What does it actually mean when we say, “Jesus saves”?

In Week 2 of What We Believe: Part 2, Pastor Aaron McRae walks through Matthew 21 and the events leading to the cross to uncover a deeper, often misunderstood truth: Jesus didn’t come to save us the way we expect—He came to save us in the way we truly need.

As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowds celebrate Him as King, shouting “Hosanna”—a cry for salvation. But their expectations were centered on comfort, control, and immediate rescue. Jesus had something greater in mind.

This message explores the tension many of us feel today:

• We want relief, but Jesus offers redemption
• We want escape, but Jesus calls us through surrender
• We want control, but Jesus leads us to trust

Through Scripture, we see that salvation is more than a moment—it’s a transformation. Jesus saves us from sin, restores what’s broken, and invites us into a life sustained by grace.

This teaching invites you to wrestle honestly with what you believe about Jesus—and consider how that belief shapes your expectations, your faith, and your daily life.

As we approach Easter, this message creates space to reflect on the weight of the cross before we celebrate the victory of the resurrection.

Primary Passages:

• Matthew 1:21
• Matthew 21–28
• Matthew 27:38–50
• Acts 4:12
• Romans 10:9–10
• Ephesians 2:4–9
• 1 Corinthians 15:1–2
• Philippians 2:12–13

Key Themes & Concepts:

• The meaning of “Jesus saves” (salvation, rescue, healing, deliverance)
• The Triumphal Entry (Matthew 21)
• The nature of sin (lostness, separation, guilt, brokenness)
• Salvation by grace through faith
• Ongoing transformation and perseverance in faith

For the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel.

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What you believe about Jesus doesn’t stay theoretical—it shapes how you live, how you respond to suffering, and how you love people who are difficult to love.

In Week 1 of What We Believe: Part 2, Pastor Aaron McRae walks through John 1 and explores the doctrine of the incarnation—what it means that Jesus is fully God and fully human, and why that truth still matters in everyday life.

Through both Scripture and real-life examples, this message addresses questions many people wrestle with:

• Who is Jesus, really?
• Why does it matter what I believe about Him?
• How does faith hold up in suffering, tension, and real-world relationships?

You’ll see how a clear understanding of Jesus doesn’t just inform belief—it reshapes purpose, relationships, and the way we engage a broken world.

The message also introduces four practical ways the life of Jesus reframes how we live: being present with people, moving toward brokenness, embracing humility, and faithfully sharing the hope we’ve found.

If you’ve ever wondered how faith connects to real life—or what it actually looks like to follow Jesus beyond Sunday—this message provides a grounded and honest starting point.

Resources & Scriptures Referenced:

• John 1:1–14
• Colossians 1:16–17
• John 3:3
• Hebrews 4:15
• 2 Corinthians 12:9
• Revelation 21:3

Additional Resources Mentioned:

• The Incarnation: Why God Became Human – Graham Cole
• Knowing God – J.I. Packer
• Discipleship – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
• The Problem of God – Mark Clark
• Divine Conspiracy – Dallas Willard
• More Precious Than Silver – Joni Eareckson Tada

For the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel.

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Website | https://hillsidechurches.com

What does it really mean to be rich toward God? And what does Jesus have to say about the way we handle money, possessions, and our future?

Today, Pastor Aaron McRae explores one of Jesus’ most challenging parables in Luke 12 — the story often called the Parable of the Rich Fool. When a man interrupts Jesus with a dispute over inheritance, Jesus uses the moment to expose a deeper issue: greed, misplaced security, and a misunderstanding of what life is truly about.

Through this teaching, we wrestle with an uncomfortable but freeing truth: Life is not defined by what we accumulate but by how we relate to God and participate in His kingdom.

This message invites us to rethink how we approach stewardship—not as obligation, but as an opportunity to trust God and join His work in the world.

You’ll discover how intentional planning with our resources can lead to deeper faith, greater joy, and eternal impact.

Resources:

Books

• The Divine Conspiracy — Dallas Willard
• Luke: That You May Know the Truth — R. Kent Hughes

Key Bible Passages (NIV)

• Luke 12:13–21 — The Parable of the Rich Fool
• Luke 12:31 — Seek God’s Kingdom
• Matthew 6:20–21 — Treasures in Heaven
• Corinthians 16:1–2 — Planned and Proportional Giving
• Acts11:29–30 — Giving as Each Is Able
• Proverbs 3:9 — Honor the Lord with Your Wealth
• Proverbs 21:20 — Wisdom in Saving
• Proverbs 15:27 — The Cost of Greed
• Proverbs 28:27 — Caring for the Poor
• Timothy 5:17–18 — Supporting Church Leadership
• Philippians 4:14–16 — Supporting Ministry
• Corinthians 9:7–11 — Sharing in Spiritual Work
• 1 Chronicles 29:1–20 — Giving for God’s House
• Numbers 18:21 — Supporting the Levites
• Exodus 35:20–29 — Giving Toward God’s Work

For the full gathering of this message which includes worship, visit our Youtube channel.

Stay Connected With Hillside Community Church.
Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/c/HillsideCommunityChurch
Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/hillsidechurches/
Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/hillsidechurches
Website | https://hillsidechurches.com