Honouring Jesus — When He Becomes the Hero of Our Story

Colossians 1:18 -

“He is the head of the body, the church; He is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything He might have the supremacy.”

Part 1 of our Four‑Part Core Values Series

Every church carries values, but values only matter when they shape the way we live, love, and follow God together. At Hope Church Holywell, we’ve identified four core commitments that express the kind of community we long to become: Honour Jesus. Offer His love generously. Pursue Spirit‑led community. Extend His grace.

This blog marks the beginning of a four‑part series exploring each of these values in turn. We begin where everything begins — with Jesus.

When Jesus Becomes the Hero of Our Story

In the sermon When Jesus Becomes the Hero of Our Story, we explore a simple but transformative truth: Christianity is not about inviting Jesus to play a supporting role in our lives. It is about surrendering our lives so that He becomes the central figure — the true Hero.

When Jesus is the Hero, everything changes. Our decisions, desires, identity, and relationships are re‑ordered around Him. Honouring Jesus is not a slogan; it is a posture of the heart.

What Does It Mean to Honour Jesus?

Honouring Jesus means recognising who He is and responding with our whole lives. It includes worship, obedience, trust, and daily surrender.

1. Honouring Jesus with our hearts

Honour begins internally. It is choosing to treasure Him above success, comfort, reputation, or control. It is allowing His voice to speak louder than our fears or preferences. It is about following His example and inviting Him to live out His life through us as we learn to walk in the same selfless compassion, love, gentleness and grace.

2. Honouring Jesus with our choices

When Jesus is the Hero, we stop asking, “What do I want?” and begin asking, “What brings Him glory?” This shift transforms the way we speak, work, parent, serve, and lead. Honour becomes visible in the small, unseen decisions that shape our character.

3. Honouring Jesus with our worship

Worship is more than singing; it is putting the Lord at the heart of who we are. It is the repeated declaration: “Jesus, You are worthy.” When we gather on Sundays, we are not performing songs - we are aligning our hearts with the reality of who He is.

4. Honouring Jesus with our story

Every believer carries a story of grace. But the story becomes powerful when Jesus is the main character, not us. Honouring Him means allowing His redemption, mercy, leadership, and faithfulness to take centre stage.

Why This Value Comes First

Our other three values — offering His love generously, pursuing Spirit‑led community, and extending His grace — all flow from this one. We cannot love well unless we first honour the One who is love. We cannot follow the Spirit unless we honour the Lord who sent Him. We cannot extend grace unless we honour the One who poured grace over us. Honouring Jesus is the foundation. Everything else is overflow.

A Community Shaped by Honour

Imagine a church where Jesus is truly the Hero. Where decisions are made prayerfully. Where worship is wholehearted. Where burdens are shared. Where people serve without needing recognition, yet are always valued; not only for what they do, but for who they are. Where stories of transformation are celebrated because they point to Him. This is the kind of community we are becoming — slowly, humbly, intentionally.

Looking Ahead

This is only the beginning. Over the next three blogs, we will explore the remaining core values that shape Hope Church Holywell:

• Offering His love generously

• Pursuing Spirit‑led community

• Extending His grace

Each value is a response to Jesus — the One we honour, the One we follow, the One who truly is the Hero of our story.

“Lord Jesus, we thank You that You are the true Hero of our story. Teach us to honour You not only with our words, but with our whole lives. Shape our desires, guide our decisions, and centre our hearts on You. Where we have placed ourselves at the centre, gently lead us back to Your feet. May our worship be sincere, our obedience joyful, and our lives a reflection of Your glory. Help us to live each day in a way that points others to You. Amen.”