Hill Country Bible Church Dripping Springs Sermons

How do I discern without condemning?

Don't Be a Hypocrite

In Jesus’ time, Pharisees modeled holiness. Their acts of kindness; helping the poor, fasting, or prayer, had to be performed publicly. Jesus uses a theatric term, hypocrite, a masked actor performing for people, to describe this. However, Jesus teaches it is not public acts for societal approval but it is pious acts, done in private, that God treasures.

How can I be perfect?

What is the difference between Christianity and religion?

Jesus continues the Sermon on the Mount with a description of Kingdom citizens' role in the world. He calls for us to live radically different lives. Our response to His commands goes beyond religious rule-keeping.

Do you want the approval of God?

Jesus begins the Sermon on the Mount with the Beatitudes, bold statements about the character traits of citizens of God’s Kingdom. They are foundational to understanding how the LORD works to shape a people that are approved (blessed) by Him.

Why Do We Work?

Bernie Hajovsky and Jay Owen explore why we work as part of the Spring, 2024 Masculine Mandate series. A great resource they mention is Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes

Am I Following Jesus?

Follow Me! That is the life changing call by Jesus to His earliest disciples and to us today. We need to grasp who is calling us first. Then we have the proper perspective on the earthly hardships and difficulties that come with being a disciple.

How do I fight temptation?

In fighting temptation, we must recognize there is a spiritual world and the enemy wages a spiritual war. His weapon of choice is to assault our relationship to God our Father. However we are equipped, in Christ, to resist temptation. Jesus shows us how. Satan tempts for evil intent. God turns those into tests for our good.

How do I come to Jesus?

The salvation story says that Jesus paid the price for our sin but there is more. Salvation means Jesus deals with the damage sin inflicts in our lives and He fulfilled the law. Fulfilment of the law involves big changes for us. We are called to immediate and continual repentance, which leads us from sin into a holy life. Repentance leads us to Jesus.

Introduction-What is the Masculine Mandate?

A lighter look at the spring 2024 discussion series on masculinity. Bernie and Jay explore the Biblical foundation for responsibilities unique to men based on the creation story.

Annual State of the Church report from Pastors and Deacons

Reports from various ministries including Jason's vision statement for 2024.

Why does the local church gather?

Throughout the Bible, we see that God acts distinctly toward and through His chosen people. Today we see Him working when the local church gathers in weekly worship.

Why do small groups matter?

Modern people strive to live life without being known or knowing others. That is not God's plan. There is plenty of Scripture to attest to His design for life to be lived in community with others. Small Biblical community is essential to spiritual growth.

How do I read the Bible for life transformation?

The Reason for Salvation

Sometimes overlooked, the story of the birth of John the Baptist is an important part in the Christmas story. Zechariah's disbelief of Gabriel's prophecy was overcome at the birth of his son. John the Baptist. In his praise that ensued, Zechariah expresses the reason for our salvation; to serve the Lord forever.

Behold the Promised King!

Wise men from foreign lands east of Israel are drawn to Jerusalem to worship the newborn King of the Jews when His star appears signaling His birth. Yet chief priests and scribes, who knew about the prophecies of the Messiah, do not respond. They know about Him but choose not to get to know Him. Foreigners acting by faith show us that He is the promised King for all nations.

Behold, the Personal King!

Behold, the King has Come!

In Matthew's opening sentence, he presents Jesus the Annointed One (Christ) who fulfills the covenants God made with Abraham and David. This would have resonated with any Jewish person familar with their Scripture.

How do I show compassion to someone struggling with gender dysphoria?

How do I engage a culture that is hostile to my beliefs?

What is the relationship between Israel and the church?

Are we in the last days?

For generations, people have tried to link events to the imminent return of Jesus. The recent, violent attack by Hamas in Israel spawned another round of speculation. Yet, Paul (and Jesus) teach that is futile to try to predict His return. We do know that once He does return, His disciples will be with Him forever.  

What is a better Gospel presentation?

Sharing the Gospel is grounded in historical truths presented in Scripture. The invitation is to acknowledge Jesus as King and live in obedient faithfulness as His disciple. That makes Jesus central to the Gospel message, not the benefits we derive as Kingdom citizens.

What does it mean to be made in the image of God?

What is the goal of final salvation?

In the end, God will create a new cosmos (heaven and earth). Scripture teaches that the final destination for redeemed humanity is this new earth where God resides with us. Loyalty to Jesus is the qualification for citizenship in this kingdom.

How do works operate in faith?

Good feelings are not a characteristic of saving faith. Instead it is our good works, done in obedience to King Jesus, that are indicative of saving faith enacted.

What must I do to be saved?

We accept the facts of the Gospel to be able to publicly confess loyalty to Jesus as King. That loyalty is then demonstrated by a genuine and obedient faithfulness to Him. Jesus showed us perfect obedient faithfulness by going to the cross. We have His example as we pray to have the power of the Holy Spirit at work in us to live out the same obedient faithfulness.

What is saving faith?

There are instances when the English translation in Scripture does not capture the concept that was originally communicated in Greek. The description of faith (pistis) is one of those such instance. Faith is not a blind, optimistic feeling that we act on. Instead, saving faith (pistis in the Greek) is an affirmation of acting in obedience to Jesus because we know He is King.

Why does Lord of All matter?

Jesus is King; that is the Gospel. As King, He brings benefits, like salvation, that are exclusive to His people. He also brings benefits, through His people, to all humankind. Finally, He brings cosmic benefits for eternity that come from His restoration of creation.  

Why do you need the good news of a king?

Last week, we saw in Acts 2 that Peter’s declaration of the Good News (Gospel) was emphatic; Jesus is King and Lord. Our personal salvation and redemption are grounded in that foundational truth. In looking at the purpose for which we were created, to rule creation, (Genesis 2) we see that Gospel tells us we have a King who shows us how to rule, sinlessly, by serving and safe-guarding creation. In doing so, we are restored as God’s image bearers and make His glory visible.

How do you need God to serve you today?

Recognizing our dependence on God, in every aspect of our lives, requires humility. We can go to Jesus, who has all authority in heaven and earth, because He said He came to serve. Rather than acting as if we can do things independent of His help, we call on Him to serve us. Then we follow His example and seek to serve others.

How can the right pursuit save us from ourselves?

Being centered on righteousness is the overarching theme of the Sermon on the Mount. In this passage, about halfway through the sermon, Jesus teaches that the Father’s love for us reminds us that our basic needs will be met. We focus on seeking His kingdom. We do that by following His commands, the first being “do not be anxious”.

What are you holding on to that is keeping you from the fullness of God?

We may declare that "Jesus is Lord", yet we are tempted to hold onto things that keep us from giving Him our full allegiance. We must learn to be ready to relinquish anything that keeps us from committing fully to Him. He calls us to do that because He loves us.

Are you desperate in seeking God?

There are many reasons to seek God; salvation, confession of sin, healing are just a few. The reality is that we all need to seek God. Our sense of urgency and desparation is directly proportional to our view of our own inadequacy. You should seek Him in whatever way He is leading you.

What is the purpose of it all?

If we believe there is "right" and "wrong", then we must accept the need for a standard greater than indiviuduals' views or opinions. As disciples of Jesus, we first acknowledge God as the Creator who has a purpose for His people, We fulfill that purpose when we recognize we cannot keep his commandments and accept salvation through Jesus. We love because He first loved us.

How does death help us rejoice in life?

Our culture does not place value on age, we marginalize it. We fear aging because we fear death. Yet, the life of a disciple of Jesus is a call to find joy, even in the face of death. In this passage, the Preacher encourages us, especially the young, to find joy in life because that is what God commands us to do.

Do you ever wonder if what you do really matters?

Often it seems that we do the right things but never observe any difference for the Kingdom of God. Solomon shows us that we must act even when we do not know how God is using us. More times than not, that is the case. Abundantly sharing our time, talents, gifts and treasures is an exercise in faith, acting with courage through Christ. 

Facts are Good, Wisdom is Better, God's Truth is Best

Even a little foolishness compromises wisdom. That is why we must guard against its polluting effects. Instead, we persist in pursuing wisdom, valuing it above and beyond material trappings.

More than good advice?

Solomon continues to use the certainty of death to inspire a realistic view of life. Life activities, approved by God, should be viewed as gifts from the Giver for our enjoyment. Furthermore, as Christians, we can begin to appreciate their value, in the here and now and as a foretaste of heaven.  

What is the heavenly perspective on earthly authority?

The make-up of God's Kingdom is counterintuitive; meek, humble, and repentent are just a few descriptions of those that enter. The authority is ultimately God's; He makes and keeps all the rules. it is to His glory. Our observed experience with human authority is different. it is corruptible. We judge it's efficacy based on how it serves us. In the end, we trust in His eternal plan, not what we observe in the moment.

How do you discern what is good, better and best?

Most decisions we face do not neatly reduce to black or white responses. (The ones that do should be obvious.) Instead, we need to choose between bad, good, better, or best. We can have Biblical wisdom that is gained two ways; knowing God’s word and our life experiences. Then we can apply that wisdom to consider our response.

What do your desires reveal about your heart?

Sinfulness causes our hearts to gravitate toward discontent. We assume that having just a little more will satisfy us. It never does. Finding meaning in life is not done through the constant pursuit of more material things. Instead, we can enjoy life with a heart, given over to Jesus, that is content with what we have.

Is your worship for gain or God's glory?

We must accept our limits and boundaries as created beings. Once we do that, we can enjoy life as a gift from God, not something we master for our personal satisfaction. This includes the way we approach worshiping the Lord.

Are you searching for a better life?

People recognize that the meaning of life comes from something other than having better jobs, houses, vacations, and such. We want better but better at what? Solomon shows us that compassion, contentment, community, and wisdom are the things that are better than their alternatives. We embrace life for what it is, not what we want it to be.

How do you navigate the seasons of life?

Solomon continues with the theme that, as temporal beings, time exerts tension in our lives. However, he moves from the finality of live at death to contrast a series of pleasant and distressing times or seasons. We desire to avoid times that are distressing. Rather than trying to control them, Solomon encourages us to experience joy by submitting to God's sovereignty instead.

How do you cope with the brevity of life?

Solomon’s records his attempts to find significance. They are no different than the things we pursue.  Even at the pinnacle of his earthly success, none of it satisfied. Yet, he begins to give us a glimpse of the way to find enjoyment. Rather than striving for gain, we enjoy life for what it is, a gift from God.  

Do you know your limits?

We can grow frustrated with the apparent smallness of our lives. We assume fulfillment lies outside of our circumstances, pursue it, and then grow frustrated all over again. Solomon makes this point saying, everything “under the sun” is futile. Yet, right next to it, he adds a second theme; we can be called to joy by something deeper than the things around us. We just need to accept our limits.

Is everything really futile? (An Introduction to Ecclesiastes)

Is everything futile, meaningless or vanity? Solomon opens Ecclesiastes with this attention-grabbing claim (v.2). Throughout the book he builds on this point, declaring the reality of living in a fallen world. However, the book is not about despair. It shows us how to have contentment and satisfaction despite the brokenness of our world. By living in grace, as disciples of Jesus, it challenges us to consider our priorities. It should not leave us neutral.

How do I stay faithful?

In Scripture we see faith and faithfulness translated interchangeably because faith is more a belief. Faith manifests itself in faithfulness, which is obedience and action in accordance with the Lord’s will. We know how to do that through daily devotion to the Lord remembering who He is and what He has done.

Can gentleness aways be my motivation?

Jesus described Himself as "..gently and lowly in heart" (ESV), a remarkable claim to a world that values bolder qualities. Yet throughout His earthly ministry, time and again, He showed that gentleness led to unlikely relationships with unlikely people in unlikely places.