Hillside Church's Podcast

Last week, we talked about how God is just in all that He does and in every judgment that He makes. This morning, we're going to think about what it means for us to be people who seek justice in our lives and in our communities. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

You've heard it a lot.  You've probably said it a time or two.  “It's not fair!” we say and then follow up with what isn't fair.  “Why did she get a bigger piece of cake?” or “I deserved the promotion more than they did!” We all have a sense that life should be fair—that there should be justice. This morning, we'll see that God is always just.  And we'll see that this is both good news and bad news. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

We live in a world where everything changes. No matter how hard we try to make something last, nothing does. Except God. He is who He always was and who He always will be. He is always the same. And that's good news. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

What 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 show

Our understanding of what God is like can make a huge difference in our lives.  If we don't know He is merciful, we will live in fear.  If we don't think about His holiness, we won't be committed to being holy.  This morning, we're starting a sermon series on who God is, and we begin with a very important fact: God is All-powerful. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Some of the best news in the Bible is that our failures are not final.  God doesn't just cancel us and move on to someone or something else.  Our God specializes in restoring people who have blown it.  This morning, we'll see how Jesus does that with Peter, the one who had denied Him three times. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

The disciples of Jesus had not done very well with the crucifixion of Jesus.  They had run away and denied even knowing Him.  And when He rose again, they weren't exactly quick to grasp what had happened.  Jesus comes to them and does an amazing thing—He reminds them that it is their turn now.  He gives them the task of spreading the Good News.  What an amazing thing; God trusts people like us to carry on His work in the world! - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

John 11:17-27In each of His “I AM” statements, Jesus addresses a human problem.  He said He was the Bread of Life that would satisfy our hunger. He said He was the Light of the World, to guide and protect us in the darkness. This morning, we'll look at Jesus as He tells us what He will do about our greatest enemy—death itself. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Pastor Arek O'Connell delivers this Good Friday message.Support the show

From a human standpoint, those coming to arrest Jesus had all the power and were in control.  They had larger numbers, weapons, and the power of Rome behind them.  They will “succeed” in arresting Jesus, but only after Jesus has shown them who is really in control. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

An 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 show

We live in a world where we have, it seems, way too many choices. Do we choose this career or that career?  Do we live here or do we live there? At times it can feel overwhelming and we may feel lost in a sea of choices. In the midst of all these options, Jesus calls us to follow Him because He knows and is The Way to the Father. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

We don't like it when people ask for too much.  It just doesn't seem right. They should be happy with what they have. But this morning we're going to look at a story in which Jesus says that the problem with us sometimes is not that we ask for too much but that we don't ask for enough.  We settle for too little and miss the important thing--Him. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Kirk Kingsley leads this week's class on the Spiritual Discipline of Silence and Solitude.Support the show

Of all the animals we might want to be compared to, a sheep is probably the worst.  If you call me a tiger or a lion or a bear, I'm happy.  They're strong, fast, tough.  Sheep, on the other hand, are weak and defenseless and not terribly bright.  Yet the Bible tells us over and over again that we are like sheep.  This morning we'll think about what sheep might need in a good shepherd. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

In 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 show

Kristin Hileman leads the second part of "Evangelism and Sharing Your Story." In this Intro to Spiritual Disciplines class, you'll hear testimonies from 3 different women and how an act of sharing the gospel has had a generational impact.Support the show

In a recent survey, over 50% of the adults responding admitted that they were afraid of the dark.  And they had good reasons—some said they were afraid of what can be hiding in the dark. Others pointed out that statistically more crimes happen in the dark.  The fact is, when it gets really dark, I think we all get afraid.  And that's when we need to hear Jesus say, “I am the light of the world.” - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

When we think of Jesus, we tend to think of Him in one of two ways.  On the one hand, we see Him as the gentle shepherd, kind and compassionate.  On the other hand, we also see Him as God Almighty, controller of all creation. This morning we'll look at a story that reminds us that Jesus is both of these things—all the time. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Pastor Arek O'Connell discusses Evangelism and the importance of Sharing Your Story at Hillside's Intro to Spiritual Disciplines class.Support the show

James has one more challenge for those to whom he is writing—when someone who had been walking with Jesus wanders from the truth.  James knows that there are times when people are going to drift or walk away.  His call to us is, at one and the same time, simple and difficult.  We are to bring the wanderer home if it is possible.  This morning, we'll think about how we might do that. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

James has been full of practical advice for living in troubled times. He's called us to be faithful and make sure our faith shows itself in works.  He's called us to watch our tongues and how we spend our money.  As he gets ready to close his letter, James calls us to one more practical activity: Praying. James reminds us of the power and effectiveness of prayer. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Pastor Arek O'Connell discusses the Spiritual Discipline of Fasting.Support the show

In 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 show

James has used strong language throughout his letter, but now he turns the heat up even higher. He has saved his strongest warnings and announcements for this place in his letter—where he has extremely strong words for rich people who are not using their wealth the way God intended them to.  These words are deeply challenging but also deeply important for us to think about. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

One of the things that is way too easy for us to do is to live our lives without really thinking about God too much.  We know He's there, but we don't include Him in our planning and thinking—He's sort of a “God on the Shelf.”  We may call out to Him if things fall apart, but until then, we'll live our lives on our own terms.  This morning James will remind us of how foolish this is. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Morné Marais discusses the Spiritual Discipline of Worship.Support the show

From the very beginning, Christians have gotten into fights and disagreements with each other.  Why is that?  Shouldn't we be able to get along with each other and love each other? This morning James will help us understand why there are fights and quarrels among us. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

We live in a world where we are surrounded by thousands of voices, many of them ready to give us advice on how to live. There are podcasts and news stations, Facebook posts, blogs and web pages. There are books we can read or listen to. But what's worth our time?  How do we know if the person we are listening to is wise—is worth listening to?  This morning James will help us answer that question. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

As 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 show

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We're really close to celebrating the birth of Jesus—and that's exciting.  God came to be with us!  Jesus came to save us!  But how will He do that?  How will Jesus save those who would follow Him?  This morning we'll look at the plan that God gave to Isaiah 700 years before Jesus was born and we'll see the plan for how Jesus will save the world. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Kathy Douma leads this week's Intro to Spiritual Disciplines class on the discipline of "Serving."Support the show

Full Christmas Program audio recording - One of the words that describe many of our lives at this time of the year is the word “busy.”  We are running here and there with things to do, people to see, and presents to buy.  In the midst of all our running, Isaiah the prophet has a word for us: “Listen!”  It's an important word but the question is whether we can find time in our busyness to slow down and listen.Support the show

Last week we saw the need for Jesus—we are sinners who deserve death.  We also saw that God promised to send someone to save us.  This morning we're going to learn more about that One whom God promised to send—His Servant.  And we'll see that this Servant is going to do some amazing things. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

This 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'ConnellSupport the show

We will think about the question Jesus asked when He had healed ten lepers, and only one came back to thank Him. We'll talk about how they probably were doing decent, good things - and saying thanks just slipped past them. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

It's such a little thing—the tongue.  It only weighs about 2.5 ounces. But it can do so much. It can destroy and it can give life.  This morning James wants to challenge us to tame our tongues. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Stewardship - it's not just about us telling you to give more money to the church (we know pastors say this all the time). It's really about discovering an amazing thing that God allows us to manage His resources. He works through us and wants us to enjoy it and celebrate it.Support the show

This morning, we're going to look at an important question that James challenges us with: Is our faith real?  James knows that it's possible for us to go through the motions, say all the right things, and even believe some of the right things about God but still not have a faith that is real. This morning, we'll look at how James tells us we can know that our faith is the genuine article. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Did your parents have a “favorite” child?  Was one of your siblings the “problem” child? What about in school—did you ever have a teacher who had a favorite student?  We've all experienced the reality of favoritism.  This morning James will challenge us to not let it happen anywhere—especially not in church! - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Kirk Kingsley continues our Wednesdays at Hillside series on the Intro to Spiritual Disciplines. He shares examples of prayer in Scripture and discusses reasons why we do not pray sometimes. He also teaches different ways to pray more often and effectively and grow in greater intimacy with God through prayer.Support the show

James 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 show

We talked last week about the fact that storms come into all of our lives. People we love get sick and die. Someone hurts us deeply with their actions or their words. We lose a job. This week we'll continue to look at what James has to say to us about what we should do in the midst of the storms that come our way. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

This morning we're beginning a sermon series on the book of James.  James is one of the most practical letters in the New Testament and he jumps right in by talking about what we should do when the trials and difficulties come our way.  We'll take a look at what it means to trust in God when our world feels like it's falling apart. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Bibles. For most of us, they are something that we have multiple copies of around our house. And if that's not the case, we have access right at our fingertips to download an app and have multiple translations.What are we doing with the Bible? How are we engaging in God's Word? What is the value of being rooted in God's Word? What are some of the roadblocks that get in our way and keep us from doing that? What should our heart posture look like when we engage in God's word?Kristin Hileman looks at some practical methods for Scripture Reading - it's not just reading, but listening, meditating, memorizing, and praying God's Word. We hope you are inspired, but also let the Bible, God's living and active Word, transform your life.Support the show

As we finish up our series on judging others this morning, we'll see one more area where we are called to judge others—if they are someone who is spreading false teaching.  If a Christian is teaching or believing something significant that isn't true to Scripture, we owe it to them to challenge their teachings/beliefs. This morning we'll think about when and how we might do that. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

Wednesdays at Hillside: Our faith walk is a life-long journey in which we are called to become more and more like Jesus. Each week, we will focus on different spiritual disciplines such as prayer, scripture reading, serving, and more. Some disciplines will be taught lecture-style, while others may include discussion time, small group interactions, or a time of personal reflection.Support the show

Do 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 show

The Bible says that some of our Christian beliefs and behaviors are expected to be followed by every Christian. They are necessary to being a Christian.  But some of our Christian beliefs and behaviors are left up to the individual Christian—we can disagree on these matters and still call each other Christians.  But what beliefs and behaviors are in which group? This morning we'll look at what Paul meant when he said that we shouldn't judge each other about “disputable matters.” - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show

“You Christians are so judgmental!”  “Only God can judge me!”  “Why aren't Christians speaking up more? We should be calling sin what it is—an abomination before God!”  Should we judge other people? Or should we be quiet? This morning we're beginning a series in which we'll look at what the Bible has to say about judging other people. - Pastor Ron KoolSupport the show