The Chapel Bendemeer Podcast

What is standing in the way of you responding to Jesus? In this special One Day Sunday message, Ps Linnea Barlow explores the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19, a man who was determined to see Jesus but discovered that Jesus already knew him and had come to save him. Through his encounter, we're challenged to consider the barriers, assumptions and comforts that can keep us from responding to God. Discover how the grace of Jesus meets us where we are, transforms the way we live and invites us to take our next step of faith, rather than continually putting it off until “one day”.

Following Jesus Is Bigger Than Me | Who Are We Making Room For? Is it possible to be growing in our personal relationship with Jesus while making very little room for the people around us? In this message, Mikey Barlow explores Ephesians 4 and challenges us to consider whether our faith is producing genuine love, meaningful relationships and spiritual growth in others. Looking at the difference between interaction and intimacy, we're reminded that following Jesus isn't simply about personal spiritual disciplines or attending church, but actively belonging and contributing to His family. Discover why spiritual maturity is reflected not only in what we receive from Jesus, but in how we make room for others to know Him and grow in their relationship with Him.

God’s Covenant Promise What if the entire story of the Bible is ultimately about God’s desire to have a people of His own? In this message, Ps Bronnie Bonnell explores the biblical covenants, from Adam and Noah through Abraham and David, revealing God’s unfolding plan to restore His relationship with humanity. Through powerful Scripture and personal testimony, we’re reminded that God’s faithfulness remains constant, even in the midst of chaos, failure and uncertainty. Discover how every covenant ultimately points towards Jesus, whose sacrifice establishes a new covenant and invites us to receive His forgiveness, mercy and grace.

Raw & Better What kind of church are we becoming? In this message, Ps Bron Bonnell unpacks two of The Chapel’s cultural values: Raw and Better . Through Galatians 6, Philippians 3 and Colossians 3, we’re challenged to live with courageous authenticity while refusing to settle for where we are today. Discover why following Jesus isn’t about appearing polished or pretending we have arrived, but honestly recognising where we are while continually pressing on to become more like Him.

Who Is On Your List? Who has God placed in your life for you to intentionally encourage, strengthen and help grow? In the final message of Cross Connections , we look to the right of the cross and consider our responsibility to invest in others. We’re challenged to move beyond good intentions and identify the people God has entrusted to us, making discipleship a deliberate part of everyday life. Discover how ordinary conversations, encouragement and consistently showing up can help someone else take their next step towards Jesus.

You Cannot Do This Alone What’s the difference between simply being in a crowd and truly being part of a family? In week three of Cross Connections , we look sideways at the cross to the people God has placed beside us. Through Scriptures including 2 Timothy 2:22 and Hebrews 3:13, we’re challenged to move beyond surface-level connection and build relationships where we are genuinely known, encouraged and strengthened. Discover why following Jesus was never meant to be done alone, and why real Christian community is essential to helping us remain faithful and grow together.

Who is growing because you are intentionally investing in them? In week two of Cross Connections , we explore the other side of discipleship: not only having someone ahead of us, but intentionally investing in someone coming up behind us. Through Hebrews 5 and Paul’s instruction to Timothy in 2 Timothy 2, we’re reminded that spiritual maturity isn’t measured simply by how much we receive, but by what flows through us into others. Discover why you don’t need to have everything figured out before you can disciple someone, and how helping others grow can become part of your own growth in Jesus.

What if the areas where we most need to grow are the ones we struggle to see in ourselves? In the first message of the Cross Connections series, we explore the difference between simply getting older and actually becoming spiritually mature. Through Hebrews 5, 1 Corinthians 3 and other Scriptures, we’re challenged to recognise the signs of immaturity and consider the relationships and voices shaping our lives. Discover why healthy connection, honest correction and keeping Jesus at the centre are essential if we want to keep growing into maturity.

What does godly fatherhood look like in the everyday moments of family life? In this special Father’s Day conversation, Mikey Barlow is joined by fathers and mothers from The Chapel Bendemeer to explore the influence men carry in their homes. Through honest stories and practical wisdom, they discuss being present, leading a family towards Jesus, navigating failure, having difficult conversations and modelling a faith that extends beyond Sunday. Be encouraged that godly fatherhood isn’t about getting everything right, but faithfully showing up, growing in Christ and pointing your family towards Him.

What happens when your life is moving forward, but your heart is still facing backwards? In this message, Ps Linnea Barlow explores the stories of Lot’s wife and the Israelites in the wilderness, showing how past pain, familiarity and attachment can shape the way we respond to where God is leading us now. We’re challenged to recognise what may be keeping us looking back, bring what is exposed to God, and move forward with open hands. When we trust the direction of our lives to Jesus, we can release what’s behind us and follow Him into what He has ahead.

What is your service really flowing from? In this message, Mikey Barlow explores the subtle danger of allowing self to remain at the centre of our lives, even while doing good things for God. Looking at the lives of Judas, James and John, and ultimately the example of Jesus, we're challenged to examine the source of our service. Discover how Christ not only calls us to serve, but first serves us through the cross, freeing us from seeking recognition, approval and significance through what we do. True Christian service doesn't flow from guilt or obligation, but from the grace of the One who came not to be served, but to serve.

In this encouraging message, David Skews unpacks the account of the paralysed man in Luke 5, revealing how Jesus sees beyond our outward circumstances to the deeper work He wants to do within us. With practical stories, personal testimony, and a focus on the power of the Holy Spirit, David challenges us to let the "man inside" stand up in faith, hope and obedience. Be reminded that the same God who raised Jesus from the dead is still at work today, bringing healing, restoration and new life to all who come to Him.

What do you do when you find yourself stuck in the middle, between God's promise and its fulfilment, between the battle and the breakthrough? In this message, Ps. Linnea Barlow explores the story of David and Goliath, reminding us that the greatest battles are often fought in the waiting. Discover how fear loses its grip when we remember God's faithfulness, why the middle is often where God prepares us for what lies ahead, and how we can remain faithful when the outcome is still unseen. If you're walking through a season of waiting, uncertainty, or spiritual battle, this message will encourage you to keep trusting the God who is at work in the middle.

What do you do when hope feels out of reach? In this message, Ps Linnea Barlow explores the powerful account of Jairus and the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years from Mark 5:21–43. Through two very different stories of desperation, we're reminded that Jesus is never rushed, never indifferent, and always moves towards those who come to Him in faith. Discover how Christ meets us in our deepest need, restores what seems lost, and invites us to trust Him even when the outcome is uncertain.

Where do you turn when your heart longs for more? In this message, we explore how our deepest desires were never meant to be satisfied by success, possessions or the pursuit of more, but by the presence of God. Looking through passages including Matthew 6, Philippians 4 and Isaiah 6, we’re reminded that true security, purpose and contentment are found in Christ alone, and that His presence changes everything.

In this special vision message, Ps. Bronnie Bonnell, Ps. Brent Bonnell, Mikey Barlow, and Linnea Barlow share the heart behind Hope Partners and what it means to partner together in advancing the Kingdom of God. Exploring the biblical foundations of generosity, stewardship, and mission, they unpack the difference between the tithe and giving beyond the tithe, before sharing practical ways The Chapel Bendemeer will outwork Hope Partners through local and global projects. Discover how ordinary acts of generosity can have an extraordinary impact as we join together to bring hope, meet needs, and point people to Jesus.

What place should money have in the life of a follower of Jesus? In this message, Ps. Bronnie Bonnell unpacks the biblical principle of tithing, exploring why putting God first in our finances is ultimately an issue of trust, worship, and stewardship. Addressing common questions, misconceptions, and past hurts surrounding giving, she examines what Scripture teaches from both the Old and New Testaments and challenges us to consider whether God truly comes first in every area of our lives. A practical and grace-filled message about faith, generosity, and the freedom that comes from honouring God with our first and best.

Why does worship sometimes feel effortless, while at other times it feels dry or distant? In this message, we explore the difference between worship that is driven by emotion and worship that is grounded in the unchanging worth of God. Through Romans 12, John 4, and other key passages, we discover that worship is far more than music or a moment on a Sunday. It is a life surrendered to God in every season. Whether your heart feels full or your emotions feel flat, this message will encourage you to stop outsourcing your worship, fix your eyes on God’s unchanging character, and offer Him your whole life as an act of worship.

Family can be one of God’s greatest gifts, but it can also be one of life’s greatest challenges. In this personal and faith-filled message, Ps. Linnea Barlow shares the journey of navigating ministry, marriage, parenting, disappointment, and God’s unexpected direction. Through Scripture and real-life experiences, she explores God’s design for both natural family and church family, reminding us that healthy families are not built through striving, but through surrender, unity, and obedience to God. Whether you’re in a season of growth, hardship, healing, or waiting, this message will encourage you to trust God’s process and discover what it means to become a family that flies.

What if the key to God’s favour, guidance, and purpose in your life isn’t striving harder, but walking in greater humility? In this message, Ps. Darren Bonnell unpacks James 4 and explores the powerful truth that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Through biblical teaching and practical examples, he challenges us to examine the subtle ways pride can shape our decisions, relationships, ambitions, and response to God’s leading. Humility is more than thinking less of yourself. It’s surrendering your life to God’s direction, trusting His timing, and choosing obedience even when it costs you. As we humble ourselves before the Lord, we position ourselves for His grace, His presence, and His purpose to be fulfilled in and through our lives. This message will encourage you to identify the areas where God is calling you to trust Him more deeply and take the next step of obedience toward the future He has prepared for you. Scripture: James 4:6-10