HighView Sermons

In this Advent sermon, we look back to a moment of national crisis for Judah—and forward to the miraculous hope of Immanuel. In Isaiah 7, God speaks to a terrified King Ahaz through the prophet Isaiah, not with strategies or alliances, but with a call to faith and a sign: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

This ancient promise, later fulfilled in the birth of Jesus, reminds us that God does not ask us to take a blind “leap of faith.” He gives us reasons to believe: past promises kept, present signs of His presence, and the future hope of redemption through Christ.

In the opening message of our Advent series, Pastor Josh Hildebrandt takes us not to Bethlehem, but to the throne room of heaven, where Isaiah sees the Lord high and lifted up.

Before we consider the humility of Christ in the manger, we must behold the majesty of Christ on the throne. This vision in Isaiah 6 reveals the holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, and the mercy that comes from God alone.

In this sermon from Jonah 4:1–6, Pastor Josh explores the unsettling truth that sometimes our hearts are offended by the very mercy that saves us. Jonah, though obedient outwardly, is inwardly outraged by God’s compassion toward Nineveh.

In Jonah 3, we witness the scandalous mercy of God on full display—toward a rebellious prophet and a wicked city.

Jonah, the runaway prophet, is recommissioned by God and sent again to Nineveh with a simple message: “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” What follows is one of the most remarkable turnarounds in all of Scripture—a city infamous for cruelty repents, and God relents.

Big Idea: God’s mercy restores the disobedient and rescues the undeserving through the power of His Word.

In this sermon, we plunge into the depths of Jonah’s distress and uncover the even greater mercy of God. From the belly of the fish, Jonah cries out—and his prayer reveals a truth more profound than he understands: “Salvation belongs to the Lord.”

Through Jonah’s prayer, we behold a merciful God who rescues and redeems imperfect people for his perfect purposes, because salvation belongs to the Lord. Jonah’s descent into the depths prefigures Christ’s descent into death, and just as the fish spits Jonah out, the grave could not hold our Savior.

The same grace that rescues rebels like Jonah is available to all who call upon the name of the Lord.

In a world awash with customizable “gods,” Isaiah calls us to behold the living God as He truly is—self-sufficient, singular, and utterly incomparable. From the span of the heavens to the rise and fall of princes, God alone creates, governs, and sustains all things. And in His kindness, this Holy One gives strength to the weary who wait on Him.

God is self-sufficient: He has life in Himself and needs nothing (cf. Isa 40:12, 21–22).

God is singular: To whom will we liken Him? Idols—ancient or modern—cannot compare (Isa 40:18–20, 25–26).

God is simple (not made of parts): The one, pure Spirit who later reveals the fullness of His triune life without division.

In this closing passage of Galatians, Paul draws a bold line around what matters most: there is one Gospel, one reason to boast, and one new creation. We’re called to steward the Gospel—proclaiming it to the world and applying it to our hearts—because others before us held the line so we could hear it today.  

In this powerful exploration of Galatians 6:6-10, we delve into the profound concept of 'Household Principles' within the family of God. The central message revolves around four key principles: support, sowing and reaping, faithfulness, and priority. We're reminded that as members of God's household, we're called to support one another, especially those who teach us God's word. This mutual support isn't just about financial provision, but about preserving the gospel and protecting the flock from false teachings. The principle of sowing and reaping is emphasized, reminding us that our actions have consequences - both in the physical and spiritual realms. We're encouraged to sow to the Spirit, remaining faithful even when we can't see immediate results. This message challenges us to examine our own lives and consider: Are we sowing seeds that will reap a harvest of righteousness? Are we supporting those who feed us spiritually? It's a call to live intentionally, knowing that our actions today are shaping our spiritual future.

The Fruit of the Spirit is the very character of Christ formed in us by the Spirit to stand against this present evil age. In Galatians 5:22-26, we learn why the fruit is one unified fruit (with many facets), how it wages war against the flesh, and how true freedom is found only as we belong to Christ and keep in step with the Spirit.