Introduction

I. The Confusion about Christ’s Return (v 13)

II. The Clarification of Christ’s Return (vv 14-17)

1. Appeal to what Christ has done: Jesus’ Resurrection (v 14)
2. 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 grace through faith. (Romans 3:24)

5. The salvation triangle.

Next steps...

•                Write down your understanding of what Jesus has done for you, using the language of paying a ransom, offering an atoning sacrifice or declaring someone justified. Practice reading it out loud with family members or friends.

•                Thank God for what He’s done for you in Christ by 1) offering a prayer of thanksgiving and praise, or 2) writing a poem/psalm of thanks and praise, or 3) writing or singing your own song of thanks and praise to Him.

•                In light of what God has done for you, think of something specific that you can do this week to show God how much you love Him.

“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 and obedience to our King.

    (1 John 5:1-3)

Next steps...

•  Read and reflect on 1 John 5:11-13 “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

•  Think of Jesus as a benevolent King that you swear allegiance and loyalty to. Wake up every morning and offer Him your time and your abilities.  Surrender every aspect of your life to Him.

•  Thank the Lord for giving you eternal life in Christ!  And ask Him to give you the assurance of your salvation.

“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. We sin with our mouths. (Romans 3:13-14,19)

 6. We “do our own thing.” (Romans 3:15-18, Proverbs 3:5-6)

 7. Our sin is worse than we thought, but God still loves us. (Romans 5:6-8)

 Next steps...

• Think about and discuss which is easier for you to admit – that you’ve made a mistake or that you’re a sinner.
• Read and reflect on Psalm 14 (Paul quotes this Psalm in Romans 3).
• Look for someone to share the good news of the gospel with this week – that God loves and forgives broken sinners like us!

“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 of God’s love is demonstrated by its cost.

    (John 3:16, Romans 5:8)

6. Because God loves, we love. (1 John 4:7-21, John 13:35)

Next steps...

• Discuss with family members and friends what beliefs and teachings in our culture and in some churches might not be true. Anchor your thinking in specific Bible passages that distinguish between what is true and false. 
• Read and reflect on Paul’s words about God’s love in Ephesians 3:17-19: “Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (NLT)
• The next time you’re struggling to love someone, remember how deeply God loves you, and ask Him to help you love others in the same way that He loves you.

“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 gospel, but don’t always obey? (Romans 2:17-27)

 5. Spiritual blessings can cause pride. (Romans 2:17-27)

 6. Following God comes from the heart. (Romans 2:28-29)

Next steps...

• Discuss with family members or friends why we tend to doubt that God will do the right thing in terms of saving people who’ve never heard about Jesus.  Ask yourself if you really trust Him.
• Why do religious people tend toward legalism and judge others by simple checklists of behavior rather than the deeper matters of the heart?
• Ask yourself: Am I a hypocrite?  Do I always do, say and think what I should? If not, why do I judge others who also fail? Commit yourself to embrace the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, both for yourself and for any sinner who repents and believes!

Acts 1:1-11

“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 him. (John 15:5, 1 John 2:28, 3:24)

5. We aren’t surprised when we experience opposition.

    (John 15:21, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 John 3:13)

6. We love and help each other.  (1 John 3:11,14-18,23) 

7. We will be like Jesus one day.

    (Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 3:18, 1 John 3:2)

Next steps...

• Pause and ponder the amazing truth that you’ve been brought from darkness into light and have been adopted as a child of God because of His grace!  Offer your own prayer of awe, thanksgiving and praise to Him!
• Focus on abiding in Christ by spending time with Him in Scripture, prayer and reflection. Invite Him to define who you are, and help you to do His will.
• Look for an opportunity to show love and concern for someone this week.  A kind word or an act of kindness go a long way!              

“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 qualified to judge. (Romans 2:2, 6-11)

Next steps...

• The next time you find yourself judging someone, pray for them instead and thank God for His grace that has forgiven you.
• Read and reflect on the story of Jesus being anointed by a sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50.
• Try to get to know someone who hasn’t yet believed in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Look for opportunities to share your experience of being loved and forgiven by Christ.