Tag:

Hillsong

After Hillsong’s Brian Houston Calls Out Discrimination, Covid-19 Church Restrictions Relax

by Christa October 26, 2020

written by Christa

When Hillsong senior pastor, Brian Houston, called out authorities for discrimination against church restrictions, rules around church services have now eased.

Brian Houston

Brian noticed the double-standard when in New South Wales, where the Hillsong church is based, authorities allowed up to 300 people gatherings for a wedding but only 100 people for church services.

Even more so in sporting events. Just last week, 4,0000 people a day attended the Bathurst 1000 car race.

With this, he accused the local government of unfair treatment for churches. He invited Christians to “take a stand” against the biased restrictions. He wrote on Instagram, “It’s time church leaders unite to take a stand. We are all committed to keeping people safe, but it seems churches are not even being considered for a steady easing of restrictions.”

Church restrictions

A screenshot of his Twitter was included in the post. He said, “We have a building with space for 4000 people yet can only have 100 in there. Reason given is “church people know each other (too friendly). Do you think people are not friendly at weddings? It’s getting to a point where it is discrimination.”

He then made an appearance on The Today Show. The megachurch pastor continued to point out the difference in restrictions for churches and events. He said that people attending football games are cheering, hugging, spitting and high-fiving. Meanwhile, there have been no changes to churches.

“Mental health, as we all know, and health generally, well-being is a big, big thing. Isolation doesn’t help that at all,” he said. “Church, part of what we do, is community and connection. I know a lot of people just longing for that sense of community and connection.”

After Brian’s bold stand against the unfair rules, the state has updated its guidelines. Churches are now allowed to cater 300 people at services. They announced, “One visitor per 4 square metres of space (excluding staff), whichever is less.”

Reference: Christian Today

ALSO READ: Churches Sue Gov. Gavin Newsom For Banning In-Home Bible Studies

October 26, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Hillsong Church Apologizes For Accidental Tweet

by Christel Berns October 2, 2020

written by Christel Berns

Hillsong Church apologized after one staff accidentally tweeted his personal opinion calling President Donald Trump a “bully” during Presidential Debate 2020 on the church’s official Twitter account.

On Tuesday, during the 2020 Presidential Debate, Hillsong Church’s official Twitter account suddenly shared an unexpected post.

“Can’t they just mute Trump’s microphone!! He’s coming across as such a bully. No respect for him sorry. #PresidentialDebate2020,” said the already deleted tweet.

Twitter | Hillsong Church

Drawing Concern

Although the church immediately took down the post, a screenshot had quickly spread across social media. It drew concern, especially to faith leaders. Among them is Greg Locke, leader of the Global Vision Bible Church in Tennessee.

The popular internet personality wrote, “Dear @Hillsong, that was deleted very quickly. Careful. I sat beside @brianhoustontv at the RNC acceptance speech at the White House. Your boss secretly likes Trump.”

Twitter | Pastor Greg Locke

Hillsong Church Apologizes

Then nine minutes after the controversial post went viral, the international evangelical church posted an apology. The church cleared out that it was an accidental tweet.

The church stated, “Earlier today a staff member accidentally posted on this account personal comments about the US presidential debate that were meant for a personal account. Hillsong does not comment on partisan politics & apologizes. These comments do not represent the views of Hillsong Church.”

Twitter | Hillsong Church

The White House Gathering

In the gathering of Christian faith leaders inside the White House last December, Hillsong Pastor Brian Houston was one of them. The pastor explained back then how he felt honored to have prayed for President Trump.

“It’s a great honor, of course, to have had the chance to go into the cabinet room, even into the Oval Office, and pray for the president of the United States of America,” he said in an Instagram post. “To me, it’s not about politics, it’s about the position, and a significant man like the president of the US can use all the prayer we can possibly give him.”

Reference: The Christian Post

October 2, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Lauren Daigle’s ‘You Say’ Becomes First Song To Run 100 Weeks At No. 1 Billboard Chart

by Rhoda Gayle September 10, 2020

written by Rhoda Gayle

Lauren Daigle’s single “You Say” is making history by becoming the first song to run 100 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard hot song chart.

“You Say”

“You Say” was a single released in July 2018 and was written and sung by Christian artist Lauren Daigle. It debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart and then went platinum. It was also the song that earned her a Grammy Award in the contemporary Christian music categories.

“When I was a little girl, I would dream of moments like this. Upon hearing the news, I called my family. We laughed, we cried, we made jokes, we celebrated. I am so honored and want to thank all the people involved in achieving this accomplishment,” Lauren wrote on Instagram after learning of the honor.

Lauren Daigle

Last week, the song broke the record by holding steady at No. 1 on the Hot Christian Songs chart of Billboard for 100 weeks in a row. The spot was once held by Hillsong’s “Oceans (Where Feet May Fall)”. “You Say” is making history in the Christian music industry and the 28-year-old artist credits the people who worked on the song.

“My sincere gratitude goes out to them,” she added. “To be a part of a song that has not only made history but has lived inside the homes of families raising babies, widows needing comfort, teenagers needing a friend, those who have lost and those who have gained, that is a gift I’ll never fully put into words. Simply amazed that ‘You Say’ has spent 100 weeks on @billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart! Thank you ALL!!”

100 Weeks On No.1

The song has touched and inspired millions of lives. The singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson even covered the song to pay tribute to the frontline responders during the pandemic.

September 10, 2020 0 comment

Video

‘Bachelor’ Peter Weber Spotted By Justin Bieber At Church After Reuniting With Christian Contestant

by Rhoda Gayle March 13, 2020

written by Rhoda Gayle

Pop-star Justin Bieber revealed on national television that he spotted the “Bachelor” Peter Weber at Hillsong Church after reuniting with Christian contestant, Madison Prewett.

The Bachelor Peter Weber

Season 24 of “The Bachelor” ended with Peter Weber proposing to the final contestant Hannah Ann Sluss. But the season finale took a huge turn when Peter broke the engagement weeks later to pursue a relationship with Madison Prewett.

Madison is a former contestant of the show who shared with Peter about her Christian faith and her views on sex in a one-on-one date with him. The confession took the internet by storm and Peter’s family eventually chased her off.

Peter’s family told Madison that their lifestyles are very different and that he was a party guy. They also thought that her religious views would change him and that they won’t work out as a couple.

“He’s going to have to fail to succeed. That’s it. All his friends, all his family, everyone that knows him knows that it’s not going to work. So we’ve been trying to help them,” Barbara Weber, Peter’s mother, stated.

Justin Bieber

On “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” Christian pop-star Justin Bieber revealed to guest host Demi Lovato that he saw the Bachelor at the Church they attend. Both Justin and Demi attend the same Church, the Hillsong Church, and they both are open about their Christian faith.

“We watch ‘The Bachelor,’” Bieber told Lovato. “[Peter] was at church the other night …I went up to him and I was like, ‘I feel like I know you.’”

Justin Bieber Discovers He’s in an ‘Arranged Marriage' to Hailey

Watch this video on YouTube

On the final episode, Peter professed his love to the devoted Christian.

“I am telling you that I love Madison and that should be enough,” Peter said.

Reference: The Christian Post

March 13, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Hillsong Church Raises Over $1 Million For Australian Fire Crisis

by Christel Berns January 13, 2020

written by Christel Berns

Australia is in an environmental and economic crisis due to the largest bush fire the world has seen in decades. And Hillsong Church in Australia initiated a relief effort for those who were affected by the fires and was able to raise over $1 million, according to The Christian Post.

Australian Bushfire Cause Even Non-Believers To Pray To God

The bushfires that started late July and have already taken 28 lives. The deadly fires ravaged more than 17.9 million acres, destroying over 2000 homes and millions of animals. New South Wales and Victoria have been hit the hardest.

Photo | RELEVANT Magazine

The Generosity Of God’s People In Hillsong Church

“The outpouring of love, care and concern and generosity from people from all walks of life both here and overseas, has been staggering and humbling,” Hillsong Church stated.

“As a church community we have come together over the past few weeks and extended generosity to those suffering and the emergency service workers who are giving up their holidays to work tirelessly to protect homes, land and families in the path of the fires.”

An Effort In Raising Funds

Hillsong senior pastor Brian Houston shared through Instagram that they were able to raise $1,003,988.52 for the Australia crisis. The church sent aid and teams for the firefighters, food banks, global bushfires and others assisting on the ground.

The church also asked for continued prayers for Australia.

“Please continue to pray for our nation, our leaders, firefighters and communities affected. And for rain that will end the drought in our scorched land.”

Australian Fire’s Impact

The devastating impact of the blazes caught the world’s attention. The pictures and videos of fleeing residents and animals are heartbreaking. And images showing Australian cities’ red skies and smoke-filled atmospheres give scale to the devastation. Just this week, a “megafire” three times the size of any documented blaze in California emerged, reported The Christian Post.

NASA also reported on Thursday that the smoke from the Australian fires have reached the “lower stratosphere and had traveled across the Pacific Ocean, reaching Chile.”

Source: The Christian Post | Hillsong Church Australia

January 13, 2020 0 comment

Articles

60,000 Christians From Across US Gather For A New ‘Jesus Movement’

by Rhoda Gayle January 6, 2020

written by Rhoda Gayle

Over 60,000 Christians from across the United States gather for a new “Jesus Movement” organized by several different ministries.

60,000 Christians

Organized by Youth With A Mission, Christ For All Nations and Lou Engle Ministries, a 10-hour event “The Send” gathered 60,000 Christians. It happened at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando Florida.

The event featured pastors and evangelist from different churches such as Bill Johnson, Daniel Kolenda, and Francis Chan. Several worship teams such as Hillsong Young & Free, Jesus Culture, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, and Bethel Music also took part in the great movement.

“The send is ultimately a war on inaction. It’s to be a twofold beautiful experience,” Michael Koulianos, evangelist and founder of Jesus Image, said. “Number one, we’re gathering here to be in the presence of Jesus to truly encounter Him and then be sent from His presence, to take His actual person, to our cities, to our towns, to our neighborhoods, to our families, to our marriages.”

The Send

“The Send” is an attempt to unify each Body of Christ, an attempt to come together for one purpose.

“I think it’s amazing,” Todd White, evangelist and founder of Lifestyle Christianity, said. “It’s God’s waking up a sleeping giant, His church to come together and being in unity of faith and not say, ‘I prefer my ministry before yours’ but we actually prefer each other. What we’ve done is a collaboration of ministries coming together saying, ‘Let’s all go forward in one purpose, one mind, and let’s go purpose, Jesus everywhere we go.’”

One purpose

The purpose was clear, according to one of the attendees, to worship Jesus.

“The most significant thing about the event to me was that it was obvious. It wasn’t about the people on the stage but the people in the crowd. There was a singular purpose that was felt. It was to seek Jesus and worship Him,” Yassirie Moreno, a youth ministry leader in a local Orlando church, said.

It is refreshing to see different ministries and different churches come together to worship Jesus. May this event spark up more unity around the globe aimed at uniting believers together in the name of Jesus Christ. In a world full of division, unity is what we need!

Reference: The Christian Post

January 6, 2020 0 comment

Articles

Brian Houston: The Far Reach of Hillsong Ministries

by GOD TV June 17, 2019

written by GOD TV

Brian Houston grew up in a Christian home. His parents pastored an Assemblies of God Church in New Zealand. After school, he attended Bible college, met his wife, Beni, and they were married in 1977. They have three children, and all of them are active in their fathers Ministry. Joel is the eldest and is a worship leader and lead singer of United as well as co-pastor of Hillsong NYC. Ben is the lead pastor of Hillsong Los Angeles in California, and Laura is pastor of the Youth ministry of Hillsong and member of the band Young and Free.

Brian Houston & Ministry

Brian Houston started Hills Christian Life Center in 1983. He rented a hall that was part of a school to conduct services. That small church grew exponentially over the next fifteen years, and Hillsong grew into a household name. We see the ministry on television, hear their music on the radio, and see the impact Christ has far and wide.

Some of these ministries include:

- - Hillsong Church – Located in the northwestern suburbs of Sydney, Houston saw a need and was compelled by God to fill it. He first began with a congregation of about 45 people. Today the church, now known as Hillsong Church, regularly sees 100,000 attendees weekly.
  - Hillsong TV – Brian Houston shares empowering messages through God Word in this thirty-minute program. It is aired in over 180 countries to over 10 million people.
  - Hillsong Channel – Launched in 2016, it is similar to GOD TV. A station that broadcasts not only Hillsong programs, but other well-known ministers like T.D. Jakes, and Dr. David Jeremiah.
  - Hillsong Music
    - - Worship (Australia) – This group is the worship team for Hillsong Church. They were the door that opened to the United States with songs like, “Shout to the Lord,” “Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” “Power of Your Love,” and most recently, “What a Beautiful Name.”
      - United – Joel Houston, Brian Houston’s oldest son, began as a bassist for the group and made his way to frontman in 2012. This group tours worldwide and is known for songs like, “Touch the Sky,” and “Oceans (Where My Feet May Fail).”
      - Young and Free – Young and Free is the Youth ministry worship team. They have also made an impact on the world stage with their music. Their album Youth Revival was nominated for a Grammy in 2016. “Falling into You” is one of the singles.
  - Events – In addition to their massive local outreach, Hillsong holds conferences across the globe. Most are ministry-based, giving encouragement and teaching future leaders how to effectively spread the Gospel through preaching, evangelism, and music. Other conferences are targeted at groups. The Colour Conference is aimed at young women and encouraging them to be all they can be in Christ.

Pastor and Author

Brain Houston has served as pastor of Hillsong Church for 35 years. He is considered one of the top figures that is helping mold the next generation into their ministry calling. He is called “a pastor who loves God and people, and a speaker of life who declares, ‘The best is yet to come.’”

He has authored over a dozen books including, “There is More,” “How to Make Wise Decisions,” and “Get a Life.” He has appeared on national news programs such as FOX News, ABC News, and The Today Show.

Today’s Message from Brian Houston

Brian Houston has been involved in ministry his entire life. From a solid Christian upbringing through a father who was a Pastor to where he is now, a world-known ministry leader. God has used him to impact several generations of believers; not only in their personal calling but to be an effective leader to teach the next generation.

You can experience God’s powerful message through Pastor Houston through:

Hillsong Channel is a 24/7 station that broadcasts Hillsong ministry programs as well as programs from nationally known ministers.

Hillsong TV can be found through GOD TV OnDemand. These are the teachings of Brian Houston broadcast from Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia

Hillsong TV also airs live on GOD TV Live at 3 PM EDT on Sundays

Written by Brian Houston

June 17, 2019 0 comment

Music Video

New Music: Hillsong United – Highlands (Song of Ascent)

by Nathan Simpson May 7, 2019

written by Nathan Simpson

I’m blessed to be able to call Hillsong my home church, right here in New York City. One of the major perks of attending a Hillsong service is, obviously, the worship. On Sunday, the worship team began playing a song that was unfamiliar to me, and it was clear that most of the congregation were unfamiliar with it, too. But by the time we got to the second chorus, we started singing along, and the anthemic lyrics of the song turned into a powerful chant throughout the room. That song was Highlands (Song of Ascent) off Hillsong United’s brand new live album People. I was immediately taken with the Psalm-like poetry of the lyrics.

In life, we go through many ups and downs — mountains and valleys, highs and lows, etc. Sometimes these ascents feel like short-lived victories, but sudden descents can feel turn to them failures and mistakes. We are beings of physical, emotional, and spiritual battles, but throughout them all, God remains the same; the good God He has always been.

This song serves as an important reminder that God isn’t going to change just because of our circumstances or because of our season, He is a God who deserves our praise whether we are in the valley low or mountain high. The line “So I will praise you on the mountain, and I will praise You when the mountain’s in my way” really struck a chord with me. It’s so easy to worship God when he brings you to that victorious place, but what about when we are in a season of hurt or struggle? He still deserves the same praise.

I also love the depiction of God being worth our pursuit; no matter how difficult it could be to find Him, but the writer’s take us to a very important place here by saying “You’re just not that hard to find.” God makes Himself so present in our lives. We don’t have to climb a mountain to find Him, He is always with us wherever we are; full of mercy and love.

Listen and read the words below; it will impact your life!

Highlands (Song Of Ascent) [Live] Hillsong UNITED

Watch this video on YouTube

[Verse 1]
O how high would I climb mountains
If the mountains were where You hide
O how far I’d scale the valleys
If You graced the other side

[Verse 2]
O how long have I chased rivers
From lowly seas to where they rise
Against the rush of grace descending
From the source of its supply

[Pre-Chorus 1]
In the highlands and the heartache
You’re neither more or less inclined
I would search and stop at nothing
You’re just not that hard to find

[Chorus]
So I will praise You on the mountain
And I will praise You when the mountain’s in my way
You’re the summit where my feet are
So I will praise You in the valleys all the same
No less God within the shadows
No less faithful when the night leads me astray
You’re the heaven where my heart is
In the highlands and the heartache all the same

[Verse 3]
O how far beneath Your glory
Does Your kindness extend the path
From where Your feet rest on the sunrise
To where You sweep the sinner’s past

[Verse 4]
O how fast would You come running
If just to shadow me through the night
Trace my steps through all my failure
And walk me out the other side

[Pre-Chorus 2]
For who could dare ascend that mountain
That valleyed hill called Calvary
But for the One I call Good Shepherd
Who like a lamb was slain for me

[Bridge]
Whatever I walk through
Wherever I am
Your Name can move mountains
Wherever I stand

And if ever I walk through
The valley of death
I’ll sing through the shadows
My song of ascent

Whatever I walk through
Wherever I am
Your Name can move mountains
Wherever I stand

And if ever I walk through
The valley of death
I’ll sing through the shadows
My song of ascent
My song of ascent
My song of ascent

[Pre-Chorus 3]
From the gravest of all valleys
Come the pastures we call grace
A mighty river flowing upwards
From a deep but empty grave

May 7, 2019 1 comment

Articles

Justin Bieber Takes A Break From Music To Work On Some ‘Deep Rooted Issues’

by Rhoda Gayle April 4, 2019

written by Rhoda Gayle

Justin Beiber says he still isn’t ready to make music as he needs to work on some “deep-rooted issues.” He has asked his fans for prayer and we as fellow believers should stand in the gap for him, in intercession.

“Struggling a lot”

Last month, the Canadian Christian pop star admitted that he was “struggling a lot” and he felt disconnected.

“I always bounce back so I’m not worried just wanted to reach out and ask for you guys to pray for me. God is faithful and your prayers really work thanks,” Justin posted on his Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

Just wanted to keep you guys updated a little bit hopefully what I’m going through will resonate with you guys. Been struggling a lot. Just feeling super disconnected and weird.. I always bounce back so I’m not worried just wanted to reach out and ask for your guys to pray for me. God is faithful and ur prayers really work thanks .. the most human season I’ve ever been in facing my stuff head on..

A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Mar 9, 2019 at 10:27pm PST

Several of Justin’s friends showed their support for him by giving him words of encouragement. Hillsong New York City Pastor Car Lentz also encouraged Justin by writing, “You’ve got this.”

Justin also revealed that he was unhappy during his last tour.

“I read a lot of messages saying you want an album. I’ve toured my whole teenage life, and early 20s, I realized and as you guys probably saw I was unhappy last tour and I don’t deserve that and you don’t deserve that, you pay money to come and have a lively energetic fun light concert and I was unable emotionally to give you that near the end of the tour,” Justin wrote in another IG post.

Nothing comes before family

“Music is very important to me but nothing comes before my family”

He then emphasized that he isn’t ready to get back to making music because of his family priorities.

“I have been looking, seeking, trial and error as most of us do, I am now very focused on repairing some of the deep-rooted issues that I have as most of us have, so that I don’t fall apart, so that I can sustain my marriage and be the father I want to be,” Justin added.

“Music is very important to me but nothing comes before my family and my health,” he continued.

View this post on Instagram

So I read a lot of messages saying you want an album .. I’ve toured my whole teenage life, and early 20s, I realized and as you guys probably saw I was unhappy last tour and I don’t deserve that and you don’t deserve that, you pay money to come and have a lively energetic fun light concert and I was unable emotionally to give you that near the end of the tour. I have been looking, seeking, trial and error as most of us do, I am now very focused on repairing some of the deep rooted issues that I have as most of us have, so that I don’t fall apart, so that I can sustain my marriage and be the father I want to be. Music is very important to me but Nothing comes before my family and my health. I will come with a kick ass album ASAP, my swag is undeniable and my drive is indescribable his love is supernatural his grace is that reliable…. the top is where I reside period whether I make music or not the king said so. ???? but I will come with a vengeance believe that.. (grammar and punctuation will be terrible pretend it’s a text where u just don’t care).

A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Mar 25, 2019 at 12:18pm PDT

Reference: Instagram | Justin Bieber and Christian Today

April 4, 2019 0 comment

Music Video

“God is Madly In Love With You!” – Words the World Needs to Hear from Hillsong United!

by Nathan Simpson February 20, 2019

written by Nathan Simpson

Have you ever felt completely unloved? Like no one really cares about you? We live in a world full of pain, disappointment, and heartache; it’s so easy to feel hopeless and loveless. That’s why it’s so important that we relay this message that Hillsong United so beautifully conveys in their new worship track, Good Grace. The world needs to know that “God is madly in love” with them! Listen and read the lyrics below — and don’t forget to share it with someone who needs to hear these crucial words!

Good Grace (Live) - Hillsong UNITED

Watch this video on YouTube

VERSE 1:
People
Come together
Strangers, neighbours
Our blood is one
Children
Of generations
Of every nation
Of kingdom come

CHORUS:
Don’t let your heart be troubled
Hold your head up high
Don’t fear no evil
Fix your eyes upon this one truth
God is madly in love with you
Take courage
Hold on
Be strong
Remember where our help comes from

VERSE 2:
Jesus
Our redemption
Our salvation
Is in His blood
Jesus
Light of heaven
Friend forever
His kingdom come

BRIDGE:
Swing wide
All you heavens
Let the praise go up
As the walls come down
All creation
Everything with breath
Repeat the sound
All His children
Clean hands
Pure hearts
Good grace
Good God
His Name is Jesus

February 20, 2019 0 comment

Newer Posts

Older Posts