The paralysed man’s story shows that while our most obvious needs may feel urgent, our deepest need is forgiveness from sin and a restored relationship with God. Jesus has the authority to meet that need, offering forgiveness as his greatest gift and inviting everyone who recognises their need to come to him and follow him.

Mark 1:21-45

We're working through the Gospel of Mark, looking at Jesus' authority, compassion and the way he responds to people in need.

Looking at this passage it shows us who Jesus is and how He calls us to respond to him.

Vision Sunday

We've moved buildings, but our mission hasn't changed. In this Vision Sunday message, hear why Hope City exists, how God calls ordinary followers of Jesus to make an eternal difference, and the dream we carry for a city transformed by the hope of Christ. Whether you're part of Hope City or simply exploring faith, we'd love you to watch.

Mark’s Gospel begins by challenging us to set aside the Jesus we may have constructed in our minds and look again at who Jesus actually is: the Messiah, the Son of God, and the King bringing God’s kingdom near. Through John the Baptist, Jesus’ baptism, his confrontation with evil, and his first announcement of the good news, Mark calls us to get ready, look closely, repent, and trust him. And when Jesus says, “Follow me,” the invitation is to follow him even before we have every question answered, allowing the real Jesus to reshape our assumptions, priorities, and lives.

A Church that Cares: Carrying Each Other's Burdens

Galatians 6 gives us a picture of a community that doesn’t walk alone. We are called to gently restore those who stumble, carry one another’s burdens, and look for opportunities to do good. Caring for one another means stepping into each other’s struggles with humility and love, while also taking responsibility for our own walk with Christ. As we sow into the Spirit and faithfully do good, we trust that God will bring the harvest in his good time.

Lasting joy in this world seems elusive - every restoration we experience is only partial. We seem to be waiting for the next calamity or frustration. So where can we find lasting joy? Psalm 126 is an ancient song in which we are reminded to look back and celebrate with joy, but also look ahead to the ultimate restoration of joy in the Lord - the one who is still in the business of restoring joy. And so in light of that, we sow seeds of Jesus' kingdom, even though that may be with tears, because it is his kingdom which is the only source of lasting joy.

Where Do I Find Security?

What does it mean to have a faith that remains steady when everything around us feels uncertain? Where do we find security when circumstances shift and the future feels unclear? As we continue our Songs of Ascents series in Psalm 125, we’re reminded that those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion-firm, secure, and unshakable. We explore how this psalm points us to God’s steadfast protection, his care for his people, and the peace that comes from trusting in him. In a world full of uncertainty, Psalm 125 calls us to rest in the Lord, knowing that he surrounds his people and remains faithful forever.

Who is on my side?

Who do you turn to when life feels overwhelming? Where do you look for help when the challenges seem bigger than you can handle?

As we continue our Songs of Ascents series in Psalm 124, we discover that our greatest confidence isn't found in our own strength or in those around us, but in the Lord who faithfully rescues and keeps his people. Join us as we see how this psalm calls us to remember God's past faithfulness, trust him in present trials, and find lasting hope in the Maker of heaven and earth.

What do you do when life is painful and waiting seems endless? Where do you look when you're weary, discouraged, or longing for God to act?

As we continue our Songs of Ascents series in Psalm 123, we discover that our greatest need isn't for our circumstances to change immediately, but to lift our eyes to the King who reigns and whose mercy never fails. Join us as we see how this short psalm calls us to fix our gaze on God, patiently trust his timing, and confidently depend on his grace.

What if your "happy place" isn't a beach, a holiday, or even your own home? Where is your Happy Place? As we continue our Songs of Ascents series in Psalm 122, we discover that our deepest happiness isn't found in a destination or circumstance, but in the presence of God with his people. Join us as we explore where our true "happy place" is and why lasting joy is found in Christ and his kingdom.