What if prayer was more than a wish list? What if it was a supernatural act of trust, surrender, and relationship?

In this message, Pastor Aaron McRae explores Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 7 to ask, seek, and knock. Through this passage—and with a deep dive into God’s character—we learn that prayer isn’t just about getting what we want, but becoming who God is shaping us to be.

You’ll discover:
Why how you wait matters in prayer
What it means to truly trust God as your Father
The difference between praying for comfort vs. praying for courage
Why persistent, hope-filled prayer transforms you from the inside out

🔑 Key Scriptures:
Matthew 7:7–11
Matthew 6:9–10 (The Lord’s Prayer)
James 1:17, Philippians 1:6, Colossians 3:1
John 14:13–14, John 15:7

🙌 Let this message challenge you to pray boldly, trust deeply, and live with your heart aligned to God's will—not just to get answers, but to walk closer with Him.

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Welcome to our June 1st message as we kick off Hillside’s new summer series: And / Also.

This week, we dive into Welcoming Prayer—an invitation to welcome God into every opportunity, every relationship, and every part of our lives. Prayer isn’t just a spiritual task—it’s a relationship. Learn how prayer in Jesus' name helps us align with God’s heart and purposes, both for ourselves and the world around us.

Use our Summer Journal (print or digital) to practice Rhythms & Relationships all season long!

Download the R&R Journal here: https://hillsidecc.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Summer-RR-Journal_2025.pdf

#Prayer #SummerSeries #AndAlso #SpiritualGrowth #HCC2025

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What if your season of waiting isn’t a setback, but a setup for something greater?

In this week’s sermon Junior High Director, Sean Murphy, explores Psalm 40:1–3 and the truth that our waiting can draw us closer to God, deepen our trust, and become a powerful testimony to others. Pastor Sean shares personal stories, biblical insight, and even the words of an 8th-grade student to show that when we wait expectantly—not passively—God hears, God moves, and God transforms.

🔑 Big Ideas:

• Waiting focuses our prayers
• Waiting draws us into God's power
• Waiting becomes our witness

📖 Scripture Focus:

• Psalm 40:1–3
• Romans 8:24–26
• Matthew 16:21–23
• John 15:1–5
• 1 Corinthians 3:10–15

Whether you’re in a season of delay, uncertainty, or spiritual dryness, this message reminds you that God sees you, hears your cry, and is working even in the silence.

You’ll leave encouraged to:

• Pray with expectancy
• Trust God’s timing
• Share your story to build others’ faith

Let this summer be a time of “rhythms and relationships” as we wait well—and witness boldly.

📚 Resources & Mentions:

• Psalm 40:1–3 (NIV)
• Romans 8:24–26
• Jonathan Pennington – The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing
• John Mark Comer – Live No Lies
• Junior High Ministry Testimony: Faith Walker, 8th Grade

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#Psalm40 #ChristianWaiting #FaithInGod #ChristianTestimony #HillsideCommunityChurch #SermonRecap #HopeInTheWaiting

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In this powerful conclusion to our Sermon on the Mount series, Pastor Aaron McRae explores Jesus’ final teaching in Matthew 7:24–29 — the parable of the wise and foolish builders. Jesus challenges us to consider not just what we hear, but what we do with His words.

Are we building our lives on a solid foundation — or on shifting sand? In a world full of loud voices and quick fixes, Jesus invites us to anchor our lives in Him and His Word. The storms of life are inevitable, but the foundation we choose determines whether we stand or fall.

🔑 Big Idea: A life that lasts is built by hearing and practicing the words of Jesus — He is our firm foundation.

Topics Covered:

• The difference between hearing vs. doing
• Why your foundation matters more than appearances
• What Jesus says about judgment, obedience, and eternity
• Recognizing storms as tests of spiritual stability
• How to stand firm through faith, not performance

Scripture References:

• Matthew 7:24–29
• Romans 10:14, James 1:22
• 1 Corinthians 3:10–15
• John 16:33, Matthew 24:10–13
• Proverbs 1:7, 14:12

Resources & Quotes:

• Jonathan T. Pennington, The Sermon on the Mount and Human Flourishing
• D.A. Carson – Commentary on eternal judgment
• John Mark Comer, Live No Lies – “We make our decisions, and then our decisions make us…”
• HB Charles Jr. – On storms and faith

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What do Olympic athletes, exhausted parents, and flawed disciples have in common? Comebacks. In this inspiring Mother’s Day message, Pastor Lisa shares the powerful true story of Norwegian skier Simen Hegstad Krüger—who went from a devastating crash at the start of the Olympic race to an unbelievable gold medal victory. His perseverance mirrors the story of Peter, the disciple who failed big, but was lovingly restored by Jesus.

This message is for anyone who’s ever messed up, felt like a failure, or struggled with perfectionism. Pastor Lisa reminds us that flaws do not disqualify us—God’s mercy meets us in our mess. From vomiting toddlers on planes to lost wedding rings, to Peter’s heartbreaking denial of Jesus, this sermon is filled with humor, honesty, and biblical truth about how God can turn failure into faithfulness.

Whether you're a tired mom, a recovering perfectionist, or just someone in need of a second chance—this message will encourage you to rise, keep going, and trust that Jesus uses the perfectly flawed.

Key Scriptures:
Lamentations 3:22-23
Romans 3:23
Luke 22:34, 54–62
John 21:11
Matthew 16:18
Isaiah 26:3

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In Week 16 of our Sermon on the Mount series, Pastor Aaron McRae leads us through one of the most compelling sections of Jesus’ teaching — a warning about choices, character, and counterfeit spirituality. Drawing from Matthew 7:13–29, this message explores the narrow vs. wide gate, true vs. false prophets, and the ultimate test of a life built on Jesus.

Jesus calls us to a higher standard — not just external behavior but inward transformation. We’re challenged to examine the voices we follow, the fruit we bear, and the foundation we build our lives upon. This sermon unpacks how to discern truth in a world full of false promises and how to recognize those who distort God's Word for selfish gain.

**Big Idea: We must choose whose voice we trust to speak for God — and live accordingly. Jesus alone is the way, the truth, and the life.**

Topics Covered:

• The narrow and wide gates (Matthew 7:13–14)
• False prophets in sheep’s clothing
• Good vs. bad fruit (Galatians 5)
• Activity without intimacy: “I never knew you”
• Building your life on the rock, not sand

Resources & Scripture References:

Scripture:

• Matthew 7:13–29
• Matthew 16:24, John 14:6
• Galatians 5:19–23
• John 10:10, John 15:1–5
• Deuteronomy 30:15–20, Joshua 24:15
• 1 John 4:2, 1 Corinthians 12:3, 2 Peter 2:1–3

Authors & Quotes:

• John Mark Comer, Live No Lies – “We make our decisions, and then our decisions make us…”
• Jonathan T. Pennington, The Sermon on the Mount & Human Flourishing
• Sinclair Ferguson – On the nature of Jesus’ teaching
• The Bible Project – Greek word “krino” (judge), spiritual discernment

Next Steps:

• Examine your heart for true spiritual fruit
• Build your life on the foundation of Christ
• Commit to God’s Word as your source of truth
• Pray: “Jesus, I give you my life.”

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#SermonOnTheMount #JesusTeaching #FalseProphets #NarrowGate #ChristianLiving #Matthew7 #Discipleship #TruthAndGrace

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In today’s message, Pastor Aaron McRae unpacks one of the most misunderstood teachings of Jesus: “Do not judge.” As part of our journey through the Sermon on the Mount, we explore what true judgment looks like — discerning without condemning, examining our own hearts before pointing at others, and living out Jesus' call to love.

We discuss the danger of a judgmental spirit, the difference between discernment and condemnation, and how to follow the Golden Rule in a world quick to criticize. Ultimately, we are reminded that judgment belongs to God alone, and we are called to walk in humility, love, and truth.

Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:1–6, Matthew 7:12, Romans 13:8-10, Psalm 139:23 References: Bible Project, "UnChristian" by David Kinnaman, teachings by Jonathan Pennington, Scot McKnight, and Billy Graham.

Join us as we seek to love others as Christ has loved us — with grace, discernment, and hope.

#SermonOnTheMount #DoNotJudge #LoveFirst #JesusTeaching #GoldenRule

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Join us for our Easter 2025 message as Pastor Aaron McRae shares how the resurrection of Jesus changes EVERYTHING. From the confusion at the empty tomb to Thomas' bold declaration, Pastor Aaron unpacks what it truly means to have Biblical belief. This isn’t just a message to hear—it’s one to respond to. Discover how the resurrection can change everything, including your life today.

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