The Heights Church Podcast

Rob shares his life story — born into poverty in apartheid South Africa, raised in children's homes, and shaped by violence and addiction. He recounts a career in security and counter-terrorism that led to work with Qantas, then a fall into homelessness and addiction in King’s Cross, and finally recovery through Wayside Chapel and faith found while incarcerated. Now part of the Heights Church community, Rob gives God the credit for his journey and thanks those who mentored and supported him.

In this episode the pastor unpacks Colossians 2, urging believers to remain rooted in Jesus, build their lives on Him, and recognize that Christ alone is sufficient for salvation and daily life. He warns against four dangers—human philosophy, legalism, mysticism, and asceticism—and calls listeners to true discipleship through Scripture, the Spirit, inward heart change, and overflowing thankfulness.

This episode concludes the Hosea series by examining Israel’s refusal to rely on God, their turn to destructive substitutes, and the dangers of an ‘always-self-help’ mindset. Despite national failure and spiritual hardening, the message points to hope in God’s saving love through Jesus, urging prayer, repentance, and dependence on the one true Helper.

This episode walks through Colossians 1:15-20, showing Jesus as the visible image of the invisible God—Creator, Sustainer, and supreme Head of the church. It explains how all things were made through and for Christ, how the cross brings reconciliation, and applies these truths to everyday life by urging listeners to make Christ first, find identity and purpose in Him, and trust His sustaining peace amid life’s struggles.

Today we unpack Matthew 6:19–34. We want to store up eternal treasures, fix our focus on God’s kingdom, and trust God instead of living in anxiety about money, food, or clothes. We start with a powerful plane-side encounter with Jessica that illustrates how simple gratitude, honest witness, and God’s guidance can lead someone from darkness to life and a transformed heart.

This episode reflects on 2 Timothy 3:10–13 and tells the inspiring story of Helen Bahani, an Eritrean Christian who endured imprisonment for refusing to renounce her faith. Drawing parallels with Paul’s final instructions to Timothy, the sermon emphasizes that the gospel is a gift to be shared with both unbelievers and believers. The message highlights the gospel’s unconditional nature, the call to make and disciple followers of Jesus, and practical applications for living and sharing the faith in the face of persecution.

In this episode we explore Leviticus 11 and the call to holiness: why God set Israel apart, how Jesus fulfills the law, and what holiness looks like for us today. Using personal stories about music, football, and health, the speaker explains sanctification, the role of the Holy Spirit, and practical ways to live a holy, distinct life that draws others to God.

This episode examines Isaiah 6:1-13, recounting Isaiah’s vision of the Lord on His throne, the seraphim’s praise, Isaiah’s awareness of sin, his purification by a live coal, and his commission to speak to a resistant people. The speaker connects that vision to personal encounters with God, the work of the Holy Spirit, the cost of faithful witness, and the urgent call for individuals to seek a genuine, personal relationship with God.

This episode explores our consumer-driven price-tag moments through Jesus' warnings about greed, examining stories like the rich young ruler, the man building bigger barns, and Zacchaeus. It contrasts temporal possessions with eternal treasure and calls listeners to repent, accept Christ, and let God transform greed into generosity.

This episode examines Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, contrasting the broad road that leads to destruction with the narrow gate that leads to life. The speaker warns against false prophets and empty religious activity, emphasizing that true salvation comes through a personal relationship with Jesus, not mere orthodoxy, emotion, or service. Listeners are challenged to examine their foundation—whether their faith rests on Christ alone—and are encouraged to renew and deepen their relationship with God so they stand firm when life’s storms come.

Music. You're listening to a teaching from the Heights Church, Sydney, Australia. We hope that through this message you will be encouraged and grow in your faith and trust in Jesus. If you are in the Sydney area, be sure to visit us in person at Hornsby Heights, Sydney, Australia. You can find out more about the Heights by visiting our website at theheights.org.au. This episode centers on John 13:1-17, where Jesus washes his disciples' feet as a powerful picture of unshakable love, humility, and servant leadership. The message explores how Christ’s example calls us to be humble, serve others sacrificially, and share the gospel practically in our families and community.

This episode explores Exodus 23:20–30 and the theme of God’s promises unfolding "little by little." It encourages listeners to trust God’s pace, embrace the unseen work of faith, and remain available and obedient through seasons of discomfort and preparation. Through Scripture and practical examples, the message reminds us that growth, readiness, and blessing often come gradually as we respond in faith, not by immediate results or public applause.

In this episode we read Romans 12:1–8 and are challenged by David Reay to be "thermostats" — not simply reflecting the world but actively shaping it by offering ourselves as living sacrifices. Paul’s call to nonconformity is presented as whole‑of‑life worship. The message also explores sober self‑assessment, the balance of humility and worth in Christian identity, and how God equips us with gifts and ministries so we can serve others cheerfully and faithfully.

This episode explores the Apostle Paul’s hardships—beatings, shipwrecks, near-death—and how God’s comfort (the Paraclete) sustained him. It shows how suffering refines faith, how believers are called to comfort one another, and the power of prayer and community in sustaining missions. Tony Edwards using stories from Paul, David, and modern missionaries, the message encourages steadfast trust in God, mutual support in connect groups, and persistent intercession for one another.

Welcome to the Heights Church podcast. Today, we dive into the profound messages found in Zechariah 4 and Luke 13, exploring the themes of faith, small beginnings, and the unseen work of God. Chris Eagles will help us discover how Zechariah's vision encourages us not to despise the small things and how Jesus' healing of a crippled woman on the Sabbath challenges social norms. We also reflect on 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul emphasizes the resurrection of Jesus as the cornerstone of our faith. Join us in recognizing and valuing the hidden, gradual growth within our spiritual journeys and daily lives, trusting that God works profoundly through what may seem insignificant to us.

Join us in this compelling episode of the Heights Church podcast as we delve into the profound teachings from the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37. Discover the transformative power of compassion and how it extends beyond mere pity to become an active force of change in our fast-paced world. Explore what it means to truly see and respond to the needs around us, being guided by the example of Jesus. Understand how compassion defines our identity in Christ and marks us as distinct in our communities and the world. Reflect on inspiring stories that highlight the call to not only offer help but to lift others up, embodying the love and compassion of God in every aspect of our lives.

Welcome to the Heights Church Podcast. In this episode, we dive into Romans 12:1-2, exploring the transformative journey of knowing Christ and growing in Him. Join us as we reflect on the Holy Spirit's role in renewing our minds against the tide of consumerism. Discover how to cultivate contentment amidst a world promoting relentless accumulation and how true fulfillment lies in trusting Jesus above all. Let us renew our mindset, embracing generosity, compassion, and worship as our call to be disciples of Christ in a material-driven society. Amen.

In this enlightening episode of the Heights Church podcast, explore the profound teachings of Galatians 6:1-10, as we delve into practical implications of living a Spirit-led life. Learn how to gently restore those who stray, while remaining cautious of your own temptations, and discover the significance of bearing each other's burdens in a supportive and loving manner. Join us as we reflect on the words of Francis Schaeffer and discuss the importance of demonstrating love within the church to enhance our external witness. This episode emphasizes the balance required in burden-bearing, highlighting that while we are called to support others, we must recognize the limits of our capacity. Find inspiration as we discuss the results of sowing good deeds and how maintaining healthy, nurturing relationships within our Christian community is essential for effective external outreach. Through practical guidance and heartfelt prayers, this episode encourages a deeper understanding of Spirit-led living and its impact on church growth and witness.

Join us in this insightful sermon from David Reay as we explore Galatians 5 and the profound message of living a Spirit-led life. Discover how Christianity's unique perspective frees us from climbing the metaphorical ladder of merit, relying instead on the perfect character of Jesus. Delve into the true meaning of freedom in Christ, not as independence from God, but as the ability to become our best selves under His guidance. Learn about the Holy Spirit's role in empowering us to embrace a life of love, joy, and genuine purpose. This episode challenges us to understand and embrace the inner struggle between our self-interest and the Spirit’s guidance, ensuring that our lives reflect the fruit of the Spirit, and urges us to set the Holy Spirit free in our lives for true transformation.

Join us on this episode of the Heights Church Podcast as we delve into the profound messages of Galatians 3:26-4:7. Discover how embracing our identity as children of God through faith redefines everything we know about ourselves, others, and our world. Explore the incredible concept of being adopted into God's family, not just as forgiven sinners but as beloved children, clothed in Christ. Unravel the transition from living under the law to living in grace, and understand how this shift changes our relationship with God from one of duty to one of deep, personal connection. This episode challenges the traditional views of religion and encourages waking up to the wonder of being God's child—an identity that brings freedom, belonging, and immense love. Tune in and rediscover the true essence of the Gospel: living loved, not as a measure of religious performance but as a beautiful, liberating relationship with our heavenly Father.