Shows
Hillside Community Church PodcastGod Is...All Knowing | Psalm 139What does it mean that God is all knowing? It means He knows every inch of His creation perfectly. Nothing catches God by surprise because He gives life, definition, and purpose to everything around us. Psalm 139 tells us there’s one thing God knows that impacts our life more than anything else. God knows you! - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2025-05-1835 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastI Am Not | Good FridayPastor Arek O'Connell delivers this Good Friday message.Support the show2025-04-1825 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastI Am: The True Vine | John 15:1-11An important question we need to ask frequently in life is, “What’s the real root of the matter here?” Whether it be in navigating relationships, making business decisions, or making plans for the future. As we consider what it means for Jesus to be the True Vine, John wants us to understand the real root of the matter when it comes to life and faith… God causes growth in us when we make our home with Jesus. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2025-04-0636 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastI Am: The Door | John 10:1-10A belief that is very popular in our world is that there are multiple ways to find and connect with God. However, John is going to make it clear that there is really only one way in and one way out, through the door… and that door is Jesus. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2025-03-0937 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastEvangelism and Sharing Your Story - Part 1 | Intro to Spiritual DisciplinesPastor Arek O'Connell discusses Evangelism and the importance of Sharing Your Story at Hillside's Intro to Spiritual Disciplines class.Support the show2025-02-1958 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastFasting | Intro to Spiritual DisciplinesPastor Arek O'Connell discusses the Spiritual Discipline of Fasting.Support the show2025-02-0550 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastPatience in Suffering | James 5:7-12In times and seasons where we fall victim to pain and suffering, we are prone to certain behaviors. We try and take the situation under our control and alleviate our pain and suffering as quickly as possible. However, James' best advice for us in the face of pain and suffering is to be patient and persevere so that we might learn to depend on God even more. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2025-02-0238 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastPressing On | Philippians 3:12-16As we come to the end of another year, it’s natural to reflect on the year overall in order to make preparations for the year we’re about to enter. No matter what accomplishments, successes, failures, or disappointments we faced in the last year, the Apostle Paul wants to encourage us to head into next year, or any day for that matter, with the goal of pressing on towards Christ until we meet in heaven. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2024-12-2936 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastThe Need | Genesis 6:5-8This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Advent season. A season where the church collectively anticipates the arrival, or ‘advent,’ of our savior Jesus Christ. Just as he came in the flesh as a baby 2000 years ago to save his people, one day Christ will return again to save his people. What is it that we need saving from though? The book of Genesis shows us that what we need Jesus for and saving from the most is ourselves. We need Jesus to show us how to Love God and each other. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupp...2024-12-0135 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastWise Faith in Action | James 1:19-27James has been offering us wisdom when it comes to doubts during trials, wisdom when we face temptation. What does James have to say in general about wise faith in action? How do we know our faith is real and we’re living it out wisely? James might encourage us to take a deep breath, listen to God’s Word, and take care of the little people. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2024-11-0338 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastWho Am I to Judge Sin | 1 Corinthians 5Do I have the right to judge the sin of other Christians? There are plenty of areas we might feel comfortable offering judgment, but to look into someone’s personal life and call their action a sin against God? Can’t we just let God take care of that? As uncomfortable as it may make us, Paul teaches us in 1 Corinthians 5 that it’s necessary for the health of the church and for us to see restoration take place. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2024-10-0636 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastGive Me Some Good News in My Doubt | John 20Doubts are a tricky thing when it comes to faith. Because unlike sin and grief, some doubts are good to have. Some doubts don’t cause us any trouble because they’re grounded in truth and some can even be useful and constructive. But what about doubts concerning the nature and faithfulness of God? How does Jesus give us good news in the midst of THOSE doubts? Jesus keeps revealing His love for us until we can believe.- Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2024-08-1837 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastGive Me Some Good News in My Grief | John 11Perhaps the most difficult seasons of faith that we endure are seasons when we experience pain, suffering, and loss. Deep down we know that suffering is part of the deal when it comes to being a Christian, but when grief hits hardest, it can feel as if God has forgotten about us and our pain altogether. But there’s good news, even in my grief. The good news in my grief is the good news of the Gospel: God loves you and is bringing dead things back to life in Christ!- Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport th...2024-08-1136 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastGive Me Some Good News | John 8:1-11For the next three weeks we’re going to be looking at stories from the Gospel of John for some much needed good news in a world that has plenty bad to offer. The best news usually comes when we think there’s only bad news or no hope. But there is good news in all seasons, even in the times when we fall short and blow it. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2024-08-0435 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastA Hero's Heart | 2 Samuel 23:8-17This week at Hillside, our kids have been learning what it means to be a hero. We’ve been following the life of David and learned that hero’s have a pure heart, they face their fears, they trust in God and offer forgiveness. There’s one more story we’ll look at together as a church and see that what ultimately makes someone a hero in God’s eyes is devoting your whole heart to God and God alone. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2024-06-2332 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastPaul's Last Altar Call | Acts 25:23 - Acts 26In his last recorded speech in the Bible, Paul stands and gives a defense before King Agrippa in preparation for his arrival to Rome and ultimately Caesar. Paul makes a lengthy speech in his defense, and what is significant to notice about his speech is that Paul can’t talk about himself without talking about Jesus at the same time. For Paul, every day was an an opportunity to testify about Christ in word and deed, do we believe the same? - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the...2024-05-2635 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastLiving With a Clear Conscience | Acts 24Paul’s missionary journeys have placed him in stressful situations repeatedly. Wherever Paul seemed to tell people about Jesus, trouble followed. Living with a clear conscience when things are good is hard enough. How do we live with a clear conscience before God and man under pressure? We see in the example of Paul before Felix we can live with a clear conscience in any situation when we seek the Lord with honesty, humility, and patience, living for an audience of one: Jesus. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2024-05-1234 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastEaster - The Beginning | Mark 16:1-8The site of an empty tomb on Easter morning is a symbol of victory. Death has been defeated, the bondage of sin has been overpowered by God’s power and love. But the first time people saw an empty tomb on Easter, they became so scared and confused that they ran off in a silent panic. What could possibly be scary and confusing about Easter + the empty tomb? Well, if Christ is risen and He is Lord, what does that mean about my failures and future plans for life? If Christ is risen am I living the life that is...2024-03-3136 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastThe Trap | Mark 10:17-31Summary: We want to follow Jesus because at the end of the day we know that the best life, eternal life, can only be found in following Jesus! So if following Jesus offers us the best eternal destiny, why do we find it to be so difficult to follow Jesus as God’s Word tells us? Usually, it’s because we’re still holding onto something. However, new life in Christ and God’s love can only be found when we let go. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2024-03-0340 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastNot Enough Room for the Both of Us | Acts 19:23-41Paul’s time in Ephesus ended with a bang! A large number of people are converted, God’s power is on display, and the people in Ephesus show a radical devotion to God upon their conversion. Time and time throughout Acts we keep seeing that the Gospel always transforms, it often divides, and is never compromised. Is our faith in action a walking testimony or rejection of those truths? - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2024-02-0436 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastThe Tender Plant | Isaiah 11:1-9The most difficult circumstances and seasons to have hope in are the ones where nothing seems to go right. We look at the world around us and it feels like everything is falling apart and certain evils, injustices, and suffering don’t seem to have an end in sight. But Isaiah prophecies of one who can put an end to it all, the one that we can put our hope in, the tender plant. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-12-1033 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastSinging in the Dark | Acts 16:16-40Paul and his companions are about to meet some new friends and enemies as they bring the gospel into new territories with new rules. However, God and the gospel message never change. As the gospel begins to challenge and change these new places Paul shows us that even when things get tough, our central commitment is to Christ and the Gospel because the Gospel is central and above everything. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-11-1933 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastEnding the Journey Well | Acts 14:21-28Paul and his companions are coming to the end of their missionary journey. Paul has traveled far and wide and witnessed the numerous ‘doors of Faith’ God opened to the Gentiles. At the end of his journey, we’re told the church gathers to hear about all the doors of Faith being opened. This morning we’re going to hear similar testimony from our mission partners around the world. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-10-1537 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastEncouraging One Another | Hebrews 10:16-25As we hold onto our anchor of hope, especially during the stormy seasons of life, we all need encouragement at some point or another. We need encouragement from God, but we also need it from one another. Encouragement fuels hope when we need it most, but encouragement doesn’t happen in isolation or in a vacuum. We can only encourage one another how God desires us to when we’ve drawn near to Him while never losing hope. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-09-0334 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastBlessed to be a Blessing | 2 Corinthians 8-9Why does God choose to bless me and others? What am I supposed to do with His blessings? How am I supposed to steward them faithfully? The Apostle Paul tells us that the amount, the time, or the recipient ultimately isn’t what matters most when it comes to giving. Our primary objective is to channel the same blessings we’ve received from God unto others. We’re blessed to be a blessing. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-08-2037 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastGive Your Heart First | Matthew 6 & 19Once we’ve committed to giving to the church on a regular basis, naturally one of the first questions we always ask… “How much?” If I want to follow Christ faithfully, does it mean that I can only do that if I give God 10% of my money? The good news is absolutely not! God doesn’t require you to give 10% of your money, that’s too easy… He wants 100% of your heart first and foremost. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-08-1330 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastOur Generous God | Genesis 1-2This Sunday we begin a three-part sermon series on the subject of giving and stewardship. One of the first questions we or others may ask when it comes to this subject is “what right does anyone, God included, have to tell me how to spend my money, time, and resources?” As we look through the Creation account of Genesis, we’ll see that God has the right because God who owns everything, generously provides so that we can flourish and bless others. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-08-0634 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastStill Faithful | Acts 9:31-43There has been a whole lot of action recently with the early church! Samaritans and Ethiopians are being saved! The greatest persecutor of the church became God’s chosen instrument to grow the church! This week we’re going to see a little break from the “big headlines” and see how even in times of peace, the Spirit is still active and ahead of us and calling us to be “meanwhile missionaries.” - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-06-2531 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastThe Spirit is NOT for Sale | Acts 8:4-25This morning we’re going to learn a lesson that will set the tone for the rest of Acts: God's Spirit is active and ahead of us… all the time. As the Spirit continues to grow the church, one thing we’ll constantly learn is that we can’t control the Spirit! All we can do is catch up and keep in step. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-05-2837 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastYou Can't Keep Them Quiet | Acts 5:17-42As we return to our series in the book of Acts, we get to see the early church filled with the Holy Spirit back in action! As they continue to share the new life they’ve received in Jesus, they continue to experience persecution. Some people just don’t want to receive new life… but even when people are resistant to the Gospel message, we don’t ever stop sharing new life. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-04-2334 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastFoxes and Chickens | Luke 13:31-35As Jesus continues to keep His face set on Jerusalem, He must confront a real and credible threat to His mission. In the face of even death itself, we see that Jesus loves all His little ‘chickens’ and will do anything to protect them from the ‘foxes’ of our world. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-03-2636 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastThe First Opposition | Acts 4:1-22Whenever God is at work, there will inevitably come opposition. How do we respond? We see from the early church and the apostles that when opposition came, they were courageous and bold, but not for the reasons we would think. They confronted opposition with the name of Jesus as their only defense and we are called to do the same. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-02-2639 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastThe Spirit Lights The Flame | Acts 2:1-13The stage is ready. Jesus has given the church promise, power, and purpose. The early church overcame their first challenge by replacing Judas and making the Apostles whole. Now the Spirit is going to light the flame and call the church to praise, pursue, and proclaim! - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2023-01-2936 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastThe Joy of Hope Fulfilled | Zephaniah 3As we get closer to Christmas, everyone expects there to be joy in the air! But is it always appropriate to have joy when the world and our lives are a mess? Zephaniah says we can by fixing out eyes on The Day of the Lord. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2022-12-1136 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastThanksgiving 2022 | Open Our Eyes Lord2 Kings 6- Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2022-11-2423 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastCan We Have a Sign Please? | Luke 16:19-31We've talked a lot recently about what it means to be appropriately clothed before the presence of God. But what type of action is expected of those who are clothed in Christ? What will ultimately motivate us to live a life that Christ has called us to? - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2022-11-1339 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastWhat Should I Wear to the Wedding | Matthew 22:1-14Everyone knows you can't just show up in your blue collar clothes to a wedding. Even if we would prefer to wear something else, we put our best on to honor the people we're celebrating. Jesus tells us a parable about how we should be dressed for the ultimate wedding banquet in Heaven in the Gospel of Matthew. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2022-11-0637 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastGetting Dressed | Exodus 28This Sunday we begin the journey of seeing the High Priest prepare to enter the most Holy Place. Not just any person is able to enter into God's presence, only the High Priest can. God turned Aaron from "just a person" into a Priest for God's service and that started by clothing him with the right garments. The good news is that we aren't "just people" either. In Christ, we are a part of the priesthood of all believers called to Kingdom Service. And just as God clothed Aaron in priestly garments, so too are we clothed in Christ...2022-10-1635 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastGiving Ourselves to God | I Chronicles 29So often we are tempted to boil down our "giving" into money that we donate. But there is so much more that God asks us to "give to Him." As David ends his time and transfers his power and wisdom to Solomon, one lesson we learn is that God doesn't just want our money, He wants everything we have to offer Him. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2022-08-2131 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastThe Right Stuff and the Right Person | I Chronicles 22Gaining and having wisdom is an important thing. Equally important is how we use it and how we pass it on to others. David was a great king because he did the right thing the right way consistently. As David's time as king comes to an end, what continued to make him great was that he passed down the right things to the right people.- Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2022-08-1436 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastWorship is a Dangerous Business | I Chronicles 13-15One truth we've all maybe learned the hard way is that doing the 'right thing' the 'wrong way' ultimately results in us doing the 'wrong thing.' David learned this and experienced some heartbreak as well. Through David's lesson, we'll remind ourselves that the King we serve is good...but He isn't safe. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2022-07-1032 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastServing the True King | I Chronicles 11Last week we saw an example of unfaithfulness in the life of Saul. This week we get to see, in the life of David and his mighty warriors, what true faithfulness looks like. And at the heart of what made David and his warriors mighty is that they always knew their highest level of devotion and loyalty belonged to God alone, even when they were thirst. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2022-07-0335 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastThese Two Guys Went to Pray... | Luke 18:9-14We have such an easy time defining “us vs. them.” From a young age, we learn quickly how to define good guys and bad guys. But the parable Jesus tells us in Luke 18 forces us to stop for a second and wonder “what really makes someone righteous before God?” How does God define good guys and bad guys? Sinners and saints? - Pastor Arek O’ConnellSupport the show2022-05-2230 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastMy God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me? | Good FridayMatthew 27:45-56- Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2022-04-1523 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastAre You Asleep? | Matthew 26:36-46Life is really difficult sometimes. There come times where we are ready to throw our hands up in surrender and yell “I can’t do this anymore!” Even Jesus felt this way during his life. When we feel like we can’t go on anymore what do we do? Who do we turn to? Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane shows us that in our times of need, God sustains us through one another, prayer, and His grace. - Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2022-03-2031 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastFinding Hope in Loss | I Thessalonians 4:13-18What happens to our loved ones when they die? Where do they go? Will we get to see them again someday in heaven? These are questions we ask ourselves in times of grief and loss and desperately want answers for. These are also questions the Thessalonians had for Paul as they expected Jesus to return while also unexpectedly losing loved ones. Paul gives all of us a word of hope rooted in Jesus Christ to help us navigate these difficult questions.- Pastor Arek O’ConnellSupport the show2022-02-1332 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastJars of Clay | 2 Corinthians 4:6-11One of life’s greatest temptations is to pretend we’ve got it all together. It’s much easier to pretend to be someone we’re not than to accept our weaknesses and shortcomings. However, the good news that Paul and the Gospel offers is that God doesn’t need perfect ambassadors to deliver his message of hope to the world. He uses jars of clay to accomplish his purposes.- Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2022-01-0937 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastJesus Is: Lord | Luke 2:8-14Typically during the Holidays, it is assumed you don't talk politics or religion around the dinner table. However, Luke didn't care much for that rule when he announced the birth of Jesus. Luke had no problem stirring the pot by proclaiming that a baby born in Bethlehem was the true Lord of the world. And if Jesus is the true Lord, it means we have a decision to make. Who will you serve?- Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2021-12-2639 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastJesus Is: The Messiah | Matthew 1On the first Sunday of Advent we set our hopes on the one who has come and who will come again, Jesus Christ. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus was given many unique titles to help us understand who Jesus is and how we should relate to him. We begin with the first title the Gospel gives Jesus, “The Messiah.” What does it mean that Jesus is the Messiah and how does it affect our lives today?- Pastor Arek O'ConnellSupport the show2021-11-2837 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastLove is...Not About "Me" | I Corinthians 13:4Beginning Again: In LoveWe start taking a look at all the things the Apostle Paul said Love is NOT in 1 Corinthians 13. Paul wants to warn the church against envying one another, boasting, and being prideful because when we do these things the focus is on "me." True love focuses on "we." We now discover how we can get out of our own way so that we can love God and each other.- Pastor Arek O'ConnellTo give, please visit: https://pushpay.com/g/hillsidechgrSupport the show2021-10-1736 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastLive Through Service | John 13:1-17As we celebrate multiple students making profession of faith, we take a moment to reflect on one o the most important commitments in the Christian life; the commitment to serve. Jesus showed us, by example, what a life of service looked like. How will we respond?- Pastor Arek O'ConnellTo give, please visit: https://pushpay.com/g/hillsidechgrSupport the show2021-06-2020 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastFreedom in the Spirit | Galatians 5:16-26Set Free to Live Free | The Ten CommandmentsThe Israelites had the 10 commandments to help them discover a new life of freedom in the desert after God delivered them. Today, we have an even greater gift and helper than the Israelites did. We have the Holy Spirit! This Sunday we’ll discuss how the Holy Spirit strengthens and equips us to live a life of freedom in Jesus Christ.- Pastor Arek O'ConnellTo give, please visit: https://pushpay.com/g/hillsidechgrSupport the show2021-05-2334 min
Hillside Community Church PodcastSealed and Sent to Love | Revelation 7Revelation: Pulling Back the Curtain"Sealed and Sent to Love"Pastor Arek O'ConnellRevelation 7Sermon Summary:The Lamb who is worthy is about to open the scroll which will unleash God’s wrath and judgment onto the world before all things are made new. In the midst of God’s wrath, who will be safe? Who is able to stand? John’s vision in Revelation 7 shows us that those in the lamb are able to stand! In a broken world, those who are in the lamb are sealed and sent t...2021-01-2432 minHillside Community Church PodcastThe Secret to Contentment | Philippians 4:10-13Joy in the Journey: A Series on Philippians"The Secret to Contentment"Pastor Arek O'ConnellPhilippians 4:10-13Sermon SummaryWe spend a lifetime searching after contentment. We’re constantly looking for more and more in an effort to find long-lasting peace and satisfaction. In Philippians, Paul tells us he has found the secret in being content in every circumstance. This Sunday, we’ll explore that secret as we seek our own contentment.Click HERE to give online.Support the show2020-10-2533 minHillside Community Church PodcastTrophies or Trash? | Philippians 3:1-11There is a danger that exists in all of our spiritual lives to place confidence and comfort in our good deeds. Too often, without realizing it, we can begin to do so many good things that we start to see them as trophies we can present before God. However, Paul has walked down this road before, and he wants to warn us that unless we are seeking to know the person, power, and passion of Christ that those trophies might very well be trash.Text: Philippians 3:1-11Message by Pastor Arek O'ConnellDonate...2020-09-2036 minHillside Community Church PodcastHis Way: Places Of HonorAll too often, we find our worth in what others think and say about us. When we’re thrust into a group, we quickly answer questions about our value that may not be truthful. This week, we’ll hear from Jesus where our value and worth ultimately comes from in Luke 14Text: Luke 14:7-14Message by Pastor Arek O'ConnellDonate to HillsideSupport the show2020-03-2933 minHillside Community Church PodcastHis Way: Who is He?One of the biggest challenges Jesus faced was (and still is) getting His followers to understand who He is and what He is doing. The disciples had certain ideas of what “The Chosen One” would do and how that person would act. We do too. But Jesus often doesn’t fit into our categories or expectations and He wants us to genuinely see who He is. This morning we’ll try to see who Jesus really is. Text: Mark 8:27-33Message by Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show2020-03-1525 minHillside Community Church PodcastHis Way: ConfrontationJohn 2:13-22Jesus is kind and full of grace. But at least one time He got angry – angry enough to take up a whip and drive people out of the temple. Why? What was Jesus trying to prove? What was Jesus trying to say? This morning we’ll look at this fascinating story of Jesus.Support the show2020-03-0833 minHillside Community Church PodcastHis Way: Facing TemptationThis morning is the first Sunday of Lent, a time for us to focus on the life of Jesus, on our brokenness, and on the cross of Jesus that gives us life. We're going to be looking at different events in the life of Jesus that help us see how to find and experience new life. We begin by looking at one of the first events in the ministry of Jesus—His temptations.Support the show2020-03-0137 minHillside Community Church PodcastHow to share my faith with anyone, anywhere, anytimeJohn 4:4-10; 28-42Ever feel anxious or unprepared to share your faith? Jesus show us something simple yet powerful in our text. He goes into Samaria - enemy territory - and starts a casual discussion with a woman, a Samaritan. Join us this Sunday as we explore how in this encounter Jesus models how to share our faith with anyone, anywhere, anytime.Support the show2020-02-2331 minHillside Community Church PodcastWays of Discipleship: Serve: RestWe’ve been talking about the joy of serving others. We’ve said that we’re created to do that and find fulfillment in serving others. But we also need to recognize that God not only calls us to serve, He also calls us to rest. If we do this, we might just discover that the better we rest, the better we serve.Text: Genesis 2: 2-3Message by Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show2020-02-1630 minHillside Community Church PodcastWays of Discipleship - We are Parts and PiecesI Corinthians 12:12-26God Calls us to serve on our own at times. There is a need we can meet so we meet it. But often God calls us to serve in community. The Bible teaches us that God created us with different abilities and the Holy Spirit has given us different gifts so that we can and have to work together. We'll learn more about that this morning.Support the show2020-02-0930 minHillside Community Church PodcastWays of Discipleship - Secret ServiceOne of the ways that we can grow to become more like Jesus is to serve others. Jesus was a servant who gave His life and He invites us to the joy of being servants as well. This morning we'll think about a special kind of service that has a powerful effect in shaping us—secret service.Support the show2020-02-0223 minHillside Community Church PodcastWays of Discipleship - Humble ServicePhilippians 2:3-8Last week we began our sermon series on service as it relates to our life and journey as a disciple. We learned that God is by nature a servant, thus so should we! But what defines a servant? Our text from Paul this morning tells us that a servant is first and foremost humble. This morning, we’ll discuss what it means to be a humble servant.Support the show2020-01-2636 minHillside Community Church PodcastWays of Discipleship: ServeWe all want to have a great life. We were created to have joy. But how do we get there? What does the good life look like? This morning we’ll see that the Bible gives us a very unusual path if we want to find deep joy. Text: Acts 20:35Message by Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show2020-01-1927 minHillside Community Church PodcastWays of Discipleship: Praying TogetherActs 1:14One of the things that can get many of us nervous is when we are in a group of Christians and it comes to prayer time. We might be scared about having to pray out loud ourselves or about what we’re supposed to be doing while someone else is praying. Praying together is a really good thing for us to do and this morning we’ll think about how we can pray together well.Support the show2020-01-1242 minHillside Community Church PodcastTank FillersOne of the key commandments for God's people in the New Testament is that we encourage one another. This morning we'll take a look at one person who did a great job of this and think about how we can grow in our ability to encourage others around us. Acts 11:22-23Support the show2020-01-0534 minHillside Community Church PodcastGod with Us: In Our WaitingWe spend a lot of time waiting. We wait for something to happen. We wait for test results. We wait for our turn. And we also wait for God. This morning we'll think about HOW we wait for God and how God is with us in our waiting.Text: Habakkuk 2:1-4Support the show2019-12-2929 minHillside Community Church PodcastGod With Us: In Our WeaknessEver feel weak and inadequate before God and you aren’t sure why? The Annunciation of the Lord is one of the most well known Advent stories. Angel Gabriel says to Mary: Greetings, you who are highly favored!” Mary feels unworthy to be the mother of Jesus, he is coming to be born to poor, unwed mother, from the small town of Nazareth. This Sunday we’ll look at the grace and favor of God that is available to us, even in our weaknesses and even when we feel inadequate.Text: Luke 1: 26-38Message by Pastor Danie...2019-12-2236 minHillside Community Church PodcastGod With Us: In Our FailuresGod With Us: In Our FailuresWe’ve been talking about Jesus being Immanuel, about Jesus being God with us. We’ve said that He is with us even when don’t understand what is happening around us and He is with us in the storms of our lives. This morning we focus on the truth that Jesus is also with us in our failures—when we blow it, when we sin. He takes on our sin so we can be forgivenText: II Corinthians 5:21Message by Pastor Ron KoolSup...2019-12-1527 minHillside Community Church PodcastGod with Us: In the StormsAs we approach Christmas we think about one of the most beautiful names for Jesus: He is Immanuel—God with Us. We dare to believe that when Jesus was born He was not just a special baby—He was (and is) God Himself, in the flesh. He came to be with us. And not just on our good days. Jesus came to be with us in our storms. Support the show2019-12-0828 minHillside Community Church PodcastGod with Us: In Our ConfusionThis Sunday we start our advent series. Emmanuel means ‘God with us.’ During advent, we expect and long for God to be among and with us. And although the Holidays is a joyful time of the year, there are times we feel lonely, confused, and weak even during seasons of joy. This morning we’ll take a look at how God is with us during times of confusion using how God interacted with Joseph as our example.Text: Matthew 1:18-25Message by Pastor Arek O’ConnellSupport the show2019-12-0135 minHillside Community Church PodcastMaximum Impact 2: How God BuildsWe live in a very practical world. All that matters to many people are the results. In our workplaces we might be told—I don't care how, just get the job done. And it can be tempting to do that in the church. We might be tempted to say, "We know what God wants, who cares how we get there?" This morning we'll remember that God cares about how we build His kingdom.Support the show2019-11-2430 minHillside Community Church PodcastMaximum Impact 2 | What Are We Like? // prt II1 Corinthians 9:19-23We’ve talked about what God is doing and how He has gifted us. This morning we’ll turn to another question: Where has God placed us? If we are to make a Maximum Impact we need to think about how to connect with the people in our community today. This question becomes really important when we think of how quickly the world around us is changing. How do we keep sharing the Old Old Story to people today?Support the show2019-11-1728 minHillside Community Church PodcastMaximum Impact 2 | What Are We Like?I Corithians 12:12; 18-20We said last week that we are Living Stones. We said that God is using us as He is rebuilding everything – He is making everything new. This week we’re going to ask another question: What kind of Living Stones are we? As individuals and as a church we are not just like everyone else. We have different strengths, gifts and abilities. This morning we’ll think about what those strengths, gifts and abilities might be.Support the show2019-11-1032 minHillside Community Church PodcastMaximum Impact 2: Living StonesWe kick-off our Maximum Impact 2 campaign this Sunday morning. We'll spend time thinking and praying about what God is calling us to do and to be as a church. This morning we'll start with the big picture of what God is doing and we'll begin to think about how we are a part of that!Support the show2019-11-0336 minHillside Community Church PodcastThe Ways of Discipleship: Parables for PrayerWe just recently wrapped up a series on prayer as it relates to discipleship. This morning we're going to continue to see what scripture has to say about prayer. Specifically, we'll take a look at two parables Jesus tells his audience. How do Jesus's parables inform our prayer life today?Support the show2019-10-2733 minHillside Community Church PodcastThe Ways of Discipleship: Does Prayer Make a Difference?We know that God commands us to pray. We know praying is good for us. But does prayer actually change anything? And if so, what does prayer change? This morning we'll focus on these important questions. Support the show2019-10-2033 minHillside Community Church PodcastThe Ways of Discipleship - Listening to GodJohn 16:13We’ve said that prayer is both talking to God and listening to God. Most of us have an idea of how to talk to God. But how do we listen for God in prayer? Is hearing from God something that is reserved only for a select few or is it something all of us should expect?Support the show2019-10-1336 minHillside Community Church PodcastThe Ways of Discipleship - Prayer 2Ephesians 6:18Last week we said prayer is communication with God. This morning we'll take a look at one part of this communication - talking to God. We'll take a look at some of the ways that we can bring our hearts and lives to God. Support the show2019-10-0628 minHillside Community Church PodcastThe Ways of Discipleship - Prayer 1Matthew 6:9If we want to grow in our relationship with God one of the main things we can do is pray. But that’s not always as easy as it sounds. We know we should pray, but we’re just not sure how to do it. This morning we’ll begin to think about what prayer is and how we can learn to grow in our prayer lives.Support the show2019-09-2933 minHillside Community Church PodcastThe Ways of DiscipleshipII Peter 3:18Last week we saw that if Christ is alive in us, we should be growing and changing - we should be more loving and kind and obedient in our lives. The Holy Spirit should be at work in us. But we also recognized the it doesn’t always feel like we’re growing. This morning we’ll identify some of the practices that can help us keep growing in Christ.Support the show2019-09-2226 minHillside Community Church PodcastThe Ways of DiscipleshipWhen we're younger, we think about growing a lot. We want to grow--taller, stronger, faster, smarter. While there is a time when most of us will stop growing bigger physically (okay, weight might continue to grow), the Bible makes clear that we are never to stop growing as disciples of Jesus Christ. But what does growing in Christ look like? And how can we keep growing? This morning we're beginning a sermon series where we'll be thinking about growing in Christ.Support the show2019-09-1535 minHillside Community Church PodcastWill My Children Have Faith?Acts 16:22-34Will our children have faith? How many times have you asked that question? Parents and grandparents alike are worried about the faith of the next generation. This Sunday we’re going to have the “Blessing of the Backpacks” and we’ll ask God’s blessing upon our kids. Come explore with us a few principles the Bible teaches us on how to nurture faith in our kids. Support the show2019-09-0828 minHillside Community Church PodcastUpside Down: Are you Shrewd Enough?Luke 16: 1-13When we think of the kind of people God wants us to be, most of us think of things like kind, loving, serving, patient, and generous. But this morning Jesus invites us to add a surprising characteristic to the list: Shrewd. This morning we'll take a look at why Jesus wants us to be shrewd.Support the show2019-09-0132 minHillside Community Church PodcastUpside Down: Are You for Real?Matthew 21:28-32One of the major charges that non-Christians make against Christians is that many Christians are hypocrites. Many believe that those of us who claim to follow God talk a good game but don’t actually live the way God wants us to. It’s one thing when our neighbor says this. It’s another thing when Jesus says this. This morning we’ll look at a story in which Jesus challenges religious people to think about whether we are worried about more than how we look.Support the show2019-08-2526 minHillside Community Church PodcastUpside Down: Who Gets Invited?One of the pictures the Bible gives us of heaven is that it's like a great feast, a banquet, a huge celebration. The Bible promises that there will be plenty of food and drink and a great time will be had by all. But who gets to go? Who gets invited to the party? This morning, we'll look at another "upside-down" story in which Jesus surprises us about God's invitation.Support the show2019-08-1828 minHillside Community Church PodcastUpside Down | InvestingWe all have a certain amount of resources (time, talent, treasures, etc.) in our lives. The question we have to ask ourselves every day is where we will invest those resources. What are we going to do with what God has given us? Jesus tells us a story today that makes us think about whether we are being wise or foolish as we invest our resources.Support the show2019-08-1141 minHillside Community Church PodcastUpside Down | How God WorksWhen Jesus came, one of the main things he talked about was the Kingdom of God. He described it as a place that was wonderful but also weird. In so many ways, the Kingdom was different--upside down. For the next several weeks we'll be taking a look at some of the stories Jesus told about the Kingdom and how Jesus redefined so many things in our world.Support the show2019-08-0424 minHillside Community Church PodcastHow Can I Upgrade My Outreach Skills?Ever felt awkward sharing your faith? Jesus does something pretty radical: he sends out his disciples two by two. In a fast-changing world that changes fast and constantly updates, how do we update as a church in order to reach out to others? Come explore with us this Sunday what we can learn from what God does around the world to reach the lost.Support the show2019-07-2843 minHillside Community Church PodcastUnlocking God’s PromisesEver feel like you want to tap into God’s treasure chest and grab as many riches as possible? These next two Sundays I’m going to share a few things God has taught me during my sabbatical leave. This week we’ll take a look at prayer practices I’ve experienced around the world, and how God’s promises are released when we seek Him.Text: Revelation 4Message by Pastor Daniel BudSupport the show2019-07-2132 minHillside Community Church PodcastGod’s Response to JonahLast week we saw Jonah do his best to run from God and his call on Jonah’s life. Because God is so big, mighty and powerful Jonah’s attempt failed. This week, Jonah will face God and the call God placed on his life. What will Jonah’s interaction teach us about our own lives?Jonah 4Support the show2019-07-1434 minHillside Community Church PodcastResponding to God's CallJonah is one of the more popular prophets in the Old Testament. God called him to a task and his response was less than ideal. Even when Jonah rebelled, God continued to call him and fulfill his purposes. How might God be calling out to you? What might he be calling you to? How will you respond?Support the show2019-07-0735 minHillside Community Church PodcastOn the WayOn the WayGod has rescued his people out of Egypt, but they aren’t yet to the Promised Land. They, like we, are on the way—no longer slaves, but not yet to their new home. As we look at this story we’ll learn some important lessons about how we live while we are on the way to our true home.Exodus 17:8-16Message by Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show2019-06-3023 minHillside Community Church PodcastRemember Who You AreThis Sunday we celebrate the Profession of Faith of a number of young people. As we hear their declaration about who they are--that they belong to Jesus Christ--it gives all of us an opportunity to reflect on who we are. Text: I John 3:1-3 Message by Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show2019-06-2323 minHillside Community Church PodcastWhat's Jesus Up to Now? Acts 1:7-8We've been looking at what Jesus has been doing since He rose from the dead. This morning we'll look at one of the most important things He did--He sent the Holy Spirit. We'll think about what Jesus is doing through the Holy Spirit in our world and in our lives today.Support the show2019-06-0930 minHillside Community Church PodcastWhat's Jesus Up to Now?After Jesus rose from the dead He spent 40 days on earth and then ascended into heaven. This morning we'll look at what happened next: Jesus sat down at the right hand of God the Father. That's where he is right now. But what is He doing? Resting? Taking a break? This morning we'll see that Jesus is still very busy today.Support the show2019-06-0228 minHillside Community Church PodcastWhat's Jesus Up to Now? Acts 1:9-11Message by Pastor Ron KoolAfter Jesus rose from the dead He spent 40 days on earth. Then the Bible tells us that He ascended into heaven. What does that mean? What difference does it make? This morning we'll take a look at those questions.Support the show2019-05-2634 minHillside Community Church PodcastWhat's Jesus Up to Now?Acts 1:1-3We believe that Jesus rose form the dead on Easter Sunday morning and that His resurrection changes everything. But what happened next? Where did Jesus go? How long did He hang around on earth? What’s He doing now? This morning we’re beginning a sermon series in which we’ll look at what Jesus has been doing since He rose from the dead. Support the show2019-05-1924 minHillside Community Church PodcastNow a Word from Our YouthHillside has been blessed with a great group of Middle and High School Students! This morning we're going to be challenged with the truths from the Bible that they've been studying as our Middle and High School Youth Directors - Kirk Kingsley and Arek O'Connell bring us God's Word. Support the show2015-04-2635 min