Hill Country Bible Church Dripping Springs Sermons

In Acts 6, we uncover how a simple act of service transformed the early Christian church and fueled its continued growth. By addressed a potentially divisive and distracting situation, head on, they elevated service to others to a spiritual calling. It isn't just charity—it's an invitation to participate in God's love in action. See how this ancient wisdom applies to our modern world, challenging us to rethink our approach to leadership, community, and faith.

Among other responsibilities, Associate Pastor Chris Jones shepherds a counseling ministry for our church. We asked him to share his perspective on Biblically based counseling.

Pastor Chris wears many hats in our church. There is one thing he does that touches all the ministries he shepherds. That is counseling .We visited with him to learn more about his perspective and vision for this role within our church.

Five book recommendations Chris makes...

- Discipleship by A.W. Tozier

- The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

- Ditch Your Thinking by Scott Longyear

- Nine Essential Conversations Before You Say I Do by Dr. Gary Thomas

- Marriage: 6 Gospel Commitments Every Couple Needs to Make by Paul Tripp

This sermon explores the transformative power of generosity as a reflection of God's radical grace. The early church in Acts was a vibrant example of how sharing resources, time, and love can powerfully testify to the reality of Jesus Christ. Unlike the deceptive giving of Ananias and Sapphira, true generosity stems from a heart fully surrendered to God, not seeking personal recognition but glorifying Him. We are called to live out a countercultural generosity that not only meets needs but invites others to experience the abundant love of God.

This sermon explores the theme of boldness in the face of opposition, drawing from Acts 4 where Peter and John stand before the Sanhedrin. The sermon emphasized that true boldness comes from a deep conviction of the truth, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and trust in God's sovereignty. Peter and John's trusted in the truth of the gospel. We should be challenged to cultivate boldness by being rooted in Scripture, wrestling with doubts, relying on the Holy Spirit and trusting in God's sovereign plan.

This sermon explores the profound message of healing and transformation, where we see Peter and John heal a man who has been lame from birth. This miracle serves as a powerful illustration of the gospel's invitation to grace, not just as a means of coping with life's challenges but as a call to complete restoration. We begin by seeing that true healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—begins with recognizing our need and turning to Jesus, who offers more than temporary relief. Acts 3 reminds us that the gospel is about transformation, repentance, and the ultimate restoration of all things.

In this powerful exploration of Acts 2, we're challenged to reimagine what it means to be an inviting church. The early Christian community didn't just attend services; they were devoted to each other, to God's truth, and to prayer. This devotion wasn't casual—it was all-encompassing, transforming their relationships and daily lives. We're called to ask ourselves: Are we truly devoted in the same way? Are we building a church that invites people not just to attend, but to belong? In a world plagued by loneliness, the church has a unique opportunity to offer genuine, Christ-centered community. This isn't about making surface-level friends, but about deep fellowship rooted in our shared commitment to Jesus. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to prioritize presence over busyness, to treat church like family rather than an event, and to create a space where no one feels unseen or alone.

The story of the Good Samaritan is well known, both inside and outside church circles. Today the name "Samaritan" does not elicit the same reaction it would have gotten from a group of Jews in Jesus' day. However, it was this unlikely character, not the Jewish religious figures who proved to follow God's law to love those we encounter. Compassion, loving others, is a trait Jesus' disciples must demonstrate to point others to Him as the perfect provider of compassion.