Hill Country Bible Church Dripping Springs

This week we explore the powerful message of unity and reconciliation in the body of Christ. Invisible walls and comfortable tribalism can stifle the transformative power of the gospel. To be a part of God's diverse, unified community we are called to step out of our comfort zones, break down barriers, and embrace the radical peace and kinship that Jesus offers.

This week we explore the profound transformation that occurs when we become Christians. We are more than "just improved" but brought from death to life. Through the radical nature of God's grace and mercy, offered when we are rightly subject to His judgment, does He give us a new life and purpose in Christ.

This week in our Ephesians series, we see how our self-perception shapes the way we live. Rather than having an identity built from the world's perspectives, we must recognize we are treasured by God, and empowered by His mighty strength.

Mandi McNutt is our Worship Director. We see her front and center every Sunday, so we thought it would be fun to learn a bit more about her early days and thoughts on serving the Lord. Stick with us to the end where Bernie takes Mandi through a lightning round of questions followed by the presentation of a unique gift.The book Mandi mentions is "One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are." It was written by Ann Voskamp

Acts 10 has a story of the radical inclusivity of the Gospel where Peter and Cornelius's unlikely encounter challenges deeply ingrained cultural and religious boundaries. We see that true acceptance and salvation cannot exist without the specific revelation of Jesus. We are challenged to consider hidden biases and boundaries and urged to move beyond mere tolerance to genuine community by building a counter-culture of grace that transcends societal divisions.

We explore the story where Saul, an accomplished Pharisee in a world obsessed with performance and achievement, was confronted on the road to Damascus. Here, this unlikely persecutor of the early church, is chosen, transformed, and sent as a beacon of hope to the entire world. This message challenges us to embrace our own transformation and mission by recognizing God's grace doesn't just save; it sends us into the world to introduce others to Jesus.

In this sermon, we explore the powerful story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch from Acts 8:26-40—a story of God breaking down racial, cultural, and spiritual barriers to bring the gospel to the margins. Discover how God's invitation extends beyond our human boundaries, how He prepares hearts long before we speak, and how His mission leads us to people we often overlook. This message will challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and follow the God who crosses every border to seek and save the lost.

In Acts 6, we uncover how a simple act of service transformed the early Christian church and fueled its continued growth. By addressed a potentially divisive and distracting situation, head on, they elevated service to others to a spiritual calling. It isn't just charity—it's an invitation to participate in God's love in action. See how this ancient wisdom applies to our modern world, challenging us to rethink our approach to leadership, community, and faith.

Pastor Chris wears many hats in our church. There is one thing he does that touches all the ministries he shepherds. That is counseling .We visited with him to learn more about his perspective and vision for this role within our church.Five book recommendations Chris makes... - Discipleship by A.W. Tozier - The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer - Ditch Your Thinking by Scott Longyear - Nine Essential Conversations Before You Say I Do by Dr. Gary Thomas - Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make by Paul Tripp

This sermon explores the transformative power of generosity as a reflection of God's radical grace. The early church in Acts was a vibrant example of how sharing resources, time, and love can powerfully testify to the reality of Jesus Christ. Unlike the deceptive giving of Ananias and Sapphira, true generosity stems from a heart fully surrendered to God, not seeking personal recognition but glorifying Him. We are called to live out a countercultural generosity that not only meets needs but invites others to experience the abundant love of God.

This sermon explores the theme of boldness in the face of opposition, drawing from Acts 4 where Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin. The sermon emphasized that true boldness comes from a deep conviction of the truth, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and trust in God's sovereignty. Peter and John's trusted in the truth of the gospel. We should be challenged to cultivate boldness by being rooted in Scripture, wrestling with doubts, relying on the Holy Spirit and trusting in God's sovereign plan.

This sermon explores the profound message of healing and transformation, where we see Peter and John heal a man who has been lame from birth. This miracle serves as a powerful illustration of the gospel's invitation to grace, not just as a means of coping with life's challenges but as a call to complete restoration. We begin by seeing that true healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—begins with recognizing our need and turning to Jesus, who offers more than temporary relief. Acts 3 reminds us that the gospel is about transformation, repentance, and the ultimate restoration of all things.

In this powerful exploration of Acts 2, we're challenged to reimagine what it means to be an inviting church. The early Christian community didn't just attend services; they were devoted to each other, to God's truth, and to prayer. This devotion wasn't casual—it was all-encompassing, transforming their relationships and daily lives. We're called to ask ourselves: Are we truly devoted in the same way? Are we building a church that invites people not just to attend, but to belong? In a world plagued by loneliness, the church has a unique opportunity to offer genuine, Christ-centered community. This isn't about making surface-level friends, but about deep fellowship rooted in our shared commitment to Jesus. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to prioritize presence over busyness, to treat church like family rather than an event, and to create a space where no one feels unseen or alone.

Answers to questions about ethics, morality, or life are based on one underlying question, "How do you know what is right?". For Christians, that come from God through His inspired word, the Bible. Scripture may not have an answer for every modern day matter but where it speaks, it is true. Understanding how to apply God's Word in modern situations, is essential to living as disciples of Jesus.

Whether it is because of uncertainty, or we do not see God's presence, we do not like to wait on Him. However, taking matters into our own hands is not the answer. Instead, we need to remember God is faithful, wise and good. He always keeps His promises. We see that fulfilled in Jesus. So we must trust Him and believe in Him, regardless of circumstances.

Jesus not only challenged His closest followers, but He also reached across cultural divisions. John 4 is a remarkable story because He is speaking alone with a Samaritan woman of questionable reputation. He looks beyond the superficial social divisions to deal with heart matters.  He is showing us that finding our identity in Him and not some group or tribe should motivate us to love anyone we encounter.

Jesus spoke challenging words to His closest disciples, including Peter. Like Peter, we should not fall away or resist because we are being challenged. Instead, we lean into the offense with the understanding that Jesus is exposing idolatry and leading us to grow in faith. We persist because offense is where God can do some of His deepest work in us.

In the second episode of meeting our ministry leads, we spend time with Brandi Cox, Director of Children's Ministry. Brandi has a great story that starts with accepting the Lord as a young child. She has a wonderful, encouraging story and an intriguing "bucket list item". Listen in and learn more.

These final verses in Matthew are intended to awaken a desire in us to make disciples for Jesus. Matthew is telling the original Jewish audience, and us, that King Jesus is Lord over all people groups.  This commissioning of His ambassadors has efficacy because Jesus has all authority.

Hopefully this is a first in a series of discussions with ministry leads at Hill Country Bible Church. Jason shares when he accepted Jesus' Lordship, things he's learned over the years, and a little known talent he has. Please join us to get to know Jason a little better!

The climax of the Biblical story takes place at the crucifixion. The cross is the key to understanding how a sovereign, righteous and just God can forgive rebellious people without abandoning His character. King Jesus bore the consequences of our sin. In doing so our sin is forgiven without being excused.

While remaining humble, with Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He s anything but modest. We now see Him publicly acknowledging the messianic title of “Son of David”. From this point forward, Matthew is showing us Jesus' claim to Kingship over all humanity, beginning with the Jews.

God's created marriage, only He has the right to define it. Marriage's purpose is to reflect the relationship between Christ and His church. Therefore, divorce is at odds with God's plan. It is permitted, in some circumstances, due to hardness of heart. Yet even then, He redeems it.

Culturally, we are motivated to outdo each other, driven by individual pride. Not so in the kingdom of Heaven. To become a citizen of God's Kingdom we must become His children, living with a recognition we are dependent on Him. That fosters a life of humility, love, and a wiliness to lavish forgiveness of others.  

Meet Lara Dudek, MD, a member at Hill Country Bible School. She is also a board-certified ophthalmologist from the American Board of Ophthalmology and licensed by the Texas Medical Board. She and son, Nicholas, are participating in a medical mission trip to Guatemala later in July. Learn a bit more about her, the team in Guatemala, and how they share the Gospel through life changing medical eye procedures on this podcast.

To behold something or someone is more than a casual glance. It implies intense observation.  Over time we will become what we behold, whether good or bad. As Jesus' disciples our desire is to behold Him so that our character, our love and our lives becomes like His. This is sanctification.

Opposition to Jesus grows. The Pharisees, together with their rivals ,the Sadducees. ask for "one more sign" from Jesus to prove He is who He says He is. Rather than comply, He challenges their inclination. Once alone with His disciples, He asks "who am I?" Peter, responds "The Christ". Peter responses as he does, because God revealed that to him. We declare Jesus as Christ because the Lord is at work in our hearts today.

Isaiah warned of a people who honor God in words and deeds but worship in vain because their hearts are not in the right place. Jesus is interested in our hearts. He is teaching us that God's word should never be nullified by human traditions and commandments.

Matthew 11