Hillside Missionary Church
4/18/21 Worship Gathering
Whether you’re a guest or a long-time attendee we’re glad you’re here with us. We’re a friendly and caring group of Christians who are here to help people be CONNECTED with Jesus, CHANGED by Jesus, and COMMITTED to the mission of Jesus. If you're new with us today, thank for joining us! We truly believe that you’re not here by accident and that God has some amazing plans for your life. If you’d like some information about who we are and how to get plugged in here at Hillside, please fill out the “I’m New” page on our website, hmcworship.com/im-new/
Locations & Times
21567 Ireland Rd, South Bend, IN 46614, USA
Saturday 12:00 AM
In this passage of God’s Word we see John the Baptist questioning if Jesus really is the Messiah. At this point John has been in prison for about a year, and things are looking grim for him. It’s fair to say that he had different expectations for what his life would look like at this point; he is disappointed by God. Yet, throughout this encounter, Jesus is extremely gracious to him. By taking a closer look at this story, we too can see what to do when we are disappointed by God:
1. Go to God
Luke 7:18-20, 3:18-20, Mark 6:14-29, Ps. 34:17-20
2. Ground yourself in Scripture
Luke 7:21-23, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, Heb. 4:12
3. Remember how God sees you
Luke 7:24-28, Eph. 2:10, Ps. 138:8, 139:13-16
4. Trust in God’s plan
Luke 7:31-35, Rom. 8:28, Prov. 3:5-6
1. Go to God
Luke 7:18-20, 3:18-20, Mark 6:14-29, Ps. 34:17-20
2. Ground yourself in Scripture
Luke 7:21-23, 2 Tim. 3:16-17, Heb. 4:12
3. Remember how God sees you
Luke 7:24-28, Eph. 2:10, Ps. 138:8, 139:13-16
4. Trust in God’s plan
Luke 7:31-35, Rom. 8:28, Prov. 3:5-6
Reflection Questions
1. John the Baptist is in a difficult time in his life. Yet, instead of getting angry and withdrawing from God, he still seeks to hear from the Lord. How do you think John managed to do that?
1b. What is a really difficult season that you’ve gone through? Did you still go to the Lord, as John did, or did you withdraw from God? What was the outcome of whatever action you took?
2. In Luke 7:21-23, Jesus answers John’s question through His actions. In doing so, He proves to John that He is the one whom Scripture had foretold about (see Isaiah 26:19, 31:5-6, 61:1, and 61:11). How do you think John reacted to his disciples’ message of what Jesus did?
2b. Have you ever found yourself away from God’s Word for an extended amount of time? What was the outcome of that? If you came back to reading God’s Word regularly, what was the outcome of that? How can you better be in God’s Word on a more regular basis? Who can keep you accountable to that?
3. After John’s disciples leave, Jesus reminds the crowd that John is still a great prophet, despite the difficult time that he is going through. Yet, Christ also informs the crowd that everyone in His Kingdom is greater than John; the lowly of the crowd take this news exceptionally well, however the religious leaders are not happy to hear this news. What do you think the contempt between these two groups looked like?
3b. Jesus still speaks highly of John even in his questioning. Do you ever struggle to keep in mind how God views you, despite your difficulties? How can you keep a more Biblical view of yourself and view yourself more like God views you? How do you think that might change the way you live?
4. Surely, after sitting in prison for a year, John would have questioned God’s plan for his life. Have your life circumstances ever caused you to question God’s plan for your life? Are you in a season of your life that is different than you had anticipated it being like? If so, are you questioning God’s plan for your life during this season?
1. John the Baptist is in a difficult time in his life. Yet, instead of getting angry and withdrawing from God, he still seeks to hear from the Lord. How do you think John managed to do that?
1b. What is a really difficult season that you’ve gone through? Did you still go to the Lord, as John did, or did you withdraw from God? What was the outcome of whatever action you took?
2. In Luke 7:21-23, Jesus answers John’s question through His actions. In doing so, He proves to John that He is the one whom Scripture had foretold about (see Isaiah 26:19, 31:5-6, 61:1, and 61:11). How do you think John reacted to his disciples’ message of what Jesus did?
2b. Have you ever found yourself away from God’s Word for an extended amount of time? What was the outcome of that? If you came back to reading God’s Word regularly, what was the outcome of that? How can you better be in God’s Word on a more regular basis? Who can keep you accountable to that?
3. After John’s disciples leave, Jesus reminds the crowd that John is still a great prophet, despite the difficult time that he is going through. Yet, Christ also informs the crowd that everyone in His Kingdom is greater than John; the lowly of the crowd take this news exceptionally well, however the religious leaders are not happy to hear this news. What do you think the contempt between these two groups looked like?
3b. Jesus still speaks highly of John even in his questioning. Do you ever struggle to keep in mind how God views you, despite your difficulties? How can you keep a more Biblical view of yourself and view yourself more like God views you? How do you think that might change the way you live?
4. Surely, after sitting in prison for a year, John would have questioned God’s plan for his life. Have your life circumstances ever caused you to question God’s plan for your life? Are you in a season of your life that is different than you had anticipated it being like? If so, are you questioning God’s plan for your life during this season?
Current Prayer Requests
CHURCH FAMILY NEEDS:Rev. Ken Fetter's wife, Jo, entered her Savior's loving arms last week after an extended illness. Please keep the Fetter family in your prayers during this time of loss. Also, Luis Caban, who recently started coming to Hillside, severely broke his back and had to be hospitalized. He will have to move to a nursing home for rehabilitation.
MISSIONARIES: This month pray for the Bellas.
FAMILY OF THE WEEK: Each week we’ll pray for a different family in our church. This week pray for the Lubbers.
HILLSIDE HAPPENINGS: Pray that the church would continue to stay unified under Christ. Pray for our online services and for the people joining us there. Pray that God would use us to bring His Kingdom here. Pray for the foster closet, as they are helping a new foster closet as they are currently in need of more volunteers.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS: Pray for the current health pandemic in our world and in our country. Pray for medical staff and for our leaders as they navigate how to best help. Pray for our teachers and school administrators. Pray for the unrest and divisions in our country. Pray for our leaders, current and future. Pray for the political unrest.
MISSIONARIES: This month pray for the Bellas.
FAMILY OF THE WEEK: Each week we’ll pray for a different family in our church. This week pray for the Lubbers.
HILLSIDE HAPPENINGS: Pray that the church would continue to stay unified under Christ. Pray for our online services and for the people joining us there. Pray that God would use us to bring His Kingdom here. Pray for the foster closet, as they are helping a new foster closet as they are currently in need of more volunteers.
CURRENT HAPPENINGS: Pray for the current health pandemic in our world and in our country. Pray for medical staff and for our leaders as they navigate how to best help. Pray for our teachers and school administrators. Pray for the unrest and divisions in our country. Pray for our leaders, current and future. Pray for the political unrest.
Numbers
Attendance for 4/11/21 Service
In-person: 43
Online Views (through 4/15/21): 16
Giving
Online (4/5/21 to 4/11/21): $495 for general
In-Person (4/11/21): $4032 for general, $400 for missions
Total general needed weekly to meet budget: $1480
In-person: 43
Online Views (through 4/15/21): 16
Giving
Online (4/5/21 to 4/11/21): $495 for general
In-Person (4/11/21): $4032 for general, $400 for missions
Total general needed weekly to meet budget: $1480
Small Group
If you’re looking to go deeper with what Pastor Josh preaches on Sunday mornings or just looking for some extra fellowship time with your church family, then please consider joining a small group! Contact Pastor Josh.
In-Person Service Update
Thank you for your continual faithfulness and flexibility during these times. We especially appreciate those 8+ years old wearing their mask when not seated 6+ feet away from those outside of their household. Please remember, no offering plates will be passed; instead we ask you to give online or via the giving box near the gym entrance. Tables are set up in the back row of the gym for families with young children. We also kindly ask you to use the restroom before you come to ensure that our restrooms are as clean as possible for those who need to use them.
Women's Bible Study
A new women’s Bible study is being started on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 AM and will be meeting at the church building. For more information please contact April Rollf.
Open Sorting Hour at the Foster Closet
Want to help out at the foster closet but can’t commit to helping regularly? That’s ok! Every Friday from 12:30-1:30 is an open sorting hour. If you’d like to help during the open sorting hour, please text Tammi Fisher at (216) 526-9974.
Workday - May 1st
On May 1st we will be having a workday for spring cleaning and painting the sanctuary from 9am-12pm. Any and all help is appreciated!