The

“Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (I Corinthians 15:1-4)
A week after Easter 2008, Paul B. Gordon wrote a letter to all his employees at Gordon Food Services, a big sprawling company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Paul was a beloved employer, and he was dying of cancer. In the letter, he thanked his people for all their good work and for the support they'd shown him and his family. Then he concluded his letter with this paragraph:
“While the outlook for my time here on earth is not long, please rest assured that my outlook for eternity is secure. I do not say that because of anything that I've achieved from an earthly perspective. The only reason I can speak so confidently is because of God's grace. The Bible says that we all fall short of God's standards. I am only made right with God because the penalty that belongs to me was paid by Jesus! That is what the celebration this last Sunday was all about! Jesus conquered sin and death and the grave when he rose from the dead. It is my desire and my prayer that each of you would come to experience that grace and have the same assurance of where you will spend eternity.”
Paul Gordon passed away on May 6, 2008. With his own death approaching, he wanted to take a moment and share with all of his employees the Gospel = “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” With his faith firmly rooted in Jesus, he could face death with the assurance that he would spend eternity in the presence of God. That is why the Gospel of Jesus Christ is GOOD NEWS!!!
1.) The Gospel of Jesus Christ is Good News for all because all have sinned. The Scriptures tell us that every person has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. No person is righteous; there is no person who is good. Our sin separates us from God, and separated from Him, we stand to face the penalty for our sins: “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). But “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). In His great love for us, God sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. Jesus died and was buried, and on the third day, He arose. Listen to what Paul writes at the end of I Corinthians 15: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (15:56-57). Because of the death,
burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, sin and death don’t have to get the final word in our lives. That is indeed Good News for all.
2.) The Gospel of Jesus Christ is Good News that must be shared with all people. We can experience the forgiveness of our sins and be reconciled to God through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is Good News that God intends us as believers not to keep to ourselves. This is exactly what Jesus Himself commissions us to do: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20). How else will people hear the Good News if we don’t take the time to share it with them? “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15)
This edition of The Hillsboro Christian will focus on the GOOD NEWS, with articles from both Adam and Micah expounding on the Good News which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Our guest contributor for this month is Dave Webb, who is doing an internship with us through the Russell School of Ministry.
The apostle Paul tells us not to be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ “because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” (Romans 1:16). We began this year asking for all of you to join the leadership and staff in praying for 25 souls to be saved. So far this year, there have been 14 baptisms! The Good News is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the power of God that brings salvation to all who believe. Please continue joining us in praying for hearts to open to the Good News. God bless you all!
In Christian love, Brad
Brad Clouse, a Louisville, Kentucky native, graduated from Louisville Bible College in 2010 with a Master's Degree in Sacred Literature after earning his former degrees at the same university. Brad served at smaller churches in Adair County Kentucky while in college before being called to Ohio in 2009. Brad ministered to the New Vienna Church of Christ congregation for 12 years before being called to the Hillsboro Church of Christ as the Senior Minister.
He is pictured here with his wife, Julie, and his children, Will, Annaleigh, and Samantha.RIGHT AFTER 2ND WORSHIP SERVICE, IF YOU ARE A MEMBER OF HCC, PLEASE MAKE PLANS TO COME
Meeting will take place between services @ 10:05 a.m. If you come to 1st service, please make plans to stay and if you come to 2nd service please make plans to come 30 minutes early
Jeff is up for affirmation as an Elder of the Hillsboro Church of Christ.
Jeff grew up attending HCC. He met his wife, Ingrid, and they were married here in 1995. They have four children and four grandchildren. After marriage, they moved to Washington C.H., Ohio, to open a Christian Book store. They helped in leading the high school youth group at Southside Church of Christ while the church looked for a full time Youth Minister. Jeff also served as a Deacon, Financial Secretary, and member of the worship team while at Southside. They returned to Hillsboro in 2000 where Jeff helped lead and teach the Wednesday night services, served as a Deacon, was a member of the worship ministry, and a Board Member of the Highland County Christian School.
They then moved for work in 2011 and became involved in the McComb Church of Christ. They once again filled in with the youth in the absence of any dedicated staff. Ingrid became the full-time Youth Coordinator for the last
seven years. Jeff served with the youth, taught various classes, served in the worship ministry, and served as an Elder for the last few years.
They moved back to Hillsboro in 2019 to take over the family farm and re-open a greenhouse business. They lead the high school Hope/Youth Group and Jeff also serves in the worship ministry.
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Pat is up for re-affirmation as a trustee of the Hillsboro Church of Christ.
Pat was baptized and became a member of the HCC family nearly 40 years ago. He and his family have been active servants during this time. For more than 20 years, Pat has been a part of the Sound and Video Ministry, a Trustee, and the Chairman of the Missions Ministry.
Rick is up for re-affirmation as a trustee of the Hillsboro Church of Christ.
He is the son of Ron and Roxanne Hughes, has been a member of the HCC family for 35 years and a trustee for the past eight years. Rick is married to Trisha and they are blessed with three children and three grandchildren.
During Rick’s time as a church member, he has always wanted to help and has served various outreach ministries such as: Outdoorsman for Christ (OFC) and Aim for Christ (AIM). Rick also happily serves our church by being on the Safety Team, Technology Team, Facilities Team, and even the Welcome ministry where he and Trisha spend some mornings welcoming church guests and members alike.
As I have been meditating on “The Good News”, or what we call the gospel of Jesus Christ, I keep coming back to one idea: “Without bad news, we cannot possibly know just how good the good news is.” Many of us, like myself, have grown up around the church and have been in circles where we have heard about and talked about the good news our whole lives. “The Good News” is a phrase I have taken for granted, and I would venture to say that some of you have as well.
The bad news. The Bible is chock full of bad news. Let’s look at some of these verses.
• “Indeed, there is not a righteous man on earth who continually does good and who never sins.”
Eccl. 7:20 (NASB 1995).
• “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick. Who can understand it?”
Jer. 17:9 (NASB 1995).
• “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries.” Mark 7:21 (NASB 1995).
We are indeed the worst of the worst, and there is no one who is immune to the disease of sin. Romans 5:12 (NASB 1995) puts it this way:
“Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all people, because all sinned-”
The bad news is that we are all guilty and deserving of God’s judgment and wrath. In fact, judgment, wrath, and death are what we deserve. Please, I beg you to take a minute here and think about these things. Meditate on this for a moment.
Now that we’ve had a brief introduction to the bad news, we can get on with this good news. The good news is that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, in our place, when he died on the cross! We will all lay these bodies down, but there will be a resurrection, and those who have been found to have been washed by the blood of Christ will be justified and found righteous, and glorified . . . made new . . . no more suffering, and
no more pain. No longer set against God, we are made whole with him, and the death which came through sin has been satisfied in Christ and defeated in his resurrection! The good news is that we no longer have to live as slaves to sin! Jesus gives us the power to take every thought captive and make it obedient to him (2 Cor. 10:5 (NASB 1995)). We no longer have to live in the sin we once held a white knuckle grip on!
We all have sin that plagues us daily; what do we do about that? The words of Jesus, as recorded in Luke 9:23, “… If anyone desires to come after me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” If you want to be a follower of Jesus, first, you must deny yourself! This part is selfdiscipline! Do you want to engage in that sin? Tell yourself “NO!”, then you must take up your cross daily. The cross was a tool of death, a way that capital punishment was carried out in Roman times. So, to take up your cross means that the old ways of sin and death have been crucified with Christ on your cross. Every time sin tries to force its way back into your actions, you should be dying to that desire and constantly reminding yourself that the sin died with Jesus and the life you live now is hidden in him. I will leave you with encouragement from 1 John 2:1b, “But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father- Jesus Christ the Righteous One.”
David Webb is an intern of HCC, member of the worship team, “Through the Word” contributor, Men’s ministry Hope Group leader, and pursing a Bachelor’s Degree in Religious Studies through Central Christian College of the Bible. He is also a Graphic Designer and Social Media Marketing Specialist by trade. He has been at Hillsboro Church of Christ for nearly a year, and became a member last fall. He is looking forward to being a part of the community here. If you see him around, please say “hello” and introduce yourself!
As with its clients, Area 937 has been dealing with increased cost for utilities, perishable items and fuel. ‘Operation Beat Inflation’ is looking for families and community businesses to donate $15 monthly through 2023 to help meet our budget needs. If you would like to help, please visit www.area937.org and select donation, enter the amount and check the monthly donation box. Area 937 continues to serve primarily senior citizens and the disabled who are on low, fixed incomes. Your donations are appreciated by our 937 volunteers and the families they serve. Area 937 Community Outreach, Inc. is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3)tax exempt organization.
04-02-23
Last AIM for the middle school kids @ 5:00 p.m.in the Connection Café. Ministry Team Leaders meeting right after 2nd worship service, lunch will be provided.
04-06-23
04-07-23
04-09-23
Faith in Action women’s ministry will meet in the Connection Café @ 6:00 p.m.
Good Friday service @ 6:00 p.m. “The Tabernacle Experience” presented by Ken Reed.
Easter Sunday service schedule:
9:00 a.m. worship service
10:00 - 10:25 Connection Café with special treats
10:30 a.m. worship service
PLEASE NOTE: No Bible Basics classes, Middle school, or High school classes Easter morning. The nursery & elementary classes will still be available during both services.
04-11-23
Meeting @ 6:00 p.m. for all children ministry volunteers this is for nursery through 5th grade volunteers.
04-16-23
Annual Congregational meeting in between services.
Missions Team meeting @ 6:30 p.m. in the Connection Café. 04-22-23
04-20-23
Vacation Bible School work day, starts at 9:00 a.m.
MomConnect will meet in the Connection Café @ 5:30 - 7:00 04-30-23
04-27-23
Family Sunday.
T.H.E.O. will meet after 2nd worship service. Extravaganza @ 6:00 p.m. (if you have a talent you would like to share, sign-ups will open soon. Check the website for more information.)
A card shower has been requested for John Porter’s 80th birthday. His birthday is in May and you can send your cards to his home. Please call the church office if you need the address.
Butler Springs Christian Camp is asking for donations from our church for 100 bottles of assorted condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, bbq sauce, hot sauce). If you are willing to purchase a bottle (or more) of any of these items, please bring them to the church office by Sunday, May 21, 2023. We will make sure they are delivered to the camp by May 31, 2023.
If someone comes to you and says, “I have good news and bad news, which do you want to hear first?” What do you choose? No matter which you choose to hear first, you probably base your decision on the fact of the bad news. Either you choose to listen to the bad news first so that you can get it out of the way and end on a good note, or you prefer the good news first to take some of the sting out of the bad news. In both scenarios, you base your decision on when you want the bad news. That’s because nobody likes to get bad news.
Bad news comes in varying degrees of bad. Sometimes it’s just a mild disappointment, and other times it is lifealtering bad news. It could be that the donut shop is out of your favorite donut, or it could be news of a scary diagnosis. That’s the real fear of bad news, the unknown; it could be minor or major.
During the Pandemic of 2020, we seemed to be constantly bombarded with bad news. Every day when we tuned in to whatever source we got our information from, it was never anything encouraging. It was always the ever-increasing death toll, the fact that the lockdown had been extended, people arguing about what should be done, and videos of protesters rioting in the streets of every major city; it seemed endless. And then, for just a brief moment, there was Some Good News.
You may remember Some Good News as it was a YouTube series started by John Krasinski (Krasinski played Jim Halpert on the TV series The Office). The goal of SGN was to combat the constant barrage of negative stories that would constantly be seen on regular news programs with good news stories that were submitted by the viewers. Krasinski filmed the show in his home while in lockdown; even his children were part of the production. Some Good News was a simple feel-good show about spreading joy instead of fear. John would even bring some celebrity friends and costars to join the fun. The show only made a handful of episodes in the couple of months it existed, but it was a bright spot in the midst of a very dark time.
Unfortunately, things are not a whole lot better in 2023. The closer we get to the return of Jesus, the less good news there seems to be in the world. While we may not be cooped up in our homes anymore, the news has not improved. Whether it is war, genocide, government lies, shootings, natural disasters, or scandals, the news is still mostly bad news. This really shouldn’t surprise us, though, because Jesus told us things were going to go from bad to worse before his return. He said in Matthew 24, “you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” Things are going to get worse before they get better.
there is always the possibility of light. This is why our world needs the good news of the Gospel. As the angels announced at Jesus’ birth, “behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” The work of Jesus on earth gives us hope that no failure is final, no season is unending, and no defeat is defining. The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus prove that there is always hope. Hope for the forgiveness of the sins of our past, hope that broken relationships can be restored, hope that even in the midst of fear and anger, good will win. The Some Good News show did provide a little reprieve from all the pandemic had shackled us with, but the good news of the Gospel gives us hope for eternity. That is why in 2023, we need to hope for the Gospel more than ever, and that is really some good news.
Grace and Peace, Adam ABOUT
Good news is vitally important. Good news makes hope possible, the hope that no matter how dark things get,
Adam Steele is originally from western Pennsylvania. When he was eleven his parents moved to West Virginia where he lived through his time in high school. Adam attended Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO.
While in college he met his lovely wife April. Adam and April have two children Silas and Sadie. Adam has a passion for ministry and for God’s word and has served as Youth and Families Minister at HCC since 2016.
PLEASE NOTE: During the 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. worship service, only the nursery and elementary classes will be available
We are talking about the Good News. And our Good News, at its core, is that our King is returning soon. That reminds me of a story. How familiar are you with Robin Hood? In his legend, a Lord loses his family’s land and fortunes because of a corrupt stand-in for his King. Knowing that injustice was everywhere, he fought for what he knew was right with a band of men from a local forest. He was protecting the innocent while waiting for the return of the king.
What are the ways that our walk is similar to the story of Robin Hood?
1) We are heirs to a kingdom living under a foreign power.
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. (Romans 8:12-17 (ESV))
He has made us to be a part of his people, kingdom and lineage! But he has not returned in the fullness of his glory yet.
And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons
of disobedience-among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. (Ephesians 2:1-3 (ESV))
We were a part of the old broken kingdom but not any longer!
2) We have a responsibility to protect those under the oppression of the power of the evil one.
Put on the whole armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. (Ephesians 6:1113 (ESV))
There is an evil that we must combat in this present darkness. Not other people, but forces that dwell in rebellion against heaven!
3) We are eagerly awaiting the return of our king, who will be righting all of the wrongs that have been done by the prince of this land.
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (ESV))
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 (ESV))
We fight this battle by finding and bringing as many as we can into the Kingdom. As we do, the numbers of the prince of darkness dwindle as the hope of the light grows.
Our King has won the defining victory. Nothing can stand against his might or glory. We know that one day, he will return, and all things will be made new for his glory’s sake.
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God. And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on
white horses. From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:11-16 (ESV))
Micah Herrick began ministry in 2012 after being commissioned for ministry by his home church, White Oak Christian Church, in Cincinnati, OH. Micah is currently serving HCC as Worship Minister, as well as leading our Evangelism team and coordinating our online presence. He has served in both Youth Ministry and Worship Ministry in Richmond, IN, and Knightstown, IN, before coming back to Ohio to serve in Hillsboro.
He is pictured here with his wife, Rebecca, kids; Rowan, Luci, Kennedy, and Finn, his mother and father; Steve and Valeri Herrick.
Our Lord is the victor, has always been the victor, and will forever be the victor. Just remember that what you are called to now is to hold the line and bring as many into the fold as you can. Not by attacking people, but in the beautiful upside down of the kingdom of heaven in which we are victors by loving well! Remember to fight the good fight as if you were in Sherwood Forrest.
1st service 9:00 a.m. 10:00 - 10:25 Connection Café (with special treats and coffee)
2nd service 10:30 a.m.
No Bible Basics class for Easter morning, also middle school and Sr. High will not meet
The nursery is available for both services as well as the elementary kids classes
"On March 12, Lilly Elliot made the decision to give her life to Christ and was immersed during the 10:30 service. This was a decision that Lilly had been working through for some time and we are so excited to welcome her in our church family. (Her twin brother Logan was immersed in Feb). If you see Lilly around church in the future be sure to congratulate her on this amazing decision. Welcome home Lilly!"
On March 17, 2023, Kash Adams and his daughter Kenzie were baptized into Christ. How special it is for a father and daughter to now share the same spiritual birthday! Please keep this family in your prayers as they grow together in their faith in Jesus Christ.
Alli Hendrix is a freshman at Hillsboro High School and just recently participated in the High School musical. She has been coming to Bible study since November and attends Sunday morning service with her friends.
Caleb Olliges is the son of Bill & Rebecca Olliges, grandson of Jim & Marsha Williams, and nephew of Michele Williams. He resides in Cincinnati, Ohio.
On March 26, 2023, he baptized into Christ by his grandfather.
Griffin Puckett was baptized into Christ on Sunday, March 6, 2023. He is the son of Mitzi and Tyler Puckett, grandson of Rick Kisling. He was baptized into Christ by his uncle Brett Kisling.
On March 26, 2023, Dawson Bowman was baptized into Christ by his father, Matt. Dawson was born again on the very day he turned eight years old. We are so excited for this young man as he begins his walk with Jesus.
2022 marked the completion of Miller’s seventh year in the mission field of Bangkok, Thailand.
We have experienced some exhaustion, loss, uncertainty, and homesickness during our time so it has not always been fun. But we have also experienced the inexpressible joy that comes from serving Our King.
With the lifting of Covid restrictions in 2022, we have given ourselves to the people and projects we could not do during the pandemic.
Matt has been able to teach and preach to larger in-person audiences and interact with our Thai congregations on a more personal level.
• For the better part of 2022, Matt has been able to impact God’s Kingdom as he teaches three days a week from the Psalms, the Gospel of John, and the Book of Acts.
• Matt’s teachings are reaching people in northern Thailand as well as people living on the borders of Laos and Cambodia.
In August 2022, Construction of Hope opened back up, allowing Bobbi Jo to serve these beloved migrant Cambodian children. The growth of the children whom she has been able to teach has been tremendous.
Several years ago, through the ministry at Construction of Hope, a young man came to place his faith in Jesus Christ. This young man, Virat, has been led to write a book, Drawn to Hope: A Cambodian Boy’s Illustrated Journey. In this self-illustrated book, he talks about his journey from Cambodia to Thailand and how he found hope in Christ.
Prayer requests for 2023
• Pray for Pookie, a local Thai waitress, to soften her heart to accept Jesus Christ as his Savior.
• Pray for Chok, a local Thai taxi driver, that he would lead his wife and daughter to Christ. Pray also that he would continue to witness to his passengers.
• Pray for the servants and leaders across the eight satellite churches throughout Thailand.
• Pray for the children and those who serve them at Construction of Hope.
• Pray for Matt and Bobbi Jo to have new ministry opportunities.
• Pray for Lexi and Jude to have a growing faith and love for God.
Health and Other:
Denver Conley
Ohio Mission Bible Training Center
Janet Pence
Shalom Orphanage
Sharon Webb
Wayne Wiedenbein
The 25 souls for Christ
Family Loss:
Missions:
The Brittons, The Millers, The Newmans
Shut Ins:
Barbara Boris
Jewel Calmes
John Porter
Carol Setty
Cancer:
Jeffery Aurigema
Ken Aurigema
Kari Crafton
Judy Roush
Mark Sears
HCC Leadership:
Steve Allen
Brad Clouse
Roger Epley
Dan Fauber
Micah Herrick
Mike Labig
Adam Steele
Richard VanZant
Military:
Tyler Amos
Ryan Burns
Mark Conover
Thadeus Conover
Corey Hughes
Alex Klein
Phillip Mycroft
Average attendance for the month of March 354
Average weekly giving for the month of March $11,543.00
Our weekly need is: $11,229.13