Hillside Evangelical Free Church

In the midst of national destruction the psalmist of Psalm 74 cries out to God in lament for all that's happened. It is through this lament that the psalmist moves to remembering God's past saving work, and proceed forward with hope in His future saving work.

Why is it that wicked people seem to prosper and oftentimes those who follow God experience suffering? In Psalm 73 the psalmist wrestles with this question and even finds himself envying the wicked who are at ease. But he doesn't finish in the same place that he began. Join us as we see the psalmist's journey from envy to understanding, from jealousy to praise.

As Romans chapter 10 comes to a close we see the importance of the church responding in a missional manner to proclaim the truth of the gospel. For this good news is relevant for all people, in any culture, on any continent, during any time period. May more people hear and respond to the truth of the gospel because of our faithful obedience to share it with others!

Last time in the book of Titus we focused on the idea that sound doctrine should lead to good works. This time we look at the idea of sound doctrine itself being a firm foundation for our life. Join us as we learn from Pastor Dave Stevenson in this week's sermon.

All who turn to Jesus in faith will be saved! It may seem simple but that's part of the point. For centuries people have been trying to earn their way into right standing with God only to find they have fallen short. The good news of the gospel is that salvation comes through faith in God's promised savior Jesus Christ. Even more, this faith is available to everyone who believes in Him. There is no ethnic, economic, social, or other barrier. God has made salvation available to anyone who would turn to Him in faith!

How can you obtain salvation? The Jews had the law that was intended to point them to faith in Christ. Unfortunately for many that very law became the object of faith instead of the road to faith. What about you? Are you trusting in Jesus for salvation or are you unintentionally placing your faith in something else? Will your good works save you? Explore this important topic with us in Romans 9:30-10:4.

How do you describe God's sovereignty in salvation? Join us as we look at this passage from Romans 9:14-29 as we continue to look at Paul's argument for God's initiative in salvation.

Following a climactic exclamation of God's love in Romans 8, Paul quickly changes tone and talks about the sorrow and anguish of heart that he has for the Jewish people. Although they were entrusted with so much, many of them relied on their spiritual heritage for salvation instead of looking to Christ in faith. How about us in the American church? Are we relying on our heritage for salvation? Salvation comes through belief in the promise of God's Son, not our genetics or by good works. What about you? What is your faith in? Learn with us as we look at Romans chapter 9:1-13.

At Easter Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is so central to the Christian faith that Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15 that if Christ hadn't been raised then his preaching would be in vain and your faith would be in vain. But we celebrate this Easter 2025 because Jesus has in fact been raised from the dead and the account of His resurrection has been recorded by multiple eyewitnesses. He is risen!

With all that's going on in the world today, how can we overcome fear and live in the confidence that we belong to God? Have you ever considered the implications of nothing being able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus? This is a much needed message from Romans 8:31-39 that Christ is our hope in life and death. 

How do you persevere through difficult times? Romans 8:26-30 carries some much needed encouragement for all those who love God and are called according to His purpose. May you find hope to carry on as you meditate on God's truth today.

How do you carry on when experiencing the hardships of life? From the aches and pains of aging to the interpersonal conflicts that are often present in life; we need hope for our future and a reason to persevere through difficulties. This week we look at Romans 8:18-25 and discuss the great hope that Christians have for the future when Christ returns and makes all things new!

What can we learn from a small story in the Bible about the prophet Jeremiah being rescued from a cistern? It turns out there are many things we can learn and apply to our lives today. Join us as we learn about an Ethiopian who rescued the prophet Jeremiah from death.

What does it mean to be adopted children of God? How should that impact our lives? Join us as we explore these things in Romans 8:12-17.

After walking through the depths of Romans chapter 7 we have now arrived at the hope-filled message of Romans chapter 8. The chapter begins with the words, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus". Join us for this life-giving message of hope in Jesus Christ.

What is the pupose of God's law? What does it do and can it bring salvation? Romans 7 is a very tricky and debated passage of Scripture but through this sermon we will take a look at some important things we need to understand for today.

This week we look at the book of Titus and exlore the idea that good doctrine should result in good deeds. May we all grow in zeal for doing good unto the glory of God.

What does Paul mean when he says that we have died to the law? Isn't God's law good? What is the result of all this? These are some of the things that are tackled in this sermon from Romans 7:1-6.

How is that working out for you? It's a simple question that prompts reflection on the results of your choices. In this sermon on Romans 6:15-23 we see that there are two choices before us that lead to very different outcomes. We can present ourselves as slaves of sin or slaves of righteousness. One leads to death and the other leads to eternal life; which one will you choose?

What does it mean to be dead to sin but alive to God? In Romans 6:1-14 Paul explains how Christians are united with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection; and how the result of that is newness of life. Since Jesus has given freedom from sin, let us not continue to walk in that manner, but rather present ourselves as instruments for righteousness.

In Romans 5:12-21 Paul compares and contrasts Adam with Jesus. It's a logical argument that he puts forward that is intended to help us understand both our predicament of being descendants of Adam, while also laying out a case for the grace and hope that is found in Jesus Christ.

Many words could be used when describing God's work of salvation. While they relate to one another, today we are focusing on the work of reconciliation that happens when we put our faith in Jesus Christ. May you find hope and encouragement from this message in Romans 5:1-11.

Diving into Romans 4:13-25 we take a look at the sure footing that faith in God's promise of salvation brings. It is different than a contract and isn't conditioned upon your performance. Far better, it leaves us with assurance because it hinges on the object of our faith Jesus Christ, and not our own works.

How is one saved and who can be saved? These are two big questions that Romans 4:1-12 seeks to answer. If you've wondered how you can be right with God, this is a great sermon for you!

Capping off the 2024 Advent season we look at the song of Simeon in Luke chapter 2:25-35.

For unto us a child is born... familiar words that are often said through the Christmas season with important meaning for us today. Join us as we look through this passage in Isaiah 9:2-7).

In our third sermon of Advent 2024 we take a look at Luke 1:57-80 when Zechariah and Elizabeth bring their baby John to the temple to be named and circumcised. While there the miraculous happens and it is clear to the people watching that God's hand was with the child. Join us as we unpack this story further from Luke chapter 1.

In our second week of Advent for 2024 we take look at Luke 1:39-56 and see the humble and faith-filled responses of Elizabeth and Mary as they respond to and process the message that the angel had brought them in months prior.

As we begin Advent 2024 we take a look at Luke 1:5-38 and see the promise of two important births. The first to be born would be John the Baptist and the second would be Jesus. Upon hearing the news that the angel Gabriel brought there were multiple responses recorded in this text. How will you respond upon hearing the good news of Jesus this Christmas season?

How are we justified before God? Is it through keeping the law? Doing more good than bad? These are important questions that are answered in Romans 3:21-31. If we are all guilty before God in judgment, then is there any way to be saved? Thankfully the answer to that is a resounding yes! Listen in on this sermon to hear how you can be justified and made right with God.

Am I really a sinner in the sight of God? I grew up in a Christian home, does that save me from judgment? These are big questions with good answers found in the Bible. In Romans 3:1-20 Paul explains some important understandings about God's judgment, humanity's guilt, and the need we all have to be saved from our sin.

The Jewish people had much to boast about in the Lord; they had received the law directly from God and they had also received the covenantal sign of circumcision. But the appearance of being right with God had taken the place of actually being right with God. In Romans 2:12-29 Paul argues that external rituals will never replace the need to actually follow the Lord with your whole heart. In many ways we need this reminder just as much as the people Paul was writing to. In America we have been blessed with access to the Bible, centuries of Bible teaching, and thousands of churches being established. But unless we actually follow the Lord then all these blessings will be no better to us than the law and circumcision were to the Jews.

In this sermon from 2 Peter 1:16-21, we learn of several compelling reasons to believe what the Bible says. One of which Peter himself says that he was an eyewitness to Jesus' majesty.

It is scary to think about how easily we think of ourselves as better than others. Examples of this are found in Luke 18 with the repentant tax collector and the proud Pharisee, as well as in Matthew 21 in the story of the prodigal son. In Romans chapter 2 Paul is addressing this very thing for people who are feeling entitled to God's mercy and kindness. For all those needing hope that God will hear them when they humbly come to Him, and to all those feeling proud of their own righteousness; this sermon is a good reminder that we are all equal before God and need to come humbly to Him for forgiveness.

In Romans 1:18-32 Paul argues that creation gives ample evidence to mankind of God's divine attributes and eternal power. He also makes a case that as a result no one is innocent of God's judgment. Before the good news of the gospel is explained, Paul first describes how each of us are sinners in need of a Savior.

The gospel of salvation to everyone who believes is a resounding theme of this passage in Romans. Paul was eager to share this good news with anyone who would listen, both those inside and outside of the church. He was unashamed of the gospel and it gave him great boldness to share with others. Perhaps you will be emboldened to share your faith by meditating on these truths from Romans 1:8-17 too.

This week we begin a new series on the book of Romans. Join us in looking at the importance of belonging to Jesus Christ by faith, and how that is to impact our lives in bringing the gospel to the nations.

In Psalm 72 we catch a glimpse of how people flourish when their king reigns with God's justice and righteousness. Not only that but we see a small picture of what it's like to follow Jesus as our eternal King. If you're wondering what following Jesus leads to, this is a good sermon to hear that it leads to life and flourishing under His care. Although there is pain and hardship in this world, we ultimately look forward to the day when all is right and we live completely under the perfect rule of King Jesus.

God is a refuge to those who trust in Him. In Psalm 71 the psalmist remembers God's faithfulness in his life up to that point but also looks forward with confident hope in the future. The act of remembering God's faithfulness and then telling others of it provides us encouragement for the future as we continue to trust in the Lord. Join us as we look at Psalm 71 and learn how God is our refuge from womb to tomb.

Have you had a life-changing experience with Jesus? This was the case for Saul of Tarsus; it was a moment that would alter history forever and deeply impact the church moving forward. Join us as we hear from guest speaker Rob Chadwick about this life-altering encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus.

How do you respond when a situation is urgent and you need God to act? Join us as we look at Psalm 70 and learn how David cried out to the Lord in an urgent situation.

How can we follow Jesus when we are innocently suffering? While there are many reasons why you may be experiencing suffering, one category to remember is that sometimes we suffer when we identify with Christ. In Psalm 69 we see an example of innocent suffering and a crying out to God for help. How will you respond in your suffering?

As the Paris Olympics have come to a close Pastor Dave Stevenson reflects on the illustration used in Hebrews chapter 12 of runners in a race. As runners in this great race we are instructed to lay aside every weight that would hinder our ability to run well. But have you ever recognized that you yourself are a participant in this race? You ARE a racer; so how will you run?

There are many times in the Bible where we are instructed to worship the Lord. While some days worship may come easy, other days we may need reminders of specific things to worship the Lord for. In Psalm 68 we get the specific instruction to worship the Lord because He is the true God who brings justice and deliverance for His people. Join us for this sermon as we look at what it means to have God as a divine warrior who is fighting for justice and lifting up the oppressed.

Some may be surprised to know that the idea of missions begins all the way back in Genesis. Running as a thread throughout Scripture we see God's great desire to bless the nations. In Psalm 67 we see that the nations will know God's saving power, that the peoples will praise Him, that they will be glad and sing for joy, and that all the ends of the earth will fear Him. It's a beautiful Psalm that invites us to rejoice in God's plan for the nations and give Him praise for all He has done!

Worship and testimony of who God is and what He has done is an important part of a believers life. It testifies to others about the Lord's goodness but it also reminds us of truths we too easily forget. It helps us remember God's faithfulness and worship Him for the ways He has provided for us over time. Join us as we look at Psalm 66 and learn further how worship and testimony are to be a regular part of our lives.

Psalm 65 is a psalm of praise for God's presence, His power, and His abundant provision. We hope you are encouraged to give God praise for all He has made, for His presence with His people, and His provision in your life.

What does it look like to trust God to bring justice? So often it is tempting to take vengeance or bring justice to a situation ourselves. In times like these we can learn from Psalm 64 and walk with hope knowing that God will bring justice.

Have you ever wondered what to do when you feel far from God? In Psalm 63 King David felt this as he was in the wilderness of Judah away from all the comfort and familiarity of life in the palace. But in this difficult period of life, David turned to worship the Lord, even when God felt far away.

Where do you put your trust? In Psalm 62 the Psalmist contrasts God, man, and money. While God is pictured as a reliable rock-like fortress, man is pictured as a mere breath, and money is not to be trusted at all. As you hear this sermon from Pastor Jim Schultz, why not allow the Lord to examine your heart and show you where you are putting your trust?

Kicking off our Summer in the Psalms we take a look at Psalm 61 which could be described as a Psalm of Protection. Pastor Jim Schultz unpacks what this prayer for protection points to and how it applies to our lives today.