Hillside Community Church

Jesus says, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." In our culture we often equate meekness in weakness, but in the Bible to be meek is to have power under control. 

Jesus continues in the Beatitudes by moving on to the second, which says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." While mourning may take many forms, Jesus is talking about those who mourn over their sin. He promises the comfort of God to them.

In Matthew 5, Jesus begins the most famous sermon of all time. People had expectations for the new inauguration of this "Kingdom", but Jesus begins that saying it isn't the rich or powerful, but those who are "poor in Spirit" who are promised the Kingdom.

In 2 Samuel 23, we are shown King David's last words. The whole story of David through a lifetime of ups and downs, concludes with an unshakeable hope in the King to come.

In 2 Samuel 13 - 14 we experience one of the most gut-wrenching stories in all of Scripture, the scene of Amnon and Tamar. We may wonder why this is even in the Bible, but through this story we see the consequences of not controlling our desires as well as the hope and redemption that our God has devised means to bring the banished one home.

In this passage in the life of David, we explore one of the most famous sin stories in all of the Bible. The story of David and Bathsheba is one of sin, it's destructive consequences, and the forgiveness of God in the midst of it all.

In 2 Samuel 9 David looks for someone to extend the kindness of God to. He is told of a crippled man named Mephibosheth and David invites him to dine at the King's table. In this touching story we are reminded of God's grace extended to any broken and crippled people who are willing to receive the kindness of the King.

In 2 Samuel chapter 7, David finds himself in a moment of rest and prosperity and decides to build a house for the LORD. But God speaks through the prophet Nathan to ensure David, that God is the one who will build a house that will endure forever and that He will dwell amongst His people.

In the middle of the overarching story of David exists an overlooked episode that is easy to pass over. But in this scene of David and Uzzah carrying the ark we are reminded of the holiness and power of God compared to the impurity of man.

We all worship something, whether God or the tangible gods of our culture. In this passage we see Jesus confront a woman in grace about the empty wells she worships.

In Ephesians 4, Paul describes a unified church made up of uniquely gifted individuals. Grace was given to each one of us to help build up the body of Christ. 

In Luke 2, the angel of the Lord appeared first to some of the lowest people in society, the Shepherds. The highest news of all time came to the lowliest people and offers great joy for all.

The birth story of Jesus reveals the humility and timing of God's perfect plan.