Best Ron Kool Podcasts (2025)

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Give Us Today Our Daily Bread | Matthew 6:11 35:19

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10d ago35:19

35:19

Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread in the Lord's Prayer, yet it’s not only bread we’re asking for. We’re asking for God to provide for our basic needs and our neighbors. We’re asking God to help us continue to live and to remember how dependent on God we and everyone else ultimately are. - Pastor Arek O'Connell Support the show…

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Your Kingdom Come, Your Will Be Done | Matthew 6:10 36:14

17d ago36:14

36:14

One of the most radical, life-changing things Jesus taught us to pray in the Lord’s Prayer is “your kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.” It is radical and life-changing because the first thing we do when we offer this prayer is leave our plans at the door. When we offer this prayer, we are telling God to do His work and to …

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Hallowed Be Your Name | Matthew 6:9-13 29:21

24d ago29:21

29:21

Of all the things we say in the Lord’s Prayer, this might be the one that sound strangest to our ears. We don’t talk that often about hallowing things today. This morning, we’ll think about what it means to hallow God’s name and why it’s so important for us to do this. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the show…

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When You Pray: How to Begin | Matthew 6:5-14 35:24

1M ago35:24

35:24

Many of us struggle with prayer. We’re not sure what to say, we stumble over our words, and sometimes we even forget to pray. Jesus knew this would happen. And that’s why He spent time teaching His followers how to pray. This morning, we’ll start to look at what Jesus taught us about praying. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the show…

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God Is...Full of Grace | Exodus 34:6; Romans 16:20 34:05

1M ago34:05

34:05

We finish up our series on the characteristics of God by talking about what, for many of us, is His most important characteristic—He is full of grace. It’s wonderful to know that God is powerful and all-knowing and unchangeable and just, but what we need is a God who is full of grace. We need a God who saves and restores His broken people—that’s gr…

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God Is...Always Just (And We Should Too) | Amos 5:21-24 35:19

1M ago35:19

35:19

Last week, we talked about how God is just in all that He does and in every judgment that He makes. This morning, we’re going to think about what it means for us to be people who seek justice in our lives and in our communities. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell

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God Is...Always Just | Deuteronomy 32:3-4 33:36

2M ago33:36

33:36

You’ve heard it a lot. You’ve probably said it a time or two. “It’s not fair!” we say and then follow up with what isn’t fair. “Why did she get a bigger piece of cake?” or “I deserved the promotion more than they did!” We all have a sense that life should be fair—that there should be justice. This morning, we’ll see that God is always just. And we’…

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God Is...Always the Same | Psalm 102 34:32

2M ago34:32

34:32

We live in a world where everything changes. No matter how hard we try to make something last, nothing does. Except God. He is who He always was and who He always will be. He is always the same. And that’s good news. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell

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God Is...All Knowing | Psalm 139 35:33

2M ago35:33

35:33

What does it mean that God is all knowing? It means He knows every inch of His creation perfectly. Nothing catches God by surprise because He gives life, definition, and purpose to everything around us. Psalm 139 tells us there’s one thing God knows that impacts our life more than anything else. God knows you! - Pastor Arek O'Connell Support the sh…

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God Is... All Powerful | Genesis 18:9-15 29:40

2M ago29:40

29:40

Our understanding of what God is like can make a huge difference in our lives. If we don’t know He is merciful, we will live in fear. If we don’t think about His holiness, we won’t be committed to being holy. This morning, we’re starting a sermon series on who God is, and we begin with a very important fact: God is All-powerful. - Pastor Ron Kool S…

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I Am: The One Who Restores Broken People | John 21:15-19 31:22

3M ago31:22

31:22

Some of the best news in the Bible is that our failures are not final. God doesn’t just cancel us and move on to someone or something else. Our God specializes in restoring people who have blown it. This morning, we’ll see how Jesus does that with Peter, the one who had denied Him three times. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the show…

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I Am: The One Who Sends You | John 21:1-14 34:44

3M ago34:44

34:44

The disciples of Jesus had not done very well with the crucifixion of Jesus. They had run away and denied even knowing Him. And when He rose again, they weren’t exactly quick to grasp what had happened. Jesus comes to them and does an amazing thing—He reminds them that it is their turn now. He gives them the task of spreading the Good News. What an…

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I Am: The Resurrection and the Life | Easter 29:41

3M ago29:41

29:41

John 11:17-27 In each of His “I AM” statements, Jesus addresses a human problem. He said He was the Bread of Life that would satisfy our hunger. He said He was the Light of the World, to guide and protect us in the darkness. This morning, we’ll look at Jesus as He tells us what He will do about our greatest enemy—death itself. - Pastor Ron Kool Sup…

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I Am Not | Good Friday 25:49

3M ago25:49

25:49

Pastor Arek O'Connell delivers this Good Friday message. Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell

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I Am: The One Who is in Control | John 18:1-12 31:13

3M ago31:13

31:13

From a human standpoint, those coming to arrest Jesus had all the power and were in control. They had larger numbers, weapons, and the power of Rome behind them. They will “succeed” in arresting Jesus, but only after Jesus has shown them who is really in control. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell

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I Am: The True Vine | John 15:1-11 36:50

4M ago36:50

36:50

An important question we need to ask frequently in life is, “What’s the real root of the matter here?” Whether it be in navigating relationships, making business decisions, or making plans for the future. As we consider what it means for Jesus to be the True Vine, John wants us to understand the real root of the matter when it comes to life and fai…

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I Am: The Way, the Truth, and the Life | John 14:1-6 30:44

4M ago30:44

30:44

We live in a world where we have, it seems, way too many choices. Do we choose this career or that career? Do we live here or do we live there? At times it can feel overwhelming and we may feel lost in a sea of choices. In the midst of all these options, Jesus calls us to follow Him because He knows and is The Way to the Father. - Pastor Ron Kool S…

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I Am: The Bread of Life | John 6:25-38; 48-51 29:08

4M ago29:08

29:08

We don’t like it when people ask for too much. It just doesn’t seem right. They should be happy with what they have. But this morning we’re going to look at a story in which Jesus says that the problem with us sometimes is not that we ask for too much but that we don’t ask for enough. We settle for too little and miss the important thing--Him. - Pa…

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Silence and Solitude | Intro to Spiritual Disciplines 43:06

4M ago43:06

43:06

Kirk Kingsley leads this week's class on the Spiritual Discipline of Silence and Solitude. Support the showBy Kirk Kingsley

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I Am: The Good Shepherd | John 10:11-18 32:03

4M ago32:03

32:03

Of all the animals we might want to be compared to, a sheep is probably the worst. If you call me a tiger or a lion or a bear, I’m happy. They’re strong, fast, tough. Sheep, on the other hand, are weak and defenseless and not terribly bright. Yet the Bible tells us over and over again that we are like sheep. This morning we’ll think about what shee…

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I Am: The Door | John 10:1-10 37:56

5M ago37:56

37:56

A belief that is very popular in our world is that there are multiple ways to find and connect with God. However, John is going to make it clear that there is really only one way in and one way out, through the door… and that door is Jesus. - Pastor Arek O'Connell Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell

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Evangelism and Sharing Your Story - Part 2 | Intro to Spiritual Disciplines 49:05

5M ago49:05

49:05

Kristin Hileman leads the second part of "Evangelism and Sharing Your Story." In this Intro to Spiritual Disciplines class, you'll hear testimonies from 3 different women and how an act of sharing the gospel has had a generational impact. Support the showBy Kristin Hileman

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I Am: The Light of the World | John 8:12-20 28:44

5M ago28:44

28:44

In a recent survey, over 50% of the adults responding admitted that they were afraid of the dark. And they had good reasons—some said they were afraid of what can be hiding in the dark. Others pointed out that statistically more crimes happen in the dark. The fact is, when it gets really dark, I think we all get afraid. And that’s when we need to h…

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Don't Be Afraid | John 6:16-21 34:49

5M ago34:49

34:49

When we think of Jesus, we tend to think of Him in one of two ways. On the one hand, we see Him as the gentle shepherd, kind and compassionate. On the other hand, we also see Him as God Almighty, controller of all creation. This morning we’ll look at a story that reminds us that Jesus is both of these things—all the time. - Pastor Ron Kool Support …

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Evangelism and Sharing Your Story - Part 1 | Intro to Spiritual Disciplines 58:31

5M ago58:31

58:31

Pastor Arek O'Connell discusses Evangelism and the importance of Sharing Your Story at Hillside's Intro to Spiritual Disciplines class. Support the showBy Arek O'Connell

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Restoration | James 5:19-20 32:54

5M ago32:54

32:54

James has one more challenge for those to whom he is writing—when someone who had been walking with Jesus wanders from the truth. James knows that there are times when people are going to drift or walk away. His call to us is, at one and the same time, simple and difficult. We are to bring the wanderer home if it is possible. This morning, we’ll th…

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Take It To The Lord | James 5:13-18 37:21

5M ago37:21

37:21

James has been full of practical advice for living in troubled times. He’s called us to be faithful and make sure our faith shows itself in works. He’s called us to watch our tongues and how we spend our money. As he gets ready to close his letter, James calls us to one more practical activity: Praying. James reminds us of the power and effectivene…

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Fasting | Intro to Spiritual Disciplines 50:25

6M ago50:25

50:25

Pastor Arek O'Connell discusses the Spiritual Discipline of Fasting. Support the showBy Arek O'Connell

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Patience in Suffering | James 5:7-12 38:45

6M ago38:45

38:45

In times and seasons where we fall victim to pain and suffering, we are prone to certain behaviors. We try and take the situation under our control and alleviate our pain and suffering as quickly as possible. However, James' best advice for us in the face of pain and suffering is to be patient and persevere so that we might learn to depend on God e…

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The Dangers of Wealth | James 5:1-6 34:46

6M ago34:46

34:46

James has used strong language throughout his letter, but now he turns the heat up even higher. He has saved his strongest warnings and announcements for this place in his letter—where he has extremely strong words for rich people who are not using their wealth the way God intended them to. These words are deeply challenging but also deeply importa…

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Remembering Our Place | James 4:13-17 29:00

6M ago29:00

29:00

One of the things that is way too easy for us to do is to live our lives without really thinking about God too much. We know He’s there, but we don’t include Him in our planning and thinking—He’s sort of a “God on the Shelf.” We may call out to Him if things fall apart, but until then, we’ll live our lives on our own terms. This morning James will …

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Worship | Intro to Spiritual Disciplines 39:58

6M ago39:58

39:58

Morné Marais discusses the Spiritual Discipline of Worship. Support the showBy Morné Marais

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Why Do We Fight? | James 4:1-12 33:51

6M ago33:51

33:51

From the very beginning, Christians have gotten into fights and disagreements with each other. Why is that? Shouldn’t we be able to get along with each other and love each other? This morning James will help us understand why there are fights and quarrels among us. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell

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Who is Wise? | James 1:13-18 34:49

7M ago34:49

34:49

We live in a world where we are surrounded by thousands of voices, many of them ready to give us advice on how to live. There are podcasts and news stations, Facebook posts, blogs and web pages. There are books we can read or listen to. But what’s worth our time? How do we know if the person we are listening to is wise—is worth listening to? This m…

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Pressing On | Philippians 3:12-16 36:27

7M ago36:27

36:27

As we come to the end of another year, it’s natural to reflect on the year overall in order to make preparations for the year we’re about to enter. No matter what accomplishments, successes, failures, or disappointments we faced in the last year, the Apostle Paul wants to encourage us to head into next year, or any day for that matter, with the goa…

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Christmas Eve | Timeless Promises 31:50

7M ago31:50

31:50

Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell

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The Plan | Isaiah 53 31:45

7M ago31:45

31:45

We’re really close to celebrating the birth of Jesus—and that’s exciting. God came to be with us! Jesus came to save us! But how will He do that? How will Jesus save those who would follow Him? This morning we’ll look at the plan that God gave to Isaiah 700 years before Jesus was born and we’ll see the plan for how Jesus will save the world. - Past…

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Serving | Intro to Spiritual Disciplines 57:07

7M ago57:07

57:07

Kathy Douma leads this week's Intro to Spiritual Disciplines class on the discipline of "Serving." Support the showBy Kathy Douma

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Timeless Promises: A Hillside Christmas Program 53:40

7M ago53:40

53:40

Full Christmas Program audio recording - One of the words that describe many of our lives at this time of the year is the word “busy.” We are running here and there with things to do, people to see, and presents to buy. In the midst of all our running, Isaiah the prophet has a word for us: “Listen!” It’s an important word but the question is whethe…

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The Servant | Isaiah 42:1-4 32:18

8M ago32:18

32:18

Last week we saw the need for Jesus—we are sinners who deserve death. We also saw that God promised to send someone to save us. This morning we’re going to learn more about that One whom God promised to send—His Servant. And we’ll see that this Servant is going to do some amazing things. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the show…

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The Need | Genesis 6:5-8 35:47

8M ago35:47

35:47

This Sunday is the first Sunday of the Advent season. A season where the church collectively anticipates the arrival, or ‘advent,’ of our savior Jesus Christ. Just as he came in the flesh as a baby 2000 years ago to save his people, one day Christ will return again to save his people. What is it that we need saving from though? The book of Genesis …

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Thanksgiving - Where are the Nine? | Luke 17:11-19 31:53

8M ago31:53

31:53

We will think about the question Jesus asked when He had healed ten lepers, and only one came back to thank Him. We'll talk about how they probably were doing decent, good things - and saying thanks just slipped past them. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell

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Taming the Tongue | James 3:1-12 31:10

8M ago31:10

31:10

It’s such a little thing—the tongue. It only weighs about 2.5 ounces. But it can do so much. It can destroy and it can give life. This morning James wants to challenge us to tame our tongues. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the showBy Ron Kool, Arek O'Connell

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Stewardship | Intro to Spiritual Disciplines 55:55

8M ago55:55

55:55

Stewardship - it's not just about us telling you to give more money to the church (we know pastors say this all the time). It's really about discovering an amazing thing that God allows us to manage His resources. He works through us and wants us to enjoy it and celebrate it. Support the showBy Ron Kool

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Is Our Faith Real? | James 2:14-26 32:55

8M ago32:55

32:55

This morning, we’re going to look at an important question that James challenges us with: Is our faith real? James knows that it’s possible for us to go through the motions, say all the right things, and even believe some of the right things about God but still not have a faith that is real. This morning, we’ll look at how James tells us we can kno…

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Playing Favorites | James 2:1-13 35:46

8M ago35:46

35:46

Did your parents have a “favorite” child? Was one of your siblings the “problem” child? What about in school—did you ever have a teacher who had a favorite student? We’ve all experienced the reality of favoritism. This morning James will challenge us to not let it happen anywhere—especially not in church! - Pastor Ron Kool Support the show…

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Prayer | Intro to Spiritual Disciplines 43:52

9M ago43:52

43:52

Kirk Kingsley continues our Wednesdays at Hillside series on the Intro to Spiritual Disciplines. He shares examples of prayer in Scripture and discusses reasons why we do not pray sometimes. He also teaches different ways to pray more often and effectively and grow in greater intimacy with God through prayer. Support the show…

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Wise Faith in Action | James 1:19-27 38:18

9M ago38:18

38:18

James has been offering us wisdom when it comes to doubts during trials, wisdom when we face temptation. What does James have to say in general about wise faith in action? How do we know our faith is real and we’re living it out wisely? James might encourage us to take a deep breath, listen to God’s Word, and take care of the little people. - Pasto…

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Dealing with Troubles | James 1:9-18 34:04

9M ago34:04

34:04

We talked last week about the fact that storms come into all of our lives. People we love get sick and die. Someone hurts us deeply with their actions or their words. We lose a job. This week we’ll continue to look at what James has to say to us about what we should do in the midst of the storms that come our way. - Pastor Ron Kool Support the show…

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Under Pressure | James 1:1-8 38:07

9M ago38:07

38:07

This morning we’re beginning a sermon series on the book of James. James is one of the most practical letters in the New Testament and he jumps right in by talking about what we should do when the trials and difficulties come our way. We’ll take a look at what it means to trust in God when our world feels like it’s falling apart. - Pastor Ron Kool …