Hills Church

Worship is more than music or songs sung during a service. It’s a heart response, a life poured out to God, reflecting His worth and our connection to Him. 

Worship, at its core, is a response to God’s worth. Through Jesus, we are no longer bound by the rituals of the Old Covenant, where worship was confined to a temple. Instead, we are living sanctuaries, carrying the Holy Spirit within us. This transforms worship from an external act into an expression of the heart. 

The story of the woman with the alabaster jar exemplifies this beautifully. She gave what was most valuable to her, pouring it out on Jesus in an act of devotion. This is the essence of worship—offering our hearts, not because of what we want to receive, but because of who He is.

Under the New Covenant of grace, worship is no longer about earning God’s favour. Everything we need—grace, forgiveness, reconciliation—has already been provided through Jesus. As we recognise this, our worship flows naturally as a response. It may come in the form of song, prayer, or simply living in a way that honours Him. When we worship from this place of grace, it blesses God and shifts the atmosphere around us, much like the fragrance of the alabaster jar filled the room.

True worship invites us into a deeper relationship, freeing us to pour out our love and devotion to God, not to get something from Him, but simply because He is worthy.

Discussion Questions:

Lament. It’s not a word we often hear in our day-to-day conversations, but it’s a deeply human experience. It’s the expression of grief, sorrow, or regret, and yet, for many, it’s also a sacred act—one that brings us closer to the heart of God.

The Bible is filled with stories of people pouring out their hearts to God in lament. The Psalms alone contain dozens of examples. One-third of the Psalms are cries of sorrow, pleading for relief, understanding, and hope. In Psalm 13, we hear David’s cry: “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”

Even in the New Testament, we see lament expressed through Jesus Himself. One of the most profound examples is in the story of Lazarus (John 11). Despite knowing that He would raise Lazarus from the dead, Jesus paused in His journey to weep with those who mourned. Jesus, moved by grief and compassion, chose to fully enter the pain of the moment before bringing restoration. His tears were not a sign of weakness or doubt but a powerful testament to His humanity and empathy. This shows us that grief has a place, even when hope is on the horizon.

In modern Christian culture, we sometimes avoid lament. There’s a subtle pressure to move quickly past sorrow and into hope, to declare that “God is good” even before we’ve processed the weight of what we’re feeling. This tendency can leave us feeling disconnected, as if there’s no room for sadness or pain in our faith.

But lamenting is not a sign of a lack of faith. Rather, it’s a deep expression of trust. When we bring our grief to God, we’re acknowledging that He is the only one who can truly heal us. We’re inviting Him into our pain, rather than hiding it behind a mask of positivity. Authentic worship means bringing all of ourselves—our joy, our sorrow, our confusion—to God, knowing He cares for us in every emotion.

Lament isn’t a dead-end street. It’s a journey that moves us closer to God, even when the road is hard. It invites us to hold on to hope, even as we mourn. And perhaps most importantly, it reminds us that we aren’t alone in our sorrow—God is with us, and so is our community of faith.

As you go through your own seasons of lament, remember that you are heard, loved, and not forgotten. Even when the tears fall, there is hope to be found in the God who weeps with us and promises restoration.

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In life's hardest seasons, we often discover the depth of God’s presence. Communion becomes a powerful reminder of that truth, as Carolyn shared from her recent experience.

In just a few weeks, Carolyn faced the heartbreaking loss of both her mother and father. The grief was overwhelming, but in the midst of it, she felt God's comfort more deeply than ever. As she reflected on her parents' lives and her own, she realised how much Jesus had transformed her. His presence was evident, helping her through childhood lies, teaching her forgiveness, and giving her strength in difficult times.

After her father’s passing, Carolyn’s brother remarked, “I guess that makes us orphans now.” The thought stung, but she quickly remembered, “I’m not an orphan. I have a Heavenly Father who loves me deeply.” This truth anchored her through grief, as she called out to God, feeling His closeness and provision.

Communion reminds us of this same truth: Jesus’ sacrifice wasn’t just for our sin but to give us freedom, joy, and a deep connection with our Heavenly Father. As we take the bread and the cup, we remember His love, knowing that through Him, we are never alone.

What does true worship look like? It’s more than a ritual or a place—it’s a matter of the heart. In John 4, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at a well and offers her something extraordinary: living water. Though she doesn’t fully understand at first, Jesus is speaking about something much deeper than physical thirst. He is offering her a relationship, a chance to worship in spirit and truth.

This woman’s life wasn’t easy. She had been through multiple marriages and was likely looked down on by her community. But Jesus doesn’t condemn her. Instead, He sees her pain, her struggles, and offers her grace. He knows her past, yet He invites her into a new future.

In their conversation, Jesus explains that true worship isn’t about a location or tradition. “A time is coming,” He says, “when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23). True worship goes beyond rituals or routines. It’s about knowing God and responding to Him with our hearts and minds fully engaged.

Like the woman at the well, we all have distractions that pull us away from God. But Jesus reminds us that worship is about aligning our spirit with God’s Spirit and grounding ourselves in His truth. When we worship in spirit and truth, we are transformed.

The woman’s encounter with Jesus changed her life, and through her testimony, her entire village came to know Him. True worship, rooted in spirit and truth, has the power to transform not just us, but the world around us.

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Why did God create the world and put us in it? It wasn’t for His entertainment or to meet some need He had. He is complete within Himself, lacking nothing. The universe and everything in it were made intentionally and purposefully for His pleasure and His glory.

In Colossians 1:16, we’re told that all things were created through Him and for Him. That includes you and me. God made us in His image, not just to exist, but to share in His goodness, glory, holiness, and love. And our response to that? We give Him praise. Every act of obedience, every moment of worship, is a reflection of His glory.

True worship isn’t about going through the motions or singing the right words. It’s about a heart that’s turned toward God, recognising His worth and giving Him the glory He alone deserves. Worship that pleases God requires humility—it’s about losing ourselves in awe of Him and letting go of our own pride. When we sing songs of worship, do the words truly reflect the posture of our hearts, or are we just going through the motions?

It’s not about perfection, but growth. God desires us to grow in our ability to worship Him authentically. And as a church, we’re on a journey together—being transformed from glory to glory, learning more about how to give God the honour He deserves.

This isn’t just a Sunday morning exercise. Every moment of our lives is an opportunity to reflect God’s glory. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we carry His presence with us. We are the praise of His glory. This means that through our actions, words, and lives, we demonstrate His goodness and reflect His light to the world.

As we continue on this journey of worship together, let’s strive to grow in our love for God and each other, recognising that everything we do is for His glory. Because God deserves all the honour and praise—not because He needs it, but because He is God.

Discussion Questions:

We often hear the word "holy" tossed around in different settings, but what does it really mean for us? More importantly, what does it mean when we say God is holy? The idea can feel distant or even hard to relate to. But what if we understood that God’s holiness is not just an abstract idea, but something we can encounter in our everyday lives? It’s an invitation to experience a deeper connection with the One who calls us into His presence.

In many ways, God’s holiness sets Him apart—His purity, goodness, and power are unmatched. Yet, this isn’t something He keeps to Himself. Throughout the Bible, God constantly calls people closer, inviting them to experience His presence, despite the gap between His holiness and our imperfection. When we come to understand this, holiness is no longer something we have to measure up to—it’s something we’re invited into. It transforms us.

There’s a story in Isaiah 6 where the prophet Isaiah has a vision of God seated on a throne, surrounded by angels singing, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty." In that moment, Isaiah is overwhelmed. He sees God’s holiness and immediately becomes aware of his own shortcomings. He cries out, "Woe to me! I am ruined!" Yet, in the very next moment, something incredible happens: one of the angels touches his lips with a burning coal, declaring him clean.

This is the picture of God’s holiness—it not only reveals who we are, but it changes us. When Isaiah encounters God’s holiness, it doesn’t leave him in shame. It purifies him, makes him new, and empowers him to serve God. The same is true for us today. God’s holiness isn’t just about His greatness; it’s about His desire to transform us.

So, how does this idea of holiness impact our daily lives? We may not be standing in Isaiah’s shoes, experiencing visions of heavenly beings, but that doesn't mean we can’t encounter God’s holiness.

Holiness is often seen in small, everyday moments—when we sense God’s presence during a quiet time of prayer, or when we’re overwhelmed by the beauty of nature. It’s in the way we treat others, choosing kindness when it’s easier to be frustrated, or offering grace when we’ve been wronged. These moments might seem ordinary, but they are opportunities to see God’s holiness at work within us.

The more we engage with God's holiness, the more we reflect it. It’s not about striving to be perfect, but about allowing God to mold us, just as Isaiah was transformed. We’re called to live holy lives, but this doesn’t mean living under the pressure of being flawless. It means living lives that reflect God’s love and purity to the world around us.

God's holiness might seem intimidating at first—after all, we’re human, full of flaws and failures. But the beauty of God’s holiness is that it doesn’t push us away. Instead, it invites us closer. He is holy, and yet He reaches down to meet us in our mess, not to condemn us, but to change us from the inside out.

As we reflect on what it means to say "Holy is the Lord," let’s remember that His holiness is a gift, not just a characteristic. It’s a gift that transforms us and draws us into a deeper relationship with Him.

Discussion Questions:

When we sing words like “I exalt You, O Lord,” it's easy to let them pass through our lips without truly grasping the depth of their meaning. But worship goes far beyond lyrics, beyond the music we associate with it. True worship starts in the heart, an offering of ourselves in response to God’s holiness and grace.

In Psalm 99:5, we are urged to "exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; He is holy." This call isn’t just about an act we perform, but a posture of reverence, a life lived in surrender. When we speak of exalting God, it's not limited to an outward action but an inward reality—a reflection of His worthiness and our understanding of who He truly is.

It’s easy to think of praise and worship solely as the songs we sing in a service or the music that moves us. But that’s only one aspect. Worship is so much more than melodies; it’s a life of devotion. The danger of equating worship with music is that it can become a performance, a concert rather than an encounter with God. When we tether our worship to a certain style or emotion, we risk missing the deeper call to lift our lives as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1-2).

The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 offers a striking lesson on worship. Both brothers brought offerings to God, yet only Abel's offering was pleasing to Him. What set Abel apart was not the substance of his gift but the spirit behind it. Abel’s offering came from a place of genuine devotion, while Cain’s was given out of routine or obligation. This story begs the question: Is our worship pleasing to God?

Worship isn't about checking boxes or fulfilling religious duties. It's about offering God what is most precious—our love, our attention, our hearts. When we give authentically, we meet God in the act, and it becomes something more than a ritual.

As we reflect on worship, we are faced with a choice. Like Martha in Luke 10:38-42, we can become consumed with the doing, the tasks, and the outward expressions of our faith, or we can be like Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet, captivated by His presence. Jesus praised Mary for choosing what was best—worship that springs from stillness, from focus on Him alone. This doesn’t mean we abandon the good works of Martha, but it does challenge us to reorder our priorities.

True worship invites us to sit at Jesus' feet and be transformed, not just entertained or moved emotionally. It’s less about what we do and more about who we are becoming as we draw closer to Him.

Perhaps the most difficult part of worship is its ability to reveal where we hold back. Is there something in us that resists fully giving ourselves to God in praise? Do we approach worship with hesitancy, afraid to surrender completely? God invites us into deeper waters—where worship becomes a response to His holiness, not just a reflection of our preferences or comfort zones.

In those moments, we might ask: Is my worship genuine? Am I, like Cain, holding back, or like Abel, offering my best? The invitation is not one of guilt but of grace—God is always calling us to draw nearer, to offer what is real, and to grow in our understanding of Him.

So, as we continue on this journey, let’s challenge ourselves to move beyond the surface level, to embrace worship not just in song, but in spirit and truth. And as we do, we will find that our expressions of worship—whether through music, words, or acts of service—become not just things we do, but reflections of who we are in Christ.

Discussion Questions:

The cross represents far more than correcting our mistakes; it addresses our deep-rooted sinfulness. As Kathy shared on Sunday, she saw an Easter flier that said, "Jesus died for your mistakes," which startled her. This phrase oversimplifies a profound truth. Mistakes are accidental; sins are deliberate acts against God. Jesus didn’t die to correct errors; He died to redeem us from a state of sin.

Isaiah 53 captures this: "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities." Jesus bore the full weight of our sinfulness, not just individual wrongs. 2 Corinthians 5:21 adds, "For our sake, He made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." This transformation from sin to righteousness was made possible because Jesus took on our sin.

In Luke 7, a woman known as a sinner anoints Jesus' feet, showing her understanding of forgiveness. Jesus said, "Whoever has been forgiven little loves little," illustrating how recognising the cost of forgiveness deepens love and devotion. As John Stott reminds us, diminishing God’s majesty or sin’s gravity diminishes the cross. Do we truly grasp the price paid for us?

Discussion Questions

The Lord's Prayer is more than a set of words recited in unison; it's a powerful framework for understanding our relationship with God, ourselves, and the world around us. Each line of this prayer opens a door to deeper spiritual insights, inviting us to reflect on God's nature and our place in His plan. One of the most compelling aspects of the prayer is its progression—from glorifying God to addressing our personal and communal needs, and finally, confronting the reality of evil and temptation.

In the Christian journey, acknowledging the presence of evil is essential. Some might feel uneasy discussing Satan or evil in a place of worship, fearing it gives undue recognition to the dark forces. However, Jesus Himself includes the reality of temptation and evil in the Lord's Prayer, highlighting their significance in our spiritual lives. The phrase "deliver us from evil" is not just a plea for protection but also an acknowledgment that, without divine intervention, we are vulnerable.

The supremacy of Jesus, as outlined in Colossians 1:15-21, reassures us that while evil may exist, it operates under the authority of Christ. Jesus holds all power, and it is through Him that we are reconciled to God, free from accusation, and made whole. This understanding is crucial because it shifts our focus from the fear of evil to the sovereignty and strength of Christ.

Temptation is often misunderstood as a sign of weakness or failure. However, being tempted does not mean we are sinful or have lost faith. Temptation is more like a pressure gauge in a car—an indicator of where we are spiritually. If we're entering the "red zone," it's a warning to steer clear of certain thoughts, actions, or environments that might lead us astray.

Imagine driving on a slippery road. If your car begins to skid, your instinct might be to overcorrect, which can lead to more danger. In the same way, facing temptation requires careful, measured responses rather than panic or drastic actions. We must be vigilant about our spiritual "skids"—those moments when we feel the pull towards something that leads us away from God’s will.

Central to overcoming temptation and evil is the practice of forgiveness. Jesus teaches that asking for forgiveness from God, and extending it to others, removes the "legal right" of evil to continue influencing us. Forgiveness isn’t just about letting go of grudges; it’s a profound spiritual act that aligns us with God's will and brings healing to our hearts and relationships.

The Lord's Prayer moves from "Give us this day our daily bread"—a request for provision—to "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us," highlighting the importance of maintaining right relationships. Forgiveness is a key to spiritual health, freeing us from the chains of bitterness and resentment, and opening the door to divine grace and peace.

Living wisely means recognising our dependence on God for strength, wisdom, and guidance. It involves a daily surrender to His will and an openness to His spirit's leading. And when we inevitably face temptations or trials, we remember that we have a God who is supreme, loving, and ever-present—ready to deliver us from every evil.

The Lord's Prayer is a guide not just for what we ask from God, but for how we live our lives in response to His grace. It challenges us to recognise both the reality of evil and the greater reality of Christ's supremacy. In our journey of faith, we are not alone. Through Jesus, we are offered daily bread, forgiveness, guidance, and deliverance. It is up to us to embrace these gifts, live carefully, forgive generously, and trust fully in God's unwavering power and love.

Discussion Questions:

Embracing the space between words and heart.

Have you ever felt torn between what you should say and what you truly believe? We often find ourselves caught in this tension, trying to balance what seems right on the outside with what we feel deeply within. This tension isn’t just a modern struggle—it’s something even our faith addresses.

In the Bible, 1 Samuel 16:7 tells us, "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." This verse highlights a fundamental truth: God is far more interested in the posture of our hearts than in our outward actions or words. But living this truth isn't always straightforward.

One of the challenges we face in our spiritual journey is navigating the tension between following tradition and being authentic in our faith. For instance, many of us might recite the Lord’s Prayer daily. But is it just a checklist, or does it truly reflect our hearts? It’s easy to get caught up in saying the "right" words, but sometimes, what God desires is our heartfelt connection, even if that means breaking away from the usual routine.

But what happens when these expressions of faith feel in conflict? When what we know and what we feel don’t align neatly? This is where we encounter tension—not the tension that breaks, but the kind that strengthens. Think of it like a string pulled tight between two points; it holds firm only because of the tension. Similarly, our faith is held firm not when we resolve every conflict easily, but when we live in that space of trust and obedience, even when it’s uncomfortable.

Tension doesn’t mean giving in to one side or finding a compromise that pleases everyone. It means holding onto what God has placed in your heart, even if it causes a few raised eyebrows. It’s about being honest with God and yourself, acknowledging that sometimes, you’re called to step into the unknown, to try something new, or to say something bold.

So, how do we navigate this tension? It starts with sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. There might be times when the Spirit nudges you to break away from your usual way of doing things, to step out in faith in a way that’s different or even challenging. The question is, will you respond? Will you allow the Spirit to lead you into new territory, even if it feels uncomfortable?

We don’t always know what the Spirit will ask of us. It could be something as simple as praying differently or as profound as changing how we live our lives. What’s important is to remain open, to seek God’s guidance, and to be willing to act when He calls, without watering down what you’ve heard to make it more palatable.

As you reflect on these ideas, consider asking yourself: Is there something new that God is calling you to do that you've been hesitant to try? How can you become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading in your daily life?

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