STATEMENT OF BELIEFS


Our core values are based on what we believe about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, Man, Salvation, the Bible, the Church, and New Creation.

This is what we believe:



About God – God is Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler over all creation. There is one God, eternally existing as one essence in three persons as the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 
Genesis 1:1; Colossians 1:15-17; Psalm 19:1; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Hebrews 1:1-3


About Jesus Christ - Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. He was born of the Virgin Mary, took on flesh and blood, and made His dwelling among us. His sinless life and His sacrificial death on the cross atones for the sins of all who believe and trust in Him. His bodily resurrection gives all believers victory over sin and death. The only way to eternal life and authentic relationship with God the Father is through Jesus Christ.
John 1:1-4; John 3:16-17; John 14:6; Colossians 1:15-20; Matthew 1:18-25; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 9:11-10:14.


About The Holy Spirit - The Holy Spirit is equal with, and sent by, the Father and the Son. He makes us aware of our need to follow Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. He resides in every Christian from the moment that person gives his or her life to Christ. He gives us guidance and leadership on a daily basis so we can obey God’s Word. As our Counselor He leads us into all truth. He distributes spiritual gifts for the purpose of serving the Body of Christ. We desire to live a Spirit-filled life under all circumstances and situations.
John 14:26, John 15:26, John 16:8-15; Acts 2:38; Romans 8:9-11; Romans 8:26-27; Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 3:16; Ephesians 4:30; Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:25; 1 Corinthians 12-14.


About Humanity - All of humanity is created in the image of God; and, therefore, possesses intrinsic worth and dignity. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, and as a result, are separated from Him and without hope apart from Jesus Christ.
Genesis 1:27; Isaiah 53:6, 59:1-2; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 6:23.


About Salvation – Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, through Christ alone. Salvation is a free gift of God. The death of Christ on the cross is the only sufficient payment for our sins. Every person has sinned, but every person also can be forgiven and saved by Christ. This salvation is available for any person who puts his or her trust in Christ as Savior. Those trusting Christ ask Him for the forgiveness of sin, believe in Him, and confess their faith in Him. Every believer should follow Jesus’ example and obey His command to be baptized as a public proclamation of their faith.
Romans 3:23-24; Romans 6:23; Romans 10:9; John 3:16; Acts 2:38, 4:12; Matthew 3:13-17, 28:19; Ephesians 2:8-9; Revelation 21:6.


About The Bible - We believe the Bible is the inspired word of God and the final authority for all matters of faith and practice. The Bible is God’s living and active Word to all people. It is needed, enough, knowable, and ultimate.
Romans 15:4; Romans 10:12-17; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; Psalm 119:1-176; Hebrews 4:12; Revelation 22:18-19.


About The Church - The Church is the body of Christ sent into the world to share the Gospel. The Church exists to worship and glorify God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Involvement in a local church is critical to individual spiritual growth, fellowship in community, unity amongst believers, and daily encouragement.
Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 2:19, 4:1-16; Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:19-25; John 17:20-23.


New Creation - Jesus Christ is returning to the world to make all things new. This is called “the second coming of Christ.” He will return personally, bodily, visibly, and suddenly. He will judge the living and the dead upon His return. He is worthy of our worship, and His return will bring victory over sin, death, and all suffering.
Revelation 21-22; John 14:1-6; 1 Corinthians 15:51-55; Matthew 24:44; Acts 1:11; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-5:2; Philippians 3:20; 2 Timothy 4:1.



CORE VALUES


We believe in the importance of developing our spiritual walk through these 5 areas:
Worship, Grow, Serve, Share, and Give.


Worship - Worship is the way we express our love, gratitude, and respect for God. Worship can take place individually or within a group. At Hillside, each week we host worship services so we can practice the biblical principle of meeting together to praise God as a community and to encourage each other in our faith. Times of worship may include music and singing, reading the Bible, praying, silence, and giving of an offering. 
Hebrews 10:25


Grow - Growth is promoted through two key elements: studying the Word of God and building community. The Bible is God’s Word to all people, and it gives wisdom and insight so that we can grow as believers. Creating community can be as simple as joining a group, being a part of a Serve Team, or participating in a Bible Study. No matter your season of life, we have a place for you to connect and grow.
Acts 2:42-47


Serve - Serving is at the heart of what it means to be like Jesus. Service happens within the walls of our church buildings, but also in our homes, our neighborhoods, our communities, and around the world. We want each person at Hillside to be empowered and equipped to serve in areas that use their unique God-given gifts.
1 Peter 4:10


Share - Sharing is the most natural thing we can do as believers. As God changes our lives, we get to share that same hope and love with others. It might be a simple invitation to a worship service, or a conversation with a neighbor. We just share what God is doing in our lives and invite others to join us.
Romans 1:15-17


Give - Giving is a way of life. We want to be a generous community that lives life with open hands, always looking for what we can give away and who we can bless. That is a collective commitment and an individual commitment. As individuals and families, we practice tithing and strive to be good caretakers of our finances and resources, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from God.  
Acts 20:25