Pre-Service 12-31-2017 - In or Out?

This morning we will continue the study of the letters to the churches in Revelation. It also will serve as an excellent opportunity to set goals for the New Year.

The main passage of scripture will be Revelation 3:14-22.

We will also look at these verses:

• Acts 1:8
• 2 Corinthians 5:17

Questions to consider as you prepare for the service:

• Why would Pastor Todd say Revelation 3:20 is one of the most misused verses in the Bible?
• What did Jesus mean when He told His disciples they would be His witnesses? Do you think that applies to us as His disciples today?
• If you have worshiped with us throughout the past months, what has meant the most to you personally about being a part of Hillside this year?
• What are you looking forward to most in 2018? Make a prayer list that includes prayer for your goals, prayers for others and prayers for our church.

Pre-Service 12-24-2017 - The Story Continues...

It is easy to celebrate Christmas and think of the story as an important one in the past. And we might even say it's important because it ensures our salvation in the future. But what about now?

How does the story matter today, in the tiny part of the world around us?

In John 10:10, Jesus says, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly." So when we celebrate Jesus coming to the world as a child, remember that one reason he came was for us to have an abundant life.

I don't think "abundant life" means exactly what the world thinks it means. It probably doesn't mean lots of money, exciting activities and tons of fun every day. But I also don't think it refers just to life after death. Abundant life in Christ starts now.

So how did the story of Christmas continue in your life in 2017? Think back over the year to times when the thief might have been stealing, killing and destroying. And think about when Jesus might have been restoring life abundantly.

More importantly, think about the upcoming year. Pray for eyes to see the opportunity for the abundant life God has planned for you. 

The conclusion of today's sermon is that God can meet us where we are and open these doors of opportunity. The main passage for the sermon this morning is Revelation 3:7-13. If you want to reflect on other passages from the sermon, see these:

• Isaiah 22:20-22
• Isaiah 22:15-16
• 2 Kings 18 - 19
• Psalm 46:10-11
• Luke 2:11-14

Pre-Service 12-17-2017 - Dead or Alive?

This morning the sermon will continue our study through the Book of Revelation. Pastor Todd will look at the message to the church at Sardis. They were accused of being dead even though they looked alive.

The main passage is Revelation 3:1-6.

Other passages we will read are:

• Matthew 7:21-23
• 1 John 5:11-12

We will also be singing Hark the Herald Angels Sing this morning. It is a song that's rich with theology and the true meaning of Christmas. Here's one writer's interesting reflection on the song.

Pre-Service 12-10-2017 - True Spiritual Leadership

Today we continue the series in Revelation with the message to the church at Thyatira. The main passage is from here:  Revelation 2:18-29

Here are some supporting passages we will look at:

• Acts 16:13-15
• 1 John 2:15-17

Questions to consider:

• Who are you influencing?
• What are you influencing them to?

Pre-Service - 12-3-2017 - Repent

This week we will continue our study of Revelations this morning, looking at the message to the church in Pergamum. Click any of these passages from the sermon to read them on BibleGateway.com:

• Revelation 2:12-17
• Ephesians 5:3
• Acts 19:9-10
• Isaiah 5:20
• Romans 6:1-2
• 1 John 2:15-17

This is also the Sunday we traditionally begin singing some well known Christmas songs. One of them will be Angles We Have Heard on High. The familiar chorus states, "Gloria in excelsis Deo." It comes from the message the angels proclaimed in Luke 2:13-15:

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Instrumental Christmas music before the service was performed by Jon Sayles and can be downloaded from this site.