New Hope Church - Podcast: Recent Episodes
New Hope Church
The place to start shifting our focus to the bigger picture is to evaluate where we each are with our attitude and perspective related to the current state of our culture. We can choose to hold tightly to hope and humility.
This time in our country is like no other. Emotions are high, spirits are low, and many of us have experienced strained relationships. As followers of Jesus, we have both challenges and opportunities. Our goal in this series is to remember to look at the bigger picture, not just our immediate circumstances.
There’s a cliché that has been around for a while that says, “Love is a verb”. Sometimes clichés pass the test of time because they involve some truth. Our faith requires us to take action, as well, as we learn to follow Jesus better.
What would it look like if we were given a training manual for followers of Jesus? Maybe it would teach us how to grow in our faith, how to help others grow in theirs, and how to relate well with others. The good news is we do – it’s called the Bible and it’s God’s instruction manual for all of us.
Sometimes answering questions causes even more questions to arise! Pastors Rusty and Yayo will work together to answer the questions about our faith that you submitted throughout this series.
God may seem distant, but that’s far from the truth. There are some real and practical ways to experience His presence in your life.
It’s a great question. Together we’ll discuss the fate of those who haven’t heard about Jesus and discover what the Bible says about their destiny.
Most of the major world religions share some similar tenants, such as treating others with love and kindness. We’ll examine the claims of Jesus and see what makes Christianity unique.
This is one of the toughest questions about faith. We can look at different perspectives on suffering and evil, but have to understand that it all boils down to two words….free will.
There are historical and spiritual foundations that make the Bible a reliable source of truth. Don’t just take our word for it, try reading it for yourself!
As a church, we work hard to make a difference in our local community and in the world around of us. We’re thankful for some great partners doing life-saving work in far-away places. This week, we are excited to welcome Tom Eggum back to New Hope. Tom’s heart and enthusiasm for the people of Uganda is infectious. The stories he shares will move your heart…and maybe even prompt you to jump in and help!
Living a fully devoted life isn’t always the easiest, most comfortable way. There are challenges we will all face along the way that bring great temptations. How do we learn to choose wisely?
As we walk with Christ, sometimes we are tempted to do our will instead of His. Living for Jesus in the real world requires a shift in our mindset. It is not our way but His way. Are you ready to change your mindset?
In this world, we’ll all face troubles – there’s no escaping them. Learning to live a faith-filled life doesn’t just help us to be fully devoted followers of Jesus. It also means we will never face our troubles alone.
Today we celebrate the 32nd anniversary of New Hope Church. In our first 16 years, we were a “mobile church.” We’ve now been in the building for the same amount of time – 16 years. For our anniversary we’ll look at where we’ve been, but more importantly where we are heading!
What happened next to Peter after the resurrection changed his whole life and made him into the man we know today. What’s next for you can be the turning point of your life. So, what’s next for you?
It’s hard to put the story of Jesus into words. There aren’t enough adjectives and superlatives to adequately express what He did for us. His epic story is everything we will all feel and so much more.
We live in the tension of wanting to be known and feeling terrified to be known. Sharing our stories with others lessens their power over us…and might be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
God created us specifically and uniquely because He has a purpose for our lives. Understanding our stories can be tricky, but they reveal how we relate to the world.
As our stories are revealed, there are often fragments that come to mind that seem trivial. Honoring every piece of the puzzle is important. Write down these scenes as they come to you.
Looking back into the narrative of our lives can be daunting, intimidating, and sometimes even painful. But there is so much to learn about ourselves and our Creator. Remember to be both curious and kind to who you used to be.
Make no mistake, God already knows the beginning, middle, and end of your story. He allows us to be co-creators, which brings human nuance into play. The good news is He promises to walk by our side every step of the way.
“Choose your battles” is a phrase commonly heard by parents, but really applies to all situations. Saying yes whenever you can opens us all up to new possibilities. It also promotes confidence and creativity!
Showing apprection to others, for both big and small things, lets them feel seen. It’s a small thing that garners very big results.
Relationships are far more important than most offenses. And to be honest, none of us are always right. Holding grudges does nothing more than poison you with bitterness.
We can get ourselves into a lot of trouble when we assume the thoughts and wishes of another person. Asking this question can save a great deal of trouble.
Proactively seeking ways to serve another shows compassion and care. Rather than just trying to ‘fix’ something, it’s an offer of willingness to step into the trenches with real support.
It may seem simple, but this single sentence can help diffuse defensiveness and open the door to real healing.
Every successful athlete knows the importance of conditioning and understanding the fundamentals of their sport. Not only do they help build endurance, but they lay a firm foundation of knowledge of the game. The same is true for us as followers of Christ. The stronger we grow in understanding God’s word and will, the better equipped we are to navigate our lives well.
Otto Anderson is a grump who no longer sees purpose in his life following the loss of his wife. He is ready to end it all, but his plans are interrupted when a lively young family moves in next door. Otto is challenged to see life differently, leading to an unlikely friendship that turns his world around. This is a profound story of love, loss, and life…and the importance of community.
During the war in Afghanistan, a local interpreter risks his life to save an American soldier. When the soldier learns the interpreter and his family were not given safe passage to America as promised, he chooses to repay his debt by returning to the war zone to retrieve them before the Taliban hunts them down first. It is a true story of selfless courage and great integrity.
In the 1970s, Greg Laurie and a sea of young people descend on sunny Southern California, looking for all the right things in all the wrong places. Inadvertently, Laurie meets a charismatic street preacher and a pastor who open the doors to a church to a stream of wandering youth. What unfolds is a counterculture movement; that becomes one of the greatest spiritual awakenings in American history.
We talk a lot about representing Jesus well. That’s why we work hard as a church to make a difference in the lives of people locally and around the world. This week, we are happy to welcome Tom Eggum to New Hope. Tom is an example for all of us of what it really means to be ‘boots on the ground’, serving in some of the poorest regions of the world. You will be hard-pressed to find someone with such depth of experience like his. It’s even harder to find someone with so much joy and enthusiasm. The stories Tom shares will move your heart…and possibly leave you ready to jump in and join him in the future.
Jesus referred to this as the greatest commandment. We are told to worship Him with all our heart, soul, and mind. This is the starting place.
In December, we looked at how God did something radically unexpected and new by sending His Son to rescue us. All hope seemed lost when Jesus died on the cross…or was it?
Jesus told two great stories about finding valuable treasure. We’ll see two ways to discover God, and one way to experience Him.
God’s plan is perfect, and His instructions are clear. The problem is the free will we were given in the very beginning. We are in a mess of our own creation.
This Thanksgiving weekend, we'll celebrate two traditions in our church life. The first is baptism, where we support and encourage those ready to declare that Jesus is their Savior and leader. Second is our "open mic" time, when we express gratitude for God's work over the past year. Our stories show how thankful we are and inspire others to trust and cling to God, too. This is the perfect way to enter the Christmas season!
When we are truly connected with God, our lives become transformed from the inside out. If we aren’t careful, we may settle for things that sound good on the surface but leave our lives shallow and void of a deeper purpose.
The Bible is full of wisdom about money. Taking financial risks can bring great reward, but it can also lead to complete ruin. How we manage our money reveals a lot about our priorities and our hearts.
Our lives are enriched by the relationships we make along the way. We need others around us for many reasons: companionship, accountability, love, and good fun, just to name a few. True friendship is one of the most important gifts we can ever give and receive.
Our lives are an ever-changing series of experiences and circumstances that combine to create a story that is uniquely our own. As followers of Jesus, we often see evidence of His impact in our lives as we mature, grow, and make decisions over time. When we share our story with others, we not only grow closer, we have opportunities to let them know they’re not alone as their own story is written. Today we’ll learn about one of our newer staff members, Sam Price, who has the awesome responsibility of ministering to our students.
In a divided and partisan world, Jesus’ church is called to be a community that is both wide in its diversity and deep in love and respect. If we follow God’s lead, we can be a hopeful example to a broken world.
If we aren’t careful, we can allow influences that are not in our best interest to dictate the pace of our lives. God wants us to work hard at things that matter but not ruin ourselves in the process. We need to discover how to find moments of stillness and prayer, allowing God to speak love and perspective into our lives.
If you’ve done any gardening or landscaping, you know that taking care of a plant’s roots is essential. With strong roots, a plant can withstand all kinds of challenges and danger, but without them, even a little problem can be devastating. God wants us to build strong relational roots with Him, and our brothers and sisters, so we can be strong and positive influences.
Raiders of the Lost Ark is the story of archaeologist Indiana Jones who was hired by the U.S. government to locate the mysterious and supernatural Ark of the Covenant before it falls into evil hands. It’s a classic story of good versus evil, and how tempted we can be by power and treasure.
Facing our failures sets us up to become people God can use. Excusing our failures or comparing ourselves to others as a deflection will only set us back. When we do it right, we have life-changing stories to share.
We’re all born into the same world with the same 24 hours a day to live, move, and have an impact. We have the opportunity to be difference makers.
When we decide to follow Jesus, He begins working on us from the inside out. The more we embrace this new life, the more our hearts change and grow. Whether you’re a new follower of Jesus or someone who’s been growing in their faith for a while, this is a very important step to take…and we’re excited to celebrate with you!
Have you heard the saying, “It’s the thought that counts?” While other expressions of love are good, when someone gives you a gift, it means they’ve put in special thought and planning. This speaks loudly for those whose love language is Receving Gifts
Some of us feel the most loved when we’re given undivided time and attention from others. To them, it shows our dedication and where our priorities lie. People with the love language of Quality Time don’t require gifts to feel loved – they just need you!
There are many ways to show we love each other. It’s actually quite simple for people with the love language of Words of Affirmation. To love them well, we simply need to pay attention to what’s going on in their lives and offer unsolicited compliments or words of encouragement.
The greatest single act of love in all of history happened on what we call Easter weekend. God entered the chaos caused by hatred, power-grabbing, self-centeredness, and fear to accomplish what seemed impossible. His love spoke louder and more clearly than all the noise. In the end, love won. Jesus won.
People are naturally drawn to something good and real. Joy is infectious, strength is inspiring, and unconditional love is the example our world needs. When we represent Jesus well, others will want what we have!
One of the most comforting things Jesus offers us along the way is the grace to try again when we come up short. He can more than handle our shortcomings. In fact, He matches our failure with forgiveness and encouragement to keep moving forward.
Meaningful change never happens overnight – it’s a journey. It’s also not a straight line. There are often moments of confusion, elation, missteps, and victories.
There are no prerequisites to follow Jesus. He invites us exactly as we are and welcomes us as treasured members of His family. Change will come, but not before!
When we decide to follow Jesus, He begins working on us from the inside out. The more we embrace this new life, the more our hearts change and grow. In the coming weeks, we’ll see how true this was for one well-known figure in the Bible. But first, let’s celebrate the changed hearts of some of our own New Hope family.
Join us this weekend as we welcome special guest speaker Tom Eggum. Tom is the founder and president of Hope 4 Kids International, a faith-based non-profit organization committed to helping children around the world suffering from extreme poverty through dignity, health, joy, and love. Not only does Tom truly model what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus, he does it with a joy that is completely infectious. Please don’t miss this opportunity to be encouraged by Tom’s amazing message of hope.
Over the past several weeks, we’ve learned what (and who) it takes to gain real wisdom. With these key principles in place, we can do whatever we want!
Wise choices don’t always feel good in the moment. In fact, it can cost a lot to follow God, but in the end it is always worth it!
The wise are faithful, available and teachable. Humbly relating to others – listening, learning and following leadership – is the key here.
There are some specific ways God wants us to live regarding our attitudes, appetites, habits, and relationships that are essential to living wisely.
Wisdom begins with establishing a personal relationship with Jesus, and becoming one of His “sheep” is the place to start. Followers have been given the Holy Spirit and God’s Word as our new operating system.
This message will hopefully create a compelling picture of the impact of not pursuing wisdom. It isn’t that wisdom isn’t available, it’s just that we often don’t look for or want it.
We’ll look at an important passage from 1 Corinthians about how we are called to share the gospel through both our words and actions. Our mindset in this is key, because it's not something we 'have' to do, but something we 'get' to do. When we're able to channel our enthusiasm for Jesus and love for all people with this mindset, it can be very contagious!
The challenges of the past 24 months have led us to adapt and rethink some things. This has opened doors to new forms of communication, entertainment, employment, and more. It has also created the temptation for us to give in to convenience and comfort. As Jesus’ church, we need to adapt to our changing circumstances without jettisoning our calling and God-given priorities. Today, we want to remember what we’ve been created for and deliberately set our hearts and minds to move forward individually and as His church.
Relationships are hard but worth the sacrifice. When we accept Christ, God resets our relationship with Him. God’s example of sacrifice provides us with a reusable model for establishing deep and lasting relationships in our own lives.
Jesus’ birth forever opened the door to a relationship with God. John shows us how Jesus didn’t just come to save us, but to adopt us into His family and enlist us as His partners. THIS SERVICE IS ONLINE ONLY AT LIVE.NEWHOPE.ORG
Jesus’ birth is awe-inspiring. The enormity of God’s plan shows just how much He loves us. It also shows the lengths He is willing to go to save us all. He is more than worthy of our worship.
Jesus’ birth is part of God’s greater mission. Once we have an understanding of the history, we can begin to understand the work He had ahead of Him. It was a rescue mission.
The story of the birth of Jesus is the culmination of Biblical prophecy, wrapped in political controversy and hope. It’s important to understand all of it in order to fully appreciate the magnitude of Jesus’ arrival on earth.
The biographies of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (the Gospels) work together beautifully to tell the good news of Jesus. These accounts serve to complement, corroborate, explain and emphasize the most precious gift we’ve ever been given.
This Thanksgiving weekend at New Hope, we’ll celebrate two traditions in our church life. The first is baptism, where we support and encourage those who are ready to declare that Jesus is their Savior and leader. Second, is our “open mic” time, when we get to express our gratitude for how God has worked in our lives over the past year. Our stories not only show how thankful we are, but inspire others to trust and cling to God, too. This is the perfect way to enter the Christmas season!
In this series, we’ve followed the progression that shows how each of us individually help form our church community, which helps accomplish our mission, which shows our love and obedience to God. The question each of us must answer is, “Am I all in?” The question we must answer as a church is, “Are we all in?”
There’s an old hymn that says, “They will know we are Christians by our love.” How we’re seen externally matters. We need to have a real-world mentality that shows visible love and genuine compassion to those around us. Then they will understand and experience the hope that is only found in Jesus.
As our heart and behavior look more and more like Jesus, we develop important core values. These values drive everything we say and do, giving guidance to our future decisions and goals by providing a path that translates our belief into action.
When our heart is aligned with God, our behavior automatically follows suit. As we are changed from the inside out, we’re able to positively impact the world around us. God is glorified when our example helps lead others to him. Belief without proper behavior only leads to pious self-righteousness.
Tackling any big challenge, like our Mission Statement, requires training. We have to prepare ourselves spiritually, mentally and even physically. Followers of Jesus are given a set of principles that teach us how to help foster the kind of community our world is longing for – one of peace, harmony and respect. These principles are called Heart Attitudes, and they’re critical for us as individuals and as a church.
What is New Hope’s purpose as a church? If our lives are built around Jesus, then His church is the bedrock that all things flow through. The mission of New Hope is a grounding statement - a declaration of the work we have before us. It’s never going to be accomplished because it’s so big and grand. But it will always be here driving us forward, guiding us and giving us tools to evaluate how we’re doing.
Remembering what God asks of us allows us to challenge where we are and what we’re doing – it gives us our “whys”. The world might change around us, but our foundational answers to some very basic questions shouldn’t.
Max Lucado says, “Baptism is the initial step of a faithful heart.” Whether you’re a new follower of Jesus or someone who’s been growing in their faith for a while, this is a very important step to take.
We all live by a set of rules – rules of law, of society, of religion and even our own rules. These rules guide how we live and the decisions we make. What happens, though, when circumstances change and the rules no longer seem ‘right’? Do we bend the rules to fit the circumstance, or stand firm regardless of the cost? It can get pretty complicated! In the series, The Mandalorian, Mando, the main character, lives by a strict Code of The Guild and The Creed of The Mandalorian. What he believes is ‘right’ comes into question when he considers the life and possible death of the Baby Yoda. We’ll take a look at some of the decisions he makes and how they line up with how Jesus tells us to live.
WandaVision starts three weeks after the events of Avengers: Endgame. Two of the characters are living an idyllic suburban life in Westview, New Jersey, trying to conceal their true natures. As their surroundings begin to move through different decades, and they encounter various recognizable television settings, the couple suspects things are not as they seem. This is a powerful story of love and loss.
There aren’t a lot of real-world examples of people who truly encourage and look for the best in others with no agenda. Every day on TV and online, we’re told we’re not good enough as we are, to brace ourselves for the worst, and to call out each mistake as we see them. It’s exhausting. Perhaps that’s why so many are drawn to Ted Lasso – a man with an uncanny ability to positively impact everyone he meets with kindness.
Emmanuel means, “God with Us.” We frequently hear this name at Christmas, as God sent His son, Jesus, to live with us on earth. Followers of Christ have assurance far beyond the Christmas story, in knowing that because of what Jesus did, we will share eternity with Him in heaven.
Jehovah Shammah is a Hebrew name meaning, “God is there.” That means He is a present, active part of our lives. He is attentive to our every need, and never leaves us to wander on our own.
Jehovah Qanna refers to God as jealous. This is perhaps one of the most confusing names, but it actually makes perfect sense. God only wants the best for us which He alone can provide. It pains Him to watch us turn to false sources for fulfillment and happiness.
Jehovah Rapha is God who heals. Whether we’re suffering physically, spiritually or mentally, we can call on Him to restore us to health, even freedom, from past hurts and sin.
Jehovah Raah means the Lord is my Shepherd. He watches over us day and night, and cares for our every need. He doesn’t just want us to survive, but to thrive. We can find rest in His care and protection.
El Roi is the God who sees me. When we feel our most vulnerable, the most invisible, we can find hope and power in God who cares for us faithfully.
El Sali is the Lord, my strength or rock. When we are weary or falling apart, God gives us the strength we need to carry on. In fact, His power lives inside of us and allows us to do impossible things.
Jehovah Jireh means, “the Lord will provide.” If you are alive, you’re going to face trials. We can take comfort in knowing God is trustworthy and will see us through every trial – big or small.
El Shaddai is a Hebrew name meaning ‘God Almighty’ or ‘All Sufficient’. Either definition works because God is power and provision. With great compassion, He meets all our needs and gives us strength.
There is a kind of unity we were created by God to enjoy. It is when we recognize our differences, but don’t let them divide us. It comes when we recognize some key things we have in common and humbly choose to value them the most.
Some have the idea that followers of Jesus should be happy all the time. If we are walking in Jesus’ footsteps, there are times when our hearts will be broken over our own sin, the sin of others and the brokenness in the world.
It is a lot easier to talk about change than to do it. From God’s perspective, reform should be something we are constantly open to and ready to embrace in order for our lives to line up with Him.
When we look at the concept of justice, things can get confusing. God has given us a framework to have a good understanding of what He sees as just and right.
Recently, terms like “my truth” and “fake news” have become common. If we aren’t careful, we can slowly begin to think truth is something squishy and more a matter of opinion than objective fact. God wants us to have some rock-solid truth that undergirds our lives.
The book of Ruth is one piece of a much bigger story of God’s redemptive plan to lead us all to Jesus.
In that time and place, Ruth would have been an easy target for exploitative men. She chose to be faithful and not take easy short-cuts, and was blessed because of it.
As a single woman living in a time of lawlessness, Ruth had few options. One choice was to remain in the city with a long list of immoral opportunities for survival. The other choice was to leave the city to struggle in the open country.
Over the next four weeks, we’ll look at the book of Ruth. It begins with a story of disobedience and consequences, and gives us a glimpse of how God prepared the way for Jesus to come.
The story of Jesus began long before He came to earth. There are clues woven throughout Scripture that fully display God’s loving plan. When Jesus defeated death, He did it for all of us in one extraordinary act of love.
When we believe we are on our own, we can justify anything to survive…but God has a different and much better way. When we learn and adopt His way, we begin to change from the inside out.
When we’ve been hurt, abandoned and/or misunderstood, it’s easy to become convinced we are different and that no one is able or willing to understand us.
Some of us grew up with the message that we are inadequate. When we believe this, we are defeated already.
Over time, after we’ve tried to change and failed, we can begin to believe real change is hopeless. Rather than giving up, this can be the opportunity to surrender to God and discover how He is able to transform us from the inside out.
When a computer has bugs or viruses it produces distorted results. Our minds are similar. If we have incorrect or incomplete thoughts, we cannot function or live in a healthy way.
God’s church is called to be an example of what genuine community can be. In addition to the character traits we looked at last week, there are specific actions we believe are mission-critical.
We’re all aware of the critical need for people to live together in peace, harmony, and respect. Jesus not only taught us how to live together, but also offers the ability to do it.
od accepts us as we are, and then begins a process of developing and growing us into the people we can be. Followers have God’s Holy Spirit living within us, so we can become people that reflect Jesus’ character, values and attitude.
The Bible tells us Jesus didn’t come to be served, but to serve. If our purpose is to follow His lead, then serving others is a top priority.
When you discover something that changes your life, it’s natural to want to share the good news with others. At a time when hope is low and frustration is high, Jesus is the answer.
If you want to know what is most important to someone, just look at their bank statement. Generosity is a characteristic of those who genuinely follow Jesus.
Most of us can be described as either independent of others or dependent on them. The truth is, God designed us to thrive when we are interdependent. When we get this right, we, and everyone around us, benefit.
In life, every person has a journey and story to share. Both are filled with experiences and defining moments shaping how a person sees the world. Simply put, a worldview is the lens of a narrative. It brings clarity to our decisions, how we treat and react to others, and the resources we turn to for help. For followers of Jesus, interwoven into each story is an everlasting hope sustainable through life’s darkest moments or toughest circumstances. Why we keep our faith and trust in Him remains the crux of our narratives. God desires all to have an eternal, intimate relationship with Him. He will use our stories to encourage others. At the same time, He grows us closer to Him – changing us to a better reflection of His heart in our thoughts, words and actions. Through His Spirit, He enables us with compassion and empathy for people within our reach and world at large.
Saying yes to Jesus opens doors to community, belonging, love, transformation and impact.
The birth of Jesus was a rescue mission. The world was waiting for God to move in a very big way. He did…but not in the way anyone expected!
Hope and faith in God’s plan can give us strength to do extraordinary things. It was that very same power that helped an innocent teenage girl bravely execute God’s plan.
Regardless of our circumstances, even when they appear bleak, God has good plans and purposes for every one of us.
2020 has been a rough one, leaving many feeling broken and alone. There is an answer for our struggles yesterday, today and tomorrow. His name is Jesus.
We can either allow our circumstances and relationships to determine our perspective, or we can become people that shape the atmosphere around us. Gratitude is contagious!
Gratitude is a mindset that recalibrates our perspective. This isn’t merely the “power of positive thinking.” It’s an attitude that allows us to tap into the presence of God.
Election Day is over, but that doesn’t mean we have resolution. Some of us will be happy and some won’t. At some point, we have to decide to move forward together. As Christians, we have an opportunity and responsibility to do it well.
Political ads, polls and pundits parade throughout the media telling us who to vote for and why. The pressure continues until the moment we make our selection. In this message, we’ll talk about what to look for.
In this message, we’ll look at the unique perspective we have as followers of Jesus, and how God has equipped us to approach our privileges and responsibilities.
We have the perfect opportunity to make choices now that we can implement when the world reopens. There aren’t many opportunities in life to stop, take a breath, and really choose which way to move forward. God’s Word gives us comfort, direction and confidence.
There are pluses and minuses found in limbo. With fewer distractions and a slower pace, it’s a great time to take a good hard look at what really matters. But, we can also easily get complacent about where we focus our attention. Netflix and video games are fun, but not much help in the long run.
Webster defines normal as conforming to a type, standard, or regular pattern: characterized by that which is considered usual, typical, or routine. Normal is comfortable, predictable and safe, but not necessarily the ideal environment for growth. Stepping out of our comfort zone can open a world of new opportunities.
Our mission statement at New Hope is to help ALL people become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. We take that mission very seriously, regardless of age, skin color, gender, culture, political preference and economic standing. We all serve the same God, and Jesus loves us all.
Our identity as Christians is constantly challenged in the world, often with good reason. There are plenty of people who claim to be followers, but don’t appear to be including Jesus in their thoughts, decisions and actions. Let’s talk about what it really means to be Christian in a challenging world.
Our story in the world continues to be written, but there are some definite truths that will always remain. God’s word is trustworthy for providing us with rock-solid guidance and instruction, no matter what our circumstances.
When teenage Yi encounters a young Yeti on the roof of her apartment building in Shanghai, she and her mischievous friends, Jin and Peng, name him "Everest" and embark on an epic quest to reunite the magical creature with his family at the highest point on Earth. Yi discovers that the purpose of the journey was bigger than she imagined. Abominable shows us that sometimes you don’t understand the path you are on until after you’ve traveled it.
After the devastating events of Avengers: Infinity War, the universe is in ruins due to the efforts of the Mad Titan, Thanos. The Avengers and their allies must assemble once more and learn to put differences aside in order to set things right. Along the way, they realize sacrifices must be made as they work together and prepare for the ultimate final showdown with Thanos, which will result in the heroes fighting the biggest battle they’ve ever faced.
Just Mercy is based on the life work of civil rights attorney Bryan Stevenson and his history-making battle for justice. After graduating from Harvard, Stevenson could have had his pick of lucrative jobs, but instead headed to Alabama to defend those wrongly condemned. He becomes embroiled in a labyrinth of legal and political maneuverings, and overt and unabashed racism, as he fights for the rights of many with the system stacked against them.
We’ve spent the past eight weeks looking at promises God offers to everyone who follows Him. These promises have the potential to drastically transform our lives. How we respond to the Giver of the promises determines what we experience.
Hope is always near for followers of Jesus. We were never promised life would be easy, but we are guaranteed a good ending! When our hope is rooted in Jesus, everything we experience will be used by God for His glory and our victory.
God promises we will be rewarded for our faithful choices to trust and obey Him. We will experience that fully in heaven and also taste it in this life, too.
We all mess up at times (selfishness, fear, anger, lust, materialism…you get it). God understands we are going to fail. If we humbly admit our fault and ask His forgiveness, He is ready to give it!
We don’t have to wait for heaven to experience God meeting our needs. He is ready to care for us right here and now.
God is not only fully present and aware of us, He genuinely cares. Like a loving parent, He wants us to come to Him. When we do, He listens and will act in our best interests.
God has claimed His followers as His own. He watches over us, He protects us, and He never sleeps. Once you are His, you are His for all eternity.
When times are uncertain, even scary, it’s natural for us to feel insecure. But the Bible tells us God has a plan for each of us and it is good…whether we’re aware of it or not.
Scripture is very clear. Because Jesus came to rescue us, nothing can separate us from our loving Father. Regardless of our circumstances, we are His children and He treasures us.
We’ll wrap up this series on relationships with a summary of what we have covered, using the story of Rusty’s family – especially how God worked in his Dad’s life.
We are living in unprecedented times. Emotion, frustration and societal tension have reached a tipping point and it’s crucial that we respond well. The Bible is the one truth that can arm us with what we need to move forward in a way that honors God and ALL of His people.
Forgiveness is necessary for healthy relationships. It isn’t easy, but the benefits far outweigh the risks.
Over time, our hurts can cause us to develop ways to cope that seem good, but really don’t deal with the core issues. We can create a semblance of peace, but it’s really covering up instead of clearing up.
It is easier and more fun to blame others when something isn’t right. This isn’t the attitude or behavior that God is looking for.
Conflict is inevitable in any close relationship. What we do with that conflict makes a big difference. We can tend to ignore it or focus completely on it. There is a better way.
For many of us, the last few weeks have been…a struggle. Maybe we have found ourselves suddenly homeschooling. Maybe we are working from home AND homeschooling. Maybe we’ve lost our job or had our hours seriously decreased. Maybe we are home alone and becoming increasingly isolated or, maybe we now have a house that feels a little too full. Whether you or someone you love has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or not, there’s an undercurrent of anxiety that many of us feel helpless to escape. If any of these resonate with you, please carve out some time to watch New Hope’s Mental Health webinar. Dan Dever, New Hope’s Director of Small Groups and Lay Counseling, sat down for a frank discussion with two professional counselors, Dr. William Clark, PhD, LPC and Annie Schleyer, MA, to discuss questions like:
-How do I manage my mental health at home? -How do I help my kids through this time? -Where’s my faith in all this? -How do we deal with conflict during this time?
Our hope and prayer is that this webinar will give you some helpful handles on navigating life and relationships during this pandemic. We realize this probably just scratches the surface. If there are questions that you have about mental health issues during this time, please send us an email at info@newhope.org. We would love to plan a follow-up.
Listening plays a critical role in healthy relationships. It’s the single most important tool we have to learn about the lives and perspectives of others. That’s why we have two ears and only one mouth!
Most of us say we value authenticity. This sounds good until we are called to live it out. Being vulnerable carries risks that can be costly. Hiding behind walls is much safer, but those same walls prevent us from knowing others and being known.
We are created in God’s image and, therefore, designed for close friendship with God and others. We run into problems when we rely on our own desires, demands and resources to make this happen. By surrendering ourselves to God and His design, we can build strong and lasting friendships.
Jesus. People have lots of ideas about Him…good teacher, moral example, social radical, and champion of the outcast. There are elements of truth in these ideas, but none really get to the heart. Jesus is God’s Son who came to show us how much God loves us and wants us to join His family. Easter is the proof!
Join us Saturday evening at 5:30 or Sunday morning at 9 and 11, as we celebrate our risen King! And please invite your family, friends and neighbors to join us, too. You can find us at live.newhope.org and Facebook Live.
God cares for us in many ways. Both by His power and through the body of Christ. We’re all unique creations who together can be a powerful force for good. It’s mission critical that we continually reach out to Him in prayer - as a team and on our own.
If there’s one thing we’re really good at, especially as Americans, it’s complaining when things don’t go our way. Seeing the world through another set of eyes and experiences can be life-altering. It’s a great way to level set our own expectations. Perspective is key!
Success is a very subjective thing. Together, we could easily make a long list of attributes and possessions that are evident in a “successful” person. Learning the difference between what’s temporary and what really matters in God’s eyes is crucial for us.
Pride can be a good thing, but it can also be very dangerous when we allow it to control our lives with judgment and selfishness. Approaching God in faith and humility will help cure worldliness in us.
Words really matter. We can ask forgiveness for the hurtful things we say, but we can never take them back. At the same time, we can choose to speak love and life into people and circumstances. We have to make it a habit to think before we speak.
God hates prejudice and His love knows no partiality. Quite the opposite is true. God rejoices in our uniqueness – He created us that way! We are to love others with the same appreciation and goodness that God loves us.
You can’t just read a how-to guide to fix a problem. You have to follow the steps and put in the work. The same is very true for our Spiritual lives. Don’t just read the Bible – do what it says. Staying humble and focusing on God can help temper our anger and other character struggles.
Temptation is something we all face and many of us struggle with in one form or another. There are deliberate steps we can take to help ourselves and others. As our faith is strengthened by endurance, we gain the self-control to remain strong.
Trouble will be part of our lives until history wraps up or we die. James’ letter gives us the tools we need to find joy, rather than being derailed by trouble each and every time it arrives.
The early followers of Jesus faced trouble, persecution and suffering. This letter contains truths that strengthened and sustained them. While times are very different, these very same truths can speak to us today!
We are on an epic journey – one that requires endurance, strength and integrity. Even Jesus (who was perfect) knew He needed to surround himself with a team of committed followers to fulfill His purpose. Being connected with others who are heading in the same direction is a powerful resource in making lasting positive changes.
Some of us grew up experiencing prayer in a more formal, ritualistic way. The truth is, God wants us to stay in regular communication with Him, and that means talking to Him as you would a trusted family member or friend. Jesus gave us an example of how to pray that was meant to help us grow into a more personal dialogue with the One who loves us the most.
Positive and lasting change can only come from a position of honesty with ourselves and others. Sometimes letting go of unrealistic and even harmful facades can leave us open to new beginnings. Jesus said “the truth will set us free,” and the Bible has every tool we’ll ever need.
If we sit and rest on our mistakes, we will surely fail. Instead, if we choose to learn and grow, we can find our way to a path that leads to success. All it takes is some humility, repentance, and possibly facing some hard truths.
Living in the past is a dangerous trap. Learning from our mistakes and experiences is important, but we are not meant to stay there indefinitely. Jesus invites us to off-load our guilt and shame to discover real freedom.
All too often we try to gain control of things in our life that we shouldn’t and ignore the areas we should. When we discover the secret of letting go of the right things we can find peace and freedom.
Perspective is a powerful thing. It can help us maintain a positive focus in a healthy direction or send us into a pit of anger and bitterness. Many of us have a vault of resentment that needs to be cleaned out!
Most of us are busy. While being busy isn’t a problem, staying focused on what’s truly important often can be. Christmas is the perfect time to reset our priorities.
Too often we enter Christmas with unrealistic expectations that can set us up for disappointment. This not only places undo pressure on us, but it inevitably bleeds over into our relationships with others.
Every year on this weekend after Thanksgiving, we take some time to share our stories of gratitude from the past 12 months. It’s really amazing to hear how God is working in the lives of our church family. We’ll finish by sharing the Lord’s Supper together, as we prepare to head into the Christmas season. We can’t think of a better way to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus...
Our time together at church is very important. It’s where we recharge our batteries and reaffirm our mission. Jesus has special purposes that He wants to devote our lives to accomplish together.
Our relationship with Jesus includes being part of His family, the church. And because we’re all created with different strengths, together we make up a really powerful team.
In many cases, the term ‘religion’ has taken on a negative connotation, sometimes even politically charged. Jesus doesn’t invite us into a religion. What He really wants from us is a personal relationship with him.
There will always be problems, pressure, pain, loss and uncertainty around us. God’s answer is not merely to change our circumstances, but to change us from the inside out. When that begins to happen we have the resources to thrive no matter what we face.
Trusting God and experiencing the peace and joy He offers is not a matter of ignoring reality or being oblivious to what’s really going on. By adopting a new perspective that is rooted in genuine trust in God, we can experience life free from the grip of fear, worry, anxiety and stress.
There’s an old saying that admitting something is half the battle. There’s a lot of truth to that, because often times the hardest thing to do is take a long, hard look in the mirror and face our brokenness. Our stubborn pride often gets the best of us, but once we find that place of humility, God is ready and waiting to help.
There are no lack of sources for stress, pressure and anxiety in our lives. It can be easy to dismiss them as ‘normal’ life challenges, but the truth is their impact can be detrimental to us in many ways. To live healthy lives, we need to learn to recognize them for what they are. The Bible provides many examples of people facing the same difficulties.
Like any journey, it begins with taking deliberate steps in the right direction. Let’s figure out what that looks like and how we can all move forward as good neighbors.
Let’s be honest - loving our neighbor means addressing our self-centeredness, biases and prejudices. Taking this kind of look in the mirror isn’t easy but it is necessary.
Jesus was asked this question one day and the answer He gave has inspired and infuriated people ever since! Today this is still a hot button issue.
Wonder Park tells the story of a magnificent amusement park where the imagination of a wildly creative girl named June comes alive. But tragedy soon strikes when her mom gets sick and enters the hospital, forcing dad to raise June alone. Sad and depressed, June puts her Wonder Land toys in boxes and vows never to play with them again. Threatened by darkness, June has to dig deep and fight to find her joy again.
This is the story of an African American teenage girl growing up in a black community while attending a predominantly white private school. Through her story, we have no choice but to face the difficult truths of some of the ugliest injustices in our country. But that is only part of the power of this film. The real beauty is in the awareness and discussion that comes as a result of this glimpse into a world many of us have never experienced.
The Mission Impossible series has always pushed the limit on real life stunts. In the sixth film in the series, the real hero is the story it tells. It portrays a group of terrorists determined to take control, regardless of the loss of millions of lives. In his efforts to save the world, the only life the protagonist is willing to sacrifice is his own, and at any cost. This sounds very much like the Hero who came to save us all…Jesus.
God never intended us to spend our lives in isolation, but to live in community. God’s nature is relational, and He charged us with the important mission to work together to accomplish his work on earth. When we combine our gifts and talents for the greater good, we’re able to make a huge difference in our community and in our world.
When we choose to put our confidence in Jesus, we gain faith that will help us navigate difficult, even dangerous, situations in life. God has a plan for all of us, and we can believe that He can and will deliver on all of His promises.
Doing the right thing can be tough. From the big decisions in life to the everyday details, we can often find ourselves weighing the benefits of the available choices. If we’re not careful, we can find ourselves negotiating between right and wrong. The truth is, doing the right thing is always the best thing, and often ends up being the easy thing in the long run.
Sacrifice means giving up something that is valuable or important in order to help others. In our ‘me-centric’ culture, it is a virtue that seems all but forgotten. As Christ-followers, we can never forget the ultimate sacrifice made by Jesus on our behalf.
One of the most important instructions Jesus left for us is to love each other like He loves us. That doesn’t mean we’ll be best friends with everyone we meet, but it does mean that every person we encounter deserves kindness, compassion and respect – with both our words and our actions.
Courage and bravery are words we commonly assign to heroes - certainly more so than we might to just ‘regular people’ like you and me. The truth is, we’re all equipped to act courageously every day. It simply means showing bravery in the face of fear; doing what’s right, even when no one else is; never giving up on good; and following the directions God gives us.
A critical part of following God’s plan for our lives is learning to keep our eyes focused on Him, even when our own plans seem more appealing. Practicing good self-control teaches us to rely on God, rather than ourselves. After all, He is the author of the past, present and future.
We all have gifts and talents given to us by God. In fact, each of us was uniquely created to fill a role designed specifically for us. When we learn to combine our gifts and work together, we can accomplish amazing things for Him.
Being a man is tough. But what does it look like to be a man of God? To be a provider, a mentor, a husband, a father, a friend, a leader? In this message, we will challenge men to stand up as the leaders God is calling them to be as we explore what it looks like to be a modern man in a relationship with Jesus. Are you up for the challenge?
Pretending that things were/are better than they are isn’t good. Neither is holding onto failure, hurt and disappointment. There is a healthy way to acknowledge brokenness while finding a way forward to a healthy future.
The longer we know others, the more we learn. Along the way we gather data about them we can use to justify our defensiveness, anger and worse. This can create a filter of dissatisfaction that skews our view and can harm our relationships. It’s time to stop keeping score.
Research and life experience tell us that family problems are made significantly worse by poor and unhealthy communication. In some cases it’s a lack of talking, while in others it’s only a one-way transmission. The good news is we can learn new habits to help us tune into the same frequency.
Ignoring, hiding or pretending that a problem doesn’t exist doesn’t change the reality of it. In fact, it makes it worse. There are elephants in our homes that have been around so long they’ve become like a member of the family. But elephants aren’t good in our homes. They trample all over things, they make a mess, and they smell bad.
I believe the church is outdated, like an old institution that is no longer needed. And what about all the corruption I see in the headlines? Plus, the rules, rituals and traditions are just too much. There is no value to me with organized religion and I prefer to worship on my own.
I’m so weary of feeling like I’m nothing more than a religious agenda; an argument to win, a point to make, a cause to defend, a soul to save. I’m the one searching for a place where I can be known and belong; a place where it feels like God lives. I need you to stop preaching at me, and fighting me, and judging me, and sin-diagnosing me. I need the real love only Jesus can give and be part of community God desires.
Jesus was proactive in His ministry. He never stopped reaching out to people or encouraging His followers to reach out to people – ALL people. Even after His final day that ended on the cross, He continued to encourage, instruct and pursue us. That is as true today as it was over 2000 years ago. He sees you right where you are and wants to meet you there. And He asks us to view others through those same eyes.
Most of us have felt some level of political dissatisfaction at some point in our lives. It can be so frustrating when we don’t feel heard, or worse, when political power is abused. Jesus didn’t work to overthrow the government or establish a new one. He spoke truth to the powerful even as they ignored justice.
The Bible tells us all sin is judged equally. If that’s true, why is it easier for us to forgive some people more than others? And why is it so hard for us to do the right thing at times? Jesus was criticized for hanging out with some notorious “sinners,” but the fact is, many were open to Him in ways the “non-sinners” weren’t.
We don’t have to physically be alone to feel isolated. Many have mastered the art of hiding in plain sight. It’s easy because we can use things like social media to portray our lives as perfect. Our inability to measure up to the fantasy can leave us feeling empty and worthless. Jesus shows us we are all valued in God’s eyes.
Our lives are full of first-world problems, and the terms people use to describe our American culture aren’t always positive. Words like arrogant, entitled, and self-centered are just an example. We might react poorly when our designer coffee isn’t made correctly, but Jesus sees the true condition of our hearts. While He neither caters to us nor denounces us, He meets us where we are with compassion.
Those that truly know God’s love, mercy, forgiveness and hope are blessed when they actively pursue Christ and work to persuade others to come to Him, too.
This weekend we’ll celebrate baptism in all of our services. Why is baptism so important? Because it signifies our inclusion in God’s family. Baptism declares our faith, shares in Christ’s burial and Resurrection, symbolizes our death to our old life and announces our new life in Christ. It publicly announces to the world, “I am not ashamed to be a part of God’s family.” Jesus commanded this beautiful act for all of us. Please join us to hear the powerful stories of those who decided that now is the perfect time to take this next important step in their faith journey.
Once we acknowledge our need for the forgiveness and restoration that God offers, we are ready to grow and become living proof of what can only be found in Him.
The first step to the happiness God offers is to recognize that we are spiritually bankrupt and in desperate need of His help.
When we truly begin to understand who God is, we find there is no room for arrogance. Being genuinely brokenhearted over our sin against God and others, sets the stage for healing.
The Bible doesn’t tell us to try – it tells us to trust. When life gets hard, the best defense is a good offense. God has given us resources that will help us succeed. These include the Holy Spirit, the Bible and the Church.
Our actions show what we are made of and where our loyalty really lies. We can learn to be intentional with our choices, which over time can positively affect our behavior and impact on others.
Words are powerful and can accomplish good or do great harm. By harnessing the power of our words, we can have a positive impact both on our lives and those around us.
Our internal dialogue has tremendous influence on our mindset and how we react to life. Ultimately, what we think determines what we do. Getting a handle on this is our first priority in declaring war.
We will never know true peace when there are things we need to reconcile with other people. God can help us make things right with others, so that peace has a chance to flourish.
Life can be stressful on many levels and the holidays can really ramp things up. God has the ability to give us peace and calm even in the most trying circumstances.
When it comes to finding peace, there are no quick fixes. There is “faux” peace that is no peace at all. God gives us the tools to have real peace without sacrificing truth.
Our relationships with others can play a big part in how much peace we experience in life. God offers us something that can create harmony and community instead of division and hostility.
This weekend we’ll celebrate baptism in all of our services. Why is baptism so important? Because it signifies our inclusion in God’s family. Baptism declares our faith, shares in Christ’s burial and Resurrection, symbolizes our death to our old life and announces our new life in Christ. It publicly announces to the world, “I am not ashamed to be a part of God’s family.” Jesus commanded this beautiful act for all of us. Please join us to hear the powerful stories of those who decided that now is the perfect time to take this next important step in their faith journey.
This week we will cover some key principles for understanding the Bible and learning how to apply it to our lives.
Like any writing that calls for obedience, the Bible should have evidence that indicates it is trustworthy. We will primarily focus on the New Testament in this message.
Together we will look at how the Bible came to be. We’ll also look at some key events in the history of the transmission of the Bible, so we can see God’s supernatural hand in the process.
Discouragement robs us of our potential. When we choose to pursue our calling, regardless of obstacles and hardship, we discover the life we were meant to live.
God designed us to live in close community with others, so that we can mutually support, encourage and challenge each other.
Each of us have been entrusted with abilities, resources and experiences that God wants us to use to help others. When we do that with a free heart, we discover the joy of being partners with God.
The first step to having a full and full-filled life as a follower of Jesus is to be all in. Dabbling at faith only leads to frustration.
This weekend we’ll celebrate baptism in all of our services. Why is baptism so important? Because it signifies our inclusion in God’s family. Baptism declares our faith, shares in Christ’s burial and Resurrection, symbolizes our death to our old life and announces our new life in Christ. It publicly announces to the world, “I am not ashamed to be a part of God’s family.” Jesus commanded this beautiful act for all of us. Please join us to hear the powerful stories of those who decided that now is the perfect time to take this next important step in their faith journey.
Most of us have felt the heartbreak of seeing footage and photos of our nation’s refuge crisis. Politics aside, this speaks to a much greater problem in our world. Globally, poverty and injustice run rampant. How do we, as Christians and individuals, step into this global need with hope to make a difference?
This past year has brought an explosion of awareness to the problem of sexual harassment in our society. We’ve watched the ‘mighty’ fall in Hollywood and the political sphere. We’ve seen it in churches, too. At the very core of this problem is an issue of respect – or lack thereof.
Depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns have become part of the daily fabric of our lives. The number of suicides reported in the U.S. has skyrocketed – especially among our youth. Erasing the stigma of these struggles might just be key to learning how to step alongside the hurting and find them real help. Open, honest discussion is the first step for us all.
Wonder tells the inspiring and heartwarming story of August Pullman. Born with facial differences that, up until now, have prevented him from going to a mainstream school, Auggie becomes the most unlikely of heroes when he enters the local fifth grade, as his family, his new classmates, and the larger community all struggle to find their compassion and acceptance, Auggie's extraordinary journey will unite them all and prove you can't blend in when you were born to stand out. We’ll look at how we all deal with grief and loss differently, and how God comes along side and supports us through it.
During the early days of World War II, with the fall of France imminent, Britain faces its darkest hour as the threat of invasion looms. As the seemingly unstoppable Nazi forces advance, and with the Allied army cornered on the beaches of Dunkirk, the fate of Western Europe hangs on the leadership of the newly-appointed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill. While maneuvering his political rivals, he must confront the ultimate choice: negotiate with Hitler and save the British people at a terrible cost or rally the nation and fight on against incredible odds. This is an incredible example of the power of friendship, perseverance and faith.
Black Panther follows T'Challa, who returns home to the isolated, technologically advanced African nation of Wakanda to take his place as King. However, his mettle as King and Black Panther is tested when he is drawn into a conflict that puts the entire fate of Wakanda and the world at risk. Through this exploration of danger and bitterness, we’ll learn the transformative power of justice, honor and forgiveness.
We all like feeling accepted, confident and successful. Life is hard and knowing that we’re doing things right and admired by our peers feels good. We can get into trouble, though, when feeling cool leads to arrogance. God wants us to stay humble and put others first.
Even anger is a gift from God. Healthy anger can help us identify injustice and even motivate us to initiate change. Unhealthy anger can be harmful to ourselves and others. God wants us to focus our anger on the sin in our lives, while allowing Him to help us find peace.
Praise is an emotional response to things we’re passionate about. It’s natural to feel that way about people we admire, accomplishments we achieve, and even possessions we acquire. The Bible teaches us how to prioritize the things we treasure - especially in relation to our Savior who deserves the best of our praise.
God doesn’t want us to live dull lives. Every day we’re presented with opportunities that shape our perspective. How we choose to respond to those opportunities is our choice. Living with enthusiasm is available to all of us.
Understanding love is key to having a successful and fulfilling life. Unfortunately, the feeling of love isn’t enough to sustain us. True love has an emotional component but is so much more!
Laughter is good for us. It’s usually associated with joy, and often times involves sharing that joy with others. There are studies that show various health benefits occur when we laugh, due to chemicals and endorphins released into our bloodstream. We need to keep in mind that our laughter should never be used in hurtful or harmful situations.
We all feel sad at times. It’s a normal response to the difficulties of life. Even Jesus experienced moments of great sadness. The important thing for us to remember is that Jesus understands how we’re feeling and is ready to comfort us when we turn to Him in prayer.
So much of what we do is in the pursuit of feeling happy. We need to be careful, however, that our efforts to feel good don’t distract us, leaving us lost along the way.
This weekend we’ll celebrate baptism in all of our services. Why is baptism so important? Because it signifies our inclusion in God’s family. Baptism declares our faith, shares in Christ’s burial and Resurrection, symbolizes our death to our old life and announces our new life in Christ. It publicly announces to the world, “I am not ashamed to be a part of God’s family.” Jesus commanded this beautiful act for all of us. Please join us to hear the powerful stories of those who decided that now is the perfect time to take this next important step in their faith journey.
Summertime is finally here! Bring on the warmer weather and longer daylight. Some of us have big plans for vacation and travel. Others are looking forward to doing things closer to home. What we all have in common is being surrounded by opportunities unique to summer that can make a huge difference in our lives and those in our circle of influence. Come join us as we look at simple ways we can all make the most of our summer.
Bees play a big role beyond their own colony. When bees pollenate, the benefits are vast. Staying true to their purpose allows countless plants to grow and thrive, which benefits us all. A thriving community can be infectious in the same way. There are ripple effects that make our world a better place for everyone.
Every colony relies on a queen for survival. The church is absolutely dependent on Jesus for our life, unity and direction.
We are created by God to be involved in meaningful activity that benefits ourselves and others. Discovering what God has planned for me to be and do, will lead to success.
Family – we were created to belong with others. Whether it’s our biological family or close network of friends, having healthy relationships is essential - like a healthy bee colony.
There is power in numbers. When we join together as brothers and sisters, united by our faith in God, we can and will make a huge difference in the world. He hears our prayers and answers them when we earnestly seek His will.
We’ve all heard the phrase, “There’s no ‘I’ in team.” The truth is, there are on God’s team. We’re all unique creations, individually designed to serve him in ways we alone can. But, we’re only effective when we humbly team together and encourage each other.
God wants us to join His team. Not because He needs our help, but because He loves us and wants us to partner with Him. In fact, you don’t even have to try out. As believers, we’re already on the roster.
The Easter story is a roller coaster of emotional highs and lows. Those who followed Jesus during that time knew He was the only hope of the world. When He died, they experienced a crushing feeling of loss and discouragement, because they weren’t privy to the rest of God’s plan. The same is true for us today. How do we maintain faith and hope when it sometimes feels like all hope is lost?
Anxiety is a word we seem to hear with growing urgency. Our fast-paced world is overwrought with the pressures of social media, family and relational difficulties, a contentious political climate, and distressing reports on the evening news. It’s easy to understand how a growing segment of our population lives in a constant state of anxiousness and worry. This feeling isn’t unknown to Jesus. Together, we’ll look at how He leaned on God to lead Him through an unfathomable series of events.
Pride is dangerous and epidemic. By definition, it means to have a very high opinion of one’s importance, merit or superiority. We have an enemy that consistently reminds us to feed our own egos. Scripture tells us time and again that humility, obedience and putting the needs of others above ourselves are the character traits that God is most interested in.
As followers of Jesus, we are promised the blessing of eternity in heaven, but that in no way guarantees our lives will be pain and trouble free. In fact, a life led by faith in God almost guarantees an uphill battle. When the fight feels hard, cynicism and bitterness can easily take root if we don’t follow God’s lead to resist and replace them!
Unhealthy fear can be paralyzing, robbing us of our ability to think and act rationally. Fear can also lead us into a survival mode that feeds off of self-preservation rather than life-giving faith. The Bible gives us many examples of how keeping our focus on Jesus can give us unlimited peace, strength and courage.
There are two basic kinds of anger. The first is righteous anger that condemns injustice. Jesus was no stranger to this. The second is self-righteous anger that stems from an array of sinful behaviors involving arrogance, pride, judgment and more. We can’t control all situations, but with God’s help we can control how we react to them, and how we treat people in the process.
This weekend we’ll celebrate baptism in all of our services. Why is baptism so important? Because it signifies our inclusion in God’s family. Baptism declares our faith, shares in Christ’s burial and Resurrection, symbolizes our death to our old life and announces our new life in Christ. It publicly announces to the world, “I am not ashamed to be a part of God’s family.” Jesus commanded this beautiful act for all of us. Please join us to hear the powerful stories of those who decided that now is the perfect time to take this next important step in their faith journey.
While our time on Earth might not always be easy, we have a great promise and a hope that cannot be taken from us.
None of us have it all together. Even the wisest and most mature get out of line and need correction. The Bible shows us where we are wrong, and then how to get back on the right track.
We are surrounded by a wide variety of options when it comes to direction in our life. The Bible is God’s manual to give us wise and clear direction, so that we don’t find ourselves lost and off track.
God doesn’t want us to merely survive, but to be active and strong as we face life head-on. The Bible shows us how to grow strong and to persevere with courage.
According to the Guinness World Record, the Bible is the most printed and distributed book in history, at approximately five billion. While this is good, what’s even more important is the amount of truth within its pages that can impact our lives.
Few people in history have sparked a movement like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His call to end racial injustice has been a light in the darkness. His message was all the more powerful because it was rooted in Biblical truth and his faith in Jesus as his Lord and Savior. As a society, we’ve come a long way, but we still have much work to do. Our church-wide study late last year gave many of us a greater awareness, but we need to be intentional about keeping the conversation going in our church, homes, and community.
Happy New Year! For many of us, it’s time to consider the many ways we can be, do and look different than we did the year before. We resolve to make sweeping changes and proclaim them as New Year’s Resolutions. While self-improvement is almost always an admirable goal, it’s worth the time and energy to identify who we’re improving for. What if we looked at resolutions through God’s eyes? Our choices might just bring us closer to Him, and instead of reSolution, we could find ourselves in the midst of a reVolution.