To bring the series to a close, What is a Christian? A Christian is someone on the journey - someone actively seeking a deeper relationship with Christ. Someone who has entered a covenant, a marriage contract between themselves and God. The bride who was engaged upon the Salvation prayer, continues onto marriage through an ever deepening relationship with the Father.
So this is the story of Nigel, the African Parrot - a bilingual bird! It's a journey of Disney proportions and captures the heart of our calling as a Christian. Today we explore submarine and battleship Christians. Join us for this weeks message.
If these were my last words ... what would I say? This is the premise of today's message. If this were the last time to speak, the last time to share, the last time to offer a glimmer of hope ... what would I say?
Trying to understand God's promises is difficult when, for so many, God appears more like a celebrity than a friend. When we are just a fan or a follower, rather than family. This week we look to break through more of the barriers that stop us from having a loving, intimate, personal relationship with our Father.
He who has ears, let them hear. Breaking through to the kernel of Christianity seems veiled by layers upon layers of man made religion, Spiritual attack and a lack of desire. Yet God's promises are clear, that we are free and empowered! This week we kick off a new series, a sub series, to unveil what it is to be Christian.
If our 11 years old son was still breastfeeding that would be odd, wouldn't it. In fact, that would be rather distasteful. Though not such a reflection on our son, as much as on the parents. This week we explore what it is to be a Christian and pose the question, are you growing up? Or are you still on milk? An infant's faith, rather than a reflection of your years as a Christian.
When we ask Jesus to be our Lord and Saviour, it comes with both the promise and the responsibility. This week we talk about prayers for the week, not the weak! Are you bold enough to pray these prayers? To step out in faith and be stretched? Used? Available?
As we explore what it is to be a Christian we dive back into the first step, or step 1. There is something we must do - as it is a choice. We are not forced into submission, rather choose to pray the salvation prayer. Have you done so? Have you done so with knowledge?
This week Maddison brought the Word and challenged us on our safe zone. Where do we consider safe? Where do we put our trust? In our finances? Our work? Our relationships? The things we see, feel? Or are we ready to put our trust, our faith, in the one and only thing that truly is safe?
The baby elephant chained to a peg learns it cannot free itself ... then when it is powerful enough to easily move on - the learned behaviour is enough to imprison the powerful animal. So too, all too often we are chained to our old self, our old ways and our old pegs that shackle us to our past. But we are free ... aren't we?
Why is it that those outside the Church seem to think if they ever walked in the roof would cave in? Or that they wouldn't be welcomed, that they aren't worthy? Or those that have left the church because they felt judged, ashamed, heavy laden? This week we look at Christian stereotypes and some underlying behaviours that have driven this type of thinking.
Could the answer be so simple? Could our quest to discover what is a Christian be wrapped up in so few words? Love the Lord your God, love your neighbour as yourself. Then why don't we hear this message more? Why can't we receive it? Why are we so busy doing Christian rather than being Christian? Join us this week as we continue to explore what it is to be a Christian.
Started out seeking to answer a simple question; What is a Christian? Yet found an amazing complexity layered in years of interpretation and practice. Have we got ourselves so muddled up that we can't answer it anymore? Well, The Answer is ... just that ... the answer! Join us as we dive deeper into what it means to be a Christian.
Are you being Christian or doing Christian? There's a huge difference between the two. When Shakespeare asked "the question", To Be or Not To Be ... he was asking to live (or exist) or not to live. Well a similar question applies to Christians To be a Christian or to do Christian. Listen in as we explore what is a Christian.
Does the word Christian still carry the meaning it did back in Antioch where it was first coined? Has our definition changed? Our expectations? Our conviction? Today we look at the different perspectives of Christianity.
Something a little different today, exploring the good news. The Gospel means good news and so three of our own talked what is the good news to them. Some great perspectives. Thanks to Rick, Rusty and Pete.
Would anyone choose to walk for 40 years when the journey was only 11 days? Before you say no, has anyone lived with fear, anger, worry, anxiety, bitterness or depression for an extended time? Would you say you chose to? Today we explore what matters most ... a continuation from our last message on follow me.
How often do we find ourselves outside of God's plan? Walking a track that we don't want to be on ... and then cry for help! Or maybe there are areas of your life that you would prefer to keep outside your "Christian" walk. Or that your prayers are only activated when life gets tough. Follow me seemingly is a simple statement, yet how come we so often seem to translate it wrong?
What happens when it seems God isn't present? When our faith feels like a drought. It's time like these you need to lean in, to really seek out God and listen. Join us with Rusty this week as he shares a little of his recent journey and the need to lean in.
This week we explore the gift of evangelism, the various models the church has used, and then, focus on how Jesus did it. As we explore scripture we witness virtually the reverse of what we would expect for an outreach program or an evangelism drive ... don't tell anyone!
Oh the Hokey Pokey! That's what it's all about! What if it is that simple? That life is just about the Hokey Pokey. Can you put your whole self in and then your whole self out? Join us this week as we explore what it is to be fishers of men and answer the calling of the Great Commission.
A car's purpose is only fulfilled when it's petrol tank is full. A torch only works when it's batteries are charged. A person can only achieve their purpose when they are filled with the Holy Spirit. Are you empowered? Are you recharged?
The gift of discernment is the ability to distinguish what is of God and what is not of God. Our lives are filled with noise - coming from all directions. Today we explore how to discern the voice of God from the voice of the enemy. Be equipped, be prepared, know you are in battle and be ready!
Easter Sunday is a day of hope, of new opportunity, of a new light. It is a day of fulfilled promises. What better day to talk about the gift of faith. Join us this week as we reflect on the days leading up to Easter and the mountaintop faith that resulted on Easter Sunday. He is risen!
In the greatest display of Jesus' humanity, Good Friday marks the day of his death. Heralding three of the longest days in history, where all hope seems lost. Join us for this short Good Friday message.
Tune in for the 12 steps to accessing your Spiritual Gifts, or maybe the 5 keys to Working in the Spirit, or maybe the Dummies Guide to the Holy Spirit ... well if you are looking for that don't bother! This message is not a prescription to outworking the Holy Spirit, rather a Scripture based focus on developing our relationship with the Holy Spirit.
This week Hillslife Church welcome guest speaker, Rick Vincenti to share on the five fold ministry or Ascension gifts as written in Ephesians 4:11. Join us as we dive into the scriptures to gain a deeper understanding of the gifts of the Spirit.
Continuing our series on Spiritual Gifts, this week we look at how the gifts work through the body of Christ ... His hands and feet. This week we take stock of our series on gifts and hope to challenge and caution as we dive deeper into the power of the Spirit working through the church.
Continuing to explore the gifts of the Spirit, this week we delve into one of the most challenging of all the gifts; giving. From poverty theology to prosperity teaching, the thoughts on giving range far and wide. Join Hillslife as we dive into the scriptures to seek a true understanding of tithes, offering and giving.
Following on from hospitality in the first week, we have now moved on to service. While these gifts may not be controversial they are nonetheless challenging. We are all called to serve, but some are truly gifted. Join us this week as we explore the Spiritual gift of serving.
