This week, Martin O’Brien powerfully continued his teaching on the altar of fire, showing how the image of fire moves from the Old Testament altar to the New Testament heart—and what we must do when that fire begins to fade.

The Fulfilment of Fire: From Malachi to Jesus

We began in Malachi 3:1–3, where the prophet speaks of one who is coming like a refiner’s fire—a foretelling of Jesus, the Lamb of God, who would purify, redeem, and restore us.

In John 1:29, we see that prophecy fulfilled:

“Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

Where once sacrifices were laid on the altar to atone for sin, Jesus became the final and perfect sacrifice—not just covering sin, but removing it.

Atonement and the Fire of Reconciliation

Martin reminded us of the meaning of atonement—to repair a broken relationship. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, reconciled us to God. The altar is no longer made of stone and bronze—it’s our hearts, set ablaze by His grace and love.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

— John 15:13

“Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”

— Ephesians 5:2

The Fire Falls Again: Pentecost and the Holy Spirit

In Acts 2, the fire of God descends again—not onto a physical altar, but onto people. The Holy Spirit, represented by tongues of fire, fills the disciples.

Now we are the carriers of the flame.

“Fan into flame the spiritual gift God gave you.”

— 2 Timothy 1:6

Martin urged us to keep the fire burning by staying connected to the Holy Spirit, and by living lives that reflect our ongoing transformation in Christ.

How Do We Keep the Fire Burning?

This Sunday at Myrtle House, Martin O’Brien picked up from last week’s powerful message, diving deeper into the theme of the altar of fire. His questions challenged us all:

What is the altar of fire?

How do you keep the fire burning?

What do you do if the fire has gone out?

Through the lens of 2 Chronicles 15:1–15, Martin reminded us that when we seek God, we find Him—and He responds with fire.

The Altar of Fire: A Place of Encounter

The altar in the Old Testament was central to worship—it symbolized:

God’s presence

Purification

A covenant relationship

“The fire on the altar must be kept burning; it must not go out.”

— Leviticus 6:13

This wasn't just about physical fire, but the spiritual fire of devotion, passion, and connection with God.

What Does It Take to Burn Bright?

Martin drew a brilliant parallel between what makes a real fire burn and what keeps our spiritual fire alive:

This Sunday, Bill Chapman shared a powerful message drawn from the dramatic confrontation in 1 Kings 18-19—when Elijah faced off against the prophets of Baal. But Bill didn’t just talk about fire from heaven; he talked about the fire within us.

Fire isn’t just about miracles.

It’s about refining.

Why Fire? Why Challenges?

From Proverbs to Malachi, from Isaiah to 1 Peter, the Bible shows us again and again that God uses fire to refine His people. Whether it’s the literal fire Elijah called down, or the refining fire of suffering Isaiah describes, God’s purpose is the same: transformation.

“I have refined you through suffering.”

— Isaiah 48

Challenges, hardships, and even suffering are not signs of God’s absence—they’re often evidence of His hand at work, refining you like precious metal.

Instead of running from God in the midst of pain, Bill challenged us to press in deeper. Let the fire change you, not destroy you.

The Faith of Jesus – Not Just Faith in Jesus

This is where the message became deeply personal. Many of us are content to have faith in Jesus—to trust Him, call out to Him, and follow Him.

But Bill posed the bigger question:

Do we have the faith of Jesus?

What’s the difference?

In Mark 4, when the storm hits, the disciples panic. Jesus sleeps.

Why?

Because Jesus knew who His Father was. He understood the mission. He trusted the promises. His faith wasn’t fragile—it was settled.

Bill reminded us:

Jesus didn’t panic in the storm, and if we’re going to reflect Him to a watching world, neither should we.

Refined to Reflect

Faith in Jesus is where we start.

But we’re called to mature beyond that.

From fear to confidence.

From panic to peace.

From spectators to participants.

Galatians 2:20 puts it simply:

“I live by the faith of the Son of God…”

What if your life reflected not just your belief in Him, but His own unshakable faith living through you?

The Challenge: Through the Fire

Bill’s message closed with a call to action:

Don’t despise the fire. Let it refine you.

Hold onto Jesus when the storms rage.

Move from simply believing in Jesus to living like Jesus.

Step into a faith that transforms your choices, your speech, and your impact.

Because when the world sees the faith of Jesus in you, they won’t ask about your theology.

They’ll ask about your life.

Reflection Questions:

Are you running from the refining fire, or letting God shape you through it?

In life’s storms, do you have faith in Jesus, or are you growing into the faith of Jesus?

Where is God calling you to step up and live boldly with the faith that transforms?

This Sunday, Ellen Chapman continued her journey through the life of David, reminding us that before he ever wore a crown, he carried a staff. David wasn’t just the warrior who defeated Goliath or the king who ruled a nation—he was a shepherd boy who knew the heart of his God.

The message this week centred around Psalm 23, one of the most well-known and well-loved passages in Scripture. Written by David later in life, it reflects the deep understanding of who God is, formed through years of walking with Him—through valleys, victories, and everything in between.

A Psalm for Real Life

Psalm 23 isn’t a fairytale. It’s not a story from someone who’s had an easy life. It’s a song from a man who made mistakes, faced giants, felt fear, and walked through darkness, but knew one truth more deeply than anything else:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.”

This was David’s praise, not just his poetry. He had experienced God’s provision, protection, and presence—and in this Psalm, he invites us to see God the same way.

What Does It Mean That God Is Our Shepherd?

Ellen unpacked the qualities of a shepherd and reminded us that God is all of them for us:

Provider – “He makes me lie down in green pastures…”

God knows what we need, and He doesn’t just give us scraps—He leads us to nourishing places that restore and refresh.

Leader – “He guides me along the right paths…”

Even when we don’t understand, we can trust His direction. Obedience isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it.

Protector – “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil…”

David had faced darkness, betrayal, loneliness—and he knew that God was with him through it all.

Anointer – “You anoint my head with oil…”

God doesn’t just help us survive—He blesses and sets us apart. His anointing reminds us that we’re chosen, even in the presence of enemies or pressure.

God’s Goodness Will Chase You

One of the most powerful promises in this Psalm is verse 6:

“Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life…”

God’s love doesn’t stop chasing you. His goodness isn’t reserved for the “perfect Christian”—it’s for the person who stays close to the Shepherd. It’s for the one who realigns their heart daily, saying: “Lead me, Lord. You know the way.”

Let the Shepherd Lead

As Ellen reminded us, following the Shepherd takes trust and obedience. Even when you’re not sure where He’s taking you, or why the path looks difficult, He is always leading you somewhere good.

So today, take a moment to realign your heart. Step back from the noise. Remember who’s leading you.

Let the Shepherd guide you.

Let His voice be the loudest.

Let His presence bring peace.

Because if David—the warrior, king, and worshipper—could still say, “I lack nothing,” so can you.

Reflection Questions:

Are you letting God lead in your life right now, or are you still holding the reins?

Which verse from Psalm 23 speaks most deeply to your current season?

Is there an area where you need to realign yourself with the Shepherd today?

This past Sunday, Ellen Chapman walked us through the early life of David—the boy anointed by God to be king, long before he wore a crown. From the anointing in 1 Samuel 16 to the battlefield showdown with Goliath in chapter 17, we explored what it means to be appointed by God, prepared in the wilderness, and called to overcome giants.

Anointed & Appointed: What Has God Set You Apart For?

Ellen began with a question that cuts to the core of our calling:

“What has God anointed and appointed you for?”

David wasn’t anointed because he looked the part. He was chosen because of his heart. Just like David, you have been set apart—called not only to follow Jesus but to influence others around you.

What’s the fire burning inside you?

Is it for your neighbours to encounter Jesus?

Is it for your family to come to faith?

Is it to see your community transformed?

If so, the King of Kings has everything you need to fulfil His purpose in and through you. The only question is: Do you believe it?

Facing Your Goliath: What’s Holding You Back?

In 1 Samuel 17, we see David step into his destiny. But before Goliath fell, David first had to overcome doubt, delay, and dismissal—even from his own people. Sound familiar?

Many of us are facing our own “giants”—those inner or outer obstacles that stand in the way of fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.

Ellen introduced five stones—five qualities—that prepared David to take down Goliath. Missing any of these can weaken your fight, but with them, you’ll stand tall like David:

Commitment – David was wholeheartedly committed to God (Matthew 22:37). Are you?

Courage – When God is central, fear fades. Joshua 1:6 reminds us to “be strong and courageous.”

Communication – David spoke God’s truth boldly. Are you declaring God’s word over your situation?

Capability – Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” God equips you!

Confidence – Psalm 118:6: “The Lord is for me, so I will not be afraid.” Is your confidence rooted in Him?

This Sunday, guest speaker Stuart Blount led us into a powerful and prophetic vision from Revelation 22, painting a picture of the Kingdom to come—but also the Kingdom that is breaking in now. With clarity and conviction, Stuart drew our eyes to three central dynamics from John’s vision: The Throne, The River, and The City.

These are not just symbols of a distant future—they are truths to live by today.

1. The Throne: Who Reigns in Your Life?

At the centre of heaven, the universe, and our faith is one throne—and one King.

“The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city…” – Revelation 22:3

The throne speaks of power, authority, and dominion. Every other throne, every other power—bows before it. Whether we acknowledge it or not, Jesus is King. The question is: Is He your King?

We can’t truly experience Kingdom life without surrendering to the King. Every word, decision, and judgment that comes from His throne brings life.

2. The River: Life Flows from the King

From the throne flows a river—a picture of the Holy Spirit and the life of God.

Stuart reminded us of Ezekiel 47, where a river flows from the temple bringing life wherever it goes. John echoes that same vision in Revelation—trees flourish, fruit abounds, and healing flows.

“Wherever the river flows, everything will live.” – Ezekiel 47:9

Jesus says in John 7:37-39 that those who come to Him will have rivers of living water flowing from within. This is the Spirit, available to all who believe—but it starts with surrender.

This Father’s Day, Bill Chapman brought a stirring and insightful message that reached into the heart of every man—and into the soul of the Church. Drawing inspiration from a powerful podcast by Carey Nieuwhof featuring John Eldredge, Bill unpacked the six biblical stages of a man’s spiritual and emotional maturity, each mapped beautifully in the life and ministry of Jesus.

This wasn’t just a message for dads, but a call to all men to understand their God-given identity, embrace their journey, and step into their purpose with courage, love, and wisdom.

The Six Stages of a Man’s Maturity

1. The Beloved Son (0–10 years)

The journey starts here: every man must know he is beloved.

Beloved means “dearly loved,” especially by a father or father figure.

Without this foundation, every other stage is shaky. If a man doesn’t know he is loved, he will try to fill that gap with success, possessions, or approval.

Even Jesus needed to hear this:

“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” — Matthew 3:17

Are we speaking this truth over the boys and young men in our community?

2. The Ranger (10–18 years)

This is the season of risk-taking, adventure, and discipline.

A boy becomes a young man by exploring, pushing boundaries, and beginning to take ownership of his growth.

Jesus modeled this when He sent out His disciples—teenagers—two by two:

“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers...” — Matthew 10

Men are meant to range beyond comfort, stepping into adventure and learning responsibility.

3. The Warrior (18–20s)

Every man needs a cause to fight for.

This is the age of convictions, standing for justice, and confronting darkness.

Jesus told His disciples they had been given authority to cast out demons and heal the sick. This is warfare—not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual strongholds and systems of oppression.

“It is our cause to see the lonely brought in... and the broken made whole.”

4. The Lover (Mid 20s–40s)

Here, a man learns to love deeply and appropriately—his spouse, children, community, and even his enemies.

Jesus gave a new commandment:

“Love one another as I have loved you.” — John 13:34

This kind of love is sacrificial, servant-hearted, and powerful. It softens hearts and changes lives.

5. The King (40s–50s)

In this stage, a man’s authority is rooted in humility, experience, and service.

He is not just influencing others, but building up those around him.

Paul writes:

“The authority the Lord gave me is for building you up, not tearing you down.” — 2 Corinthians 10:8

A true king rules not with dominance, but with dignity and care.

6. The Sage (60s–70s and beyond)

The final phase is about passing on wisdom, mentoring the younger, and guiding with humility and sincerity.

“Wisdom from above is pure... gentle, open to reason, full of mercy...” — James 3:17

The sage doesn’t need a title—his life speaks. His wisdom becomes legacy.

The Heart of the Message: Men, Step Into the Journey

Bill left us with a clear and powerful challenge:

This past Sunday, Ellen Chapman continued our journey through the Big Story of the Bible by taking us into the transformational life of Abraham—a man whose faith, obedience, and story still speak deeply into our own.

Spanning Genesis 11–25, we were reminded that God’s Big Story is also our story. It’s not just a tale from ancient history—it’s a living, breathing invitation into partnership with God.

The Call of Abraham: When God Says “Go”

In Genesis 12, we see the beginning of Abraham’s faith journey:

“The Lord said to Abram, ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’” (Gen. 12:1)

Abraham obeyed—even though he didn’t know where he was going.

He heard, he trusted, and he went.

Ellen challenged us with these powerful questions:

Are you responsive to the voice of God?

When He says “Go,” are you willing to move?

Are you where you need to be, or is God calling you to something new?

Faith means movement.

Faith is action.

Like Abraham, we are called to be witnesses, living lives that reflect the God who sends us.

The Discipline of Obedience: Doing the Right Thing

Abraham wasn’t perfect. He and Sarah made mistakes. But what marked his life was this:

He had a heart that was after God.

That kind of obedience doesn’t come from emotion or impulse—it’s built on discipline and foundation.

Doing the small, right things builds a life ready to do the big, God things.

“You have to have the foundations in your life to respond to the call of God.”

So ask yourself:

What small steps of obedience do I need to take?

Am I laying down the right foundations to hear and respond to God?

The Test of Sacrifice: What Are You Willing to Lay Down?

One of the most powerful moments in Abraham’s journey was when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac.

This wasn’t just about obedience—it was about trusting God with the most precious thing in his life.

Abraham's willingness to lay down his son was an act of radical trust in a God he believed would never fail him.

What is God asking you to sacrifice today?

What are you holding onto that might be holding you back?

True worship often involves laying something down. Sacrifice clears the way for greater purpose.

God Is Calling You—Are You Ready to Go?

Abraham’s story reminds us that God doesn’t just call heroes—He calls ordinary people who are willing to go.

And He’s still calling today.

Will you answer the call?

Will you step out in obedience?

Will you go, even if you don’t know where the path leads?

You Have a Story Too

Your life has meaning.

Your experiences have weight.

Your story, like Abraham’s, is part of the Big Story of what God is doing in this world.

Ellen reminded us that:

“You have life experiences that will change the circumstances and experiences of other people.”

So today, ask yourself:

Where and how am I serving God?

What do I need to lay down?

Am I prepared to go?

Final Encouragement

Abraham’s life teaches us that faith is a journey, obedience is a choice, and God’s story is one of invitation, transformation, and mission.

God has an amazing plan for this community—and you’re a part of it.

Step into the story.

Be willing to go. Be willing to give. Be willing to grow.

This past Sunday at Myrtle House, Bill Chapman led us deeper into the journey we’ve been taking through The Big Story Bible—zooming out to see God’s grand narrative, yet also zooming in to see how our small stories matter.

In a world that often celebrates isolation and self-sufficiency, this message was a clear call back to something vital and ancient:

We were made to belong.

We were created for community.

What Makes a Christian?

Bill challenged us with a thought-provoking question:

What makes someone a Christian?

His answer wasn’t about the words we say or the beliefs we hold in our heads—it was about action.

“A Christian is someone willing to shoulder their cross voluntarily and trudge uphill regardless of circumstances.”

It's not about spiritual lip service, but a lifestyle of surrender. And that lifestyle is meant to be lived out in community, not in isolation.

Worship and Priority

Bill defined worship in a refreshingly simple and powerful way:

“Worship is prioritising. It’s a hierarchy of preferences.”

What (or who) we place at the top of our priorities will shape our lives. If God is truly our priority, we will live lives of intentional connection—with Him and with others.

The Bible's Big Picture through Four Key Passages

We explored four major sections of Scripture that tell one continuous story—from creation to restoration:

Genesis 1 – In the beginning...

Isaiah 11, 35, 55, 65 – Prophetic glimpses of restoration and hope.

Revelation 21 & 22 – A new heaven, a new earth. God dwelling with His people.

Genesis 2 – The Garden of Eden, a place of intimacy, community, and connection.

The theme?

From Eden to eternity, God’s heart is to dwell with His people.

He has always wanted to walk with us, live among us, and build a family.

Belonging: God’s Heart and Our Need

Bill asked us, “What did you hear?”

And perhaps the clearest theme was this:

God wants us to belong.

He places us in spiritual families (Psalm 68:6).

He calls us to intentionally invest in life together.

He wants us to encourage, carry, coach, and challenge one another.

The Enemy’s Strategy: Isolation

Just as God's plan is for community, the enemy’s plan is the opposite.

Isolation is his weapon.

If he can separate you from the family of God, he can distract you from your purpose.

That’s why community takes effort.

Being part of a life group or small group isn’t just a nice idea—it’s essential Kingdom living.

It requires time, heart, vulnerability, energy—but the fruit is transformation.

“The Kingdom looks like family.”

Scriptures to Reflect on This Week

Here are five verses Bill encouraged us to meditate on this week—each one pointing to God’s deep desire to dwell with us:

Revelation 21:3 – “Now the dwelling of God is with men…”

Ephesians 3:17 – “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith…”

2 Corinthians 6:16 – “I will live with them and walk among them…”

Zechariah 2:10 – “I am coming, and I will live among you…”

John 14:23 – “We will come to them and make our home with them…”

Let these promises remind you that God is near, and He wants you to walk out this life with others.

A Simple Challenge: Join a Life Group

Don’t do life alone.

Make the effort.

Get connected.

Build community. Build Kingdom.

Following on from last week's message by Steve Ball on engaging with God through meditation on Scripture, this Sunday Martin O’Brien took us deeper into one specific and powerful step of that journey: praying Scripture.

“When you don’t know what to pray… pray the Word.”

This might sound simple, but it’s life-changing.

The Power of Praying Scripture

Martin reminded us that many of us have moments when we don’t know how to pray or what to say to God. But that should never stop us—because Scripture gives us the words.

Read it.

Write it.

Then pray it.

There is always something to pray. Just open your Bible.

Practical Ways to Strengthen Your Prayer Life

Martin gave us a few practical tools to begin developing a rich and consistent prayer life, rooted in Scripture: