New Hope Community Church HNL: Recent Episodes
New Hope Community Church
Gospel-centered, Bible-based, and relationship-focused harvesting church that is passionate about making disciples who love God, one another and our community. We exist to live for the glory of God by loving Jesus, making disciples and serving our community. We offer two Sunday services at 7:30am and 9:30am at located at Aina Haina Elementary School (801 W. Hind Dr. Honolulu, 96821).
In Luke 8:4-15, Jesus shares the parable of the sower, illustrating the various conditions of the heart that receive the seed of God's Word. As we navigate this scripture, we'll unravel the secrets to transforming our hearts into rich, fertile soil ready to receive and bear the fruit of God's truth.
"Press On In 2024" is not just a sermon; it's a roadmap for the year ahead. Whether you're seeking renewal, direction, or a fresh perspective on your journey of faith, this message is tailored to inspire and equip you for the exciting adventure that awaits in the coming year.
Ever wonder how to experience true peace in the midst of life's chaos? Join us in our Advent sermon, "Prince of Peace," as we explore this age-old question. In a world filled with uncertainty, stress, and unrest, discover the transformative power of meeting the Prince of Peace—a timeless presence offering serenity in the storm.
Immerse yourself in the profound message of Emmanuel—God with us—as we explore the timeless words of scripture. In a world often filled with uncertainty and chaos, this sermon is designed to inspire and uplift, reminding us that in every season of life, Jesus is our constant companion.Matthew 1:20-25 unveils the beautiful narrative of the angelic visitation to Joseph, revealing the divine plan that would change the course of history. Through this scripture, we unravel the significance of Jesus being Emmanuel, the tangible expression of God's love and presence among us.
The Christmas season is the most wonderful time of the year yet sometimes it can bring unnecessary stress, weariness, and busyness. Join us as we unpack how the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace can bring rest to our souls this holiday season.
Ever wondered how to truly love your neighbor as yourself? Join us on a transformative journey with this powerful sermon, inspired by Luke 10:25-37! Whether you're seeking personal growth, striving to strengthen your community bonds, or simply curious about the timeless teachings of Luke 10, this sermon is for you! Join our community of seekers as we embark on a journey toward a world enriched by the transformative power of love.
How can you love God with all your strength? In this powerful sermon, titled "Love God with All Your Strength," we unravel the mysteries of the heart and explore the boundless strength that love can provide. Prepare to be captivated by timeless wisdom and profound insights that will empower you to embrace life's challenges with unwavering faith.
Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring presence of the Almighty in our special sermon, "How Great Is Our God." 🙌🌌Join us on a spiritual journey as we delve into the boundless depths of God's sovereignty and mercy. Through heartfelt personal testimony, witness the transformative power of faith. Discover the unwavering love that knows no bounds and the unmatched strength of a God whose greatness knows no limits. 🌟✨In this soul-stirring sermon, we explore the infinite grace that shapes our lives, weaving together real-life stories that showcase the miraculous touch of God. Through every word spoken and every story shared, you'll be reminded of the unshakable foundation we have in Him.
Ever felt the pull between worldly distractions and your desire to love God thoughtfully? Join us for a powerful sermon, "Love God with All Your Mind," where we delve deep into Mark 12:28-31. Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the secrets of thoughtful devotion. Join us as we explore the battleground of the mind, learning to love God thoughtfully and intentionally. Subscribe, like, and share to embark on this transformative journey together!
Dive into the heart of compassion and discover the profound power of generosity in our latest sermon, "How to Become Generous," based on the insightful verses from Luke 20:45-47 to Luke 21:1-4. Join us on this enlightening spiritual odyssey, where we unravel the timeless wisdom of Luke’s Gospel.
Join us as we unravel the layers of this fundamental commandment, sparking a transformative exploration of faith, devotion, and the essence of our spiritual existence. This sermon isn't just about religious doctrine—it's a thought-provoking exploration that challenges the very core of our beliefs and values.
Dive into a transformative sermon that will touch the depths of your soul! Join us for an inspiring message titled "Love God with All Your Heart" based on Mark 12:28-31. In this powerful sermon, we explore the essence of true love and devotion to God. Discover the profound teachings of Jesus as we learn how to connect with the divine on a profound level. Prepare to be moved, motivated, and uplifted as we explore the core of spirituality and embark on a journey to deepen our relationship with the Almighty. Don't miss this opportunity to nurture your faith and strengthen your spirit. Tune in now and let the love of God illuminate your heart!
Ever find yourself wondering how to navigate the turbulent seas of life with unwavering confidence and resilience? 🌊 In a world that often seems adrift in chaos, it's time to anchor your soul in the unshakable truths of 1 Peter 5:12-14. Join us for a soul-stirring sermon on "Stand Firm in the True Grace of God." 🙏🌟 Discover the High Key Themes:🔹 Unwavering Faith: Explore the power of faith that stands firm in the face of adversity.🔹 Unchanging Love: Delve into the enduring love and grace of our Heavenly Father.🔹 Unshakable Grace: Learn how God's grace sustains us through life's storms.Get ready to be inspired, encouraged, and equipped to stand firm in your faith journey. Don't miss out on this transformative message! Hit that play button and let's embark on a profound spiritual journey together. 💫
Are you facing the relentless prowling of life's challenges, feeling overwhelmed by the adversary's schemes? Join us this Sunday as we delve into 1 Peter 5:8-11 in our sermon, 'The God of All Grace.' Discover how, even in the midst of trials, God extends His unwavering grace, promising to strengthen, establish, and restore us, ultimately bringing glory and dominion forever.
🤔 Are you ready to unlock the extraordinary power of humility? Join us in our latest video sermon, "Cultivating Humility," as we dive into 1 Peter 5:5-7.
In a world that often celebrates self-promotion and pride, have you ever wondered about the true strength found in embracing humility? 🌟 Discover how humility can open doors to peace, purpose, and deeper connections in just a few minutes.
Explore the transformative potential of this essential virtue and embark on a journey to a richer, more meaningful life. Watch now and be inspired! 🙏 #CultivatingHumility #TransformYourLife #SpiritualAwakening
Ever wondered why trials and tribulations seem to strike without warning, leaving us bewildered? If you've pondered these questions, our sermon "This Is Not a Surprise" is for you. We'll dive into 1 Peter 4:12-19 to uncover profound insights.
Introducing "This Is Not a Surprise" – a sermon that delves into the heart of adversity and challenges you to reconsider how you perceive life's hurdles.
Through this spiritually enlightening sermon, we'll uncover a powerful truth: trials are not random disruptions, but rather integral parts of our journey. Guided by the wisdom of Peter's words, we'll discover how trials refine us, fortify our faith, and lead us to a greater purpose.
Are you ready to embrace a life of purpose, unity, and eternal impact? Join us as we delve into the heartfelt words of the Apostle Peter and explore the key themes that urge us to "Serve Like There's No Tomorrow."
Discover the transformative power of selfless service and the incredible blessing of God's grace entrusted to us. Learn how employing your unique gifts for the common good becomes an act of stewardship and transformation.
Explore the beauty of unity that arises from diverse gifts and the harmony of shared purpose. Uncover the ultimate goal of our service—to glorify God. When we humbly serve using our God-given abilities, we become living testimonies to Christ's love, drawing others to the Savior.
Uncertainty is becoming the norm in our fast-changing world. Have you ever pondered what the future has in store? Join us for an illuminating sermon, "Preparing for the End Times," as we delve into 1 Peter 4:7-11.
In this sermon, we'll unearth timeless wisdom to navigate these turbulent times with faith and purpose. From 1 Peter, we'll uncover truths that reveal signs of the times and guide us toward compassionate, meaningful living. Discover practical steps to fortify your spirit, nurture relationships, and make a lasting impact in a seemingly chaotic world. Don't miss this thought-provoking sermon, helping us prepare for the end times and rise above challenges. Remember to like, share, and subscribe for more empowering content that emboldens your faith journey. Join us for a transformative experience!
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How do we acquire peace in these tumultuous times of a global pandemic, political unrest and economic uncertainty? Christ's kingdom of peace is experienced not through powerful conquest but by personal surrender. Discover how the first advent of Prince of Peace brings wholeness in every facet of our lives. Join us online for your worship experience 7:30am & 9:30am. Get connected to our community of faith at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/get-co... Let us carry the burdens of life with you in prayer at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/prayer Worship God with your giving at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/give
Is it possible to have the fullness of joy this advent season? Discover how joy plays a vital role in our anticipation of Jesus' return. Join us online for your worship experience 7:30am & 9:30am. Get connected to our community of faith at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/get-co... Let us carry the burdens of life with you in prayer at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/prayer Worship God with your giving at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/give
We live in an age of tension between the now-and-not-yet. Discover how the advent of waiting in hope is a fruit of genuine faith! Join us online for your worship experience 7:30am & 9:30am. Get connected to our community of faith at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/get-co... Let us carry the burdens of life with you in prayer at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/prayer Worship God with your giving at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/give
God has a great passion and desire for your freedom here on earth! Genuine freedom can be a reality for you through the person of Jesus. Join us online for your worship experience 7:30am & 9:30am Get connected to our community of faith at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/get-connected Let us carry the burdens of life with you in prayer at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/prayer Worship God with your giving at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/give
Have you been having a difficult time finding joy this season? Maybe you have been running on fumes in your joy tank. If it's been a while since you have experienced God's joy please join us and discover how to delight in the Sabbath.. Get connected to our community of faith at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/get-connected Let us carry the burdens of life with you in prayer at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/prayer Worship God with your giving at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/give
How do you find comfort in these times of crisis? Where do you turn in seasons of unrest? Join us for online church as we discover the Lord's comfort in Isaiah 40.
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Join us for online church! Discover how the Suffering Servant's spirituality of descent accomplished God's glory. Get connected to our community of faith at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/get-connected Let us carry the burdens of life with you in prayer at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/prayer Worship God with your giving at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/give
Worship Jesus with us today and discover the pathway of spiritual formation through God's plan of disorientation. Get connected to our community of faith at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/get-co... Let us carry the burdens of life with you in prayer at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/prayer Worship God with your giving at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/give
Join us for online church as we continue our series on the book of Isaiah. Are you able to find rest during immense pressure in this season? Discover how you can trust God when under pressure. Get connected to our community of faith at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/get-connected Let us carry the burdens of life with you in prayer at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/prayer Worship God with your giving at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/give
“SMALL STEPS OF DEVOTION TO JESUS, LEADS TO A CHURCH OF PEOPLE WITH HIGH-QUALITY CHARACTER”
Join us for online church as we start our Stronger Together series. Together, we can thrive in uncertainty, stay hopeful in a world of doubt, confident as fear grips our community, and flourish as one. Get connected to our community of faith at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/get-co... Let us carry the burdens of life with you in prayer at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/prayer Worship God with your giving at http://www.newhopecommunity.tv/give
21 “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ (Matthew 7:13-14; NLT)
1. Faith may start with passion but it will only grow with obedience.
On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ Matthew 7:22 NLT
2. There is no gift or strength that will supply a lack of genuine obedience.
But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the LORD: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams. 1 Samuel 15:22 NLT
But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’ Matthew 7:23 NLT
3. You can’t fake true intimacy
NOW WHAT? 1. SLOW DOWN
2. CHECK MY HEART
Why haven’t you obeyed the LORD? Why did you rush for the plunder and do what was evil in the LORD’s sight?” 1 Samuel 15:19 NLT
Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols. So because you have rejected the command of the LORD, he has rejected you as king.” 1 Samuel 15:23 NLT
3. TAKE ONE STEP
"The fruit of false teachers will ultimately be revealed in their character and teaching."
"Follow the long, difficult, and narrow life of being a disciple (convictional Christian) of Jesus.
“Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure, you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but does not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."
Secret fasting (hunger for God) is a spiritual discipline expected to be practiced by disciples of Jesus.
The importance of the Lord’s prayer is that it empowers us to live victoriously as people in the kingdom of God.
A disciple's devotion is not hypocritical but authentic. Motives of the heart are more important than religious activity.
Jesus' heart is that we would not only love our neighbors. But we are to love our enemies as well.
Instead of an eye for an eye why don't we ... 1. Pursue Servanthood instead of Retaliation and 2. Value Relationships over Possessions
We celebrate God's faithfulness in the class of 2020. Matthew 6:33. Taking ownership of our faith.
Times of crisis expose our idols which are the things and people we love more than God.
"Anger is a natural experience to any genuine relationship. Yet Jesus gets down to the heart of anger and teaches practical ways to deal with anger. Let's not let our anger prevent reconciliation in our relationships."
The influence of a Christ-follower is lived out in preserving righteousness and doing good to our neighbor.
The blessings of the Beatitudes are the promises of the kingdom to those who live a repentant lifestyle of humility.
There is in unexpected blessing when we live under the kingdom of God. The upside down of God’s economy bestows blessing on the poor, meek, humble and lowly.
Whether it's physical wellness, career advancement, emotional health or financial freedom--we all aspire to have growth and maturity. Jesus tells the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree in Luke 13:6-9 and unveils common ingredients where we can experience fruitfulness.
Have you ever said something that you wish you can take back? Whether it's gossip, lying, cursing, slander or keeping a secret--taming the tongue is no easy task. James the half brother of Jesus, describes the tongue as a restless evil full of deadly poison (3:8). Let's turn to James 3:1-12 and discover with God's help how we can manage our mouths.
What is the foundation of the church? When Peter confessed the identity of Jesus as the Christ, he laid the foundation of the church with Jesus as the cornerstone. Let's look through the book of Acts and discover how Jesus builds his church.
We all know we should pray more persistently. But why is there a lack of fervency in our prayer life? Let's learn from the blind beggar in Luke 18 and glean how we can be persistent in prayer.
“The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”
Dieting may change the way you look but fasting changes the way you see. Join us for the first Sunday of the new decade as we launch our 21 Series on Prayer and Fasting!
As we bring the last Sunday of the decade to a close we want to enter the new year with hearts of gratitude. Gratitude is God's grand will for our lives and is a reflection of the health of our souls.
Where is Joy found? It is not found in fame, fortune, or success but in the person and work of Jesus. Jesus gives us joy for the journey in our life. Sometimes the answers to life's greatest problems comes in unexpected places. God's answer to the world's darkness in Isaiah 7-9 is a baby.
The advent of Jesus as peace is not simply the absence of conflict or war. It is shalom of God i.e. the reign of God's kingdom to bring holistic well-being in health, security, salvation, and friendship. To experience the peace of God means to receive the God of peace.
Everything is magnified during Christmas time. Seasons of joy or sadness are intensified during the holidays. As we live in the biblical tension of the "now and not yet", we anticipate the full consummation of God's love when he returns.
We hear from our very own Pastor John Danganan's parents. A kick off to our new series "Making Room"
Are you feeling depleted and low on strength? God is leveling the field to get to you. Isaiah 40 says that God will renew your strength for those who wait on him. This Message is for YOU
Our consumerism culture is one that parades overconsumption and excess in our possessions. In fact, as of December 2014 there are more self-storage facilities in the United States than McDonald's restaurants and Starbucks stores combined. Have we asked ourselves, "How much is enough?" Are there consequences to selfishly hoarding possessions and self indulgent lifestyles? Let's find out from James 5:1-6.
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you?
Faith... Works. This is the message of James. We, in our own strength, cannot stand in the face of adversity. We could never find the strength to trust without faith because we don't have the capability to see above the trials we meet, to keep our eyes focused on the King while counting the situation we are currently experiencing as joy.
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
My brothers and sisters, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory...
You can tell a lot about people and their priorities in how they spend their time. The resurrected Jesus had fifty days on earth to do whatever he wanted to advance his mission. Instead of implementing programs, Jesus chose people. He prioritized relationships instead of numerical results. Discover the connection between Jesus's priority of community in his resurrection.
Trials come in various forms... Whether they are health problems, relational strain, or financial crisis we will inevitably encounter them. Joy is not the usual response to suffering but we're going to find out why we should have pure joy when...
If you really want to get to know someone you have to know their family. James, the half brother of Jesus gives us an insight to the character of Christ: being a servant. Discover what it means to be a servant of Jesus.
Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another. (Mark 9:50)
Galatians 6:1-10 Bear One Another's Burdens 1Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5For each will have to bear his own load.
6Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.9And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
1 Peter 4:8 8Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Sermon Notes: 1. Watch your own heart for unbelief. 2. Be intentional to encourage every day.
- Encouragement discourages sin’s deception.
- Encouragement fortifies endurance.
Hebrews 3:7-14
So, as the Holy Spirit says:
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts
as you did in the rebellion,
during the time of testing in the wilderness,
where your ancestors tested and tried me,
though for forty years they saw what I did.
That is why I was angry with that generation;
I said, ‘Their hearts are always going astray,
and they have not known my ways.’
So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’ ”
See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end.
Join us every first Sunday of the month for communion. The word "communion" is defined as the act of sharing, or holding in common; participation. What is communion in a biblical sense? The word "communion" as translated in the King James Version is the Greek word "koinonia" and it means a partnership, participation or social intercourse, fellowship, communion, communication, distribution, contribution or to communicate. "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 10:16).
14 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a man going on a long trip. He called together his servants and entrusted his money to them while he was gone. 15 He gave five bags of silver to one, two bags of silver to another, and one bag of silver to the last—dividing it in proportion to their abilities. He then left on his trip.
16 “The servant who received the five bags of silver began to invest the money and earned five more. 17 The servant with two bags of silver also went to work and earned two more. 18 But the servant who received the one bag of silver dug a hole in the ground and hid the master’s money.
19 “After a long time their master returned from his trip and called them to give an account of how they had used his money. 20 The servant to whom he had entrusted the five bags of silver came forward with five more and said, ‘Master, you gave me five bags of silver to invest, and I have earned five more.’
21 “The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
22 “The servant who had received the two bags of silver came forward and said, ‘Master, you gave me two bags of silver to invest, and I have earned two more.’
23 “The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’
24 “Then the servant with the one bag of silver came and said, ‘Master, I knew you were a harsh man, harvesting crops you didn’t plant and gathering crops you didn’t cultivate. 25 I was afraid I would lose your money, so I hid it in the earth. Look, here is your money back.’
26 “But the master replied, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! If you knew I harvested crops I didn’t plant and gathered crops I didn’t cultivate, 27 why didn’t you deposit my money in the bank? At least I could have gotten some interest on it.’
28 “Then he ordered, ‘Take the money from this servant, and give it to the one with the ten bags of silver. 29 To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away. 30 Now throw this useless servant into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’
The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Mathew 18:21-35 NIV) 21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him.25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
The teaching ministry of Jesus is described in him speaking often many things in parables (Mark 4:2; Matt 13:3). In fact, about a third of his teaching about the kingdom of God is in the narrative form of parables. If you want to know Jesus and understand the kingdom of God we must come to come to terms and wrestle through the parables. Join us as we connect our stories to the stories of Jesus.
28 “What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’
29 “‘I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.
30 “Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered, ‘I will, sir,’ but he did not go.
31 “Which of the two did what his father wanted?”
“The first,” they answered.
Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. 32 For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him.
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.
-Mathew 13:44-46
We cultivate blessing by obedience. When we do what God tells us, doesn’t mean everything is perfect, but we experience His blessing. He gives, in provision and presence. We block blessing by our pride. We see over and over in the OT, those who were full of pride experienced no blessing. It is the same with our homes. As long as we are prideful, focusing on what everyone else needs to do... we won’t experience blessing. But as we humble ourselves before the Lord, and even before each other in humility and obedience to Christ we experience more of Him in our homes and relationships.
Comparing God’s blessing in the OT, to the NT. In the OT it was in provision, abundance, and protection. Which is still true. But in the NT, when Jesus spoke in Matthew 5 He talks about those who hunger and thirst, who mourn, who are meek... these things that seem negative, they are actually the one who’s blessed. In their brokenness they will see more of God.
So if you feel like your house is falling apart, everything is a mess, relationships are straining... Jesus says you are blessed, because if you are willing, He will meet you right there.
Mt. 21:1-3- Jesus asks His disciples to essentially go steal a donkey.
Obedience isn’t the same as agreement. Obedience shouldn’t be conditional
upon our understanding. Simple obedience marks the true disciple of Jesus
(Jn 3:36) and child of God (1 Jn 5:2). Faith is not static but is active and leads
to obedience (Rom. 1:5). It is the litmus test whether one is a follower of
Jesus or simply a fan.
Water baptism may not be necessary to salvation, but it is essential to be a
disciple of Jesus because it is an expression of repentance and allegiance to
Jesus (Acts 2:37). Associating ourselves to the life, death, burial and
resurrection of Jesus is also how we live in victory over sin (Rom 6:1-14). We
see the trinity in Jesus’ own baptism where the Father declares his approval
of the Son and the Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus.
Going into all the world and proclaiming the gospel is the first step in
making disciples (Maybe this can be a “Missions Sunday” emphasis?) Being
sent out is to live as missional witnesses into our vocation in the marketplace
where we work and in the communities that we live in. Being a faithful
witness (strong work ethic, honoring those in authority, joyful attitude) at
work bridges the credibility gap that many lazy Christians experience. A
Spirit-filled home (Galatians 5) and intentionally loving our neighbors are
keys to going where the people are at.
Jesus, our victorious and resurrected King has been given all authority in
heaven and earth (1 Cor 15:27; Rom 14:9). This is the basis of discipleship.
Christ followers have been commissioned and sent out with spiritual
authority to preach, heal the sick, cast out demons (Matt 10:8). Believers are
to walk out in God confidence in the spiritual authority in Christ.
How should Christ followers respond to verbal and physical persecution for Christ? Jesus teaches us that we are to rejoice and be glad in suffering for righteousness sake and describes us as blessed. Open your bible to Matthew 5:10-12 and let’s study Jesus’ conclusion of his vision of kingdom living in the Beatitudes.
Did you know Jesus talked more about money & earthly possessions than he did about sex, heaven, and hell combined? God knows our hearts and understands how money can divide our dependency away from him to money. Open your bibles to Matthew 6 and let's find out what it means to have a united heart in order to choose heavenly treasure (vv.19-21), generosity (vv. 22-23) and God over money (v.24).
Familiarity does not necessarily mean understanding. We'll look through the familiar parable of the Good Samaritan and come to terms of understanding Jesus' message of compassion and mercy of our neighbor. This parable isn’t defining who your neighbor is. It asks the question: "Are you a neighbor?" It’s not who is my neighbor i.e. who qualifies to be loved-- It’s about am I a neighbor who loves in an unqualified way.
It’s fairly easy to follow Christ’s commands when the balance of the world is swinging in our favor. It’s when the bumps in the road come, the heavy storms, that we seem to waver. Peter saw Jesus walking on the water, so he got out of the boat to go to him. But he got distracted. Let's learn from the example of Peter to keep our eyes on Jesus.
Series: Amazed
Title: "From Follower to Leader"
Text: Acts 7:20-34
What is the process that God uses to mold our heart so that we can serve him? We are going to look at the life of Moses and see the hand of God transform the Prince of Egypt to the Shepherd of Midian to the Servant of Israel.
Series: Amazed
Title: Total Amputation
Text: Matthew 18:8-9
Jesus takes drastic measures when it comes to sin. He doesn’t recommend a self-help book or program. He wants total amputation of the things that are causing us to seek pleasure away from Him.