Hosanna Christian Fellowship: Recent Episodes

Pastor Nathan Hamre

Welcome to Hosanna Christian Fellowship's podcast! Join us in knowing the truth, living the truth, and sharing the truth as Pastor Nathan teaches through the Bible verse by verse.

New episodes are released every week on Monday.

When the fires of life rage, who do you turn to for relief?

Despite his objections, Moses followed the calling of God and went before the most powerful man in Egypt to command him to free the children of Israel--God's people--from bondage. But Pharoah not only refused to release the Hebrews, he placed more burdens on them. Faced with greater hardships, who will God's people turn to for help?

This week we continue reading Exodus 5 and see the leaders of Israel plead for relief from their burdens to the one who placed the burdens on them in the first place. We'll learn how this response showed their deeper identity problems, and we'll examine our own lives to discover whether we're turning to our own strongholds to save us, or to the only Savior, Jesus Christ.

Who is the Lord to you?

After God revealed His plan to Moses to bring the Hebrew people out of their bondage and toil in Egypt, and after Moses and Aaron met with the elders of the Hebrews and they worshipped God together for the work that God hadn't done yet, it was finally time for Moses and Aaron to go before Pharoah and make the request that would change the course of history for the people of God.

This week we begin reading Exodus 5 and see Moses and Aaron come before Pharoah and ask him to let the Hebrews go to worship the Lord. We'll read how Moses and the Hebrews faced immediate opposition from Pharoah and take a deep look at Pharoah's first question to Moses. And together we will learn how everyone throughout history will eventually have to answer the question: Who is the Lord that you should obey Him?

How do you live after an encounter with the Living God?

Moses had a personal encounter with the living God as God sent Moses to lead the children of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. But when Moses comes down from the mountain, away from the glow of the burning bush, and back into his everyday life with his work and family responsibilities, how will Moses find a balance between his personal responsibilities and his call of ministry?

This week we finish reading Exodus 4 and see Moses take his first steps of obedience to follow God's call. We'll study both the good ways he honored his father-in-law, and the way God dealt with the compromise in Moses' family life. Then we'll read the reunion of Moses and Aaron and learn how the story of Exodus continues to be a foreshadow of the salvation that is found in Jesus Christ.

What's your excuse?

God showed up to Moses in a miraculous way, and placed a call on Moses's life to be God's representative to free the children of Israel from their bondage in Egypt. But Moses's objections before the burning bush are closer to excuses than actual questions of clarification.

This week we continue reading Exodus 3-4 and look at Moses's three final objections to God's call. We'll study God's patient response to each objection until Moses's final excuse reveals the truth of his heart. Then we'll examine our own hearts to see what kind of excuses we make to God in our own lives

Do you feel like you're in over your head?

Decades after Moses tried and failed to help his people in slavery, God appeared to Moses in a miraculous way, as a flame within a bush that was not consumed. In this encounter, God revealed to Moses that He had heard the cry of Israel and had come down to deliver them. But how will Moses respond to the news that God is sending him to bring the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt?

This week we continue reading Exodus 3 and see Moses's reaction to the call of God on his life. We'll look at the differences between true and false humility and we'll study the significance of God's statement: I AM THAT I AM. Together we'll look at what that meant for Moses as God sent him to Pharoah, and what it means for us today when God calls us to join Him in the work of the gospel in our own families and communities.

Do you ever feel stuck in an ordinary life?

For 40 years, Moses lived in obscurity, as a husband and father and shepherd in the desert of Midian. But God wasn't done with Moses, and He hadn't forgotten the cry of His people in bondage in Egypt. So one ordinary day, God showed up in Moses's life in an extraordinary way.

This week we begin reading Exodus 3 and see God appear to Moses in the Burning Bush. We'll look at the significance of the bush that was on fire but was not consumed, and why Moses had to take off his sandals on that holy ground. And we'll learn how Moses is an example to us of how we are to respond when our extraordinary God meets us in the midst of our ordinary lives.

Don't discount the little things.

As time goes on statistics are proving again and again the important role that a father plays within his family and within society. And it's a role that has come under attack again and again. This Father's Day we take a break from Exodus to give an encouraging word to fathers. We'll read from Proverbs to see how our Father in heaven is our example of how to be fathers to our children and we'll look at how all the small moments with our children can have a huge impact on their lives as we example for them how to live godly lives.

Time in the wilderness isn't wasted.

Having found salvation from death and slavery by the faith of his parents, Moses grew up in the highest positions in Egypt, learning all the knowledge and wisdom of the earthly kingdom. But when Moses sets out to help his fellow Hebrews in his own wisdom and understanding, he finds himself facing scorn from his people and death threats from the pharaoh.

This week we continue in Exodus 2 and read of the circumstances that led Moses to flee Egypt. We'll examine the risk of moving ahead of God's timing even with our own good intentions and see how God uses our times in the wilderness places of life to mold us into the men and women of character who will follow God in faith.

God is still working when every decision we make is a hard one.

As the Hebrew population grew in Egypt, the pharaoh enslaved the children of Israel to keep them from rising up and joining Egypt's enemies. But despite their toils, the population continued to grow. And when subterfuge failed to kill the Hebrew's baby boys, the pharaoh finally made an outright decree to throw every baby boy born to the slaves into the Nile River.

This week we begin Exodus 2 and read of the lengths Moses's parents went to in order to save his life from the pharaoh's decree. We'll look at the circumstances that led to the famous story of the baby in a basket in the Nile River and study ahead to see how the circumstances of Moses's life point ahead to a greater Deliverer, our Savior Jesus Christ.

Are the pressures of life getting the best of you?

Jacob's family numbered 70 people when they settled in the land of Goshen in Egypt. Though Jacob and his sons all died in Goshen, God blessed the children of Israel and caused them to grow and multiply in Egypt. Times were good until a pharaoh came to power who did not know of Joseph or Jacob, and feared the growing population of the Hebrews.

This week we finish Exodus 1 and read what happened when the Egyptians enslaved the children of Israel. We'll see how God continued to bless his people in the midst of their oppression and how he specifically blessed those individuals who feared him more than they feared pharaoh. And we'll learn how God still uses the pressures of life to draw us closer to him today.

Hosanna turned 50!

Come celebrate 50 years of ministry at Hosanna Christian Fellowship. This week we look back on the work that the Lord has done through the eyes of pastors and leaders who have served in the church and in the community. Come take a walk with us down memory lane, as we praise the Lord for what He has done in the last 50 years and look forward to what He will do in the next 50!

The story of salvation continues!

Genesis ended with Jacob's family moving to Egypt to escape the famine in the land of Canaan. And Exodus begins without skipping a beat, picking up right where Genesis left off. Though they have different names, these books are not two separate stories but one continuous story of God's salvation for the whole world!

This week we begin our study of the book of Exodus with an overview of what the book is all about. We'll look at how Exodus is a continuation of Genesis, as God fulfills the promises He made in Genesis. And we'll look forward to how the stories of Exodus connect to the New Testament and the promises God fulfilled to us through Jesus Christ

It's all about Jesus! Genesis is the book of beginnings. It teaches us the origin of the universe, of men and women, of societies and governments, of sin and evil, and the very first mention of the good news of the gospel. God established His plan of salvation before the universe was formed, and all of it revolved around the prophesied Messiah, Jesus! This week we take a step back and look at an overview of the whole book of Genesis to see what the book of beginnings tells us of the coming Messiah who would overcome sin and death and lead us into eternal life. And we'll look at how we should respond in the light of so great a salvation!

Are you ready to die?

Since death entered creation at the fall of man in Genesis 3, men and women of faith have had to wrestle with how to live by faith in the light of death. As Jacob came to the end of his life, after he blesses his sons, he makes one final request to be buried with his fathers in the land God promised to his fathers and his children. But what will Jacob's death mean for Joseph and his brothers in light of their past? And what legacy of faith will Joseph leave at the end of his own life?

This week we finish our journey through the book of Genesis, and read through the account of the end of life for Jacob and Joseph. We'll see the legacy of faith that both men left behind them in light of their own deaths, and learn how death is not the end for the people who place their faith in the promises of God. And we'll ask ourselves, with such great promises from God, are we living in light of this temporary world or in light of eternity?

God's plan is a plan of blessing!

When God created man and woman, he blessed them. And when God called Abraham, he promised blessing on his offspring and on the whole world through his offspring. As Abraham's grandson, Jacob approaches the end of this life, he calls his sons to him to bless them, and in his blessing, he prophesies about the future of the twelve tribes of Israel.

This week we continue reading Genesis 49, and hear the remainder of Jacob's blessings to his sons. We'll study together how each blessing both described who each son was and what would become of each of the twelve tribes of Israel. And we'll see what each blessing teaches us about how to live our lives according to the eternal plan of God, a plan of life and blessing!

What do the dying words of man who lived 4000 years ago have to do with us today?

Jacob's life was full of ups and downs, blessing and heart break, trials and victories. At the end of his life, his twelve sons came to him to hear his last words. After such a long life, what parting words does Jacob have for his sons and the twelve tribes that would come from them to make up the future nation of Israel?

This week we begin reading Genesis 49, and hear the last words of Jacob to his sons. We'll look at Jacob's words to his first four sons, and see how he both describes who his sons were and what the future of their tribes would be. And we'll see how God can still work his redemptive purpose through the lives of imperfect men and hear how Jacob prophesied about the reign of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

What lessons are we leaving for our children?

Many years after being reunited with his father, Joseph hears word that Jacob's health is failing and the end of his life is near. So Joseph hurries to this father's bedside with his two sons, seeking a blessing from Jacob. But after many years of struggles and trials, what final words does Jacob have to pass on?

This week we read through Genesis 48, and see Jacob bless the sons of Joseph. We'll break down Jacob's words to Joseph and his sons to discover what Jacob now finds most important and the end of his life, and we'll look at the significance of Jacob crossing his hands when blessing Joseph's sons. And then we'll examine our own lives to see what kind of legacy we are leaving for the next generation.

Is it possible to be prosperous without being ruled by riches?

Jacob and Joseph have finally been reunited! Jacob has made the move with all of his family down into Egypt to survive the severe famine. But as pharaoh's dreams had foretold, there are still 5 years left before the famine will end. How can this Hebrew family of shepherds survive in Egypt without assimilating into Egyptian culture and pagan worship?

This week we read through Genesis 47, and see the legacy Joseph will leave in Egypt. We'll see how Joseph shrewdly introduces his father to the pharaoh so that his family will be saved from the famine. Then we'll look at the overview of the last five years of the famine in Egypt and see how Joseph shrewdly saves the lives of all of Egypt while setting up systems of prosperity that would outlast his own lifetime. And we'll learn for ourselves how we can be prosperous without prosperity becoming our god.

What's the first thing you do when facing a big decision?

Jacob has received great news: his beloved son Joseph is alive and a ruler in Egypt! And with the severe famine in the land, Joseph has invited his father and the whole family to live in Egypt where food is abundant. But going to Egypt will mean leaving the promised land, an action that has not gone well in the past for Abraham and the sons of the promise. With a great desire to see Joseph again, what will Jacob do next?

This week we read through Genesis 46, and see how the growth of Jacob's faith has changed his life. We'll see God reaffirm his promise to Jacob to grow his family into a great nation and we'll witness the sweet reunion of Jacob and Joseph. And as we examine how God was guiding Jacob in light of a future he could not see, we'll learn how the same God guides us today guides us when we seek Him first in all our decisions.

Are you finding it hard to hope after years of disappointment?

Jacob did too. While his sons had reconciled back in Egypt, Jacob remained in Canaan, in the middle of a great famine, uncertain whether any of his sons would return to him. When they finally do return with news that Joseph is alive, will Jacob respond in doubt, or find the faith to hope again?

This week we finish reading through Genesis 45, and see how God was providing for Jacob even in the middle of mourning and famine. We'll see how God worked through the Pharoah to fulfill His promise to Abraham and how God's abundant grace allowed Jacob to take the next step of faith that would lead him to once again live out the name Israel--God wins. And we'll learn together how to see the work of grace in our own lives that can spark the hope that we lost long ago.

What's the sound of reconciliation?

Joseph has tested his brothers and found out how they have changed in the twenty years since they sold him away to Egypt. As Judah offers himself to take the punishment in place of Benjamin, Joseph can no longer keep his true identity from his brothers. When all the truth comes to light, will Jacob's sons finally be reunited in true brotherhood?

This week we begin reading through Genesis 45, and see the culmination of Joseph's plans to test the hearts of his brothers. We'll study how Joseph internalized the truth of trusting in a sovereign God and see how that allowed him to live out forgiveness toward his brothers. We'll learn the three steps Joseph takes to reconcile with his brothers, and we'll see how Joseph is a picture of how God longs to be reconciled to us today. This is what reconciliation sounds like!

God is in the business of transforming lives!

Twice now Joseph's brother have met him in Egypt without recognizing him as their brother. Without knowing whether his brothers have changed over the last two decades, Joseph recreates the circumstances which led to his brothers' initial betrayal to test their hearts and motivations. How will the sons of Jacob respond when their sin is finally brought to light?

This week we read through Genesis 44 where we'll see the culmination of the transformation that has taken place in the life of Judah as he intercedes for Benjamin. We'll look at each step Judah makes as he takes responsibility for his past sins and learn how we can approach God today for reconciliation to receive the mercy and grace that God has for us to transform our lives.

Revenge is human. Mercy is divine.

When Joseph's brothers first came to Egypt to buy grain, Joseph set a test for them: bring your youngest brother, Benjamin, with you next time or you will never buy grain from Egypt again. As time passes and the famine in Canaan continues, Jacob is reluctantly forced to send his beloved son, Benjamin, to Egypt with his brothers. When Jacob's sons are once again in Egypt, will Joseph take his revenge or extend his hand in mercy?

This week we read through Genesis 43 and see how Jacob puts his faith in God to protect Benjamin and how Joseph responds to seeing his beloved brother Benjamin after so many years. We'll look at how Joseph sets up circumstances to test his brothers one last time and we'll learn about how, in God's economy, it is His kindness that leads us to repentance!

Guilt only grows heavier the longer we hide it.

The sons of Jacob have lived for over 20 years carrying the secret guilt of selling away their brother into slavery in Egypt and letting Jacob believe his beloved son Joseph was dead. Then a terrible famine threatens the lives of Jacob and his household in the land of Canaan, and news comes to Jacob that Egypt is selling grain. When Jacob sends his sons to Egypt, will they find salvation from the famine, or the uncovering of the guilt they buried long ago?

This week we read through Genesis 42 and see what happens when Jacob's sons come before Joseph in Egypt and don't recognize their brother. We'll see how Joseph reacts to the fulfillment of his dreams from decades earlier and how his brothers react when faced with their past sins. And as we examine the steps God takes to confront the secret guilt of Jacob's sons, we'll examine our own lives for the traces of buried guilt and learn the steps God will lead us in to deliver us today.

The night may be silent, but God hasn't stopped moving!

Joseph has been forgotten in an Egyptian prison for two years, betrayed by family and wrongfully accused and imprisoned, but not abandoned by God. While Joseph remains faithful to serve God even in prison, unknown to him, God has begun moving in the dreams of Pharoah himself, putting into motion the events that will exalt Joseph from prisoner to prominence.

This week we read through Genesis 41 and see Joseph interpreting the nightmares of Pharoah. We'll look at how God was not only working on behalf of Joseph, but also working on the heart of Pharoah. We'll study how the events of Joseph's life foreshadow the events of Jesus Christ, and remind ourselves that God is still working in the waiting places of our own lives.

God has not forgotten you!

What's worse than being sold by your brothers into slavery? Being a slave who is imprisoned for a crime you didn't commit. Yet that's where Joseph finds himself, abandoned by brothers and by masters, but not by God. When two high ranking officials in Pharoah's court are imprisoned with Joseph, will Joseph finally have a way to plead his case before Pharoah?

This week we read through Genesis 40 and read of Joseph interpreting the dreams of his fellow prisoners. We'll see the effect of God's continued presence in Joseph's life and how Joseph reacts to disappointment and delay as he waits for God to fulfill the promises He made in Joseph's youth. And we'll glimpse God's perspective when we find ourselves dealing with disappointment and delay in our own lives.

The Lord is with you. From an earthly perspective, Joseph has become the victim of the sins of his family. After his brothers sold him to slave traders, Joseph finds himself a slave in the house of an Egyptian leader. Far from home, in a strange land that speaks a strange language and worships strange gods, can Joseph remain faithful to the God who promised him great things? This week we read through Genesis 39 and see the how Lord was with Joseph in a strange and foreign land. We'll see how the sins of Joseph's brothers could not stop the faithfulness of God to bless Joseph, and we'll examine Joseph's response to temptation and learn how we can remain faithful to God in the midst of our own temptations. And together we'll learn that the God who was with Joseph through his trials is the same God who promised us in the New Testament that He would never leave us or forsake us. Walk bold and courageous, dear child of God, the Lord is with you!

Is my life too messy for God to redeem?

The story of Joseph in Genesis is an inspiring illustration of how God can keep us safe throughout the trials and injustices that we face in our lives. But what about the trials we face that are of our own making? It's easy to believe God can save the blameless. But is there any hope of redemption for the guilty?

This week we read through Genesis 38 and see what Judah gets up to back in the land of Canaan. We'll see how Judah's small compromises lead to big sin. But more importantly, we'll see God's grace play out when Judah's sin comes to light as God works His story of redemption through the lineage that will ultimately lead to Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of the world.

Victimhood doesn't have to define you.

Joseph didn't choose to be born into a family full of drama. He didn't choose to be his father's favorite and he didn't choose to receive prophetic dreams. And yet this young man found himself subject to the murderous intent of his envious brothers. Can God still work His good will in the midst of such evil?

This week we finish reading through Genesis 37 and see the violent result of Jacob's favoritism among his sons. We'll look at all the events that led to Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery and see how God's hand was still working through every circumstance. And we'll find encouragement for ourselves to see that when envy and evil throw us into the pit, we don't have to live as a victim of circumstance but can entrust our lives to a sovereign God working all things together for good.

Can God still work in my dysfunctional family?

While Esau moved out of the Promised Land and his family grew and gained power and wealth in the eyes of the world, Jacob and his family remained shepherds who dwelled in tents in the land God had promised to give to Abraham. But it's in Jacob's family, with all its problems, that God would continue to work out His grand plan of redemption that He first promised in Genesis chapter 3.

This week we begin reading through Genesis 37 and the beginning of the final section of the book of Genesis. We'll see the introduction of the young man, Joseph, and the continued family drama that would set Joseph and his brothers at odds with each another. We'll look at the dangers of favoritism within families and examine how God's hand of providence can work His plan of redemption in the midst of the choices of every day people. And we'll learn how to be intentionally set apart for God in a godless world.

What are you living for?

Before Jacob and Esau were even born, they were at odds with one another, wrestling in the womb of Rebekah and fighting over blessings and birthrights as adults. Through the brothers' fights and estrangement and reconciliation, they each become an example of how our priorities and decisions today can have a lasting effect on the generations that will come after us.

This week we read through Genesis 36 and see the legacy that Esau leaves behind him. We'll see the record of how Esau became the father of a mighty nation and compare his legacy with the legacy of his brother, Jacob who became Israel. And then we'll take some time to examine our own lives to see what we are living for today and what kind of legacy we are leaving behind us.

What does a life of revival really look like?

When Jacob followed most of what God said, but not all of it, his compromise led to great suffering for his family and the city around him. But God didn't give up on Jacob because of his compromise. And in HIs grace, God called Jacob to follow Him in complete surrender. Will Jacob succumb to his old nature, or find a place of repentance and revival?

This week we continue reading through Genesis with chapter 35, and see what God can do with a life surrendered to Him. We'll see how the marks of repentance lead Jacob to a personal revival that has a profound impact on his family and how a life of revival isn't a life without suffering, but a life that can withstand the trials of the world. And we'll learn how to spark revival in our own lives.

Warning: At Hosanna we teach verse by verse through the Bible and believe that God will work through the good and the bad. This study is not graphic but does discuss sensitive topics that may not be suitable for children. Parental discretion is advised.

Isn't it enough to do most of what God says? Jacob followed the command of the Lord to return to the Promised Land, where he reconciled with his brother Esau and settled in the plains near the city of Shechem. Even though God had told Jacob to go back to Bethel, Jacob purchased land 20 miles away from Bethel and built a new altar to the Lord there. But this seemingly small act of partial obedience from Jacob would lead his whole family down a road of pain and destruction Jacob could never have foreseen.

This week we return to our study through Genesis with chapter 34, where Jacob's daughter Dinah will become the victim of lust and violence. We'll see Jacob's failure to protect his family lead to vengeful violence from his sons and the destruction of an entire city. And then we'll ask ourselves if we have been following God with whole-hearted obedience or if we have let passivity and partial obedience lead to our assimilation into the ways of the world around us.

Partial obedience is also partial disobedience.

Jacob wrestled with God and in his surrender he found victory as God gave him a new name and a new nature. As Jacob travels back to the land of promise and meets his brother on the way, will he faithfully follow God as Israel, or will he fall back into his old ways as Jacob?

This week we read through Genesis 33 and see Jacob reunite with Esau after 20 years apart. We'll study together how Jacob's actions and decisions show that while his faith is growing, he is still relying on himself. And as we look at the small ways Jacob compromises in his obedience to God's word, we'll ask ourselves if we are fully obeying God in our own lives.

God's never gonna give you up!

Jacob is finally free from Laban and turns his sights towards his home in the land of promise. But then he remembers the terms on which he left his home 20 years earlier when his brother Esau wanted to kill Jacob. When Jacob hears that his brother is coming to meet him with 400 men, will Jacob trust the Lord to be his defense, or will he return to his old ways and rely on his cunning to survive?

This week we read through Genesis 32 and Jacob wrestling with God. We'll learn from Jacob's example on how to reconcile our broken relationships and study his encounter with God that would leave him with a limp and a new name. And we'll see how the God who didn't give up on Jacob won't give up on us!

Twenty years after running to the house of Laban to save his life, Jacob has had enough. Through dealing with the deceit of his Uncle Laban and the drama in his own family, Jacob has finally come to a place where he sees God's sovereign hand on his life and can trust God to lead and protect him. But how will Laban react when his daughters have fled and his household idols are stolen? This week we read through Genesis 31 where Jacob separated himself from the house of Laban. We'll see Jacob and his family leave by stealth, only to be pursued by Laban, and read what happened during the last encounter between Jacob and Laban. We'll learn how this story is like our call to leave the world behind when we follow Christ and the importance of trusting God fully with every part of our lives.

Where do you turn when life is a mess?

While Jacob's new family was growing rapidly in the midst of jealousy and drama, Jacob continued to labor for years for his uncle Laban. But while Laban's business flourished by the hand of Jacob, Jacob saw no increase for himself to care for his growing family. How can Jacob hope to get a fair deal from the master manipulator, Laban?

This week we finish reading through Genesis 30 and see the Lord bless Jacob even while Jacob is treated unfairly by his uncle. We learn how God still works His will even through our own choices and ask ourselves, if God can work good in Jacob's messy life, what can He in our lives if we surrender our mess to Him?

Let the Baby Battle Begin

Jacob found more than safety from his brother in the house of his uncle Laban. He also found a bride. Jacob entered into an agreement to marry Laban's daughter, Rachel, but Laban manipulated events so that Jacob ended up with both Rachel and her sister Leah as brides. Now as Jacob continues to labor for his uncle, the sister brides will compete for Jacob's love and favor through childbearing.

This week we read through Genesis 29-30 and see Jacob's new family grow in record speeds. We'll compare and contrast the two ways that Rachel and Leah deal with the circumstance they find themselves in and see how their actions and reactions demonstrate the truth of the words in the New Testament: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.

Does God really work everything for good for those who love Him?

Jacob fled for his life after stealing his brother's birthright and blessing. Then in the midst of the wilderness, he had an encounter with God who promised to be with Jacob and bring him back into the land of promise. But when he finally reaches his mother's family in Haran, and Jacob the deceiver meets his match in his manipulative uncle, what will these events mean in light of God's promise?

This week we begin reading Genesis 29 and see the beginning of Jacob's life in the house of his uncle Laban. We'll learn what happened when Jacob entered into an agreement to marry Rachel, Laban's daughter, and how Laban manipulated events to his own benefit. We'll see how even in the midst of Jacob reaping the consequences of his actions, God is still working all things together for Jacob's good, and how God still works that way in our lives today.

Whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.

That's Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 10:12. When Isaac remained faithful to God's commands, to stay in the land of promise and trust God to provide in the midst of famine, God blessed Isaac providing water and crops to Isaac and his household. But as time went on and Isaac grew old, the small seeds of favoritism he showed between his sons began to divide his household in ways he couldn't have imagined.

This week we begin reading Genesis 27 and see the state of Isaac's household as he approached the end of his life. We'll study how Isaac attempting to bless Esau instead of Jacob was an act of rebellion to God's will and how Rebecca and Jacob's scheming to steal the blessing instead of trusting God to work was an equal act of rebellion. But most importantly we'll learn how even when God's people are faithless, God remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Whoever thinks he stands must be careful not to fall.

That's Paul's warning in 1 Corinthians 10:12. When Isaac remained faithful to God's commands, to stay in the land of promise and trust God to provide in the midst of famine, God blessed Isaac providing water and crops to Isaac and his household. But as time went on and Isaac grew old, the small seeds of favoritism he showed between his sons began to divide his household in ways he couldn't have imagined.

This week we begin reading Genesis 27 and see the state of Isaac's household as he approached the end of his life. We'll study how Isaac attempting to bless Esau instead of Jacob was an act of rebellion to God's will and how Rebecca and Jacob's scheming to steal the blessing instead of trusting God to work was an equal act of rebellion. But most importantly we'll learn how even when God's people are faithless, God remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

God is with you. Do you believe it?

Isaac, the son of promise, is living in the land of promise with his wife Rebekah, who God led to him by divine providence, and his two sons born to them by divine intervention. But when another famine plagues the land of Canaan, will Isaac repeat the failures or the faith of his father Abraham?

This week we begin reading through Genesis 26 and watch how Isaac learns to depend on God for all his needs. We'll see Isaac follow in the footsteps of his father, Abraham, both in his failures and his faith, and see how God's blessings on Isaac's life are inseparable from God's presence in Isaac's life. And we'll see how the same God who was with Isaac is with us today who are called by the name of Christ and ask ourselves how our own walks of faith would be different if we really believed that God is present with us.

Who exactly are Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?

Abraham is known today as the father of faith for many believers around the world. And Jacob, who was renamed Israel, became the namesake of the nation of Israel throughout time until today. But who was Isaac, and what can we learn from the son of the promise given to Abraham millennia ago?

This week we finish reading through Genesis 25 and learn about the miraculous birth of Jacob and Esau. We'll see how Isaac is a good example of a spiritual leader in his household and we'll study the origin of the struggle between Jacob and Esau that would last through the generations in the nations that would descend from them. And lastly we'll look at how God chooses to extend grace to mankind, a grace that we cannot earn, only receive.

Abraham was how old when he died?!

One hundred years after God promised Abraham a land for him and his descendants, the only part of that land Abraham owned was the cave and field where he and Sarah were buried. But as Abraham walked with God year by year, his trust in God deepened until his life would become a testimony to the faithfulness of God to those who trust in Him.

This week we begin reading through Genesis 25 and see the result of faith in the twilight years of Abraham's life. We'll read two recorded genealogies that speak of the fulfilment of God's promise to make Abraham the father of many nations; we'll see how Abraham became an example of faith throughout all generations, and we'll ask ourselves what kind of legacy we are leaving behind in the choices we make today.

How can I tell God is working in my life?

Abraham lived and long a full life, having his faith tested and proved steadfast. After burying his wife, Sarah, and seeing his journey on earth coming to an end, Abraham looks to the future of his beloved son, Isaac, and sends his servant to find a good and faithful wife for Isaac.

This week we continue our study through Genesis with chapter 24. We'll look at how Abraham's servant practiced the same faith as Abraham and how that faith allowed him to see the hand of God guiding his way as he faithfully served his master. And then we'll look at our own journey's of faith to see how God works in our own life, not often through grand miracles, but through the ordinary, everyday events of our lives.

Faith Conquers Death!

Do you believe it? Since the fall of man, death has been a relentless presence to life on earth. The greatest men of faith were not immune from grief and death. For over 60 years, Abraham and Sarah lived through life together as they followed after God through the ups and downs of life. Until the day that death came to separate them.

This week we read through Genesis 23 and see the record of the death of Abraham's wife, Sarah. We'll look at how Abraham grieved for the loss his wife and study how even the act of burying Sarah in the promised land was a declaration of faith in the certainty that God would give the land to Abraham's descendants through Isaac. And then we'll ask ourselves if we are keeping our focus on this present world that is passing away or the eternal hope of heaven where Christ is.

Which is more important: obedience or sacrifice?

Abraham's journey of faith had persevered over many decades through many spiritual highs and spiritual failures when God's promise of a son was fulfilled in the birth of Isaac. But after years of peace living in the blessing of God's fulfilled promise, God had one more test for Abraham to prove the quality of Abraham's faith.

This week we begin reading Genesis 22 and study the greatest spiritual milestone in the life of Abraham. We'll see God test Abraham's faith by calling him to sacrifice Isaac and we'll study how this test of faith for Abraham became a picture of the redeeming work of Christ Jesus for the salvation of the world!

When will God finish the work that He started?

Twenty-five years after God first called Abraham and Abraham set out on his journey of faith, God's promise that Abraham would have a son by Sarah his wife is finally fulfilled! Unfortunately, the miraculous birth of Isaac doesn't mean that Abraham and his family go on to live happily ever after. But does the continuing conflicts in Abraham's household mean God has stopped working in Abraham's life?

This week we continue our journey through Genesis with chapter 21 and the birth of Isaac, the son of promise. We'll see God continue to work in Abraham's life through the blessings and the conflicts to produce a faith in Abraham more precious than gold. And we'll see how Abraham's story parallels the work of sanctification that God works in our own lives today.

If I'm supposed to be dead to sin, why do I keep sinning?

Abraham, a great man of faith who left his home at God's command and saved his nephew from invading armies. The man whom God counted righteous simply for believing that God would do the things He promised. After God visited Abraham and shared a meal with him and promised him a son by Sarah his wife, Abraham finds himself wandering again from the land of promise and falling into old habits of deception.

This week we continue our study through Genesis in chapter 20. We'll see how even a great man of faith like Abraham can easily fall back into old habits of sin, and how God's promises remain true despite Abraham's sin. We'll look at practical steps we can take--not to become sinless but to sin less, and see that even when we are faithless, God remains faithful.

What kind of legacy are you leaving behind?

The Lord judged the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness, but in His grace He spared Lot and his family by taking them out of the city. After years of compromised living in a wicked society, what kind of life will Lot and his daughters go on to live?

This week we finish Genesis 19 and see what kind of legacy Lot will leave behind him. We'll read about the culmination of the choices Lot made over his life and see how his compromises would go on to have a lasting impact on his life and his daughters. And we'll discuss how Lot's story becomes a cautionary tale for us of the dangers of living by sight and not by faith.

Won't the judge of the whole earth do what is just?

After the Lord visited Abraham and shared a meal, He told Abraham the purpose of His visit: to investigate the great cry from the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to see if the time for judgment against the cities had come. With concern for his nephew, Lot, Abraham intercedes for the cities, asking God whether He would judge the righteous with the wicked. The Lord's answer made it clear that He would not. But what about when the "righteous" aren't so righteous?

This week we read from Genesis 19 and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. We'll examined what had become of Lot since he last parted ways with Abraham and look at what happens in the lives of believers when we live too close to sin and allow compromise into our lives. The Lord will save those who trust in Him, but we hinder our testimony and risk great heartache when we live lives of compromise with the world.

I prayed for someone else one time--isn't that enough?

When the Lord Himself passed by Abraham's tent in Hebron, Abraham rejoiced to play host to three heavenly visitors, who shared a meal and an encouraging promise with Abraham and Sarah. As the meal ended and the visitors rose to leave, the Lord would go on to share with Abraham the reason He passed by that day: to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and see whether it was time to judge these cities for their wickedness.

This week we finish reading through Genesis 18 and see Abraham's response to the Lord's intentions to judge the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. We'll learn why it was important for Abraham to know about the justice of God and see how Abraham intercedes on behalf of his nephew Lot who was living in the midst of a wicked city. And through it all we'll challenge ourselves to draw closer to God in order to intercede on behalf of our own loved ones today.

Is the impossible possible?

When God visited Abraham and shared a meal with him and talked to Abraham face to face as a friend, God spoke His promise again that Sarah would bear a son to be Abraham's heir. As Sarah eavesdropped on the conversation, she laughed in unbelief, for surely it is impossible for a barren woman of 90 years to give birth to a son!

This week we continue reading Genesis 18 and ask ourselves the same question the Lord posed to Sarah in response to her unbelief: Is anything impossible for the Lord? When God makes us a promise, do we respond in faith or in unbelief?

What if you heard Jesus was coming to visit?

Would you spend time cleaning up or preparing a big meal? Would you rush out to meet Him? Well, when the newly-renamed Abraham received a special visit from the Lord, he went above and beyond to share a meal with God and became a great example of what it means to be the friend of God.

This week we return to our study in Genesis with a message from Genesis 18. We'll see how Abraham responds when he receives three heavenly messengers and dig into what it means to be a friend of God. We'll look at some of the common things that can hinder our close relationship with God and what it means to us today that Jesus calls us friends.

What's in a name? A nose by any other name can still smell.

While Shakespeare can poetically question the significance of names, when God comes along and changes someone's name, it's something to pay attention to. For the man born Abram, life had been a long journey of highs and lows, successes and failures. But constant through all of that was God's faithfulness. Thirteen years after the birth of Abram's son, Ishmael, God appears to Abram again to confirm His promise, and to change Abram's name.

This week we study through Genesis 17 and dig deep into the meaning of four important names in this chapter. We'll look at the significance of God calling Himself "God Almighty;" we'll compare and contrast Abram and Sarai's new names that God gives them; and we'll look at the meaning of Abraham's promised son, Isaac, as God continues to bring about the promised Messiah.

God may hold the whole world in His hands... but does He see me?

Abram and Sarai took it upon themselves to fulfill God's promises according to their own wisdom apart from God. The unforeseen results left their household in turmoil as Hagar, pregnant with Abram's son, held Sarai in contempt and Sarai did everything she could to put Hagar back in her place. Until Hagar reaches a breaking point and runs away with no plan on what to do next.

This week we finish reading through Genesis 16 and see the Lord Himself meet Hagar in the midst of her struggles. We'll briefly look at the way slavery is discussed in the Bible and look at the implications of what it means that Sarai mistreated Hagar. But more importantly we'll see the God who shows up in the midst of our trails, whether those trials were caused by others or by ourselves, and offers us the thing we really need: Himself.

What do we do when we're waiting... and waiting... and waiting... and waiting... and waiting...

Since God first called Abram from his homeland and into a relationship with Him, Abram has learned many practical lessons on what it means to walk by faith. He's learned to rely on God's wisdom and not his own; he's learned how to be generous with what God provides and how to live by self-sacrifice rather than self-preservation. And in the middle of his doubts, Abram met God and found he could believe God's promises to be true despite his worries. But what happens when God's timing on the fulfillment of those promises doesn't line up with what Abram thinks that timing should be?

This week we begin studying in Genesis 16 and see Abram's wife, Sarai, suggest a way that they might see a fulfillment of the promises apart from the God who made those promises. We'll learn what happens when Abram and Sarai follow their surrounding culture rather than trust in God. And we'll see how it is one thing to believe that God is able to fulfill His promises, and harder to trust God for when he will fulfill His promises.

Abram believed God!

And God credited righteousness to Abram! In Abram's faith journey to this point, he's had many highs and lows, but when God promised Abram a son and descendants more numerous than the stars in the sky, Abram's simple belief in that promise was rewarded mightily by God. But is is possible that mixed in with that belief are more questions?

This week we finish studying Genesis 15 and the instatement of the Abrahamic Covenant. We'll see if Abram's continued questions of God indicate a remaining doubt in his mind and learn what it means that Abram fell asleep while God made the covenant with him. And then we'll look forward through history to see how this covenant corresponds to the New Covenant given by Jesus Himself to His church.

Abram was blessed by God--of course his life was easy.

Since God first called Abram to step out in faith and go to a foreign land God would show him, Abram's journey of faith has seen many highs and lows as he has learned to trust God and not lean on his own understanding. But after a great spiritual victory leaves Abram with a few more questions than he has answers, God makes Abram a promise that will test whether Abram will listen to his doubts or his God.

This week we begin studying in Genesis 15 and see how the connection between faith and righteousness isn't merely a New Testament reality, but is how God has related to mankind from the beginning. We'll see how Abram was called righteous because of his faith in God's promises and ask ourselves what we are trusting in for our salvation.

Why is that in the Bible?

It's a question we can often find ourselves asking while studying the Scriptures. Like when Abram successfully rescues his nephew Lot and other captives from the kings of the east, and after the victory a king named Melchizedek greets Abram on his way home and blesses him. This detail in the story seems unimportant, if it weren't for the fact that this King Melchizedek is mentioned two more times in the Bible: first in Psalms and then in the New Testament.

This week we pause our study of Abram in Genesis and dig a little deeper to see who this King Melchizedek is and why his story is important enough to be referenced again in the first century writings of the New Testament. We'll see how the priesthood of this king compares to the system of the priests and Levites of the Old Testament law and how this king priest's blessing of Abram corresponds to the New Testament ministry of Jesus Christ.

A tale of two kings.

When Abram's nephew became a prisoner of war by the kings of the east, Abram wasted no time in launching a rescue operation to save Lot. And by God's providence, Abram was successful, not only saving Lot but also saving all the captives and stolen goods from the conquered cities. In light of this great victory from God Most High, how will the kings of the land respond?

This week we continue our study through Genesis 14 and the fallout from Abram's covert rescue mission. We'll see a righteous king who gives glory to God and blesses Abram and a worldly king who remains self-serving and ungrateful. And we'll challenge our own beliefs to see whether we have a mindset that will take credit ourselves or give glory to God.

When was Abraham a general?

Abram in Egypt was a man of no faith, depending on his own wisdom to keep himself safe. Back in the promised land, Abram was a man of great faith, building altars to the Lord and offering Lot his choice of the land. But when Lot's choice to live by sight and not by faith leads to his captivity by the kings of the east, Abram's trust in God for his own safety will be put to the test.

This week we begin studying Genesis 14 and the time Abram led a rescue mission to save Lot. We'll learn the circumstances of Lot's capture and see the kind of trust Abram had that would lead him to risk his life to save his family. And we'll examine our own faith to see how much we are willing to put on the line to do the right thing.

What do trials prepare us for?

Famine in the promised land became a trial God used to test Abram's faith, and Abram found he had room to grow. But when the famine passed and Abram was back in Canaan again, everything looked great until trouble arose between Abram's household and the household of his nephew, Lot. Another trial to test what Abram has learned in his journey of faith.

This week we begin studying in Genesis 13 and see how Abram's failures in Egypt resulted in deeper faith in God. We'll learn how trials often prepare us for the next trial and we'll catch a glimpse into the faith of Abram's nephew, Lot, as he chooses to make decisions according to his own sight. But more importantly, we'll see Abram's heart grow from one of selfishness to generosity and deeper trust in God and ask ourselves which kind of heart we want to have.

Where do you turn when life doesn't go as expected?

Abram heard the voice of the Lord call him to leave his home in Ur and go to a land that God would show him. And in faith Abram followed the call of God to live as a stranger in the land of Canaan. But the road of faith is seldom a straight and easy path. What will this man of faith do when famine strikes the land that God promised to give to his descendants?

This week we finish reading through Genesis 12 and see how Abram goes down to Egypt along with the other Canaanites fleeing the famine. We'll study how Abram responds to his worries and fears of the Egyptian people and how we can ruin our witness to a lost world when we rely on our own understanding rather than seeking guidance from the Lord.

What does it mean to have a faith like Abraham?

Today Abraham is known as the great patriarch of faith to both Jews and Christians around the world. Aside from Moses, the New Testament mentions Abraham more than any other Old Testament person and the decisions Abraham made during his life are still impacting the world today. But how did the man named Abram at birth who grew up in pagan Ur become the father of many nations and a champion of faith?

This week we begin studying through Genesis 12 and look at the call of Abram. We'll look at what kind of culture Abram lived in when God first spoke to him and how his small steps of obedience would lead to him becoming a great example of faith to those who seek after God today.

Eras change, God doesn't.

The book of Genesis records the history of humanity from God first creating mankind to God forming a nation for Himself in the children of Israel. As mankind rebelled against God, from Cain down to the tower of Babel, inciting God's judgement, God always preserved the remnant of those who would walk with Him by faith in order to bring about His promise to Adam and Eve that He would save the world through Jesus Christ.

This week we finish reading Genesis 11 and the end of what is called the primeval era of Bible history. We'll study through one last genealogy of this era, comparing it to those listed before it, and see how it connects to the patriarchal era through the introduction of one of the greatest Bible heroes of faith. And as we see Abraham begin his journey of faith, we'll see how we still relate to God by faith today.

When have people ever been unified?

After the flood, the families of Noah's three sons grew as God's blessing to be fruitful and multiply came to pass. As the population expanded, all people were united in their ancestry, in their language, and in their sin nature inherited from Adam and Eve. This sin nature led to human hearts in rebellion to God, each seeking its own way apart from God, and to mankind undertaking to build a great tower as a testament to a heart seeking its own glory in defiance of God almighty.

This week we begin studying in Genesis 11 and the record of the Tower of Babel. We'll study the significance of man's undertaking to build the tower and why God confused the languages of all the people. And we'll see how the philosophy of Babylon is still alive in the world today, and ask ourselves if our own hearts lean toward Babylon or toward God.

How did we become so divided?

When Noah and his sons left the ark after the great flood, God made a covenant with them and blessed them to multiply and fill the earth the same way He blessed Adam and Eve to fill the earth. How do 8 people who left the ark become 8 billion alive on the earth today?

This week we continue our study in Genesis 10 and look at this list of nations that came from Noah and his sons. We'll study why the Bible records all these genealogies for us and discover what we can learn from them today. And we'll look at what can unite a humanity divided from each other and from God.

A new world but the same old problem.

Noah and his family stood on dry ground once again after the floodwaters receded. With the world made new, Noah built an altar to worship God and God confirmed a covenant with Noah and all his descendants after him. But though Noah's work of ark-building was over, he would go on to live for centuries after the flood. So what comes next?

This week we continue our study in Genesis 9 and look at the end of Noah's life. We'll see what Noah and his three sons did after the flood and what impact their actions would have on their descendants after them. We'll look at the what the Bible has to say about drinking and drunkenness and learn how we are saved by faith even as we continue to struggle with our own sinful natures.

Noah found grace in God's eyes!

And God commanded Noah to build an ark to save Noah, his family, and every kind of animal, so they might be spared from God's act of judgement on His rebellious creation: a world-wide flood. God miraculously sealed the ark by His hand before the floodwaters came, and over a year later, Noah was still waiting inside the ark to hear a word from God. When would God remember Noah?

This week we continue our study in Genesis 8-9 and the next section of Noah's flood. We'll see God remember Noah and his family, call them out of the ark, and make an important covenant with Noah and his descendants as He restructures creation and nature and society. And along the way we'll learn how this covenant with Noah still has ramifications in our world to this day.

Was there really a global flood?

The story is familiar to many. Wickedness was everywhere on the earth and God judged mankind by bringing a global flood that killed every living creature. But not before He commanded Noah to build an ark to save his family and two of every land animal and bird. But is that just a simple Sunday School story, or is there more to the Genesis account of the great flood than we've heard before?

This week for our Baptism Service, we'll continue our study in Genesis 7 and look at the events of Noah's Flood and how they relate to the sacrament of baptism. We'll look at some questions like: was the flood worldwide or only local to Mesopotamia, where did all the water for the flood come from, and did the Bible borrow the story of the flood from other flood stories? Most importantly we'll learn what Noah's experience in the flood can teach us about living in Christ today.

How can Noah be righteous if God said that no one is righteous?

Within ten generations from the creation of the first man and woman, the wickedness of mankind had become so prevalent on the earth that God grieved over His creation and determined to judge the world by a great flood. But the story of the flood teaches us about more than God's justice and judgment, because through the faith of Noah who believed God and built the ark in obedience to God's word, we see a demonstration of God's mercy and grace to those who believe God.

This week we continue our study through Genesis 6 and Noah who found favor with the Lord. We'll look together at why God saved Noah and how God saved Noah from the great floodwaters. We'll see how Noah preached righteousness to a world that was coming under judgment and how we today are called to believe God and preach righteousness in our modern world that will someday come under the final judgment of God.

What did the world look like before the flood?

God created a perfect paradise on earth and made Man and Woman in His image to rule over that paradise. As His crowing creation, humans had the ability to hear the voice of God and follow His moral commands. But after creation is cursed in response to human's moral rebellion to God, how deep can their depravity go before God says, "Enough"?

This week we begin studying through Genesis 6 and get a glimpse of what the world looked like before the flood. We'll answer questions like "Who are the sons of God?" and "Who are the Nephilim?" And if God knew the choices mankind would make before He made them, how could He regret creating them?

The way of Cain or the way of the Lord?

Within six generations after the fall of man, though people are prospering building cities and making technological advancements in agriculture and art and metallurgy, the culture has become one of violence and pride for those who follow the way of Cain. Are there any left who follow the way of the Lord?

This week we study through Genesis 5 and the genealogy of Seth. We'll look at the contrast of those born in a land of wandering and those who call on the name of the Lord. And we'll learn what walking with God looked like then and what it looks like today.

Why do the wicked prosper?

Cain refuses to obey God when he offers a sacrifice to God from his own works and not from faith. Cain again refuses to obey God when he fails to heed God's warning to rule over his sin and instead kills his brother. What happens when Cain continues to rebel in his banishment from the Lord's presence, even while bearing God's mark of protection?

This week we finish reading Genesis 4 and study through the genealogy of Cain. We'll look at how Cain's rebellion had long-term repercussions on his children's children and beyond as well as answer age-old questions like "Where did Cain get his wife?" and "Why do the wicked seem to prosper?" And right at the very end of Genesis 4, we'll see if there is indeed any hope for a world in rebellion to God.

I've done so much for God, why won't He accept it?

The good creation God made has been corrupted by sin, and lest Adam eat from the tree of life and live forever in in his sinful state, God chases the man and woman from their home in paradise. Though hope is soon heard in the cries of a baby boy born to Eve, the mother of all, that hope would be short lived as the sins of the father would soon become the sins of the son.

This week we begin studying in Genesis 4 and the story of Cain and Abel. We'll answer the question of why God didn't accept Cain's offering and learn what it means that God wants obedience over sacrifice. We'll see again God's amazing grace for sinful man and ask ourselves what great evil each of us could be capable of without Jesus Christ in our lives.

Why is work so hard?

When God made Adam and placed him in the paradise of the garden, He gave Adam charge over the garden to work it and watch over it. God then made the woman, taken from Adam's side, and charged them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth. That first couple would go on to rebel against God, and when God brought judgment on the woman, He made the process of being fruitful and filling the earth more painfully laborious. Now as God concludes His judgment on the rebellion of Adam and Eve, He'll bring judgment on the man and make his work and care for creation a painful labor.

This week we finish studying Genesis 3 and the fall of man. We'll see God's judgment on Man, and by extension mankind, when He curses the ground and makes work laborious. And as we've seen already in this chapter, we'll see God's grace in the midst of the judgment. It's easy to see God's grace when He makes a sacrifice to cover their sins; but is there also grace when God exiled the first man and women from their home in paradise?

Welcome to Hosanna- your church! This week, we are continuing through the Book of Genesis with Pastor Nathan.

Is there any hope in the midst of judgement?

The woman deceived by the serpent, Adam in rebellion to God. Unable to hide their sin, God confronts the first couple and is met with blame-shifting and unrepentance. Is there anything left besides judgement?

This week, we continue our study through Genesis 3 and the fall of man. We'll focus in on the curse on the serpent and on Satan. And we'll see the first recorded words of the Gospel in the whole Bible, a glimmer of hope on a dark day.

"It's not my fault!" and other dumb lies we tell ourselves...

When God made the first man and woman in His image and gave them authority over the plants and animals on the earth, there was peace and unity in creation. Then in one act of rebellion, the harmony in the world turned to separation, trust turned to distrust, and life turned to death.

This week, we continue our study through Genesis 3 and the fall of man. We'll look at the response of the first man and woman when God graciously confronted them in their sin and reflect on our own responses when God asks us today, "Where are you?"

Welcome back! This week, we learn about all of the deception that was behind the fall of man and the beautiful innocence of man that was ruined.

God, what do You want from me?

Has this question ever haunted your prayers? When the enemy whispers: "You are alone; you are not enough," how do we combat the lies and take up the armor that God has provided for us?

This Father's Day, Elder Ron Love shares a message of encouragement for all men (and women too). We'll study through Micah 6 and Ephesians 5-6 to learn what God wants from us and how we can stand firm and hold our ground in the midst of a culture rebellious to God. And we'll answer what it means when God says He wants all of you.

This morning, we learn about the creation of woman and what God designed woman's role to be within creation.

Welcome back! Today, we continue through the Book of Genesis and see all the ways God provided for man, the pinnacle of His creation.

In this episode, we learn about day 7 of creation, when God's work of creation is complete and He sets an example of rest.

This week, we learn about God filling the earth He created in days 4, 5, and 6 of creation.

The earth was formless and void

But God's Spirit hovered over the earth. That's where we left off our study of the creation story in Genesis. Before time and space began, God already was. And then into the chaos of a dark and empty earth, God spoke and brought order and life.

In this week's message, we will continue in Genesis 1 and study through the first three days of the creation account. We'll study what it means when the Scripture uses the word "day" and how each day of creation counters a pagan belief of the origins of creation. And we'll see how the God who spoke order into the chaos of the earth is the same God who can speak order into the chaos of our broken lives.

This week, we continue our study through the book of Genesis with this message on the beginning of creation.

In the beginning God...

Those are the opening words in the best-selling book of all time. If you can believe those four words, you can believe the rest of the Scriptures. While it can be easy to quickly skip over the opening words and move on to the rest of the creation account in Genesis 1, we can find great value in pausing and considering what it means that when all of time and space began, God already was.

In this week's sermon, we begin with an overview of Genesis and then a deep dive into Genesis 1:1. We'll learn who wrote the book of Genesis and the background in which it was written, as well as how this book serves as the foundation for the rest of the Bible. And we'll see what learning about the beginning can teach us about the gospel itself, and search through the Scriptures to see if we can answer the question, what was God doing before creation?

What's the big deal about truth?

Every group today--from political parties to religious organizations to online influencers--claims to know the truth. But when every truth they claim is different, how can we know what is truly true? And is it even important to know the truth in the first place?

This week for our Baptism Service, John Stephens shared a message on the Truth from John chapter 8. We looked at how truth relates to belief and discipleship and a saving faith. And we dug into the importance of what it means to know the truth, live the truth, and share the truth, the truth that is ultimately wrapped up in Jesus Christ.

Today, we celebrate Good Friday by examining why Jesus had to die and honoring His sacrifice as we take communion.

He is Risen!

Enjoy this message for Resurrection Sunday as we examine evidence for the resurrection.

What's the big deal about Palm Sunday?

Early on in Jesus's ministry, after performing a healing Jesus would often admonish those around Him not to tell anyone about the miracle. And when the masses wanted to make Him the King after He miraculously fed the thousands, Jesus went away by Himself because it was not yet His time. Then at the end of His ministry, Jesus would enter Jerusalem before the Passover riding on a donkey as the crowds around proclaimed "Blessed is the King of Israel!" So why was this day different from all the times before?

This week we will look at John 12 and study this triumphal entry of Christ Jesus into Jerusalem at the start of the Passover festival. We'll look at the significance of this day on God's prophetic calendar as well as the reason why Jesus would weep and wail as the crowds around rejoiced at the coming of their Messiah. Join us as we look at the beginning of what has become known today as Holy Week and the path that would lead to cross and the empty tomb.

Do you get your financial advice from the world or from the Word?

Over the past few weeks in our study on generosity, we've looked at the purpose of the Church as the hands and feet of Christ in the world and how we fit into that body of Christ. We learned about the generous heart of our God for us and how that should be the basis for our own generosity. And we looked through passages of the Old and New Testament to see what the Bible actually says about tithing and giving and how we should live in light of the fact that everything we have is from God.

As we finish up our series on Biblical Generosity, we'll look at practical advice from the Word of God on financial stewardship, as well as stewardship over our time and talents. We'll see what the Bible says on topics like budgeting and debt, and learn about multiplying our resources in order to be able to give as generously as God gives.

What DOES the Bible actually say about giving?

Last week we continued our series on Generosity, looking at the foundations of giving by learning from the heart of God. The heart of our loving Father who gives to us a new heart when He makes us a new creation in Christ. He calls us to follow His example, so how do we live generously in light of that?

This week we will dig into the principles from the Old and New Testaments to see how God wants us to live generously. We'll look at the Old Testament to learn what the tithe and first fruits are; and we'll look at the New Testament to learn how God wants us to live in light of Christ fulfilling all of the law.

How do we have a heart like God's?

Last week as we began our new series on Generosity, we spent time looking at what the Church is and how we're supposed to function as members of the Church. We learned that everyone--sinners and saints alike--needs the Church, and we talked about how gathering together as the Body of Christ fulfills our needs for God's people, God's principles, God's purpose, and God's presence.

This week we will look at the foundations that must be in place before we answer the practical questions about the nuts and bolts of giving: to have a heart like God's is to have a generous heart. We will study how God shows His generosity to us and how in return He calls us to be generous. God is a giver, and calls us to follow His example.

Talking about money isn't spiritual!

This week we begin a 4-part series looking at what the Bible has to say about generosity and giving, and we will discover that it is indeed a very spiritual topic. Together we will look at what God has to say to his people about why we give, what we give, and how we give. But it all starts with understanding what this thing called Church really is.

The Church is called the Body of Christ. What does that even mean? Is the Church more than the building that we meet in? In this first message of our series we dig into this foundational topic answering questions like: what is the Church, who needs the Church, four reasons why every believer is called to not neglect gathering together, and ultimately what generosity and giving has to do with any of it.

Welcome to this last study in our series through Revelation.

How has the study of Revelation changed you? Back in Revelation 1:3, before John began writing down his apocalyptical vision of the Day of the Lord, he wrote down a special blessing on those who listen to the words of this final book of the Bible. As we come to the last chapter of Revelation, let's spend some time reflecting on our study through this book and practice having "ears to hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

In this week's sermon, we study through the end of Revelation 22 and see the final words that Jesus has for His church and for the world. We'll look at four responses that we should all have to these prophecies, and answer that age-old question: what did Jesus really mean when He said He's coming soon? May God bless you as you spend some time reflecting on this prophecy from the book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ!

Is Jesus your source?

In John's vision of what is to come after the great and terrible Day of the Lord, John has seen heaven and earth remade and watched the glorious city of New Jerusalem descend out of heaven from God. A city whose foundations were made of vibrant jewels and whose gates are made of precious pearls and whose inhabitants are the Bride of Christ. But what more is there to the city where the redeemed of Christ will live with Him forevermore?

This week we'll keep studying through Revelation 21-22 and John's description of the New Jerusalem. We'll learn what John finds in the city when he searches for the Temple of God, and look again at what it means to have our names written in the Lamb's Book of Life. And we'll see how Jesus is the unveiled source of all light and life in the New Jerusalem and how to make Him the source of our life today, even if now we can only see and know in part.

Are you living as the Bride of Christ?

The City of Jerusalem, the city of peace that has seen wars and conflict and strife, the center of so many Old Testament prophecies, the city Jesus wept over and the city Jesus will reign from when He comes again. When God makes a new heaven and a new earth, will the City of Jerusalem still have a place of significance in eternity?

This week we'll continue our study in Revelation 21 and read the description of the New Jerusalem. We'll ask the questions, is this New Jerusalem a real city or only symbolic, and what's the significance of the twelve foundations and the pearly gates? And as we look ahead to the city prepared for the bride of Christ, we'll ask ourselves what it means to live as the bride of Christ today.

What Makes a Home, Home?

This week we will continue to study through Revelation 21 and the new heaven and new earth that God will make. We'll see what kind of words God uses to describe our eternal home and look at what kind of people will be there--and what kind won't be there. And finally we'll learn the importance of continually evaluating our own lives according to the eternal truth of the Word of God.

What will Heaven really be like?

After John saw a vision of Jesus walking among His churches on earth, John was caught up into the heavens where he sees God on His heavenly throne. He then observes the events of the last days from that perspective of heaven: the great tribulation, the return of Christ to earth, the millennial reign of Christ, then the final judgment over all creation. But when God's purposes with heaven and earth have finally concluded, what will come next on God's heavenly calendar?

This week we'll begin to study this new heaven and new earth that John describes in Revelation 21. We'll look at the differences and similarities between the old heaven and the new heaven and answer questions like: Is there time in heaven? and What will heaven look like? And we'll learn how this knowledge of heaven should influence our lives for God today.

Which resurrection will you be a part of?

This week we will continue our study through Revelation 20, and compare and contrast the two resurrections that take place before and after the Millennial Kingdom. We'll look at Old and New Testament verses that teach on both resurrections and study the final judgment that is coming for all mankind. We'll see a resurrection to eternal, abundant life and a resurrection to second death and ask ourselves: which will I be a part of?

Why does a loving God allow evil in the world?

In this week's message, we'll continue studying Revelation 20 and look again at what the Bible teaches about the millennial kingdom of Christ in regards to the imprisonment of the serpent of old, Satan. What will a world ruled by righteousness look like, and why would God allow Satan to be loosed again to lead one last rebellion in the earth? And if hell was made for Satan and his angels, why would God send anyone there?

Are you watching for the coming kingdom?

In this week's message, we'll begin looking at Revelation 20 and study through all the Scriptures to piece together what the coming kingdom of Christ will be like. We'll look at the difference between the Millennial Kingdom and our eternal state, whether 1000 years really means 1000 years, and what the earth will be like during this time. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven!

Who can make war against the Beast? Jesus, the conquering King of kings can.

This week, we'll finish studying Revelation 19 and see Christ's victory over the armies of the Antichrist at His second coming. We'll look at three distinct reasons for the final Tribulation and study the reality of hell, why hell was created, and what can save us from the coming judgment.

Is Jesus the King of all kings in your life?

This week, we'll continue reading in Revelation 19 and study John's vision of the second coming of Christ. We'll learn the meanings behind a white horse, his many crowns, and the name written on Him that no one else knows. And we'll dig deeper into what it means when the Bible calls Him the King of kings and the Lord of lords.

When was the last time we shouted a heartfelt "Hallelujah!"

This week, we will begin studying Revelation 19 and look at heaven give a shout of "Hallelujah!" We'll look at four reasons for why heaven gives shouts of praise to God and study the meaning of the marriage feast of the Lamb. And we'll see how ancient Jewish marriage traditions can teach us about God's relationship and desires for the Church today.

Are you a citizen of Babylon or a citizen of Heaven?

This week, we will read Revelation 18 and study the political and economic system of the last days and look at how three different groups of people will react to the final destruction of Babylon the Great. We'll look at how Babylon is both a physical city on earth and also a representation of everything that is materialistic and worldly and stands in opposition to God. And we'll see a command from God for His people to separate themselves from Babylon and all that it represents both in today's age and in the last days to come.

Are you living under the influence of Religious Babylon?

Welcome back! This week, we will finish Revelation 17 and study this interpretation from the angel about the meaning of John's vision. We'll begin to look at the differences between the religious and political systems at play during the Great Tribulation and see just how far the influence of ancient Babylon will extend into the future.

How to resist deception by knowing the Truth.

Welcome back! This week, we begin reading Revelation 17 and study what the Bible has to say about this figure commonly called "Mystery Babylon." We'll trace back to the roots of this false religion as shown in Genesis, and see how this ancient civilization influences the false religions rampant in the modern world. But most importantly, we'll learn the truth that can rescue anyone trapped by false religion today.

Who is paying the price for your sin?This week, we'll finish studying Revelation 16 and look at the last two bowl judgments that will usher in the end of the world as we know it. We'll begin to look at the last battle known as the Battle of Armageddon. We'll see the consequences of the world choosing to pay the price for its sin rather than accepting the atoning work of Christ, who paid the price for our sins on the cross, defeating death and the grave. And ask ourselves, who is paying the price for our sin?

What will happen when there are no more second chances?

Welcome back! In this week's message, we'll begin to study Revelation 16 and look at the first five bowl judgments that will complete the wrath of God upon the earth. We'll compare and contrast these judgments to the ones that have come before. Through it all we see that judgment is coming, but today Jesus offers us salvation.

How to escape judgment and have eternal life!

Welcome back! This week, we learn about the final wrath of God to bring justice to the world. While God prepares to bring justice, the saints cry out in worship in heaven.

We'll study through Revelation 15 and look at two groups in the heavens: the angels who will administer the final wrath of God and the saints who have escaped the judgments of God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Does harvest mean what we think it means?

Welcome back! This week, we'll finish our study through Revelation 14 and see Jesus as Judge over his creation as He begins the final harvest of the earth. We’ll talk about the difference between the common spiritual understanding of harvesting, how scripture uses the imagery, and what that means for us now, as well as discuss the importance of learning about the uncomfortable subject of the judgement of God. Most importantly, we'll look again at who Jesus is, as we compare and contrast His first and second coming.

If we're free to share the gospel, then why don't we?

In this week's message, we'll continue in Revelation 14 and learn what important message these three angels have for the earth's inhabitants during the Great Tribulation. We'll see God continuing to offer mercy in the midst of judgement, and we'll talk about the reality of hell and the amazing work God has for us today to share the gospel with a dying world before it's too late.

Where is your hope when times are dark?

This week, we'll begin studying in Revelation 14 and look at true worship of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, the one with the power to redeem and deliver his people into life! We'll study why Jesus is pictured as a lamb, and be reminded about what true worship of God looks like and how we should join in with the praises of heaven.

Welcome back! We've learned about the beast from the sea, and now this week we continue our revelation and learn who/what the beast from the land is.

Welcome back! This week, we learn about the world's response to the beast as we continue through Revelation.

Satan trying to counterfeit God--it's a tale as old as time. This week, we'll begin to study in Revelation 13 and look at what the beast from the sea represents from John's vision. How does Revelation 13 tie into the prophecies of Daniel? Is there any difference between the Beast and the Dragon? And as we look at this introduction to the infamous Antichrist--the counterfeit of Christ Jesus--how do we combat all the things that set themselves up in the place of Christ in our lives today?

God vs Satan... it's no contest.In this week's message, we'll continue our study in Revelation 12 and get a further glimpse of the unseen war between the light and the darkness. We'll look at the common tactics of our enemy, but more importantly we'll learn the 3 things that allow us to overcome the tactics of our enemy and walk in the victory secured for us by Jesus Christ.

Welcome back!This week, after the sounding of the seventh trumpet, John takes a brief aside and depicts a dragon trying to destroy a child. What does it mean? What does it tell us about Jesus? How does it relate to you? Listen to this study to find out.

Welcome back! Join us as we continue through the trumpet judgements of Revelation.

Welcome back!

What are you doing while you wait for Jesus to come and make things right?When will God say enough is enough? When will Jesus finally return and make things right? In this week's Bible Study, we'll study through Revelation 10, as there is a pause before the last trumpet judgment. We'll look at why God delays his return, why God doesn't have to answer all our questions, and most importantly: if God sees fit to delay his return, then what should we be doing in the meantime?

Welcome back! In this week's Bible Study, we'll continue reading from Revelation 9 and look at what woes still await a humanity ripe for judgment. Among other things, we'll look at why we pray in Jesus' name today, see whether all angels are good, and then analyze how the survivors left on earth after this last judgment will respond to all that's happened so far. And how does their response spur us on today to share the Gospel of grace with everyone while we still can?

Welcome Back! This week, we continue our series through Revelation in chapter 9 where the gates of hell are opened and demonic beasts are unleashed on those alive during the tribulation.

Welcome back! The pause before the opening of the seventh seal has ended and John's prophetic vision of the coming wrath continues. And as the last seal is opened, all of heaven seems to hold its breath in anticipation of the cataclysms to follow. When the seven trumpet judgements begin, a third of the earth will be destroyed. In this week's Bible Study, we will study through the next phase of John's prophecy from Revelation 8. We'll learn the different ways God answers prayer and the significance of trumpets in God's calendar of history. As we see the earth begin to perish and remember the words of Jesus--that heaven and earth will pass away, but His words never will--we should ask ourselves whether our hope is in the creation or the Creator.

Welcome back! This week, we will take a look at Revelation 7 and learn about two groups of people who are able to stand when God pours out His wrath. We'll look at who the 144,000 are who will receive the seal of God, learn about the importance of the nation of Israel in this prophetic book, and ask the most important question of all: what do we learn about Jesus in this passage?

Welcome back! Today, we continue through Revelation where the fifth and sixth seals are opened and learn about the difference between church-age martyrs and tribulation saints, the first of 3 great earthquakes in Revelation, and mankind's continued lack of repentance.

Welcome back! Last week, the Lamb of God was found worthy to take the scroll and all of heaven lifted up their praises to the Lord. And now this week, Jesus begins the process of breaking the seals on the scroll and many tribulations begin on the earth. It starts with the devastating cavalry charge of the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse. White! Red! Black! Pale Green! But what exactly do the horsemen represent? And why should we even study these things? We'll discuss this and much more in this week's message.

Welcome back! today we learn about why we worship God in this continuation through the book of Revelation.

Welcome back! Today we continue through revelation and learn about the importance of worship, what kind of music can be used in worship, and much more.

Welcome back! Today, we continue through Revelation and learn about a scroll with 7 seals and how it may represent the greatest real estate deal of all time.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues his series through Revelation with a peak into the heavenly throne room of God.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues his study through Revelation with a message from the letter to the church in Laodicea, and trusting in Jesus instead of ourselves.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues his series through Revelation with a message from the letter to the church in Philadelphia on remaining faithful when we have little strength.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues his series through Revelation, comparing living faith with dead faith in the letter to the church in Sardis.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues his study through the book of Revelation with a message on how compromise turned into corruption in the church in Thyatira.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues his series through Revelation with a message on godliness and worldliness and the Church in Pergamum.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues his series through Revelation with the Letter to the Church in Smyrna and the choices we have when facing suffering.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through Revelation with a the letter from Jesus to the church of Ephesus.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan teaches an overview of Revelation 2-3 with a message of hope about what Jesus has to say to His Church.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues teaching through Revelation with a vision of the Risen and Reigning Messiah!

Welcome back! This week we have a bonus message for you from Elder Ron Love speaking from 1 Kings 18 on the life of Elijah the Prophet and how to combat despair and depression.

Welcome to a new season as Pastor Nathan begins teaching through the book of Revelation. In this episode he begins with an overview of the book that is all about Jesus!

Welcome back! In this podcast, Pastor Nathan concludes his series in Jude with one last exhortation to stay in the fight because we know Who has the victory! Praise the Lord!

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues his series through Jude with four ways to keep on fighting the good fight of faith.

Welcome back! As Pastor Nathan continues through Jude, we wrap up teaching on apostacy with this message on how to identify those who are straying from the truth.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues teaching in Jude with a message on future judgement and current mercy.

Welcome back! This week Pastor Nathan continues the series through Jude with a message on continuing the fight for truth.

Welcome to our series in Jude! In this episode, Pastor Nathan begins teaching through the little book of Jude with a message on following our Heavenly Commander, Jesus Christ.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan finishes the study through 3 John with a message continuing the themes of truth, love, and Christian community.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan begins teaching on the first half of 3 John with a message on truth, love, and hospitality.

Welcome back! This week Pastor Nathan teaches through 2 John with a message on how it's loving to stand up for truth.

Welcome back! This week, Pastor Nathan finishes his series through 1 John with a message on everything we can be sure of about our salvation and how we live in response to that.

Welcome back! This week, we continue through 1 John with a message about how we ought to respond when we see a believer sin, what the sin is that does not lead to death, and what the sin is that leads to death.

Welcome back! This week, we learn how to pray more effectively as Pastor Nathan continues through 1 John.

Welcome back to Hosanna! This week, we continue through 1 John with Pastor Nathan.

Welcome back to Hosanna's podcast! This week, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 John with different ways to tell if you are growing in your love for God and others.

Welcome to Hosanna! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 John with this message titled, "God is Love."

Welcome back! This week, Pastor Nathan begins chapter 4 in his series through 1 John.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan shares from 1 John as well as his own testimony for this study on what to do when guilt creeps in.

In today's episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 John with a message on 4 levels of relationship and we also take communion. Which of these 4 levels best describes how you interact with others?

1) Murder

2) Hatred

3) Indifference

4) Christian Love in Action

Are you a child of God, or a child of Satan? If you sin, are you no longer God's child? Today, we answer tough questions as Pastor Nathan continues through 1 John.

Welcome back! This week, we learn about what it means to be God's child as we continue through the Book of 1 John.

Welcome back! In this episode, we continue with Pastor Nathan through 1 John and learn about how to live with no regrets.

Welcome back! This week, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 John with part 2 of his message about Antichrists. In this episode, we learn how to resist entry-level antichrists. If you missed his message on how to identify entry-level antichrists', check out episode 8.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 John with part 1 of a 2-part message. This episode focuses on how to identify entry-level antichrists.

Welcome back! In this bonus episode, Pastor Nathan takes a break from 1 John for this message for Father's Day.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 John with a message on being eternity-minded now to ensure life after death.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan teaches on 3 stages of spiritual maturity found in 1 John and the role of each stage within the church.

Welcome back! In this episode, we continue to learn what it means to be a follower of Christ and evaluate whether or not we love our fellow believers.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 John with a message about the importance of being sure of your salvation and how to know you're saved.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 John with a message about how Jesus advocates on our behalf before God the Father.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 John. In this episode, we learn about how Jesus advocates on our behalf.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues his series through 1 John with how to keep fellowship with God strong.

Welcome to season 3! In this episode, Pastor Nathan begins the book of 1 John with this message about fellowship.

In this last episode in season 2 through 2 Peter, Pastor Nathan teaches on how to prepare for this life to end as we look forward to eternity.

The Lord is coming back! Where should we look for signs, and do you know you're ready for His return?

In this episode, Pastor Nathan gives 4 warnings to watch for when dealing with false teachers.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan shares a special message from 1 Samuel about Hannah for Mother's Day.

Welcome back! In today's episode, Pastor Nathan continues his teaching on false teachers with this message of warning to all false teachers and those who buy into their teaching.

Today, Pastor Garry shares from various passages in scripture about how God remembers His promises and chooses to forget our iniquities.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 2 Peter with this message on 6 things that identify false prophets.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 2 Peter.

Do you wonder what kind of legacy you will leave when you die? What will your impact be? In this episode, Pastor Nathan teaches on leaving spiritual legacies.

He is risen! In this episode, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

In this sunrise celebration service, we learn about the morning that Jesus rose from the dead!

Happy Good Friday! In this episode, Pastor Nathan kicks off Holy Weekend with a message on Good Friday.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Hosanna Christian Fellowship podcast. Today, we begin the book of 2 Peter and learn about building a faith that grows and lasts.

God has visited! Let's start off Holy Week with this message for Palm Sunday.

In this last episode of season 1, we finish going through 1 Peter. In this study, we learn about God's character, God's calling on our lives, the condition for the first 2 points, God's commitment, God's lesson plan, and God's compensation.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with a message about the devil. Listen to learn 4 important things about the devil and how he works:

1)The enemy's tactics

2)The enemy's identity

3)The enemy's range

4)The enemy's frailty

Welcome back! Do you know how to set an example for those younger than you? Do you know how to follow leadership in a godly way? Learn about both in today's message as Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter.

In this bonus episode, Pastor Rik Ice shares from Galatians 6 about how to bear one another's burdens in a loving way.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with a message on what pastors and elders are called to do.

Did you know there are right and wrong ways to handle suffering? In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter by listing 2 do's and 2 don'ts when it comes to suffering.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with this message on 3 ways to live to glorify God as if it was your last day on earth.

1) Pray Harder

2) Love More Intensely

3) Serve Better

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with a message on how to not just spend your time, but invest your time in eternity.

Main Points:

1) Resist Sin

2) Seek God's Will

3) Renounce Your Past

4) Reach the Lost

In this episode we have guest speaker Edward Amaya sharing from Far Reaching Ministries, a ministry of Calvary Chapel that seeks to bring the gospel into some of the most dangerous countries in the world. Learn how you can help as well as the importance of reaching out to those around you.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with this message on all things baptism. If you've been wondering about getting baptized or confused about where baptism comes from and what it means, then this message is for you!

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter.

Welcome back! In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with a message on how to find hope in the midst of suffering by looking to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

4 Main Points:

Jesus's Crucifixion shows purpose
His Resurrection shows permanence
His Proclamation shows planning
His Glorification shows power

In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with a message about being persecuted or targeted because of your faith in Jesus.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with a message on how to treat others kindly and lead others to Christ in doing so. As you listen, focus on these 3 main points:

General Attitude of Love
Gentle Response to Blessing
Genuine Motivation

In this episode, Pastor Nathan continue through 1 Peter with a message on 4 things that identify a Godly husband.

1) Mutual Submission

2) Understanding

3) Cooperation

4) Unity

In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with a message on 3 things that describe a wife who honors God.

1) Her actions speak louder than words

2) Her attitude is her most beautiful feature

3) Her admiration is more Biblical than conventional

In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with a message on how to be more like Jesus. As you listen, keep these points in mind:

1. Live With Endurance

2. Forego Vengeance

3. Rest in Confidence

4. Love with Extravagance

5. Display Patience

In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with a message on submitting to those who have authority over us.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with this message on submitting to authorities, even when they are ungodly.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan continues through 1 Peter with a message on how to have the greatest impact for the Kingdom of God and lead others to Jesus.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan teaches on Jesus's role as a cornerstone and how we are the house of God.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan teaches on how to grow in our relationship with God. As you listen, focus on these three main points:

o Remember that God is good and you have experienced His goodness

o Lay aside the sin that stunts your growth

o Faithfully pursue knowing more about God everyday

In this episode, Pastor Nathan teaches on a Christian's call to love others constantly because we have experienced the love of God.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan teaches on how to live a holy life by prioritizing our living hope we have been given in all that we do.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan uses prophecy found in scripture to show how God had a plan to save us from the very beginning.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan challenges you to re-examine your relationship with the God you can't see. As you listen, focus on these two important points:

o Our relationship with God is based on Love

o Our relationship with God is based on Trust

In this episode, Pastor Nathan teaches on how to process our trials and hardships in light of the future hope we learned about in the last episode.

In this episode, Pastor Nathan teaches on the living hope we have in Jesus and the inheritance salvation brings.

This week, Pastor Nathan teaches on how we can attach ourselves to the Jesus, our firm foundation.

Hold on to these 4 truths as you listen today:

o We’ve been chosen by God

o We are completely known by God

o We are constantly growing because of God

o We are increasingly blessed because of God

In this episode, Pastor Nathan begins a new series through 1 Peter.