View From A Hillside

Our text today is Revelation 2:8-11 - we're exploring & discussing what it means to be a witness for Christ in the context of the letter to the church at Smyrna. If you're interested, here are a few of the notes I used for the background on Smyrna. Background on Smyrna · Wealthy & beautiful city – paved streets, gymnasium, library, tribute to Homer o Temple designated for Mother Goddess o Temple to Tiberius o Significant Jewish presence · Polycarp - Bishop of Smyrna – 70-155 A.D. o Disciple of Apostle John, active with early church fathers o Key figure – provides a bridge from apostles/disciples to 2nd century church of Christ-followers § John à Polycarp à Iranaeus § First recorded martyrdom outside of Bible · Accusations: Romans – seeking to put an end toChristianity – a politically dangerous anti-Emperor cult, an Illegal religion of annoyance & violence o Basic complaint - Caesar is Lord vs. Jesus is LORD o Just say it, offer pinch of incense to the statue of Caesar o “For 86 years I have served Chris

Over the next several weeks, we will be studying what the Apostle John calls, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" - specifically, we'll be looking at the first few chapters that address the 7 churches in Asia. Today, we're exploring Revelation 2:1-7, the letter to the Church at Ephesus. There is a general 'framework' that Christ uses when He addresses each of the churches: He greets the church and identifies Himself with one of the phrases used to describe Him from Revelation 1. When He addresses the Ephesian church, He says: "The words of Him who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands..." (referencing Revelation 1:12-16). Christ addresses the current state of the church, giving encouragement for the areas they are doing well, and correction for the areas that need repentance. He offers a challenge to change - to repent from the area of sin He describes what the consequences of inaction/lack of repentance will be. Finally, Christ delivers the promise of bles

In the last few weeks as I've been preparing for this series in the Book of Revelation, I've been talking to people to hear their perspective/experience with it. So far what I've heard has been pretty consistent: I don't understand it. It's confusing. I think it's scary. It bugs me when people try to predict when Jesus will come back. Over the next several weeks, we will be studying what the Apostle John calls, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ" - we're looking at the first few chapters that address 7 churches in Asia. Today, as we go through Chapter 1, I want to focus on a couple of things: There is a blessing on all who READ the Revelation out loud, on all who HEAR it, & on all who KEEP what is written in it. (1:3) The ministry of Jesus Christ (1:4-8) Christ revealed in all His glory & majesty (1:12-16). I'm looking forward to our time in this book, & to the blessing attached to reading, hearing, and keeping it. NOTE: If you want to read Ch. 1,2,3 & write down any questions that you might have fr

Psalms 120 - 134 are referred to as the "Songs of Ascent" - these psalms served as the songbook for pilgrims heading to Jerusalem for the celebration of the Feasts of Passover, Pentecost, & Tabernacles. As the travelers ascended the hills towards the City of David, they sang the songs as a point of reference, a reaffirmation of their identity as God's people, & a reminder of God's continued goodness to them. Psalm 121 in particular is a call to remember where our help comes from - its not the from the stronghold behind the city gates, & its not from pagan deities offering their capricious protection in exchange for costly sacrifices. Rather, their help (& their hope) is found in the God of Israel, maker of Heaven & Earth.

In today's message, Hillside-er Danae Lear tells of her journey of faith that led to the discovery that healing, wholeness, & transformation begin at the foot of the cross & in being 100% HONEST with God.

This next Saturday, 8/18, Hillside will be hosting the 7th Pat Baker Park Outreach - with a Back to School Theme - in preparation for that, Trista Gomez is talking today about getting out of the church building & heading into the neighborhood.

The Apostle Paul's instructions to the Philippian church remind us that Christ-following is ACTIVE! The language he uses communicates the expectation that our choices play a key role in our attitudes, actions, thoughts, & personal relationships - he says: REJOICE. Be Glad. Be Well. Thrive! Address anxiety, worry, & fear with God - in prayer, specific requests, & giving thanks for what He has done, is doing, & will do. Then, God's promise is that He gives us PEACE that guards our hearts (the center of our being) & minds (thoughts & deep ponderings) - in Christ Jesus. Our text today is Philippians 4:4-9.

Today's message is a reminder that the foundation of our life as Christ-followers IS Jesus Christ - everything we do, everything we are, centers on Him & relationship with Him. Our text is John 1.

Today, our speaker is Ally Siwajian - she's a woman, wife, daughter, sister, friend, writer, social justice activist & a fellow Hillside-er... She is teaching from Isaiah 59 - reminding us that "God has not forgotten us..." To find out more about what makes Ally tick, check out her blog HERE

The series we've launched 2012 with, Moving Forward, continues with a message centered on the transforming power of fellowship in the life of a Christ-follower. The text for today is Acts 2:42-47.

Today, our series, "Moving Forward" explores what the purpose of being a Christ-follower is: living as the Monday Morning Church - this means that we intentionally try to be & do what Jesus would be & do if He were walking in our shoes, living our lives. Church isn't just for having a place to gather on Sunday; No! It is meant to be something that we live out & carry with us in the Real World. Our text today is found is Matthew 5:13-16.

One of the biggest helps to moving forward in our relationship with God & to getting unstuck is learning about & practicing forgiveness. Our text today is 1John 1:5-2:2, & Matthew 18:21,22. We're talking about how God forgives us & how we can forgive ourselves & other.

In 2012, we are aiming to be Moving Forward into the things that God has for us in our lives - this includes breaking free from destructive  patterns of thought & behavior, bad habits & mindsets:  ultimately, we need to GET UNSTUCK Our text for today is Ephesians 4:20-24 & Romans 12.

The Holy Spirit provides the source of fuel for Christ-followers to be able to be transformed, empowered, & strengthened to live for Christ. We begin the speech today  in John 14:26-28.

We're continuing in our "Moving Forward" series - talking today about silence & quiet...

The theme at Hillside for 2012 is "Moving Forward" - today, we're exploring the faith steps of Abraham & his persevering obedience to God's direction for his life. Our text is Genesis 12:1-4.

Our guest speaker today is Tammy Dunahoo, the General Supervisor of the US Foursquare Church - she is speaking from John 13 on the important last words Jesus gave His disciples right before His betrayal & crucifixion.

Jesus said that one of the reasons He came was so that “…we would have life, & have it in abundance; that we would live life to the fullest... “(John 10:10b w/paraphrase) This kind of life doesn’t just happen to us - it comes from following Him. Living life differently; not just adding God to our list of things to do, but recognizing that He IS the list that life’s happenings are written on. A big part of experiencing life in all of its fullness is discovering God’s gift to us: The Sabbath. This designated, set apart “holy time” helps to put our life in perspective, reminding us of our worth to God, not just for what we do or accomplish, but because we’re His loved sons & daughters… Something that I’ve found very helpful for me in this Sabbath discovery is breaking it into 4 distinct & significant parts: STOP - REST - CELEBRATE - REFLECT Today, we’re exploring REFLECT - the part of the Sabbath where we invite the Holy Spirit to help us reflect upon our lives, look to see where we can re

Jesus said that one of the reasons He came was so that “…we would have life, & have it in abundance; that we would live life to the fullest... “(John 10:10b w/paraphrase) This kind of life doesn’t just happen to us - it comes from following Him. Living life differently; not just adding God to our list of things to do, but recognizing that He IS the list that life’s happenings are written on. A big part of experiencing life in all of its fullness is discovering God’s gift to us: The Sabbath. This designated, set apart “holy time” helps to put our life in perspective, reminding us of our worth to God, not just for what we do or accomplish, but because we’re His loved sons & daughters… Something that I’ve found very helpful for me in this Sabbath discovery is breaking it into 4 distinct & significant parts: STOP - REST - CELEBRATE - REFLECT Today, we’re exploring CELEBRATE - the part of the Sabbath where we Celebrate God, Celebrate Life, & Celebrate Relationships with others Our text for the messa

Jesus said that one of the reasons He came was so that "...we would have life, & have it in abundance; that we would live life to the fullest... "(John 10:10b w/paraphrase) This kind of life doesn't just happen to us - it comes from following Him. Living life differently; not just adding God to our list of things to do, but recognizing that He IS the list that life's happenings are written on. A big part of experiencing life in all of its fullness is discovering God's gift to us: The Sabbath. This designated, set apart "holy time" helps to put our life in perspective, reminding us of our worth to God, not just for what we do or accomplish, but because we're His loved sons & daughters... Something that I've found very helpful for me in this Sabbath discovery is breaking it into 4 distinct & significant parts: STOP - REST - CELEBRATE - REFLECT Today, we’re exploring REST - what it is, where it comes from, why we need it, & our role in doing whatever it takes to make sure we enter His rest... Our text for