Hope Alliance Bethlehem: Recent Episodes
Hope Alliance Bethlehem
Psalm 139 shows us a God who made us, loves us deeply, and calls us into daily surrender. We can release our anxious need for control and trust him to lead us in the way everlasting. Listen now and be inspired to loosen your grip and rest in the God who holds you.
In Psalm 121 we see God as our Keeper on life's journey. He is the Maker of heaven and earth who never slumbers or sleeps, always aware and always near. He guards our steps, shields us from harm, and watches over our daily coming and going. True faith begins not with confidence in ourselves but in him, the God who faithfully walks beside us. Listen now and be inspired to face your mountains trusting the One who never leaves your side.
In Psalm 145 we see that the God who holds all power is also the one most eager to care for us. His greatness fills the universe, yet his goodness reaches into our everyday struggles, even our failures. And unlike David, we're living in the age where God's power over sin and death is revealed in Jesus. Listen now and be inspired to worship him in every area of life.
We look at Psalm 27 and the idea that God is the safety and security that our souls crave. When we truly seek him and dwell in his presence, then fear loses its grip. His light clears away confusion, and his nearness becomes a steady refuge no trouble can shake. This closeness turns our deepest longings into confidence and joy. Listen now and be inspired to seek God's presence each day.
Where is God when life doesn't make sense? Psalm 115 says that the better question is: who is God? If we shift the focus from our circumstances to his unchanging love and faithfulness, then trusting him makes more sense. Listen now as we talk about what makes God so amazing, and how that can move us to trust and action.
What if real contentment isn't found in what we achieve, but in who leads us? This episode explores Psalm 23's picture of a Shepherd who restores our weary souls and walks with us through our darkest moments. Listen now and be inspired to surrender your worries to a Shepherd who never leaves your side.
Paul finishes his letter to the Ephesians with the topic of prayer. Prayer is ultimately tuning our hearts to what God is already doing, remembering who he is, and our way to take up the armor we've been talking about in this sermon series. Listen as we wrap up our Masterpiece series and discuss prayer as a way to stay connected to God in all situations.
Ephesians 6 reminds us that Scripture, brought to life by the Holy Spirit, is far more than ancient text. It's a living, breathing source of strength for battles we face today. When we know God's Word deeply, we can stand firm against doubt, fear, and every lie that tries to steal our peace. Listen now and be inspired to pick up your Bible with fresh eyes and let the Spirit make it come alive in your heart.
What does the helmet of salvation do? It reminds us of what's already true: we are justified, being sanctified, and will be glorified. The Hebrew word for salvation is Yeshua, the name of Jesus himself. So to put on this helmet is to cling to Christ, who is our salvation. Listen now and be inspired to guard your mind daily by preaching the gospel to yourself.
Faith is more than intellectual agreement. It's a trust that moves through our mind, heart and ultimately our actions. The "shield of faith" from Ephesians 6 represents God's own faithfulness. It's our protection against temptation, accusation, and doubt. Careers, finances, and institutions will shake, but only God's faithfulness holds firm. We take up this shield by preaching the gospel to ourselves daily, pursuing deeper knowledge of God, and living vulnerably in community, where collective faith strengthens us. Listen now and be inspired to move faith from your mind to your everyday life.
The gospel of peace is more than a comforting idea. It's the declaration that Jesus reigns as King, bringing wholeness to your relationship with God, quieting the conflicts within you, and restoring your connection with others. When doubt, shame, or division threaten to knock you off balance, this truth becomes your firm footing. Listen now and be inspired to preach the gospel to yourself daily and stand grounded in lasting peace.
Right standing before God is a gift freely given through Jesus. It is our protection against accusation and temptation. When we wear this righteousness daily, we stop striving and start standing firm. Listen now and be inspired to preach the gospel to yourself each morning.
The belt of truth isn't just ancient armor imagery from Ephesians 6. It's the spiritual readiness to spot lies in a world full of competing voices. When we anchor our minds in God's Word, we gain the discernment to test every message against the light of Christ and stand firm in who we really are.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's battles? Spiritual warfare is real. And we are active participants instead of spectators. The good news is we are not fighting alone or in our own strength. God equips us with everything we need to stand firm, and when we fall, his grace restores us. Listen now and be inspired to put on God's armor today and face your struggles with renewed confidence and power.
A healthy home doesn't need a perfect structure. It's decided by the relationships that fill it. When Christ holds authority over every relationship under our roof, power becomes service, obedience becomes love, and faith becomes something we live rather than just teach. That same posture reshapes how we treat anyone we lead or follow, from our kitchen table to our workplace. Listen now and be inspired to let Christ shape how you show up at home this week.
What if your marriage could become a living picture of the gospel? True biblical partnership isn't about power or position. It's about valuing your spouse above yourself, just as Christ gave himself for the church. When sacrificial love shapes your home, daily life starts reflecting the heart of Jesus. Listen now and be inspired to love your spouse the way Christ loves you.
What if the rules we resist are actually the guardrails keeping our lives from breaking? Paul's instructions in Ephesians 5 aren't about control. They're loving guidance that protects us from greed, broken relationships, and twisted desires. The antidote is thankfulness and knowing we've received everything through Christ. Listen now and be inspired to let gratitude reshape how you live today.
New creation isn't just a distant promise but a reality taking root in you right now. The paradox is beautiful: true life is found by letting go of the one you've been gripping so tightly. Death no longer holds the final word, and the kingdom you belong to cannot be shaken. Listen now and be inspired to live today as someone who already shares in Christ's unshakable victory.
Good Friday answers humanity's deepest ache, showing that no amount of religion, self-criticism, or achievement can cleanse a weary conscience. Only the cross can. Listen now and be inspired to lay your burdens down and walk in the freedom that Jesus already secured for you.
On Palm Sunday Jesus didn't come as a conquering hero but as a peaceful king, fulfilling ancient prophecy in the most unexpected way. Christ offers something deeper than political victory: true peace with God. Jesus is the King who reveals false worship, restores broken worship, and receives humble worship.
Ever feel stuck in old patterns that no longer serve you? Ephesians 4 explains that spiritual growth works like an upgrade: your old self, with its frustration and bitterness, was never meant to be permanent. Through the Holy Spirit, you can trade those worn-out habits for something better, replacing dishonesty with truth and resentment with compassion. Listen now and start becoming who you were created to be.
What does spiritual maturity actually look like? Ephesians 4 reveals it's not a solo journey but something that happens when every believer leans into their unique gifts and builds others up with truth and love. Real maturity isn't about personal achievement. It's about becoming part of something bigger together. Listen now and be inspired to grow into the fullness of what Christ has already given you.
Humility, gentleness, and patience aren't requirements to earn God's approval but natural expressions of the grace we've already been given. We talk about being intentional and making daily choices to embrace our identity in Christ.
What does it means to have the fullness of God? In Ephesians 3, Paul offers a prayer that explains our true identity and purpose. We are rooted in Christ's limitless love and empowered by the Spirit to reflect God's glory to the world. Listen now and be inspired to find your strength and identity in God alone.
How can Paul write so passionately about God's eternal plan and our glorious calling while chained in prison? This teaching explores how finding our true identity in Christ transforms how we face suffering and live out our calling. Listen now and be inspired to anchor your hope in God's unchanging truth rather than shifting circumstances.
What if the deepest divisions in your life could be completely erased? Ephesians 2 reveals a stunning truth: through Christ, old barriers are abolished and you become part of one new family. Your identity is no longer defined by cultural labels but by belonging to Christ alone. Listen now and be inspired to live as a countercultural witness to God's reconciling love.
Ephesians 2 reveals the miraculous transformation that occurs through God's grace alone, bringing life to what was once dead in sin. We unpack how salvation isn't about human effort but about receiving new life as God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for the good works he prepared in advance. Listen now and be inspired to live out your identity as part of God's unified family on mission.
In our last teaching from Ephesians 1, we saw how Christians are chosen, adopted, redeemed, enlightened, designated, and sealed by the Holy Spirit. These are unchangeable blessings that define our identity in Christ. Here we look at Paul’s gratitude for the Ephesians’ faith and love, which are expressed in action, not just belief or feeling. Paul’s prayer urges us to embody these truths as the united body of Christ.
God sees us as his chosen masterpiece through grace alone, not our efforts. This truth transforms how we approach life, relationships, and purpose. Listen now and be inspired to embrace your true identity and live with confidence in God's love.
Why are society's outcasts among the first to hear about the Messiah? When angels proclaimed Jesus' birth to shepherds, they show how God's kingdom offers a different kind of peace than earthly empires. True shalom isn't earned through status but freely given through God's favor. Listen now and be inspired to embrace this peace and share it with others searching for hope.
Zechariah can finally speak again and what does he do? He proclaims God’s faithfulness. True worship transforms our entire lives into a powerful signpost pointing others toward Jesus. Listen now and be inspired to live as a forerunner who reflects redemption in every moment.
Mary's song reveals a powerful truth: God fills the spiritually hungry and elevates the humble. Acknowledging our need for His presence over earthly achievements opens us to abundant grace. Listen now and be inspired to magnify God through humble dependence.
How can waiting become joyful instead of anxious? Elizabeth's Spirit-filled response to Mary shows us the heart of true worship. When we recognize Jesus as Lord, our waiting transforms into celebration of God's presence among us. Christian community amplifies this joy, emboldening our faith as we witness God at work in others' lives. Listen now and be inspired to embrace your role in God's redemptive mission with active, joyful participation.
How can your everyday conversations become invitations to God's kingdom? Biblical wisdom means speaking with grace and living intentionally, creating natural curiosity about your faith. When you combine prayerful watchfulness with "salt-seasoned" words, unexpected doors open for gospel conversations. Listen now and be inspired to answer faith questions with humble clarity that draws others to Jesus.
Do you feel stuck trying to decode God's will for your life? God's secret will unfolds in His timing, but His revealed will for us is simpler: grow in holiness and join His mission. Listen now and be inspired to embrace the Holy Spirit continually so that you can live well in this world.
Where do you turn for wisdom in a confusing world? False teachings, whether from culture, politics, or our own ideas, twist our understanding of right and wrong. Only by building our lives on the true gospel can we find our way through a confusing world, live as God wants, and join in God's ongoing work of restoration.
Want to grow in wisdom? Proverbs 13:20 shows us a powerful truth: when you walk closely with those who trust and honor God, their wisdom becomes yours too. But that doesn't mean we should be isolated from the world. Listen now and be inspired to choose your companions wisely and reflect the beauty of God’s wisdom in every area of your life.
What does it really mean to be wise? We start with this definition: true wisdom is right understanding applied to your life. And "right understanding" starts with trusting God completely instead of just relying on our own thinking. Listen now and learn how knowing God leads to wise decisions and thriving.
What if your life's purpose isn't something you need to find but something you're already called to live? The final message in the "Come and See" series reveals that every follower of Jesus is called to participate in His mission of transformation. Through embodying peace, practicing radical hospitality, and offering healing to a broken world, we see that mission isn't an extra burden but a complete reorientation of daily life. Listen now and be inspired to see your daily interactions become chances for extraordinary impact.
What's the difference between following Jesus and being a Christian? Genuine discipleship means dying daily to selfish desires and embracing a new identity in Christ. This isn't about working harder. It's about surrendering further and letting the Spirit transform us from within. Listen now and be inspired to embrace daily surrender that brings rest and freedom.
What does Jesus mean when He says "come, follow me"? Discipleship isn't just about believing the right things. It's an immersive way of living with Jesus that transforms how you see and experience everything. By learning from Him daily, you discover the abundant life you were designed for, starting right now. Listen now and be inspired to follow Jesus into true, eternal life today.
We look at the beautifully crafted narrative surrounding the bleeding woman of Luke 8. Jesus offers complete wholeness (shalom) that transforms not just symptoms, but entire lives. Listen now and be inspired to embrace honest vulnerability alongside confidence in Jesus's desire to help you.
What are you turning to for fulfillment in life? How does it fall short? We see how Jesus offers "living water" that satisfies completely. And when we truly encounter Christ, our lives are transformed and we can't help but worship and share this hope with others.
Have you ever noticed how people can feel lonely despite their success or status? This powerful message reveals that true belonging isn't found in wealth or achievement, but in Jesus's unconditional acceptance. We look at the story of Zacchaeus and how one encounter with Jesus can transform identity and fill our deepest longing for connection and purpose. Listen now and be inspired to embrace the belonging that Jesus freely offers.
Ever wonder why success, relationships, and achievements still leave you feeling empty? It's because our deepest longings for meaning and satisfaction find their true fulfillment only in Jesus. He offers himself, not religion or rules, as the answer to your restless heart. His invitation to "come and see" welcomes everyone, regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey. Listen now and be inspired to draw near to Jesus and discover the fullness of life.
We wrap up our series on 1 and 2 Kings with Judah's fall to Babylon. It reveals the devastating cost of abandoning God's ways through idolatry and injustice. But we also see how Jesus becomes the ultimate solution to spiritual exile, serving as both the true temple and perfect sacrifice that restores our identity and access to God. Listen now and be inspired to live as God's renewed people, fully embracing your restored identity in Him.
We consider the righteous reign of King Josiah (2 Kings 22-23). Central to his reign and reforms is the discovery of the Book of the Law in the temple. What was buried in the idolatry and rebellion of Manasseh was found and followed. It did not change the circumstances of the coming exile, but Josiah deeply embraces it anyway. Listen here to learn why.
What happens when we forget God's faithfulness and let spiritual complacency take root? King Manasseh's tragic reign shows how forgetfulness leads to destructive choices that impact entire communities. He hows us the dangerous progression from spiritual apathy to moral ruin. Yet even in our failures, Jesus offers restoration and empowerment through His Spirit to resist complacency. Listen now and be inspired to intentionally remember God's faithfulness in your daily life.
What does it look like to trust God completely when everything seems to be falling apart? King Hezekiah's story reveals how radical faith can transform both personal lives and entire communities. When facing impossible circumstances, he chose to cling to God's promises rather than compromise with worldly solutions. This story points us to Jesus, the perfect King who never wavers in his trust and offers us the same unwavering hope. Listen now and be inspired to recognize Jesus as your true King and live confidently in his promises.
Have you ever felt spiritually distant from God, wondering how to find your way back? We look at how wrong beliefs about God lead to broken relationships and lost purpose, just as ancient Israel experienced exile through persistent sin and idolatry. The good news is that confession and forgiveness through Jesus offer a clear path back to restored relationship and renewed identity.
What happens when fear drives our most important decisions? King Ahaz's story from 2 Kings 16 reveals how seeking security in the wrong places leads to spiritual compromise and deeper anxiety. But God's faithfulness persists even through our worst choices. Listen now and be inspired to trust God's promises over your own survival strategies.
Why do we keep choosing disappointment over the God who never fails us? This powerful message from 2 Kings 13 reveals how idolatry isn't an ancient problem, but a modern struggle too. Through the story of Israel's stubborn kings and Elisha's miraculous final act, we see how God's compassion persists even when we repeatedly turn away. Listen and be inspired to trust God's faithfulness over our own temporary solutions.
What happens when earthly power collides with divine justice? We look at 2 Kings 9-10 and Jehu's dramatic rise and the vindication of those oppressed under Ahab and Jezebel. We discover that true peace cannot coexist with idolatry and that our individual faithfulness truly matters to God. Yet Jehu's story also warns us about the dangers of self-serving zeal, challenging us to steward our influence with genuine faithfulness. Listen now and be inspired to pursue authentic faithfulness while trusting in God's perfect justice.
When crisis strikes, do you rely on your own understanding or God's wisdom? Elisha's remarkable story reveals how God protects His people by exposing enemy plans and providing supernatural insight. Listen now and be inspired to exchange self-reliance for the freedom found in God's abundant grace.
What does it take to receive God's grace when pride stands in the way? The story of Naaman shows how healing depends not on wealth or status, but on simple obedience and humility. Listen now and be inspired to embrace the humble path of Jesus that leads to genuine transformation.
Our series in the book of Kings continues as we see God work through the prophet Elisha in the very same ways he had worked previously through Elijah. This gives the people hope for a restored and healed land and identity. Listen now to better understand this preview of God's ultimate healing through Jesus.
How does God's grace break through even in our failures? We look at 2 Kings 3 and how King Joram's half-hearted rejection of idolatry and King Jehoshaphat's questionable alliance leads to crisis. But God miraculously provides anyway. Listen now to hear how Jesus also makes us recipients of undeserved grace.
What does it really mean to step into the calling God has prepared for you? In 2 Kings, we witness the powerful transition from Elijah to Elisha, where true discipleship requires unwavering commitment and the courage to embrace God's greater purposes. Elisha's bold request for a double portion reveals how we can step into the spiritual inheritance available to each of us. Listen now and be inspired to follow Jesus with that same wholehearted enthusiasm.
What happens when life's pressures tempt us to seek the help of "lesser gods"? In this sermon, we move from the end of 1 Kings to 2 Kings and see how King Jehoshaphat's compromises and King Ahaziah's idolatry led to devastating consequences. But God intervenes in all of our desperate moments to offer opportunities for repentance rather than judgment. Most importantly, we see how Jesus perfectly walks with God where these kings failed. Listen now and be inspired to choose God's voice over the false promises of shortcuts!
Have you ever stood firm for what's right when powerful forces pushed against you? In the story of Naboth's vineyard, we witness a humble man who valued God's covenant promises more than a king's wealth. This ancient narrative reveals how God sees our struggles against worldly powers and corrupt systems. His justice may not be immediate, but it is certain. Listen now and be inspired to hold fast to your spiritual inheritance in Christ—a treasure far more precious than anything this world can offer or take away.
King Ahab faces Ben Hadad's overwhelming threat, but God intervenes with a miraculous provision. This ancient story reveals how God preserves His people and repeatedly invites us to truly know Him through His powerful Word, not just acknowledge Him. Listen now and be inspired to embrace complete obedience to God's Word. Because victory comes not from our strength, but from recognizing Him as the one true LORD.
Have you ever felt like your faith-driven efforts have fallen flat, leaving you exhausted and alone? This sermon explores Elijah's wilderness quest following Mount Carmel, revealing how God meets us in our darkest moments with gentle care and renewed purpose. Listen now and find hope in God's still, quiet voice.
What happens when your faith feels pulled in multiple directions? The Israelites faced this exact dilemma as they wavered between God and Baal. Through Elijah's dramatic showdown with false prophets on Mount Carmel, God powerfully demonstrated His supremacy in enemy territory, just as Jesus would later do. Listen now and be inspired to recognize God's presence in every square inch of your life, knowing He works through both extraordinary prophets and ordinary believers like Obadiah to bring you back to Himself.
What does faith look like in enemy territory? Follow Elijah from his bold confrontation with King Ahab to his humble dependence on God's unusual provisions. Discover why God placed him in the heart of Ba'al worship and what it teaches about authentic faith. Listen now and be inspired to face your own challenges with courage, knowing God is preparing you for greater purpose.
What happens when we choose false gods over the true King? We explore the stark contrast between Judah's faithful King Asa and Israel's seven increasingly corrupt rulers. At its heart, this is a powerful reminder that who we worship determines our path—faithful devotion to God leads to peace and flourishing, while false worship spirals into chaos and destruction. Listen now to understand the good news: Jesus still invites us to live under His faithful kingship today.
What idols might be hiding in your own life today? We look at the story of King Asa of Judah, a ruler who broke the cycle of idolatry and rebellion established by his predecessors. Despite opposition from neighboring kingdoms and even family conflicts, Asa's commitment to righteousness transformed his nation. Listen now as we discuss the daily battle between authentic faith and the subtle idols that compete for our heart–and how to find courage to make radical changes that honor God above all else.
Join us as we explore the story of Jeroboam, whose pride led to devastating consequences for his family and Israel. See the difference between Jeroboam's stubbornness and King David's humble response when both faced their sins. Listen now and be inspired to approach God with a humble heart!
What happens when we shape our faith to fit what we want instead of what God wants? Join us for the story of Jeroboam from 1 Kings, who made golden calves for worship to keep control of his kingdom. Listen now and be inspired to build a real relationship with God based on trust—where true freedom comes not from controlling your faith, but from letting it change you.
Did you know a single prideful decision by Solomon's son permanently divided God's people into two kingdoms? When faced with his first leadership test, Rehoboam rejected the wisdom of experienced elders and embraced his friends' harsh counsel instead. His story stands as a powerful warning about the consequences of pride and reminds us that who we listen to shapes who we become. Listen now as we explore how Rehoboam's failure points us to our need for Jesus, the humble King who perfectly models the discernment and God-dependence we all require.
Solomon's tragic journey from wholehearted devotion to divided loyalty shows how subtly our hearts can turn from God. His story reveals that idolatry isn't just about physical statues, but about what truly captures our deepest affections and allegiance. Listen now as we explore the consequences of Solomon's choices and discover how confession and repentance can preserve our legacy and keep our hearts fully devoted to God.
Have you wondered how even the wisest king in history could fall so dramatically from God's favor? We look at Solomon's spiritual decline in 1 Kings, revealing how his foreign marriages and divided loyalties led him away from true worship. Listen now as we explore the warning signs of misplaced priorities in our own lives and discover how maintaining singular devotion to God protects us from seeking validation in all the wrong places.
The Ark of the Covenant's placement in Solomon's temple marked a profound shift in how God dwelt among His people. This sacred moment transformed God's presence from temporary to permanent, fulfilling His promise to Israel. While the temple's ceremonies once set boundaries around God's presence, they pointed forward to Jesus, who would tear down every barrier between God and His people. Listen now as we explore how this ancient dedication ceremony reveals the stunning accessibility we have to God through Christ today.
Did you know Solomon's temple wasn't just a building, but a powerful symbol of heaven touching earth? This magnificent structure represented God's promise to dwell among His people, even as Solomon's own story revealed the tension between divine purposes and human ambition. While the temple's glory eventually faded, it pointed forward to something greater—Jesus himself, who makes us living temples of God's presence. Listen now as we explore how this ancient building project shapes our understanding of identity and purpose in Christ today.
Solomon’s reign gives us a glimpse of life under a king who listens to God—justice, prosperity, peace, and God’s glory. But even in his wisdom, he isn’t the king we truly need. This famous story points us to Jesus, the perfect King who brings God’s kingdom in full. Join us as we explore what this means for our lives today.
After Solomon becomes king, his entire approach to worship transforms. He moves from treating God as just one option among many to recognizing Him as a personal, pursuing God. Join us as we explore how this timeless story points us toward Jesus, the true Son of David, and speaks to our own path from ritual to relationship.
We continue our journey in 1 Kings and consider David's final charge to his son, Solomon, the new king. He calls Solomon to a position and posture of strength. In this, we will see his good and right call to walk in the ways of God alongside his other human, kingly wisdom. How will Solomon respond?
We begin our journey though the book of 1 Kings. This important Old Testament narrative traces the royal lineage of David, beginning with Solomon. There will be highs and plenty of lows. And in this sermon, we see that from the beginning there are major cracks in the armor–specifically the weakness of David and prideful ambition of Solomon's brother Adonijah. Through this we see both the reality of the spiritual battle at hand in our world, and our need to crown the right king.
Did you know the Magi's gifts weren't just precious treasures, but prophetic symbols pointing to Jesus as the true King? Their bold journey from the East shows an authentic faith. While King Herod clutched his earthly crown, these distant travelers recognized and bowed before the ultimate King, showing us the difference between worldly power and divine authority. Listen now as we explore how their response to Jesus challenges us to examine our own hearts and allegiances today.
The incarnation of Jesus ultimately offers humanity redemption and adoption. Not only does Jesus redeem us--set us free from our slavery--but he makes it possible for God to adopt us. He welcomes us into his family as sons and daughters. This new identity means we have full access to a royal inheritance.
We consider why Jesus was perfectly able to rescue and redeem humanity. Born of a woman, born under the Law, Jesus entered into the mess of our world so that we could be truly human again.
Advent is a season that often gets overshadowed by the festive celebrations of Christmas. However, it holds a profound significance in the Christian calendar, inviting believers to reflect on the anticipation and hope that precede the arrival of Jesus Christ. Here we take a deeper look at the meaning of Advent through the lens of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. This isn't just a distant historical account—it's a living invitation to discover an identity that truly sets you free.
We look at Jesus' final warnings to his followers: be careful the path you are following, the voices you are listening to, and ultimately the state of your heart toward God. We consider the importance of these three realities as we conclude our study of this famous teaching from Jesus.
Did you know Jesus' command "do not judge" is an often-misunderstood teaching from the Sermon on the Mount? This command still aligns with other New Testament teachings–if we understand the crucial difference between harmful judgment and righteous discernment. Listen now as we examine our own hearts, and build relationships that reflect Christ's love.
Jesus calls his followers to not be overly consumed with their own lives, but instead to value life in the kingdom of God. The prior can be clouded by worry, while the later affords a certain freedom. Is worry a sin? Where does it come from? And how do we shift out of it? In this teaching we aim to answer those questions and others as we look internally at our hearts and consider their condition.
We look at Jesus' teaching on the reality and location of our treasures. Rather than entrusting our treasures to this earth, Jesus calls us to place them in heaven. What does this mean and how do we do it? We will aim to answer those questions and others as we look internally at our hearts and consider their condition.
We continue our look at the Sermon on the Mount by considering Jesus' teaching on how to carry out our spiritual disciplines (Matt 6:1-18). While the Pharisees and religious leaders liked to flaunt their spirituality, Jesus is calling his followers to a heart-based spirituality that seeks God's glory above man.
How are we supposed to love those who are not so easy to love? We look at Jesus' teaching from Matthew 5 about loving your enemies–a command that challenges everything our culture tells us about relationships and justice. It offers a fresh perspective on handling conflict, rising above division, and experiencing true spiritual transformation in your daily life. Love can help you break cycles of hatred and walk a more fulfilling path forward. Listen now and be inspired to cultivate a love that transcends boundaries, heals relationships, and reflects God's extraordinary grace in your life.
What if true strength meant responding to wrongs with grace? Here we look at Jesus' teachings on retribution and mercy from the Sermon on the Mount. Find out why how "turning the other cheek" isn't about weakness, but a powerful transformation of the heart. We also cover what it means to go the extra mile in a world fixated on fairness. This isn't about following rules—it's about embodying the revolutionary love of Christ in everyday conflicts. Listen now and be inspired to live out grace in ways that reflect the transformative power of the gospel.
How do Jesus' comments on divorce go beyond marriage? We take a deeper look at Matthew 5:31-37, beginning with the historical context of divorce laws and the importance of truthfulness and fidelity in all relationships. Jesus urges us to let our "yes" be "yes" and our "no" be "no." So listen now and be inspired to build a life and community defined by honesty, trust, and unwavering commitment.
What if Jesus' teachings on lust could change our view of desire? Let's look at the Sermon on the Mount's radical perspective on adultery and the heart. We cover how God supports us even in our struggles, and why desire itself isn't the enemy. This isn't about guilt—it's about finding true fulfillment in Christ. Listen now and be inspired to align your desires with God's will, finding peace that surpasses worldly pleasures and becoming salt and light in today's world.
What if anger was just as serious as murder in God's eyes? We continue to explore Jesus's radical teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Listen now and be inspired to embrace a new way of living, rooted in love and grace, that starts with genuine heart change and impacts every relationship in your life.
How does Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament law change our understanding of righteousness? Here we explore a righteousness that goes deeper than simply following rules. It's about embracing a profound shift from self-reliance to Christ-dependence. Listen now and explore how Jesus' grace can reshape your approach to faith and daily living.
What does it truly mean to be salt and light in today's world? We take a deeper look at the Sermon on the Mount and unpack the profound wisdom of the Beatitudes. Learn how mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking can shape your character. This sermon will challenge you to live boldly, embracing Kingdom values in a world that often pushes against them. You'll gain practical insights on how to positively influence your surroundings and reflect Christ's love in your daily interactions. Listen now and be inspired to become salt and light in your spheres of influence!
Are you building your life on solid ground or shifting sand? Join us as we kick off an exciting new series on the Sermon on the Mount, exploring Jesus' powerful metaphor of life foundations. This sermon digs into what it means to intentionally construct our lives based on Christ's teachings, and the stark contrast with lives built on shaky ground. We'll unpack how Jesus himself is the ultimate foundation, while warning against the danger of letting secondary beliefs overshadow the core gospel. Get ready for some honest self-reflection about your own life's foundation, the crucial role of community, and how to wisely align your daily choices with Jesus' timeless wisdom. Listen now and be inspired to evaluate what you're building your life upon - and perhaps start some renovations!
What if God's generosity doesn't match our ideas of fairness? This sermon looks at the provocative parable of the workers in the vineyard, wrapping up our summer journey through Jesus' teachings. This story challenges our notions of reward and calling. And we can contrast it with the rich young ruler's struggle to follow Jesus. At its heart, this parable invites us to rethink what it means to follow Jesus and be part of God's kingdom. It's not about earthly success, but about embracing a relationship with a surprisingly generous God. Listen now and be inspired to see your role in God's vineyard with fresh eyes, appreciating the lavish grace extended to all who answer the call!
What does it truly mean to forgive? This episode explores the parable of the unmerciful servant from Matthew 18, using relatable experiences with financial debt as a metaphor for sin and forgiveness. True forgiveness involves releasing someone from the obligation to repay a debt, often requiring us to absorb the cost of the wrong done. The parable challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards forgiveness and urges us to embody the limitless forgiveness exemplified by God's grace. Forgiveness emerges as a continual, transformative process that can reshape our relationships and inner lives. Listen now and be inspired to embrace the challenging yet liberating practice of forgiveness in your own life!
What makes the Kingdom of God so valuable that one would give up everything for it? This episode explores the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price from Matthew 13:44-46. The Kingdom of God is both a future promise and a transformative present reality. Some discover it by chance, others through active seeking, but both require radical commitment to fully embrace it. These parables challenge us to evaluate our lives, prioritize the Kingdom above all else, and recognize its unparalleled worth. Listen now and explore how to make God's Kingdom the ultimate priority in your life!
How does the parable of the mustard seed explain the nature of God's Kingdom? This sermon looks at Matthew 13, exploring the themes of growth, hope, and inclusivity. Like the mustard seed, the Kingdom of God starts small but grows significantly over time–its expansion gradual yet unstoppable. Through biblical stories and historical references, we examine how this divine process unfolds and recognize our role within it. Listen here to learn how we are called to be agents of hope and inclusivity, participating in the God's grand, unfolding plan!
Jesus told a story about a persistent widow who pleaded with a judge and finally received justice. And Jesus told his disciples this is how they should pray. Persistent prayer is important. More specifically, though, he is urging them to pray persistently for the return of Jesus and the fullness of the kingdom of God. Persistent kingdom prayers should be part of the rhythm of life for all of Jesus' disciples.
Jesus tells a compelling story of an entitled and prideful son who demands his inheritance, runs away and spends himself into poverty. Upon his return home, he is met in compassion and abounding grace by his father. Far from humiliating, he is welcomed by a celebration. His brother, however, is irate. Unlike his brother he was being a "good" son, but just like his brother he was trying to get his inheritance from his father. He is just like the Pharisees and teachers Jesus is speaking to. No one can earn God's affection, he gives it by grace.
Wealth can certainly be dangerous, but it is not wrong, nor does Jesus condemn it. Rather this parable is about greed, thinking only of self and hoarding. And while greed certainly pertains to money, it also pertains to every facet of our lives. Jesus shows us that greed actually comes from our inner soul talk about what we need to be satisfied. The gospel is its only antidote.
Pastor Jim explores the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan, cautioning against the oversimplification of its message and stressing the importance of understanding its deeper meanings and context. He discusses how the parable intertwines the law, eternal life, and the notion of being a good neighbor, urging listeners to reflect on their relationship with God and their behavior towards others. Jim highlights that true eternal life is realized through understanding the heart of the Father and demonstrating compassion, as exemplified by the Samaritan's actions towards his enemy, which underscore the value of people over ritual purity. Further delving into the themes of loving one's enemies and neighbors, he emphasizes that genuine love stems from a profound relationship with God, driven by His love, rather than from obligation or an attempt to justify oneself.
Jesus tells the parable of the sower to show two important truths. First, God faithfully and generously sows the seed of the gospel for all of humanity, without precondition or prejudice. Second, the soil, or human heart, on which a seed lands is important for its growth. The faithfulness of the sower is a constant, but the human heart is not. What type of soil is your heart? And what are you doing to cultivate it?
Jesus concludes his prayer by praying for all who come to believe. He prays for unity - that the church would be one like he and the Father are one. In fact, he says that it is unity that will enable the world to know Jesus and the love of God. This reality of unity is only possible when believers collectively see the glory of Jesus above all else.
Jesus sends his disciples into the world in the very same way the Father sent him. They are agents of the gospel for the glory of God. His prayer for them is for their protection from wandering and from the evil one who seeks to destroy. Moreover, he prays that they would have joy and be set apart.
Jesus begins his prayer by asking to be glorified. He is praying for the reality of resurrection in the face of the cross. This resurrection will not only glorify Jesus, but also the Father. And it will bring eternal life to all who are in Jesus. Eternal life is knowing God - both then and now, in both quality and quantity.
When Jesus tells his disciples he is going away, he also urges them to abide or remain in him. Not only is this counterintuitive, but it seems impossible. Yet Jesus is talking about being so immersed in his love that they live his way and follow his commands in this world and in so doing glorify God. We glorify God by remaining in Jesus. And we remain in Jesus when we follow his commands. When we follow his commands we enact his love to each other.
Jesus tells his disciples that the Spirit will come to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Spirit exposes the truth about sin and the emptiness of human effort or religion so that there might be repentance. The main modes of this testimony are the Scriptures which the Spirit will lead the disciples to write and ongoing witness of the church.
Jesus is careful to tell his disciples that the world will be resistant the gospel message. If the world hated Jesus, they will also hate those who follow him. This rub comes when his followers refuse to give full allegiance to anything other than Jesus. In the midst of this, Jesus reminds them that he has intentionally left them in the world to testify about him. While the world resists and even hates, Jesus calls his disciples to engage and even love.
Intimacy with God and obedience to him are inextricably bound together. If we want the full life that comes from seeing and knowing God, then we have to follow his commands. And if we want to follow his commands, we must grow in our love for him. Thankfully, we have been given the Spirit as an advocate to help us grow in our love for God and thus pursue his ways. To continually form and direct us, the Spirit teaches us and reminds us of all that Jesus has said and done.
True and full life only comes from intimacy with God. And the only way to access this kind of relationship is through Jesus. In him, we discover new creation truth and life that makes the original relationship of God and humanity possible again. Though we await this experience in it fullness, we have it now through Jesus. It is the only way to have full life in this broken world.
The gospel of John winds down with the beautiful story of Peter's restoration by Jesus. Peter is led to feel the weight of his sin so he can feel the even greater weight of God's grace. The forgiveness offered through Jesus overcomes our shame, sets us back on course, and transforms us to live in light of the gospel.
Thomas is famously and wrongly demeaned for doubt. In fact, what Jesus warns Thomas about is how to process doubt. We are all constantly moving either toward belief or unbelief. So it matters profoundly where we intentionally place ourselves to engage our questions. The church is meant to be a place where we can ask honest questions and pursue the resurrected Jesus together.
As Mary stands outside the tomb, twice she is asked, "Why are you crying?" Of course she is upset about Jesus, but also about what she has lost - a new life and a new identity. But with the sound of her name from the lips of Jesus, everything changes. Mary's identity is settled, her eyes are opened to see a bigger pictures and she is given a renewed vocation as a witness to the resurrection and victory of Jesus.
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a Christian doctrine or even simply a fact. It is the central truth to a whole new reality of life. The resurrection of Jesus means new creation. Ever the master storyteller, John makes poignant connections between the original creation and the implications of Jesus resurrection. Sin and death are defeated. Shame is gone and God is near again.
As Jesus welcomed the disciples to the table, he also bowed low to humbly wash their feet. But it wasn't feet he was actually offering to wash. It was hearts. Jesus has invited everyone to his table, but in order to be with him we have to be washed clean. This would ultimately happen on the cross for anyone who would confess him as Savior. Do you understand what he was done for you?
Upon his entry into Jerusalem, Jesus embraces the hoped fo- posture of an incoming Messianic king of Israel. However, as John has reminded us form the beginning, Jesus follows God's plans not those of men. And so, Jesus comes on a donkey announcing peace not judgment and spreads his arms open wide to the whole world, not just the Jewish nation. He accomplishes this mission of peace for the whole world by laying his life down as a sacrifice to overthrow the great oppressor of sin and defeat the great power of death. Have you ever seen a king like this before?
As much as Jesus loved Lazarus, he also hates death and all the chaos it brings to our lives and world. Yet, he cares for Martha and Mary in very specific ways to meet their personal needs. In raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus is engaging a direct battle with death (and sin) which will cost him his very life. Ultimately, Jesus raises Lazarus so he can take his place in the tomb and conquer death once and for all.
Jesus is moved by his love for Lazarus and his sisters to help him. However, if that is true, then why did he make the strange choice to wait a few days before going to them? He wants people to believe. Not just in the future or the abstract, but believe in him. When Jesus says that he is the resurrection, he is boldly declaring that he is God and he is pulling the future final kingdom right into the present.
Sheep are at their core incredible helpless and incredibly valuable. That's why they need a shepherd. As humans, we inherently know that we are sheep in need of a sheered. The question is which shepherd will we give ourselves to? As the Good Shepherd, Jesus reminds us that we already belong to him. He has named us and leads us because he loves us, even to the point of laying down his life for us.
John sets Jesus' miraculous healing of a blind man right in the midst of the continuing unbelief of the religious leaders. Their pride left them unable to see the scope of the human problem and unable to see Jesus for who he is. This is spiritual blindness, a far more crippling disability than that of the man. Jesus was offering healing to both, but it is only experienced through genuine faith.
When Jesus tells his Jewish audience that they can experience freedom, they are quick to dismiss him. As children of Abraham, they are already free. However, Jesus tells that that they are enslaved to sin. This is the human condition. But true freedom can be found when we remain in Jesus' teaching. He shows us who we are and how we are meant to live.
Jesus' brother encourage him to go to Jerusalem during the feast and gather a crowd and further his ministry. John tells us they say this because they don't believe in him. They want Jesus to prove himself. On the other hand, Jesus is seeking the glory of the Father, not his own. He speaks the words and follows the timing of the Father. For this reason, he is eminently trustworthy. As sent disciples, we are sent by Jesus just like he was sent by the Father. So we seek only his glory, not our own.
Though the miracle of feeding 5,000 is a blessing to the crowds, its intent is largely for Jesus' disciples. It is an invitation to join him in the new and ultimate exodus he is launching. In the past people ate miraculous bread in the wilderness, but now the bread maker is with the people. And he offers bread that will satisfy our true hunger and bring the full life.
Jesus intentionally crosses paths with a Samaritan woman at a well and offers her living water that would quench her thirst. Is he really capable of digging a better well than Jacob? Jesus offers full access to God who no longer is restricted to a holy mountain. Jesus is the better well that meets the deeper thirsts of our soul. His offer of living water is available to all who would believe.
John lets us eavesdrop on a private conversation between Jesus and a religious leader named Nicodemus who wants to know if Jesus is the promised Messiah. Jesus confounds him by saying he cannot know unless he is born again. While Nicodemus, like many religious people, spent his time building a resume fr morality and external performance, his true problem was internal. Jesus shows us all that our only hope for new and full life is a rebirth from above that brings a new heart.
Jesus' miraculous turning of water into wine at the wedding in Cana serves as the perfect opening to the ministry of Jesus in the gospel of John. Far more than simply meeting a temporary need for wine, this story sets forth all that Jesus intends to do. Namely, he is here to launch a new covenant that will enable new creation allowing broken, unclean people like us to be in relationship with God.
The incarnation is a grand invitation to come and see Jesus for who he really is and what he intends to do. He does not fore himself on us, instead he asks us what it is that we want and invites us to come and be with him. This invitation is for those who believe and those who are skeptical. And it comes with a promise to enlighten and transform us.
The whole ministry of John the Baptist was about pointing people to Jesus. He was a voice, but Jesus was the Word. In the same way, the church functions today as a forerunner of the second advent of Jesus.
The incarnation is the stunning truth that God himself came to the mess of this earth in order to set it to rights. The Word became flesh and moved into our neighborhood. Inherent in this truth is the offer of forgiveness from God to humanity. Moreover, it announces his intent to dwell with his people forever. The questions John asks us are do we recognize him and will we receive him?
John identities Jesus as the Word. In the Old Testament, the word of God was the active power of God in revelation, creation and salvation. This is exactly who Jesus is - the embodiment of the revelation, creation, and salvation of God. And it is exactly who Jesus needs to be if he is going to be able to bring restoration to the problem of our world.
Among the last things Jesus called his followers to do was to make disciples. A disciple is someone who is following Jesus with all of their life. Making disciples means being intentional about seeing our lives multiplied in others. This should inform everything we do in life.
One of the last things Jesus called his disciples was "witnesses." This identity has it roots all the way back into the Old Testament and God's intent for his people. Though the resurrection of Jesus, we are eyewitnesses to the new creation in our lives. So, we reclaim this identity as God's people sharing and living our stories of transformation in our spheres of influence and in so doing bearing witness to his power and salvation.
Using imagery from the Old Testament, Peter tells the scattered church that we are a priesthood. As priests we are a worshiping, mediating, exemplary collective. In other words, our purpose is first and foremost to worship God. But in lives of worship, we are also bring God near to others and bring them near to him while we live differently as an example of what God's kingdom ought to look like. This is not a individual call, but a corporate one - we do it together.
As adopted children of God, we are heirs of the full bounty of his kingdom. We have been given the Spirit of God as a guarantee of this full inheritance. This means we experience it now in part, but ultimately we will have it in its fullness. At the core, our inheritance is a vital, sustaining relationship with God himself and all the glory that comes from it. Our certainty in this full inheritance allows us to go without and even suffer in this present life.
In his loving grace and joy, God chose to redeem us, forgive us, and adopt us into his family through Christ! Our identity and purpose are no longer slaves to sin and fear but instead are alive again because of Jesus.
How did the harmony and idealism of creation descend into chaos? Humanity rejected its God-given identity in pursuit of another one. Rather than be content as image bearers, we want to be like God. At the core of this reach is a lack of belief in the trustworthiness and goodness of God. And the result is damaging to every single relationship within creation. Our only hope of restoration is in a good and trustworthy God.
In creating humanity, God has given us a clear purpose. We are called to fill the earth by displaying his character and glory in our lives. We are called to subdue creation by ruling and cultivating it like God intends. A major way we do this is through our vocations. And we are called to enjoy the creation along with our Creator. This is what it means to be human.
We are created by God as his intentional, distinctive craftsmanship. This through and through reality is truly miraculous. Moreover, we are created in the image of God. Unlike any other part of creation, we mirror him to our world. This means that each person is incredibly valuable and should be treated accordingly.
Just like healthy trees, we thrive when we are firmly planted. The Bible's call is for us to rooted and built up in Jesus. It is both a below ground and above ground reality that produces and is spurred on by gratitude. Moreover, where we choose to plant ourselves in community matters profoundly.
The Bible is clear that it is God who causes us to thrive. This is not a false health and wealth, name it and claim it proposition. Instead, true thriving looks like reconnecting to what it means to be truly human. When we lean into God's way, he causes our spiritual life and our mission to thrive - no matter the season or circumstances of life.
It is the way of God that leads to thriving. How do we live God's way? At the core, we have to desire God himself. When we are deeply aware of what God has done and is doing, our affection for him grows. That's why the psalmist tells us to meditate on it day and night. God has brought us out of sin and slavery and into a new family and blessing. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of this reality.
Jesus tells us that eternal life is the full experience of knowing God - being in an intimate, life giving relationship with him. This is the blessed life. The path toward this blessing starts with an awareness of the seriousness of sin. In all its forms, sin creates separation between God and us. It is only through Jesus that this gap is closed. And that gospel embrace is not just a one time reality, but an ongoing reality in the life of believers. Thus, before we can pray the prayer to thrive, we have to pray the prayer of rescue. Our intimacy with God depends upon it.
Self-control implies a power exerted over yourself. Its not so much self effort as it is self-submission to the Spirit. It submits our personal desires to the Spirit of God. Self-control is exhibited in an internal tending to our soul, not simply an external act of behavior modification. It is nowhere more beautifully seen than on the cross where Jesus lived out his earlier prayer to the Father - not my will, but yours be done.
Gentleness is not weakness or timidity. Rather it passion and volition in submission to a greater reality. Biblical gentleness, then, is passion fully submitted to God and the forward move of his kingdom. It is our arrogance in the view or ourselves and our desired path forward that keeps us from being gentle. Jesus is the epitome of gentleness. As his followers, we too are called to be gentle.
Faithfulness is the restful of active trust in God. It is consistency and persistence in faith to the benefit of those around us. God shows us what faithfulness is like through his commitment to keep his promises and his ongoing compassion. In the same way, we should avoid the tendency to disengage with God or his church and instead lean into his mission in our world.
Goodness is the internal integrity of a gospel transformed person that results in the blessing of others. Hypocritical livings keeps us from being people of genuine goodness. However, when we cooperate with the Spirit, we find goodness manifesting itself in acts of generosity and encouragement.
Biblical kindness is goodness made useful to others. It moves toward people to meet their needs. Kindness looks like acts of mercy, even to those we might consider enemies. And it sounds like using our words to build others up. This is exactly what God has done for us. When we fully embrace the kindness of God, we see the fruit of kindness grow in us.
Patience is a choice to take the long view. In our patience, we trust God as judge and we join him in taking a posture of redemption and restoration in our world. Waiting, humility and forgiveness are all examples of patience in action.
Peace is not a feeling. It is a fruit. It is the offering of new creation only found through Jesus to the broken world around us. Where the fruit of peace is growing, injustice is decreasing, harmony within creation is rising and unity in the church is championed. This kind of peacemaking is only possible when we have truly embraced the peace that only God can offer.
Joy, as a fruit of the Spirit, cannot be produced but can be promoted through our beliefs and the leading of the Spirit. When we focus on God's faithfulness we find joy. And when we focus our purposes and hope on Jesus and his mission, we find joy. Doing this as individual persons leads us to be a church and people of joy.
Love is the singular fruit of the Spirit, but it comes in all kinds of varieties and manifestations. There is not peace, patience, kindness, or any others without love. Moreover, biblical love is self-giving, volitional and often unreciprocated. But pride keeps us from seeing love blossom in our lives. We are called to join the Spirit in his work to crucify the flesh which produces pride and instead be rooted in the gospel which breeds genuine love.
Exodus closes with the building of the tabernacle. Its a wonderful picture of generosity in sacrifice and service for the kingdom of God. It is also a tremendous act of faith and expectancy. Massive sacrifice and effort precedes God's fulfillment of his promise to dwell amongst them. And then the book closes with the glory of God in the midst of the people - a great announcement of their forgiveness. This is our hope and mission as the church too. And it is a mission worth our greatest and most generous sacrifice and service.
After the massive failure of the golden calf, Moses enters into a lengthy negotiation with God about the future of Israel. Rather than father a new nation, Moses offers himself as a substitute sacrifice and leverages his relationship with God for the forgiveness and good of the people. This is exactly what Jesus has done for us in light of our rebellion and failures. As a result, we get to see the splendor of God's glory. And the only response is worship.
The golden calf incident is a story of massive failure. More than simply making an idol, Israel was compromising the grandeur and totality of God with their local surroundings and embracing a pluralistic mindset. We tend to do the same things quite often. Like them, it typically comes from an impatience with God. Rather than embracing God for all of who he is, we take preferred slices and form a god in our own image. This always leads to self-indulgence and destruction.
When it came time to actually build the tabernacle and its contents, God pointed Moses to a man named Bezalel. God had gifted him with the right talent and abilities and filled him with his Spirit. In many ways, Bezalel, like all of humanity, is acting as a mini-creator in the shadow of the Creator. We too have been gifted by God to join him in his mission to redeem and restore our world. And we work as agents of new creation in the shadow of Jesus, the author of New Creation.
If God is going to live amongst a broken people, then the role of the high priest is critical. He will represent God to man and he will represent man to God, cultivating the necessary balance. But standing in this gap is a dangerous job, especially for a human wearing diving splendor. Ultimately, God would take on human flesh and provide our ultimate high priest, Jesus.
Among the first instructions God gives Moses, are those to build the tabernacle. This will be the place that God resides and from which he leads the people. This stunning revelation of God's intent to dwell with his people despite their failures should never cease to amaze us. What's more he invites the people themselves to build this mobile dwelling and in so doing calls them directly into his plan to establish his kingdom to restore the earth.
After giving the law, God enacts a covenant with his people. He will lead them and defeat their enemies, but they must listen and obey his voice, staying true to him. A sacrifice is made and the blood marks not only the altar, but the people as well. Then God descends to the mountain. Though the Israelites would fail to keep this covenant, the prophets looked forward to a new covenant, no longer written on stone but instead on human hearts. Jesus descended from heaven to initiate this new covenant.
The Covenant Code of Exodus is a series of laws and societal expectations that flow out of the Ten Commandments into the context of Israel forming as a nation. Through them we can see God's intent that his people live their lives on the basis of their identity as his rescued people, reconnected to their original purpose of worship and bearing his image within creation. This is our same purpose. And we need to constantly be thinking about how we embody that contextually in our world today.
To walk with Jesus is necessarily to walk in community. The Bible portrays community as a state of togetherness - regular proximity - and intentionally meeting each others needs. The blessing of community only happens when we individually commit ourselves to the centrality of the gospel, partnering in God's mission, breaking bread, and prayer.
To walk in the light means to walk in purity and truth. Not only does sin separate us from God, but so too does deceit. When we deceive ourselves about our brokenness and faithfulness, we distance ourselves from God. Confession is a gracious gift that allows us to be reentered in the gospel and reconnected to God. Obedience allows us to walk and live where God is already walking and residing.
Everyone is looking for the full life. Jesus said it is only found in knowing God. And that the only way to God is through him. For all those who are weary and burdened from trying to find a full life on their own, Jesus calls us to be yoked to him and experience life the way it was meant to be lived - in connection with God. Then you will find true rest for your soul.
To truly understand the Ten Commandments, we have to see them in the context of covenant and creation. In fact, at their core, they are an invitation by God for his people to reassume their identity they were created for - worshippers and image bearers to the world. This is why Jesus would later summarize the law in two big ideas: love God and love your neighbor. And at the center of this call to true identity is heart transformation, not simply external obedience.
As Israel finally makes it to Mt. Sinai, God reasserts the covenant to them. They will be his special possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. Accepting this covenant, the people are consecrated and cleansed and come to the foot of the mountain to be joined to God - a wedding betrothal. However, the need for cleansing can only be fully undone with an even greater act of covenant grace by God. It is Jesus who brings the ultimate union and closeness to God.
Almost to Sinai, Israel is attacked by the Amalekites. While Joshua leads the battle on the field, Moses lifts his staff on the hill. The battle is fought in the valley, but won on the hill. So too in our lives as we battle sin and evil, we are called to get dirty and fight, even while the victory is ultimately won by Jesus on the ultimate hill. We fight not for victory, but from victory. And like the Israelites, we should be regularly collecting memorials and building altars.
Jethro comes to an overwhelmed Moses with some practical and important advice. Raise up and equip leaders who can carry the ministry with you. But that alone is simply an organizational strategy. Leaders can't simply trust in their talents or their capacity. They need the power of the Spirit to help guide the people of God to embrace his covenant and find transformation. And even then the grace of God is sufficient for all our failings as leaders.
Right on the heels of their miraculous crossing of the sea, the Israelites are grumbling. Why? They don't trust God because they don't know God. Yet God responds in grace, teaching them the posture of dependence. He is leading them to full life. Ultimately, full life is found in Jesus, the bread of heaven who brings life to the world.
As Pharoah's army approached the people have an identity crisis. But God fights in their silence and reminds them who they truly are. and the follow him into the Red Sea - a place of simultaneous judgment and salvation. The ultimate place of deliverance and judgment is the cross of Christ where God makes an unexpected way to new creation and new identity. And our only response is worship.
The final plague that God brings on Egypt is stunning. The death of the firstborn throughout the land. A better understanding of Sin, family, and judgment can help us situate this plague contextually. And God provides another option for all who listen - a substitutionary sacrificial meal could mark the family instead. This would be the very meal that Jesus redefined around himself, embodying God's ultimate Passover.
* Our apologies, the very beginning of the talk was cut off.
The story of the plagues God brings on Egypt is well known. But why do they come? Exodus gives us two reasons. First the reality of the hardness of heart. Second, so that the power of God might be on display. Temporary chaos brings creation order out of the ongoing chaos of the world. The people of god belong to him, not to Pharaoh.
The difference between God and Pharaoh is deep and consequential. To put it simply, it is the difference between work and worship. Which one is our identity? Pharaoh and all the proverbial pharaohs since enslave us, while God offers a freedom that restores us to our original created identity.
Moses has lots of reasons why he shouldn't embrace God's call. But his real issue was that his focus was on himself and the task, not on God and his call. This would not be accomplished by the power of Moses, but by the power of God. And even in his frustration, God shows his persistent graciousness toward Moses (and us) as he wrestles with the call.
In the famous story of the burning bush, we see a God willing to come down from his mountain in order to initiative a dramatic rescue of his people. If we look a little closer, we also see the imagery of God working to reverse the curses of the Fall. This would lead to the great Exodus and allow the people to once again dwell with God. Of course, this ultimately points to a far greater exodus, initiated when God came to earth in the person of Jesus. Like Moses, God is calling us to be agents of this exodus.
In the midst of pain and oppression, God begins his rescue with a new kind of ark. This vessel not only preserves Moses, but allows the patient goodness of God to be injected into the very court of Pharaoh and we see the plans of Pharaoh undone. This though is only a microcosm of what is to come. By the middle of the chapter, Moses chooses into his Hebrew identity and by the end of the chapter the people are ready for God's rescue.
In Exodus 1, we find the people of God enslaved and in trouble. But the author wants us as readers to know that despite their troubling circumstances, God cannot be stopped from fulfilling His promise to multiply and grow them. And, He will not be stopped from liberating them to worship Him in their own land.
Joseph was not just the earthly father of Jesus. He was an incredible example of humility. His care for Mary, obedience to God, and embrace of Jesus show us what love looks like. Jesus, though, is the ultimate embodiment of humility and love in his journey to the cross for our protection. And he is the rightful king that neither Joseph, nor any of us, could ever be.
Zerubbabel was the leader of the first group of Israelites to return from exile. He led the people to rebuild the temple in the midst of persecution and enemies. But this temple, and Zerubbabel himself were actually signs pointing forward toward something greater. Jesus would lead the ultimate return from exile and rebuild the temple in his death and resurrection.
Solomon was the son of David who presided as king over a time of great peace and prosperity in Israel. Though he was famous for his wisdom and discernment, pride and power got the best of him and led to total corruption. What about God's promise for a son of David to sit on the throne forever? His ultimate answer is Jesus, the better Solomon. His kingdom is forever and brings the true peace and justice that we long for.
Though an unexpected choice, David was empowered by the Spirit and killed the giant. God promised him an eternal throne and reign of peace and prosperity. David's story is not just triumph though, its equal parts prideful tragedy. For their to be an eternal reign of peace, Israel would need a new David. Jesus is the ultimate David who killed the ultimate giant and brings peace once and for all.
The story of Ruth and Boaz is a story of unexpected kindness. Kindness that lays down one's life for another to protect and preserve them. In all, this kindness finds its source in God himself who is providentially meeting his people. And Jesus is the ultimate Boaz who not only lays down his life for us, but marries us into the family of God.
As two spies blow their cover, they are surprisingly protected by a Canaanite woman named Rahab. Why? Because she had experienced a transformation and her faith was now in the God of Israel. As a result, her house would be marked by God and she wold be preserved. Rahab appears in the genealogy of Jesus because he is the ultimate fulfillment of this story. We find refuge in Jesus and are marked by God and welcomed into this family.
Why include such a horrible story in the genealogy of Jesus? Matthew does so to remind us of the destructive power of sin and the redemptive power of grace. Grace is greater than sin. And he shows that Jesus came right into the mess of this world in order to rescue it.
Isaac arrived as an unexpected joy to his parents and the world. But at the climax of his story, in faith he willingly laid down his life. God supernaturally intervened to provide a sacrifice. Isaac story foretells the story of Jesus - an unexpected to joy to his parents and the world who willingly laid down his life and was supernaturally raised from the dead. Jesus is the ultimate Isaac.
Isaac arrived as an unexpected joy to his parents and the world. But at the climax of his story, in faith he willingly laid down his life. God supernaturally intervened to provide a sacrifice. Isaac story foretells the story of Jesus - an unexpected to joy to his parents and the world who willingly laid down his life and was supernaturally raised from the dead. Jesus is the ultimate Isaac.
God gave Abraham an outrageous call. He was to leave home for a foreign land where he would become a great nation to bless the world. Abraham's faithful response is amazing, but it is also faulty. But ultimately Jesus would fulfill this great call and covenant to launch a family that blesses the world. And we get to be part of it!
God gave Abraham an outrageous call. He was to leave home for a foreign land where he would become a great nation to bless the world. Abraham's faithful response is amazing, but it is also faulty. But ultimately Jesus would fulfill this great call and covenant to launch a family that blesses the world. And we get to be part of it!
God’s gifts are meant to be shared. With this in mind, our aim at Hope is to see people come to embrace Jesus and grow, while investing themselves to make this happen in others as well. In the same way, we want to see our ministries and even our church reproduced. We have a multiplication mindset.
God’s gifts are meant to be shared. With this in mind, our aim at Hope is to see people come to embrace Jesus and grow, while investing themselves to make this happen in others as well. In the same way, we want to see our ministries and even our church reproduced. We have a multiplication mindset.
Too much in life is artificial! At Hope, our desire is to see people make a real connection to God and real connections to each other. We also want to help people connect to their unique, God-given calling so they can pursue it.
Too much in life is artificial! At Hope, our desire is to see people make a real connection to God and real connections to each other. We also want to help people connect to their unique, God-given calling so they can pursue it.
At Hope we believe it should not be hard to meet Jesus, but it is hard to stay with him. So, we are guided by a key priority we call casual depth. That means we want to create environments were everyone is welcome without expectation. But when we gather, we also intend to to go deep in the gospel and in relationships to find the true life that Jesus offers.
At Hope we believe it should not be hard to meet Jesus, but it is hard to stay with him. So, we are guided by a key priority we call casual depth. That means we want to create environments were everyone is welcome without expectation. But when we gather, we also intend to to go deep in the gospel and in relationships to find the true life that Jesus offers.
At Hope we value gospel saturation. Everything we do is saturated with the gospel because it is our true message and the only way we can bear fruit. The gospel is not just an entrance into faith, it is the ongoing basis of faith.
At Hope, we are defined by the statement Simply Jesus. Jesus is first. Everything else is second. It's that simple. The story of the transfiguration helps remind us that our role is to point people to Jesus only and avoid the common pitfalls and traps of religion.
Everyone has a shepherd. In Psalm 23, David is telling us that God is the best shepherd. Why? He lead us to true contentment. He nourishes our soul and gives it true rest. He directs us toward God, even through dark seasons. And he is a covenant companion with us.
The psalmist says that one day in God's presence is better than a thousand elsewhere. Why? Because in God's presence we find strength. The presence of God is our true home where we experience his genuine care, are restored by his grace and are redirected to worship. In God's presence we are immersed in his goodness and even the valleys of weeping become blessings.
The psalmists love to remind us that God is our refuge. That amidst the darkness of the night and terror of the day, God is our shield and protector. However, this is not simply a call to hide in fear, but rather an assurance to keep moving forward. And as we engage the world around us, we do so with God as our refuge when we trust, love and call on him.
When David says that God is compassionate, he is reminding his forgetful soul of what God has done and who God is - his character and his covenant. This is the God who forgives and restores us. The God who redeems and rescues us. The God who crowns us with his love and adorns us with his goodness. This is a God to be feared and praised.
In the course of life, just like David, we run into fears, pain, loneliness, guilt and uncertainty. Often beneath these feelings are deep questions in our soul. David asked those same questions. Will I be ashamed? Can I trust God? Is God good? But he knew the Lord was good because he had experienced his guidance, his forgiveness, his protection and his comfort.
The holiness of God represented by the ark of the covenant was an anchor for the people of God. No matter their circumstances or the powers that threatened them, the holiness of God meant that his just and equitable reign not only existed but would prevail. How do we live in a broken, unjust and inequitable world today? The resurrection of Jesus is our anchor, a fulfillment of the ark's promise of God's presence and victory.
Psalm 95 reminds us that the LORD is God. He is the God far above any would be gods and he is our God who shepherds us through this life. Our only response, no matter the current circumstances of life, is worship. Worship is both an emotional and a volitional response to the realization that God is both the God and our God.
Paul tells the church at Ephesus to walk in the way of love. What does this mean and how can we do it? Perhaps the best answer comes from another letter of Paul to the church at Corinth. In his famous poem on love, Paul shows us the volitional and active nature of love that we have experience from God and that we are called to exhibit in our lives.
Central to loving another person is listening to them. When we genuinely listen to each other, we affirm our shared humanity. In an age of shouting over each other and the polarization that brings, Christians ought to lead the way in loving by listening. We listen to understand. And we listen to prepare ourselves to speak well if prompted. In so doing, we follow the example of Jesus.
Love engages other people, no matter their ideology or worldview. It means getting proximate and embracing a posture of hospitality that humanizes everyone. Jesus shows us exactly what this looks like and the societal impact it can have in his relationship with Zacchaeus. May we go and do likewise!
As Christians we are people who have been radically changed by love. God's love, ultimately displayed in the gospel, is transforming us. We cannot manufacture love on our own. Instead, we love others because we know God and have an ever deepening understanding of the gospel. And when we step out in love toward others, we join in God's transforming work of our own hearts, helping to bring it to completion.
How should Christians engage in politics, especially in this season of utter divisiveness? For us at Hope, it means the church is necessarily apolitical, while individual believers engage as best as they can following their consciences. But as a church and as individuals, we are governed by our mission to make disciples, our message - the gospel, our call to love God and others, and Jesus deep desire for unity in the church. Our allegiance belongs to Jesus, not a political party.
Humanity tends to react to our polarized world by building towers. Whether by fear or pride, we build towers around what we believe to be true and right in order to separate ourselves from the world. Towers have never been God's design. Instead, following Jesus and his calling on our lives, believers are called to be temples - bringing God close to humanity in loving pursuit.
If we are going to put on the new clothes of God's family, we have to embrace our true identity. In order to help us do that, Paul offers some important rhythms to include in our personal and corporate lives as the people of God. These rhythms foster a new creation culture for the family of God in Jesus.
As part of God's new family in Jesus, we have been given a new identity. On the basis of this identity, we are called to live a different way. Paul uses the analogy of putting on new clothes - compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. This is the ethos of our new family. And we've been given the vocation of revealing God's character to creation by living this way.
Jesus is clear with his followers: if they want to be his disciples then they need to give him their highest love and loyalty. This always means reordering priorities as well as leaving behind our past ways of doing things. To fully embrace the new family of God in Jesus means to necessarily leave behind our family of origin.
To be adopted into the family of God through Jesus means we are adopted out of the family of Adam. We are set free from the shame, rebellion and violence that characterize so much of humanity. So, the only right response is to leave behind the ways of Adam and embrace the true life found in living God's way.
To be a Christian means to be adopted by God as a son or daughter. This reality of adoption shows us God's heart of love and gives our lives a whole new trajectory. God's love and grace flow lavishly on us and we respond by reflecting his glory in how we live.
God has always seen his people as a family. But sin and rebellion have invited all sorts of blame and violence into our world. The incarnation and ultimately the resurrection of Jesus is all about new creation. It welcomes again the possibility of God's intention for humanity and our world. And thus the resurrection launches a new family.
James finishes his letter with a warning about wandering from the truth - Jesus, the gospel and its implications. Knowing that wandering can lead to death, James urges the whole church community to be alert and involved in the perseverance of the saints.
No matter the circumstances of life, our right response is prayer in dependence on God. In particular for the weary and those who are sick, James urges them to call for the elders to pray for them that they might find healing. Prayer offers healing by catalyzing God and by conforming us to his will and image.
A big part of the Christian life is patience, derived from an expectation of the imminent return of Jesus and the very character of God. On the basis of this, James reminds us to be people who wait expectantly and persevere. In order to do so, James reminds us to strengthen our hearts and be careful to groan properly. In so doing we walk the way of Jesus.
James calls out the wealthy who are hoarding, withholding, living in self-indulgence and even stealing life from those of lesser means. Wealth is not evil, but when we find our security and significance in it, we can do unthinkable things. The gospel shows us an altogether different way to live.
When we make plans, we should never do so presumptively. Rather, we should submit them to God's will, being careful to evaluate our plans so that they enable us to trust and glorify God as well as love our neighbor. In so doing, we are embracing God's ultimate plan of restoration and redemption.
Slander damages the identity and value of another person while trying to defend or regain identity and value for ourself. And when we act in this way, we are positioning ourselves not only as a judge of that person, but also over the law of God and God himself. As we are transformed by the gospel our tendency toward slander becomes a tendency toward love.
As James turns to address the hearts of his readers, he does so with a piercing accusation of spiritual adultery. They, like us, have hearts that share their affection with other gods. The result is we look just like the world around us and actually work against God. God's response to our idolatry is more grace. And the way we embrace that grace is through humble repentance.
Human wisdom leads to envy and selfish ambition. But wisdom from above is pure and promotes peace in ourselves and our relationships.
The small, the tongue has great power for good or for evil. So how do we grow in using it for good? You can't tame it. James reminds us it's never been done. Instead he calls us to look deeper into the source from which the tongue draws, namely the heart. And to engage in the battle to draw not from our broken human heart, but from the new creation heart God has given us.
Is there a such thing as false faith? With Jesus as his teacher, James reminds his readers the answer is a resounding "yes." Justification comes by grace through faith, but genuine faith always produces works of the kingdom. Faith that only hears and depends upon creeds and cultures, but fails to produce works ought to make us shutter.
Why do people tend to be partial against those with less means? Largely because we are looking for our own glory. But the glory of God is on display in Jesus, who was rich but became poor that we might be welcomed into God's family. When we embrace this gospel we realize that we are poor and yet rich and we start to do the work of loving our neighbor to display God's glory rather than gain some for ourselves.
If we are going to grow and mature in our faith, then the gospel must be central. And we must not only hear it, but we also have to do it - live by faith on the basis of it. But James understands there is an often overlooked reality that makes this possible. We must embrace the gospel - literally welcome it in. Pulling on Jesus' parable of the sower, James calls us to do the hard work of making space in the soil of our lives to implant the gospel within us. It is the implanted seed of the gospel that ultimately bears fruit.
While life is certainly filled with external trials, it is even more full of internal trials. James calls these temptations and warns us that they only lead to death. Our only hope in the face of this death is the good gift of new birth that God offers through the gospel. It is the joy of this salvation that sustains us when we meet trials (external and internal) of various kinds.
The reality of trials and struggle in life is a "when" not "if" reality. And James tells us that only way to sustain ourselves in them is to fight for a stabilizing joy that comes from our hope in the gospel. Single-minded maturity is the product of seeking and acting on God's wisdom. And in this race of life, single-minded means to fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith.
James is a prominent leader in the church at Jerusalem writing to a scattered group of believers on the heels of great persecution. In this difficult season, he is calling them away from arrogant self-dependence and to single-minded maturity that comes from a dependence on God and his wisdom.
At Christmas we celebrate that Jesus Brings God; Emmanuel, God with us...in our flesh and in our struggles. Jesus is full life and brings light into our lives. When we make room in our hearts, he and the Father come and make their home in us, giving us light and life now and forever.
Sometimes the idyllic nature of the Christmas story, distracts us from seeing what is actually happening. A king is arriving to inaugurate his kingdom and that is a threat to many. When we see Jesus for who he really is, we are left with two choices: either we kill him or we crown him. Herod shows us what those gripping to power are inclined to do, but the magi show us the right way to receive our victorious king - in worship.
To a people who were looking for a shepherd of peace to rescue them from a scattered identity, Jesus arrived ending God's silence. And in him, God graciously gave peace to the world. Reversing the results of sin and death, Jesus brings peace with God, peace with each other and peace with ourselves.
Scripture tells us over 200 times that God cares for the poor and marginalized. Because his throne is founded upon justice and righteousness, he does justice and calls his people to do the same through living out Christ's kingdom on earth.
When Jesus concludes his paradigm for prayer, he is showing us our desperate need to pray for heart direction. In this wilderness journey called life, just like our forefathers, we all have God's direction, but we have hearts that embrace unforgiveness, wander into temptation and are gripped by evil. Prayer and the intimacy with God it facilitates is a means or not only asking for a transformed heart, but also pursuing it.
When Jesus tells his disciples to pray for daily bread, he is invoking the great Exodus story of their past. In so doing, he calls them to pray for provision and contentment. And as they will go on to see, he is ultimately telling them to pray for more of him. It's in Jesus that we realized the ultimate Exodus, meet God's provision and find true contentment.
The context of prayer is a holy God who comes down the mountain to engage with us - how miraculous! Our prayer then is in many ways a divine negotiation. We make our requests known while seeking God's kingdom and will. Likewise prayer prepares us to act. God's will and kingdom advance on earth as his people embody them in the particularities of their daily lives.
Prayer is not a means of coercing God. Instead, prayer is a posture of sincerity that comes to God in the context of a relationship with real desire and real needs. And our Father already knows what we need and stands ready to meet us with his covenant faithfulness and love.
Prayer is not a performance and God is not an audience. He is a loving Father who desires an intimate relationship with us. Prayer is the means by which we engage our Father and cultivate this relationship. And when we do, we gain the true reward of prayer - the very presence of God with us.
Our world and our flesh are constantly telling us that we need to prove ourselves. But just like the rich young ruler who met Jesus, the questions "what do I have to do" and "what do I lack" typically leave us exhausted. True life comes when we believe that God is good, so I don't have to prove myself. When we tase the grace of God and come to him like a child, we find true and full life.
God is good so I don't have to look elsewhere for satisfaction. The story of the woman at the well and her interaction with Jesus demonstrates God goodness in his pursuit of people, his restoring power, his offer of full life and even his willingness to expose our brokenness. It in those moments of seeing our brokenness that we realize we haven't believe God is good and have looked elsewhere.
The Bible warns us that the fear of man is a snare aiming to catch and devour us. We fear others when we revere them to the point of granting them control over us. In a word, we worship them. But the good news of the gospel is that we don't have to fear others because God is glorious. It is when we live deeply into this truth that we find real peace.
God is great, so I don't have to be in control. When we embrace the gospel of the reign and rule of Jesus, we are invited to a different perspective on life as the resurrected Jesus brings true peace to even the stormiest moments of life.
The gospel is the true declaration that Jesus is the victorious, rightful and eternal King who has brought peace to earth through his incarnation, death and resurrection. We access this peace through repentance and belief - deposing the would be kings of our lives and turning in active faith to the rule and reign of Jesus.
Followers of Jesus should be known by their love of their neighbors. This has always been God's design - that his people would be a blessing to the world. In order to be intentional about loving our neighbors - we want to BLESS them through prayer, listening, eating together, serving and sharing our stories.
One of the first realities we see of disciples of Jesus is that they are inviting other people. Specifically they are telling their friends and even those throughout their village to "come and see." Most of us are not evangelists or apologists, but we are all witnesses. And disciples of Jesus are always asking others to "come and see."
To be the church God is calling us to be, we need everyone serving. This means serving each other, serving those in need and serving the church. And as we do this, even if its unglamorous at times, we are quite literally building something together for the glory of God.
To be the church God is calling us to be, we need everyone engaged. That means we are intentionally in - not dragging our feet or reluctant, but diligent and empowered by the Spirit. And it means we are active - not just hearing, but doing.
At Hope we are committed to making disciples to the glory of God. To be intentional about this, we embrace a simply Jesus identity and a multi-congregational structure that desires to see the gospel within reach of every single person in the Lehigh Valley (and beyond).
Jesus said that we bring glory to God by finishing the work he gave us to do. What is the work of the church? To make disciples. This means introducing people to Jesus, helping them embrace the gospel and enabling them to grow in their faith. To glorify God we need to make more disciples and mature disciples.
The glory of God is the reason we exist as humans. And it's the reason the church exists. The glory of God enables the world to know God and to worship God. As we take up this divine purpose, we are charged to be fruitful and multiply - to grow, so God's glory increases.
As the book of Numbers concludes, once again the character of God is on full display, namely in his gracious care for his people. He shows his care for the insignificant, for those carrying a special calling or burden and for those in dire circumstances. This care points directly to Jesus, the ultimate manifestation of the care of God for his people by laying down his life.
The Israelites were called to engage the Canaanite enemy and lay claim to the entire land of promise on the basis of God's faithfulness. Though they fell short, Jesus came and announced the defeat of the actual enemy - sin and death. And on the basis of our union with him, he calls us to engage in the battle against sin. This fight is largely fought, as the apostle Paul reminds us, through the renewal of our minds.
Just as the nation is ready to lay hold to the land God has promised, two tribes express their desire to settle east of the Jordan River. Moses' response shows us their folly. In settling down, they are actually settling for less than God has offered. Just like them, we tend to get bogged down by our stuff, weary from the journey and comfortable where we are and thus settle for less of God and less faith in God's promises.
In Numbers 31 God brings judgement on the Midianites for their opposition to His kingdom advancement. In His providence He has mercy on Israel but condemns Midian. When we really analyze God's judgement, we find that we can either die to self because of His love or die in our sin because of our guilt.
A life centered on God's rescue helps us remember who we are in light of who God is and what he has done. This is why we must be intentional in creating a rhythm of life as a response to God's grace and to engage in our communion with him.
With a new census, we once again see the faithfulness and the goodness of God. And both of these are even more apparent when God resounds to the daughters of Zelophehad. Though their father's sin had led to their deprivation, God welcomed them into an inheritance that legally wasn't theirs to share. In the same way, God has welcomed us into the inheritance of enteral life through Jesus.
Failing to realize God's promises, the Israelites on the precious of entering the land fall into temptation. Sexual immorality for sure, but at its core cheating on God with other gods. Into this mess steps a man named Phinehas with zeal for God who stops the downward spiral. On an ever greater scale, Jesus stepped into the downward spiral of this world and through his zeal for God took judgment on himself so that all things could be set new.
The narrative of Balak gives the reader of Numbers an important question to ponder: what kind of king do I want to serve? One who provokes, tempts and is destined to defeat. Or one who blesses by by walking among his people and fighting for them til ultimate victory. The king we need is divine, not human. Our king is God, who himself became the human king we needed in Jesus.
In that day, Balaam was clearly the go to guy if you found yourself in a tough spot. But this famous story of Balaam and his donkey shows us that his broken humanity makes him an incapable rescuer. It is God who shows perfect power, vision and loyalty. And it is ultimately Jesus, our servant rescuer, who demonstrates this rescuing power for the world.
A new generation is on the move toward the land of promise. But this new generation is just as corruptible as the last one. And their impatience and ingratitude, rooted in a desire for self-rule and slavery, invite deadly snakes into their midst. It is only through the grace of God that the serpents that bring death are defeated. And it is only through Jesus that the ultimate serpent that brings death is crushed.
With the Israelites still ungrateful and grumbling, Moses has a very public meltdown. His self-righteousness has caused him to become impatient with God's patient redemptive plan. And we see that Moses is neither the hero of this story, nor the rescuer that God's people ultimately need. God is the hero and he sends Jesus as our ultimate rescuer who gives us living water that finally quenches our thirst.
The new creation work of Jesus means that peace can be in bloom in our world. More than just a feeling or experience, peace is a culture of healing, security and prosperity enabled by the just and righteous rule of Jesus. In a world pulled apart by anxiety, this peace protects our hearts and minds and sends us boldly into the world as ambassadors.
The resurrection means that love is in bloom in the new creation of Jesus. Love is volitional -gracious, self-giving, restorative actions toward others. When we encounter God's love regularly, it moves us to worship and on the basis of worship into love toward others. This love not only gives us a deeper knowledge of God, but makes an invisible God tangible to an onlooking world.
More than an emotion or experience, joy is a deep assurance of victory found in the gospel. When we lean into the gospel in obedience our experience of joy increases and works to transform our perspective and counteract our pain. The new creation announced in the resurrection of Jesus means that joy is in bloom in our lives and in our world.
The gospel of John reminds us that the resurrection isn't just factually true, but also the climax of God's grand narrative of creation. And so its no surprise we find Jesus in a garden being mistaken for a gardener where he has just defeated sin and death and the curse they brought. And in their place has cultivated the soil for new creation to bloom.
God continues to respond to the rebellion of the Israelites with grace. In this case, he graciously reaffirms the role and responsibilities of the Levites and the role and function of the priests to protect the people. Moreover, he gives them a readymade source of cleansing when the encounter death. In Jesus, the ultimate high priest, God brings us near to him without fear and offers us final and ongoing cleansing from our sin that leads to death.
Korah leads a rebellion assuming that his standing means he can assert himself as a priest. But God reminds all of Israel that he has chosen rightly with Aaron. Whereas Korah attempted to elevate himself and in so doing put the people at risk, the true high priest puts his own life at risk in order to rescue the people. How much more is this true of Jesus who has once and for all rescued humanity by laying down his life.
The story of the 12 spies shows us that is entirely possible to be presented with the same facts on the ground and come to entirely different conclusions. That is, as people of God, we can either view the world through the lens of his promises or our perspective. If we are going to follow God in faith, even amidst significant struggle, we must look for his faithfulness, remember his power and listen to his word. And his faithfulness and power are on its fullest display in Jesus - the living word of God.
As grumbling overtakes Israel, Moses is overwhelmed and Miriam and Aaron are envious - two emotions that are common amongst us! To each of them God demonstrates his grace, just in different ways. God raises us leaders to help Moses carry the burden. And God gives Miriam and Aaron an important reminder about their true identity. It is identity that brings true contentment.
Three days into the journey and the Israelites are grumbling. How does this happen? The same way it regularly happens in our lives. We cling to a sense of entitlement that shifts our perspective off of God's glory, presence and mission and onto our cravings and comfort. Rather than going to God in lament about the reality of our struggle we point our finger at him in disgust. And when grumbling starts, it spreads quickly. Only a mediator greater than Moses, namely Jesus, can save us from ourselves.
The cloud not only demonstrated God's purpose, but it would lead God's people on their journey. And in his kindness he provided two silver trumpets to help clarify this leading. Just like the Israelites, we are called to follow God in this life we are living, but it can be overwhelming and difficult at times. Praise God in his kindness he has provided two silver trumpets - the Scriptures and the Spirit to speak to us corporately and individually and keep us on track as we follow God by constantly pointing us to Jesus.
Passover was a mandatory celebration for God's people because it helped them remember and embrace their identity. But Passover was always pointing to something greater. In Jesus, we have the ultimate Passover - a rescue from slavery and welcome into the family of God. So then, Jesus becomes a mandatory feast for all who desire to come to God.
Israel was God's people. He had adopted them, literally placing his name on them. And in so doing he promised to bless them. Blessing meant keeping and protecting them, taking delight in them, extending grace toward them and giving them peace. We see this ancient blessing find its ultimate meaning in the person and work of Jesus, through whom we have been adopted into God's family. And just like them, our only possible response is worship.
Impurity amongst the people of God is a big deal in the face of a holy God. And as God is about to depart with his people on a journey he wants to know if they are going to be faithful. The book of Numbers will show us that they aren't and in fact that they can't be. Here we see the true nature of God, who pursues his people relentlessly and ultimately in Jesus deals once and for all with our impurity.
The role of the Levites was critical to the function of the people of God. They protected, assisted with and transported the tabernacle in the wilderness. Through Jesus the presence of God is once again on the move in our world. And it is the job of the church to help transport this tabernacle as they go in their spheres of influence.
Why start a book with a census? To demonstrate the faithfulness of God to his people. What started as a promise of a great nation had played out before their eyes. What's more, God not only keeps his promises, but keeps his presence amongst his people. And he shows them that the only proper response is a life ordered around him.
Gabriel's final statement to Mary is the closing argument to his plea to not be afraid. Nothing is impossible with God. This no doubt brought to mind the power of God in creation and in keeping his covenant. Moreover, he empowered Mary's faith through the ministry of the Spirit and the testimony of Elizabeth.
God delivers on His many promises from over many years to crown a new King David. Jesus reigns with the heart of God and delivers his people to salvation, justice, and righteousness.
When Gabriel tells Mary her baby will be the Son of God, he is saying that the child will be Israel's long awaited Messiah - chosen by God to rescue his people and in so doing announce their forgiveness. In Jesus, we have the ultimate Son of God. God himself became flesh in order to offer a once and for all forgiveness, not just to Israel but the entire world.
When Gabriel tells Mary that she is going to have a child, her mind must have heard the echos of Abraham and Issac, but mostly Samson. Just like Jesus, Samson's birth was announced to a common and unsuspecting mother by an angel. And just like Samson, Jesus would be a deliverer of his people. What's more, he would have the name Jesus - literally Joshua. He would lead his people to finally possess the land/blessing God had promised.
What does it mean that Mary found favor with God? Simply speaking, God had extended himself toward her in grace. And just like Noah and Moses before her, God intended to demonstrate his glory and faithfulness. This truth led to a counter-circumstantial hope and joy for Mary and it can do likewise for us.
The people of God are called to be generous because God is generous. But living in generosity can be a challenging reality because we often have misplaced hope. It is only through hope rightly placed in God that we can take hold of true life and live in generosity rather than conceit.
Elders are entrusted to oversee the church toward gospel fidelity, doctrinal purity and fulfilling Jesus' mission for the church. They do this not for personal gain or positions of power and status, but rather to serve. They are shepherds not members of a corporate board. And the church is blessed to have them.
In the same way as gathering is an important part of our identity as the people of God, so too is our scattering. We have been commissioned to make disciples and this takes place literally "as we are going." In other words, we intentionally scatter for mission. This is the call on every follower of Jesus and our embrace of it gives glory to God.
The people of God have always been meant to be a people of prayer. So it is no surprise when we read the book of Acts that we find the church continually being described by a devotion to prayer. As God's people we pray to worship, to be formed in the gospel, to hear from God, to receive power and to advocate for one another. This is our vision for prayer at Hope.
The Bible is critical to our identity as the people of God. It speaks his word to us with authority by relaying the gospel and its implications on our lives. When we embrace it with an open heart as a church and as individuals, God uses it to teach us the gospel, rebuke and correct us when we embrace false gospels, and train us in how to live in light of the gospel.
Being the people of God means that we are committed to regularly gather for worship. This is so significant because it recanters our hearts on Jesus and realigns our lives to the gospel. From its inception the church has done this through teaching, worship and togetherness. Teaching and worship are central to this. But it equally clear that this is a "one another" reality, not just something to be consumed. We gather to participate and therefore to grow in our faith while also emboldening the faith of others.
The New Testament picture of the church is near universally in the first person plural - "we" rather than "me." In a decidedly isolated and individualistic culture, why and how can we lean into biblical community? The gospel brings about the experience of togetherness and our togetherness actually deepens our understanding and commitment to the gospel.
The church is like an orchestra playing the symphony of gospel music composed by Jesus and conducted by the Spirit. And each person plays an incredibly significant and unique part. Our giftedness is actually a means of grace and power to strengthen and mature the church. So, to not embrace our uniqueness and to not embrace and serve the church intentionally is to actually withhold the grace and power of God from his people. We each have a role to play. The absence of you is a loss for the church and its mission.
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul makes it clear that we ARE one in the Gospel, and can maintain that same oneness through the Gospel rather than our own efforts or legalism. And when we are one, God gets the glory!
Jesus is the head of the church. He is the one who brings about and sustains the church through his good and gracious rule and direction. And if Jesus is the head, that means no on else is. There are roles and functions in the church, but all in subjection to the headship of Jesus.
To a scattered church in turmoil, Peter reminds them of their God-given identity through four powerful statements. They are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and God's special possession. All of this has been proven by the ultimate rescue Jesus had provided over sin and death. This identity gave them, and gives us, not only hope for the future, but the truth around which we ought to order our lives in worship.
In Hebrews 10 the author encourages us that in the midst of struggle and turmoil to not turn back to religion, but instead rely on our relationship with Jesus to draw near to God, hold on to hope, and encourage one another.
After Jesus ascends to heaven, Peter assumes the role of being the rock of the early church that fishes for people. And rather than trying to gain power to control a physical empire, Peter tells a new story of the power of the resurrection...and it changes the course of history.
Peter's stunning and dramatic fall is met by the even more stunning and dramatic forgiveness of Jesus. In this story we see the incredible reversals that happen in Peter through the reconciling and restoring work of Jesus.
Peter's self-confidence led him to follow Jesus at a distance as he was led away to trial. But it also set him up for a dramatic and stunning fall. He would deny Jesus not once, but three times and not in high profile circumstances, but amidst accusations from a servant girl. But, as the gaze of Jesus catches his eye it not only exposes his failures and brokenness, it also offers and equally stunning and dramatic loving forgiveness.
As he toils in the garden, Jesus asks Peter to keep watch with him. In so doing, he's redirecting a self-confident Peter away from self effort and toward dependence upon God. It the presence of God and through prayer, our intentions becomes conformed to God and his kingdom.
In John 13, Peter learns what it means to be cleansed by Jesus and to join him in serving others. We learn that when our identity is rooted in the Gospel, we can join Jesus in serving others, too.
Jesus' cursing of a fig tree is meant to show his disciples the danger of external religion. This story, married with the cleansing of the temple, points out that while everything might look good from a distance, the truth is that religion cannot produce what God desires - a heart bent toward him.
Contrary to Peter's inquiry, forgiveness is not a religious action to be counted. Instead it's the natural overflow of the gospel in our lives. The King has infused his kingdom with a culture of forgiveness. And when we are truly impacted by his forgiveness, we cannot help but forgive as well.
In a strange story that seems to center on a fish with a coin in its mouth, we actually find that Jesus is revealing to Peter that "the family of the King is free." In Peter's context and ours, this means we are free from religion, free to worship in the true temple, and free to act in love.
When Peter and two other disciples witness the transfiguration of Jesus, they are overwhelmed and want the experience to continue. But Peter's offer of building three tabernacles for Jesus, Moses and Elijah is quickly corrected by God. Too often we cloud the gospel with spiritual experience, futurism and religion and in so doing miss the sufficiency of Jesus only.
When Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, he believes Jesus is the rightful king. And he's exactly correct. What he misses is just how Jesus is going to establish his kingdom - through sacrifice instead of through power. And he is calling all who follow him to do likewise.
Jesus miraculously walking on water was an act of power, but even more so an act of love. It demonstrates God's willingness to come from the security of the mountaintop into the storm to rescue humanity. And Peter models for us the exact right response - to abandon our manmade protections and go to Jesus.
In the midst of racial strife and injustice in our country, we can find hope in a God who is impartially aware and moving to bring healing. As the church, we should embody this as a way of life.
One of the earliest lessons Peter and the disciples learn from Jesus is how he prioritizes his time with the Father. Even after a long and exhilarating day of ministry, Jesus retreats to meet with God showing the disciples (and us) the power of regular meetings with God to realign our identity, purpose and direction.
In Luke's gospel, Jesus' call of Peter is preceded by his miraculous catch of fish. In this seeming intrusion of Jesus, we see Peter's process of embracing Jesus. He defers which leads to worship. And his worship enables him to follow Jesus. Peter gave Jesus space to show himself and Jesus demonstrated his desire to grant him an abundant life.
To an exiled prophet and people, the vision of a valley of dry bones coming to life must have brought unthinkable hope. And to those who have realized their brokenness and that of this world, the life that only Jesus can bring offers far greater hope, not just for the future, but also in the now. In the footsteps of our king, we then move to proclaim and breath new life into this world.
The story of Esther reminds us that we all have a divine purpose and have been providentially placed by God. So in this midst of a broken world, and now a community quarantined by pandemic, could it be that God has placed you in your spheres of influence for such a time as this? You have a significant role to play!
Jeremiah's letter to the exiles was both good and bad news. Seventy years of captivity, but even that could not rescind God's faithfulness. His plan for them was a certain future and it brought with it resolute hope. On the basis of this hope, the prophet tells the people to intentionally invest their lives, even while in exile.
The story of Joseph shows us two seemingly contradictory and yet equally true realities. This world is broken and so there is pain and suffering. But God is committed to restoring all things and therefore is working good in the midst of it. As we face global pandemic, it causes us to ask real questions about God. If we know him, it should also cause us to be looking for the good he might be working in the midst of it.
After the Babylonians conquered Jerusalem, three young men found themselves in exile - a whole new world with all new challenges. They even found themselves on the very precipice. And yet, their faith preserved them in the midst of their fear. Like them, we can have hope in the midst of real struggle and separation.
The eyewitnesses accounts of the centurion and Mary to the crucifixion and resurrection are so informative to us. They show us the significance of a real encounter with Jesus that leads to a whole new identity and mission. By the Scriptures, we too are eyewitnesses called to bear witness to a waiting world.
To finish his later to the Galatians, Paul takes the pen himself to write the conclusion. Those who oppose the gospel boast in their fleshly self-effort, but Paul aimed to boast only in the cross. It is the cross of Jesus that bestows new creation and the experience of mercy and peace.
Our view of ourself drastically affects our relationships with others. A flesh-centered view leads to love of self and ends up in provoking and envying others. A gospel-centered view leads to love of others and moves towards them with humility and boldness.
There is an ongoing battle in the life of the Christian between the flesh and the Spirit. The flesh is our sinful self that craves control, power and the right to be king. The Spirit glories Jesus as the rightful King. It is only through the power of the Spirit and the internal, transforming work of the gospel that the fruit of the kingdom of Jesus is manifest in our life.
Religion has no power to gain us access to God or to transform us. It is on the gospel that can set us free into God's family and unto a whole new experience of life. So, stand firm in this gospel!
In Israel's history, Abraham famously had two sons. Ishmael was born out of human effort, but Isaac was born out of God's promise. Paul uses this example allegorically to show us that faith in human effort leads to slavery, while faith in the gospel leads to freedom.
Paul, as their founding pastor, offers a plea for the Galatians who he clearly loves. His desire is that they would not fall trap to idols, even religious ones, but rather that they would be formed in Christ. Like the Galatians, these are things we should be zealous for as well.
The glorious truth of the gospel is that in Christ Jesus we are all children of God through faith. What was once just a promise hoped for has now been fulfilled and realized by Jesus' redemption of humanity. And for those who embraced this gospel, the call is to regularly and intentionally clothe ourselves in it.
Paul makes it very clear that the promises of God have always been the point, not the Law of Moses. But if that's the case, what was the Law for? Was it a trick? Was it simply to preoccupy the Israelites' time? Paul helps the readers understand here (and in Romans) that the Law served a good purpose in guiding us to see what a life devoted to God should look like...but also convicting us that we could never do that on our own. Praise God that the promises come true in Jesus and the indwelling of his Spirit in us.
As Paul redirects the Galatians to the gospel of faith in Christ alone, he uses the example of Abraham. Going beyond Moses and the law, he shows that entrance into the family of God has always been about faith in God. And now through Jesus, not only has the curse of the law been reversed, but the covenant to Abraham has been fulfilled.
The purity of the gospel is so significant that Paul was willing to boldly confront Peter, who had been hypocritically proclaiming the gospel with his mouth, but not backing it up with his actions. In this story we see just how easy it is to fall prey to the fear of man and in so doing forfeit our freedom in Christ. And how our behavior flows out of our gospel identity, not simply our gospel understanding.
Paul uses a previous experience in Antioch to demonstrate the methods of false teachers in forcing gospel compromise. And he reminds the Galatians and us how important it is to give no ground to any addition to the gospel. Our standing in Christ gives us complete access to God.
Paul wanted the Galatians to know that his life journey was sovereignly enabled by God to lead him to bring the gospel to them. Certainly his apostolic authority but also both his testimony of salvation and the testimony of his life made him the right voice for them. Likewise, God has providentially place us as a witness and is preparing us to be his gospel voice where we are.
Paul confronts the Galatians' problem head on - any addition (or subtraction) from the gospel is no gospel at all. Paul's warning to them is just as imperative to us as we seek to not only believe and find our identity in the gospel of Christ, but also to live in it.
Paul opens his letter to the Galatians by reminding them of his commission by Jesus and the beauty of a gracious gospel that brings true peace.
When Jesus is brought to the temple as an infant, he has a surprising encounter with two older people - Simeon and Anna. Their excitement at the presence of Jesus is the result of being people who are boldly waiting for redemption. They have experienced exile, but even in it midst trust the goodness of God as they wait for his full plan to be revealed.
The arrival of the magi proclaiming Jesus as king in the face of King Herod sets up a perfect question for gospel readers. Who gets to be king? The reign of Jesus is a threat to all who want power and control, not just of a government, but of their own life. The magi give us the perfect testimony of acknowledging Jesus as king and submitting to him.
In contrast to Caesar, the humble arrival of Jesus shows a very different kingdom with a very different gospel. Peace is not attained through power and conquest, but through a God who willingly set aside power to redeem the world. For shepherds like us, that is truly good news.
Amidst all kinds of people laboring to enable the restoration of Israel, God comes to a common, insignificant person like Mary and speaks a whole new identity over her. And her faith in him leads her to embrace an unexpected hope not only for her, but the whole world.
In Advent, we celebrate an unexpected baby who brought with him an unexpected salvation. Jesus was a miracle baby like Moses with a name like Joshua who was the ultimate fulfillment of God's gracious rescue and restoration of this world.
When we are radically generous people, we are responding to God, rooting ourselves in the gospel and reaching out to extend the kingdom of God. We give not out of obligation or to prove ourselves, but because as Christians we follow a Christ who was generous in every facet of his being.
The church celebrates communion because it unites us to Christ and the ultimate fulfillment of the Exodus that is found in him alone. And when we do this, it unites us together as believers as we are again brought to our knees by our equal need for God and raised up to a place of honor as equal participants in his family.
What is the purpose of a sermon? We preach in order to awaken our minds and hearts to God and what he has and is doing in the world, so we can grow and remember. To do this well, we preach messages centered on Jesus and from the Bible.
Christians have sung when they gather since the inception of the church. We do it because we have been created by a God who sings in his image. In our singing we passionately respond to who God is and what he has done. And as we sing, we grow in our understanding of and commitment to him.
What the purpose of a regular church gathering? It is not about demonstrating your holiness and spirituality, nor is it about earning God's favor. Rather, the church worship gathering is an important opportunity to remember God and what he has done and be re-centered on it. Church is not something we come to consume, it is something we are a part of. We come to participate and play our role in the body of Christ.
For many, if not most, in our world, work is the place we look to for our identity. This is the natural outcome of sin. What was once meant to glorify God is now used to grab glory for ourselves. But God in his grace comes down to rescue those who are trying to build their way up to him. And when we pause to remember that he is God and we are not, there is a release from the tiring need to work for identity.
One of the reasons our work is so tiring is that we don't place the same value on it that God does. As humanity, we are created for work. And work is one of the primary ways that we bring glory to God and reflect his image to the world.
Pursuing isolation from or identity in relationships is a dangerous and tiring path! Instead, Paul shows us the life-giving reality of meaningful relationships. An identity found in Jesus through the gospel is the basis for meaningful relationships and meaningful relationships constantly point us toward the gospel-centered identity.
One of the major reasons we are feeling so tired in this life is the unending pursuit of self esteem. The world tells us this pursuit is central to our existence. But the gospel shows us that true life and rest come from not thinking higher or lower of ourselves. They actually come from thinking of ourselves less often.
In our tiredness, pursuing a relationship with God can feel overwhelming. For some, the experience of pursuing God is tiring. Our posture toward God is the key to unlocking a life-giving, dynamic relationship. Rather than being another thing to do, our connection to God becomes the means by which we gain true identity and rest for our souls.
Our world is obsessed with performance. And when we buy into the lie that our value comes from our performance it leads to exhaustion. The gospel tells us that God loves us even though we have nothing good to offer. We we believe this truth we find true life and rest for our weary souls.
As the story of Jonah comes to a close, we find a disgruntled, self-righteous prophet throwing a tantrum. His anger has overcome him and his entitlement complex has paralyzed him. And remarkably, we still find God relentlessly pursuing him. Will God's compassion lead Jonah to return to God?
God loves the world and is patiently pursuing its rescue and restoration. Humanity's only response to this is what the Bible calls repentance - a turning away from our rebellion and toward God. In Nineveh, we see that this is possible even in the most unlikely places.
Sometimes our present circumstances aren't always the easiest. How can we be grateful people, even in the belly of a fish? We have to believe that our past circumstances were as dire as they truly were and that our future victory is as certain as it truly is. And as we come to grips with God's gracious rescue, our love for him only deepens.
How does a prophet run from the God he serves? When his heart is just as hard as those God has called him to. As the book of Jonah opens, we see that it is less about a prophet sent to a foreign people and more about a God who pursues all of humanity (even rebellious prophets) and lovingly seeks their restoration.
Jesus outrageous command to love our enemies is not simply a moralistic call to a different way of living. It is a gospel-centered call to a different way of viewing humanity. Those who have been shown mercy are called to show mercy to others. And our identity as children of God make this possible.
Because of the grace and mercy God has given us, we love our neighbors by being people of justice. That means we have compassion for and take action on behalf of our weak, less fortunate, and oppressed neighbors.
For many if not most Christians, sharing our faith is a scary reality. But the apostle Paul tells us we don't have to be afraid or ashamed to do it. He reminds us that the gospel is powerfully good news for everyone.
Peter urges his readers to offer hospitality without grumbling. What he means is that radical hospitality is not just and open house, but open hands and an open heart. This kind of love for our neighbor is only possible when we realize that we too are strangers who have been welcomed in by God.
In many ways, genuinely listening to someone is a great demonstration of love for them. If that's true, then why do we often struggle to do it well? The Bible shows us that we are prone towards pride. And our transformation toward humility is only possible through Jesus sacrificial love for us.
As part of God's family, we have a unique identity and mission - to love God and others. And we have been providentially placed where we are as scattered people to live into this reality. So, we should love our neighbors with intentionality.
One of the biggest barriers to loving our neighbors is time. We live busy lives and the thought of adding more to it can be overwhelming. The Bible gives us a paradigm for how to order our lives. If we are proactive in using it, we can find freedom to do the things that we were created to do.
The parable of the Good Samaritan is a constant reminder that neighboring is not something you do, but a neighbor is someone you are. And our only hope for being a good neighbor is to have truly experienced and embraced the ultimate neighbor - Jesus. His love transforms us to love others.
The book of 2 Samuel is constantly pointing us to a greater king to come - Jesus. He is the one who ultimately fulfills all of God's promises and brings the blessings of God's kingdom. For those who have believed that Jesus is the rightful king, we see a model of how to live in the lives of the "mighty men" of David - to pursue his kingdom and not our own.
David's psalm of praise to God reflects on his personal care and constant faithfulness. What a glorious reality to know God not only as the God of the Exodus, but as "my" God of deliverance. Through Jesus, we have realized this is an even more powerful way. God is truly our Rock.
With the end of David's reign in sight, we see that God himself is the one showing mercy, championing the covenant and defeating the enemies - all things the king should be doing. And we are again faced with the continual theme of the book that God is Israel's true king and only hope for its future. In Jesus, we see God's faithfulness in mercy, covenant keeping and defeating our ultimate enemy.
Even upon David's triumphant return, we see a kingdom in shambles and the repeating storyline of rebellion. What kind of king will it take to once again gather the people as one and lead with righteousness and justice? Our eyes look beyond David to the son of David. In Jesus, we have a king who is regathering a people and deserves our obedience.
When the battle between David and Absalom's armies finally occurs, it is a resounding victory for David's men. Absalom's pride and David's loyal friends in Jerusalem had set the stage for this great victory which mirrors both Jesus' victory on the cross and his ultimate victorious return. As we wait, we are reminded of our call to be his ambassadors, even in a corrupt and broken world.
Jesus first words to his disciples after his resurrection are "Peace be with you." Much more than an ordinary greeting, Jesus is speaking about the new reality of things. His resurrection (in a garden!) has instituted a new creation and a return to shalom. Because of Jesus, we can find peace with God, ourselves and each other.
As David leaves Jerusalem into temporary exile, he encounters manipulation, accusation, beating and betrayal. And yet he places his hope in a God who might look upon his misery (iniquity) and restore blessing to him. We are reminded of Jesus' journey from the Last Supper to the cross and his willingness to place his hope in God's ultimate plan.
When Absalom's scheming toward the throne gains momentum, David finds himself on the run and toward exile. And in the midst of the consequence of his sin, we see a renewed David trusting God's goodness, serving those around him and in so doing, compelling even outsiders to follow him.
The story of Amnon's rape of Tamar is chilling. And yet, not overly surprising in light of his father David's story in the preceding chapter. The Bible tells us through assertion and story that there is a generational component to sin whose only answer is to enter and embrace the new family of God made possible through Jesus.
How does God respond to David's shocking fall? With truth and grace. He speaks the truth about what David has done and its consequences. And this rebuke is a gracious act that enables David a path to repentance and restoration.
In shocking fashion, King David, who had been known by covenant faithfulness to God and led Israel to considerable victories, lost a very different kind of battle. His lust for power led to complete moral failure. And we are reminded as humanity that our hearts are desperately broken and in need of God's restoration.
David's act of kindness to the Ammonites is misunderstood and a major battle ensues. With the army surrounded, Joab suggests a radical battle plan - trusting in the support of those around us and in the goodness of God.
In David's embrace of Mephibosheth, we get a beautiful picture of God's kindness toward us. He pursues us and calls us by name - not for judgment, but because of his love for us. He takes the shame of our past and gives us new identity as sons and daughters and a place at his table forever.
As we continue in 2 Samuel chapter 8, we see that God gives David the victory wherever he went, and we learn what it means to experience victory in our own lives as well.
When David wants to build God a house, God's response is stunning. Not only does he not want David to build him a house, but God will instead build David a house. This unfailing promise and covenant gives the perfect picture of who God is and would be ultimately fulfilled by Jesus' arrival as the ultimate king.
The coming together of Israel under David as king demonstrates the realization of the covenant that God had first made with Abraham - a nation, a land and his presence. It's the presence of God that moves in power, guidance and protection for his people and demands a response of worship from them. How do we respond to the presence of God with us?
In the life of Abner and his contemporaries, we see that humanity has a broken need to seek power and control - thinking that this brings the significance, acceptance and security we long for. Even David is not immune from this. But the ultimate fulfillment of David's royal line, Jesus, tells us that meek will inherit the earth. And then he goes and does just that and calls everyone to find full rest for their soul in his kingdom.
As David's reign begins, once again we see a man who seeks the wisdom of God, whose life is marked by obedience and faith, and who graciously offers the blessing of his kingdom to those around him. So too Jesus calls us to partner with him in taking the kingdom to those around us.
When David received the news that Saul was dead, his natural reaction was grief. Why we he respond that way towards his enemy? David sought God's glory above his own and showed himself to be the rightful king. Hundreds of years later, Jesus sought God's glory instead of simply grabbing for the crown. And in so doing he showed himself to be the rightful, ultimate king.
Confidence is not merely a secular ideal. It can be a spiritual reality, rooted deeply in our hope and producing true faith. We see this played out in the life of King Hezekiah during the Assyrian invasion of Judah. Though tempted and tested, his confidence remained strong because his hope in God was deep. The greater king who would come - Jesus - would even more perfectly demonstrate this connection of confidence, hope and faith.
Isaiah prophesies to a nation in the midst of significant uncertainty and anxiety. Their corrupt king has led them in all the wrong ways. But God in his grace is sending light into their darkness - a new king who brings justice and righteousness. Ultimately, this child who was to come, arrived as a baby in a manger and brought with this the fulfillment of our hope.
The prophet Jeremiah foretells a time when there is stability in the land and the beginnings of renewal by God. It's into the reality (while shepherds watched their flocks by night) that Jesus arrived as the exponential culmination of God's renewal for the world. And now as we wait for his return, we are called to be people marked by hope and working for renewal in this world.
In a broken world, the message of hope finds footing - that out of pain there will be peace. And this peace is not just the absence of conflict, but a sense and reality of wholeness. So when the shperhpeds respond to the angels message of "peace on earth" we are cued into God's vehicle from pain to peace. It is Jesus.
To a nation who had been beaten down and lost its glory, God spoke a word of rest, forgiveness and restoration - a promise of return to its past glory. This is ultimately accomplished through Jesus - the sturdy oak of righteousness to the glory of God. We too, take hope in the midst of a broken world, while we await the return of Jesus to make all things new.
Early in his life, Paul saw himself as the epitome of religious success - calling himself blameless. Towards the end of his life, Paul called himself the "worst of sinners." Meeting Jesus and understanding his human brokenness changed Paul's outlook on life - not to seeing himself as a morbid failure, but to seeing his relationship with God accomplished only through Jesus' work on his behalf.
Peter's bold profession of Jesus as Messiah is followed a major blunder in correcting Jesus. Even with this display of imperfect faith, Jesus not only embraces Peter, but makes it clear that he will be a key part of building the church. And this church is meant to follow the lead of Jesus in subverting evil with good.
When Jesus famously tells Nicodemus that he must be "born again," he is really striking directly at his religious identity. For a man who placed all his hope in his Jewish heritage and superior morality, Jesus was alerting him to a deeper reality. He didn't need more teaching - he needed to be rescued just like everyone else.
Though we focus on the stature of Zacchaeus, the truth is he was likely a very bad guy. And so while it is important to notice Zacchaeus looking for Jesus, the beauty of the story is actually that Jesus was searching for Zacchaeus. And when Jesus found him, he embraced him which led to his transformation.
When faced with a well-orchestrated trap by the religious leaders of the day, Jesus responded by demonstrating the brokenness of all people - religious and irreligious. And he announced a radical forgiveness that would be made available to everyone who believes in him.
In the interwoven story of Jesus healing a bleeding woman and the daughter of a synagogue leader, we see two important truths about Jesus. First, he is completely interruptible. And second, he is completely impartial. For Jesus, it is not about who we are or what we can do for him. Rather it is about who he is and what he intends to do for us.
The story of Moses meeting God at the burning bush is at its core a story about our God who relentless pursues us. He seeks Moses by coming down the mountain and entering into the natural path of Moses life. And when Moses (and us) turn aside to God, we find a God who doubles our name and calls us deeper into his story of rescue.
Study Guide with questions
Baptism is an act of obedience that announces and aligns ourselves with God's gracious rescue in Jesus. In our baptism, we dramatically and symbolically portray the great thing God has done to ultimately set the world right and how he has given us the gift of true life.
This teaching ends our series on the Holy Spirit by highlighting Paul's urge to the church to not quench the Spirit. It is followed up by a question and answer time based on questions we received during the series.
The Spirit works supernaturally in and through the church according to his will and power. This is not a license to pursue spiritual elitism, power, gain or ecstatic distraction. Rather it is a reminder of our dependence upon the Spirit to live and be the people of God.
Spiritual gifts are part of God's empowerment in our lives to serve his church and extend his kingdom. They are from his grace and meant to be used in his power and for his glory. We discover our gifts as we live in light of the gospel and hear the affirmation of others, see our impact and realize what motivates us.
The Spirit is in every believer in Jesus. In fact, he is at work in our lives in power and testimony. He is powerfully transforming us from life to death and testifying to us about our acceptance by God as his sons and daughters. Why then do we struggle so much with sin in our lives? We fail to give the Spirit space and control. We experience victory in our lives when we make space to hear the Spirit's voice and allow him to work in power.
To best understand how the Holy Spirit guides Christ-followers, we need to see that God created humans as creative decision-makers, that the Spirit wants to us to understand WHO we are WITH God on mission rather than simply what we are to do FOR God on mission, and that the Spirit guides us using the Scriptures as a source of gospel life, moral guidance, and wisdom.
(*During the announcements, Pastor Adam felt compelled by the Spirit to lead us in prayer/small prayer huddles for a family from our congregation. I make reference to this a few times during the sermon as a move of the Spirit that could be "validated" by Scripture.)
The "Fruits of the Spirit" in Galatians 5 are actually the fruit of Belief that leads to Behavior by the power and motivation of the Holy Spirit. When we believe that we are alive to righteousness and dead to sin, behavior naturally starts to flow out of us. That behavior is the fulfillment of the law of love, and ultimately brings glory to Jesus which has been the role of the Spirit all along.
The presence of the Spirit in our lives makes true life accessible and it is by the Spirit that true life is achieved. The indwelling of the Spirit is a down payment guaranteeing access to the life that Jesus promised us. The filling of the Spirit is the means of tapping into the full life.
In Acts 2 we see the event of Pentecost dramatically shape the early church. What we discover is that the event is not as important as the intent of the Holy Spirit to make Jesus known IN us and THROUGH us. The intent of the Holy Spirit is to transform us in such a way that the world looks on and says "Clearly God is among you."
Jesus told his disciples that it was better for them that he went away, so the Spirit could come. Why would he say something like this? Because the Spirit would break two critical boundaries to the advance of the gospel. In breaking a geographical boundary, the Spirit would oversee the advance of the gospel to the word. And in breaking the bodily boundary, the Spirit would indwell the disciples and teach the gospel to the depths of their heart.
The Holy Spirit is an often overlooked, but critically important part of the Christian faith. This introductory talk covers the doctrine of the Trinity, the Spirit's role therein, and the continual work of the Holy Spirt in our world and in God's story.
In the Christian life, worship and mission go together. Genuine mission cannot exist apart from worship. And genuine worship always leads to mission. There's much to do as we bear witness to God in this world. But true effectiveness in this effort comes from a life fully given to God in worship.
True happiness comes from a life lived God's way. But obedience is not something to simply be added to our lives. It is the result of a true and deep affection for a God whose grace, mercy and love overwhelm us. As we meditate on God's loving rescue and presence, our affection grows. And from our affection springs forth obedience and a life lived in light of the gospel and therefore for God.
In Psalm 72 we see that God is a God of justice and compassion and that throughout human history He has sought to bring those things to bear using the people and kings of Israel. Ultimately, justice and the peace of God are brought by Jesus and found in his kingdom. However, compassionate and just living are to be carried out by followers of Jesus as an act of worship so that all people can experience the shalom of God.
When David wrote Psalm 51 after his colossal sins with Bathsheba and Uriah, his poem of confession gives us a picture of the role of worship in restoration. He affirms the story of restoration from human brokenness to God's mercy and faithfulness. And he responds to the reality of restoration with a posture and life bent towards God. In so doing, David enlivens his restoration by taking hold of the life that God offers.
"God is our refuge" and "Be still and know that I am God" are encouraging words of exhortation from Psalm 46 for times of struggle in our lives. But they are hard to live in to if we have not been living a life of worship during the "normal" days of our lives. What we learn from King Hezekiah is that worship as a way of life prepares us for the worst of life; that daily taking refuge in God paves the way for us to find God as our refuge in times of trouble. And ultimately, we find that Jesus is our spring of living water when we are under siege.
In Psalm 24, we are faced with the challenging question, "who can ascend the mountain of God?" In relaying this question, the psalmist shows us the identity of God as Creator and our identity as creation. He is the one to be worshipped and we at our core are worshippers. And just as we are realizing the impossibility of climbing God's mountain, the psalm shifts to ask a different question, "will you open your gates?" The God of the mountain we cannot climb, descends the mountain to meet us and in this stunning twist we see even more clearly the identity of the God who we were created to worship.
In the book of Acts we find the dramatic account of Saul, the destroyer of the early church. He has an encounter with the risen Jesus that changes his direction in life and the course of history. What we learn from this is that when we have an encounter with Jesus today, it confirms or leads to new life, new purpose, and a new image for us.
As severe as Peter's three public denials of Jesus were, the resurrection of Jesus was far more powerful. And so Peter experienced a beautiful and complete restoration. Where there was distance, Jesus restored their relationship. Where there was toil, Jesus restored genuine life. And where there was shame, Jesus restored a true identity. All this, he offers to us as well.
In this message we look at the famous story of Thomas, a disciple of Jesus. Known for his doubt, he should also be known for his declaration of Jesus as his Lord/King and his God. We, too, can look to the resurrected Jesus as the proof that Jesus is truly King over all of the earth and God who offers us full life.
When the resurrected Jesus appeared to the two disciples on their way to Emmaus, he showed his heart for those experiencing disappointment with God. The plans they had didn't go as they expected, but Jesus showed them how God was telling a far bigger and far better story for the whole world that culminated in the resurrected Jesus. Because of the resurrection, we can believe that God is truly working for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose.
When Mary Magdalene is the first to see Jesus after his resurrection, we are reminded that there is real hope for the broken and broken hearted. To a world and humanity who has been defined by its broken past, the resurrected Jesus offers a new and validated identity as children of God.
Even in the most challenging circumstances, we can experience real peace. This is possible because of the nearness of God in Jesus, not the absence of struggle. The greatness of our God is evident in his drawing near to us. And our experience of peace is found in our willingness to turn our mind and hearts to the One who experienced the loss of peace on the cross so we could draw near to God and find peace there.
In Philippians 3:12-4:1 we find Paul completing his thought that he started in the verses prior concerning the Gospel. We can sense his desire to know Jesus fully by joining in his suffering and triumph. Paul is challenging the Philippians and us to be steadfast as ones who will die to self and live the cruciform life. And by doing so, we come to know Jesus in a deep way and learn to expand the kingdom now rather than simply waiting for heaven.
To many people, religion seems harmless. And yet both Jesus and Paul are very careful to warn about the traps of religion. Paul, who met Jesus in the midst of an impressive religious life, is determined to remind his readers that the only thing that matters is knowing Jesus. The rest amounts to nothing. In the gospel, we discover that hard as we try we can never rise high enough to meet God, but more importantly we find a God who loves us so much that he comes down to meet us.
Obedience is birthed from love. When Paul calls the church to obedience, he is reminding them of God's great rescue and our rightful response of a life of submission and gratitude. This life of worship is one of God's great means of demonstrating his renewal of all things to the world which labors in darkness. When we gain a posture and perspective of gratitude, we make space for obedience. And when we live in obedience to God, we demonstrate the hope of the gospel to an onlooking world.
The Apostle Paul calls the church in Philippi to "next level humility" in light of the opposition that was surrounding them as well as a disagreement in their midst. But in classic Pauline theology it is based on understanding, and being motivated by, Jesus and the Gospel. And what we see is that humility is an act of faith that depends not so much on what we think of others, but what we think of God. Ultimately, we find that we are called to join Jesus in suffering and carrying our cross, but discover the mystery that God brings dead things back to life.
In Philippians 1:12-26 the apostle Paul encourages his Philippian friends and readers that, though the journey for him (and them) is difficult, the Gospel is advancing and that is cause to celebrate. And in one of the loftiest verses in the New Testament, Paul claims that "to live is Christ and to die is gain." Digging deeper it is clear that Paul can make this claim due to his purpose aligning with God's, his power coming from the Spirit, and his perspective that he has gained over the years.
The Philippian church has a special place in Paul's heart because of their clear partnership in the gospel. This is evident from their radical hospitality, sincere faith and financial generosity. And Paul's prayer for them is that this love for and commitment to the gospel will increase even more and result in love that abounds.
As followers of Jesus, we are sent as ambassadors. People who are entrusted with the good news of true life found in Jesus. At Hope, we are committed to living into this reality by living with intentionality in our spheres of influence and by launching a network of churches that will be able to represent Christ in communities across the Lehigh Valley.
The main role of the leadership of the church is to equip the people so the church can be built up. We are called to be equipped to maturity in the gospel so that we can withstand the winds of this world. And we are called to be equipped for ministry so each one can do his or her part to see the church grow.
The Bible reminds us that we are powerless to live the life that we were created for. Yet through the work of Jesus for us, we are now empowered to live that very life. Two of the most significant ways to tap into that power are through a devotion to prayer and a desire to be full of the Spirit.
We are a church formed by a provident God through a gracious gospel. And therefore we desire to be a gospel outpost and a gospel family. A place and people who are defined by God's love and undeniably joined together for his glory.
Who would you expect to be present at the grand arrival of God to earth? Certainly not the people who make up the nativity story. And yet, in this upside story we find a God who has come for those who need him and calls people personally to himself. And we find those who have responded to his calls with faith.
The true beauty of Christmas is the realization that the light of God has invaded the darkness of our world. In so doing, we are called out of the darkness through the incarnation of Jesus to be sons and daughters of God, children of light. ** This teaching includes personal stories of light coming into darkness from our Hope family. Thanks to Regina, Maura, Jesse and Michelle for sharing your stories!
Growth can be slow and gradual or happen in spurts. But when it happens, it is the Spirit's work of changing us to be more like Jesus. Even though this is true, the Bible still calls us to cooperate with the Spirit's work. We cannot do this personal improvement projects where we stop doing wrong things and start doing right things. We have to get to the foundation of our behavior and bring the gospel to bear on our belief.
Doubt is a common and universal reality. In fact, our call to faith implies the presence of doubt. Rather than turning away from God in pride or stuffing our doubt deep inside to be more religious, God receives those who humbly and honestly acknowledge their doubts to him. And in so doing, we actually find more of him.
For followers of Jesus, mission is something that is meant to intentionally define as aspects of our lives. No matter what we are doing, we believe God has providentially placed us there is order to reflect his image and his gospel to those around us. And so it becomes critical for us to become aware and active in the spheres of influence.
Loving others is foundational to Christian faith, yet difficult to live out. In this talk we look at the origin of Christian love and some practical ways to try and grow this character trait in partnership with the Holy Spirit working in us.
God is generous. And he calls his people to be generous people. True generosity is found in the gospel and in a life lived in response to the gospel. We are called to a radical, sacrificial generosity because we are made in the image of a radically and sacrificially generous God.
Prayer was never meant to be some religious activity for the spiritual elites. It is actually one of God's means of welcoming us into his loving arms. In prayer, we reflect on who God is and what he has done. And in light of those realities, we speak honestly with him about our lives and trust in his goodness. Rather than trying to prove ourselves as spiritual people, we come to God in prayer simply to be with him and to acknowledge our helplessness without him.
In this talk we look at how the Holy Spirit works in both dynamic and subtle ways to make us "Heaven and Earth" people that reveal God to the world around us. This was God's intent as prophesied in Ezekiel 36 and 37 (among other places) and fulfilled in Acts 2. Furthermore, the Spirit also fills us and transforms us as we see in Ephesians and Galatians 5.
The Bible, inspired by God, is a gracious gift that provides for us the wisdom that leads to salvation. In other words, it faithfully and authoritatively tells God's story. So, engaging with the Bible should be a regular part of the rhythm of our life. As the Bible helps us find our place within God's story and we meditate deeply on those realities and implications, we see our lives continue to be transformed.
Faith is not just a set of beliefs or an internal feeling. More than anything it is action. Action on the basis of hope. When Scripture calls us to faith, it is calling us to act on the hope we have in God's love for and divine rescue of us. When we find our identity in this story, we take holy risks - big and small - living into what it means to live by faith.
God's story will conclude just as it began - God dwelling with his people in his perfection creation. God will fulfill his promise to make all things new. This is both a great hope to believers living in a broken world today and a call to live new creation lives now rather than thinking escapist thoughts. Maranatha!
The resurrection of Jesus was a world-altering event. It gave rise to a new gathering of the people of God called the church and unleashed the kingdom of God into the world. As followers of Jesus, the church then and now is called to experience the kingdom (already and not yet), embody the kingdom in the way they live and extend the kingdom by making disciples.
Jesus shows up to an Israel still very much defined by exile. And in Jesus we see God make good on his covenant by rescuing humanity. As a new Adam, Jesus demonstrates his trust in God. As a new Moses, he announces a new exodus in his baptism. As a new David, he unleashes his kingdom ministry against the greater enemy of sin. And as a new Abraham, Jesus calls a people around himself through his death and resurrection. In response to this good news, we are called to change our life's orientation away from autonomy and towards God.
How will God deal with the ever growing pervasiveness of evil outside the garden? He moves to bring the world back to himself through a man and ultimately a nation. He promises to bless them and calls them to be a blessing to the world and draw them to God. Humanity's continued pull toward autonomy disables their ability to live into this covenant relationship. And yet, we continue to see the love of God for our broken world in his willingness to remain faithful to the covenant even when humanity does not.
How could an apple bring about the interruption of a perfection creation? The truth is that the problem lies much deeper. Humanity's prideful pursuit of autonomy has traumatized all of our relationships within creation. And yet, in response to our rebellion, we again see a God who is defined by love.
The story of God starts off in a compelling way by sharing the story of creation. While people tend to be consumed with the "how" question of creation. The storyteller is far more concerned with the "who" and the "why" questions. In this first part of the story we see a big God who comes close to his creation because of his love for it.
In Hebrews 12, the author is reaching the conclusion and purpose of the letter: to encourage the readers to endure the suffering they are going through. Today, nearly 2000 years later the call to endure still stands, as does the reality of suffering in all of our lives. Though God is a mystery and His ways are not our ways, we find hope to endure suffering by looking to what God has done in the past, who He is currently, and what the future holds for those who follow Jesus.
Jesus, and all he has accomplished on our behalf, calls us to be a family on mission. We are not alone, neither in isolation nor in our responsibility to one another. We are, instead, called to encourage one another, to spend time together, and to worship God as part of a long line of faithful followers of God.
The Old Testament system of worship called for sacrifices to cover the sin of the people. But now through Jesus work on the cross, God himself has provided a perfect and final sacrifice. When we place our faith in this perfect sacrifice we find the security we long for in this life.
Genuine peace doesn't come from conjuring up an emotion. Genuine peace is found only in the person of Jesus who has not only paid a debt that we could not, but has also given us access to the full blessing of God through a new and better covenant.
In Jesus, we have a high priest who has finished our atonement, but continues his advocacy for us. He can sympathize with our earthly struggles and is ready to offer grace and mercy to those who seek it. Therefore, we can have confidence and persistence in the midst of life's struggles.
Often times are thoughts are consumed with our current circumstances. This usually leads to a life of grumbling. Jesus offers us a better way. If we exercise our faith by moving our thoughts from our circumstances to who he is and what he has done, grumbling is replaced with genuine rest.
God’s story in Jesus is the story that frames all other stories. When we make our story more important than Jesus’ story, or we make ourselves the hero of the story instead of Jesus, we will not experience the love that Jesus has for us as our brother and we will not experience the grace and mercy God wants to give us from His throne of grace.
In this first talk in the book of Hebrews we look at the author's warnings against drifting away from our belief in "Jesus Only". In comparing our journey of faith to the journey of the Israelites, we find a common trend: that drifting from belief is a human tendency. So we must take action to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and his Gospel lest we drift away.
In the final message in our Shapshots of Hope series we look at why we love Community at Hope Alliance. In summary, we love community because community shows God's kingdom to the world, it shows God's care for us, and it grows us. But Jesus shows us in John 13 that community is truly a blessing to us when we learn to serve like he did.
At Hope Alliance we are sent people; sent to do what Jesus did. Based on passages in John 7, John 20, and Luke 4, we look at what Jesus did and how we are to join him in being living waters to the world around us.
Children have a critical role to play in the church now. And just like Jesus, we should never keep the disconnected from the church, but rather see them as a crucial part of God's kingdom. It is our communal responsibility to impart the gospel to them and to be inspired by their speech, conduct, love, faith and purity.
Too much in our world is artificial! And this reality starts with ourselves. The gospel calls us to be genuine people who love God and others genuinely. As genuine people, we are honest about who we are, failures and all! And we aim to love God an others in a real and honest way, without masks.
At Hope, we have defined our identity by the statement "Simply Jesus." For us Jesus if first and everything else is second. Its that simple! The story of the transfiguration is a compelling glimpse into why this identity is so important to us and to what it means to be a Christian. (Our apologies for the poor audio quality)
The resurrection of Jesus gives us the freedom to rest. Not just from our external work, but more importantly from our internal desire to find approval in our work and life. Finding space for sabbath in life is a chance to be redefined as new creation and a means to escape the constant urgency, stress and pressure the world places on our shoulders.
Because of the resurrection, Christ-followers are free to be happy. We look at how we find that happiness in confession, in being conformed to Christ's image, and in our commission as agents of new creation with Jesus. Text: Romans 8, Philippians, 1 John 1
In the parable of the Lost Son(s) we see a picture of our own rebellion and self-righteousness, revealing our guilt and how far from the Father we truly are. We also see the Father offer freedom from guilt to his sons by compassionately moving towards both of them and offering relationship. In our own lives today we are able to be free from guilt (and learn how to forgive) because of the cross and resurrection of Jesus.
Because of the resurrection, we are new creations. One of the most powerful realities of this truth is that we are now free from performance. We are no longer confined to the system of this world which says we are only valuable based upon our production and performance. Instead, Jesus calls us to come to him like little children who are valued and loved by our Creator because of who we are.
The resurrection of Jesus is not just a miracle. It is God's announcement that he is making all things new. Therefore, if anyone is connected to Jesus, he is a new creation. This means that we are free from our past and it no longer defines us. Easter draws us into a whole new way of life.
As the book of Joshua concludes, the Israelites are called to be courageously obedient. More specifically they are called to be very careful what they cling to. Clinging to things of this world leads to traps and snares, but clinging to Jesus leads us into the abundant life he promises.
Here are the questions provided on the response card at the end of the teaching: (1) I am prone to cling to these things: (2) This comes from suppressing the truth that God... (3) Today I choose God. I will lean into this by...
In Joshua 22 we see God's devotion to His children, despite their mistakes. God's devotion to His children through the Gospel leads us to have devotion to Him in worship and devotion to one another in community.
The Levites were the one tribe who did not receive a section of land. They had a special inheritance - God himself. And from this inheritance came a strategic mission to represent God to the people. Today the church shares in this special inheritance and strategic mission.
Please excuse the audio quality In Joshua 12-19 we see God's faithfulness to give the land to the tribes but their unwillingness to occupy it. However, Caleb and Joshua continue to be faithful and take their inheritance. Through Jesus and the Gospel we, too, can take our inheritance for our own defeat of sin and the expansion of the kingdom to the world around us.
In Joshua 9-11 we see the grace that God gives the Gibeonites as compared to the judgment He brings to those who rebel against Him. We also see Joshua keep his oath to the Gibeonites and live out his name: God saves. Today, Jesus keeps his oath to save his followers both now and for eternity, and still regularly acts miraculously on their behalf.
The second conquest of Ai goes far better than the first. Why? It is characterized by obedience and trusting God as opposed to self-effort and self-preservation. In this we see that the path from defeat to victory is about finding again a posture of worshipping God.
In Joshua chapter 7 we see Joshua and Achan both make the mistake of not having a posture of submitting to God which costs the people around them greatly. We ALL struggle to submit to the Father, but through the Gospel we see that Jesus has overcome temptation and a strange heritage to submit his own life to the Father on our behalf. Now we, too, can have a posture of submitting to the Father.
At the core of the famous story of Jericho is the idea of posture. God's posture toward mankind and man's posture toward God. At Jericho, we see an impartial God who desires a relationship with all people. We also see the difference between people who close themselves off from God and those who open themselves up to him.
God had acted and the river was parted. The Israelites crossed and prepared for their conquest of land. But once again the story takes a strange twist. Instead of marching on Jericho the Israelites are circumcised. And in this act of obedience and posture of weakness, they submit themselves to a different path to victory. So too we are called to a different path to "victory" in our lives.
A look at chapters 3 & 4 of Joshua highlighting the Gospel message seen throughout, the presence and faithfulness of God, and our need to remember it.
In this fascinating story of a failed spy mission into the promised land, we see extraordinary faith in a completely unexpected place. Rahab, a Canaanite prostitute show two Israelite spies what genuine faith really looks like. And we meet the true hero of the story of Joshua, God himself. Our God is gracious and slow to anger. He's full of mercy, redeeming and rescuing failed humanity like us.
As a leader, God told Joshua to be strong and courageous. This courage was actually rooted in his obedience to God. And in Jesus we see this courageous obedience that delivers the promises of God to his people.
In Jesus' parable of the mustard seed, he tells us that the kingdom of God starts improbably, but becomes and undeniable reality. As we consider the impact God wants to have through us, this is the vision of the kingdom that he wants us to grasp. Using this picture of multiplication, our vision for the coming year is to see God use each of us to see one for one growth!
Jesus came as a king. This is why he said that the kingdom of God has come near. And his urge to those who heard him was to repent. True repentance is not regret, but a change of mind that brings about a change in action. When we truly believe that Jesus is our king, we become people who desire to follow him and make his ways our ways.
Jesus came to as a man to heal what humanity could not. He entered deeply into our story, not to condemn us, but to rescue us and to call us to a whole new way of living.
In this talk we we continue our Advent series by looking at how "Jesus came as a light in the darkness, to those waiting, as a man and as a king." Specifically we look at the story of Zacchaeus and how he was actively waiting for Jesus and how Jesus came to seek and save the lost.
In this talk we kick off our 2016 Advent Series. We cover the first part of a four-part statement: "Jesus came to be light in the darkness, to those waiting, as a man and as a king."
The atoning work of Jesus on the cross for us covers our sins and offers us a whole new way of life. A big part of this is the availability of healing through Jesus work of atonement. Just as he took up our sin, so too he took up our pain and sickness. Jesus moves for healing according to his will and for his glory. We cannot manipulate him, nor make demands of him. However, we should pursue him with expectation, just never with assumption.
How do we respond to the aftermath of a crazy election cycle? We need to learn to listen. Listen to God when he reminds us he is sovereign and therefore our only hope for the salvation and security we all so long to feel. And listen to each other has people given to gentleness which seeks fairness and justice for each other.
On November 6th, our church became an accredited church with the Christian & Missionary Alliance. One this important day, we considered Jesus' caution against trading mission for comfort and were reminded that we are a family on mission.
Jesus promises abundant life to those who follow him. This life comes not on the basis of how good we are, but on the basis of his unfailing love for us. It is not a promise of an easy life, rather a promise of his constant presence with us. And when we learn to hear the voice of God, we lean more into the life he promises us.
Jesus said you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. The truth is Jesus and when we know him intimately we find the freedom we so desire. Freedom from sin and freedom from religion. Freedom from the pursuit of building our own value and worth and instead finding our true value in God's love for us announced in Jesus.
At the root of hope is a desire for an identity - to be loved, to have meaning and to have a destiny. This human desire was always intended to find its fulfillment in God himself. And when we do this, we lead lives characterized by confidence in God and a willingness to take faith-filled risks.
As followers of Jesus we are sent people. We are sent not only to proclaim the gospel, but also to embody the gospel while loving our neighbors as ourselves. But how do we do this? Jesus answer is somewhat surprising. He says we cannot do this unless we have been radically loved ourselves. To simply try harder to love others is a religious dead end. However, when we are so moved by Jesus' love for us we cannot help but begin to love those around us.
In order for us to live the kinds of lives God has created us for, we are called to the intersection of a shared gospel and shared lives. Shared lives give credibility to and embolden our gospel commitments. We need each other in order to grow in our embrace of the gospel and a life oriented around it.
Care is not a Christian obligation. It is a way of life for those who have been changed by the gospel. We have been formed into a family where we give and receive care in the way of Jesus.
Community is not just an interesting idea. It is an absolute necessity. The beauty of community is that we are able to build something together. This imagery is so beautifully seen in the story of Nehemiah and the reconstruction of the wall around Jerusalem. Just like in this story, as we seek to build our lives in light of the gospel we do it side by side with those around us, experience mutual investment in our lives and protect from the enemy. And in doing doing, see a seemingly overwhelming task become an ever increasing reality!
Multiplication is at the core of what it means to be a disciple. It defined the existence of the early church in the book of Acts. Likewise, we want it to define us as not only a value, but our vision. This is why we are beginning the process now to be able to plant another church in the next few years. And our ultimate goal is a regional network of churches partnering together to advance God's kingdom!
As followers of Jesus, we are called to let people know that God has won the ultimate victory for humanity in and through Jesus. We do this through our actions, choices and conduct. But we also do it through our words. We're to be ready to share about our hope and always seeking opportunities that God gives us. However, this is never about being pushy, obnoxious or religious. Its about speaking about hope in kindness, respect and love.
John the Baptist had a singular calling. He was preparing people for the kingdom of God. Martin Luther said that John was famous for his finger which was always pointing to Jesus. The truth is that this is also what every disciple is called to do. We have the opportunity to point to Jesus with every choice and action we make. Unfortunately, more often than not our finger is point at ourselves rather than Jesus.
Jesus said that people would know we follow him if we love like he loved. Love is to be a singular definer of the church. For this to be so, our love must be real and consistent. It cannot be shallow or contingent on what we receive in return. This kind of self-sacrifice demands that we be totally committed to love as our way of life.
The Bible is not a rule book. And its not an owner's manual. It is the beautiful story of God meant to envelope each of us. We read it to be taught the truth of the gospel and trained to live in response to the gospel. In the midst of a broken world and our broken lives, the Bible constantly pulls us back to the person and work of Jesus and the eternal love story of Creator God for the world.
For many Christians prayer is a hard reality. The truth is we aren't sure we know how to do it. That unfortunate reality has more to do with how we have seen people pray in church then what prayer truly is. When the disciples asked Jesus how to pray, he taught them a memorable means of prayer which can serve as a wonderful paradigm to launch us into meaningful prayer.
How should followers of Jesus respond to the racial tension in our world? First, we must lament that this world is not the way God intended it to be. Second, we must have a vision of God's intention for humanity - unity through diversity. This reality is only possible through the gospel. Finally, we must act. We are called to embody God's future in the now so that everyone might know the the truth of who God is and what he has done through Jesus. So, we do justice, love mercy and walk with God in humility.
True worship is way more than the songs we sing on a Sunday. It comes knows God and values him above all other things. From this comes not only our songs of praise, but an entire way of life - a posture of submission, adoration and service to God. In this way, worship is holistic. Its any every moment reality that includes every part of us.
Central to our identity as followers of Jesus is our call to go and make disciples. Contrary to the regular practice of the church, going is not just for some - it is for everyone. Going is not an option and it is also not geographically bound. Most of us will not be called to foreign lands, but we are still very much sent to the neighborhoods, workplaces and spheres of influence in which we find ourselves. As we share in the mission, the kingdom of God goes forward.
In closing his letter to the Corinthians, Paul hits on some really important points for the church. As God's people, we must think beyond ourselves. We must learn to follow God and not simply our heart. We must value character over charisma. We must hold tightly to the gospel. And above all, we must love pervasively.
The Lord's Supper is meant to be a unifying reality for the church and yet the Corinthians were using it to be divisive - honoring some above others. Paul reminds them that this is the very meal which symbolizes Jesus being shamed so that we might be honored as children of God. The only proper way to approach the communion table is as one unworthy and yet one graciously welcomed!
In this often confusing passage about head coverings and hair length, Paul is emphasizing three centrally important realities for the Jesus follower. First, our cultural context matters and we should do our best to offer the gospel in context. Second, God created men and women not only for each other, but more importantly to better bear his image to the world. Finally, we must constantly ask ourselves in life, "Is this about my glory or God's glory?"
As the Israelites moved from the Exodus to the Promised Land, they found significant struggle in the wilderness. Paul relates the Christian life in many ways to the wilderness - a place where our heart is divided in its allegiance to God and our former life. And his urgent plea to the Corinthians and to all Christians is to not look back to where we've come from so as not to be tempted into our previous way of life.
Paul loves to use the metaphor of a race to describe life. And for him the race well run is the gospel-centered life. How do you live this kind of life? You have to prepare now for the future and learn from the past. Knowing that not everyone makes it to the finish line, it is imperative that we put in the hard work of discipleship now.
Paul is a truly remarkable testimony. His heart is centered on pursuing the glory of God and as a result he engages in ministry by embracing his sent-ness and sacrificing his rights and preferences to make the gospel known. Why does he do this? He has a deep love for God and a deep love for those who don't know God's love. How might are lives be different if we shared the passions of Paul?
The Bible gives us plenty of direction, but what about the ares it doesn't speak directly to - places where we don't have a right and wrong? In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul is helping them deal with this reality. His urge is to say "no" to license and "no" to legalism, while embracing liberty. Liberty won't acquiesce to legalism, but it values the glory of God above all things.
The Corinthian church had lots of questions for Paul. Is sex bad? Should we get divorced? Should we not bother with marriage at all? Paul uses his experience and the teaching of Jesus to effectively answer these questions. But his greater purpose is to show them that true identity comes from the gospel, not a marital status or lack thereof. In fact, it is our identity defined by the gospel that should inform us in how we engage life as married and single people.
The beauty of the gospel is that even though we have built an identity as sinners, we have been joined with Christ. This means we have a re-newed identity as sons and daughters of God. It also means that we have access to the wisdom of God and are quite literally the dwelling place of the Spirit of God. Therefore, we have the ability to choose well. In fact, the gospel not only gives us a new identity, it gives us the responsibility to proclaim and protect it with every action of our lives.
The resurrection is not just a nice ending to a good story. It changes everything! The resurrection means that God has accepted Jesus' sacrifice and therefore gives hope to the entire world that they can be accepted too. It assures us of the power over death and offers us the freedom of life now and in the future.
The church today tends to value intellect or the Spirit over the other one. This unfortunate binary reality is smashed by the gospel which demands intellectual belief and a dependence upon the Spirit. Likewise, the life of Christian faith must engage in the mind and be dependent upon the Spirit. Personal experience is not normative, nor is personal intellect. However, the gospel and the Spirit absolutely are.
The primary aim of the Spirit is the proclamation of Jesus and the primary product of the Spirit is love. This poetic chapter on love which is often referenced is really a reflection on God himself. God is love and our only hope to live into this reality of love is through the gospel - the reality that he loved us first. This is the product of the ministry of the Spirit: to become a people who love in response to being a people who are loved.
Sometimes we end up valuing gifts more than the giver. This unfortunate reality was prominent in the church at Corinth and is prominent in our church today. The gifts of the Spirit are good, but they are secondary to the Spirit himself who works primarily to make Jesus our Lord and to affirm us in our uniqueness while pulling us together as a church, the body of Christ to the onlooking world.
The church at Corinth was filled with people struggling with major identity crises, finding their value in the opinions of people around them. Paul's fatherly urge to them is to reject the courtroom of this world and instead find their identity in Jesus and his love for them. True joy in life comes from moving to the beat of the gospel which reminds us we are rescued and secure. This verdict should characterize our lives.
To a church filled with people who thought way too highly of themselves, Paul reminds them of their continual need for the basic truth of the gospel - God's love in the midst of their failure. It is this love of God that propelled Jesus to earth and ultimately to a cross becoming the foundation of a whole new way of being defined. They are now God's people - his harvest, his temple. They are the church and their lives and conduct should demonstrate this beautiful story of restoration, not division.
The gospel is divine wisdom because it saw and addressed the true need of humanity. It is a message of victory and identity in the new age that Jesus has brought about through his death and resurrection for those who are powerless. This is the message that the Spirit proclaims and the character of the life of all who are spiritual.
Human wisdom always serves human identity. We do whatever we can to make ourselves better, happier or more successful. Or at least to appear that way. But this wisdom is foolish because it avoids the real issue of hopelessness. Divine power rescues us from hopelessness and reasserts our true identity as sons and daughters of our Creator. This is why divine power is far greater than any human wisdom!
Paul opens his letter to the church at Corinth by reminding them that the church is both established and enriched by God. On the basis of this, his beginning plea to this church in turmoil is that they would embrace unity without the need for uniformity. Unity on the central reality of the gospel without the need for uniformity on secondary issues.
We live in a world that loves to be intoxicated on ourselves. We pursue self-worth, self-improvement, self-indulgence and self-sufficiency at every turn of life. But the gospel call is to be sober - to avoid these intoxication and instead find our value in our Creator and not what we can offer ourselves. Take it from Peter who learned the hard way what it meant to be sober and alert!
In so many ways, the magi had no business being in the nativity scene. And yet God in his perfect sovereignty pave a way for their inclusion. The magi were the result of a legacy of faith, but they also demonstrated their faith in the their pursuit and worship of Jesus.
Unless you wanted someone to watch out for sheep, shepherds were the last choice for any job. And yet, God chose shepherds to be the first witnesses to the arrival of Jesus. Why? Because Jesus came for people like them...people just like us!
Joseph's life was far from impressive. And yet one cannot help but be impressed by his radical humility. Joseph demonstrates this humility in his care for Mary, obedience to God and embrace of Jesus. How would your life be characterized?
Mary is a poor, young teenager living in a no-name town. If anything, her future seems nothing more than ordinary. And then Gabriel shows up to let her in on God's plan for her life. Mary's journey goes from God's selection to her struggle with God's call and finally her surrender to God's plan for her life even at the cost of her own.
All things are from God and through God and for God. Therefore, we join the apostle Paul in saying, "To him be the glory forever!" And our only proper response to the glory of God is a life sacrificed to him and lived worthy of his gospel. Our lives are to be lived for the glory of God alone.
Scripture alone is our final authority for life and practice. It governs us over and above the church in tradition and council because it is the purest presentation of the gospel, unaffected by the sinfulness and finitude of men. The Bible is not a hammer to attack those outside the church, rather it is the means by which those within the church stay centered on Jesus and the gospel.
"Christ alone" is the core message of Christian faith and belief. He is our only savior, the only acceptable and final sacrifice for our sins and the only mediator between God and man. Therefore, he must also be our only lord. The gospel demonstrates the endless grace and mercy of God and demands the active obedience of those who embrace it.
The gospel is a message of grace alone. It announces our miraculous conversion from death to life enabled by a lavishly kind God. Our God not only rescues us but welcomes us to his table and the full inheritance of his kingdom. This is a wonderful gift which we could never earn or deserve, but is available to us through the love of God and sacrifice of Jesus.
Faith alone refers to the understanding that we are saved by our faith in the person and work of Jesus, not in our good works, religion or upbringing. The Bible says that no one is righteous and this means that no matter how good, moral or religious we might be, it still will never be good enough. Jesus offers our only means to a restored relationship with God and we access this through personal faith.
Since the 3rd century, Christians have used the idea of creating a rhythm of life to intentionally plan a life that enables us to be centered on Jesus and not this world. As we conclude this series on margin, the words of James pleading with his readers to not simply be hearers, but actually doers is so critical! Perhaps it is time in the midst of marginless existence to mine the gold of being proactive and intentional in creating a proper rhythm for our lives.
Financial margin is much more about finding contentment than discovering how to budget. And true contentment happens when your realize and embrace what you have rather than what you think you need. Most importantly this comes in discovering the inheritance that is yours in God through the gospel. When we deal with this heart issue, then we are ready to consider how to live with financial margin.
We need margin in our life for ourselves. The constant pace and demand of life will assimilate us into the story the world wants to tell. But God calls us to "be still and know that he is God." One great way to live this reality is to enter into the practice of keeping a sabbath. This is not a legalistic or religious idea, but a way to be formed by a God who loves you for who you are, not for what you can produce.
Far too often we sacrifice relationships for tasks. Yet, God created us with an internal need for connectedness and community. In fact, we cannot live the life God created us for without them. The book of Acts gives us a picture of the beginnings of the church. Interestingly, this story has little to say about what they did and lots to say about how they shared life together.
Knowing about God is not the same thing as knowing God. We can spend lots of time reading and studying and learning and never really know God himself. The Bible shows that truly seeking God is leaning into this relationship with our Creator made possible through Jesus. And the only way this will genuinely happen is when we create margin in our life to do it.
Life is filled with choices - so many in fact, that it is often overwhelming. In order to make the most of our life and build margin, we have to know how to make the right choices. Scripture offers two critical questions to ask when facing choices and new opportunities. First, "Is it wise?" And second, "Is it the best?" In both of these, we often need to have the courage to say "no" to many good things in order to be able to say "yes" to the best things.
How our life's story unfolds is directly related to who we let tell our story. The world around us is trying to tell our story by asking, "What can you do for me?" This leads us to tell our own story by how we measure up. And all of this leads to a life without margin, always trying to prove ourselves. But God desires to tell an altogether different story - that you are loved simply because you are you. And his story of life invites you into a life the brings rest for your soul.
When Jesus says it is blessed to be persecuted, he isn't referring to bringing on persecution in your own righteousness. That is simply being a hypocrite or being obnoxious. He says blessed are those who are willing to align themselves with me even at the cost of their own status in this world. Therefore, even in the face of persecution the follower of Jesus can rejoice because he knows his identity in Jesus is secure.
Those who have received God's peace are naturally and intuitively peacemakers, calling others to peace with God and cultivating peace with people around them. A peacekeeper is someone who sees others with the mind of Christ and therefore pursues them like he would. If you find yourself lacking peace with others, the answer is always found in your personal peace with God.
In order to be a peacemaker, we must first receive peace. This is what it means to be called children of God. The gospel is the wonderful news that a God who we have made war against our entire life is willing to cross the battle lines and offer not just a cease fire, but a full reconciliation. In fact, at the cost of his own life, Jesus makes is possible for us to be called children of God - fully adopted into God's family. This is our only hope for peace.
To be pure in heart is to be free from sin. But to be able to see God we need to be pure in heart. Therein lies the central human problem - the very thing we were created to do and be we cannot do and be. The glory of the gospel is that Jesus was and is all that we cannot be and invites us into the presence of our Creator through his purity and his sacrifice.
Our mercifulness does not earn God's mercy for us. Rather our mercifulness is evidence that we have received God's mercy. So, just as God's mercy is driven by his covenant faithfulness and costly forgiveness and self sacrifice, so too should our mercy be driven to those around us.
To hunger and thirst for righteousness at its core is to seek acceptance and approval. This is a universal human reality. Far too often, we seek this through worldly affirmation or religious achievement. However, true acceptance is only found in the one who knows you for who you really - God himself. Jesus offers his own righteousness for those who hunger and thirst. And those who receive it will never hunger or thirst again.
At first glance the word meek is so lackluster - who wants to be meek? But a closer look helps us see a person who remains powerful, but now under the influence of the Spirit and deeply formed by the gospel. And in the end, Jesus is really the only truly meek one. And therefore it is only through our connection to him that we enter the kingdom he offers.
Blessed are those who mourn...really? Definitely! When Jesus speaks these words he is not referring to a constant state of doom or negativity, but to a sorrowful awareness of sin. The presence of sin in our world and in us should give us a somber perspective that things are not the way God created them to be and there is nothing we can do to fix it. And then we experience the radical comfort of knowing that Jesus has done and will do what we cannot.
In this first beatitude, Jesus uses the imagery of utter destitution - a bankrupt and desperate beggar completely dependent upon others for survival. And he applies it to the entire crowd in regards to their spiritual merit and morality. The secret to entrance into the kingdom of God is spiritual bankruptcy. It is the spiritual beggars who will find and need the gospel of grace which Jesus offers.
The beatitudes are the beginning of an inauguration address to engage a wide ranging audience with the good new of the kingdom. This introduction sets the stage for our study of the beatitudes by showing that they are not a list of commands to be accomplished, but rather an ever increasing reality in the lives of those who follow Jesus.
David’s sin of adultery leads to a massive cover up. In response, the Lord sends Nathan to rebuke David. But this is not the end of the story. David, moving from cover up to repentance, experiences mercy from the Lord. God’s words to David, “The Lord has taken away your sin,” are the basis for David’s story beyond his moral failure. The same is true for believers today! There can be a redemptive (and useful!) story beyond our failures because of the gospel.
The call to make disciples is a universal call for all followers of Jesus, not just those who go to foreign lands. Where is God calling you to go? And are you trusting him by following. When we do, we find his statement that he will always be with us to be unbelievably true. So, in the words of Kierkegaard we should will only one thing - to go and make disciples.
Coming home on a massive high, David and his men return to calamity. The town is ransacked, their families are captured and the men are turning on David. How do you respond to turmoil in life? David responded by going to God and finding strength there. It was from this strength that he could set the right course for his life - a course of obedience met by the providence of God.
There's a significant difference between being desperate for God and being desperate for what God can offer. When we feel far from God, it is our desperation for him that bridges the gap. But our desperation for what we can get from him makes him seem even farther off. Saul is desperate for direction from God and leaves in the darkness, but David is desperate for God and is saved from the darkness.
Tired from running and in a moment of weakness, David finds himself seeking refuge again amongst the Philistines. Even in this major failure on the part of David, two things stand out about God. First, he doesn't give up on David. Second, he is still using David to build his kingdom even in exile. Likewise, no matter where you find yourself in life, God hasn't given up on you. And even in the brokenness and exile of our world, God still calls us to build his kingdom.
Reading the story of Nabal reminds us that we are all in some way at our core foolish. Whether we are greedy like Nabal, vengeful like David or trusting the wrong things like Saul, we are prone to go off course. In Abigail, we are reminded of the humility of our Savior who willingly intervened and took on our sin in order to redeem us.
As David continues to run from Saul, it is amazing how David continues to elude the king and his forces. Likewise, Jesus was elusive to Satan himself in the wilderness, on the cross and ultimately through his resurrection. And through our connection to Jesus, we too are elusive to the enemy and able to withstand temptation through worship and most importantly through the gospel!
The same David who defeated Goliath is now ultimately hiding along in a cave. Some of it is his own doing and some of it because of those around him. In a word, David's life is messy. But even in the mess, God is still working his perfect plan into fulfillment - a plan that is committed to entering into the mess of our world in order to redeem it.
As David's profile rises, Saul's love for him fades and Jonathan's grows. Why is this? Saul's love for David was all about his usefulness to him, but Jonathan's love was about his unity with David. So, as this new king was rising, there was a choice to be made. And so it is with Jesus. Is it just about Jesus being useful to us? Or is it about our union with him?
Each of us face personal giants in our life - affliction, struggle, sin or more likely a combination of all three. The story of David and Goliath gives us hope that the weak can be victorious. But not in the way we are used to hearing it! Our victory is not in our personal bravery and valiance. Rather, our victory is because Jesus came and fought the greatest giant for us. Only because of this, we are able to advance against the enemy in our lives.
In the story of God choosing David as the new king, we are confronted with the reality of competing visions - the view from the eyes of man and the view from the heart of God. Whereas man sees and perceives, God purposes and sees. From David, ultimately to Jesus we see the bigger purpose of God in establishing his kingdom.
Saul's reign as king is a self preservation project. He withholds from his army and then appeases them - in both ways acting only to firm up his grip on his kingdom. The truth is that most of our life is a self-preservation project too. We tighten our grip on our "kingdom" and in so doing create bondage, anxiety and a joyless existence. What if there was a different way? Jesus has already preserved his kingdom for us. And this kingdom is the source of joy and life.
In this narrative, the responses of Jonathan and Saul to their circumstance couldn't be more opposite. From them we see the epitome of faith in obedience and action. Faith is a willingness to trust God in the day to day even when it doesn't make sense. It allows us to expose ourselves in the valley, confident in God's sovereignty.
In Samuel's address to the people of Israel, we once again see God's unbelievable grace which not only exposes sin, but offers forgiveness and a future. This forgiveness is based solely on the great name of God - its his doing, not ours. So though it storms, we need not fear the thunder!
The story of the coronation of Saul as king is really a story about the grace of God. This grace is made known through providence as he weaves our stories together and persistence as he affirms the call on our lives. His grace is unveiled in this story of redemption and Spirit empowerment, where Israel's wrong ask for a king is made right by the true King himself.
How is it that we often find ourselves heading in the opposite direction of God? We are stubborn. In the story of the Israelites asking for a king, we see this reality. The stubbornness of Samuel is shown through his mishandled leadership. And the stubbornness of Israel is demonstrated in their continual search for provision outside of God and inability to heed wisdom.
When faced with the reality of God we have two choices. We can reject him or embrace him. Rejection leads to harvests of lifelessness. But a life of worship leads to the reality of peace where God thunders on behalf of his repentant people who rightly depend upon him.
Where is the glory? This is such an important question as we examine our lives. For most of us, we have built most of our existence around bringing glory to ourselves with futile results. Conversely, God is passionate for his glory and establishing his kingdom. Are you trying to use God to accomplish your agenda and establish your glory? Or are you trying to be used by God to establish his kingdom and bear his glory?
After a season of silence due to the rebellious ways of his people and leaders, God breaks his silence to call Samuel as a prophet. And likewise each of us has a unique calling from God. Cultivating nearness to him, learning how to discern his voice and having the courage to follow will determine our ability to live into this calling.
Hophni and Phineas demonstrate a life off the rails and filled with greed. How did it get this way? They didn't know God. Certainly they knew about him, but they didn't know him - and there is a big difference. And what's worse is their father was doing little to help the situation. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, God was grooming the next leader of his people - a young boy name Samuel.
The book of 1 Samuel opens with the story of Hannah who is struggling with the reality of her barrenness. While her rivals provoke her and her husband tries to make up for her lack in his own power, this remarkable woman of faith turns her eyes to God. And God's grace leads to the birth of Samuel - a son for Hannah and a leader for Israel.
History is filled with the horrific stories of brutal leaders who held onto power by crushing others around them. Herod is one such story. But even in the midst of his ruthless oppression, God's story of victory through Jesus emerges greater. And in that story, the remarkable obedience of Joseph and Mary to follow the leading of God is a grand model of faith.
This often passed by story of Jesus' dedication in the temple unveils a powerful narrative showing an exodus story led by a boundary-breaking Jesus received by people of faith. Already Jesus is smashing long held boundaries and making God available to everyone through himself. And already those who respond to him are doing so by faith.
The story of Zachariah is amazing. He's a priest who has prayed for a son for decades and at a crucial moment in history, God answers his prayer in dynamic fashion. Zachariah's journey is not just one of fertility for his wife. It is really a journey of faith in the moment. He goes from doubting God to singing praises to God for his greatness. Perhaps you've been waiting on God for a long time or perhaps faith is difficult for you. Either way, this story of Zachariah is so important for all of us.
Christmas is way more than a baby in a manger. It is the incarnation of God into the mess of humanity. Christmas is when Jesus sets aside the comforts of heaven to pursue rebellious humanity. In so doing, the law is fulfilled, love is presented in its fullness and life is offered to the fullest.
The gospel when we understand it well reframes our whole perspective on life from entitlement to grace and mercy. And when we view our existence through this lens the natural byproduct is joy which leads to gratitude.
When Jesus established the communion meal, he urged his followers to share in it regularly. Why? Because it offers union to Jesus, union to the story of God and union to others for those who receive it.
The simple answer is that God says so. The more compelling answer is the gospel. We have been the recipients of grace and mercy from God himself and therefore are called to demonstrate it in our world so the story of God is told. If we learn to love the gospel deeply, live without ignorance and leave the corners of our lives for others we will be orienting our lives in the way honoring to God.
Far too many people give their money out of obligation - because they feel like they have to. The fact is that tithing is no longer an obligation. In its place stands the gospel which is a whole new orientation. We are now asked to form our lives around what Jesus has done for us. In this way, we are truly called to give of what we have based on our opportunity.
The church is not a building. And it isn't a Sunday morning gathering. The church is a dynamic community of people centered on Jesus who care for each other and make the gospel real in each other's lives. Without community, we can't be all that God intends us to be and that's why the Bible is so adamant about Christians living in community.
Making disciples is something everyone who follows Jesus is called to do. And when we're all doing it, it becomes a multiplying reality that results in new followers of Jesus, maturing followers of Jesus, and even new churches.
What does God want from you? Many answer obedience, but that's not correct. The answer is affection. From true affection for God comes obedience. That's why at Hope we are passionate about creating genuine connection to God and each other as we seek to live the life God is calling us to.
It shouldn't be hard to meet Jesus, but it isn't easy to stay with him. These two realities demand that the church and followers of Jesus create atmospheres and relationships that don't create unnecessary boundaries to Jesus while urging people to go deeper in order to solidify their faith in him.
The gospel is not just an entry ticket to the family of God. It's a whole new way of life. So, we need to be constantly saturated in the gospel in order to be all that God intends us to be. In it we find rescue and renewal, as well as a desire to share it with everyone.
There is a statement at the end of the transfiguration in Matthew's gospel that is so profound and so important - "they looked up and saw no one except Jesus." Even though Moses and Elijah made an appearance, when the moment was over it was simply Jesus. For Hope Alliance, we want this to be a way of life. Simply Jesus.
This famous psalm ends with imagery of the shepherd and his flock's difficult journey from their home pasture to the high ground. The journey to the mountaintop is always out of our comfort zone. David reminds us here of why we should take the journey.
This Lord is my shepherd is a statement of pride written by a man (David) who knew what it meant to be a good shepherd. Those who are led by the Lord are marked by contentment, rest, refreshment and restoration. How would you describe your life? And who is your shepherd?
How do we stand strong in the midst of spiritual warfare? It starts with the perfect defense of the armor God has given us - our identity in Christ. And it continues with the right offense of our authority through God's word and our access to God himself.
In our world, we often talk about demons as a way of expressing bad stuff in our personal history. However, the Bible shows us that demons are real spirit beings who oppose the kingdom of God at every turn. So, we have to know their methods, how they attack us and how we should respond.
Peter tells us that the devil is roaming like a roaring lion looking for people to devour. His charge to us is to be alert to the devil and to resist the devil. Be alert to his reality, his nature and his schemes. And resist him through your dynamic connection to Jesus.
What does the Bible mean when it suggests that we are in a battle against the world? It isn't people, nations, or governments. Rather, it is the systems and structures that are in opposition to the kingdom of God. This battle is real and for us to engage effectively in it we need to be have a right definition and a correct posture. In the same way, we need to know where we've been affected and how to reclaim that ground.
Our flesh is the rebellious part of us that is still seeking to control and rule our own life. And our battle against it is spiritual warfare. Rather than always being reactionary to sin in our life, a victorious posture seeks to confront temptation, confess sin and choose forgiveness.
Every follower of Jesus has a remarkable standing "in Christ." We are forgiven - no sin or penalty held against us. We are free - no longer bound by sin and the devil. We have the fullness of Christ - empowered for the advance of God's kingdom. Through faith, we embrace this victorious standing in the midst of spiritual warfare.
Spiritual warfare is real. Satan and his demons, what Scripture calls "the world" and our flesh comprise the kingdom in conflict with the victorious kingdom of God where Jesus rules. We are called to be keenly aware of this battle and ready to stand with Jesus.
When Paul tells the Romans to greet each other with a holy kiss, his mind is immediately stirred back to Judas' betrayal of Jesus with a kiss. And so he launches into a short plea to beware those who would lead the church astray. Paul reminds us that we will know them by their message, motivations and methods.
As Paul concludes his letter to the Romans, he demonstrates three distinct qualities of mission - boldness, boasting and big dreams. Paul models a boldness to keep the gospel the center, a right boasting in Jesus and a big dream to go to Spain. Each of us are called to be on mission with God - with boldness, boasting (in Christ) and big dreams for the kingdom.
How should a follower of Jesus handle those "grey areas"? Paul spends a good bit of time pleading for acceptance of one another - different viewpoints and all! Weak and strong, both laying it down for the sake of the forward move of the kingdom of God. This is a natural outcome of a genuine love for each other and a prioritizing of the mission of God.
Sometimes it is so easy to get consumed with life and walk around aimlessly. Paul's urge to us is to wake up! We were meant to live for so much more. And as we understand the world around us, his central call is for us to take up our standing in Jesus.
Authority. Even mentioning the word makes us cringe sometimes! But the call of Paul is to live in submission to the authority over us because God has established it and because it is the natural outflow of our command to love others.
Love is not a performance. It is the natural reaction of a heart overcome by the gospel. Understanding this changes how we approach our call to love God and love others.
Unity is enabled by humility and achieved through shared mission. It is the gospel that can transform us in these realities and create what the church is intended to be - a unified group of diverse people. Humbled by God's love for us and propelled by His love for the world.
God keeps his promises. Promises to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - and promises to you. How does he do it? It's all about Jesus. It our unbelief that keeps us from realizing the promises of God.
Life is hard. There is not getting around this. But in the midst of a broken world, we are buoyed by the goodness of God. The full glory awaits us, but in the meantime the Spirit is a present help. In all the good purposes of God will advance and those who have received Christ will be seen through to the end.
What is the answer to the ongoing struggle of sin? The answer is certainly not us! But it is the Spirit. All who have trusted in Jesus are indwelt by the Spirit which makes possible our being enlivened by the Spirit and led by the Spirit.
Sin is a continuing problem, so what should we do about it? Paul is careful to remind us not to try to deal with it through the law (religion, moralism). These things only make the situation worse, believe it or not. Sure they are good things, but they are not ultimate. Jesus is ultimate and it is through our union with him that we bear good fruit.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord." Paul's fervent reminder to those who follow Jesus that daily sin brings daily death. More importantly, it is Paul's urgent plea to live into our union with Jesus and experience the abundance of life that is ours now.
Paul's question is an important one - should we just keep living in sin so that God's grace would keep flowing? And his answer is critical - not a chance! Those who have trusted Jesus are dead to sin and may live a new life. So, we are called to recognize Jesus as King and sin as a deposed ruler.
How are we supposed to live in light of Jesus work of salvation for us? Paul centers on one word - hope. Our hope in God is not just for a future someday in heaven, but also for an abundant life now where we are experiencing the blessings of the gospel even in the midst of our broken world.
We all put our faith in something. Paul uses the example of Abraham to tell us that our faith is rightly placed in God, not in religion or in ourselves. God brings forgiveness, religion and morality bring wrath. How do we know we have this kind of faith in God? It causes us to give glory to God in all circumstances and it continues to grow as we use it.
Is God fair? This is a question we all have wrestled with time and time again. Perhaps, however, it is more appropriate to ask if God is kind. Paul reminds us that a fair God would punish us immediately for sin. But God is patient, withholding judgment in kindness so that it might lead us to repentance.
As much as we would rather not admit to it, sin is a universal reality. And it is something that we can't fix - not even with morality or religion. So the reality of sin for us is the fact that we are in need of rescue. And the corresponding reality from God is that Jesus is our rescue.
In our world, everyone is searching for identity. And most allow themselves to be defined by others. The apostle Paul gives us a totally different example. His encounter with Jesus radically changed his identity. In the opening section of Romans, he shows how his status, calling and story have all been given new meaning through Jesus.
When the angel told her she would give birth, Mary was confused. How could a virgin give birth? But the virgin birth of Jesus is so important. It proves he is not from man, demonstrates the power of God and shows how much God loves us.FYI - This audio recording contains a clip from the movie Elf.
As the story of Ruth continues, we see kindness in full display. Kindness of Ruth toward Naomi, kindness of Boaz toward Ruth and ultimately the kindness of God toward all of us. God's kindness is demonstrated in his providence, protection and provision.
As the story continues, Ruth and her daughters-in-law head back to Bethlehem. It is a story of faith, both waning and persevering. And it is a great reminder to us that God receives all who return to him.
As this short story opens, famine strikes the town of Bethlehem and a young family is faced with a difficult situation. Digging a little deeper however unveils the real reason for the famine. And this story helps us understand how we should respond to dry times in our lives as well.
Being humble is not easy. Any yet, the Bible calls us to live with humility toward others. In order to do this, we have to first have a posture of humility toward God.
Following Jesus promises a full life, not necessarily an easy life. Here, Peter reminds us that we shouldn't be surprised when we face trials or persecution. In fact, how we respond to these situations is meant to affirm our faith and direct our gratitude to Christ.
Every follower of Jesus has been given spiritual gifts. These come from God's grace and are used in God's power for God's glory. Unfortunately many people haven't discovered their gifts or aren't using them. For the church to be what God intends it to be, Peter reminds us that we need to use our gifts!
Hospitality is not equal to hosting. It is a way of life, a disposition of generosity that includes having an open home, open hands and an open heart. And those who follow Jesus are called to do it without grumbling.
Peter is so concerned about being sober that he says it twice in one sentence. Why? Because he is aware that we are easily intoxicated by the world around us. This reality should press us to a prayerful dependence upon God.
Forgiveness is at the center of God's story of love for man. The debt that God has forgiven those who receive it is incalculable. And the more we live in that story, the more we realize God' call on us to forgive others.
How do we receive and/or understand Jesus? These two parables help to remind us that Jesus must be central. Moreover, Jesus came to give us new life, not simply be a temporary patch and additive to life. This is good news!
Is God fair? This is a question as old as history. In reality, there are two ways to view the world: me-centered and God-centered. And how you choose to view it will have unbelievable ramifications on your understanding of God and life. And it will determine whether you are characterized by grumbling or gratitude.
What is your most prized possession? A man finds a treasure and sells everything he has to buy it. In this short parable, Jesus reminds those who will hear that the kingdom of God must be found, valued and bought. What value does the kingdom of God have to you?
When Jesus compares the kingdom is like a mustard seed, he is telling us that God takes the improbable and does the undeniable. And he is reminding us that the kingdom grows in order to bless the world and infuse with the gospel.
It isn't hard to look at the world and know that it is not now how God intended it. Jesus used a parable to illustrate this reality and to affirm that a time is coming that God will set things right. Jesus is also careful to remind us of God's patience and our tendency to want to act.
Jesus said the gospel is like seed which falls on all kinds of soils. The soil represents the heart of those who hear it. Some receive it with a hard heart, others with a shallow heart and still others with a divided heart. And some receive it with an open heart. How is the soil of your heart?
We are all given the call to be witnesses of Jesus. And our life's impact will be far greater than we can imagine, having global and eternal implications. Some are called to go to foreign lands and make Jesus known to people who have not heard. In all this, Jesus reminds us that mission comes through struggle and sacrifice, is aimed at people and has the ultimate desire of seeing Jesus return and reign.To find out more about Jeff Miller's work at Childfund, visit their website at www.childfund.org. Consider sponsoring a child though their work!To find out more about the international work of the Christian & Missionary Alliance visit their website at www.cmalliance.org.
When Jesus told the disciples that they would be witnesses in Samaria, it was far more revolutionary than just suggesting another geographical advance. Samaria was a place of different religion and culture, a people the disciples would have sneered at and considered enemies. It was a place that they intentionally avoided in their travels. The implications would not have been lost on the disciples and they should not be lost on us either.
When Jesus sent out his disciples, he had a paradigm in mind. They came to announce the kingdom, traveled with nothing, entered into the homes of others and were prepared for rejection. So when he commands us to be witnesses in Jerusalem (locally), this should become our paradigm too - driven by the gospel, dependent upon God, contextually/relationally engaged and aware of the challenge.
Why does Jesus pray so intently in the garden before the cross? Why do the disciples pray so devotedly in the upper room before the Spirit comes? Why does Daniel pray so boldly under the threat of death? They do so because prayer is the first thing in living out the mission of God. And like them we are called to engage in prayer for the kingdom of God to come.
Why does the apostle Paul use words like toil and struggle when he talks about his ministry? He does so because Jesus has become his overarching pursuit and he has given his life to it. What might it look like for us to do likewise? The possibilities and implications are immense. However, it is only possible when we stay dynamically connected to Jesus and allow him to live his life through us.
Our vision at Hope is to be a training center. A place where people know and are rooted in God's story. A place where people know and follow God's call on their life. Our desire is to provide people with everything they need to accomplish this.
The gospel is the message of redemption through Jesus. It is a story for us and for the world. As we are saturated in this story, the implications are incredible for us and our community. Our vision is to be a gospel saturated community.
A look at Jesus' resurrection of Lazarus and the faith of those involved with an application to how faith should be manifesting itself in our lives.