Hillside Baptist Church

06/14/2026

Loving Others as Christ Loved Us
One of the greatest marks of a true Christian is love. The love that Jesus showed was not based on whether people deserved it or returned it. He loved the unlovable, forgave those who wronged Him, and willingly gave His life for others. As followers of Christ, we are called to demonstrate that same kind of love in our homes, churches, workplaces, and communities. When we show kindness, patience, forgiveness, and compassion to others, we reflect the character of our Savior and become a testimony of His grace to a world that desperately needs Him.
Jesus made it clear that love should be the defining characteristic of His disciples. He said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34-35). The Apostle Paul also reminded believers, "And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour" (Ephesians 5:2). As we seek to follow Christ each day, may we ask the Lord to help us love others as He loved us—sacrificially, faithfully, and without partiality.
Scripture References (KJV)
John 13:34-35
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."
Ephesians 5:2
"And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour."
1 John 4:11
"Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another."

06/08/2026

Don't Come Down From the Wall - Keep doing God's Work

One of the greatest challenges in the Christian life is staying focused on the work God has called us to do. Every day we are surrounded by distractions—worldly pursuits, entertainment, worries, discouragement, and even the opinions of others.

The enemy knows that a distracted Christian is often an ineffective Christian. If he cannot stop us from serving God, he will try to divert our attention away from what matters most.

Nehemiah provides a powerful example of spiritual focus and determination. God had called him to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and despite opposition, he remained committed to the task. As the work progressed, Nehemiah's enemies attempted to lure him away from the wall. They repeatedly sent messages asking him to meet with them, but Nehemiah recognized their true intentions.

His response is found in Nehemiah 6:3: "And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?" (KJV). Nehemiah understood that leaving the work God had given him would only hinder the progress that was being made.

The same principle applies to believers today. The world constantly calls for our attention, urging us to leave our place of service, devotion, and spiritual growth. Yet we must remember that we are engaged in a great work. Whether it is serving in the church, teaching our children, witnessing to others, studying God's Word, or simply living faithfully each day, the Lord has given each of us a purpose. Like Nehemiah, we must determine not to "come down from the wall." Let us keep our eyes on Christ, remain faithful to His calling, and refuse to allow distractions to pull us away from the work He has entrusted to us.

Additional Scripture References (KJV):
"Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..." — Hebrews 12:2
"No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God." — Luke 9:62
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord..." — 1 Corinthians 15:58

05/25/2026

05/24/2026

INTENTIONAL WORSHIP - Part 2
Intentional Worship (Part 2 – Daily Living)
Worship is much more than what takes place during a church service—it is meant to be a daily way of life.
God desires for His people to honor Him not only with songs and prayers, but also through the attitudes, actions, and choices we make each day.
Romans 12:1 reminds believers of this calling: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” A living sacrifice means willingly giving our lives to God each day, allowing Him to guide our words, thoughts, and actions for His glory.
The Bible teaches that even ordinary responsibilities can become acts of worship when they are done with the right heart. Whether we are caring for our families, working at our jobs, helping others, or serving within the church, every task can reflect our devotion to Christ.
I Corinthians 10:31 says, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” God is not only interested in the large moments of our lives; He also cares about our faithfulness in the small, everyday moments. When we choose gratitude over complaining, kindness over anger, and obedience over selfishness, we are honoring the Lord through daily living.
Living a lifestyle of worship requires intentional choices. It means examining our habits, priorities, and attitudes to make sure they reflect a heart surrendered to God. Worship should not end when we leave the church building on Sunday—it should continue throughout the week in the way we speak, serve, and live before others. This week, choose one daily activity and intentionally dedicate it to the Lord. Pray before you begin and ask God to help you complete it with joy, faithfulness, and a desire to glorify Him. A life fully devoted to Christ becomes a continual act of worship.
Colossians 3:17 (KJV) “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.”
Matthew 5:16 (KJV) “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

Galatians 2:20 (KJV) “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”

05/10/2026

Week 3 Series: Intentional Worship Part 1
Intentional Worship is far more than a routine we follow on Sunday—it is the sincere response of our hearts to the goodness and holiness of God. Many people can attend church, sing songs, and go through the motions, yet true worship begins deep within the soul. Jesus made this clear in John 4:24 when He said, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.” Worship is not simply about what we do outwardly, but about whether our hearts are truly focused on Him. God is not looking for empty tradition; He is seeking genuine love, reverence, and surrender.
Psalm 95:6 gives us another beautiful picture of worship: “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker.” Worship involves humility. It is recognizing who God is—our Creator, our Sustainer, and our Savior—and placing Him in His rightful place above all else. When we bow before the Lord, whether physically or spiritually, we are declaring that He is worthy of our praise and complete devotion. Worship becomes powerful when it is rooted in gratitude and a heart that desires to honor Him above self.
Intentional worship means choosing to focus on God with purpose, not just by habit. It means preparing our hearts before we enter the sanctuary, praying before we sing, listening carefully to His Word, and responding in obedience. Worship should continue beyond the church walls and into our daily lives through how we speak, serve, and live for Christ. When our worship is sincere and Spirit-led, it becomes more than a weekly practice—it becomes a lifestyle that brings glory to God and draws us closer to Him.

05/10/2026

A mother’s love is one of the sweetest reflections of God’s care in our lives. As wives and mothers, we understand the daily calling to serve our families—from the moment the sun rises until our heads rest at night. We cook meals, wipe tears, offer guidance, teach lessons, and provide comfort in ways both big and small. Some days feel joyful and fulfilling, while others test our patience and reveal our human weakness. There are moments when we feel tired, overwhelmed, and stretched thin, yet through it all, love continues to lead us forward.
The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 31:27 (KJV), “She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.” A godly mother carries great responsibility, not only in caring for the physical needs of her home, but also in nurturing the hearts and souls of those she loves. Her influence reaches far beyond the present moment. The prayers she prays, the faith she models, and the love she gives leave lasting impressions on her children and family for generations to come.
Mother’s Day is a beautiful time to honor the women who pour so much of themselves into others, but the true blessing is found in the children who call us “Mom” and the families God has entrusted to us.
Even on the hard days—with dirty faces to wash, messy hair to brush, and skinned knees to kiss—we are reminded of how richly blessed we truly are. Motherhood is not always easy, but it is one of God’s greatest gifts, filled with purpose, sacrifice, and a love that reflects His own.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother's Day!

12/20/2025

Christmas Play
Hillside Baptist Church
6:00 pm 12/21/25