Hillside Evangelical Free Church

Why would God reduce Gideon's army when the enemy was so large they couldn't even be counted? In this message from Judges 7, Pastor Jim Schultz walks through the famous story of Gideon and the 300 men, showing that God's goal was never military strategy—it was revealing a deeper truth. God reduced the troops so that everyone would know the victory belonged to Him alone. Along the way,...

In this sermon from Judges 6, Pastor Jim Schultz examines the account of Gideon and the repeated temptation to demand proof when God has already spoken. As Israel suffers under Midianite oppression, God calls Gideon to act. Yet instead of responding with confident obedience, Gideon continually seeks signs and assurances, revealing a heart marked by hesitation and uncertainty. This passage reminds...

In Judges 5, Deborah and Barak respond to God's mighty deliverance with a song of praise, celebrating the Lord's victory over the Canaanite oppressors. In this message, Pastor Jim Schultz walks through this powerful chapter, showing how the song highlights both God's sovereign power and the willing obedience of those who answered His call. Along the way, we see the contrast between tho...

In this message from Judges 4, Pastor Jim Schultz explores the account of Deborah and Barak and the powerful call to boldly obey the Lord. While God clearly commanded Barak to lead Israel against Sisera, his hesitation serves as both a warning and a lesson for believers today. Through this remarkable story, we see God's faithfulness, His discipline, His grace, and His power to accomplish His p...

In this message from Matthew 11:1–15, Steve Morgan explores what it means to have healthy expectations of God, ourselves, and the Christian life. Looking at John the Baptist’s doubts while sitting in prison, this sermon honestly addresses the tension many believers feel when life with God does not unfold the way they expected. Jesus points John back to Scripture, reminding us that our expectations...

Unexpected Grace - Judges 3:12-30 - Pastor Jim Schultz explores the powerful story of Ehud, the left-handed deliverer raised up by God to rescue Israel from oppression. In this engaging sermon from the Book of Judges, we see how God uses unexpected and flawed people to accomplish His perfect purposes. As Israel falls again into sin, God’s mercy shines through in raising a deliverer who brings both...

What does faithful living look like in a broken world? In this sermon on Judges 3:7-11, Pastor Jim Schultz examines the life of Othniel, the first judge of Israel and a man remembered not for fame or greatness, but for quiet faithfulness and obedience to God. As Israel falls into sin and forgets the Lord, God raises up an ordinary man empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring deliverance and peace. Th...

In this sermon, Pastor Jim Schultz walks through Judges 2:6–3:6, introducing the time of the Judges and its powerful lessons for today. Discover the tension between linear and cyclical time as Scripture reveals a sobering pattern: human sin, God’s discipline, heartfelt repentance, and His unfailing grace. This message highlights the importance of passing faith from one generation to the next, remi...

Discover a sobering and hope-filled message from Judges 1:27–2:5 as Pastor Jim Schultz explores the themes of failure, disobedience, and true repentance. Why do we fail? This sermon unpacks the complex reasons behind failure, focusing on Israel’s disobedience to God and the consequences that followed. Through this passage, we are challenged to examine our own hearts and recognize how sin can lead...

Discover the powerful message of A Flawed People and a Faithful God from Judges 1:1–26, preached by Pastor Jim Schultz. This opening sermon in the Book of Judges reveals the sobering reality of human sin alongside the unwavering faithfulness of God. As Israel begins its journey in the Promised Land, we see moments of obedience mixed with compromise—reminding us how easily we drift from God’s will....

In this encouraging sermon from Luke 24:36–49, Pastor Jim Schultz reminds us that God has already given us everything we need to be faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ. Just as the original disciples encountered the risen Savior, were taught the Scriptures, and received the promise of the Holy Spirit, we too are equipped for the same mission today. This message explores the reality of the resurrect...

Celebrate the hope of Easter with this powerful sermon from Luke 24:1–12, “Remember What He Told You,” preached by Pastor Jim Schultz. Journey to the empty tomb with the women who first witnessed that Jesus had risen, and hear the angels’ life-changing message: “He is not here, but has risen.” This message highlights the historical reality of the resurrection, God’s sovereign plan of salvation, an...

Step into the story of Palm Sunday with “A Triumphant and Tragic Entrance – Luke 19:28–40” by Pastor Jim Schultz. In this message from the Gospel of Luke, we follow Jesus as He enters Jerusalem to the cheers of the crowd—yet beneath the celebration is a deeper tension. Some rejoice, recognizing Him as the promised King and Savior. Others, like the Pharisees, reject Him and call for silence. This s...

Discover the powerful story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19:1–10 and what it reveals about true repentance, God’s grace, and the mission of Jesus Christ. In this sermon, Pastor Jim Schultz unpacks how a “wee little man” becomes a profound example of life transformation through faith. This message highlights the reality of sin, the beauty of genuine repentance, and the generous grace that leads to salvatio...

In this sermon from Luke 18:31–43, we walk with Jesus on the road to Jericho as He continues His journey toward Jerusalem and the cross. Unlike the explorers of history who often traveled without clear understanding, Jesus knew exactly where He was going and why—fulfilling God’s plan of redemption. This message challenges us to examine three perspectives in the passage—the crowd, Bartimaeus, and J...

In this sermon, Pastor Jim Schultz teaches from Luke 18:18–30 , the story of the rich young ruler , to explore what it really means to follow Jesus. When the man asks how to inherit eternal life, Jesus exposes the one thing he is unwilling to surrender—his wealth. The story reveals a powerful truth: the things we hold most tightly can become barriers that keep us from fully following Christ. Using...

In this final message from the book of Romans, Pastor Jim Schultz walks us through Romans 16:17–27 , Paul’s last words of warning and worship to the church. As the apostle closes his letter, he lovingly urges believers to guard against false teachers who cause division and distort the gospel. With pastoral wisdom, this sermon explores how to discern truth from error, remain “wise as to what is goo...

In this heartfelt message, “Principles to Live By – Philippians 2:12–16,” Pastor Dave Stevenson walks us through a powerful and practical passage from the book of Philippians. With warmth, humility, and pastoral care, he shares three biblical principles that bring clarity and purpose to the Christian life. What does it truly mean to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling”? Pastor Dave re...

In this pastoral message from “Co-Workers, Servants, and Friends – Romans 16:1–16” , Pastor Jim Schultz walks us through the often-overlooked closing chapter of the book of Romans. What may seem like a simple list of names becomes a beautiful portrait of Christian love, unity, and faithful service. From Phoebe’s generous support and servant leadership, to the courageous partnership of Prisca and A...

In this sermon, “Partnerships Across the Churches” (Romans 15:22–33) , Pastor Jim Schultz explores God’s design for unity, generosity, and mission among local churches. Drawing from the Apostle Paul’s plans to visit Rome, support the church in Jerusalem, and pursue gospel work in Spain, this message highlights how churches are called to work together for the sake of the Great Commission. Pastor Ji...

In this sermon from Romans 15:14–21, Pastor Jim Schultz invites us to reflect on God’s heart for those who have never heard the gospel. The Apostle Paul shares both his encouragement for the church in Rome and his calling to preach Christ where His name was not yet known. As we listen, we are reminded that the Christian life is marked by being full of goodness, grounded in God’s Word, and committe...

In this sermon, “Abounding in Hope” from Romans 15:8–13 , Pastor Jim Schultz gently leads us to rediscover the deep, steady hope God offers through Jesus Christ. This is not wishful thinking or shallow optimism, but a sure and steadfast hope rooted in God’s faithfulness, Christ’s finished work, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Romans and the Old Testament, we see that God’s plan has...

In this message from Romans 15:1–7, we are gently reminded that the Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation, but in loving community. As Paul teaches, those who are strong in faith are called to patiently bear with the weak—not out of obligation alone, but out of Christlike love. True unity is more than simply getting along; it has a holy purpose. When believers serve one another, bui...

In this sermon from Romans 14:13–23, we explore how Christians are called to live together when we hold different convictions about how best to follow Jesus. Using real-life examples and Paul’s teaching, this message addresses issues of Christian freedom, conscience, and love within the church. While Scripture affirms freedom in Christ, it also calls believers to walk in love by refusing to place...

In Romans 14, Paul addresses how believers are to relate to one another when sincere convictions differ. This sermon walks carefully through a passage that calls the church to protect unity without ignoring conscience. Paul reminds us that not every disagreement requires correction or debate; some differences fall into a category where judgment must be set aside and grace must lead. While Scriptur...