Hills Church Podcast

18 October 2026How does following Jesus shape life at home?In the second message of our Titus series, Ps. Mark Missenden explores Titus 2 and the call to live what we believe. Through everyday conversations, relationships across generations and welcoming homes, we can help one another grow in faith. Discover how God’s grace empowers us to practise forgiveness, model godly character and make the message of Jesus attractive through our lives._______________Scripture: Titus 2:1 to 15In Titus 1, Paul calls for integrity in the church. In Titus 2, that same call extends into our homes and closest relationships. Mark explores three connected practices: teaching through words and actions, passing faith on through apprenticeship, and living by God’s grace.Teach through words and actionsPaul calls Titus to promote living that reflects wholesome teaching. What we say and how we live need to agree.Self control, respect, wisdom, faith, love and patience give practical expression to what we believe. We continue learning from Jesus even as we teach others.Use everyday opportunitiesDiscipleship can happen during ordinary moments, including school runs, conversations at home and calls to encourage a friend.Mark suggests sharing a Scripture you are thinking about and asking others what they think. Older believers can also listen to younger people and share how God has been faithful through their own experiences.Pass faith on through apprenticeshipJesus taught His disciples, demonstrated how to live and then sent them to do the same.Mark compares this to a tradesperson intentionally showing an apprentice what they need to learn. We can invite others to see how we pray, love our families, handle challenges and follow Jesus in daily life.Build relationships that honour JesusMark connects Paul’s instructions about marriage with mutual submission in Ephesians 5. Husbands and wives are called to demonstrate sacrificial love, dignity and trust.Neither submission nor sacrifice is something we demand from someone else. The way we honour one another can help those around us see the goodness of the gospel.Everyone has a placePaul addresses older and younger believers. Everyone has something to learn and something to contribute.The church is a family of families. This includes people who are single, widowed, divorced, far from relatives or the only believer in their household. We can receive encouragement and invest in others within this church family.God’s grace makes this possibleTitus 2:11 to 14 teaches that God’s grace offers salvation to all people and trains us to live with wisdom, righteousness and devotion to Him.Grace continues to shape us after we first believe. Jesus gave Himself to free us from sin and make us His people, committed to doing good.A home set apart for HimA holy home belongs to God. It does not require a perfect family.Mark describes homes marked by honesty, generosity, patience, forgiveness and hospitality. These everyday choices strengthen the church and make the teaching about Jesus attractive.Four invitations for the week1. Apologise quickly. Be willing to say, “I was wrong. I’m sorry. Will you forgive me?”2. Model how you learn. Let others see you reading Scripture, praying and responding to Jesus.3. Be intentional about teaching and learning. Consider who you are helping, what they need, and who you can learn from.4. Open your door. Create opportunities for people to experience a warm home where following Jesus is part of everyday life.

Is the culture around us shaping our faith, or are we influencing others for Jesus?In “Titus: Culture Changers,” Ps. Mark Missenden begins our Titus series by exploring Paul’s call to build a church grounded in truth and marked by godly character. Through Titus 1, we consider how worship shapes us, why spiritual maturity matters for every believer, and how hospitality creates opportunities to share our faith.This message invites us to let Jesus shape our everyday lives, find freedom from past shame, and welcome others into a community that reflects Him.---------Scripture: Titus 1:1 to 16Paul leaves Titus in Crete to complete the work and appoint elders. The church faces false teaching and a culture that is shaping its character. Paul’s response is to establish a people who know God’s truth and live differently.Which way is influence flowing?Mark asks whether the church is influencing the culture around it or allowing that culture to shape its life.A healthy church shares a message of truth and hope through both its teaching and its actions.We become like what we worshipWhat receives our attention and affection gradually shapes our character.Mark names status, career, possessions, self indulgence and outrage as things that can draw our hearts away from Jesus. We need to examine what is forming us.Maturity is a calling for every believerTitus 1 describes leaders who are faithful, hospitable, self controlled, honest and committed to what is good.Leaders carry additional responsibility to teach and correct, but all disciples share the call to godly character. Following Jesus is a daily way of life.Hold firmly to the truthFalse teachers were turning whole families away from the gospel. Paul calls leaders to hold firmly to the trustworthy message and protect the church.Mark encourages us to read Scripture daily so we can recognise distorted teaching and help others with their questions about faith.Guard the truth and open the doorHospitality sits alongside the call to protect God’s household.We can hold firmly to Scripture while welcoming people into our homes and lives. Warmth, prayer, kindness and practical goodness help others see what following Jesus looks like.Live free from condemnationMark reminds parents that godly parenting does not guarantee their children’s faith. Salvation is the work of the Holy Spirit. Keep praying, keep loving and keep your door open.He also encourages those carrying shame about past mistakes. Romans 8:1 reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. Our past does not have to prevent us from growing in maturity and helping others.Questions for the week1. What am I carrying that Christ has already carried?2. Where is the culture around me shaping my life instead of Jesus?3. What am I anchored in?4. Is my home marked by warmth and hospitality or by anxiety and lectures?5. Who in my life is watching how I live, and what are they seeing?Read Titus 1 again this week. Ask the Holy Spirit what He wants to show you and how He wants you to respond.

4 October 2026What does it really mean to put on the armour of God?In the final message of our Ephesians series, Rev. Lex Akers explores one of the Bible's most familiar passages, revealing that the armour of God is not simply a list of spiritual tools for times of crisis, but the natural outcome of a life transformed by Christ.Rather than focusing on dramatic spiritual battles, this message shows how the real battleground is often found in our everyday choices, relationships, attitudes, and pursuit of unity. As we stand firm in the strength of the Lord and live out everything Paul has taught throughout Ephesians, we discover that God's armour equips us to faithfully follow Jesus in every area of life. Scripture: Ephesians 5:21 to 6:9 Paul's teaching on relationships has often been misunderstood or misused. Before approaching this passage, we must allow Scripture to speak within its biblical and cultural context, while recognising that Jesus remains the centre of every relationship. Context matters Understanding the historical and literary context helps us hear what Paul was communicating to the original readers rather than reading modern assumptions into the text. Our goal is not to make Scripture fit our culture, but to allow God's Word to shape our lives. Mutual submission begins the passage Paul begins by calling believers to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. This sets the tone for every relationship that follows, reminding us that humility, service, and love are marks of a Spirit filled life. Marriage reflects Christ and the Church Marriage is designed to point people to Jesus. Husbands are called to love sacrificially, following Christ's example of laying down His life for the Church. Wives are honoured as equal image bearers who willingly respond within God's design for marriage. Jesus is our example Healthy relationships begin by becoming more like Christ. The closer we grow to Jesus, the more our words, attitudes, and actions reflect His character. The Gospel transforms families Paul's teaching extends beyond marriage into relationships between parents and children, and throughout the household. The Gospel doesn't simply improve relationships, it transforms them as people are shaped by the Holy Spirit. Living differently Followers of Jesus are called to relate to others in ways that stand apart from the patterns of the world. When Christ is at the centre, our homes become places of grace, service, forgiveness, and love. Key Takeaway God's design for relationships is not built on power or control, but on the sacrificial love of Jesus. As we submit to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, our relationships become a powerful witness to the Gospel.

Scripture: Ephesians 5:21 to 6:9 Paul's teaching on relationships has often been misunderstood or misused. Before approaching this passage, we must allow Scripture to speak within its biblical and cultural context, while recognising that Jesus remains the centre of every relationship. Context matters Understanding the historical and literary context helps us hear what Paul was communicating to the original readers rather than reading modern assumptions into the text. Our goal is not to make Scripture fit our culture, but to allow God's Word to shape our lives. Mutual submission begins the passage Paul begins by calling believers to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. This sets the tone for every relationship that follows, reminding us that humility, service, and love are marks of a Spirit filled life. Marriage reflects Christ and the Church Marriage is designed to point people to Jesus. Husbands are called to love sacrificially, following Christ's example of laying down His life for the Church. Wives are honoured as equal image bearers who willingly respond within God's design for marriage. Jesus is our example Healthy relationships begin by becoming more like Christ. The closer we grow to Jesus, the more our words, attitudes, and actions reflect His character. The Gospel transforms families Paul's teaching extends beyond marriage into relationships between parents and children, and throughout the household. The Gospel doesn't simply improve relationships, it transforms them as people are shaped by the Holy Spirit. Living differently Followers of Jesus are called to relate to others in ways that stand apart from the patterns of the world. When Christ is at the centre, our homes become places of grace, service, forgiveness, and love. Key Takeaway God's design for relationships is not built on power or control, but on the sacrificial love of Jesus. As we submit to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us, our relationships become a powerful witness to the Gospel.

20th September 2026 What does it look like to live by the Spirit's power rather than relying on our own strength? In this message from Ephesians 5:15 to 20, Rachael Raven explores Paul's call to live wisely, make the most of every opportunity, and continually be filled with the Holy Spirit. Rather than drifting through life, we're encouraged to live with intention, seeking God's wisdom through His Word, listening for His voice, and allowing His Spirit to shape our attitudes, actions, and relationships each day. Whether you're new to faith or have followed Jesus for many years, this message is a reminder that God has not left us to live the Christian life alone. He has given us His Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and transform us from the inside out. -------------- Sermon Notes: Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20 Living the Christian life isn't about trying harder in our own strength. Paul reminds us that God calls us to live wisely and intentionally, allowing the Holy Spirit to lead every area of our lives. -Living wisely Paul encourages believers to be careful how they live, choosing wisdom over foolishness. True wisdom comes from walking closely with God rather than simply following the patterns of the world. -Make the most of every opportunity Every day presents opportunities to reflect Christ. Rather than drifting through life, we're called to live with purpose, allowing our words, actions, and relationships to honour God. -Understand the Lord's will God invites us to know Him through His Word and to recognise His voice. As we spend time with Him, our desires begin to align more closely with His. -Be filled with the Holy Spirit Paul contrasts being controlled by worldly influences with being continually filled by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit empowers us to live the life God has called us to live, producing joy, peace, gratitude, and worship. -Pause and listen One of the practical ways we grow spiritually is by slowing down and making room to hear God's voice. In moments of stillness, the Holy Spirit often brings conviction, direction, encouragement, and wisdom for everyday life. -A life of worship and gratitude A Spirit-filled life is marked by thankfulness and praise. As we remember God's faithfulness, our hearts naturally respond with worship and gratitude for all He has done. -Key Takeaway God has not called us to live the Christian life through our own effort. As we intentionally seek Him, spend time in His Word, and remain open to the Holy Spirit's leading, He gives us the wisdom, strength, and power to live in a way that reflects Christ every day.