the Earth

1/13/2024
Today, we delved into the powerful truth that there is no factoring you out of God's plan. Regardless of your past experiences or actions, God has chosen you to be a significant and important part of His divine design. The Scripture passages from Matthew 4:17-25 and Psalm 32 reinforced this message of inclusion and significance. We explored the idea that, as followers of Christ, we are the salt of the earth. Drawing from The Chosen Series and Jesus' teachings in Mark 1:15, the call to repent and believe in the gospel echoed the theme of actively participating in God's plan for His kingdom. Through Jesus' model, we are encouraged to become who God is calling us to be. The beatitudes, the sermon on the mount, and Jesus' teachings serve as a blueprint for us to understand how to rule with authority in the Kingdom. It's about submitting to the primacy of the King, acknowledging His guidelines, and living according to His principles. We emphasised the importance of putting effort into cultivating the Kingdom. Like making a garden, it requires our active participation and obedience to God's commission. The beatitudes guide us in becoming Kingdom people, and Jesus is building His Kingdom through individuals who submit to His rule. Just as artists Tim Noble and Sue Webster turn junk into art when light is shined on it, we are called to illuminate the lives of those around us. In John 9:5 and Matthew 5, Jesus declares Himself as the light of the world, and now we are called to be the light. When we shine our light of love, hope, mercy, and kindness, we transform what looks like trash into treasure. The beatitudes and the sermon on the mount serve as our guide, illuminating our journey with Kingdom principles. As we apply these principles, the King reigns in our lives, and the Kingdom of God takes root in our communities. Jesus, the light of the world, values each person as chosen, favored, and blessed. Understanding and embodying this revolutionary life principle allows us to manifest the Kingdom and reveal the treasure within each person. You are the salt of the earth, chosen by God to bring flavor and light to the world around you.

Duration:00:34:22

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Seek First His Kingdom

1/6/2024
Welcome to the Myrtle House Community Church Podcast. As we enter a new year it's a great time to consider what Kingdom life looks like, and how we can experience it for ourselves. Jesus came to bring the Kingdom of God, and give us life to the full. This week, Bill Chapman kicked off a new collection of talks on the Kingdom of God, examining how we often miss out on God’s best life for us by allowing ourselves to be influenced by other cultures instead of seeking Kingdom culture. We are not called to be passive followers but we are here to extend and build the Kingdom by influencing culture, bringing a new beginning, and being the antidote to the values of the world. Now, let’s lean into the message together and ‘Seek First His Kingdom.’

Duration:00:34:22

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Play Your Part

12/16/2023
Catch up on our latest festive message from our Sunday Gatherings. Discover the real 'Reason for the Season'.

Duration:00:36:11

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Be a Gift Giver

12/9/2023
Catch up on our latest festive message from our Sunday Gatherings. Find out the real 'Reason for the Season'.

Duration:00:25:49

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Stir Up Your Gift

12/2/2023
Catch up on our latest festive message from our Sunday Gatherings. Find out the real 'Reason for the Season'.

Duration:00:28:41

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Self-Compassion

11/18/2023
Bill Chapman led a thought-provoking session this past Sunday, exploring the depths of forgiveness and self-compassion. The sermon began with a powerful clip from The Chosen TV series, vividly depicting Jesus' redeeming love for Mary. The central theme of the morning was based around the struggle for self-compassion. The video prompted reflection on how, despite knowing we are forgiven and loved by God, we may find it challenging to extend that same compassion to ourselves. That often moments from our past can resurface, and attempt to undermine our peace and joy. The congregation engaged in a meaningful discussion prompted by the video clip, exploring the lessons from Mary's redemption and the transformative power of Jesus' love.

Duration:00:47:03

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Spirit of Forgiveness

11/11/2023
Last Sunday's Sermon Recap with Guest Speaker Stuart Watkins at Myrtle House Community Church Stuart Watkins graced us with a powerful message on forgiveness, unraveling profound insights to nourish our spiritual journey. Here are some key takeaways from the sermon: 1️⃣ The Healing Power of Forgiveness: Stuart emphasized how forgiveness is not just for others but is a profound act of self-healing. Letting go of resentment allows us to experience freedom and inner peace. 2️⃣ Unpacking Bitterness: Stuart delved into the detrimental effects of holding onto bitterness. He encouraged us to identify and release any bitterness that might be hindering our spiritual growth. 3️⃣ Radical Forgiveness: The sermon challenged us to embrace radical forgiveness, a transformative act that goes beyond mere tolerance. Stuart explored the concept of extending grace even in the face of deep hurts. 4️⃣ Embracing God's Forgiveness: Stuart reminded us of the divine forgiveness we receive from God and encouraged us to extend that same grace to others. In forgiving, we reflect the love and mercy bestowed upon us. 5️⃣ Practical Steps: The sermon provided practical steps to cultivate forgiveness in our daily lives, fostering a culture of compassion and understanding within our community. Let's carry the spirit of forgiveness forward, nurturing a culture of love and understanding. Thank you, Stuart Watkins, for sharing your wisdom with us! #MyrtleHouseCommunityChurch #SundaySermon #ForgivenessJourney #SpiritualGrowth

Duration:00:52:06

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Beauty from Brokenness

10/14/2023
Sermon Summary: "Beauty from Brokenness" Today, John Graham delivered an impactful message centered around the beautiful narrative found in the first and fourth chapters of the Book of Ruth. Titled "Beauty from Brokenness," the sermon provided profound insights into God's redemptive work in our lives. Drawing from Ruth 1:6-22 and Ruth 4, John emphasised how God orchestrates events, ensuring that everything aligns for our ultimate good. The key takeaway was a reminder of the comforting truth that we serve a God who is firmly in control. The life of Naomi served as a poignant illustration of humanity at its best under God's guidance. Through her story, we witnessed the transformative power of God's love, bringing hope out of despair. John highlighted several key points that emanated from these scriptural passages: - Hope from Despair - Wholeness from Brokenness - Sweetness from Bitterness - Abundance from Want - Fullness from Emptiness - Joy from Sorrow - A Glorious Future from an Unpromising Beginning Each of these points was meticulously expounded upon, intricately connected to Naomi's journey. In essence, the sermon conveyed a powerful message: God desires to fill our emptiness, grant us joy, and abundantly bless us, just as He did for Naomi. The call to action was clear—we must allow God to work in our lives, trusting in His transformative power. The potential for impact is immeasurable. Additionally, the sermon reminded us of our role in the broader community. Our neighbourhoods are filled with people who are broken, empty, and devoid of hope or joy. As followers of Christ, we possess the answer—Jesus. The challenge is to extend the transformative love we've received to those around us, becoming vessels of hope, joy, and redemption. In conclusion, the message resonated with the assurance that God's desire is to work through our lives, turning brokenness into beauty. As we yield to His guidance, we open ourselves to the limitless possibilities of His transformative grace.

Duration:00:42:01

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Do We See What Could Be? - Challenging the Status Quo

9/30/2023
In this Sunday's sermon, Martin O'Brien continued exploring the theme of Disruptive Compassion & Social Justice, drawing inspiration from last week's message, he emphasised the importance of challenging established norms and refusing to settle for the status quo, just as Jesus did during His earthly ministry. Martin delved into the biblical narrative of the fall of Jericho, where the gates were tightly shut due to fear. Using Joshua 6:1-2 (NLT), he asked how often do we, out of fear, close the gates of God's power and providence, preferring the safety of the familiar over trusting God in challenging situations? “Now the gates of Jericho were tightly shut because the people were afraid of the Israelites. No one was allowed to go out or in. But the Lord said to Joshua, “I have given you Jericho, its king, and all its strong warriors.” Joshua 6:1-2 NLT We were encouraged to take time to reflect on our lives and ask the following questions: 1. What is the status quo in your life? 2. Do we see the hungry, broken, and lonely and imagine what could or should be? 3. How has the compassion of Jesus disrupted you, or how might it disrupt you in the future? The core message revolved around the need to believe that Jesus not only can but will disrupt the status quo. It's a call to action, encouraging believers to resist settling for the status quo, and instead, cultivate a compassionate heart like Jesus. The challenge is to see the needs in our communities and respond with the same disruptive compassion that characterised Jesus' ministry. Martin emphasised the necessity of being filled with compassion to bring about change and freedom, stressing that all things are possible with Christ. The congregation was encouraged to break free from the shackles of complacency, to disrupt the status quo, and to actively engage with the needs of the community, embodying the transformative power of Jesus' compassion in their lives and the lives of others.

Duration:00:30:33

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Compassion Disrupts Conformity

9/23/2023
Title: Compassion Disrupts Conformity Today, we continue our journey in understanding the profound impact of compassion in our lives. Bill Chapman, in his sermon, built upon last week's message and explored how compassion has the power to disrupt conformity. To illustrate this transformative power, Bill used clips from The Chosen TV series that beautifully depict well-known passages of Scripture. Through these visual narratives, we saw how Jesus's compassion consistently disrupted the norms and conventions of His time. Compassion, when it disrupts conformity, may appear to be a form of lawbreaking. However, as we observed in the life of Jesus, it is actually an act of placing people and their needs above rigid adherence to the law. Jesus was so overflowing with compassion that He was willing to break conventions to meet the needs of those He encountered. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example. We are called to be so filled with compassion that we, too, are willing to disrupt the status quo when necessary. This doesn't mean we should break laws recklessly but rather that we should prioritise the well-being of people over rigid adherence to tradition or rules. Remember, when you see an opportunity to disrupt someone's conformity to a harmful pattern of life, your compassion can be a beacon of hope for them. Your actions can open a window through which the grace of God can shine into their lives. Just as Jesus disrupted your life with His compassion, you can become an instrument of His love, disrupting the lives of others in a way that leads them toward God's grace and transformation. May the disruptive power of compassion lead us to live more fully in the image of Christ, in doing so, we become agents of God's grace, bringing hope and transformation to those who need it most.

Duration:00:44:45

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Disruptive Compassion

9/16/2023
Sunday Sermon Summary: 'Disruptive Compassion' Today, Bill Chapman continued his message from last week, delving deeper into the concept of 'Disruptive Compassion' and how our compassion should be more than just a feeling – it should be a force that disrupts the status quo. The Essence of Compassion: Bill started by reminding us of the descriptions of God's character in the Hebrew Bible, which often highlight His compassion, grace, and unfailing love. The Hebrew word for compassionate, "Rakhum," is related to the word for womb, suggesting a deep, motherly tenderness at the core of compassion. It's not just an emotion; it's an action. God's compassion is seen in His actions, as He rescues His people. Jesus is the embodiment of God's deep compassion in human form. He was moved by human suffering, and His life reflects the compassionate nature of God. He calls His followers to imitate this compassion by allowing ourselves to be moved by the pain of others, embracing those who hurt, and actively working to relieve suffering. Compassion in Action: Compassion is an intense emotion, and the key question Bill posed was whether we are motivated to take action by the compassion we feel. Matthew 9:36-38 shows Jesus' compassion in action, as He saw the crowds and was moved to encourage His disciples to pray and meet the needs of the people. 2 Corinthians 1:4 reminds us that we receive God's comfort so that we can comfort others in their troubles. What Is Disruptive Compassion? Bill explained that disruptive compassion is a model Jesus lived out. His actions disrupted the status quo and challenged the religious elite. Examples abound in the Bible: when He touched lepers, opened blind eyes, and associated with those considered outcasts. Reference: John 11:33-35, Mark 1:41, Mark 5:1-17, Mark 8:1-10 & Luke 5:20 Disruptive compassion goes beyond sympathy; it's positive action that disrupts the norm. It's driven by love and kindness, modelling what we should model. Bill proposed that disruptive compassion isn't just about changing someone's destination; it's about altering the course and direction of their journey. By journeying with them, step by step, we manifest God's compassion and ultimately lead them closer to Him. We are called to love others as we love ourselves. With disruptive compassion, we can positively change how people feel, think, and live their lives. Disruptive compassion can have a profound spiritual impact, leading people to encounter the God of all compassion and love through us. Bill emphasised that compassion is not just an attribute of God; it's a quality of His people. It sets us apart when we use compassion disruptively to challenge the status quo. May we be inspired to embody disruptive compassion, positively impacting the world and drawing people closer to God through our actions and love.

Duration:00:38:52