Hillcrest Christian News

Good afternoon Saints,

Tomorrow we will be learning about “God’s Design for Music.”

Our question is not whether music is powerful—both our Bibles and our own life experience tell us that it is. The real question is: what is your music pointing you to, and what is it training you to love and live for?

Music did not start on earth. It started in heaven. It wasn't created for entertainment-it was created for praise and worship (although it has many uses). The book of Psalms is filled with meaningful praise/ worship using all kinds of instruments and songs, all directing Israel to God as the center and training them to “make a joyful shout” to the Lord. The book of Job and revelation show us worship in Heaven as God designed using music. But Scripture also shows us the opposite—music being used to point entire nations to false gods and to bow down to them (as in Daniel 3).

Music has a unique ability to shape our attention, emotions, memory, and sense of belonging. That means music is a powerful tool that can either aim our hearts and affections toward God or away from God. One writer said it this way: “Music is the only thing that will allow words to enter you without your permission.” 

Our main text will be Daniel chapter 3, with companion passages from 1 Samuel 16 and several from Psalms.

I am praying for our time together in the Lord. Please see the suggested reflection questions below. 


With the love of Christ, 

Suggested Small Group Agenda 1-7-2026

“Be filled with the Holy Spirit, addressing one another in slams and hymns and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart…. Ephesians 5:18-19 


What kind of thoughts, attitudes, or desires does the music I listen to usually produce in me?

Does it move me closer to God, or does it make me more focused on myself, sin, or the world?

If someone listened to my music playlist, what would they learn about what I love most?
What does my music say about what I value, admire, or want to become?

Is my music training my heart to worship God—or training my heart to worship something else?

Suggested Small Group Agenda 

9-24-2025

"Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you"
Psalm 25:4-5

What are 3 takeaways from today’s message? How can you apply it to your life? 

What was your understanding of this biblical truth before today? 

What do you need the Holy Spirit’s help in changing as a result of what you heard today? 

Small Group Agenda 9-10-2025

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, 1 Peter 5:6

1. What are some characteristics necessary to be a “First Responder”? 

2. How is God calling his children to be "Spiritual First Responders”? (aiding the spiritual needs of those who are broken, hurt and weak). 

3. How can you be more diligent in praying for others? What are your biggest hindrances? 

As a reminder, we are examples for our students. We get the wonderful opportunity and privilege of being the Lord’s ambassadors to these students. Thank you for your labor of love to our students. May the Lord bless our time together. 
With the love of Christ,

Small Group Agenda 9-3-2025

And the king said, “Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” Ziba said to the king, “There is still a son of Jonathan; he is crippled in his feet.

2 Samuel 9:3

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.

Romans 2:4 ESV

1. What are examples of God’s love going beyond duty to pursue people? You?
2. Do you believe you are worth God pursuing? Why or why not? 
3. How should God’s loving-kindness affect the way we see and view God? How should it impact our lives?

I am Affirmations

“I am Who God says I am” 
“ I am immutably created in the image of God”
“My worth, value and purpose comes from God and not the World”
“I am God’s continual masterpiece, a new creation in Christ, so that I can fulfill all the Plans God has for Me”

“I am chosen, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, enlightened, and sealed with the Holy Spirit”
“I am a member of the Body of Christ” 

“I am a child of God” 
“I am accountable to God and others for what I say, how I act, and how I live my life here on earth.”

Lastly, Holy Spirit please help me to live NOT for myself but for Jesus who died for me and rose again”.