Hillcrest church of Christ

06/11/2026

Good morning brethren! We are looking forward to seeing you this Sunday for two privileges of worship and one great opportunity to study God's word! We will meet at 9:30 a.m. for Bible study and at 10:30 a.m. for worship. Our VBS will begin Sunday evening, so invite you neighbors, friends, and loved ones to be with us!

Why is the "Great Commission" Great?
By: Johnny O. Trail
Idea From: Sellars Crain

I. Introduction:
A. Why is the “Great Commission” Great?
1. One might list several reasons why the “Great Commission” is great.
2. No greater or more loving _____________________________ has ever been given.
3. “People have described it as the most sacred charge ever couched in human words or delivered to mortal man.” –Sellars Crain, pg. 488-489
B. We will consider six reasons why the Great Commission is so great.
1. The planning behind it.
2. The authority behind it.
3. The universal nature to it.
4. The universal appeal to it.
5. The permanence to it.
6. The emphasis on the value of the soul.
II. Body:
A. Planning of the great commission
1. Ephesians 1:7-10
2. God’s plan to save lost humankind was not a “last minute” idea.
3. It was done according to the “fullness of times.”
4. In my estimation, this had a heavenly element and an __________________________ element.
B. Authority of the great commission
1. Matthew 28:18 says, “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.’”
2. Jesus is the One authorized to make His disciples share the good news with people lost in sin.
3. As the head of the church, no person has the _____________________ to contradict Him regarding salvation or any other teaching.
4. Colossians 3:15-17
C. Universal nature of the great commission
1. We are called upon to go into the _______________ world.
2. Mark 16:15 says, “And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”
3. Paul mentions the gospel being proclaimed to “every creature under heaven.”
4. Colossians 1:21-23
D. Universal appeal of the great commission
1. The great commission brings people together.
2. Ephesians 2:13-19
E. The Permanence of the great commission
1. From the time that Jesus uttered the words of the great commission, down to this very age, the message that saves souls has been ____________________ in God’s holy writ.
2. The truth has not been changed or altered in any way regarding the plan of salvation.
3. Jude v. 3 says, “Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.”
4. We do not need additional revelations to ______________________ God’s truth to us!
F. The value of the soul
1. God highly values every soul created in His spiritual image.
2. 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
3. God sent the best that Heaven had to offer for the _______________________ of our souls.
4. 1 John 4:9 says, “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.”
5. The soul of every human being is ___________________________ in the sight of God!
6. Mark 8:36-38
III. Conclusion:
A. Responding to the great commission
1. How will you respond to the call of a loving Savior?
2. Within His word, Jesus tells us what we must do to be saved.
3. It is contained within the “Great Commission.”
B. Please respond today!
The Takeaway:
1. What were the main points of the sermon regarding the greatness of the great commission? What are some point that you might not have considered before? Who was tasked with completing the great commission? Does it apply to us today?
2. What is your role in the great commission? Are you attempting to fulfill it?
True or False:
______1. The great commission was only for the Apostles.
______2. The great commission was intended only for the Jews.
______3. The scope of the great commission was worldwide in nature.
______4. All humanity can potentially be united under Christ through obedience to the gospel.
______5. We need additional revelations to complete God’s message to humankind.
______6. God does not value the souls of humankind.

06/11/2026

06/07/2026

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06/07/2026

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06/05/2026

Good afternoon brethren and friends! We are looking forward to worshipping this Sunday and being with our fellow saints in Christ. We will meet at 9:30 a.m. for Bible study and at 10:30 a.m. for worship. We have a special treat at 6:00 worship hour when Matthew White will be presenting the lesson. Please invite friends, neighbors, and family members to be with us for our services this Sunday and for our upcoming VBS.

The One Bent Low
By: Johnny O. Trail

I. Introduction:
A. A Compassionate Savior
1. Throughout the ministry of Jesus, He dealt with people who were sick and infirmed.
2. He also interacted with people who suffered with various ______________________ problems.
3. During His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated love and ______________________ towards all of those He interacted with daily.
4. We need to have the same sort of understanding.
B. Today we will examine one such individual.
II. Body:
A. Luke 13:10-17
1. Two decades!
a. This story pictures a woman who had been “bent over and could in no way raise herself up” for almost two decades or more specifically ___________________ years!
b. Most every person has had a minor malady, but some suffer with _______________ illnesses like the woman mentioned in Luke chapter 13.
c. Due to her physical condition this woman would not have been able to make eye contact, she would have always been looking down, and unable to move through life naturally.
d. This would have taken a ______________________ toil on her also.
e. Chronic illness reshapes a person’s ___________________ on life and their view of continual hindrances to the simple tasks in life.
2. Jesus sees her
a. The text says that Jesus “saw her.”
b. The Greek verb is horaō (“to see”) often carries the sense of perceiving deeply, not just noticing visually.
c. This is the same idea that is presented when God sees Israel’s affliction in Egypt.
d. Exodus 2:24-25
e. God “sees” you when you are “bowed down.”
f. The God of heaven is _________________ of your life and the struggles you face.
g. Notice what Jesus says about God’s awareness of your life.
h. Luke 12:6-7
B. Bent Low
1. How are you “bent low,” metaphorically speaking, today?
2. The Apostle Paul was “bent low” regarding his _______________ in the flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
C. Encouragement from God.
1. God’s word contains ______________________t for those who are “bent low” regarding life circumstances.
2. For one thing, people who are in pain and bereavement can pray (Philippians 4:6-7).
3. Scripture also challenges one to change his thinking about problematic situations in his life (Philippians 4:8-9).
4. Scripture encourages God’s people to avoid compounding worries with things that have not happened and may not ever happen (Matthew 6:25-34).
D. Sabbath Day of Rest
1. Notice _____________________ this lady who is “bent low” is restored.
2. Luke 13:10 Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.
3. The Sabbath was intended as a day of _________________________ (Exodus 16:23).
3. If this woman “bent low” did not need rest from the infirmity of her flesh, then I do not know who did!
4. When one thinks about the _______________________ of this situation, there is no “controversy” here.
5. Many in our world need “rest” from what they are dealing with on a chronic basis.
III. Conclusion:
A. Jesus provides rest.
B. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
C. Jesus cares for you in every way—spiritually, physically, emotionally, and psychologically.
D. Matthew 11:29-30 says, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
The Takeaway:
1. Why was it controversial for Jesus to heal the woman who was “bent low?” What was the nature of the Sabbath Day? How many years had this woman struggled with her infirmity, and what was the nature of her physical problems?
2. Do you struggle with chronic health, mental, or emotional problems in your life? What resources were mentioned in this sermon that might help with your particular situation? What does it mean for one to avoid worrying about circumstances that are beyond their control?
True or False:
______1. Jesus never healed on a Sabbath day.
______2. The woman “bent low” had been in that condition for over thirty years.
______3. There is more to the term “he saw” her regarding Jesus in Luke 13 than is first apparent.
______4. God wants us to place our struggles upon Him so that we might have rest.
______5. The Apostle Paul had his thorn in the flesh removed.
______6. Many people need the type of rest that Jesus offers.

05/31/2026

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05/29/2026

The Value of One Soul
By: Johnny O. Trail
Over the last few weeks, two crew members flying an F-15E were shot down over Iranian territory. We watched with uneasiness as one crew member was saved very quickly while the other was extricated with some difficulty. As we watched the drama unfold, patriotic Americans breathed a collective sigh of relief as the second crew member was rescued.
Unbelievably, there were people who complained about the amount of money, resources, and manpower that were “wasted” in reclaiming this downed crew member. One source revealed the number of resources that were utilized in the effort. The source says,
Among the assets used were Special Operations Commandos: Navy SEALs and other special operations personnel executed the ground rescue of the airmen. Aircraft and Helicopters: Dozens of U.S. warplanes and helicopters were deployed to the area, including HH-60H Pave Hawk helicopters and HC-130J transport planes. Close Air Support: A-10 Warthog aircraft and MQ-9 Reaper drones provided air cover, with drones reportedly firing on Iranian groups approaching the downed airman. Intelligence and Deception: The CIA played a crucial role in tracking the crew members and conducting a deception campaign to misdirect Iranian forces. Survival Equipment: The airman utilized an emergency beacon for location tracking, although communication was sporadic. Fueling/Refueling: A C-130 was verified refueling helicopters over Iran during the mission.
In response to those critical of the money and resources that were used to retrieve the downed airman, one asked this rhetorical question, “If it had been your father, brother or other family member, would you really care how much it cost?!”
Reasonable people tend to understand the value of a human life and work to preserve life as much as is possible. While human life has value, we should understand that the human soul is even more precious than human life. As a matter of fact, there is nothing more valuable. Many passages make this point apparent. One of them is Mark 8:34-37, which says, “When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Along these same lines of reasoning, Jesus makes one aware of the good shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to retrieve the one wayward sheep. Luke 15:4-7 says, "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance. Per this passage, there is much joy over one person who repents. One might ask, “Were the ninety and nine not enough?” In reality, God is as interested in the “one” as He is in the multitudes.
Just as people tend to rejoice over things of value that were lost and then found, we should feel even more joy at the restoration of a lost soul. Luke 15:8-10 says, "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!' Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
If God places that much value on a human soul, we should have the same degree of care too. Part of the great commission is understanding the type of love and compassion that we should have for the valuable soul’s that are lost. Luke 24:46-48 says, “Then He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And you are witnesses of these things.” Our lack of personal evangelism and support of such efforts undermines the true work of evangelism—finding and saving souls that are lost.
The fact of the business is that we are all part of a universal priesthood tasked with connecting people with God through His Son, Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” For this reason and many others, every lost soul should be a source of extreme concern for the people of God.
We rejoiced when the downed American airman was rescued. Most reasonable people did not care what the cost was to retrieve this man who was bravely serving his country. Do we feel the same way about the costs involved with missionary work and local evangelism?
We asked no questions about the amount of manpower that was required to save the downed pilot with an understanding of how important it was that he did not fall into enemy hands. Do we feel that way about expending the manpower, time, energy and money that is required to keep people from falling into the hands of our archenemy Satan? Hopefully the answers to these rhetorical questions are apparent.

05/29/2026

The Political Climate and the Christian Response
By: Johnny O. Trail
This is not intended as a political commentary, but it is intended to examine the attitudes that many people seem to have regarding political dialogue and the value of human life. Regardless of our personal or political opinions, all life has value in the eyes of God. Exodus 20:13 says, "You shall not murder.”
Just recently, a third attempt was made to assassinate our president and many top cabinet officials. While this attempt failed, it underscores the radicalization that we see happening in our nation regarding any discourse that people object to or find offensive. It is time that people understood that objecting to what another person says is not justification for taking a person’s life. This is true of all political parties and of all people in our world.
One of the reasons Jesus was crucified was because some of the political and religious leaders did not like what He said. John 10:30-33 says, “‘I and My Father are one.’ Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, ‘Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?’ The Jews answered Him, saying, ‘For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God.’” While the political and religious people of our age are not Messiahs, they are sometimes persecuted and assassinated for their words.
Maybe you have reasons for disagreeing with our political leaders that are very valid in nature. It might be that your objections are rooted and grounded in biblical truths. Strong political discourse is the very reason that the First Amendment exists. We are fortunate to live within a country where vibrant disagreement with those in power does not result in torture, beheadings, and capital punishment. This is a freedom that all should take very seriously; especially those who want to communicate about religious differences.
Just because one does not like a political figure—Democrat, Republican, or Other—it does not give one the right to take that person’s life. Sadly, we have seen too much of this in our nation. From Martin Luther King to Charlie Kirk, people have lost their lives for speaking out—peacefully—in public settings for their political and social views.
Consequently, this is true even if we find our leaders to be morally objectionable. Jesus and the Apostles lived in one of the most morally corrupt epochs within human history, but they encouraged their auditors to pray for those in power—even in the face of persecutions against the fledgling church of the first century.
All life is precious in the sight of God, because all people have soul’s that God wants to redeem. John 3:17 says, “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” This includes people with whom we do not agree.
Just because a person does not agree with you it does not mean they are your mortal enemy. Maybe they have the best of intentions but are misguided in their conclusion. A good, healthy dialogue might change a person’s mind or even yours. At the least, it might provide a clearer understanding of a person's beliefs and fears. Why have we lost the ability, as a culture, to have reasonable conversations with others? There is a significant amount or rhetoric and hatemongering that shapes our national discourse.
We should pray for all our political leaders. I have prayed for all people in political power—even those that I did not vote for during their election cycle. This is commanded in God’s word. Notice Paul’s words to Timothy in 1Timothy 2:1-4. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”
When one is not happy about the circumstances that exist within his government, he needs to pray about the situation instead of seeking to be violent. Elijah was unhappy about the religious and political climate in his age, but his prayer and devotion to God changed things. Notices what is said in James 5:16-18 says, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.”
We pray so that Christians might lead a “quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” If one examines the political systems in many foreign nations, it become evident that a lack of authority and order in government creates a chaotic situation were it is virtually impossible to live in the manner desired by Paul.
We pray for those in leadership so that we might be free to teach the word of God to people who are lost (Mark 16:15-16). If the political system of a given nation is corrupt and chaotic in nature, it becomes impossible, if not deadly, to proclaim the truth of God’s word. It is no coincidence that Paul attaches God’s ideal will with government rule. Order in the governance of people provides a climate where Christians can teach the lost about a God who “desires all men to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.”
All Christians need to pray about the political climate that exists in our nation. Whether we agree with those in power or not, we need to pray for them. Hopefully, we can reach a point where political and religious dialogue becomes more amicable in nature and not an excuse to engage in violence against our fellow man.

05/29/2026

S***m and Gomorrah Revisited?!
By: Johnny O. Trail
Some weeks ago, Isreal announced that it would be hosting a LGBTQ+ festival at the Dead Sea. The irony is not lost on people who are students of the Bible. For those of you who might wonder about the “irony,” many scholars believe that this was the location of the city of Gomorrah.
While the exact location is unknown, there is evidence to suggest that it was around the Dead Sea region. One interesting fact supporting this supposition states, “There are five areas around the Dead Sea where sulfur balls can mainly be found… The sulfur balls here are 90-95% pure, unlike other sulfur found in the world which is around 40% pure. They can be lit on fire and burn right before your very eyes.”
Various sources have written about the LGBTQ+ festival revealing the time and location of the event. The New York Post says,
Israel will host the Middle East’s largest-ever LGBTQ festival in the summer, with organizers planning to build a veritable “Pride City” at the Dead Sea. The new Pride Land festival will transform a section of the Judean Desert into a party destination with 15 hotels and beach complexes, plus parties and performances running around the clock…The festival is slated to start on June 1 and run for four days, serving as the largest such event ever held in the Middle East.
Evidently, a city will be built from scratch to host the event. Undoubtedly, this celebration will cost the organizers several million dollars to complete and bring to fruition. It is amazing to consider that a new city will be built where one once stood that was destroyed by God for its immoral practices. Genesis 19:24-28 says, “Then the LORD rained brimstone and fire on S***m and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens. So He overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. But his wife looked back behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the LORD. Then he looked toward S***m and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain; and he saw, and behold, the smoke of the land which went up like the smoke of a furnace.”
How long will nations flaunt their immorality before the God of Heaven and expect impunity from reaping a harvest of corruption and punishment? It is a complete act of hubris to build a resort town dedicated solely to immorality on the approximate location of a city that was destroyed for the same types of sin. It is amazing that the nation of Israel, composed of people who typically follow the Old Testament, would endorse and promote such an event. While this might not be supported by all of the citizens of Israel, one wonders how the nation arrived at the conclusion that this would be a “good” thing to do?!
While no person should be mistreated, it becomes evident that God labels the type of immorality being celebrated in the month of June as an “abomination.” The penalty for practicing the lifestyle under the Old Testament law was extremely severe. Leviticus 20:13 says, “If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.”
Even though the Old Covenant is not in effect, the eternal consequences of practicing the type of immorality that is being celebrated in June (by Israel and the United States) is condemned in scripture and carries eternal consequences. Paul addresses this very thing in Romans 1:24-28; 32. “Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting…who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.”
God wants all people to turn away from sin (Luke 13:3,5), and be saved by rendering obedience to the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9). 2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” Even so, those who continue to live in sin until the point of death will suffer eternal consequences.
One cannot continually sow the seeds of immorality and not expect to reap a harvest of corruption. This festival in a mockery of God in the judgment of many people. Galatians 6:7-8 says, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.”
While “Pride Month” might be celebrated by nations, cities, and municipalities around the world it is nothing to be proud of in its final examination. Jeremiah 6:15 says, “Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed; Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; At the time I punish them, They shall be cast down," says the LORD.”