Hillside Church 462h15

This week we kicked off our new series on the purpose Jesus gave every believer: to make disciples. We began by exploring what it means to be made in the image of a God who createsand how Hes equipped us to be makers too. You were created with purpose. Step into it. 3 TakeawaysWe're Made to MakeDiscipleship Is Rooted in RelationshipYour Relationships Have a God-Given Purpose Question For ReflectionCould it be that God has placed certain people in my life for a deeper purpose than Ive yet understood?Ask God to open our eyes to see the people around us the way He does. Help us to recognize the purpose He has woven into our relationships.

This week we wrapped up our ANTIDOTE series by looking at how love is the antidote to criticism. We explored the story of Absalom, whose veiled and seemingly helpful words were actually rooted in division and ambition. God calls us to something betterto use our words to build others up, preserve peace, and reflect His love. 3 TakeawaysLove is the Antidote to CriticismSubtle Criticism Undermines UnitySpeak to Build, Not to Break Question For ReflectionAre there relationships in my life where God might be inviting me to speak with more grace and understanding, instead of holding back in quiet judgment? Ask God to teach us to speak with grace, humility, and a desire to build others up. To fill our hearts with His love, so our words can bring peace, not division.

This week in our ANTIDOTE series, we looked at Elijahs storya moment marked by disillusionment and frustration. We saw how easy it is to let those feelings shape our perspectiveand how dangerous that can be. But through the Holy Spirit, were reminded that hope is the antidote to the failures and frustrations of this world. 3 TakeawaysHope Is Forged, Not FoundCynicism Is a Trap That Dulls Our FaithWe Must Fix Our Eyes on the Unseen Question For ReflectionAre there places in my life where Ive started bracing for disappointment instead of daring to hopeand what might it look like to trust God there again? Ask God to help us to see beyond whats visible, and to trust that He is still working. Ask Him to fill our hearts with His Spirit, so that we can hope againeven when it feels risky

This week we launched our new series ANTIDOTE, exploring the heart attitudes that pull us from Gods bestand the remedies Scripture offers. Pastor Brad kicked things off by challenging us to consider: Have we shrunk God down to a size we can manage? And how can we recover a bigger, bolder view of who He truly is? 3 TakeawaysFaith Is the Antidote to SkepticismSkepticism, Left Unchecked, Shrinks Our View of GodSmall Faith in a Big God Is Enough Question For ReflectionIn what areas of my life might God be inviting me to trust Him beyond what feels possible or makes sense to me right now?Ask God to grow our faith, even if its just the size of a mustard seed, and help us to trust Him with the impossible.

This week, Pastor Brad closed out our Bad Guys series with a look at Thomasoften ed only as Doubting Thomas. But theres more to his story. His journey reminds us that our failures dont define usGod does. 3 TakeawaysOur Failures May Describe Us, But They Don't Define UsJesus Meets Us In Our Doubt and WeaknessGod Rewrites Our Story For His Glory Question For ReflectionIs there a place in your life where a mistake or failure has felt like the final word? How might it change your story to invite God to speak hope and redemption over it? Ask God to help you to see yourself the way He sees you loved, forgiven, and full of hope

This Easter, we looked at Peterbroken, ashamed, and at his lowest after the crucifixion. But the risen Jesus didnt leave him there. He pursued Peter with love, offering healing and restoration. That same invitation is extended to us today. Because Jesus is alive, no failure is final.

This week in our Bad Guys of the Crucifixion series, we turned to Pilate. His story reveals the tension between knowing whats rightand having the courage to do it. Its a powerful reminder that conviction without action falls short. 3 TakeawaysBecause of Jesus the guilty walk free and that includes usEven when truth is clear, courage can be hardJesus is a King like no other Question For ReflectionIn what areas of my life am I tempted to step back or stay silent, to wash my hands, when Jesus is inviting me to stand with Him?Ask God to give me the courage to stand with Him, even when its uncomfortable or costly

This week in our Bad Guys series, Pastor Brad took us into the story of Caiaphas, the high priest. We explored how outside pressures can cloud our view of Jesusjust as they did for Caiaphas, who missed what God was doing, even as God was speaking through him. 3 TakeawaysDont Let Fear or Control Get in the Way of Trusting GodJesus is the Only One We Can Fully Rely OnGod is Always at Work, Even When We Dont See It Questions For ReflectionIn what areas of my life am I relying on other leaders, systems, or my own strength instead of fully trusting Jesus as my true High Priest? Ask God to forgive me for the times I have relied on my own strength or placed my trust in things other than Him. Ask God to help me surrender every part of my life to Him. Music: 'GOODBYE YESTERDAY' - Elevation Rhythm Gracie Binion

This Sunday, we began a powerful series on the people around the crucifixionespecially those seen as villains. But their stories reveal glimpses of Gods grace in unexpected places. Pastor Brad opened with Judas, a figure of betrayal and regret. His story challenges us to reflect on our own hearts and the choices we make. 3 TakeawaysStay faithful, wherever the path leadsHalf-truths can lead to whole deceptionGrace is greater than our failures Question For ReflectionAm I following Jesus, or asking Him to follow me?Ask God to give you the faith to surrender and the courage to walk in obedience. Music: 'GOODBYE YESTERDAY' - Elevation Rhythm Gracie Binion

This week, Pastor Lori brings our Sermon on the Mount series to a close. She challenges us to recognize that a solid foundation requires intentionalityputting Jesus' teachings into action. True obedience is not just hearing His words but living them out in our daily lives. 3 TakeawaysObedience Secures Us to JesusObedience Requires TrustObedience Leads to Blessing Question For ReflectionIn what areas of your life is God calling you to greater obedience?Ask Him to show you what small step you can take this week to trust Him and put His word into practice Music: CAIN - 'Friend in Jesus'

This week, we were ed by Pastor Tom Gardner, who serves as the Leadership Enrichment and Development Coordinator for our denomination. Pastor Tom explored four stories Jesus told in the Sermon on the Mount, revealing the important choice we all havethe choice to follow Jesus. 3 TakeawaysChoose the path of JesusReflect Jesus love in all you doAnchor your life in Christ Question For ReflectionWhat daily choices am I making that draw my life closer to Jesus?Ask God to give you clarity on how you can make choices each day to be closer to Jesus Music: CAIN - 'Friend in Jesus'

This week, we explore how Jesus teaches us to live in relationship with otherswithout hypocrisy. We reflect on Gods promise to grant us true wisdom and discernment. But we also discover that wisdom begins not with judging others, but with seeing ourselves clearly. 3 TakeawaysExamine Yourself FirstJudge with Grace, Not HypocrisySeek Gods Wisdom Question From ReflectionIn what ways am I using different standards to judge others versus myself, and how can I seek God's wisdom to see and respond to people with love and discernment? Music: CAIN - 'Friend in Jesus'

This week, Pastor Brad wraps up our study of The Lords Prayer. We explore why following Jesus guidance is essential and where following our own desires can lead us. We also uncover why some familiar words in the prayer might not always be there! 3 TakeawaysGod doesnt tempt usHe helps us escapeTemptation starts in us, so we need God to lead usFollowing Jesus leads to life, not destruction Question For ReflectionIn what areas of my life am I following my own desires instead of seeking Gods leading?Ask God to reveal how I can invite Him to guide me toward life and freedom. Music: CAIN - 'Friend in Jesus'

This week, we continue our journey through The Sermon on the Mount, focusing on The Lords Prayer. Jesus teaches us to pray for forgivenessnot only for ourselves but also for the ability to forgive others. In His teaching, we see that these are not two separate requests, but rather, one flows into the other. 3 TakeawaysGods forgiveness is a gift thats always within reachWhen we experience Gods forgiveness its meant to flow through us to othersForgiveness is a journey, and we cant do it without God Question For ReflectionWhy can forgivenesswhether for ourselves or otherssometimes feel so difficult?Ask God to reveal how His forgiveness can help you grow in extending grace to others. MusicCAIN - 'Friend in Jesus'

This week, we focus on the shortest verse in The Lords Prayer. Though brief, its meaning is profound. When Jesus teaches us to pray, Give us today our daily bread, He is revealing deep truths about trusting in Gods provision for our lives. 3 TakeawaysEvery part of our lives matters to God|God invites us to bring our needs to HimWe need to rely on God in every season Question For ReflectionHow might your life be changed if you began to see even your everyday prayer requests as deeply spiritual prayers?In what areas of your life do you need to trust God for daily provision? MusicCAIN - 'Friend in Jesus'

As we continue our journey through The Lords Prayer, we explore what it truly means for Gods kingdom to come. We discover that the Kingdom of God isnt just about the supernatural or the afterlifeit is present wherever Jesus is being lived out in the lives of men and women. 3 TakeawaysThe Kingdom of Heaven is Not Just About the AfterlifeIts About NowWe Are Called to Bring Heaven to EarthThis world needs Jesus Question For ReflectionHow can I actively participate in bringing God's kingdom to earth in my daily life?In what areas of my life work, family, friendships can I live out the values of the kingdom of heaven? Music: CAIN - 'Friend in Jesus'

This week, we begin exploring a powerful section of the Sermon on the MountThe Lords Prayer. Jesus, the one who knows most about prayer, teaches us about one of the most important subjects in the world. We lay the groundwork for understanding this prayer and focus on its first verse. 3 Takeaways:Jesus wants us to prayPrayer is an Invitation into RelationshipPrayer Shapes Our Lives Question For Reflection:When you pray, how do you see God? A provider for your needs? A mystery to solve? Someone to fear? Or a loving Father who delights in you?Take a moment to reflecthow does your view of Him shape your prayers? Music: CAIN - 'Friend in Jesus'

This week, we continue exploring a theme from last week's message a question of reward and treasure. Jesus presents us with what almost feels like a riddle, challenging us to examine what we truly value and compare it to what He values. 3 TakeawaysFocus on What Lasts ForeverWhat are we giving our lives for?You are Gods Treasure Question For ReflectionWhen you think about what you find yourself most focused on or striving for in your daily life, does it reflect what Jesus treasures?What small changes could you make to align your heart with His values? Music: CAIN - 'Friend in Jesus'

This week, we continue exploring Jesus' teachings in The Sermon on the Mount. Jesus invites us to examine our motivations, even in our efforts to live for Him. He challenges us to ensure that in every aspect of our lives, He remains first, guiding our hearts and actions. 3 Takeaways:We are called to live in a way that transforms the world around us.Our motivation matters more than our actions.Let love for God and others be the driving force behind everything we do. Question For Reflection: How can you intentionally be "salt" and "light" in your community this week?In what ways can your actions and attitudes point others to Jesus and bring glory to God rather than yourself? Music: CAIN - 'Friend in Jesus'

This week, we continue our series on The Sermon on the Mount by examining Jesus' relationship to the Old Testament law. Jesus reveals that we cannot rely on our own obedience to the law to be made right with God. Instead, He points us to Himself as the fulfillment of the law, offering us grace and redemption. Question For Reflection: Where in your life do you feel most tempted to rely on your own righteousness rather than your need for Jesus?How can you surrender those areas to Him this week? 3 Takeaways:Jesus doesn't get rid of the Old Testament law, He fulfills it.True obedience to God's law goes beyond actionsit goes all the way to the heart.We are made right with God, not by our works, but through Jesus Christ. Music: CAIN - 'Friend in Jesus'