Welcome to Hillside!

We are currently going through the book of James. The theme for the sermon series is, “Faith in Action – The Decisions that Determine Maturity.“

Thank you for joining us today!

Today's Sermon

The Tests of True Saving Faith
James 2:18-24
Pastor Gus Gill

Introduction:

Romans 5:20-21

2. The counterfeits of true saving faith.

A. Intellectual faith is a dead faith on its own. John 12:42-43

B. Emotional faith.

3. Defining true, saving faith.

A. True saving faith is a dynamic faith and is validated by works.

1. It’s intellectual because it is based on the word of God.

2. It’s emotional because it moves the heart and affections towards God.

3. And it involves the will which leads to obedience in action.

a. Our faith and God’s grace working together. And God’s promise to be with us until we go to heaven. Philippians 1:6

4. True saving faith will be tested by God.

A. Abraham’s example of obedience. Genesis 22

B. The results of his obedience.

1. A supernatural provision.

2. A supernatural promise. John 6:27-29

Application:

1. So what are good works? They are unselfish gifts given to others by faith. Ephesians 4:29-30; 1 Timothy 6: 17-19; Matthew 7:12; Hebrews 13:15-18. Doing these things with a sincere heart desiring to please God.

2. Are you living daily by your own strength or with the help of the Holy Spirit? John 16:7-14

3. Is your desire to do God‘s will in your decisions, relationships, and plans or to do your own thing? James 4:13-17

4. Are you committed to being with other believers in fellowship and worship? Hebrews 10:23-25

Ministry Calendar

Dec 14: Youth Group with Calvary, 5:00pm
Dec 18: Men's Gathering, 6:00pm
Dec 20: Women's Tea, 10:00am
Dec 20: Young Adults Men's Tea, 10:30am
Dec 24: Christmas Eve Service, 4:30pm
Jan 18: Annual Business Meeting, following the service

Salvation Army Bell Ringing - November 28 thru December 24

One of the lovely traditions our church maintains at Christmas time is bell ringing on behalf of the Salvation Army. The bell ringing campaign provides a wonderful way to “ring in” the holiday season and support our local community. All of the donations received during the campaign stay in Golden to benefit those in need of assistance for rent or utilities. So far this year, we have helped over 112 households. This year’s campaign starts the Friday after Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas Eve. Ringing will take place at the Golden King Soopers. Two-hour shifts are available every day, so be sure to book your preferred times early! Ring the bell with family members, friends, your (friendly) dog, or youth group. You can even play Christmas music and wear your Santa hat! If you have any questions, see Jennifer Wilson at church or e-mail her at jjwilson1to6@msn.com.

Sign up using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EADAF23A13-60129370-2025

Women's Tea - December 20

The annual Women's Tea will be held on December 20 from 10:00am-12:00pm. Girls kindergarten age and up are welcome (a craft will be provided). There will be an ornament exchange as well. If you'd like to participate, please bring an ornament to hang on the tree when you arrive and take one as you depart. Please sign up using the link below and indicate if you will be bringing a dish to share and/or china place settings for the tables.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B44AEAD2FA31-60119334-december

No Women's TableTop Gathering This Month

Ladies, we are not having a TableTop meeting and we are not doing the chapter-a-day Bible reading in December. Instead, we encourage you to read through the advent devotional with the rest of the church. The Bible reading plan will resume on January 1st.

41 & Change Coffee

Enjoy a great cup of coffee that gives back. Each purchase supports meaningful work with kids in Nicaragua—and a bag of coffee makes a great gift just in time for the holiday season. It's a win, win, win! Bags of coffee are for sale near the coffee shop.

Missionary Christmas

Each year we raise funds to send Christmas gifts for those from our Hillside family serving overseas. If you'd like to contribute, please designate your online gift to "Missionary Christmas" or write it on the memo of your check to drop in the offering. Thanks!

Church Business Meeting - January 18

Please plan to join us for our annual business meeting right after the service on Sunday, January 18. We will be discussing plans for 2026 including ministry, missions, facility, and finances. Lunch will be provided.

MINISTRY CONNECTION POINTS
(see website and weekly email for more details)

Women's Ministry
Women's Ministry is encouraging the women of the church to read the Bible, just a chapter a day, and join the TableTop gathering for discussion the last Tuesday of each month at 7:00pm.

The women's Saturday morning Bible study meets every other week at 9:00am at the church. For more information about the group, contact Andrea Flack or Jane Banzhaf.

Men's Ministry
We have a casual men’s gathering on the third Thursday of every month. These gatherings provide great opportunities to grow in our relationships as men encourage each other in our walks with the Lord.

Also, we have a men's prayer morning at 6:00am on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. For more information about Men's Ministry, contact Elliot Makuh.

Young Adults
The Young Adults group meets at 8:45am on Sunday morning at the church. For more information about the group, contact Daniel Ayers.

Youth Group
Youth Group meets Sunday mornings during the service on all but the first Sunday of the month. The group also meets Sunday afternoons at 4:00pm. For more information about the group, contact Val Semich.

Stephen Ministry
Stephen Ministers offer one-to-one, Christ-centered, emotional and spiritual care for people in the congregation going through difficult times such as job loss, financial struggles, medical issues, or death of a loved one.

Care Team Ministry
The Care Team Ministry provides transportation for those in need in our Hillside Family.

Prayer Ministry
The Prayer Team hosts a monthly prayer night on the third Monday of the month at 7:00pm. Everyone is welcome! You can also receive prayer in person from 9:30-10:00am Sunday mornings in the cry room adjacent to the church lobby.

Note: There will not be a Prayer Night in December.

Meals Ministry
The Meals Ministry is a practical way to meet the needs of others in the congregation who are welcoming a new baby or experiencing challenging circumstances.

Golden MomCo (formerly MOPS)
MomCo meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at First Baptist Church in Golden. For more information about the group email goldenmomco@gmailcom.

For more ministry information, please visit www.hillsidecommunity.org.

RightNow Media

Hillside has an unlimited subscription for RightNow Media—the world’s largest streaming library of video Bible study resources with over 20,000 videos. The library includes studies on every book of the Bible as well as topics such as marriage, parenting, finances, and mental health. There’s even a library just for kids with over 2,000 safe, entertaining videos. To get started, simply click on the link below, create your free account, and start browsing more than 20,000 inspiring videos.

https://app.rightnowmedia.org/join/hillsidecommunityc

Giving Update

General Fund Giving (Budget: $44,550)
YTD avg $43,934
January $35,614
February $29,504
March $57,997
April $48,910
May $40,667
June $40,266
July $57,413
August $41,859
September $33,617
October $35,837
November $62,040

Nicaragua Giving (Budget: $4,800)
YTD avg $3,625
January $2,910
February $3,308
March $3,845
April $2,675
May $2,890
June $6,590
July $3,150
August $3,820
September $2,845
October $4,170
November $3,670

Praise God for His provision and thank you for your generous support!