Myrtle House Community Church Podcast

Myrtle House Community Church

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.

  1. 1d ago

    Five Ways to Change Someone's Day

    As we continued our series ‘For the Sake of Others’, Martin O’Brien explored how we can make a difference in the lives of those around us through five simple, intentional actions. Throughout this series, we've been reminded that following Jesus isn't simply about our own faith and spiritual growth. It's about allowing His love to transform us so that we can become a blessing to others. But what does that look like in everyday life? How can we practically live for the sake of others? In Philippians 2, Paul gives us a powerful reminder: “Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.” — Philippians 2:4 As we make Jesus the centre of our lives, we begin to make more room for others in our hearts. And often, making a difference begins with small, intentional acts. Martin shared five practical ways we can change someone's day. 1. Notice — See the People Around You Sometimes the simplest way to make a difference is to notice someone. Earlier in our series, we explored Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan. The priest, the Temple assistant and the Samaritan all saw the same injured man lying beside the road. But only the Samaritan responded with compassion and crossed the road to help. The difference wasn't what they saw. It was how they responded. How often do we walk into places without really noticing the people around us? We can become so focused on our own plans, responsibilities and routines that we miss the opportunities God places right in front of us. Perhaps someone is feeling lonely. Perhaps someone is struggling. Perhaps someone simply needs to know that they matter. Living for the sake of others begins with opening our eyes and paying attention. The challenge: Who will you notice this week? When you walk into a room, instead of thinking only about what you need to do, ask yourself, who needs to be seen today? 2. Encourage — Speak Life Into Others Encouragement is one of the simplest gifts we can give, yet it can be one of the most valuable. In Acts 11:22–26, we read about Barnabas, a man known for his faith, his relationship with the Holy Spirit and his ability to encourage others. When Barnabas arrived in Antioch and saw what God was doing among the believers, he was filled with joy and encouraged them to remain faithful to the Lord. Barnabas recognised God's work in people's lives and took the opportunity to strengthen and encourage them. We can do the same. Encouragement doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. It might be sending a message to someone you haven't seen for a while. Making a phone call to check how someone is doing. Writing a card or letter. Offering a genuine compliment. Thanking someone for something they have done. Or simply reminding someone that they are valued and appreciated. Sometimes a few thoughtful words can make an enormous difference to someone's day. Encouragement costs very little, but its value can be immeasurable. The challenge: Who will you encourage this week? 3. Include — Make Room for Others Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently made room for people who were often overlooked, excluded or forgotten. In Luke 14, Jesus challenges those around Him to think differently about hospitality and inclusion. Rather than simply inviting people who could repay their kindness, He encouraged them to welcome those who had little or nothing to offer in return. Jesus demonstrated a love that went beyond familiar friendships and comfortable social circles. He welcomed the outsider. He noticed the overlooked. He spent time with those others might have ignored. And He invites us to do the same. Living for the sake of others means being intentional about including people in our lives. Who might feel left out? Who could benefit from an invitation? Who might appreciate being included in a conversation, a gathering or a meal? Sometimes inclusion is as simple as inviting someone for a coffee, making space at the table or spending time with someone we wouldn't normally spend time with. One invitation can open a door. One meal can change a relationship. The challenge: Who will you include this week? 4. Serve — Put Love Into Action Galatians 5:13 gives us a clear instruction: “Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Serving others is one of the most practical ways we can demonstrate the love of Jesus. It's where love becomes visible. We can talk about caring for people, but genuine love often requires us to do something. To give our time. To offer our abilities. To help carry someone else's burden. To put another person's needs before our own. Jesus Himself demonstrated this throughout His life. He didn't simply speak about love and service. He lived it. As His followers, we are called to have that same attitude. Serving doesn't always require a big commitment or a special role. Sometimes it's helping someone with a practical task, offering support during a difficult time or simply being available when someone needs us. We are servants of Christ, called to serve one another in love. The challenge: Who will you serve this week? 5. Point — Help Others Discover Jesus The fifth and final action brings us back to the heart of our calling as followers of Jesus. We are called to point people towards Him. In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul reminds us: “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.” As Christ's ambassadors, we represent Jesus wherever we go. Our words, attitudes and actions should help people see something of Him. And while we can love, encourage and serve others, we also have the opportunity to share the reason behind that love. We can point people towards Jesus. That might mean offering to pray for someone. Sharing a story of how God has worked in our lives. Inviting someone to church. Having a conversation about faith. Or simply living in a way that causes someone to ask what makes us different. We cannot save people ourselves. That is God's work through Jesus. But we have been entrusted with the message of reconciliation and invited to partner with Him in helping others discover His love. Everything we do should ultimately point people towards Jesus. The challenge: Who can you point towards Jesus this week? What If We All Did These Five Things? Imagine what could happen if each of us intentionally practised these five things. What if we all made an effort to notice someone who might otherwise be overlooked? What if we encouraged someone who was struggling? What if we included someone who felt left out? What if we served someone without expecting anything in return? What if we helped someone take a step towards Jesus? These might seem like small actions, but together they could make a significant difference in our families, workplaces, friendships and communities. And we don't have to do everything at once. Martin left us with a simple challenge for the week ahead: Notice one person. Encourage one person. Include one person. Serve one person. Point one person towards Jesus. Just one. One person. One opportunity. One intentional act of love. Changing the World Starts With Changing Someone's Day Throughout our For the Sake of Others series, we've explored what it means to live as followers of Jesus in a way that makes a difference to the people around us. We've been reminded that: We have been blessed for the sake of others. We are Christ's ambassadors for the sake of others. We cross the road for the sake of others. We live for Christ for the sake of others. We are the salt of the earth for the sake of others. And now we are challenged to put all of this into practice through the small, everyday opportunities God places before us. Philippians 2 reminds us to have the same attitude as Jesus, who humbled Himself and gave His life in service to others. As we grow in our relationship with Christ, our hearts should increasingly reflect His love, humility and compassion. We don't need to wait for extraordinary opportunities to make a difference. We can start right where we are. In our homes. In our workplaces. In our church. In our community. With the people God has placed around us. We have been blessed so that we can become a blessing to others. So this week, let's be intentional. Let's notice, encourage, include, serve and point people towards Jesus. Because sometimes, changing the world begins with something as simple as changing someone's day. For the sake of others.

  2. Oct 25

    Salt of the Earth: Living for the Sake of Others

    As we continued our series ‘For the Sake of Others’, Bill Chapman challenged us to consider what it really means to make a difference in the lives of the people around us. Building on the reminder from previous weeks that “when Christ is at the centre, there is always room for others,” we explored how our everyday attitudes, actions and relationships can reveal something of Jesus to the world. If we are called to live for the sake of others, what kind of people should we be? How should we live? And perhaps most importantly: How salty are you? You Are the Salt of the Earth In Matthew 5:13, Jesus tells His followers: “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavour?” It's a simple illustration, but one that carries a powerful challenge. Salt has a purpose. It brings out flavour, enhances what it is added to and makes a difference. Jesus uses this picture to describe the influence His followers should have on the world around them. We are called to bring something good into the places God has put us. Into our families. Into our marriages. Into our friendships. Into our workplaces. Into our communities. We are meant to be people who make life better for others because of the presence of Jesus in our lives. But Bill also reminded us that too much salt can spoil a meal. In the same way, how we share our faith matters. We are called to be thoughtful, sensitive and loving, not overwhelming or forceful. Our lives should leave people with a good taste of Jesus. Bringing Out the Best in Others Think about what happens when salt is added to a meal. It often disappears from sight, yet its presence makes a difference to everything around it. It doesn't need to draw attention to itself. Its purpose is to enhance what is already there. What a wonderful picture of how we are called to live as followers of Jesus. We don't need to make ourselves the centre of attention. We don't need to impress people with how spiritual we are. Instead, we are called to reflect Jesus through ordinary acts of love, kindness, generosity and compassion. Mark 9:50 reminds us that salt is good for seasoning and encourages us to have the qualities of salt within ourselves and live in peace with one another. Being salt means bringing something of God's goodness into every situation. Are we enhancing the lives of the people around us? Are we bringing encouragement where there is discouragement? Peace where there is conflict? Kindness where there is bitterness? Hope where there is despair? These are the qualities that can make a lasting difference. Salt as a Sign of Covenant Throughout Scripture, salt also carries a deeper meaning. In the Old Testament, salt was associated with covenant, faithfulness and lasting commitment. In 2 Chronicles 13:5, we read about God's lasting covenant with David and his descendants, described as a covenant of salt. Leviticus 2:13 also instructed the Israelites to season their grain offerings with salt as a reminder of God's enduring covenant. Salt was more than a seasoning. It was a symbol of a binding promise and faithfulness. As followers of Jesus, we too are called to live faithfully in response to God's love and commitment to us. Our faith is not simply something we talk about on Sundays. It is a commitment that shapes the way we live throughout the week. It influences our decisions, our relationships and the way we treat others. Being salt means living faithfully as people who belong to Jesus. What Does It Look Like to Be Salty? Jesus gives us a very practical picture in Matthew 25:31–46. He describes people who respond to the needs of those around them. They feed the hungry. They give drink to the thirsty. They welcome the stranger. They clothe those in need. They care for the sick. They visit those in prison. And Jesus reveals something extraordinary: when they cared for those in need, they were serving Him. This brings us right to the heart of our series. For the sake of others. Being salt isn't simply about having the right beliefs or knowing the right things to say. It's about putting our faith into action. It's about noticing the people who are overlooked or ignored and responding with practical love. Sometimes people need our prayers. Sometimes they need a meal. Sometimes they need someone to listen. Sometimes they need friendship, encouragement or practical support. And sometimes they need all of these things. For the sake of others, we pray and we feed. We share the love of Jesus through both our words and our actions. A Faith That Can Be Seen In Matthew 7, Jesus gives us another important challenge. He teaches us to treat others as we would want to be treated ourselves. But He doesn't stop at simply knowing what is right. He calls us to do it. Jesus warns against a faith that is built only on words, appearances or religious activity. Instead, He compares those who hear His teaching and put it into practice to a wise builder who builds a house on solid rock. The foundation is secure because faith has become action. This is an important reminder for us. People don't simply need to hear that we follow Jesus. They need to see something of Jesus in us. They should be able to recognise His character through the way we live. Through our patience. Through our generosity. Through our honesty. Through our compassion. Through the way we respond when life becomes difficult. Through the way we treat people who cannot offer us anything in return. Our character should tell the story of the Jesus we follow. Living What We Believe At the end of Matthew 7, the crowds were amazed by Jesus' teaching. There was something different about Him. He didn't simply speak with authority. His life reflected the truth of what He taught. And this is the example we are called to follow. We can talk about reading our Bibles, praying regularly and attending church, and these are all important parts of our relationship with God. But the real challenge is whether our faith is making a difference to the people around us. Do people experience something of Jesus when they spend time with us? Do they see kindness, love, patience and compassion? Is there something about the way we live that makes them curious about the faith we have? We are called to be people whose lives point towards Jesus. Not because we are perfect, but because His love is transforming us. Making a Difference for the Sake of Others As we continue our journey through this series, Bill's message leaves us with a simple but challenging question: How salty are you? Are we living in a way that brings out the best in others? Are we enhancing our communities through love and service? Are we faithful to the calling Jesus has placed on our lives? Are we putting our faith into action for the sake of others? Jesus hasn't called us to withdraw from the world or simply focus on ourselves. He has called us to be salt in the world. To bring His love into the everyday situations we encounter. To make a difference in the lives of those around us. And sometimes that difference begins with something very small. A kind word. A thoughtful action. A meal shared. A prayer offered. A helping hand. A moment of genuine compassion. We may not always realise the impact these small acts can have, but God can use them to bring hope, healing and encouragement into someone's life. As Bill reminded us: “It only takes a grain of you to heal a lot of the bitterness in the world.” We are called to live in His love and live it out. To be people who faithfully represent Jesus. To be people whose character reflects His goodness. To be people who make a difference. We are the salt of the earth — and we are here for the sake of others.

  3. Oct 18

    Christ at the Centre: Living for the Sake of Others

    As we continued our series ‘For the Sake of Others’, Martin O’Brien challenged us to consider an important question: What motivates us to live for the sake of others? What makes someone willing to give up their own comfort, put another person's needs before their own, or make sacrifices for the benefit of someone else? The answer begins with Jesus. When Christ becomes the centre of our lives, our priorities begin to change. We become less focused on ourselves and increasingly concerned about the people around us. The more Jesus becomes the centre of our lives, the less we become the centre of our lives. The Jesus We Represent In Colossians 1:15–20, Paul gives us an extraordinary picture of who Jesus is. “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.” — Colossians 1:15 Jesus is not simply a great teacher or prophet. He is God revealed to us. Paul goes on to explain that everything was created through Him and for Him, that He existed before anything else and that He holds all creation together. This is the Jesus we follow. This is the King we represent. And this is the Christ we are ambassadors for. Colossians 1:20 also reminds us that through Jesus, God has reconciled everything to Himself, making peace through Christ's death on the cross. As followers of Jesus, we have been invited to participate in this mission of reconciliation. We are called to represent Him, reflect His character and share His love with the world around us. But to truly live as His ambassadors, Jesus must be at the centre of everything we do. For Me, Living Means Living for Christ In Philippians 1, Paul gives us a powerful example of what a Christ-centred life looks like. Writing from prison, facing uncertainty and hardship, Paul makes an extraordinary declaration: “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” — Philippians 1:21 For Paul, everything revolved around Jesus. His decisions, relationships, opportunities, hardships, successes and failures were all viewed through his relationship with Christ. Jesus wasn't simply part of Paul's life. Jesus was the centre of his life. What would it look like if we truly lived this way? What if every decision we made, every relationship we invested in and every opportunity we encountered was shaped by our desire to live for Jesus? The more captivated we become by Christ, the less consumed we become with ourselves. The more our hearts are filled with Jesus, the more room there is for others. Living for the Sake of Others Paul continues in Philippians 1:24: “But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.” This is a remarkable statement. Paul has just expressed his desire to be with Christ, yet he recognises that remaining alive means he can continue encouraging, strengthening and serving others. He isn't simply asking what would be best for himself. He is asking what would be best for others. Paul's relationship with Jesus has transformed his priorities. He wants to continue living because his life can be a blessing to other people. This is what it means to live for the sake of others. When Jesus becomes the centre of our lives, the needs of others become increasingly important to us. We begin to see beyond our own comfort, convenience and circumstances. We start asking how God might use our lives to encourage, support and bless those around us. A Heart That Grows in Compassion Earlier in his letter, Paul reveals just how deeply he cares for the believers in Philippi. He writes: “God knows how much I love you and long for you with the tender compassion of Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 1:8 Paul's relationship with Jesus hasn't made him less interested in people. It has made him more compassionate, more loving and more concerned for their wellbeing. The closer Paul grows to Jesus, the greater his love for others becomes. And this should be true for us too. Our relationship with Christ should increasingly shape the way we see and respond to people. In verse 9, Paul prays: “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.” Notice where Paul's attention is focused. He is praying for others. He is concerned about their spiritual growth, their understanding and their love. His focus is outward rather than inward. A Christ-centred life becomes an others-focused life. When Hardship Becomes an Opportunity Paul's circumstances were far from easy. He was imprisoned because of his faith, yet rather than focusing entirely on his suffering, he recognised that God was working through his situation. In Philippians 1:12, he writes: “Everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News.” Paul saw his imprisonment as an opportunity for the gospel. His chains had become a platform for mission. Even in hardship, Paul was thinking about how God could use his circumstances for the benefit of others. Rather than simply asking why these things were happening to him, he recognised how God could work through them. This doesn't mean that suffering is easy or that difficulties are insignificant. But it reminds us that God can work through even the most challenging circumstances. Our struggles, experiences and difficult seasons can sometimes become opportunities to encourage, support and minister to others. Paul was simply following the example of Jesus. He was living for Christ and, because of that, living for the sake of others. Who Benefits From Your Life? As Martin brought the message towards its conclusion, he left us with three challenging questions: Who is growing because you are in their life? Are we helping others grow in faith, confidence, hope and understanding? Are we investing in people and encouraging them along their journey? Who is in your prayers? Are our prayers focused only on our own needs and circumstances, or are we regularly bringing others before God? Who benefits from your life? Who experiences the love, kindness, generosity and compassion of Jesus because of the way we live? These questions invite us to reflect on whether our relationship with Christ is shaping the way we treat and care for others. They challenge us to look beyond ourselves and consider how God wants to work through us. Christ at the Centre of Everything Two statements from Paul bring this message together: “For to me, living means living for Christ.” — Philippians 1:21 “But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.” — Philippians 1:24 These two statements belong together. Living for Christ and living for others cannot be separated, because the life of Christ always flows towards others. When Jesus becomes the centre of our lives, our priorities change. We become more compassionate. More generous. More willing to serve. More interested in the wellbeing of others. More attentive to the opportunities God places before us. We begin to understand that our lives are not simply about what we want or what benefits us. They are about Jesus and His purposes. Living for Christ, For the Sake of Others As we continue our journey through this series, the challenge is to consider what it truly means to place Jesus at the centre of our lives. Not simply in what we believe or say, but in the everyday decisions we make and the way we relate to others. What would change if Jesus was genuinely at the centre of everything? How might our relationships look different? How might we approach our work, our families and our communities? How might we respond to those who are struggling or in need? Perhaps the question we need to ask ourselves this week is not simply, “What do I want?” But instead: “What does God want, and who does God want to bless through me?” That is what it means to live for the sake of others. We are called to be people who live in His love and live it out. People whose lives are centred on Jesus and whose love flows outward towards the people around them. Because ultimately: The more Jesus becomes the centre of our lives, the less we become the centre of our lives. And when Christ is at the centre, there is always room for others.

  4. Oct 11

    Sowing for the Sake of Others: Reaping What We Sow

    As we continued our series ‘For the Sake of Others’, Ellen Chapman explored the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, challenging us to consider what we are planting through our attitudes, actions and everyday lives. The principle is simple: we reap what we sow. What we choose to sow today will have an impact on what we harvest tomorrow. Our words, actions, attitudes and decisions all have consequences, not only for ourselves but also for the people around us. As followers of Jesus, we are called to sow into the lives of others, our relationships and our communities, reflecting His love and making Him known through the way we live. We Reap What We Sow Throughout Scripture, we see the principle that the kind of seed we plant determines the kind of harvest we can expect. Proverbs 11:18 tells us: “A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.” And Proverbs 22:8 reminds us that sowing injustice leads to trouble. When we sow kindness, generosity, love and righteousness, we plant seeds that can bring blessing and positive change. But when we sow anger, selfishness or injustice, the consequences can be damaging. Paul reinforces this in Galatians 6:7: “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” This challenges us to think carefully about how we are living. What are we sowing into the people and places around us? Are our attitudes and actions reflecting Jesus? Are we sowing things that bring life, encouragement and hope? Living the Jesus Way As we have been discovering throughout this series, we are called to be Christ's ambassadors, representing Him wherever He has placed us. But to represent Jesus faithfully, we must learn to live His way rather than simply following our own desires. Galatians 5:16 encourages us to allow the Holy Spirit to guide our lives. Paul goes on to describe the fruit that the Holy Spirit produces in us: “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”— Galatians 5:22–23 These are the qualities that should increasingly characterise our lives as followers of Jesus. They are also the seeds we can sow into the lives of others. When we choose patience instead of frustration, kindness instead of anger, or generosity instead of selfishness, we are allowing the Holy Spirit to shape our response. We are demonstrating something of the character of Jesus. Living for the sake of others means choosing to sow the things that reflect Christ. Sowing Into the Lives of Others Sowing doesn't always mean doing something extraordinary. Sometimes it is simply responding when God prompts us to act. It might mean offering friendship to someone who feels alone. Showing care to someone who is struggling. Sharing our knowledge or abilities to help another person. Offering encouragement when someone is finding life difficult. Giving our time to listen, support or serve. God has given each of us different gifts, opportunities and resources. We are called to use what He has entrusted to us to bless others and make Jesus known. The important thing is being willing to respond when the Holy Spirit prompts us. What is God asking you to sow today? Carrying One Another's Burdens In Galatians 6, Paul gives us practical examples of what living by the Spirit looks like. He encourages believers to gently and humbly help those who have fallen into difficulty and reminds us: “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”— Galatians 6:2 This is a powerful picture of what it means to live for the sake of others. We are not called to live isolated lives, concerned only with our own needs and circumstances. We are called to walk alongside one another. To support those who are struggling. To encourage those who are weary. To help carry the burdens of those who are finding life difficult. When we do this, we are sowing love, kindness and compassion into the lives of others. And we are demonstrating the heart of Jesus. Don't Grow Tired of Doing Good One of the challenges of sowing is that we don't always see the results immediately. We may invest time in someone without seeing any obvious change. We may continue serving when it feels like our efforts are making little difference. We may keep showing kindness without receiving anything in return. But Paul offers us this encouragement: “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”— Galatians 6:9 This is a reminder to remain faithful. We may not always know what God is doing through the seeds we plant, but we can trust Him with the harvest. Our responsibility is to keep sowing. To keep loving. To keep serving. To keep showing kindness. To keep responding to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Don't give up doing good, even when you cannot yet see the fruit. Our Lives Tell a Story As followers of Jesus, our lives are like living letters. People see how we live. They notice our attitudes. They experience our words and actions. They see how we respond to challenges and how we treat those around us. Whether we realise it or not, our lives are telling a story. The question is, what story are we telling? Are we living in a way that reveals Jesus to the people around us? Are we demonstrating His love, grace, patience and kindness? As Christ's ambassadors, our lives should point others towards Him. Not simply through what we say, but through what we do. Sowing for the Sake of Others Galatians 6:10 brings us to a simple but important challenge: “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” Every day presents opportunities to sow something good. In our homes. In our workplaces. In our friendships. In our church. And throughout our community. God has called us to live transformed lives, guided by His Spirit and shaped by His love. We are not simply called to receive His goodness for ourselves. We are called to share it with others. As we continue our journey through For the Sake of Others, may we be people who recognise the opportunities God places before us and respond with faith, love and action. People who sow kindness. People who sow compassion. People who sow righteousness. People who sow hope. And people who faithfully represent Jesus wherever they go. We reap what we sow. So let us sow what reflects Jesus, for the sake of others. Because as we live in His love and live it out, the seeds we plant today can become a blessing in the lives of others tomorrow.

  5. Oct 4

    Cross the Road: Seeing What Others Miss

    As we continued our series ‘For the Sake of Others’, Martin O’Brien explored what it looks like to be Christ's ambassadors in the everyday moments of life. What does it really mean to live for the sake of others? Sometimes it begins with something incredibly simple: Seeing what others miss. Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10 gives us a powerful picture of what this can look like. Who Is My Neighbour? An expert in religious law asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus turned the question back to him, and the answer was clear: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind. And, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’” But the man wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus: “And who is my neighbour?” It is an interesting question. He's looking for a definition. He's looking for a boundary. He's asking, “Who do I have to love?” But Jesus responds by telling a story that completely changes the question. The Problem Wasn't Sight Jesus tells of a man travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho who is attacked, beaten and left half dead by the roadside. A priest comes along. He sees the man. But he crosses to the other side of the road. Then a Temple assistant comes along. He also sees the man. But he passes by. The problem wasn't that they didn't see. The problem was their response. And perhaps this is a challenge for us too. Most of us aren't necessarily lacking awareness. We see people who are struggling. We notice when someone is lonely. We know when a colleague isn't really okay. The question is: Do we keep walking, or do we respond? The Enemy of Love Perhaps the priest was busy. Perhaps he had somewhere to be. Perhaps there was something important on his schedule. How often are we so focused on what is happening next that we miss what is happening now? We can become so consumed by our schedules, commitments and plans that we miss the person right in front of us. One of the greatest enemies of love may not be hatred. It may be busyness. Hurry makes us unavailable. Unavailable to notice. Unavailable to listen. Unavailable to care. Unavailable to be interrupted. Yet when we look at the life of Jesus, so much of His ministry happened through what we might call interruptions. People interrupted Jesus constantly. But somehow, He always had time. Perhaps that's because what we call an interruption, Jesus called ministry. Compassion Moves Then comes the person nobody expected to be the hero. A Samaritan. Jesus says: “When he saw the man, he felt compassion for him.” The Samaritan saw exactly what the priest and Temple assistant had seen. But he had a different heart. Compassion changed everything. Compassion isn't simply pity. Pity feels. Compassion moves. Compassion asks: “What can I do?” And the Samaritan did something. He went to the man. He treated his wounds. He carried him. He took him to an inn. He paid for his care. He gave his time, energy, resources and attention. Love always costs something. It costs time. It costs convenience. It costs comfort. It costs energy. It costs attention. But that is exactly the kind of love Jesus has shown us. Jesus didn't love us from a distance. He stepped into our brokenness. He carried our burdens. He paid our debt. The Good Samaritan doesn't just show us how to love others. He points us towards Jesus. Becoming a Neighbour The expert in religious law asked: “Who is my neighbour?” But Jesus turns the question around. The issue isn't simply identifying who deserves our love. The question is whether we will become loving people. At the end of the story Jesus asks which person was a neighbour to the man who had been attacked. The answer: “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus responds: “Yes, now go and do the same.” One question is about limits. Jesus' question is about character. The issue isn't identifying our neighbours. It's becoming one. Crossing the Road People who live for the sake of others move towards people. They cross roads. Not just physically, but emotionally, socially and spiritually. They move towards the lonely person. Towards the grieving person. Towards the anxious person. Towards the struggling family. Towards the single parent. Towards the elderly neighbour. Towards the person carrying debt. Towards the young person battling anxiety. Towards the colleague who always says they're fine, even though you know they're not. God is often asking us to see the one person. The person He has placed directly in our path. Who Has God Placed on Your Road? The challenge for us isn't simply to become more aware of the needs around us. It's to respond. So perhaps there are three questions we can take away from this passage: Who has God placed on your road? What are you noticing? What is your next step? The church exists for people like those we encounter on the road. We are here for the sake of others. God has equipped us to live this transformed life, not simply for ourselves, but as Christ's ambassadors in the places He has put us. We may not be able to solve every problem. We won't always know exactly what to say. But we can notice. We can stop. We can listen. We can care. We can show compassion. We can take the next step. Because living for the sake of others isn't simply about seeing the people God puts in our path. It is loving them enough to cross the road towards them. And Jesus' final instruction is as relevant to us today as it was then: “Go and do the same.”

  6. Sep 27

    Christ’s Ambassadors: Living for the Sake of Others

    As we continued our series ‘For the Sake of Others’, Martin O’Brien explored what it means to be Christ’s ambassadors. An ambassador doesn't exist for themselves. They represent someone else. An ambassador may live in one country while representing another. They carry the interests and message of the nation that has sent them, living among people while serving a higher purpose. Their position isn't simply a privilege to enjoy. It is a responsibility to embrace. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:20: “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.” But what does that actually look like in everyday life? If we are Christ's ambassadors, God has placed us where we are to carry His message, represent the King, reflect His character and help people find their way home to God. God makes His appeal through ordinary men and women who are willing to represent Him. 1. An Ambassador Represents Another Kingdom An ambassador lives in one country but represents another. As followers of Jesus, we live here, in our families, workplaces and communities, but ultimately our citizenship is in heaven. Philippians 3:20 reminds us: “But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.” This changes the way we look at everyday life. An ambassador doesn't simply ask, “What do I want?” They ask, “What does the King want?” Instead of asking, How can this benefit me?, we begin to ask: How can I represent Christ here? Wherever God has placed us, we have an opportunity to represent His Kingdom. 2. An Ambassador Reflects the Character of the King An ambassador should reflect the character of the person and kingdom they represent. For us, the King is Jesus. And the character we are called to reflect is love. Galatians 5:6 tells us that what matters is “faith expressing itself in love.” One of the greatest witnesses of a transformed life isn't simply what we know or what we say. It is who we are becoming. People can experience something of Jesus through the way we treat them. Through kindness. Through patience. Through compassion. Through generosity. Through forgiveness. Our character can become a reflection of the King we represent. 3. An Ambassador Serves the Interests of the King An ambassador doesn't put their own interests first. They serve the interests of the nation that has sent them. Galatians 5:13 encourages us: “Use your freedom to serve one another in love.” This is exactly the attitude we see in Jesus. Philippians 2 gives us a beautiful picture of Christ's humility. Jesus did not cling to His position or privileges. Instead, He humbled Himself, took the position of a servant and gave Himself for others. Paul encourages us to have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. That means looking beyond ourselves. Not simply looking out for our own interests, but taking an interest in others. As Christ's ambassadors, we are called to ask: How can I serve? How can I help? How can I put someone else's needs before my own? 4. An Ambassador Speaks on Behalf of the King An ambassador also carries a message. They speak on behalf of the one who sent them. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says: “We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’” Our role isn't to create our own message. We are called to faithfully share the message of Jesus — the message of reconciliation, grace and new life. God is making His appeal through us. That is an incredible responsibility. The King has entrusted His message to ordinary people who are willing to represent Him. 5. An Ambassador Is Prepared for a Purpose Finally, an ambassador is prepared and sent with a purpose. Ephesians 2:8–10 reminds us that salvation is a gift from God. We cannot earn it or take credit for it. But Paul then says: “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” God has a purpose for our lives. The places we go. The people we meet. The opportunities that come our way. The conversations we have. The acts of kindness we offer. God can use all of these things as part of His mission. There are good things that He has prepared for us to do. Sent Into Our Communities God hasn't simply saved us so that one day we can go to heaven. He has sent us into the world to represent His Kingdom. We are ambassadors. We are sent into our families, workplaces, friendships and communities to represent Jesus. Wherever we go, we go as Christ's ambassadors. That means our everyday lives matter. The way we work matters. The way we treat our neighbours matters. The way we respond when things don't go our way matters. The way we serve others matters. The way we speak about Jesus matters. God is making His appeal through us. For the Sake of Others The challenge for each of us is to consider how we are using what God has entrusted to us. Are we using our lives simply for ourselves? Or are we living as Christ's ambassadors for the sake of others? God has placed each of us somewhere for a reason. We don't need to wait for a special opportunity or a particular ministry role. We can represent Jesus right where we are. Wherever we go, we go as Christ's ambassadors. We represent the King. We reflect His character. We serve His interests. We carry His message. And we live with the confidence that He has prepared us and sent us for a purpose. We live in His love and we live it out — for the sake of others.

  7. Sep 20

    Living for Christ: For the Sake of Others

    Living for Christ: For the Sake of Others New Series | 2 Corinthians 5:14–21Speaker: Martin O’Brien Following our journey through ‘Living the Transformed Life’, we began a new series looking at what this new life in Christ means for us. Why have we been given this new life? Why has God given us everything we need to live a godly life? The answer is not simply so that we can become better people or enjoy the benefits of our relationship with God for ourselves. We have been given new life so that we can live for Christ, for the sake of others, and share the good news of Jesus. A New Life With a Purpose In 2 Corinthians 5:14–21, Paul gives us a powerful picture of what it means to live this new life. Because Christ died for us, we no longer live for ourselves. Instead, we live for Christ. Paul describes the incredible transformation that takes place when someone belongs to Jesus: “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” But Paul immediately connects this new life with a purpose. God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and He has given us the task of reconciling others to Him. We are Christ's ambassadors. God is working through us. Our new life is therefore not simply something we receive. It is something we are called to live out. We live for Christ for the sake of others. Christ Lives in Me Paul expresses this same truth in Galatians 2:20: “My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” The old has gone. The new has come. Our lives are now centred on Christ. We don't simply try to follow Jesus through our own strength; Christ lives in us through His Spirit. This is a theme we can trace throughout Scripture. God has always been calling His people into a life that depends upon Him, listens to Him and follows His ways. Listen and You Will Find Life In Deuteronomy 8, the Israelites are reminded of how God led them through the wilderness and provided manna for them. Through this experience, they learned an important truth: “People do not live by bread alone; rather, we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Then, in Isaiah 55, we hear another invitation: “Come to me with your ears wide open. Listen, and you will find life.” Listening is an important part of our relationship with God. Are our ears open to what God is saying? Are we listening through Scripture? Are we listening to the prompting of the Holy Spirit? Are we prepared not simply to hear, but to listen and obey? Isaiah's words point towards the life that is found when we listen to God. Jesus echoes this truth in John 5:24, speaking about those who listen to His message and believe in the One who sent Him. They have passed from death into life. The invitation is still there for us today: Are we listening? Life by the Power of God John 20:30–31 reminds us why the Scriptures were written — so that we might believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that through believing in Him we may have life by the power of His name. This is more than simply having information about Jesus. It is about believing in Him, giving our lives to Him and discovering the new life that comes through Him. And we don't have to live this life in our own strength. Romans 8 reminds us that the Spirit of God lives within those who belong to Christ. The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in us. That is an extraordinary truth. The power of God is at work within us, enabling us to live the life God has called us to live. We have been given what we need to live for Christ. Living for Christ Paul writes in Philippians 1:21: “For to me, living means living for Christ.” That is the foundation of this new life. Our lives are no longer primarily about ourselves. We live for Christ. We listen to Christ. We follow Christ. We represent Christ. And we love because Christ first loved us. Love for the Sake of Others This brings us back to one of the clearest signs that we are living this new life: love. 1 John 3 reminds us that we should love one another. It even describes our love for our brothers and sisters as evidence that we have passed from death to life. Then John points us to the greatest example of love: “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us.” Jesus didn't simply tell us what love looks like. He demonstrated it. He gave Himself for us. And as people who have received His love, we are called to live that love out. To love one another. To serve one another. To put others before ourselves. To give ourselves for the sake of others. Living in His Love and Living It Out This new series builds naturally on everything we have been learning about the transformed life. God has given us new life. Christ lives in us. The Holy Spirit empowers us. God speaks through His Word and by His Spirit. And we are called to respond. We are not transformed simply for our own benefit. We are transformed so that we can live for Christ and become a blessing to others. As we live in His love, we live it out. Our calling is beautifully simple: We are living for God.We are living for Christ.We are living for the sake of others. And as we do that, we become the people God has called us to be — people who carry His love, represent Jesus and share the good news of the new life we have found in Him.

  8. Sep 13

    Transformed for a Purpose

    As we came to the conclusion of our series ‘Living the Transformed Life’, Martin O’Brien recapped our journey through 2 Peter 1:1–11 and reminded us that transformation is not the end of the story. God transforms us from the old into the new, but He doesn't transform us simply so that we can feel better about ourselves or become better people for our own sake. He transforms us so that we can become a blessing to others and partner with Him in His mission. Transformed for a Purpose Throughout the series, we have explored Peter's encouragement to supplement our faith with qualities such as moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, patient endurance, godliness, brotherly affection and love. But why are we called to grow in these things? The answer is ultimately mission. Our transformation isn't simply about what God is doing in us. It is also about what God wants to do through us. Jesus makes this clear in John 13:34–35: “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” At the heart of our identity as a church is this calling: To live in His love and to live it out. We receive the love of Christ, we are transformed by that love, and then we allow that love to overflow into the lives of others. A People on Mission Jesus summed up our calling in Mark 12:30–31: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength... Love your neighbour as yourself.” The transformed life is therefore never just about us. We are not simply becoming better, transformed individuals. We are becoming a people through whom God can bless others. We are a family on mission for the sake of others. During the gathering, Martin interviewed two people from the congregation and asked them three questions: How has your journey of faith in Jesus seen you, or something in your life, change? How has that transformation affected the way you serve others? Where do you sense God is inviting you to live for the sake of others in this season of your life? Their stories helped demonstrate the journey we have been exploring throughout this series. Transformation leads to action. As God changes us, we begin to see His love expressed through our lives. We move from simply experiencing transformation to living transformed lives for the sake of others. From the Old to the New 2 Corinthians 5 gives us a powerful picture of what this transformation means. Paul writes that because Christ died for all, those who receive His new life should no longer live for themselves, but live for Christ. Then comes one of the great declarations of the Christian faith: “Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!” This is the life we have been called into. The old has gone. The new has begun. God's transforming work changes the direction of our lives. We are no longer simply living according to the old ways. We have been given new life through Christ. But again, this new life isn't given to us simply for ourselves. The Mission of Reconciliation Paul continues in 2 Corinthians 5 by explaining that God has given us the task of reconciling people to Him. This is the mission. Because we have been transformed, we now live this new, resurrected life with Jesus and for Jesus. And He invites us to partner with Him in bringing others into relationship with God. Paul puts it beautifully: “We are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us.” An ambassador represents someone else. As followers of Jesus, we are called to represent Him wherever we are. In our families. In our workplaces. In our friendships. In our communities. In the way we serve. In the way we speak. In the way we treat people. Our transformed lives become a living demonstration of the love, grace and reconciliation that we have experienced through Jesus. Transformed People, Transformed Communities As we conclude this series, the challenge is not simply to ask, “How am I being transformed?” We should also ask: “Who is God calling me to bless?” “Where is He inviting me to serve?” “Who can I show the love of Jesus to?” “Where is God asking me to be His ambassador?” God changes us so that we can become a blessing to others. He takes us from the old into the new so that we can become fruitful in partnering with Jesus in His mission. Our transformation has a purpose. We are called to live in His love and live it out. And when transformed people live out the love of Jesus, communities can be transformed too. Transformed lives = transformed communities. As we move beyond this series, may we continue to grow in faith, live in the love of Christ and step confidently into the mission He has given us. We are not simply transformed people. We are a people on mission, living for Christ and for the sake of others.

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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.

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