New Hope Christian Church Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jon Ulm
For five weeks we’ve built toward this moment. We established that God never stopped speaking. We named what drowns Him out. We learned to tune in — to be still, to let R.E.A.D. become a daily rhythm. We discovered the difference between the logos God has always spoken and the rhēma — the specific word with your name on it, waiting on a page for the exact day you’d need it. And last week we learned to know His voice with confidence, the way sheep know their Shepherd’s.
But hearing was never the finish line. This week we ask the question underneath everything: now that you’ve heard Him — will you actually do what He said?
Reception isn’t just about picking up a signal. It’s about what you do the moment it comes through. A word without obedience is just information. A word obeyed becomes transformation.
This is where the series has been leading all along — not toward six more things you know, but toward a life that actually moves when He speaks.
We began this series in John 10, where Jesus makes a simple but staggering claim: His sheep know His voice, and they won't follow a stranger. That's not a throwaway line — it's the whole reason discernment is even possible. God's voice isn't unfamiliar static you have to decode from scratch. It has a consistent tone, a consistent character, a consistent content.
This week we'll look at John 16, where Jesus tells us exactly what the Holy Spirit's voice sounds like — what He consistently speaks about, and just as importantly, what He never sounds like. Because here's the danger: not every voice claiming to be God actually is. Some voices flatter. Some voices condemn. Only one voice does both truth and love at the same time.
If you've ever wondered, "How do I know if that was God, my own thoughts, or something else entirely?" — this is the message for you.
Come ready to know His voice with confidence.
CLEAR THE STATIC. HEAR HIS VOICE.
We've spent three weeks establishing that God speaks, naming what drowns Him out, and learning to show up and listen. Now comes the question every one of us actually wants answered: when I open my Bible, how do I know it's Him?
Here's the truth that changed how I hear God — Scripture isn't a book about Him. It's a book in which He speaks. Hebrews 4:12 says the word of God is living. Not was. Is. Right now, in the Bible on your nightstand.
I'll share how this played out in one of the most significant decisions of my life — a moment where I waited on the Lord, and He confirmed His answer through His Word with a specificity I could never have planned myself.
You'll also walk away with R.E.A.D. — a simple, permanent way to open Scripture expecting to be met, not just informed.
Come ready. He's not finished speaking.
God has never stopped speaking. The problem was never His silence — it’s our static. He speaks continuously, ordinarily, through Scripture and by His Spirit — most often as something as unremarkable as a thought, a conviction, a nudge, a verse that suddenly has your name on it.
We continue STATIC with Week 3: FREQUENCY — Tuning Your Heart to Hear. Jesus said His sheep know His voice (John 10:4, 27) — and here’s the good news: that’s not a gift given to a spiritually gifted few. Sheep don’t recognize the shepherd’s voice by nature. They recognize it because they’ve spent time close enough, long enough, for it to become familiar. Frequency is learned in proximity.
If your prayer life feels flat, if Scripture feels distant, if you can’t remember the last time you sensed God speak — He hasn’t gone quiet. You’ve likely just drifted out of range. This week we’ll look honestly at what pulls us there, and practically at how to close the distance again.
Come ready to get close. He’s already speaking — and He’s been speaking all along.
CLEAR THE STATIC. HEAR HIS VOICE.
We know in life that there will be trouble, we have all experienced our storms that interrupt our regularly scheduled programming. But where do wee find hope when we’ve done exactly what we felt God telling us to do and the trouble comes anyway. Mark shows us that the storms that interrupt our lives are often the very places where Jesus reveals who He isi. Don’t let the storm distract you from the Savior.
Today, we go deeper with INTERFERENCE. Because once you accept that God is still speaking, the next question is harder: what's actually drowning Him out in your life?
Distraction. Busyness. Old wounds. Other voices shouting louder than His. Let’s find out together — and learn how to clear it.
STATIC begins today.
For six weeks, we're stepping into something we believe will change the way you hear God — not just on Sundays, but every day. Because here's what we've discovered: God didn't stop speaking. We've just gotten buried in noise — distraction, pressure, fear, and a thousand voices competing for our attention.
Anchored in John 10, where Jesus says His sheep know His voice, STATIC will teach us to clear the noise, tune our hearts, and recognize when He's speaking.
This isn't just a sermon series. It's an invitation to hear Him again — clearly.
Before Jesus performed a single miracle, before He preached a single sermon, before the cross — the Father had already spoken. "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
Many of us spend our lives trying to earn a voice that has already been spoken over us.
Today on Father's Day, we're stepping into that moment at the Jordan River to discover what the Father truly says — about identity, about direction, about belonging. Whether your earthly father gave you strength or left you with wounds, this message is for you.
As we continue our Christ in Me series, last Sunday we were reminded that the Christian life is not built on occasional encounters with God, but on a daily walk with the Holy Spirit. We learned that walking in the Spirit begins with surrender, grows through awareness of His presence, and matures through reflection and obedience. God is not looking for perfection—He is inviting us into partnership. As we learn to recognize His voice and follow His leading, He transforms us to become more like Jesus.
Today we come to the final message in our series: “The Authority of the Believer.” Many Christians know they are saved, but few fully understand the authority they have been given through Christ and the Holy Spirit. Jesus declared in Luke 10:19, “Behold, I give you the authority…” Through Him, we are called to live boldly, overcome the works of the enemy, and advance the Kingdom of God with confidence and faith.
As we continue our Christ in Me series, we come to a message that may be one of the most practical and life-changing teachings of the entire journey: “Walking in the Spirit – Living a Spirit-Led Life Every Day.”
Many believers experience God in powerful moments during worship, prayer, or church services. But God's desire is not only that we encounter Him occasionally—it is that we walk with Him daily. The Holy Spirit is not just present on Sundays; He wants to guide us in our homes, workplaces, relationships, decisions, and everyday routines.
We will discover what it means to develop a genuine daily walk with the Holy Spirit, how to recognize His leading, and how simple daily habits can help us live more aware of His presence. If you have ever wondered, "How do I practically live a Spirit-led life?" then this message is for you.
Our journey through the Christ in Me series continues with a powerful message: “The Anointing – Empowered for Purpose and Ministry.”
The Holy Spirit does not only live within us to comfort, guide, and transform us—He also empowers us to fulfill God’s purpose. Throughout Scripture, the anointing was given to ordinary people so they could accomplish extraordinary things for God. The same Holy Spirit who empowered Jesus and the early church is at work in believers today.
Join us as we discover what the anointing is, why God gives it, and how the Holy Spirit empowers us to serve others and advance His Kingdom.
Today we continue our powerful series, CHRIST in me, on the Holy Spirit with Week 4: “The Gifts of the Spirit – God’s Power Through You.”
Over the past few weeks, we discovered that the Holy Spirit does not just change what you do—He changes who you are. He forms the character of Jesus inside of us. But next week, we shift from character… to power.
Because the Holy Spirit does not only work in you—He wants to work through you.
God has given spiritual gifts to His church to encourage people, strengthen faith, bring healing, and reveal His presence in powerful ways. This message will help you understand how the Holy Spirit empowers ordinary believers to make an extraordinary difference.
Come hungry for more of God and invite someone to join you. We believe God wants to move powerfully in our church.
Today we continue our powerful Christ in me series, and we’re excited for the next message: “The Fruit of the Spirit: God’s Character Formed in You.”
So often we focus on what we should do as believers, but God is deeply interested in who we are becoming. Through the Holy Spirit, He is shaping His character within us—producing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
This message will be both practical and personal, helping you recognize how the Holy Spirit is working in your daily life to transform you from the inside out.
What a powerful and encouraging start we had to our new series, Christ in Me! It was incredible to see so many hearts open to the truth that God is not distant, but living within us through the Holy Spirit. There is a fresh sense of expectation in our church as we begin this journey together.
Today, we continue with our second theme: The Person of the Holy Spirit — Not a Force, But a Friend. This is such an important truth- because the Holy Spirit is not something impersonal, but Someone we can know, walk with, and relate to daily.
We begin a brand new series called “Christ in Me.” I want to personally invite you to be part of this journey. At the heart of our faith is this powerful truth: God is not distant—He lives in us. Through the Holy Spirit, Jesus is present, personal, and active in our everyday lives.
Over the next few weeks, we will discover what it truly means to have Christ living in us—how He guides us, strengthens us, speaks to us, and transforms us from the inside out. This series is not just about learning, but about experiencing God in a deeper and more real way.
Come expectant, and bring someone with you.
Ephesians 4:22-24; Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-4; Proverbs 3:5-6
What does an airplane's ATTITUDE have to do with the ALTITUDE we attain as a follower of Christ? Any good pilot knows an airplane's ATTITUDE is extremely important to a successful flight. It can even be the difference between life and death! So what does aeronautical ATTITUDE have to do with living the way Jesus wants us to live? That's what we are going to find out today as we explore three important passages about living for Jesus. I'm looking forward to sharing a message with you that's been one year in the making.
John 21
Life is full of hills and valleys, moments we are close to God and moments he seems far away. We just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, but are we living in the light of it? Peter has a wonderful story recounted in John 21 of the grace offered to all of us. We just have to follow Him!
We come to the powerful conclusion of our God First journey—and what a moment this is for us as a church. Over the past weeks, God has been aligning our hearts, challenging our priorities, and calling us deeper. But today, it all comes together with one clear and life-changing truth: God Above All.
This is more than a message—it’s an invitation. An invitation to surrender fully, to trust completely, and to place God not just first in parts of our lives, but above everything.
We are continuing our GOD First journey, and this morning brings us to Session 6: People Above Resources. This message will challenge the way we see value, success, and priority in God’s Kingdom. In a world that often measures everything by numbers, results, and resources, God calls us to place people first—just as He does.
Today’s sermon will help us see how deeply God cares for individuals and how He invites us to reflect that same heart in our daily lives. Expect to be stretched, encouraged, and reminded that ministry is never about what we have, but who we serve.
Let’s come ready to listen, respond, and put God first—by putting people first.
Thank you to everyone who has continued faithfully on the GOD First journey. It has been encouraging to see so many of you leaning in—attending the sermons, engaging with the daily devotions, and showing up for your Action Groups. Keep going. Spiritual growth happens when we consistently place ourselves where God can shape our hearts.
Today we continue with the fifth message in the series: “Service Above My Own Agenda.” We will discover how putting God first often means laying down our own plans so that His purposes can take priority in our lives.
Also, don’t forget about Discovery Group tonight at 4:00 PM. We’ll be discussing the two most important experiences after salvation. I hope to see you there!
We are continuing our GOD First series today, and this morning’s message is titled “Bible Above Facts.” In a world overflowing with opinions, information, and constantly changing “truths,” it becomes easy to let culture shape what we believe. But God’s Word invites us to something stronger and more stable. Today, we will explore what it means to build our faith on the unchanging truth of Scripture rather than the shifting facts and voices around us. My prayer is that this message will strengthen your confidence in God’s Word and encourage you to trust it with every step of your life.
We are heading into the third week of our new series, God First. What an incredible blessing these past two weeks have been already. God is stirring hearts, realigning priorities, and reminding us what it truly means to put Him first.
As a church family, we have made two intentional commitments during this season: We will pray before work and we will tithe before expenses.
There is something powerful that happens when we put God first — not just in word, but in action.
I want to personally encourage you to join our Wednesday Action Group. This group is where faith becomes practical, where we grow together, pray together, and strengthen one another. We truly love doing this journey with you.
What an incredible start to our GOD First journey last week! Thank you to everyone who showed up, leaned in, and took the first step with us. It was inspiring to see our church choose to put God first—starting with prayer above work. I truly believe that when prayer takes first place, everything else begins to realign.
I want to encourage you to be diligent and intentional in this journey. The daily devotions are not just extra reading—they are moments to meet with God and allow Him to shape your heart. The Action Groups are where truth moves from inspiration to application. Don’t miss them.
Today we move to our next theme: Tithing Above Expenses. This is not simply about money—it’s about trust. It’s about declaring with our resources that God is first, not leftover. When we honor God first, He teaches us to live with faith, freedom, and obedience in every area of life.
Let’s keep walking this journey together.
Matthew 6:33
Welcome home—and thank you for showing up today. It truly matters that you are here. In a busy world full of distractions, choosing to be present is already a powerful step of faith.
Today we begin a new journey together called GOD FIRST. Over the next seven weeks, we are going to explore what it looks like to put God first—not just in what we believe, but in how we live every day. This is not about trying harder or doing more; it’s about re-ordering our lives so that God has the place He deserves.
I am genuinely grateful that you chose to be here today. Whether this is your first time, or this is your church home, your presence matters. God meets us when we show up—and I believe He has something personal for each of us on this journey.
Let’s lean in together. Let’s listen closely. And let’s put God First—not just for a season, but as a way of life.
Gal 6:7-8
What if the direction of your life isn’t determined by one big decision—but by the small, daily things you’re feeding? Our thoughts, fears, habits, and faith are all shaped by what we consistently allow into our hearts. This Sunday’s message, What You’re Feeding Is What’s Growing, will challenge us to look honestly at our inputs and realign them with God’s truth. It’s a practical, faith-building message about starving fear and feeding faith. This sermon also serves as a powerful introduction to our upcoming “GOD FIRST” 7-week series, where we’ll learn how to put God first in every area of life. Come expectant—God wants to grow something new in you.
The new year is a time we often use to begin new things - new commitments to health, lifestyle, family, and goals. And in the Scripture, there are numerous references to singing a "new song." What better time to sing new songs than the start of the new year? The word "new," however, in these passages does not always refer to something brand new, but can refer to something that is renewed or reintroduced. This morning we will look at singing the "new song" of salvation with a "new" / renewed focus of seeking like Jesus, who announced God's salvation to the world! Psalm 98:1 says, " Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things; his right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him."
Luke 2:10-12,14
In Luke 2:1–12 and verse 14, the angel proclaims good news of great joy—the birth of a Savior. This joy is not dependent on circumstances, status, or season. It is heaven’s response to God stepping into our world through Jesus, bringing hope where there was waiting and light where there was darkness.
This joy is for all people. It reaches shepherds in the fields, families in their homes, and hearts longing for peace. The joy Jesus brings is deeper than happiness; it is the assurance that God is with us, that we are seen, loved, and invited into His redemption story.
When Jesus is born, joy enters the world—and it still does today. His presence brings peace to troubled hearts, comfort to the weary, and praise to our lips. As we celebrate His birth, may we receive this joy afresh and carry it to everyone we encounter.
Luke 2:8-15
A holy night in Bethlehem proved once and for all that nothing is impossible with God. Maybe you, too, are waiting… for an answer, a breakthrough, a door to open. Waiting can feel heavy, but it is never wasted when God is involved. He is working in ways we cannot yet see.
This week, take time to remember how God has come through for you before. Let those memories stir fresh hope and renewed courage. The same God who fulfilled His promise in Bethlehem is the God who walks with you today. And the promise of Jesus’ return reminds us that our story is still unfolding with glory.
Hold on to hope. Trust His timing. And keep your heart expectant—because with God, the impossible is never out of reach.
Isaiah 9:1-7
For thousands of years the world moved through its days marked by hopelessness, shame, sadness, and isolation. But then—on one holy night in Bethlehem—everything changed. Heaven touched earth in the form of a Child, and suddenly the story of humanity turned toward hope, peace, joy, and love. That same turning is still available to us today.
This Christmas season, we invite you to journey with us through the four Sundays leading up to Christmas as we explore powerful passages from the Gospel of Luke, alongside key scenes from The Chosen’s Christmas episode “Holy Night.” Each Sunday, we’ve planned something meaningful and special—perfect opportunities to bring friends, family, and neighbors to church.
We are praying that God will use us to shine brightly in this season, because as Matthew 5:14 says in the Message Bible, we are called to be the light that brings out the God-colors in the world around us. Come and experience the wonder, the warmth, and the miracle of Christmas with us.
We thank the Lord for the wonderful attendance and the beautiful time we shared at our Thanksgiving service. Our hearts are full!
We are now looking forward with excitement to our special Christmas program starting on the 7th of December. Don’t miss out on any of these services—and remember to invite your neighbours, family, and friends to join you as we celebrate the birth of our Savior together.
Today, we look forward to seeing you again for a powerful time in the Word and precious fellowship with our church family.
2 Kings 6
We’re talking about the moments when something slips out of our lives, without us even meaning to lose it. The good news is that God specializes in restoring what we lost. If you need a fresh start or want to get back what life has taken, this message is for you. Come be encouraged and bring someone with you!
2 Kings 4:1
On Wednesday night at Action Group, we spoke about the privilege of carrying one another in prayer—lifting up each other’s families, and especially our children. We have been praying for your children this week, believing that God’s hand is upon them.
It reminded me of a powerful book I once read, Praying Circles Around Your Children. The author says something phenomenal: when we pray, we draw a circle of God’s protection, purpose, and presence around the ones we love. Prayer doesn’t just change situations—it shapes destinies. Every whispered prayer over our children becomes a seed of faith that God waters in His perfect timing.
1 Kings 19:19
We are starting a new series today. In our new series, “Live your calling”, we’ll see what happens when we leave comfort behind and pursue our true purpose
Gen. 2:18
Loneliness is one of the silent struggles of our generation. Even in crowded rooms and busy schedules, many hearts still feel unseen and unheard. But God never designed us to live isolated lives. From the beginning, He created us for connection—with Him and with one another. Today, we’ll discover how the Church—not just the building but the people—can become a place of grace, healing, and purpose. When the service is over, we don’t walk away; we stay in the room. Come and see what happens when love lingers, and community begins.
Mark 2:17
They tore the roof open to get their friend to Jesus!
That’s faith in action—and that’s what we’re talking about this week at New Hope!
Join us for “The Miracle You Need Most!” — Part 3 of our We Are the Church series.
Discover how God still meets people in their deepest need and changes lives forever.
Acts 2:42-46
When you look at the early church in Acts, you don’t see a group of people just attending a service once a week. You see a movement. You see men and women radically transformed by Jesus—devoted to His Word, devoted to each other, and devoted to reaching the world. They weren’t playing it safe; they were sold out, generous, and bold in their faith. And because of that, the Lord added to their number daily. That same call is before us today. We are not just going to church—we are the church.
James 1:22
We believe the church isn’t a building—it’s people. And when each of those people knows who they are and what they believe, they can achieve incredible things together. In our new series, We Are the Church, let’s learn more about who we are and how we can work together to change the world.
Isaiah 61:1-5
As we step into this new calling here at New Hope, I am reminded of the words in Isaiah 61 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me”. This is not just the story of a prophet long ago, but a living word for us right here, right now! God has anointed us for a mission of healing, hope, and restoration.
Exodus 20:1-3 and Psalms 63:1-4
It is easy for us to say, “Jesus changed my life.” But allowing God to completely change us is a true paradigm shift. It’s a radical change in how we think, process, respond and live. This morning, we will discuss two paradigm shifts in my life that set me on a different path… all for His glory! I’m praying that these passages will do the same for you too.
Matthew 6:25-34 and Proverbs 3:5-6
How are we supposed to deal with sudden changes in our circumstances, good or bad? What advice does the Word of God give us when we suddenly get "bad news" or maybe receive an unexpected "windfall"? Has Jesus ever given us guiding principles or the wisdom we need to handle these kinds of things, and even everyday life?
Well, yes He has, and they are found in the middle of his Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. This morning, Pastor Jon wants to share one of the best things he and Jane learned from Jesus over the past year, following his leukemia diagnosis.
Psalm 8:3-4
We live in a world that often explains everything, categorizes everything, and reduces mystery to math. But in doing so, we risk losing something sacred: the wonder of God. Wonder is not naivety. It’s not ignorance. It is the heart’s response when it touches the edge of the infinite. It’s what Moses felt before the burning bush. What Isaiah felt in the temple. What John felt when he saw heaven opened. Today, let’s look at how wonderful our God is and how, through childlike eyes, we can recover our wonder of Him.
Matthew 4:18-22, 8:18-22 & 9:9-12
Our relationship with Christ and our calling is very much like a road trip journey. It’s often sunshine and beautiful days full of clarity. But at the same time there are days of clouds or fog which can make it hard to grasp the next steps how to move forward. Our goal this morning is to discover what God’s word says about our journey with Christ and the call that comes with this journey.
Joshua 21:45
Blessed and bumpy. Life’s journey speeds up, slows down, enjoys joy, and suffers loss. God’s promises never fail. How? Milestones modeled throughout Joshua remind us the path isn’t easy, but rewarding. Our journey is more about our heart’s condition than our present location. Staying the course leads to God's love, purpose, and presence in our lives.
Hebrews 3:1-6
Whether you have a long-lasting faith, just beginning your journey or have yet to place your faith in Jesus, there are moments when we all struggle to believe. The struggle could be centered around our ability to receive His grace. Or perhaps it is whether God can truly heal. Maybe your struggle is with God’s timing or God’s justice. No matter how we struggle, we need to look toward Jesus.
1 Samuel 16:1
This message addresses the pain of grief, emphasizing that grief does not simply disappear with time. Drawing from 1 Samuel 16:1, it highlights how prolonged grief can paralyze, affect us physically and emotionally, and hinder our future. This sermon offers practical ways to counteract grief, such as filling oneself with the Holy Spirit, taking deliberate steps toward recovery, and seeking new direction in God. Additionally, it presents the acronym GRIEF as a helpful guide to understanding and managing grief, reminding us that trusting in the Lord is the ultimate source of healing and hope.
Luke 4:14-30
Jesus didn’t come to make our lives comfortable. He came to make them new. And new life always begins with disruption. The Christian life, rightly understood, is not safe. It's filled with the holy danger of transformation. To follow Jesus is to embrace risk, to lose one’s life in order to find it.
Jon Ulm and Janeen Myers. Janeen works with "Project Belong" This is a foster care adoption/ age out program for at risk youth
The ladies that went to Liberia July 2022 presented a report of what they did while they were there.
This reports full of slides and a short video. You can see the whole thing visually at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXgkz8v3dz9tPo4vqkr-yUuezNvKikxNM
Jon Ulm, Kevin Sellner, Rowland Heflin and Jim Pepin report on their Mission Trip to Liberia to help Caleb and Monika Sannoh
Book of James Series: Life Apps #10
towards the end there is a small part of the sermon missing