In our quest for spiritual growth, it’s vitally important that we understand some essential principles. How is it, exactly, that maturity happens? What role does God play, and what is our own responsibility? Looking at both Hebrews and Matthew, this sermon reinforces the keys to growing up. Watch this message where Senior Pastor Brett Hilliard eats baby food and performs a head stand at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Nobody likes to endure trials but it’s clear that they are the tool by which God moulds us and makes us more like Christ. Trials are God’s lessons for the sake of our perfection, to make us strong in Christ, so that we will receive the crown of life. Watch this message in video format at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Decisions. Every day you make hundreds of them. Some are small and insignificant, and some are more weighty. But all of these decisions will largely impact your life. So how do you decide? As Christians, we desire to follow God’s will, but how do you know what He wants? Does he really care about everything? Do I need to pray about which restaurant to eat at? If He gives me freedom to decide in certain areas, how do I know when I need to consult with God, or just make the call? Looking at Romans ...
The tragedy of Jonah can easily be ours as well. See Jonah actually knew a lot about God. But he refused to let his emotions be ruled by truth. He kept his head and his heart separate. It wasn’t healthy for Jonah, and it’s never healthy for us either. Watch this message in video format at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Chances are you have recent failure. We are broken, flawed, forgetful and self-absorbed, with occasional moments of selfless brilliance. In chapter 3 of Jonah, we see the God of all comfort giving Jonah a second chance. Watch this message in video format at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Life is full of storms, both literally and metaphorically. How you prepare and how you respond can make all the difference. Jonah comes to terms with the condition of his own heart and softens in the presence of his God, something we all can learn from. Watch this message in video format at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Running from God. It’s a foolish notion when you think about it--trying to avoid a God who is everywhere. But our rebellious hearts want to avoid authority and yearn for independence. Our misunderstanding of God makes us think we can do life better apart from Him. And so we run. Watch this message in video format at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Repentance is a heavy word. It is a serious thing but it is not meant to be heavy or punishing. When you realise you have done something wrong, what do you feel and do in response? Repentance relates to your answer to that question and will determine whether you will experience life to the full. Watch this message in video format at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
This message is the fourth in our summer Rhythm series and examines the value of having a life cadence of celebration from various vantage points. We ought to set aside times to celebrate what is good and gracious, and what God has done for us. This message will provide a strong foundation for authentic God-honouring, Christ-centred celebrations. Watch this message in video format at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
We live in a city that is busy 24/7. We consider busyness and lack of sleep as a badge of honour. Yet we all know by instinct that our life is intertwined with a rhythm of work and rest. Quite contrary to our practice, the rhythm of rest is God’s design for us to live a life that is full and meaningful. So how are you doing? Are you rested well physically, emotionally, and spiritually? Is your "tank" full, half empty, or totally empty? Watch this message in video format at www.islandecc.hk/messa...
If we can rediscover His true purpose for our work, we can get in sync with Him. Work doesn’t have to be a grind if we find our rhythm in Him. Watch this message in video format at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
We’re starting a new sermon series today called Rhythm, and today we’re looking at grace. We’re going to explore how to live our lives with a rhythm that both continually receives grace from God, but also shows that same grace to others around us. We then look at how that can get complicated. Watch this message in video format at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
Unprecedented. Have you used that word recently? More importantly, what have you done in your life that is "unprecedented"? God is leading our church to live out a bold faith: one that pushes us past our comfort zones and into unprecedented territory. Stretching, thrilling, and even scary; but most of all, God-honouring. Watch this powerful message in video at www.islandecc.hk/messages .
This message is the fourth in the Trailblazer series and examines from various vantage points the complete transformation that takes place when someone personally accepts and trusts in the person of Jesus Christ.
When was the last time you were afraid? For most adults, it’s probably been a while. We tend to "grow out of" normal childhood fears when we realised that the boogie man really doesn’t exist. But maturity usually just means a shift... from irrational fears to more sophisticated ones. The real question is: Are we fearing the right things?
Everyone needs hope. You may not feel the need for it now, but you will soon. Hope is yearning for improvement in the midst of your despair. Examining a woman in despair in 2 Kings 4, this message shows us a path to hopeful living when circumstances seem daunting.
There are no hidden costs with Jesus because He doesn’t want there to be hidden disappointments. He tells us up-front that He doesn’t want you to be His fan. He does want you to be His follower. And there is a difference.
