Hillcrest CRC Messages

“THE CHALLENGE OF WALKING WITH GOD” The Story of the Bible, part 3 A sermon outline based on Genesis 12:1-5, et. al. Hillcrest CRC, August 16, 2026, 9:30am Rev. Curt Walters 1. God called Abram to leave everything and follow Him. (Genesis 12:1-5) 2. God assured Abram of his promise by cutting a covenant with him. (Genesis 15:1-21) 3. God called Abraham and Sarah to trust his outrageous promise. (G...

“GOOD NEWS” The Power of the Gospel, part 9 A sermon outline based on Romans 5:1-11 Hillcrest CRC, August 9, 2026, 5pm Rev. Curt Walters    1. We’ve been made right with God. (Romans 5:1a) 2. We can live in harmony and peace with God. (Romans 5:1b) 3. God loved us and saved us at our worst. (Romans 3:23, 5:8&10, Ephesians 2:1-3) 4. We have been reconciled to God. (Romans 5:10-11) Next steps......

“THE DOWNWARD SPIRAL OF SIN” The Story of the Bible, part 2 A sermon outline based on Genesis 3-11 Hillcrest CRC, August 9, 2026, 9:30am Rev. Curt Walters Scene 1: Adam & Eve rebelled against God and sinned. (Genesis 3) The tactics of the enemy: 1. He twists the truth. (Genesis 3:1) 2. He undermines our trust in God. (Genesis 3:3) 3. He sugarcoats sin. (Genesis 3:5) 4. He isolates us. (Genesis...

“HOW FAITH WORKS” The Power of the Gospel, part 8 A sermon outline based on Romans 4:1-25 Hillcrest CRC, August 2, 2026, 5pm Rev. Curt Walters 1. Abraham was saved by grace through faith. (Romans 4:1-24, Genesis 15:6)   2. Abraham is the father of all who are justified by faith. (Romans 4:11-17) 3. Faith has four parts:                   Knowledge .                   Belief . (James 2:19)        ...

“IN THE BEGINNING GOD...” The Story of the Bible, part 1 A sermon outline based on Genesis 1-2 Hillcrest CRC, August 2, 2026, 9:30am Rev. Curt Walters   1. Genesis 1 changed the world.   2. God existed long before the universe . (Genesis 1:1-3)   3. He invited these creatures to share his fellowship . (John 17:20-21)   4. The universe at its foundation is about a loving, personal God.    5. There’...

Acts 13:13-52

Genesis 3:1-7

Colossians 1:15-20

" OVERCOMING TEMPTATION” Scripture: James 1:13-15 Hillcrest CRC, July 12, 2026, 9:30am Rev. Jim Busscher   An Effective Strategy For Overcoming Temptation R efuse to Give in to Temptation  E ngage in Prayer S cripture as a Defense Strategy I dentify Personal Areas of Moral Weakness S piritual Provision T eam-Up

Genesis 50: 15-21

" FEAR IS FOR THE BIRDS" A sermon outline based on Luke 12:1-7 Hillcrest CRC, July 5, 2026, 9:30am Pastor Vern Hettinga   Luke 12:4-7 "Fear is for the Birds" Introduction:  What triggers YOUR Fear reflex?  I.  Jesus Suppressed Fear 4 What does Jesus suggest for overcoming our fears? II. Jesus Supported  Fear  5 Is this the opposite of what Jesus just said? Two definitions of Fe...

John 3: 1-21

Luke 24: 13-35

Introduction I. The Confusion about Christ’s Return (v 13) II. The Clarification of Christ’s Return (vv 14-17) Appeal to what Christ has done: Jesus’ Resurrection (v 14) Appeal to what Christ has said: “Word of the Lord” (vv 15-17) III. The Comfort of Christ’s Return (v 18) 

“HOW SALVATION WORKS” The Power of the Gospel, part 7 A sermon based on Romans 3:21-31 Hillcrest CRC, June 14, 2026, 5pm Rev. Curt Walters 1. We are all unrighteous sinners. (Romans 3:21-23, 1 John 1:8) 2. We are redeemed by Jesus Christ. (Romans 3:24, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) 3. Jesus is our atoning sacrifice.     (Romans 1:18, 3:25, Luke 18:9-14, Isaiah 53:5-6, 1 John 2:2) 4. We are justified by g...

“KNOWING THAT WE BELONG” Living in the Love of God, part 6 A sermon outline based on 1 John 5 Hillcrest CRC, June 14, 2026. 9:30am Rev. Curt Walters 1. Eternal life is in Jesus . (1 John 5:11-12, Proverbs 16:25, John 10:10) 2. We can know if we have eternal life. (1 John 5:13-14, John 20:30-31) 3. We have overcome the world. (1 John 5:4&18, John 16:33) 4. Believing means complete allegiance an...

“THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MISTAKES AND SINS” The Power of the Gospel, part 6 A sermon based on Romans 3:1-20 Hillcrest CRC, June 7, 2026, 5pm Rev. Curt Walters    1. It’s easy to admit that we make mistakes .  2. It’s hard to admit that we are sinners . (Romans 3:9)  3. Jesus made it clear that we are all sinners . (Matthew 5:17-48)  4. We lack righteousness and don’t seek God. (Romans 3:10-12)  5....

“THE LOVE OF GOD” Living in the Love of God, part 5 A sermon outline based on 1 John 4 Hillcrest CRC, June 7, 2026, 9:30am Rev. Curt Walters   1. We are easily deceived . (1 John 4:1-3, 1 Timothy 4:1, 2 Timothy 4:3) 2. We must test the spirits. (1 John 4:1-3, Acts 17:11) 3. We invite God to work in and through us. (Matthew 28:18, 1 John 4:4-6) 4. Love is from God. (1 John 4:7-21) 5. The greatness...

Acts 1:1-11

“THE DANGER OF HYPOCRISY” The Power of the Gospel, part 5 A sermon outline based on Romans 2:12-29 Hillcrest CRC, May 31, 5pm Rev. Curt Walters    1. God will do the right thing. (Genesis 18:25, Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 89:14)  2. Everyone knows what is right and wrong. (Romans 2:14-15)  3. What about those who haven’t heard the gospel? (Romans 2:12-16)  4. What about those who have heard the gospe...

“CHILDREN OF GOD” Living in the Love of God, part 4 A sermon outline based on 1 John 2:29 – 3:24 Hillcrest CRC, May 24, 2026, 9:30am Rev. Curt Walters 1. We are children of God. (John 1:12, Galatians 4:4-5, 1 John 3:1-2) 2. We believe in Jesus. (John 1:29, 2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 John 3:5,23) 3. We don’t live in sin, but purify ourselves and do what is right.     (1 John 3:3,6,9-10) 4. We abide in h...

“MORAL SUPERIORITY” The Power of the Gospel, part 4 A sermon outline based on Romans 2:1-11 Hillcrest CRC, May 17, 2026, 5pm Rev. Curt Walters   1. We judge obvious sinners. (Romans 1:18-2:1) 2. We are guilty of the same sins . (Romans 2:1) 3. We sometimes want God’s grace only for ourselves . (Romans 2:4) 4. It’s hard to admit that our sins deserve wrath . (Romans 2:5) 5. God is the only one qual...

“THE MIDIANITES vs. GOD (and Gideon)” A children’s service outline based on Judges 6:11-22, 7:1-8, 15-21 Hillcrest CRC, May 17, 2026, 9:30am Rev. Curt Walters   1. Gideon was scared .  (Judges 6:11,27, 7:10) 2. God often calls and equips the weak to do His will. (Judges 6:15, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29) 3. God is with us. (Judges 6:16, Matthew 28:20, Romans 8:31, Philippians 4:13) 4. God chose Gideon’s...