Ephesians: Live in the Light continues our journey through Paul's letter to the Ephesians.Jonathan Eddie explores what it means to imitate Christ and live as children of light in a world that often pulls us in the opposite direction. Rather than simply avoiding darkness, believers are called to reflect God's character through love, wisdom, and lives that honour Him.As we continue through Ephesians, we're reminded that our faith is not just something we believe, it's something we live every day.Sermon Notes -Scripture: Ephesians 5:1 to 20Imitate GodPaul begins with a simple but challenging instruction:"Imitate God... because you are His dear children."As children naturally imitate their parents, followers of Jesus are called to reflect God's character in the way they live.Live a Life of LoveJesus demonstrated perfect love by giving Himself for us.Our lives should be marked by:- Sacrificial love.- Kindness.- Forgiveness.- A desire to honour God in everything we do.Leave the Old Life BehindPaul contrasts the life of Christ with the patterns of the world.Followers of Jesus are called to turn away from:- Sexual immorality.- Greed.- Impurity.- Coarse language.- Foolish talk.Instead, our speech should be filled with thankfulness and encouragement.Live as Children of LightLight exposes darkness and reveals truth.Living in the light means:- Pursuing what pleases God.- Walking in integrity.- Choosing righteousness.- Allowing Christ to shape every area of our lives.Walk in WisdomPaul encourages believers to make the most of every opportunity.Wise living includes:- Seeking God's will.- Being filled with the Holy Spirit.- Encouraging one another.- Worshipping with thankful hearts.Key TakeawayFollowing Jesus is more than changing our behaviour. It is allowing God to transform who we are so that our lives increasingly reflect His love, holiness, and light.Find out more about Jesus⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/Jesus⁠Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠Can we pray for you? Request prayer.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button.To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, follow the link below⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/give⁠#hillschurch #thegospelofjohn #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon

30 August 2026As we continue our Ephesians series, Reinier explores Ephesians 4:17 to 32 and challenges us to live distinctively different from the world around us.Paul reminds us that followers of Jesus have been given a new identity in Christ. Rather than conforming to the values of the world, we are called to allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds, put on our new nature, and live lives that reflect God's holiness, truth, kindness, and love.This message encourages us to stand firm in God's truth, pursue genuine transformation through His Word, and live in Christian community as a witness to the world.Sermon Notes - Ephesians 4:17 to 32Living a New Life in ChristPaul reminds us that following Jesus means more than believing the gospel. It means living differently. As followers of Christ, we are called to leave behind our old way of life and allow the Holy Spirit to continually transform us from the inside out.The World's WayBefore Christ, humanity lives apart from God, following the values and patterns of a world that rejects Him. This leads to confusion, spiritual darkness, and a life that ultimately cannot satisfy. The gospel calls us out of that way of living and into a completely new life.Renew Your MindTransformation begins with the renewing of our minds. As we spend time in God's Word and allow the Holy Spirit to shape our thoughts, attitudes, and desires, we begin to see ourselves and the world through God's perspective rather than the culture around us.On Your New NaturePaul encourages believers to put off the old self and put on the new nature that God has given us. This means living lives marked by truth, forgiveness, kindness, generosity, self control, and love. We are called to reflect Christ in both our words and our actions.Three Practical Responses• Know the truth by regularly reading and studying God's Word.• Live out your new identity by choosing each day to follow Christ instead of the patterns of the world.• Commit to Christian community where we encourage, support, and help one another grow in faith.Key TakeawayGod has not only saved us from our old life, He is transforming us into people who reflect His character. As we allow the Holy Spirit to renew our minds and as we walk together in community, we become a powerful witness to the world of the transforming power of Jesus.Find out more about Jesus⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/Jesus⁠Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠Can we pray for you? Request prayer.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button.To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, follow the link below⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/give⁠#hillschurch #thegospelofjohn #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon

Pastor Mark continues the Ephesians series from chapter 3, exploring the mystery revealed through Paul: the Church has always been part of God’s eternal plan. Through Jesus, people who were once divided are brought together as one family, and that united Church becomes a living display of God’s wisdom.Sermon NotesIn Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul begins a sentence about prayer, but interrupts himself to explain something he cannot keep quiet about. He calls it a mystery, something previously hidden in God but now revealed through the Holy Spirit.That mystery is the Church.The Church was always God’s planGentiles were never God’s second option.From the beginning, God’s plan was to bring people from every nation together through Jesus.Jew and Gentile now share equally in the inheritance of God’s children, belong to the same body, and receive the same promises through Christ.The dividing wall has been torn down.Through Jesus, outsiders are invited all the way into the family of God.The gospel reconciles us to each otherThe gospel reconciles us personally to God, but it also reconciles people who may have every human reason to remain divided.The Church is meant to demonstrate that those walls can come down.Sometimes our own walls are not built through hatred. They can simply come through comfort, convenience or familiarity.Pastor Mark challenges us to step beyond those familiar boundaries.Talk to someone new. Share a meal. Hear someone’s story. Build relationships with people who may be different in age, background or life experience.When we do this, we are putting the gospel on display.The Church displays God’s wisdomIn Ephesians 3:10, Paul says God’s purpose is to use the Church to display His wisdom, even to the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.The primary display is not a building, sermon, worship team or programme.It is the Church itself.Ordinary and imperfect people from different backgrounds learning to genuinely love one another because of Jesus.Unity is spiritual warfareThere is an unseen spiritual battle, but Christ has already won the victory.Every time people who would not naturally connect choose to love, welcome and serve one another, something spiritually significant happens.Unity is not simply a nice outcome. It is part of the Church’s witness.That means unresolved conflict, cliques, grudges and division matter.Paul calls us to both seek and protect unity.Everyone is invited inFor anyone who feels like an outsider, Paul’s message is clear.You do not need the right background, family history or past.Through Christ, outsiders are invited all the way in and welcomed as members of God’s family.And because we have bold and confident access to God through Jesus, we should not hold others at a distance.Key ScriptureEphesians 3:6“Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.”Key ThoughtThe Church is God’s living display of the gospel.When people who would otherwise remain divided become family through Jesus, God’s wisdom, grace and victory are put on display.____Find out more about Jesus⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/Jesus⁠Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠Can we pray for you? Request prayer.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button.To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, follow the link below⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/give⁠#hillschurch #thegospelofjohn #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon

9 August 2026Pastor Mark continues the Ephesians series, exploring God’s plan for the Church to display the power of the gospel through unity, community and restored relationships.Sermon Notes

In Ephesians 3:1-13, Paul begins a sentence about prayer, but interrupts himself to explain something he cannot keep quiet about. He calls it a mystery, something previously hidden in God but now revealed through the Holy Spirit.

That mystery is the Church.

Gentiles were never God’s second option.

From the beginning, God’s plan was to bring people from every nation together through Jesus.

Jew and Gentile now share equally in the inheritance of God’s children, belong to the same body, and receive the same promises through Christ.

The dividing wall has been torn down.

Through Jesus, outsiders are invited all the way into the family of God.

The gospel reconciles us personally to God, but it also reconciles people who may have every human reason to remain divided.

The Church is meant to demonstrate that those walls can come down.

Sometimes our own walls are not built through hatred. They can simply come through comfort, convenience or familiarity.

Pastor Mark challenges us to step beyond those familiar boundaries.

Talk to someone new. Share a meal. Hear someone’s story. Build relationships with people who may be different in age, background or life experience.

When we do this, we are putting the gospel on display.

In Ephesians 3:10, Paul says God’s purpose is to use the Church to display His wisdom, even to the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

The primary display is not a building, sermon, worship team or programme.

It is the Church itself.

Ordinary and imperfect people from different backgrounds learning to genuinely love one another because of Jesus.

There is an unseen spiritual battle, but Christ has already won the victory.

Every time people who would not naturally connect choose to love, welcome and serve one another, something spiritually significant happens.

Unity is not simply a nice outcome. It is part of the Church’s witness.

That means unresolved conflict, cliques, grudges and division matter.

Paul calls us to both seek and protect unity.

For anyone who feels like an outsider, Paul’s message is clear.

You do not need the right background, family history or past.

Through Christ, outsiders are invited all the way in and welcomed as members of God’s family.

And because we have bold and confident access to God through Jesus, we should not hold others at a distance.

Ephesians 3:6

“Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.”

The Church is God’s living display of the gospel.

When people who would otherwise remain divided become family through Jesus, God’s wisdom, grace and victory are put on display.

The Church was always God’s planThe gospel reconciles us to each otherThe Church displays God’s wisdomUnity is spiritual warfareEveryone is invited inKey ScriptureKey Thought

2 August 2026This week, we welcomed guest speaker Øivind Augland from M4, who shared a message from 1 John 2 about spiritual maturity. Using John's picture of children, young people, and fathers, Øivind challenged us to keep growing in Christ, live from God's grace and strength, and embrace our role in making disciples across every generation.Notes:Speaking from 1 John 2:12-14, Øivind explores the journey of spiritual growth and reminds us that following Jesus is not meant to remain at the same stage. God calls every believer to mature, becoming people who know His love, live by His power, and help others follow Christ.Spiritual maturity begins as children of GodEvery follower of Jesus begins with the same foundation.John reminds us that our sins are forgiven because of Christ and that we know the Father.Øivind explains that spiritual childhood is built on three essential experiences:• Encountering God personally.• Placing our faith in Jesus.• Committing ourselves to God's family, the Church.Just as we know honey is sweet because we have tasted it, Christianity is not merely about information. We are invited to experience the goodness of God for ourselves.Reflecting on his own life, Øivind shared how burnout at the age of 24 led him into a deeper understanding of God's grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love. He discovered that God's grace is the deepest place of rest, where we no longer need to perform or pretend.Growing into spiritual maturityJohn next addresses the "young men", those who are growing in spiritual strength.This stage is marked by three characteristics:• We are strong because Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit.• God's Word shapes our thinking, decisions, and priorities.• We overcome the evil one, not through our own strength, but through Christ's victory.True maturity comes as our confidence shifts from ourselves to Jesus.His strength becomes our strength.His grace sustains us in weakness.His victory becomes the place from which we live.God's mission includes every believerØivind shared the story of church planting in his home city in Norway and the work of M4 across Europe.He reminded us that every Christian is invited into God's mission of making disciples and planting healthy churches.The Great Commission is centred on Christ, empowered by His presence, and fuelled by His power.Mission is not reserved for a few people.Every believer has a role in reaching others with the gospel.Every generation has a purposeUsing the picture of an arrow, Øivind described how every generation has a unique role within God's Kingdom.Young people are often the prophetic generation, called to courageously reach their own generation for Christ.Those in the middle years provide stability, wisdom, mentoring, and safe places where younger believers can grow.Older believers are spiritual fathers and mothers whose wisdom, prayer, encouragement, and investment help strengthen the whole Church.Healthy churches intentionally invest in every generation while continually raising up the next one.Becoming spiritual fathers and mothersThe goal of discipleship is not simply personal growth.It is becoming people who help others follow Jesus.Spiritual fathers and mothers open their homes, invest in people, encourage younger believers, and create environments where faith can flourish.Even those carrying personal pain or disappointment are still called and able to invest in others.God continues to use willing hearts.Key Scriptures1 John 2:12-141 Peter 2:2-52 Corinthians 12:9Psalm 34:8Matthew 28:18-20Key ThoughtSpiritual maturity is a lifelong journey of knowing God's love, living in His strength, growing through His Word, and investing in the next generation so others can follow Christ.

In this message, Pastor Nathan concludes Ephesians chapter 2 by exploring the Church as God's family and His holy temple. Rather than being defined by buildings or programmes, the Church is a people who have been brought together through Christ, shaped by His character, and filled with His Spirit to fulfil His purposes in the world.Notes:Continuing through Ephesians 2:19-22, Pastor Nathan reminds us of last week's message that Jesus brings outsiders into God's family through grace. What matters most is not our religious background, knowledge, or traditions, but whether our hearts have been transformed by Christ.Every believer is welcomed into God's family through faith.Paul tells the Gentile believers they are no longer strangers or foreigners. Instead, they are citizens of God's Kingdom and members of His family. This is more than an illustration. Through Christ we have been spiritually adopted as sons and daughters of God.The Church is a family.Jesus Himself described those who follow Him as His brothers and sisters. Our identity is no longer based on nationality, culture, denomination, or background. We belong to one spiritual family with God as our Father and Christ as the head of the Church.The Church is a together family.Pastor Nathan challenges the modern mindset of individualism and consumerism that can shape the way we think about church. Church is not something we simply attend or consume. It is a family we belong to.Like any healthy family, every member has a role to play. Together we carry responsibility for welcoming others, serving one another, and contributing to the health and mission of God's Church.We are not attenders at God's house.Together, we are His house.The Church is God's holy temple.Paul describes believers as being carefully joined together to become a holy temple where God dwells by His Spirit.While church buildings are valuable, God's dwelling place is no longer a physical building. Wherever God's people gather in Christ, filled with the Holy Spirit, His presence is there.Holiness has two important aspects:• Separation from sin and the values of the world.• Consecration to God's purposes.Followers of Jesus are called to turn away from selfishness, greed, hatred, prejudice, division, and every form of sin. At the same time, we dedicate our lives, our gifts, our families, and everything we have to serving Christ and His Kingdom.The Church is founded and shaped by Christ.Paul describes Jesus as the cornerstone upon which the entire Church is built.Just as every stone in a building is aligned to the cornerstone, every believer is being shaped to reflect Christ.Our attitudes, humility, forgiveness, love, service, and obedience are all formed by the example of Jesus.The Church only fulfils its purpose when Christ remains its foundation and every believer aligns their life with Him.Pastor Nathan finishes by encouraging the Church to ask two important questions:• Am I embracing God's plan for me within His family?• When people encounter us, do they simply see a church building, or do they experience the love, grace, and life of Jesus through His people?As God's family and His holy temple, we are called to reflect Christ together so the world encounters Him through us.Key Scriptures:Ephesians 2:19-22Galatians 6:15Matthew 12:48-50John 1:12-13Key Thought:The Church is God's family and His holy temple, built on Christ, shaped by His character, and filled with His Spirit to reveal Jesus to the world.Find out more about Jesus⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/Jesus⁠Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠Can we pray for you? Request prayer.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button.#hillschurch #thegospelofjohn #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon

19 July 2026In this message, Pastor Nathan continues our Ephesians series by exploring how Jesus breaks down barriers and brings outsiders into the family of God. Ephesians 2 reminds us that the Church is called to be a place of peace, unity, grace, and welcome, where people from every background can draw near to God through Christ.Notes:In this message, Pastor Nathan continues our Ephesians series by looking at Ephesians 2:11-18 and God’s vision for a united Church.Paul reminds the Gentile believers that they were once outsiders. They lived apart from Christ, separated from God’s promises and without hope. But through the blood of Jesus, those who were once far away have been brought near.Jesus brings outsiders in.Pastor Nathan explains that the early Church faced deep divisions between Jewish and Gentile believers. Some Jewish Christians placed barriers in front of Gentiles by expecting them to follow Jewish laws, customs, and traditions before they could fully belong.Paul strongly rejects this idea. Our way to God is through Christ alone.There is no hierarchy of believers under Jesus. It does not matter whether someone is male or female, rich or poor, Jewish or Gentile. We are brought together through one cross, one Spirit, and one body.Christ brings peace to our differences.Through His death on the cross, Jesus broke down the wall of hostility between people. He did not simply bring two divided groups into the same room. He created one new people from them.The Church should therefore be a place where people with significant differences can find peace and unity under Christ.Pastor Nathan challenges the Church to consider the barriers we may unintentionally place in front of others. These barriers may relate to:• Social or economic background• Culture or ethnicity• Political views• Age or generation• Disability or ability• Lifestyle, addiction, or past mistakes• Harsh attitudes, judgement, shame, or unhealthy leadershipThe Church must never become a place where people feel they need to clean themselves up before they are welcome.Pastor Nathan uses the image of a shower outside a swimming pool. Sometimes Christians can unintentionally communicate that people must become clean before entering the Church. But the Church is where people come to encounter Jesus, and it is Jesus who cleans, saves, and transforms.We do not clean people. The blood of Jesus does.This does not mean watering down the truth of Scripture or ignoring holiness. The Holy Spirit transforms people and calls us into a new life. But people must first be welcomed close enough to experience the love, grace, truth, and transforming power of Christ.Pastor Nathan also distinguishes between healthy boundaries and harmful barriers. Healthy churches need boundaries, but we should never create barriers that Jesus would not create.The challenge is to look honestly at our own attitudes and actions.Do people experience the love of Jesus when they encounter us?Do our words and behaviour draw people towards Christ, or make it harder for them to come near?The Church is precious to God. As His body, we are called to reflect His heart, welcome outsiders, embrace people who are different from us, and become a place where hostility is replaced by peace.Key Scriptures:Ephesians 2:11-18Galatians 2Galatians 3:28John 2:13-17Key Thought:Jesus breaks down barriers and brings outsiders in. The Church should be a place where people from every background can draw near to God through Christ.#hillschurch #beencouraged #nathanbell #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon

5 July 2026In this message, Pastor Nathan continues our Ephesians series by looking at Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesians 1. This passage reminds us that the Church is the body of Christ, called to know God deeply, have hearts filled with His light, and live through the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.Notes:In this message, Pastor Nathan continues our series in Ephesians by looking at the second half of chapter 1.Paul writes this part of the letter as a prayer for the church. His prayer shows what matters deeply to him and what he longs to see formed in God’s people.Pastor Nathan begins by reminding us that Paul describes the Church as the body of Christ. Christ is the head, and the Church is His living presence in the world. We are not a monument, museum, club, or society. We are the people through whom Christ acts, speaks, serves, and loves.As the body of Christ, the Church is called to bring the presence of Jesus into the world, share the gospel, care for those in need, show sacrificial love, and reflect His transformed character.Pastor Nathan highlights three key parts of Paul’s prayer:1. Know God through spiritual wisdomPaul prays that the church would receive spiritual wisdom and insight so they may grow in their knowledge of God.This is not just about knowing information about Jesus. It is about knowing Him personally. Like any relationship, knowing Jesus grows through time, attention, love, prayer, worship, Scripture, silence, and listening.As we know Jesus more deeply, we grow in wisdom, insight, character, and obedience.2. Have hearts flooded with lightPaul prays that their hearts would be filled with light so they can understand the confident hope God has given them.Pastor Nathan explains that the heart is where our character, desires, hopes, and attitudes are formed. We need the light of Christ to shine there, even into the places we may prefer to keep hidden.As Jesus shines His light in our hearts, He brings truth, grace, freedom, peace, and hope.3. Know God’s power for usPaul prays that believers would understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for those who believe.This is the same power that raised Christ from the dead. It is not a small leftover power. It is resurrection power.Pastor Nathan reminds us that this power is not only for signs and wonders. It is also the power to live a transformed life. It is the power to defeat sinful patterns, overcome addictions, move from pride to humility, grow in patience, love sacrificially, and become more like Jesus.The message closes with the challenge to not only know about God’s power, but to experience it personally.Paul’s prayer is still a prayer for the Church today: that we would be spiritually wise, truly know Jesus, have enlightened hearts, and live through the power of the Holy Spirit.Key Scriptures:Ephesians 1:15-23John 17:3Romans 6:5-6Key Thought:The Church is the body of Christ, called to know Jesus deeply, live with hearts full of His light, and be changed by His resurrection power.Find out more about Jesus⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/Jesus⁠Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠Can we pray for you? Request prayer.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button.To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, follow the link below⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/give⁠#hillschurch #thegospelofjohn #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon

28 June 2026In this message, Pastor Nathan begins our new series in Ephesians by introducing Paul’s letter and the big themes that will shape the weeks ahead. Ephesians points us to God’s grace, our unity in Christ, the assurance of our salvation, and the new life we are called to live through the power of the Holy Spirit.Notes:In this message, Pastor Nathan begins our new series in Ephesians by helping us understand where this letter fits within the bigger story of the Bible.Pastor Nathan explains that the Bible is a collection of books, written in different genres, but all beautifully woven together into one grand story. From creation, to humanity’s fall, to God’s plan of redemption, the whole Bible points us to Jesus Christ.Ephesians sits within the New Testament letters. It was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Ephesus, a mostly Gentile church in a major city of the Roman Empire. Paul had spent significant time with this church, and this letter was written to encourage believers in their faith.Pastor Nathan highlights three major themes in Ephesians:1. Understanding God’s grace and the assurance of our salvation.2. Embracing our unity and oneness in Christ.3. Learning how Christians live differently because of what Christ has done.Looking at Ephesians 1:1-14, Pastor Nathan reminds us of the incredible blessings God has given us in Christ. We are loved, chosen, adopted into God’s family, forgiven, set free, and given an inheritance. The Holy Spirit is God’s guarantee that we belong to Him.All of this flows from God’s glorious grace. Grace means receiving God’s free and undeserved favour and kindness. We did not earn it, and we do not deserve it, but God gives it freely through Jesus.Pastor Nathan also reminds us that grace does not stop at salvation. God’s grace draws us, convicts us, pardons us, keeps us, strengthens us, and changes us. Grace is not just a holding place. It is God’s power at work in us.The message closes with an invitation to receive God’s grace again, whether for the first time or as a fresh reminder. Pastor Nathan points to the assurance we can have in Christ, even in the face of death, because Jesus has saved us, loves us, and has made us His own.Key Scriptures:Ephesians 1:1-14Romans 10:9-10Key Thought:God’s grace saves us, keeps us, strengthens us, and changes us. In Christ, we are loved, chosen, forgiven, free, and secure in God’s family.Find out more about Jesus⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/Jesus⁠Find the answers to life's biggest questions. Try Alpha.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/alpha⁠Can we pray for you? Request prayer.⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/⁠ and click 'Prayer Request' Button.To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, follow the link below⁠https://hillschurch.org.au/give⁠#hillschurch #beencouraged #nathanbell #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon