City Bible Church, NZ

we finish our dive into the Beatitudes with Jesus's words about peacemakers and persecution (Matthew 5:9-12). Blessed for being persecuted? Can that be right? Surely this is a misprint or some metaphor for something far less unpleasant! Persecution is so far away from where we live as Christians in safe NZ (especially if we hide our light under a basket).  According to 2025/2026 World Watch List, 1 in 7 Christians worldwide, approximately 365–388 million of our brothers and sisters experience "high to extreme levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. Even unto death." So join us on Sunday as we look into this and learn how it is that God's people can face and deal with persecution, while even saying they are blessed for doing so.

We continued going through the Sermon on the Mount and learn more about the kind of life that reflects the Kingdom of God. We looked at the characteristics of 'Mercy' and what it means to be 'Pure in Heart'. These two statements from Jesus reach straight into the core of who we are, how we treat others and how we see God.

This week, we'll begin exploring Sacred Pathways, a framework developed by Gary Thomas that reminds us God has created each of us to connect with Him in different, meaningful ways. Just as branches grow uniquely while sharing the same vine, our spiritual lives are shaped by the way God designed us to love Him. Abiding isn't about copying someone else's spiritual habits—it's about discovering how you most naturally stay connected to Christ. link: Sacred Pathways - Session 1: The Journey of the Soul - Sacred Pathways (Gary Thomas) - Study Gateway

we continue our journey through the Beatitudes by exploring Matthew 5:5–6, the third and fourth blessings Jesus shares.

Join us as we investigate the opening lines of the Sermon on the Mount. We'll be tracing the concept of the "Blessed" from the Old Testament through to the mountainside in Galilee to see how Jesus' message was both deeply rooted and shockingly new. Whether you feel "poor in spirit" or find yourself in a season of mourning, come and discover why Jesus calls these very states the gateway to His comfort and kingdom

Graham will share a bit about what is in store for Agora in 2026 and introduce a new teaching series on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew Ch 5-7). 

we look at the third gift of the Wisemen, Myrrh, and we also look at what some commentators call the fourth gift - a gift that is even more important than the Wisemen's treasures and so easy to overlook, as we get caught up in the busyness of the season.

Gifts of the Wisemen - frankincense Jesus is our perfect high priest appointed forever, who is able to deal with whatever you facing - even oppression of the evil one  

Why would you give a child a huge gift of Gold? Seriously, when you think about it that is not every kids dream Christmas gift. So why do the Magi give the child Jesus this significant gift? You know God is saying something very profound in the three gifts. We will be thinking about the implications of the gift of gold from the Magi. Scary question to consider - if it is a gift to a king, then what does that mean? For me? Is Jesus truly my king? Hmmmmmm. 

In our final message of Discipleship According to Paul, we'll uncover Paul's powerful last words from a Roman prison his urgent call for Timothy to stand strong in God's grace and carry forward the mission that meant more to him than life itself. Together, we explored how a simple, intentional chain of discipleship one person investing in another can multiply into a movement of transformed lives. And we looked at Paul's vivid images of the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer to understand what it truly means to follow Jesus with focus, faithfulness, and perseverance in a world full of distractions.

Key verse: 1 Corinthians 11:1 Follow my example as I follow the example of Christ. The idea of being, an example or a model is key to understanding the ministry of both Paul and Jesus. On Sunday we will look at the key components of the ministry of Paul and of Jesus. As we have been tasked to make disciples we need to clearly identify exactly what that means. What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus. If I am to be a disciple and to make disciples what is the expectation on me.

As disciples of Christ, Paul calls us in Rom 12, to not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of our minds so we might know what God's will is. this Sunday, we considered how are our minds are renewed, and what we should fill them with? You might find that the answer is much broader than you thought.

Unity is elusive. It is uncommon in much of the world and, unfortunately, also among Christians. Why do we have so many denominations? Perhaps it is because we all think that we are right. Jesus' prayer for us (John 17:20-21) was: I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. 

we explore from Philippians chapter two what it means to live with Christ's humility and mind-set. This chapter has been described as the high mountain top of Paul's explanation of exactly what Christ has done for us and what that therefore means for us as 'Christ followers'. I doubt anybody could argue with that assertion, so please try and read through Philippians chapter two before Sunday if you can, and let's dig in together on Sunday and climb that mountain.

we're launching a brand new series: Discipleship According to Paul! We'll start by taking a quick look back at our journey this year, then look at Jesus's discipleship method and how they were adapted by Paul for the early church. This message will set the stage for the rest of the series as we explore what Paul's epistles teach us about following Jesus in our modern world. Don't miss this essential start!

we had the final part of our two-part series titled 'Living as a Witness - What do we do with the Gospel'.  This series aims to clear up a good deal of misunderstanding about what being a 'witness' really means and offers insight into to why we can find it so difficult. It's important we deal with this because it's one of the major themes of the Bible and has been a major influence on the development of western civilisation throughout history. So, this Sunday we will look at what all this means to us as individual believers in our place and time.

This Sunday we start a two week mini-series entitled 'Living as a Witness - What do we do with the Gospel'.  There is a good deal of misunderstanding and apprehension about what 'witness' means, and it is very important we clear this up because it's one of the major themes of the Bible. Plus, it has always been super important to God. (And if it's important to God it must be important to us, right?)

In his concluding words, Paul underscores the significance of boasting solely in the cross of Christ, rather than in human achievements or through practicing the Law. He draws a distinction between his own experiences of suffering for the Gospel and the intentions of those false teachers who advocate for circumcision to avoid hardship. The core message serves as a reminder that genuine salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone, resulting in a new identity and a life that has been transformed.

This Sunday we are in Galatians 6:6-10 and we're nearing the end of our series. Here Paul writes about one of the great biblical themes of the Bible: How to be blessed by God, both in this life, and in the next. This was taught by Jesus, and Paul often reminds the people he writes to (including us) about this in case we have slipped a bit (as we tend to) and are in danger of losing our promised reward. He wants us to enjoy the full value of the eternal life Jesus has bought for us. More about this on Sunday.

Who is truly responsible for caring for those who are struggling in our church? In Galatians 6, Paul calls us to live out our freedom in Christ not in isolation, but through gently and humbly helping one another — especially when the weight of life or sin becomes too heavy to carry alone. Join us this Sunday as we unpack what it really means to share each other's burdens with love, humility, and grace.

Last week, we began with the question: Are you truly free? This week, we take the next step. If freedom isn't what our culture often portrays (a life without limits), then what does it actually look like in our daily lives? The Apostle Paul doesn't offer a new rulebook, but a picture of a life that is walking in the Spirit and produces fruit.

Are you free? This is a topic we looked into as we continue delving into Galatians. How did this question apply to Galatians, and how does it still apply to us today?

"Is my faith enough?" It's a question that can lead to anxiety, tempting us to take matters into our own hands—to add our own efforts to our faith, or even try to manufacture a spiritual outcome. This isn't a new struggle. The early church in Galatia, after embracing the gospel, was being pressured to return to a life of rule-keeping. Paul combats this with a very Jewish style of argument: you don't need to become Jewish to follow Christ. Instead, "become like me." That final phrase is the puzzle we'll be solving this Today. Bible Passage: Gal 4:8-31

As we explore Galatians 3:15-25, we will examine the enduring significance of God's promise to Abraham. We will also consider why the Law, introduced later, did not invalidate that promise but instead served a vital, albeit temporary role. Ultimately, we will observe how Christ's arrival fulfilled that ancient promise, leading us into freedom and adoption through faith. This passage offers insights into the very bedrock of our salvation, hope, and our identity in Christ

The Bible can seem overwhelming like a whole lot of information and rules that seem to contradict each other, but it all boils down to understanding that almighty God wants an intimate relationship with the creatures He created and those lost and sinful creatures - you and me. 

The scripture passage for this week begins with Paul describing how he opposed Peter to his face. This is the Paul who elsewhere exhorts believers to put on kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. We should be forgiving one another and above all loving each other. So, was he right to rebuke Peter to his face? We'll discover this week what was behind his strong reaction.

We continue our journey through Galatians. We'll be in Galatians 2:1-10, examining how the early apostles, despite their differences, united around the singular message of the Gospel. Come and hear what this means for us today as we seek unity in Christ.

we continue with our series, entitled 'The Good News of Grace.' We will look at the latter part of chapter one where we will see Paul talks about how the essential nature of subjective Grace is integral to objective Truth in a way perhaps that we have not fully understood. We need to understand this, both for ourselves and when sharing the Good News with others and we'll also look at some important tests he presents to ensure we are still living squarely in God's Gospel of Grace and have not slipped back like the Galatians had.

We start a new series in the letter to the Galatians, entitled 'The Good News of Grace'. This short letter had a major impact on Western Civilisation, and will also have a major impact on us, as we study it together over the next few weeks. Join us as we dive in to find out more about our faith and God's grace, in one of the most influential books of the Bible.

This Sunday we reflected on the Practises of Discipleship that we have learnt about in recent weeks. For part of our time together we will be in small groups discussing some questions relating to these practises.

What is mediating on the Scripture, why is it important and how do we go about fitting it into our busy lives?

Today we will look at the one investment that cannot fail us, and how we can grow that investment through being generous with our possessions and our service. Oh and yes, our money (that's a possession too). Unlike other investment seminars you do not have to pay to attend, and the returns have an absolute guarantee.

What does it really mean to be content? Contentment seems so counter-cultural in a world that is constantly challenging us to not be satisfied. This week we look at Psalm 23 and how David can teach us to find true contentment in God.

Is the Sabbath still relevant today? Why would God make a law about rest? This Sunday, Al has led us as we explore what the Sabbath is all about and why it might just be more important than we think. Join us as we unpack the purpose and promise of rest.

On the 11th of May in was Mother's Day, the church go hear people talk about their mother's    

we take a look at fasting. Is it still for today? Or is it only for those crusty old Pharisees who Jesus wasn't too impressed with? Willy will share through the video about how prayer and fasting has brought break-throughs in his ministry, and met many individual needs in Tonga. See Agora Youtube channel for this. Then Dan will help us understand more about what the Bible tells us about fasting. After that Graham will guide us to identify our greatest need, whether personal or ministry, and to bring it to the Cross of Jesus with a commitment to give up something we enjoy for one week. Thus our faith will be sharpened in a concrete and powerful way that draws us nearer to God.

Willy Florian from Tonga is back with us. If you remember him from last year you'll remember what a blessing and inspiration he is.

Easter! A time when we reflect on Christ's death on a horrible Cross, to overcome sin and the death we deserve. But what about his resurrection and ascension? In John 14:2-3 Jesus tells us he has gone ahead to prepare a place for us. And in John 16:7 he says he has to go away so he can send the Holy Spirit to be our Helper. Two things crucially important to the Christian.

Among all the values we hold as individuals and as a church, Jesus issues one supreme command to His followers: love others as He has loved us. We'll examine this defining mark of discipleship - how Christ-like love identifies us, distinguishes us, and authenticates our connection to Jesus.

Today we'll explore one of Jesus' most challenging invitations: “If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.” We'll unpack this offer of discipleship and reflect on its cost. Does it have anything to do with willpower, as a disciplined life is often associated with it? Bible reading: Luke 9:23-26

What does it mean to truly abide in Jesus? What kind of fruit does He desire from His vine, and what does it mean to be pruned? Al leads us as we explore these questions together, diving into what it means to remain in Christ and bear lasting fruit. Join us as we grow deeper in faith and understanding! Bible reading: John 15:1-8

We are now in a series of looking at Jesus and how He demonstrated discipleship, and what He taught about it. Jesus called people to follow Him many times in the Gospels and we are probably familiar with Him choosing, and then calling, His future apostles to discipleship. But He also calls us to follow Him as we deal with a particular issue which is one the main things holding us back from a deeper and more satisfying walk with Jesus.

A couple of weeks ago we heard how God calls us into a saving relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, and how he continues to call us into a closer relationship with Him every day. But what about service? God has made each one of us with an individual 'shape' to fit into a unique place of service in His kingdom - rather like a jigsaw piece finds its place to complete the whole picture. Like a jigsaw, the picture is incomplete without every piece in its proper place. And like a jigsaw piece, we can be confused about where we fit, and perhaps feel we don't even have a place in the picture. Scriptures: 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Corinthians 12:4-7

We will continue our series on “discipleship” and this Sunday, Sue Hanna, a missionary in Cambodia for the past 20 years, will speak to us about a simple three-word model that we can use as a model for discipleship in our individual lives and as a church. 

There's a good deal of uncertainty and confusion around God's call on our lives. We tend to think of a calling in terms of a ministry or God telling us to do some job in the church. But it's much more basic and important than that. Today we will look at God's calling into the special life he designed for us from before the beginning of time. It's a calling into community, service, and into ultimate satisfaction and joy. It's a calling to enter into Christ himself (a great mystery)! In other words, our calling is to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.  Scripture: Mark 3:13-15 and John 17:5-9; 18-26

Why follow Jesus?...and when things turn to chaos in life what can we hold onto to keep on being his disciple?   We continue our series on Pictures of Discipleship as we listen in on some very important statements that Jesus makes to his disciples. Statements that provide us with reasons to follow him.

We hear so many different ideas of what discipleship is. (Some of them really put us off!) Why so many? And what's the real deal? Once we see what the heart of discipleship is according to Jesus, we will understand why there are so many interpretations. Better yet, we will also see that discipleship is something to be wholeheartedly embraced as the means of peace, joy, and satisfaction in our lives that nothing else can compete with.

This year, we're focusing on discipleship: what it looks like and how we can live it out together. Al has kicking off our first series, Pictures of Discipleship, as we explore a vision of where we want to be by the end of the year. Join us as we dive into thought-provoking discussions about what discipleship means, reflect on who has discipled us, and consider who we might be discipling.

Join us as one of the wise men from the Christmas story shares his extraordinary journey to Bethlehem. Hear the story through the eyes of a pagan seeker following a star to find a King.

Did you hear about the old shepherd who got fired because he never knew how many sheep he had? He kept falling asleep as he counted them. Today we will meet the shepherds from the Christmas story. Unlike last Sunday's Innkeeper, these guys are real, and have a lot to teach us (so we wont be tempted to count sheep during the service). We will be in Luke chapter 2, verses 8 to 21