Podcast Episode Summary

Podcast: Church of the Highlands - Sunday Messages - Audio
Episode: Jesus Serves
Date: October 12, 2025
Speaker: Pastor Jamil Gillian, Woodlawn Campus Pastor

Overview of the Episode's Main Theme

This episode, part of the "Goodness of God" series at Church of the Highlands, focuses on the essential aspect of Jesus’ character and ministry: service. Pastor Jamil Gillian explores the often-overlooked "other side of the page" in Christian life—the call to serve others—not just having faith, but putting it into action to reveal God's goodness and the character of Jesus to the world. Through scripture, personal stories, and practical challenges, the message invites listeners to embrace a life of significance by serving others, just as Jesus did.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The "Other Side of the Page": Faith and Action

(Approx. 07:30 – 13:40)

• Pastor Jamil opens with a personal story about missing problems on a homework assignment because he didn’t see the other side of the page.

• He draws a parallel to Christian faith, cautioning that belief alone isn’t enough; there’s an expectation for action (service).

• Scripture Reference: James 2:14–17 – Faith without deeds is dead.

  • “It’s your action to serve that makes the difference… James would probably say that without your action of service, your faith is dead.” (13:02)

• Key Formula:

  • Faith – Action of Service = Dead Faith (conceals Jesus)
  • Faith + Action of Service = Living Faith (reveals Jesus)
  • “It’s hard to use dead faith to reveal a living God.” (13:44)

2. Jesus’ Call to Serve over Self-Interest

(13:45 – 22:25)

• Jamil addresses the human tendency for self-significance rather than service, noting even Jesus’ disciples struggled with the desire for status.

• Scripture Reference: Mark 9:33–35 – To be first in the Kingdom, be the servant of all.

  • “Are you trying to build you, or are you trying to build the Kingdom?” (18:12)
  • “Just because you’re being selfless doesn’t mean you’re less significant or less successful.” (18:57)

• Jesus models that true greatness comes from serving, not seeking position.

3. The Ultimate Example: Jesus Came to Serve

(22:26 – 25:55)

• Scripture Reference: Mark 10:45 – “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
  • This was radical in a divided, status-obsessed culture.
  • “Jesus reveals the goodness of God not by demanding service, but by offering it. Serving is a position of significance, and everyone is capable of it.” (25:28)

4. Four Results of Serving

(25:56 – 42:16)

a. Serving Shows God’s Character

• Scripture Reference: John 13:14–15, 35 – Jesus washes feet as an example.
  • “When we serve others, we resemble Christ the most.” (28:31)
  • Memorable illustration: Like a child who looks just like their father, when believers serve, the world can see their spiritual Father.

b. Serving Shares God’s Goodness

• Scripture Reference: Matthew 22:37–39 – The Great Commandment.
  • Practical challenge: Find someone to serve this week—it can be in the community or the church.
  • “It’s not about our recognition. It’s about being His reflection.” (36:45)

c. Serving Spreads the Gospel Message

• Scripture Reference: Matthew 28:19–20 – The Great Commission.
  • The Great Commission can’t be fulfilled without following the Great Commandment (love).
  • Sharing stats: Over 1,185 new churches planted through ARC; 450+ leaders trained in Europe—evidencing the global impact of service.
  • “Serving is our response to God’s goodness. It’s not a requirement to earn it.” (41:21)

d. Serving Satisfies the Expectation of Our Earthly Assignment

• Scripture Reference: Matthew 25:23 – “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
  • When we serve, people experience God’s goodness firsthand.
  • “We embrace serving. In fact, we have outreach teams at every location ensuring people see the other side of the page.” (43:02)

5. Real-Life Impact: Stories and Results

(42:17 – 51:20)

• Sharing year-to-date impact:

  • 188,087 meals served
  • 1,006 home repairs completed
  • 4,463 kids served in schools
  • 2,983 serve opportunities
  • Most importantly: 1,928 people gave their lives to Jesus through acts of service.

• “When we serve, people get saved. Every number is a name. Every name is a story of God’s goodness.” (44:44)

Testimony: Antonio Fairfax

• From a troubled background—through receiving the church's service (basketball league, small groups), Antonio encountered Christ, was baptized, joined the outreach team, and eventually graduated from Highlands College, the first in his family.
  • “Antonio went to a basketball league thinking he would just find a game of basketball. But what he discovered was a God who had a plan and purpose for his life.” (47:50)

6. Core Takeaway and Final Encouragement

(51:21 – End)

• “When we serve, goodness is shared and Jesus is seen.” (52:05)
• The episode closes with an invitation for salvation and a prayer for the church to become authentic servants like Jesus, marked by sharing God's goodness until “all have tasted and seen” it.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “God knows your heart, but He also watches your hands.” — (12:53)
• “It’s hard to use dead faith to reveal a living God.” — (13:44)
• “Are you trying to build you, or are you trying to build the Kingdom?” — (18:12)
• “Serving is a position of significance and anyone is capable of serving.” — (25:28)
• “When we serve others, we resemble Christ the most.” — (28:31)
• “It’s not about our recognition. It’s about being His reflection.” — (36:45)
• “Serving is our response to God’s goodness. It’s not a requirement to earn it.” — (41:21)
• “When we serve, people get saved. Every number is a name. Every name is a story of God’s goodness.” — (44:44)
• “When we serve, goodness is shared and Jesus is seen.” — (52:05)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|--------------------| | Welcome and Series Introduction | 00:00 – 03:25 | | The "Other Side of the Page" – Faith + Works| 07:30 – 13:44 | | Jesus on Servanthood in Mark 9 & 10 | 18:00 – 25:55 | | Four Truths About Serving | 25:56 – 42:16 | | Year-to-Date Service Stats | 43:00 – 44:44 | | Antonio Fairfax’s Testimony | 45:30 – 49:00 | | Closing Challenge and Prayer | 51:21 – End |

Tone and Style

Reflecting the original delivery, the episode is warm, story-driven, humorous at points, energetic, and filled with encouragement, using relatable language, memorable metaphors, and real-life stories to call listeners to action.

Key Takeaway

When we serve, goodness is shared and Jesus is seen. Let’s be like our Heavenly Father, and let service be what defines us as followers of Christ.