Hills Church

In Mark 14, we are drawn into the final days before the cross—a time marked by tension, betrayal, and anticipation. In the midst of it all, two meals reveal both the depth of Jesus’ love and the invitation for us to respond. At the Passover meal, Jesus breaks bread and shares the cup with His disciples, pointing to His body and blood given for us. This moment, which we now remember through communi...

The Bible is far more than a historical record or a book of instructions. It carries the breath of God and speaks life into us as we read it. Through Scripture, God shapes our hearts, strengthens our faith, and invites us into a living relationship with Him. In Mark 13, Jesus speaks about the future shortly before His journey to the cross. As He and His followers leave the magnificent temple in Je...

In Mark 12, we see Jesus in the final week before His crucifixion, surrounded by tension and questions from religious leaders. Even in this challenging moment, He gives a simple, life-changing answer to one of the most important questions:  What is the greatest commandment?  Jesus says it’s to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength—and to love your neighbour as yourself. It’s not a...

From the very beginning, God’s story has been a story of light. In Genesis, the first thing God speaks into the darkness is light—bringing life, order, and goodness. That same thread continues into John, where we see that Jesus is the true Light who came into the world. He shines into our confusion, sin, and struggle, revealing truth and showing us the way back to the Father. Jesus doesn’t stop at...

“Don’t be afraid.” These words echo throughout Scripture — spoken to Abram, to Israel, to shepherds in the fields, and to disciples facing the cross. Again and again, God meets people in uncertain and frightening circumstances with reassurance. Fear itself is not wrong. Some fear protects and guides us wisely. But unchecked fear can drain us, limit our obedience, and keep us from stepping into wha...

What have you received from God—and what are you doing with it? Jesus invites us to live deeply in grace, not just knowing about Him, but relying on Him daily. The gospel reminds us that we are not sustained by our own strength, ability, or righteousness, but by the generous grace of God alone. Every good thing we have flows from Him. Scripture shows us that those who recognise their need for grac...

Over the summer, we were encouraged to step out by praying for others or sharing our faith, inspired by Jesus’ words in John 14 that His followers would do the works He did—and even greater things. Now, with time to reflect, the focus turns to what actually influences our willingness to act. Our actions are shaped by what we truly believe. When it comes to faith, helping others, or sharing the gos...

Jesus once asked His disciples a question that still speaks powerfully today:  “Who do you say I am?”  (Matthew 16:15). While many people in the world see Jesus as a good teacher, prophet, or historical figure, Peter declared the truth that sits at the heart of our faith—Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. In our community and across New Zealand, many people hold different ideas about...

As we begin a new year, we take a moment to reflect and to look forward with hope. The words from Habakkuk remind us that our faith is not dependent on everything going well. Even in seasons of uncertainty or loss, God remains our strength and our joy, and we can choose to trust Him. Looking back, the past year has held different experiences for each of us. Some have walked through challenges they...

As we reflect on the year that has been, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness and goodness, even through seasons we would never have chosen. For many, this year has carried real challenges and moments of pain. Yet alongside the difficulty, there have also been moments of courage—times when people responded to the gentle prompting of the Holy Spirit to speak, act, or encourage others. When we cons...

As Christmas draws near, this is a moment to pause, give thanks, and reflect on God’s faithfulness through every season of church life. In times of transition and celebration, we are reminded of Jesus’ words in John 14, where He invites those who believe in Him to live as He lived and to participate in the works He began. While that invitation can feel daunting, Jesus also promises the Holy Spirit...

The disciples had proclaimed the kingdom, healed the sick, and driven out demons. But Jesus pointed to something deeper that was coming. The “greater thing” would not only be about power or activity, but about transformation from the inside out. Scripture helps us understand this by placing love at the very centre of life with God. In 1 Corinthians 13, love is patiently described as kind, humble,...

Communion invites believers to return to the awe, reverence, and holiness of Christ. For someone who did not grow up in a Christian environment, the idea of sacredness was originally shaped by a different faith tradition—where holy things were treated with deep respect. But encountering Jesus made sacredness personal: a holy God who knows each of us by name and gave himself for us.  Over time, fai...

John 14 invites followers of Jesus to step into the life and work that He modelled—works that reflect God’s heart for people. While we often think of miracles as the “greater things,” Scripture also highlights Jesus’ quieter acts of compassion: seeking out those on the margins, restoring the broken, defending the vulnerable, and offering grace where others offered judgment. Stories like Zacchaeus...

Jesus’ words in  John 14:12  invite every believer into a life shaped by His example: doing the works He did — and even greater things. For many Christians, these words feel inspiring yet distant. It’s easy to notice a gap between what Scripture promises and what we currently experience. But instead of lowering expectations or explaining away the verse, we’re invited to let God stretch our faith a...

As Christmas draws near, it’s a time to reflect on Jesus—not just as the baby in the manger, but as the Son of God whose life and works continue to invite participation. John 14:12 reminds us that those who trust in Him are called to do the same works He did, and even greater things through His Spirit. Belief is more than acknowledging Jesus; it’s trusting Him fully, entrusting every part of life...

In  John 14:12 , Jesus says,  “Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing, and even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”   These words invite believers to live in the reality that Christ’s life continues through us. To understand this, we must first recognise what it means to live  in Christ  and for  Christ to live in us . Much of Scripture points to the im...

John 6 reminds us that Jesus offers more than physical provision—He offers Himself as the true source of life. After feeding the five thousand, He explained that while ordinary bread satisfies for a moment, He is the Bread from Heaven who gives life that never ends. People often seek God for what He can give, but Jesus invites us to something deeper: to believe in Him, to draw near, and to receive...

Colossians 1 reveals the greatness of Jesus Christ — the visible image of the invisible God. Everything in heaven and on earth was created by Him and for Him, and in Him all things hold together. He is before all things, the head of the Church, and the One who brings order, meaning, and life to all creation. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has redeemed and reconciled us to God. This reco...

Every action of love and obedience to God can create a ripple that spreads far beyond what we see. Like a stone dropped into still water, when God moves in our lives, His Spirit stirs transformation that continues outward—touching hearts, changing situations, and revealing His presence in the world. The story of the man at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5) shows that Jesus doesn’t wait for the perfect...

Humanity’s story begins with deep connection to God. In the garden, Adam and Eve walked openly with their Creator, unashamed and at peace. But once they disobeyed, shame entered the picture. They hid—not because God rejected them, but because they believed they were no longer worthy of His presence. That same lie still whispers to us today:  “You’re not good enough for God.” At the same time, prid...

One of the greatest truths of Scripture is the shift from God being  with us  in the Old Testament to God being  within us  through Christ in the New. This small change in wording carries an enormous reality: believers are not simply walking alongside Jesus but are indwelt by His Spirit, alive because of Him. Throughout the Old Testament, God revealed His presence through the temple, prophets, and...

The gospel is the foundation of our lives. When trials come, Scripture shows us that God’s people did not turn first to politics or arguments but to the truth of Christ. Stephen, as he was martyred, declared the glory of Jesus. Paul endured persecution for the sake of the gospel. Their strength came from Jesus Himself—who lived a sinless life, died for our sins, rose again, and promised the Holy S...

Colossians reminds us that the gospel was always meant for everyone. What Simeon prophesied over the baby Jesus—that He would be a light to the Gentiles—has come true. Churches like the one in Colosse became living proof that God’s plan was never just for Israel, but for the whole world. That includes us. In Colossians 2:6–8, we are urged: “Just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to li...

Jesus eagerly desired to share the Passover meal with His disciples before He suffered. Around that table, he took the bread and said, "This is my body, given for you." He lifted the cup and declared, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, poured out for you." In this simple yet profound meal, the sovereignty of God comes to the crux of His plan for fallen humanity. Communi...