Gracecity

When we’re anxious, afraid or need something, praying seems like a good option. What if prayer was more than telling God what we want? This week, we explore 5 ways prayer can change your life.

It’s easier to understand people who look like us, speak like us and think like us. Yet if that’s our only lens for life, we miss out on the richness diversity can bring. Diversity is more than culture and ethnicity it’s a way of life. God’s heart for the church is for people from every nation, tribe, people-group, language, all worshipping Jesus together.

Can I really make a difference? We all long for purpose, we want our lives to matter, our efforts to count for something. We can’t do this alone! God designed us to work together with others. Just like a sports team, every player in their position, the whole team wins. It’s not a solo game! The local church is not a solo game either, it’s designed to have everyone play their unique role, working t...

People who knew him and knew about him thought so. They saw the difference Jesus had made in their lives. His truth was radical, yet personal. This dynamic movement called the early church spread from house to house, attracting people of all walks of life. What’s changed? Can we rediscover what the early church knew? What seismic shift do we need to experience in 2022?

If you had more money to give away would you do it? Most people would say yes, but in reality, probably wouldn’t. This is simply because there is a difference between someone who gives and someone who is generous. Generosity doesn’t have to be big gifts that cost a lot of money. There are simple ways to become generous, happier and to make a difference in this world. Are you generous?

Doing what we know is comfortable, predictable–it’s normal. Normal isn’t bad, but what if God doesn’t want us to go back to the way it was? He helps us see opportunity through disruption. What do we need to do differently?

We know every car needs the right fuel to run. Even when the car is fueled or charged up, it doesn’t go anywhere until the ignition is turned. Did you know that as people, we also need the right sort of fuel or power to live as our creator intended? How do you access this power? It’s a seismic shift.

It’s easy for us to get distracted by people, politics, finances and life’s other challenges. We can become isolated and overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. But what if Jesus has a plan? What if He knows you and wants you to experience His love? Discover His plan for you. You are not alone. You are loved and you matter.

Unity is the heart and the hope of the gospel. Jesus prayed “may they be one….Father, just as we are one.” The Treaty of Waitangi and Te Tiriti o Waitangi was intended to bring two peoples together in genuine partnership. A day of celebration, but also hurts from what happened in our history. What can bring people together and heal relational divides? What is God saying to followers of Jesus in Ao...

Is it wrong to be rich? The book of Proverbs has much to say on the topic. While it never says there's anything wrong with money or wealth, there is definitely a right and wrong way to handle the resources God bestows upon us. There is a danger to wealth that can lead us to ruin so how can we make sure we honour God with our money?

In a world of social media, the age-old problems of comparison, envy and discontent have been elevated to epidemic levels. It is so easy to grow unhappy with our lot in life while gazing enviously at the lives of others. Hear what the ancient wisdom of Proverbs can teach us about slaying the green-eyed monster of envy.

In a world where the lines between right and wrong are increasingly blurred, followers of Jesus should be known for their honesty and integrity in life. So what does the ancient book of Proverbs have to teach us about growing in our ability to make wise and honourable choices in our everyday decisions? And how does Proverbs challenge us to a life of diligence rather than laziness?

In a world where the lines between right and wrong are increasingly blurred, followers of Jesus should be known for their honesty and integrity in life. So what does the ancient book of Proverbs have to teach us about growing in our ability to make wise and honourable choices in our everyday decisions? And how does Proverbs challenge us to a life of diligence rather than laziness?

Almost all of us can look back on moments when we have said things that we later regret. How can we grow in wisdom in the words that we say to others? And how do our choices of friends impact the words we say and the way we live – whether we’re in the teenage years, twilight years, or somewhere in between?

Almost all of us can look back on moments when we have said things that we later regret. How can we grow in wisdom in the words that we say to others? And how do our choices of friends impact the words we say and the way we live – whether we’re in the teenage years, twilight years, or somewhere in between?

New Year is a fresh opportunity to look at life, reassess our priorities and passions, and perhaps make some resolutions for the coming year. What if growing in wisdom was one of those goals? As we begin our Soundbites series in the book of Proverbs, we will learn what is biblical wisdom truly is, and why it is so important.

Experienced disappointment or disruption and longing for change? So too were the people at the very first Christmas. Jesus came to bring Joy, Hope, Peace and Love. It's still true today. Where does your world feel chaotic?

Pride or Humility? We are encouraged these days to take pride in ourselves, our homes, and our achievements. But is there a downside to pride? If you had to choose between pride and humility, what would you choose? Discover what Obadiah has to say that could change the way you think.

Some people do life like they play "Jenga"—pulling blocks out that create instability in relationships and communities. Attitudes and behaviours can build or break unity. How can we bring unity and stability to those around us in a divided and unstable world?

Which matters most: truth or love? Do you prioritise telling the truth or showing love? If we are honest we probably lean one way or another in our everyday interactions. Some people won't speak the truth because they don't want to offend, but is that really loving? Discover how love needs truth and truth needs love to be effective.

For most people, we want God to judge the evil done by others in the world, but we don’t want God to judge us. We want justice when we’ve been hurt, but not when we’re the person who has hurt others. In the book of Jude, we discover it’s not only important that we believe the truth; we also have to live out the truth in our ordinary, everyday lives.

Have you ever been hurt by a friend or family member? You helped them and they turned around and took advantage of you. It's painful, disappointing and charged with emotion. Now there is a wall between you, an emotional and relational barrier that separates you. How do you deal with this?

As the world navigates through a time that's filled with so many diverse opinions/thoughts/feelings about so many things we're experiencing as a society, it is inevitable that we will find ourselves in tight positions and conversations at some point. Instead of letting our frustrations fray us, can we foster unity through a tone and posture of grace and patience?

Feeling Anxious? Stress, fear and worry about tomorrow can rob us of our joy today. Everyone feels anxious at some point in their life, but at times it can feel overwhelming. "What will this mean for my family? my finances? my work? my relationships? What about me?" So, where is God when life becomes too much? He is closer than you think.

When you hear the word “heaven” what springs to mind? Angels? Clouds? Harps? What does the Bible mean when it talks about “the new heavens and the new earth”? And what if our final destiny is much bigger and more creative and more wonderful than we ever dreamed?