⚠️ DISCLALIMER: This episode discusses childhood trauma, pornography, and suicide. 

Support: Lifeline 13 11 14 | MensLine 1300 78 99 78 | Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. Pastoral conversation, not clinical advice.

✨ KEY THEMES

• A hard upbringing can explain a pattern without excusing it

• Seeing your father as human — and reconciling with that

• The vacuum the manosphere rushed to fill

• Culture's goal line moves; the Word doesn't

• Mateship that goes deeper than sport and weather

• Surrender over self-improvement — there's no to-do list

• The illusion of control

• Strength under control, not suppression

📖 SCRIPTURE

Luke 15:11-32 • Matthew 5:5 • John 2:13-17 • 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 • Matthew 9:36 • 1 Corinthians 11:1 • James 4:6 • Matthew 6:9-13

📚 MENTIONED

Søren Kierkegaard • Carl Trueman, The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self • Andy Stanley • C.S. Lewis • Ps Phil Dooley

💬 QUOTES

• "Freedom is having nothing to prove and nothing to hide."
• "Surrender is not a one-time fee. It's like a subscription — sometimes it's daily."
• "One of the most dangerous questions to ask is: what is it like on the other side of me?"

🚶 NEXT STEPS

1. Go first — ask a mate a real question, or admit your own struggle before anyone else does

2. Audit your inputs. If it isn't building the man you want to be, unfollow it

3. Ask your wife or kids: what's it like on the other side of me?

4. Have the conversation you've been putting off

5. Pray the Lord's Prayer. Open the New Testament. Walk into your local church and ask for help

🔗 LINKS

Men's Conference → https://hillsong.com/australia/mens-conference/

Find a location → https://hillsong.com/australia/

Subscribe for new episodes every week

Bringing Sunday into your everyday.

#HillsongAustralia #Manhood #Fatherhood #ChristianMen #Faith

Living Room Devotions is a time of acoustic worship and prayer recorded live with the Hillsong Australia team—a moment to slow down, turn our attention to Jesus and create room for His presence wherever you're listening from.

Whether you're driving to work, sitting at home, walking the dog or spending time with God in the morning, our prayer is that this episode helps you pause and worship alongside our church.

🎶 In This Episode

Song 1: Behold (Then Sings My Soul)

Song 2: Thank You Jesus

Moment of Prayer

Song 3: Eagles Wings

Song 4: New Wine

Song 5: To Be Like You

Moment Prayer

Song 6: Only Jesus

Song 7: As It Is

Take your time with this episode. Sing when you can, pray along with us and allow these moments of worship to become a space for you to meet with Jesus.

🔗 Links / CTA

Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/australia

Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia

Subscribe to the Hillsong Australia Podcast wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.

Thank you for journeying with us throughout Season 2. We'll see you in Season 3. 🤍

✨ Key Themes

• The danger of familiarity. Jesus was overlooked in His own hometown because He'd become familiar — the same thing can happen to our faith, marriages, and callings over time.
• The lost art of faithfulness. Long-term fruit tends to come from ordinary, faithful people who kept showing up — not from talent or being first pick.
• Your soil is your responsibility. Tending your heart — not sheer effort — is what determines whether the seed planted in your life takes root and grows.

📖 Scripture References

• Matthew 13 — The Parable of the Sower and Jesus' rejection in His hometown
• Matthew 6:33 — "Seek first the kingdom of God, and all these things will be added to you," 
• Matthew 25 — The Parable of the Talents
• Mark 4 — The farmer who plants seed that grows day and night without him understanding how 
• Mark 2 — The four men who bring their friend to Jesus through the roof

📚 Resources

• "Counterfeit Gods" by Tim Keller — referenced regarding how the real issue isn't lack of access to truth, but what happens inside us when we hear it.
• "Atomic Habits" — mentioned as one of many books on how habits actually take time to form.

💬 Quotes

"Where God has brought us is awe-inspiring as to who He is... but do I become familiar with time?" — Andrew Midson

"Starting is easier than finishing." — Andrew Midson

"The harvest is always an indicator of the seed that was planted." — Andrew Midson

"Don't dig up the seed too soon. Let it take its time." — Andrew Midson

🚶 Next Steps

• Do a heart stock take. Ask, "God, what's the seed in my hand?" — and what you're actually going to do with it.
• Name your "thorns." Identify the good things in your life that may be quietly crowding out what God has actually asked of you.
• Pre-decide your non-negotiables. Put the important things (Bible reading, church, date night, health) directly into your calendar so you're not relying on in-the-moment motivation.
• Choose faithfulness over talent or timing. Keep showing up, sow what you're given, and trust the harvest to come in its season.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia
• Catch next week's special Living Room episode — a time of prayer and worship together.
• Subscribe and share this episode with someone who needs the encouragement.

In this message, Andrew Midson explores Jesus' Parable of the Sower and unpacks the four conditions of the heart that determine how we respond to God's Word. From the danger of familiarity to the subtle distractions that slowly steal our attention, Andrew reminds us that the issue is never the seed—it's the condition of the soil.

If we're not careful, awe can quietly become apathy. But when we cultivate hearts that remain soft and receptive to God, we position ourselves to experience the fruit He has always intended.

CTA

• 🌐 Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/australia
• 🎙️ Watch on YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platform: linktr.ee/HillsongAusPodcast

If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who wants to keep their heart soft, expectant, and ready for what God wants to do.

In this conversation, Dale Simons sits down with Andy Heuser to continue unpacking his message, My Heart, My Responsibility, and explore the ongoing work of recognising and tending to the condition of our hearts.

Whether you're navigating grief, waiting for a promise, wrestling with anxiety or simply recognising that your heart needs some attention, this conversation is an encouragement to invite the Holy Spirit into even the most painful places and keep leaning into the presence of God. 

✨ Key Themes

• Guarding your heart is active, not passive. The condition of our heart affects everything that flows from it, so tending to it requires intentionality. 
• Invite the right voices in. We need trusted people who will tell us what we need to hear, not simply what we want to hear. 
• Praising God through a broken heart. Andy shares vulnerably about losing his dad and the daily choice to keep believing in God's goodness, even while carrying unanswered questions. 
• Heart work is ongoing. We can carry multiple heart conditions at once, and we need the Holy Spirit to help us recognise and navigate them. 
• Keep leaning into God's presence. It's there that we find rest, healing, hope and joy, even when our circumstances haven't changed. 

📖 Scripture References

• Proverbs 4:23 — Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
• Psalm 51 — David's prayer for God to create in him a pure heart. 
• Romans 8:28 — God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. 

💬 Quotes

• “I want people to tell me not what I want to hear, but what I need to hear” — Andy Heuser 
• “We've got to invite the Holy Spirit into the most painful, most precious moments of our lives.” — Andy Heuser 

🔗 Links / CTA

• Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia
• Catch up on Andy's message, ‘My Heart, My Responsibility’, on the Hillsong Australia Podcast.
• Subscribe to the Hillsong Australia Podcast wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.
• If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone who might need it today.

In this message, Andy Heuser explores conditions of the human heart: the waiting heart, the anxious heart, the broken heart, the bitter heart, the distracted heart, the proud heart, the weary heart and the hardened heart.

What do we do when we’re caught between a promise and its fulfilment? How do we guard our hearts when anxiety, disappointment or offence begin to take root? What happens when we’re so busy that we lose sight of what matters, or so weary that we’re barely holding on?

The condition of your heart matters. And when we choose to trust God, forgive, praise, rest, remain humble and stand firmly on His Word, He is able to soften what has become hard, restore what has been broken and renew what has grown weary.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/australia
• Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia
• Subscribe to the Hillsong Australia Podcast wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.
• If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who might need it today.

✨ Key Themes

• Miracles reveal God, not us. Miracles aren't earned by the "most deserving" — they're a window into who God is: good and great, kind and capable.
• Living in the "now and not yet." We carry both resurrection hope and present suffering — it's possible to hold real faith and real disappointment at the same time.
• A delayed answer isn't a denied answer. Tracy shares her own story of healing, and of still waiting for her father's healing from Alzheimer's — modeling how to keep trusting without pretending everything's fine.

📖 Scripture References

• Psalm 103 — "Forget not all his benefits," 
• Deuteronomy 7 — God reminding Israel He chose them not for their greatness, but simply because of His own heart toward them.
• Ephesians 1 — being chosen, adopted, and planned for by God.
• Mark 1:14–15 — Jesus announcing the gospel as the arrival of God's kingdom.
• Matthew 8:2–3 / Mark 1:40–41 — the leper's declaration, "If you're willing, I know you can heal me."
• Mark 6:1–6 — Jesus unable to do many miracles in His hometown due to familiarity rather than faith.
• Luke 8:43–48 — the woman with the issue of blood, healed and restored to community.
• 2 Corinthians 12:7–9 — Paul's thorn in the flesh and God's answer, "My grace is sufficient for you."
• 1 Corinthians 15 Paul's extended teaching on the resurrection and future hope.
• John 14 — Jesus' promise not to leave us as orphans, but to send the Comforter.

📚 Resources

• "God on Mute" by Pete Greig (leader of the 24/7 Prayer movement) — recommended for anyone wrestling with unanswered prayer.

💬 Quotes

"If this is who God is and how he works, then a miracle should actually be the most natural thing." — Tracy Barrell

"It's not about us; it's about him and how good and how great he is." — Tracy Barrell

"A delayed answer is not necessarily a denied answer." — Tracy Barrell, quoting Pete Greig

"I had reduced God to just the miracle worker, and I had forgotten all his other benefits." — Tracy Barrell

🚶 Next Steps

• Read Psalm 103 and make a list of God's benefits beyond healing and breakthrough — comfort, presence, grace for today.
• If you're waiting, hold both hope and honesty. You don't have to pretend everything's fine to keep trusting God.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia
• Subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

In this message, Tracy Barrell challenges us to rethink what miracles are, and what they aren't. Looking through the lens of Ephesians 1, we're reminded that God's work has always been rooted in His grace, His goodness and His desire to bring people into His family.

Together, we unpack common misconceptions about miracles: that they're only for the most deserving, only for the most likely, or only happen on rare occasions. Instead, we discover that miracles flow from God's unchanging character, His love for people and His ongoing work through Jesus.

This message also reminds us to make room for Jesus to move in our everyday lives, to create space for others to find belonging in God's family and church, and for the miracles God wants to do both in us and through us.

Whether you're believing for a breakthrough or simply wanting a fresh perspective on God's goodness, this message will encourage you to trust His heart, celebrate what He's already done and make room for what He wants to do next.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia
• Subscribe, like, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that God is always at work, and that His miracles are an expression of His goodness, grace and love.

✨ Key Themes

• A biblical literacy crisis. Bible-engaged Christians average 3.5 minutes a day in scripture vs. six hours a day on social media and YouTube. A gap Benjamin says has real spiritual consequences.
• Supplements vs. substitutes. Sermons, podcasts, and Bible studies are valuable supplements, but they were never meant to replace direct, personal engagement with scripture itself.
• From decision to discipleship. The church has overestimated the moment of decision (an altar call) and underestimated the ongoing process, formation, and journey that follows it.
• Skepticism isn't the enemy of faith. Doubt and unanswered questions are part of being human. The goal isn't to eliminate every question before trusting God, but to hold logic and faith together, knowing faith ultimately has the final word.
• Academic and meditative study can coexist. Historical, contextual study of scripture and devotional, meditative reading aren't in competition as both are needed for real formation.
• Familiar vs. personal. It's possible for scripture to feel familiar (because it's accessible) without ever becoming personal. The more consistently you actually read it, the more it moves from familiar to formative.
• Ultimate hope vs. human hope. Christian hope isn't just "things will get better", it's an eternal hope anchored in Jesus that holds steady even in a dark season.
• Parenting with scripture at the center. Practical, low-pressure ways to build a Bible-reading culture at home, even amid the chaos and inconsistency of real family life.
• AI and the value of the process. Using AI to shortcut Bible study (or any learning) trades away the very process that builds spiritual and intellectual "muscle."
• There's no single "right" rhythm. Consistency matters more than following someone else's formula for daily devotion find what brings you joy and life, and stick with it.

📖 Scripture References

• Matthew 7:24–27 (parable referenced, not quoted directly) — the wise and foolish builders: building your life on the rock (the Word of God) versus the sand.
• Isaiah (referenced) — Jesus preaching from the scroll of Isaiah, cited as a model for the centrality of preaching God's Word.
• Psalm 119 — mentioned as what Ben currently preaching through.
• John 1 — mentioned as a message Ben preached that day, with reflections connecting it to Genesis.
• Matthew 5–7 — the Sermon on the Mount, described by Ben as "a masterpiece."
• Psalm 23 — Ben's favorite, recurring scripture, and the psalm he prays in full to close the episode: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Amen."

📚 Resources

• "When God Spoke Greek" — recommended book for understanding the historical and linguistic background of the New Testament.

💬 Quotes

"We've become very biblically illiterate. And at the same time, we've become addicted to our phones." — Pastor Benjamin Windle

"A sermon is a supplement. A Bible study is a supplement. A podcast is a supplement. But if we ever allow a supplement to become a substitute, we've got to correct that." — Pastor Ben Windle

"We've overestimated the point of decision and underestimated the value of process and journey." — Pastor Ben Windle

"Faith is a beautiful thing. Faith is freedom. Faith is being able to say, 'I don't know, but I trust something greater than all of this, even in spite of my doubts.'" — Pastor Ben Windle

"You can shortcut the outcome, but you cannot shortcut the growth of the process. The process is what grows us." — Pastor Ben Windle

"Find what works for you, but don't try to conform to someone else's box." — Pastor Ben Windle

🚶 Next Steps

• Get honest about your own Bible engagement. Compare your time in scripture to your time on your phone — awareness is the first step.
• Treat scripture as the source document, not a supplement. Make space during the week (not just Sunday) to read the Bible directly for yourself.
• Start small with family devotions. Simply reading a passage like Psalm 23 out loud together — without needing to teach or comment on it — has a real, researched impact on kids' faith.
• Give yourself permission to have questions. Approach skepticism with curiosity instead of guilt; you don't need every question answered before you can trust God.
• Pick a rhythm that actually brings you life — beach, car audio, morning coffee, late at night — and aim for consistency over perfection.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Find a Hillsong Australia location near you and join a service: hillsong.com/australia
• Subscribe, leave a comment, or share this episode with someone who'd find it helpful.

Just as our bodies need daily nourishment, our spirits need spiritual food. Ben encourages us to move beyond occasional Bible reading and instead develop a lifetime habit of engaging with God's Word. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture, we discover a living and active Word that teaches, corrects, equips and helps us discern God's voice above the noise of the world.

If we want to hear God more clearly, we may need to turn the volume down on the world and turn our attention back to His voice through the Bible.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Find a Hillsong Australia location near you and join a service: hillsong.com/australia
• Subscribe, leave a comment, or share this episode with someone who'd find it helpful.

✨ Key Themes

• You're already called to influence. Influence isn't reserved for the "special" or the naturally gifted — it's for every follower of Jesus, in every season and sphere of life.
• Influence starts with surrender. Nathan's own life shifted at 17 when he finally got on his knees at a Hillsong conference and said yes to God.
• Influence grows through humility. Real stories from both Nathan (stepping back from overseeing two campuses) and Jasmine (feeling "unseen" in the parents' room) show how letting go of title, platform, and visibility often precedes God opening bigger doors.
• Identity over title. Knowing who you are in Christ frees you from needing a role, platform, or recognition to feel like you matter.

📖 Scripture References

• Philippians 4:6–7 — "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and your mind in Christ Jesus." (The verse Nathan's family held onto before his heart surgery.)
• Matthew 5 — Jesus' teaching that His followers are "salt and light," referenced as the foundation for the idea that every believer carries a call to influence.

📚 Resources

• Previous episode: "Call to Influence" — the original message Nathan preached at Hillsong's Melbourne East campus (referenced as required/companion listening for this episode).

💬 Quotes

"You are salt and you are light... no matter who you are, no matter what your circumstance is, you're called to have influence and you're called to make a difference beyond yourself." — Nathan McClean

"Influence starts with surrender." — Nathan McClean

"When we hold on to leadership, when we hold on to roles, when we hold on to things that are good, we often miss things that are great." — Nathan McClean

"Some things are not good to go through, but are great to have been through." — Nathan McClean

"Just because there's a presence of suffering doesn't mean that God can't use that season." — Nathan McClean

🚶 Next Steps

• Reflect: Where has God asked you to surrender control in order to grow your influence?
• Write it down: Nathan encourages listeners to define their "why" — write down what God has put on your heart and why you want to be a person of influence.
• Pray boldly, then trust fully: Bring your honest requests to God (Phil. 4:6–7), and then release the outcome to Him.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Find a Hillsong Australia location near you and join a service: hillsong.com/australia
• Catch up on the original message this episode unpacks: "Call to Influence" (previous podcast episode)
• Subscribe to the Hillsong Australia Podcast so you never miss an episode wherever you listen to podcast. 

In this message from Pastor Nathan Mclean, we're challenged to rethink what influence really means. While culture celebrates popularity and success, Jesus calls us to a different kind of influence, one that begins with an encounter with Him, grows through humility, and remains powerful even in seasons of suffering.

Through the example of Paul's life, we're reminded that our circumstances don't determine our impact. God can use our faithfulness, our peace and even our pain to influence those around us. This message is also a powerful reminder that influence isn't about gathering attention for ourselves, but about investing in others, raising the next generation and living a life that reflects the Gospel.

Whether you're leading many or loving the people God has placed in front of you, you've been called to influence.

Links / CTA

• Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/australia
• Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia 

If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs the reminder that God can use their life to make an eternal impact.

Recorded live at Hillsong Conference 2026, Pastor Julian Lowe unpacks the powerful connection between God's image, His presence, and His anointing. Beginning in Genesis and tracing the story through Scripture, Julian reminds us that we were created to bear God's image before oil was ever poured onto people. It's a compelling invitation to seek the Anointed One above everything else, trusting that intimacy with Jesus is where lasting influence and true transformation begin.

🔗 Links / CTA

• 🌐 Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/australia
• 🎙️ Watch on YouTube or listen on your favourite podcast platform: linktr.ee/HillsongAusPodcast
• 🎉 Learn more about Hillsong Conference 2027: hillsong.com/conference

If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who's hungry to pursue Jesus more deeply and discover what it means to truly bear His image.

Together they explore how God can multiply what we place in His hands, what it looks like to faithfully serve with whatever we have, and how embracing creativity and entrepreneurial thinking can strengthen the local church. Pastor Jeffrey also shares the story behind building a thriving church in an unexpected location, cultivating a culture of generosity, and the wisdom that has guided a healthy leadership transition.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• How faithfulness and sacrifice position us to experience God's provision.
• Why serving God wholeheartedly changes the way we view our resources.
• The story of building a thriving church in the heart of a shopping centre.
• Practical ways to create a culture of generosity that impacts the wider community.
• How innovation and entrepreneurial thinking can help advance the mission of the Church.
• Why honouring volunteers is essential to building a healthy church culture.
• Practical wisdom for raising future leaders and navigating healthy leadership transitions.
• Why every leader should intentionally invest in the next generation.

Whether you're leading a team, serving in your local church, building a business or simply looking to grow in your faith, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom for leading with courage, generosity and a long-term perspective.

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone who would be inspired to lead with greater faith, wisdom and generosity.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Learn more about Hillsong Australia: https://hillsong.com/australia/ 
• Listen on your favourite platform: https://linktr.ee/HillsongAusPodcast
• Learn more about Hillsong Conference: https://hillsong.com/conference/

In this conversation they explore why an increase in young people are showing a renewed openness to Christianity, how believers can confidently share their faith in everyday conversations, and why the Church should engage with emerging technologies like AI rather than retreat from them.

Amy also reflects on what Scripture can teach us about navigating seasons of cultural change, the importance of grounding the next generation in the core truths of the Christian faith, and why prayer remains central to every move of God.

Whether you're passionate about evangelism, interested in cultural trends, or looking for encouragement to live out your faith with confidence, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a hopeful perspective for the season we're living in.

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone who would be inspired to live out their faith with greater confidence and courage.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Learn more about Hillsong Australia: https://hillsong.com/australia/ 
• Listen on your favourite platform: https://linktr.ee/HillsongAusPodcast
• Learn more about Hillsong Conference: https://hillsong.com/conference/

Recorded at Hillsong College Chapel, Pastor Peter Stavrou explores the kind of faith that refuses to be defined by circumstances, choosing instead to trust in who God is and what He has promised. Looking at the story of blind Bartimaeus, Pete reminds us that faith isn't built on what we can see, but on who Jesus is.

Whether you're believing for a breakthrough, facing uncertainty, or wondering if you have enough faith, this message will encourage you to keep trusting, keep believing, and boldly respond to the call of Jesus.

🔗 Links / CTA

• 🌐 Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/australia

• 🎓 Explore Hillsong College: hillsong.com/college

• 🎙️ Listen on your favourite platform:
https://linktr.ee/HillsongAusPodcast

If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs fresh faith to keep believing for what God has promised.

🎓 Hillsong College — July 2026 Intake

Whether you feel called to Worship Ministry, Pastoral Ministry, Church Planting, or Evangelism, the July 2026 intake is an opportunity to take the next step in your calling.

At Hillsong College, you'll grow in your faith, discover your gifts, and be equipped through biblical teaching and hands-on practical leadership training alongside experienced pastors and church builders.

We are committed to discipling believers and raising leaders who will impact the world for Jesus.

If you're ready to grow, be equipped, and pursue God's calling on your life:

• 🖥️ Apply now: hillsong.com/college/apply
• 💬 Get in touch on WhatsApp: +61 400 447 346

✨ Key Themes

• Defiant Faith — What it looks like to keep crying out to Jesus even when the crowd tells you to be quiet and He hasn't stopped yet
• Always Persevere Past Pushback — The persistence of Bartimaeus wasn't desperation; it was the very thing that caused Jesus to stop
• Heightened Senses, Dulled Senses — Just as Bartimaeus' blindness sharpened his hearing, our spiritual senses are either heightened or dulled depending on what we're feeding them
• Childlike Faith — Recapturing the boldness to ask God for what we actually want, without fear of budget, impossibility, or looking foolish
• Spiritual Apathy & How to Break It — Practical steps for when deleting social media still isn't enough to shake the dullness
• Defiant Faith for Others — Being the friend who lowers someone through the roof when they can't believe for themselves

📖 Scripture References

• Mark 10:46–52 — Blind Bartimaeus; defiant faith and the miracle that followed persistent crying out
• Matthew 7 — Building your house on the rock vs. the sand; Pete's second point on foundations
• Matthew 28:18–20 — The Great Commission: "Go to the ends of the earth, but I'll be with you"
• Romans 10:17 — "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God"
• Romans 12:2 — Being transformed by the renewing of your mind, not conformed to the world
• 1 Kings 18 — Elijah praying for rain with urgency and persistence, returning to pray multiple times
• Mark 2:1–12 — The friends who lowered their paralysed friend through the roof to get him to Jesus
• Joshua 1 / Moses — God's repeated promise throughout the Old Testament: "I will be with you; do not be afraid"

📚 Resources

• Peter Stav's Chapel Message: "Defiant Faith" — Preached at Hillsong College Chapel; the foundation of this episode. Listen alongside for the full picture
• The Psalms — Recommended by Sam as a go-to when you don't have the words to pray; read them as prayers and declarations over your life
• Hebrews 11 — The Hall of Faith; referenced for those needing stories of people who kept believing before they saw the outcome

💬 Quotes

"Always persevere past pushback — which is a really cool thing to hear, but it's a really hard thing to do." — Alyssa

"What stopped Jesus in His tracks was his faith — the defiant faith." — Alyssa

"I wonder how many times God has wanted to talk to me, but I've been spiritually dull — or I just haven't had enough room in my brain." — Sam

"God, would You break my heart for what breaks Yours?" — Ahlaya’s go-to prayer in every season

"God's not looking for perfection; He's just looking for honesty." — Mufaro

"If He's willing to stop for this kind of brokenness, then He's willing to stop for mine." — Pete Stav, cited by Alissa

"It always comes down to Jesus. It comes down to the man who saved me. That's what transforms me." — Ahlaya

"A big job of the church is to have defiant faith on behalf of others when they're in a season where they can't muster it." — Sam

🚶 Next Steps

1. Listen to Pete Stav's full message — Check out the Hillsong College Chapel sermon for the complete teaching on defiant faith
2. Keep crying out — Whatever you've been believing for, don't stop at the first pushback. Persevere past the crowd
3. Read the Psalms as prayer — If you don't know what to pray, let David's words become yours. Declare them over your life
4. Audit your spiritual senses — What are you feeding your mind daily? Is it sharpening or dulling your ability to hear from God?
5. Pray this prayer — "God, would You break my heart for what breaks Yours?" — try it in your next quiet moment
6. Find your people — Get around someone full of faith, and find someone older in the faith whose stories will inspire you to keep going
7. Be the friend with the roof — Who in your life needs you to bring them to Jesus when they can't get there themselves?

🔗 Links / CTA

• 🌐 Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia
• 📲 Subscribe to the Hillsong Australia Podcast on your favourite platform and follow @hillsongaustralia

Whether you're navigating uncertainty, waiting on a breakthrough, or simply trying to hear God's voice above the noise, this message will encourage you to keep contending for the faith God is building in your life.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/australia

• Podcast & platforms: Hillsong Australia Podcast Official Music - Listen to songs on YouTube, Spotify | Check for Videos o…

• Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia

If this message encouraged you, share it with someone who needs an injection of faith this week.

✨ Key Themes

• Faith Has a Sound — The way you speak about your future, your family, and God reveals the state of your faith
• Faith Moves First — The opposite of faith isn't fear; it's sight. Faith steps out before it can see the full picture
• Faith Doesn't Conform — Resisting the "wait and see" culture and choosing to step out instead of sitting back
• Fighting Faith in Pain — What it looks like to hold on when reality hasn't changed yet, and why that's where faith really counts
• Distraction as the Enemy of Faith — It's not one loud voice that drowns out God; it's a thousand small ones

📖 Scripture References

• Proverbs 18:21 — The power of life and death is in the tongue
• James 3 — The tongue has the power to steer your entire life
• Hebrews 11 — The Hall of Faith; men and women who acted on God's promises without always seeing the outcome
• 2 Corinthians 5:7 — "We walk by faith, not by sight" — faith is the gap between where you are and what God has promised
• 1 Timothy 6:12 — "Fight the good fight of faith" — Paul's charge to Timothy
• Ephesians 6 — The armour of God; Paul's acknowledgement that the spiritual battle is real
• Hebrews 11:6 — "Without faith it is impossible to please God"
• Romans 10:17 — "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God"

💬 Quotes

"The Monday is where it's all worked out and walked out." — Jesse Murray

"Faith is the gap. It is the thing where it's like, 'I know this is who God is, but this is where I'm at,' and the faith is in the middle." — Jesse Murray

"It's not one voice I'd say is the loudest that overtakes God — it's the thousand voices." — Jesse Murray

"Faith is actually in pain, worry, and fear — still holding on." — Jesse Murray

"Without faith it's impossible to please God... God is looking for your faith." — Jesse Murray

🚶 Next Steps

1. Read Hebrews 11 — Start there. Let it build and stir your faith before your week begins
2. Speak it — Don't just think your prayers; say them out loud. Pray over your family, your future, and your circumstances
3. Take the next step — If God has dropped a dream or desire in your heart, don't wait for the full picture. Faith moves first
4. Guard what you let in — Be intentional about the voices, content, and people you're surrounding yourself with
5. Find a faith community — You weren't meant to do this alone; connect with people who will speak life over you
6. Talk to someone — If you're in a season of pain or discouragement, reach out to a brother or sister in faith

🔗 Links / CTA

• 🌐 Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia
• 💬 Connect with a local community group: hillsong.com/connect
• 📲 Subscribe to the Hillsong Australia Podcast on your favourite platform
• 🙏 If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs an injection of faith today

⚠️ Disclaimer

This episode discusses financial giving in the context of Hillsong's Heart for the Mission season. Giving is never compulsory — as Phil says, "You can come to our church every week and never give, and we'll love you and you're welcome."

✨ Key Themes

• Paying It Forward — Giving sacrificially to bless people you may never meet, just as others gave for you
• Owners, Not Donors — True generosity means being spiritually invested in a mission, not just transactionally contributing
• Generosity as Trust — Giving is ultimately an act of trusting God, not just a financial transaction
• Sowing & Reaping — The biblical principle that what you sow into God's kingdom opens your life to greater blessing
• Impact Beyond Borders — How local giving ripples out to change lives in South Africa and beyond through the Hillsong Africa Foundation
• Tackling Misconceptions — Addressing common fears around compulsion, transparency, and whether a small gift matters

📖 Scripture References

• John 3:16 — "For God so loved the world that He gave..." — generosity flows from love
• Matthew 6:21 — "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"
• Matthew 6:24 — "You cannot serve two masters" (God and Mammon)
• John 6 — The boy with five loaves and two fish; what happens when you give what you have to Jesus
• 2 Corinthians 9 — Paul on cheerful, non-manipulative giving; God loves a cheerful giver
• 2 Corinthians 8 — The Macedonian church: extreme generosity in the midst of poverty and trials

💬 Quotes

"It should never be reduced to, 'Oh, please can you give something?' It should be an understanding of our responsibility and the impact our lives can have when we truly live generous lives." — Phil Dooley

"When I give freely, it's not 'What do I get out of it?' It's freely giving." — Phil Dooley

"I wonder how many Christians trust Jesus with their salvation but struggle with their finances." — Jerry (host)

"You can know all the theory. Your daughter can have it explained clearly to her why you will catch her, but at some point she has to jump." — Phil Dooley

"It's not equal giving — it's equal sacrifice." — Hillsong church principle, cited by Jerry

🚶 Next Steps

1. Pray about your giving — Ask God if there's a step of faith He's inviting you to take this Heart for the Mission season
2. Give beyond yourself — Consider giving "to the man or woman you may never meet" — someone whose life your generosity could change
3. Start somewhere — If you've never given sacrificially before, start small and trust God with it
4. Model generosity — If you have kids or young people in your life, let them see you on the journey of giving

🔗 Links / CTA

• 🌐 Find a Hillsong Australia location near you: hillsong.com/australia
• 💛 Give to Heart for the Mission: hillsong.com/give
• 🌍 Learn about the Hillsong Africa Foundation: hillsong.com/foundation
• 🎙️ Subscribe to the Hillsong Australia Podcast on your favourite platform
• 📲 Follow Hillsong Australia on socials for updates from across the nation

In this special conversation recorded at Hillsong Conference 2025, Hillsong Conference 2026 guest speaker Amy Orr-Ewing joins the Hillsong Australia Podcast to explore apologetics, evangelism, and how Christians can confidently engage in conversations about faith.

Together, we discuss why faith is not disconnected from reality, why it's okay not to have every answer, and how asking thoughtful questions can often be more powerful than giving immediate responses. Whether you're sharing your faith with a friend, navigating difficult questions, or simply wanting to grow in confidence, this conversation offers practical wisdom and encouragement.

Amy is an author, speaker, theologian, and founder of The Lead Academy, known internationally for helping people connect the truth of Christianity to the questions and challenges of everyday life.

✨ Key Themes
• Faith in the real world
• Apologetics and everyday evangelism
• Why questions matter
• Following the example of Jesus in conversation
• Navigating doubt and difficult questions
• Having confidence without pretending to know everything
• Creating meaningful conversations about faith

🚶 Next Steps
• Identify one person you can intentionally have a faith conversation with this week
• Ask more questions before rushing to provide answers
• Spend time reflecting on the questions Jesus asked throughout the Gospels
• Remember that faithfulness is often found in conversation, not perfection

🔗 Links / CTA
• Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/Australia
• Podcast & platforms: https://linktr.ee/HillsongAusPodcast

If this conversation encouraged you, share it with someone who has ever wrestled with questions about faith.

✨ Key Themes

• Trusting God in the unknown
• Living outside your comfort zone
• Spiritual opposition and fighting for faith
• Consecration and living set apart
• Staying planted in church community
• Abundant life through surrender to Jesus

📖 Scripture References

• Matthew 7:13–14 — The narrow and wide roads
• John 14:6 — “I am the way”
• John 10:10 — Life abundantly
• Proverbs 4:23 — “Guard your heart”
• 1 Timothy 6:12 — “Fight the good fight of faith”
• 1 Peter 5:8 — The enemy like a roaring lion
• Psalm 1 — Planted by streams of water
• Deuteronomy 30:19 — “Choose life”
• 1 Timothy 4:12 — Be an example in life and purity
• Nehemiah — Perseverance amidst opposition

💬 Quotes

“The unknown road requires complete trust and complete obedience.”

“If you’re living outside your comfort zone, it will often be a wrestle.”

“The deeper the work, the stronger the building.”

“If you lose your life, you’re really going to find life.”

🚶 Next Steps

• Ask God where He may be calling you into greater surrender or trust.
• Journal areas where fear, insecurity, or disappointment may be affecting your heart.
• Read Matthew 5–7 and reflect on Jesus’ teachings from the Sermon on the Mount.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/Australia
• Podcast: Hillsong Australia Podcast (available on all major platforms)

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and start a conversation about what it means to follow Jesus on the narrow road.

With honesty and wisdom, Lucinda shares how following Jesus often requires us to move beyond comfort, wrestle through uncertainty, and remain planted in faith even when the journey feels difficult. This message is both challenging and encouraging, reminding us that the narrow road may not be the easiest path, but it is the one that leads to true life in Christ.

🔗 Links / CTA

• Learn more about Hillsong Australia: Hillsong Australia
• Podcast & platforms: Hillsong Australia Podcast

If this episode encouraged you, share it with a friend and start a conversation about what it means to follow Jesus on the narrow road.

Through Jude 1:1–4, this message reminds us that our identity is not built on achievement, comparison, or recognition—but on being called by the Holy Spirit, loved by God the Father, and kept by Jesus Christ. 

✨ Key Themes
• The salvation we share in Christ
• Finding identity beyond achievement and comparison
• Jude’s story as the younger brother of Jesus
• Being called, loved, and kept by God
• Contentment, humility, and serving faithfully
• The difference between striving and resting in Christ

📖 Scripture References
• Jude 1:1–4
• Ezekiel 3:17–19
• Acts 20:28–30
• John 13 – “The disciple Jesus loved”

📚 Resources
• 2 Peter and Jude Commentary – Michael Green
• The Message Bible – Jude 1:1–4

💬 Quotes
• “We don’t need an identity outside of Christ.”
• “We don’t need to be first in order to win in life.”
• “We are called by the Holy Spirit, loved by the Father, and kept by Jesus Christ.”
• “Love is both our inheritance and our commission.”

🚶 Next Steps
• Reflect on where comparison or insecurity may be shaping your identity
• Read Jude 1 slowly and personally
• Spend time thanking God for His mercy, peace, and love
• Ask: Am I striving for identity, or resting in Christ?
• Invite the Holy Spirit to remind you who you are in Jesus

🔗 Links / CTA
• Learn more about Hillsong Australia: https://hillsong.com/australia
• Podcast & platforms: https://linktr.ee/HillsongAusPodcast 

🔗 Links
Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/Australia

Podcast: https://linktr.ee/HillsongAusPodcast

• (00:00) - Opening Prayer
• (01:33) - Touch of Heaven
• (06:35) - That's The Power
• (09:39) - Prayer for Healing
• (12:08) - That's The Power
• (14:58) - Fighting For Us
• (20:39) - What A Beautiful Name
• (25:43) - A Prayer from Ephesians 3
• (30:12) - Through It All

✨ Key Themes

• The difference between doing for God vs being with God
• Spiritual “oil” requires daily filling—not occasional refueling
• Pressure reveals the state of our spiritual maintenance
• The danger of familiarity and neglect in our faith
• The power of community in recognizing spiritual drift
• Dependence on God > striving in our own strength

📖 Scripture References

• Matthew 6:9–13 — The Lord’s Prayer
• Psalm 139:23–24 — “Search me, O God…”
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 — Strength in weakness
• 1 Samuel 16 — David anointed
• 1 Samuel 15–16 — Saul’s decline
• Judges 16:20 — Samson unaware the Spirit had left him
• John 17 — Jesus prays for unity
• Matthew 25:1–13 — Parable of the ten virgins (oil in lamps)

📚 Resources

• Managing Leadership Anxiety — Steve Cuss
• Teachings from Craig Groeschel (habit-building / “Find your 30”)

💬 Quotes

• “Doing for God can’t come at the cost of being with God.”
• “You can’t live off yesterday’s oil.”
• “You don’t burn out when you’re fuelling up.”
• “Faithfulness is the metric—outcomes belong to God.”
• “I can’t be who God’s called me to be without the oil of God.”
• “It’s never too late to come back and be filled again.”

🚶 Next Steps

• Find your “30” — carve out 30 minutes daily with God
• Identify your “dashboard lights” (stress, frustration, impatience)
• Stop multitasking your time with God—prioritize quality
• Invite trusted people to speak into your spiritual health
• Practice daily repentance and reflection
• Pray the Lord’s Prayer intentionally each day

🔗 Links

• Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/Australia
• Podcast: https://linktr.ee/HillsongAusPodcast

🔗 Links

• Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/Australia
• Podcast: https://linktr.ee/HillsongAusPodcast

⚠️ Disclaimer

This episode touches on grief, death, and mental health. If you are struggling, you are not alone:

• Lifeline (Australia): 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

✨ Key Themes

• Easter as both a singular celebration and a daily reality
• The difference between intellectual belief and living resurrection life
• Faith defined as relational, reasonable, and resolved trust
• The significance of “Silent Saturday” and living in the tension of the already/not yet
• The ordinary contexts of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances
• The transformative power of resurrection hope in daily life

📖 Scripture References

• 1 Corinthians 15 – The resurrection of Christ
• 1 Timothy 6 – Resurrection life as “truly life”
• Revelation 1 – Jesus: “I was dead, but now I am alive forevermore”
• Philippians 4 – Peace that surpasses understanding
• Revelation 21 – No more crying, death, or suffering

💬 Standout Quotes

• “A resurrection isn’t just dying and coming back. It’s actually smashing through death to the other side.”
• “Faith is relational, reasonable, and resolved.”
• “Silent Saturday is a window into the tension between the ‘already’ and the ‘not yet.’”
• “The extraordinary can invade the ordinary, and the supernatural can invade the natural.”
• “The power of what resurrection means is obvious when you live differently because of it.”

🚶 Next Steps

1. Reflect on the tension of the “already” and “not yet” in your own life—what are your personal Silent Saturdays?
2. Consider how resurrection hope could shift your perspective on fear, loss, or uncertainty.
3. Take a step of faith—whether through prayer, baptism, or a renewed commitment to trusting Jesus.

🔗 Links / Call to Action

• Learn more about Hillsong Australia: hillsong.com/Australia
• Easter services and events across Hillsong locations
• Podcast: https://linktr.ee/HillsongAusPodcast

✨ Key Themes

• Preparation over deprivation
• The purpose of fasting: making space for God
• 40 days as a pattern of transformation in Scripture
• Personal devotion vs. religious routine
• Living a “cross-shaped” life

📖 Scripture References

• Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness
• Moses on Mount Sinai (40 days)
• Israel in the wilderness (40 years)
• Elijah’s journey to Horeb (40 days)
• Noah and the flood (40 days of rain)
• 1 Corinthians 5 – “Celebrate the feast… without the leaven”
• Galatians 5 – Fruit of the Spirit vs. works of the flesh
• 1 John 4 – The nature of God’s love
• “Take up your cross and follow me” (Gospels)
• Psalm prayer: “Search me, O God…”

💬 Quotes

• “Fasting isn’t the goal—it’s preparation for a feast.”
• “This isn’t just about self-denial; it’s about joining the story.”
• “Repentance isn’t about emotion—it’s about direction.”
• “When God puts His finger on something, He also brings the power to change it.”
• “The love of God is choosing to do good for someone who may not love you back.”

🚶 Next Steps

• Choose one intentional way to prepare for Easter (fasting, prayer, or Scripture)
• Ask God: “What are You wanting to transform in me?”
• Practice daily repentance as simple direction change
• Read a Gospel account leading up to Easter
• Reflect on how you can live more like Jesus in everyday relationships

🔗 Links

• Join a Hillsong location near you this Easter
• Visit: hillsong.com/australia
• Podcast: https://linktr.ee/HillsongAusPodcast

⚠️ Disclaimer

This episode touches on themes of shame, identity, and personal struggles. If you’re navigating similar challenges, please know you’re not alone.

For support in Australia:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

✨ Key Themes

• Come as you are, but don’t stay the same ✈️
• The Gospel breaks down barriers and bias 🤝
• Mission happens around tables, not just in church 🍽️
• There is no “holy elite”—everyone is called 🙌
• Identity (worth) comes before behaviour (walk) 🪞
• Unity and belonging are not optional in the Gospel ❤️

📖 Key Scripture References

• Galatians 2 (Paul confronting Peter)
• Acts 10–11 (Peter and Cornelius)
• Ephesians 1–6 (Worth before walk)
• Luke 10 (People of peace)
• Matthew 7:5 (Remove the log from your own eye)

💬 Standout Quotes

• “There is no such thing as a holy elite.” 🙌
• “Don’t call unclean what God has called clean.” 🔥
• “The Gospel spread around tables, not stages.” 🍽️
• “It’s not about fixing people—it’s about walking with people.” 🚶
• “Unity and belonging are not optional in the Gospel.” ❤️
• “You can’t get people to leave shame if they don’t understand their worth first.” 🪞

🚶 Next Steps

• Invite someone outside your usual circle to a meal this week
• Practice “uncomfortable fellowship” intentionally
• Reflect on any biases or barriers you may be holding
• Focus on showing people their worth before correcting behaviour
• Take one step toward being mission-minded in your everyday life

🔗 Links / Call to Action

• Church: https://hillsong.com/australia
• Podcast: Hillsong Australia Podcast (available on all major platforms)

✨ Key Themes

• 🏃 Running the race with endurance
• 🎯 Keeping Jesus as the ultimate goal
• 🧳 Letting go of hidden “weights” that slow us down
• 🛤 Staying in your God-given lane
• 🌱 Faithfulness today leads to future fruit
• 🔄 God’s power to redeem our time and mistakes

📖 Key Scripture References

• Hebrews 12:1–3
• Galatians 6:9
• Hebrews 11
• Matthew 7:24–27
• Ephesians 5:15–16
• John 21 

💬 Standout Quotes

• “God can’t anoint who you pretend to be—He can only anoint who you really are.” 🔥
• “Passion comes and goes, but purpose anchors you.” ⚓
• “We often live for tomorrow and miss what God is doing today.” ⏳
• “God is not looking for perfect vessels—He’s looking for willing vessels.” 🙌

🚶 Next Steps

• Identify the weights slowing you down—busyness, comparison, or overcommitment—and intentionally lay them aside.
• Refocus your goal on Jesus, not just outcomes or achievements.
• Stay faithful in your current season, trusting that God produces fruit in His timing.
• Run your lane—embrace who God created you to be instead of comparing yourself to others.
• Make the most of today by loving people well and sharing the hope of Jesus.

🔗 Links / Call to Action

Join us at Hillsong Australia and be part of what God is doing across the nation.

🌐 Church: https://hillsong.com/australia
🎧 Podcast: https://hillsong.com/podcasts

Join us at Hillsong Australia and be part of what God is doing across the nation.

🌐 Church: https://hillsong.com/australia
🎧 Podcast: https://hillsong.com/podcasts

Register: Sisterhood Conference 2026
https://hillsong.com/australia/sisterhood/conference/

✨ Key Themes

• 👑 Daughter before leader
• 🔥 If you’re a believer, you’re a leader
• 💛 Leadership is servanthood and encouragement
• 🌿 True beauty starts within
• 💪 Don’t let your setbacks set you back
• 🤝 The power of gathering generations together

📖 Key Scripture References

• John 4:34
• Genesis 3
• Galatians 5:22–23
• 1 Peter 2:9
• Mark 10:45

💬 Standout Quotes

• “If you’re a believer, you’re a leader.” 🔥
• “Leadership is servanthood.” 🤍
• “Transformation is inside out, not outside in.” 🌿
• “Encouragement is leadership.” ✨

🚶 Next Steps

• Identify one person you can encourage and lead toward “point B.”
• Reflect on where fear or insecurity may be holding you back — and choose to step forward anyway.
• Guard your inner world. Prioritize spiritual health over outward performance.
• Commit to gathering — don’t isolate yourself from sisterhood community.

🔗 Links / Call to Action

For more information about Hillsong Church Australia
https://hillsong.com/australia

For more from the Hillsong Australia Podcast
https://hillsong.com/Australia/podcast

Be inspired to take your place in God’s purpose as we move forward together with vision, courage, and unity.

✨ Key Themes

• Building what’s in front of you 🧱
• Everyone has a role to play 🙌
• Serving the city, not just attending church 🌆
• Commitment over compromise 🔒
• Daily rhythms that guard your heart 🕊️
• Future glory over past success 🚀

📖 Key Scripture References

• Ephesians 2
• Nehemiah (Rebuilding the Wall)
• 3 John 2
• 1 Kings 19 (Elijah’s rest)

💬 Standout Quotes

• “No role is small in God’s building. Every believer has a place and a purpose.” ✨
• “We’re not just consumers of church — we’re called to serve.” 🤝
• “God’s greatest glory is not found in impressive buildings, but in His living presence among a rebuilt people.” 🕊️
• “God’s work moves forward through humble hands, not proud hearts.” 🙏
• “We can strengthen the wall by commitment or weaken it by compromise.” ⚖️
• “Building together focuses on the future glory, not the past.” 🔭

🚶 Next Steps

• Look for a need in your church or community and take ownership of it
• Commit to serving in a ministry or team
• Create daily rhythms that support your spiritual and physical wellbeing
• Reflect on where compromise may be weakening your commitment
• Ask God what you’re called to build in this season
• Choose to focus on what God is doing now — not just what He’s done before

🔗 Links / Call to Action

Join us at Hillsong Church:
https://hillsong.com/australia

Subscribe to the Hillsong Australia Podcast:
https://hillsong.com/australia/podcast

Drawing from John 11 and the story of Lazarus, Donna shares from both Scripture and personal experience to explore how suffering, grief, and despair are not signs of weak faith — but often spaces where faith is formed.

At the beginning of a new year, when hope and expectation can sit alongside unexpected hardship, this episode reminds us that God meets us not only in breakthrough — but also in lament.

⚠️ Disclaimer & Support

This episode contains discussions around grief, loss, suffering, and emotional pain which may be sensitive for some listeners.

If this conversation raises difficult emotions or you need support, you are not alone. The following Australian support services are available:

• Lifeline Australia — 📞 13 11 14
https://www.lifeline.org.au

• Beyond Blue — 📞 1300 22 4636
https://www.beyondblue.org.au

• 1800RESPECT — 📞 1800 737 732
https://www.1800respect.org.au

If you are in immediate danger, please call 000 🚨

✨ Key Themes

1. Jesus Weeps With Us ❤️
God does not stand distant from our pain. The compassion of Jesus Christ shows that grief and faith can exist together — and that lament is a biblical response to suffering.

2. Movement Is Medicine 🚶
Healing is often not immediate or passive. Emotional, spiritual, and relational movement can be part of the process God uses to restore us.

3. Take Off the Grave Clothes 🕊️
Pain can leave behind beliefs, identities, or coping mechanisms that no longer serve us. Like Lazarus of Bethany, we may need community to help remove what keeps us bound.

📖 Key Scripture References

• John 11:1–44 — Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead
• John 11:35 — “Jesus wept”
• Colossians 1:24 — Sharing in Christ’s sufferings
• Book of Job — Faithfulness amidst suffering
• Book of Psalms — Biblical expressions of lament and hope
• Book of Lamentations — Grief, sorrow, and trust in God
• Genesis 12–21 — Abraham & Sarah waiting for Isaac
• Genesis 37–50 — Joseph’s suffering and redemption
• Book of Esther — God’s providence amidst adversity

💬 Standout Quotes

💭 “Suffering and hardship are going to be part of progress.”
🤝 “Compassion doesn’t mean we’ve got to have the answers.”
📖 “Despair is part of life — and Scripture gives us language for it.”
💔 “You can be so blessed in one area of life and still deeply hurting in another.”
✨ “Life has tension all the time — it’s finding Jesus in those tensions, not the absence of them.”
🚶 “Healing often requires movement.”
🕊️ “We may need community to help us remove our grave clothes.”

🚶 Next Steps

• Spend time reading John 11 and reflect on how Jesus responds to grief 📖
• Journal honestly using a Psalm of lament (e.g. Psalm 13 or Psalm 42) ✍️
• Talk to a trusted friend, pastor, or mentor about any pain you may be navigating 🤝
• Identify areas where you may feel “stuck” — and consider what movement could look like this week 🧭

🔗 More Information

For more information about Hillsong Church Australia, visit hillsong.com/australia
For more from the Hillsong Australia Podcast, visit hillsong.com/Australia/podcast

✨ Key Themes

• Christ as supreme, sufficient, and Saviour 👑
• The pressure to conform in school, work, social settings, and social media 🌍
• Practical faith habits: spending time with God throughout the day ⏰🙏
• Grace and perseverance in every season of life 🌿
• Living a Christ-centered life without adding “extra” works or distractions ✝️

📖 Key Scripture References

• Colossians 1:15–20 — Christ is supreme over all creation and the church
• Romans 12:2 — Do not conform to the patterns of this world; be transformed
• James 1:26 — If you cannot control your tongue, your religion is worthless
• Psalms 23:1 — “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.”
• Lamentations 3:22–23 — God’s mercies are new every morning
• Mark 1:35 — Jesus Christ rising early to pray in solitude

💬 Standout Quotes

💪 “Christ is sufficient in my weakness, and He has given us His grace for strength.” — Jerry
🙏 “God is my Lord and Savior; in Him, I have all that I need.” — Alissa
🧱 “Master the mundane—it’s in the daily habits that our faith is fortified.” — Vasiti
✨ “There’s always going to be pressure to conform, but choosing Christ daily is the answer.” — Tyler

🚶 Next Steps

1. Daily Time with God — Commit to starting or ending your day with prayer, Scripture, or worship (even 15–30 minutes) 📖
2. Master the Mundane — Find spiritual practices in everyday rhythms like chores, driving, or walking 🚗
3. Resist Pressure to Conform — Identify areas where you feel pressure and intentionally choose Christ-centered responses 🧭
4. Reflect on Christ’s Sufficiency — Remind yourself regularly that Jesus provides everything you need ✝️
5. Grace for Every Season — Trust that God equips you differently in each season 🌿

🔗 More Information

For more information about Hillsong Church Australia, visit hillsong.com/australia
For more from the Hillsong Australia Podcast, visit hillsong.com/Australia/podcast

Through the lens of Abraham’s life, this conversation explores what it means to live a life of righteousness in everyday moments — not through perfection, but through trust and obedience to God. The discussion wrestles with the tension between living distinctively as followers of Jesus while remaining engaged with the world around us in love and humility.

Together, the team reflect on generational faith, the responsibility of example, the call to distinctive holiness, and the daily disciplines that help shape a life that honours God and blesses others.

✨ Key Themes

• Following in the footsteps of faith — and creating footsteps for others to follow 👣
• Righteousness as a gift received through trusting God 🎁
• Generational impact and spiritual inheritance 🌱
• Living with distinctive holiness in everyday life ✨
• Christianity as personal, but not private 🤝
• The daily pursuit of God through spiritual disciplines 📖🙏
• Abiding in obedience as a relational posture ❤️
• The empowerment of the Holy Spirit in holy living 🔥
• Mentorship and investing in the next generation 🧭
• Obedience as worship, not performance 🎵

📖 Key Scripture References

• Book of Genesis 15:6 — Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness
• Epistle to the Hebrews 12:1 — Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses
• Book of Psalms 119:105 — Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path
• Gospel of Matthew 6:33 — Seek first the Kingdom
• Gospel of John 13:34–35 — They will know you by your love
• Acts of the Apostles 1:8 — You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you

📚 Referenced Resources

• Lectio 365 Devotional — by Pete Greig 📱

💬 Standout Quotes

✨ “We follow in others’ footsteps, but we also create footsteps for others to follow.”
🙏 “Righteousness is the gift of salvation — it begins with trust in God.”
🤝 “Christianity is personal, but it’s not private.”
✨ “Holiness is not just saying the right thing — it’s living it.”
❤️ “Obedience is not performance; it’s a posture of relationship.”
👣 “We don’t need to see the whole path — just the next step.”
🔥 “Distinctive holiness is lived out in everyday obedience.”
💛 “We will be known by our love.”

🚶 Next Steps

• Identify one spiritual discipline to intentionally grow in this year (e.g. prayer, Scripture, silence) 📖
• Ask the Holy Spirit where He is prompting obedience in your everyday life 🔥
• Consider how your life reflects Christ to those around you — in word and action 💬
• Invite accountability through godly community 🤝

🔗 More Information

For more information about Hillsong Church Australia, visit hillsong.com/Australia
For more from the Hillsong Australia Podcast, visit hillsong.com/Australia/podcast

Together, they explore what it means to live a life of adventurous faith, heartfelt gratitude, and expansive generosity in our everyday lives.

✨ Key Themes

1. Looking Back to Move Forward 🔍➡️
“The further backward you can look, the further forward you can see.”
Scripture reminds us that what has been written in the past serves as both an example and a warning for our lives today. The story of Abraham becomes a model for how we live by faith in the present.

2. A Life of Adventurous Faith 🧭🔥
Abraham’s journey began with a call from God to step out without knowing where he was going. In the same way, our walk with Jesus Christ invites us into a lifelong spiritual adventure that requires trust, obedience, and movement.

3. A Life of Grace-Filled Gratitude 🙏🎁
Understanding that everything we have is a gift from God shifts our posture from entitlement to gratitude — shaping how we see both our resources and our responsibility.

4. A Life of Expansive Generosity 🤝🌍
God’s blessing was never intended to stop with us. We are blessed so that we can be a blessing — extending hospitality, provision, and faith to those around us.

📖 Key Scripture References

·       Genesis 12:1–4

·       Genesis 12:2

·       Genesis 18:1–15

·       Micah 4:4

·       1 Corinthians 10:11–13

·       Galatians 3:14

·       Luke 14:28–33

📚 Book Recommendations

·       A Very Private School — Charles Spencer

·       The Story That Makes Sense of All of Our Stories — Daryl Johnson

·       In Him (In Christ) — E. Stanley Jones

💬 Standout Quotes

·       “We don’t need a New Year’s resolution — we need a New Year revelation.” ✨

·       “We preach on Sundays so that you can apply truth on Monday.” 📅

·       “God is calling us back to the adventure of faith.” 🧭

·       “Following Jesus costs everything — but He also gives everything.” ❤️

🚶 Next Steps

·       Reflect on the foundations of your faith this week 🪨

·       Invite someone into your world through hospitality 🍽️

·       Take one intentional step of faith in an area where you’ve become comfortable 👣

🔗 More Information

For more information about Hillsong Church Australia, visit hillsong.com/Australia
For more from the Hillsong Australia Podcast, visit hillsong.com/Australia/podcast