Hillside Fellowship Podcast

Jesus is bringing all things back under His authority- the church is going to be a picture of rest in a world of rebellion.

OUTLINE: Preparation Philippians 2:9-10 Protection Hebrews 13:17

QUESTIONS: When you hear the words authority or submission, what emotions or past experiences come to mind?

According to Philippians 2:9-10, what is the future reality every human being will face? How does living under authority now prepare us for that coming reality?

What ‘layers of authority’ has God placed in your life (family, HOA, church, workplace, civil)? Which of those layers is easiest for you to submit to- which is hardest? Why?

In what ways has submission exposed pride, fear, or self-reliance in your heart? How do you see submission playing a role in your sanctification- becoming more like Jesus?

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: Matthew 28:18

OUTLINE:

• Express Joy (John 17:13)
• Endure Hate (John 17:14-16)
• Expose Sin (John 17:17-19)
• Explain God (John 17:20-2)

QUESTIONS:

1. (John 17:13) Joy isn’t optional for us as Christians, it commanded. Where do you find yourself living with foreboding joy- bracing for loss or disappointment instead of resting in His security? What would it look like to receive Jesus’ joy in that place today?
2. (John 17:14-16) Unprocessed hate doesn't disappear- it spreads. How can this group become a place where bitterness is named, prayed through and metabolized so that it wont metastasis and spread?
3. (John 17:17-19) What makes confession feel so risky to you? What fears keep you hiding or managing your sin instead of bringing it into the light? How can this group be a place where confession and repentance are safe and rejoiced in?
4. (John 17:20-21) Jesus says that our unity is proof that God is real. Where do you see fragmentation, division, isolation or distrust in your relationships or in the church? How might choosing humility and forgiveness become a living explanation of who God is?
5. Which of these areas-joy, endurance, confession or unity do you sense Jesus inviting you into today?

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:

John 17:13-21

https://www.bible.com/bible/2692/JHN.17.NASB2020

What is the Church—and why does it matter? In this message from our Church Series, we look at what Scripture says about the Church, the real challenges it faces, and the unshakable hope Jesus gives His people. From the bad news of a real enemy who seeks to discourage and divide (1 Peter 5:8), to the good news that Jesus is building His Church and nothing can stop it (Matthew 16:18), this sermon invites us to see the Church not just as a place we attend—but a people we belong to. The Church was never intended to be a place we go, but a people who gather around a great truth...Jesus Changes Everything.

OUTLINE:

Bad News     1 Peter 5:8

Some News  1 Peter 5:8

Good News   Matthew 16:18


QUESTIONS:

When you think of the Church, what comes to mind first-building, service, family, mission? Why do you think that’s your first picture? What does the Bible say the church is? (1 Peter 2:9-12)

The Bible tells us that we have an enemy who seeks to devour us. Where have you grown weary or lost heart in ministry, community or relationships? What has been discouraging you about church or serving?

Where do you see God working in our body? What is one simple step you sense God is calling you to to build up the body at Hillside?


SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:

Hebrews 10:23-25

NEXT WEEK:

John 17:13-21

The Church was established and is sustained through - God's Presence in God's People advancing God's Purpose

OUTLINE:
God's presence (2:1-4) 
God's people (2:42-46) 
God’s purpose (2:47) 

QUESTIONS:
Is there something you are unashamed about liking / supporting? (sports team, hobby, music, political party… etc) Why do you think it can be easier to be bold about those things than our walks with Jesus? 
How does seeing God’s Presence, the Holy Spirit, as a fire impact what we see happening in Acts 2:1-4? (Exodus 3, 40. 2 Chronicles 7. Ezekiel 37:27) What does that tell us about God’s Presence now? 
Acts 2:42 lists a few things the early church was devoted to. Why do you think these are listed here? Where do you feel particularly strong or weak in these areas? 
2:43-46 unpacks how the Spirit filled followers of Jesus were gathering & doing life together. What are some of the things that stood out from the way they do community & fellowship? Have you ever experienced this? What could we learn from this passage about how we see community?
According to v47 - who is responsible for adding people to the church? How can we join God in His purposes to advance the kingdom? In our families? Our work places? Our hobbies? 
If Jesus is building His Church, what does that change about how we are to live this week?

God didn't erase the mess of this world-He entered it- giving us confidence, comfort and connection as we travel through the mess.

In Philippians 4:1–9, Paul invites us to lift our eyes to what is eternal, tend to what is happening internally, and live it out externally in our daily lives. This passage challenges us to face conflict, anxiety, and disappointment with peace rooted in knowing how the story ends. As Paul calls us to rejoice, pray instead of replay our worries, and fix our minds on what is good, we’re reminded that God’s peace actively guards our hearts and shapes how we show up in the world.

OUTLINE:
Eternal   4:1-3
Internal  4:4-7
External 4:8-9
 

QUESTIONS:
4:1-3 Does knowing that your name is written in the “Book of Life” change the way you approach conflict, anxiety and disappointment right now? Does knowing how the story ends help you walk in peace through difficulty? How?

4:4-7  Which of Paul’s commands are most difficult for you (Rejoice, Rest, Request)? What excuses do you come up with to resist these? Where have you experienced the peace of God guarding your heart and mind?

4:6 What is one situation where you've been “Replaying the negative” instead of surrendering it in prayer? How is this shaping the way you show up in relationships?

4:8-9 Paul gives us a beautiful mind filter and tells us what to dwell on, what is good and life-giving.  Where do you sense God is inviting you to change what you're feeding your mind?
 

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:
Philippians 4:4-7

NEXT WEEK:
Christmas Eve 2025

OUTLINE:

• Love Reveals (7-8)
• Love Reorders (9-11)
• Love Resolves (12-14) 

QUESTIONS:

1. In this season, where do you need to loosen your grip so you can enjoy more of Jesus?
2. Where is Jesus asking you to follow Him out of comfort and into obedience?
3. How have trials or suffering in your story helped you see Jesus more clearly?
4. What past shame, hurt, or failure is holding you back from running freely after Jesus?

All is found in Him. Hope, Joy, Peace and love are all byproducts and blessings of knowing Jesus Christ.  This Advent we remember that Jesus didn't come to be a part of our lives- He came to be the point of our lives. The Bible tells us that all things came into being through Him, that He is before all things and in Him all things hold together and that all that we long for in life is found in Him.  Join us this Advent as we fix our eyes on the One who changes everythig- Jesus Immanuel

OUTLINE:

• Confidence        1:6
• Circumstances  1:12-13
• Courage            1:14

QUESTIONS:

1. 1:6  Where in your life do you struggle to believe that God will finish the good work He started in you?  What makes that hard to trust right now? 
2. 1:12-13  How do negative circumstances expose our hearts and what we are trusting? Have you ever experienced a time when God used bad circumstances for good outcomes?  Where in your life can you currently trust God to work all things together for good?
3. 1:14 When was a time in your life that you were down and someone's words or example poured courage into your heart?  Where is He asking you to take a step of courage currently?

SCRIPTURE REFERENCE:

Philippians 1:3-14

https://www.bible.com/bible/2692/PHP.1.NASB2020

All is found in Him.  This Advent we remember that Jesus didn't come to be a part of our lives- He came to be the point of our lives. The Bible tells us that all things came into being through Him, that He is before all things and in Him all things hold together and that all that we long for in life is found in Him.  Join us this Advent as we fix our eyes on the One who changes everythig- Jesus Immanuel

What we focus on forms us. It forms us mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and communally. Join us as we focus on the One who changes everything... Jesus!

For this week’s Outline and Community Group questions, download our app or visit hillsidefellowship.org, click on Resources, and find today’s sermon.