New Hope Worship Center : Recent Episodes
New Hope Worship Center
New Hope Worship Center is a church located in Concord, NC. Our goal is to give people Hope. We pray that you receive the Hope of Jesus through our teachings and sermons!
The journey of life is taken step by step, decision by decision, day by day. Even our faith is measured by steps, not leaps or bounds. It is our daily choices that determine our destiny. It is the seeds we plant that determine the harvest we reap. It is our disciplines that affect our outcomes. It is our rhythms that establish our pace.
Little decisions lead to lasting impact, which is why our choices, our seeds, our disciplines, and our rhythms matter so much. A one-degree difference now will shift the trajectory of life enough to make a world of difference in time. One stone can produce a ripple effect across a large body of water. Little decisions today can lead to lasting impact tomorrow, So “let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)
The entrance of a new year marks the opportunity for new beginnings.
Aren’t you grateful for new beginnings? Those who have faced significant challenges, defeats, or failures readily embrace a restart. But new beginnings are not limited to those who are desperate for them; new beginnings are a required rhythm for every person. Every season has an expiration date.
No one is permitted to remain in a season once it has passed. We must move on. Any attempt to re-live a season that has expired is futile. Equally ineffectual is striving to force into existence a season that is yet to be. You may not opt out of the season God has you in. Seasons are a gift from God and a required rhythm of life.
Having entered a new year:
Let us prayerfully resolve that which is behind us.
Let us patiently expect that which is yet to come.
Let us passionately embrace God’s gift of new beginnings.
The opening line of Scripture says, “In the beginning, God…” At every new beginning, God is there.
God is calling His people to (re)prioritize gathering together with believers.
This is not a pep talk to boost church attendance. It is much deeper than that.
As human beings, we are not created to be alone. Isolation is the enemy of the soul! Yet, there are innumerable Christians whose interaction and fellowship with other believers is sporadic at best. And the enemy is wreaking havoc.
Imagine the severity of the impact on one who does not know Jesus Christ at all. The world around us needs us, but many of us have lost our way because we chose the path of individuality, forsaking the consistent gatherings of believers.
Believers, we must reprioritize gathering together. Church attendance is the bare minimum. We need consistent gatherings with faith-filled believers who will help us grow, pray us through, and keep us aligned with our assignment to reach the world for Jesus. We need authentic conversations about life, pain, justice, morality, and meaning. We need to learn from our diversities while choosing to walk in unity.
We are many interdependent members of one body. Called together. Working together. Ministering together. Christianity is not a solo sport - we are better TOGETHER!
God is calling His people to (re)prioritize gathering together with believers.
This is not a pep talk to boost church attendance. It is much deeper than that.
As human beings, we are not created to be alone. Isolation is the enemy of the soul! Yet, there are innumerable Christians whose interaction and fellowship with other believers is sporadic at best. And the enemy is wreaking havoc.
Imagine the severity of the impact on one who does not know Jesus Christ at all. The world around us needs us, but many of us have lost our way because we chose the path of individuality, forsaking the consistent gatherings of believers.
Believers, we must reprioritize gathering together. Church attendance is the bare minimum. We need consistent gatherings with faith-filled believers who will help us grow, pray us through, and keep us aligned with our assignment to reach the world for Jesus. We need authentic conversations about life, pain, justice, morality, and meaning. We need to learn from our diversities while choosing to walk in unity.
We are many interdependent members of one body. Called together. Working together. Ministering together. Christianity is not a solo sport - we are better TOGETHER!
How do you respond when you find yourself in an environment where your relationship with Jesus Christ is met with intolerance or even hostility?
Throughout history, people of God have often been confronted by resistance and animosity. While oppression is not exclusive to those of us who are followers of Jesus, it is certainly a sobering part of our story.
There’s no way around it. The ways of the world are dissonant to the ways of God. The song of the redeemed flows from a heart attuned to the Spirit of God. The world, on the other hand, is singing an entirely different song in a completely different key under the direction of a much more menacing composer.
How are we to respond when our Savior is rejected and our message is ridiculed?
Some Christians fight the world with anger, finger-pointing, and hate speech. Not only does this dishonor Jesus’ example and His teachings, it turns people away from God, rather than toward Him.
Some Christians flee the world, choosing to disassociate themselves from the world as much as possible. But if we all retreat into hiding, how will the world hear the message of Jesus and see it lived in real life?
Some Christians float along with the world, trying to be undercover Christians by privatizing their faith, hoping to avoid conflict. It may seem like a worthy notion, but true followers of Jesus are called to shine brightly as beacons in the darkness, not blend in unnoticed among the shadows.
What we desperately need today is courageous faith.
If anyone knows about courageous faith, it is Daniel. He was exiled from Jerusalem as a young man and deported to Babylon - a pagan culture with no room or patience for any talk of Yahweh. Daniel was one of many chosen to be enculturated and indoctrinated into the ways and worldview of the Babylonians. But time and again, Daniel graciously and courageously remained faithful to God.
As we study Daniel’s life, may we become people of courageous faith.
How do you respond when you find yourself in an environment where your relationship with Jesus Christ is met with intolerance or even hostility?
Throughout history, people of God have often been confronted by resistance and animosity. While oppression is not exclusive to those of us who are followers of Jesus, it is certainly a sobering part of our story.
There’s no way around it. The ways of the world are dissonant to the ways of God. The song of the redeemed flows from a heart attuned to the Spirit of God. The world, on the other hand, is singing an entirely different song in a completely different key under the direction of a much more menacing composer.
How are we to respond when our Savior is rejected and our message is ridiculed?
Some Christians fight the world with anger, finger-pointing, and hate speech. Not only does this dishonor Jesus’ example and His teachings, it turns people away from God, rather than toward Him.
Some Christians flee the world, choosing to disassociate themselves from the world as much as possible. But if we all retreat into hiding, how will the world hear the message of Jesus and see it lived in real life?
Some Christians float along with the world, trying to be undercover Christians by privatizing their faith, hoping to avoid conflict. It may seem like a worthy notion, but true followers of Jesus are called to shine brightly as beacons in the darkness, not blend in unnoticed among the shadows.
What we desperately need today is courageous faith.
If anyone knows about courageous faith, it is Daniel. He was exiled from Jerusalem as a young man and deported to Babylon - a pagan culture with no room or patience for any talk of Yahweh. Daniel was one of many chosen to be enculturated and indoctrinated into the ways and worldview of the Babylonians. But time and again, Daniel graciously and courageously remained faithful to God.
As we study Daniel’s life, may we become people of courageous faith.
Picture the scene. 120 believers are in an upper room praying - seeking God and waiting to be endued with power. It had been 7 weeks since Jesus was raised from the dead and only ten days since they watched Him ascend into the heavens with great glory and majesty. His last instructions were: “Wait in Jerusalem until you are empowered by the Holy Spirit, then go into all the world and make disciples of all the nations!” Suddenly, they heard a sound like a roaring wind and saw what appeared to be flames of fire resting over each person. Every single one of them - men and women, young and old, rich and poor - was filled with the Holy Spirit and began praising God in languages they had never learned. The world has never been the same since. Before that day was done, another 3,000 people had put their faith in Jesus Christ. Every day since then, people from every nation, tribe, and language have come to know Jesus through the ministry of the Spirit-empowered Church. The Church was born under the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit! The Church is utterly dependent on the continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit! To this day, God desires that every believer is filled with, led by, and empowered by the Holy Spirit! The outpouring of the Holy Spirit has not stopped. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit has not slowed. In fact, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is ever-increasing in intensity! It’s time to venture out on your journey to Spirit fullness.
Picture the scene. 120 believers are in an upper room praying - seeking God and waiting to be endued with power. It had been 7 weeks since Jesus was raised from the dead and only ten days since they watched Him ascend into the heavens with great glory and majesty. His last instructions were: “Wait in Jerusalem until you are empowered by the Holy Spirit, then go into all the world and make disciples of all the nations!” Suddenly, they heard a sound like a roaring wind and saw what appeared to be flames of fire resting over each person. Every single one of them - men and women, young and old, rich and poor - was filled with the Holy Spirit and began praising God in languages they had never learned. The world has never been the same since. Before that day was done, another 3,000 people had put their faith in Jesus Christ. Every day since then, people from every nation, tribe, and language have come to know Jesus through the ministry of the Spirit-empowered Church. The Church was born under the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit! The Church is utterly dependent on the continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit! To this day, God desires that every believer is filled with, led by, and empowered by the Holy Spirit! The outpouring of the Holy Spirit has not stopped. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit has not slowed. In fact, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is ever-increasing in intensity! It’s time to venture out on your journey to Spirit fullness.
Picture the scene. 120 believers are in an upper room praying - seeking God and waiting to be endued with power. It had been 7 weeks since Jesus was raised from the dead and only ten days since they watched Him ascend into the heavens with great glory and majesty. His last instructions were: “Wait in Jerusalem until you are empowered by the Holy Spirit, then go into all the world and make disciples of all the nations!” Suddenly, they heard a sound like a roaring wind and saw what appeared to be flames of fire resting over each person. Every single one of them - men and women, young and old, rich and poor - was filled with the Holy Spirit and began praising God in languages they had never learned. The world has never been the same since. Before that day was done, another 3,000 people had put their faith in Jesus Christ. Every day since then, people from every nation, tribe, and language have come to know Jesus through the ministry of the Spirit-empowered Church. The Church was born under the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit! The Church is utterly dependent on the continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit! To this day, God desires that every believer is filled with, led by, and empowered by the Holy Spirit! The outpouring of the Holy Spirit has not stopped. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit has not slowed. In fact, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is ever-increasing in intensity! It’s time to venture out on your journey to Spirit fullness.
Picture the scene. 120 believers are in an upper room praying - seeking God and waiting to be endued with power. It had been 7 weeks since Jesus was raised from the dead and only ten days since they watched Him ascend into the heavens with great glory and majesty. His last instructions were: “Wait in Jerusalem until you are empowered by the Holy Spirit, then go into all the world and make disciples of all the nations!” Suddenly, they heard a sound like a roaring wind and saw what appeared to be flames of fire resting over each person. Every single one of them - men and women, young and old, rich and poor - was filled with the Holy Spirit and began praising God in languages they had never learned. The world has never been the same since. Before that day was done, another 3,000 people had put their faith in Jesus Christ. Every day since then, people from every nation, tribe, and language have come to know Jesus through the ministry of the Spirit-empowered Church. The Church was born under the mighty outpouring of the Holy Spirit! The Church is utterly dependent on the continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit! To this day, God desires that every believer is filled with, led by, and empowered by the Holy Spirit! The outpouring of the Holy Spirit has not stopped. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit has not slowed. In fact, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit is ever-increasing in intensity! It’s time to venture out on your journey to Spirit fullness.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are expressions of God’s love through us toward others. As believers, we are privileged to operate in the gifts of the Spirit to minister to others. When we allow God to put His “super” on our “natural,” people’s lives are transformed! Ordinary people can exercise extraordinary gifts through the power of the Holy Spirit!
What does a transformed life look like? According to the Apostle Paul, the Spirit-filled life is evidenced by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). He refers to these qualities as the fruit of the Spirit.
Too often, the fruit of the Spirit gets reduced to a to-do list of self-effort. We try to act more loving and kind, even though we feel like giving people a piece of our minds. We try to be at peace, but we’re inwardly stressed and anxious. We feign an outward display of patience while becoming more indignant and frustrated just beneath the surface. Our best efforts leave us with little more than behavior modification. The reality is that genuine and enduring transformation requires the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. We can change our behaviors, but only God can change our hearts.
Before you implode under the weight of failed attempts at self-transformation, lean in and learn about the work of the Holy Spirit. Discover the power and freedom of being continually filled with the Holy Spirit! As you walk daily with the Spirit, you will find that He is radically transforming you day by day! The Holy Spirit is your key to a life transformed!
What does a transformed life look like? According to the Apostle Paul, the Spirit-filled life is evidenced by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). He refers to these qualities as the fruit of the Spirit.
Too often, the fruit of the Spirit gets reduced to a to-do list of self-effort. We try to act more loving and kind, even though we feel like giving people a piece of our minds. We try to be at peace, but we’re inwardly stressed and anxious. We feign an outward display of patience while becoming more indignant and frustrated just beneath the surface. Our best efforts leave us with little more than behavior modification. The reality is that genuine and enduring transformation requires the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. We can change our behaviors, but only God can change our hearts.
Before you implode under the weight of failed attempts at self-transformation, lean in and learn about the work of the Holy Spirit. Discover the power and freedom of being continually filled with the Holy Spirit! As you walk daily with the Spirit, you will find that He is radically transforming you day by day! The Holy Spirit is your key to a life transformed!
When Jesus stepped out of heaven and into humanity, He began a journey that would transform Earth and eternity. Each step was an act of obedience and an expression of love.
Jesus perfectly walked the journey of humanity. He walked into the Temple to be “about His Father’s business.” He walked into the Jordan River to be baptized. He walked for over three years with His disciples. Sometimes He walked among crowds, but sometimes He walked alone. He even walked on water.
Jesus walked with purpose and compassion. He walked in obedience and with authority. But the most demanding part of His journey was when He walked under the burden of His cross, carrying the weight of the world to the place where He would be crucified.
But, praise God, His journey did not stop at His death! Jesus walked out of the tomb in resurrection power! He walked in victory over death, hell, and the grave! He walked among humanity in His resurrected body, showing Himself to be alive and proving He was the Son of God. Then, He stepped back into heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of God interceding day and night for you and me. One day soon, Jesus will come again to rule and reign on earth as the righteous King!
The Jesus journey is what gives hope and purpose to the journey of humanity.
When Jesus stepped out of heaven and into humanity, He began a journey that would transform Earth and eternity. Each step was an act of obedience and an expression of love.
Jesus perfectly walked the journey of humanity. He walked into the Temple to be “about His Father’s business.” He walked into the Jordan River to be baptized. He walked for over three years with His disciples. Sometimes He walked among crowds, but sometimes He walked alone. He even walked on water.
Jesus walked with purpose and compassion. He walked in obedience and with authority. But the most demanding part of His journey was when He walked under the burden of His cross, carrying the weight of the world to the place where He would be crucified.
But, praise God, His journey did not stop at His death! Jesus walked out of the tomb in resurrection power! He walked in victory over death, hell, and the grave! He walked among humanity in His resurrected body, showing Himself to be alive and proving He was the Son of God. Then, He stepped back into heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of God interceding day and night for you and me. One day soon, Jesus will come again to rule and reign on earth as the righteous King!
The Jesus journey is what gives hope and purpose to the journey of humanity.
When Jesus stepped out of heaven and into humanity, He began a journey that would transform Earth and eternity. Each step was an act of obedience and an expression of love.
Jesus perfectly walked the journey of humanity. He walked into the Temple to be “about His Father’s business.” He walked into the Jordan River to be baptized. He walked for over three years with His disciples. Sometimes He walked among crowds, but sometimes He walked alone. He even walked on water.
Jesus walked with purpose and compassion. He walked in obedience and with authority. But the most demanding part of His journey was when He walked under the burden of His cross, carrying the weight of the world to the place where He would be crucified.
But, praise God, His journey did not stop at His death! Jesus walked out of the tomb in resurrection power! He walked in victory over death, hell, and the grave! He walked among humanity in His resurrected body, showing Himself to be alive and proving He was the Son of God. Then, He stepped back into heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of God interceding day and night for you and me. One day soon, Jesus will come again to rule and reign on earth as the righteous King!
The Jesus journey is what gives hope and purpose to the journey of humanity.
When Jesus stepped out of heaven and into humanity, He began a journey that would transform Earth and eternity. Each step was an act of obedience and an expression of love.
Jesus perfectly walked the journey of humanity. He walked into the Temple to be “about His Father’s business.” He walked into the Jordan River to be baptized. He walked for over three years with His disciples. Sometimes He walked among crowds, but sometimes He walked alone. He even walked on water.
Jesus walked with purpose and compassion. He walked in obedience and with authority. But the most demanding part of His journey was when He walked under the burden of His cross, carrying the weight of the world to the place where He would be crucified.
But, praise God, His journey did not stop at His death! Jesus walked out of the tomb in resurrection power! He walked in victory over death, hell, and the grave! He walked among humanity in His resurrected body, showing Himself to be alive and proving He was the Son of God. Then, He stepped back into heaven, where He is seated at the right hand of God interceding day and night for you and me. One day soon, Jesus will come again to rule and reign on earth as the righteous King!
The Jesus journey is what gives hope and purpose to the journey of humanity.
Jesus was asked, “Of all the commandments, which is first and foremost?” His response was marked by profound simplicity: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31, adapted)
Love God. Love people.
No other commandment is greater. No other law is higher. Love is primary; everything else is secondary. Love is the fulfillment of the Law. Love is the ultimate ethic.
Love, according to Jesus, involves both a vertical relationship with God and a horizontal relationship with people. One cannot be separated from the other.
Interwoven by the hand of God into every human are both the desire for love and the capacity to love. We love because He first loved us. Let us, then, commit ourselves to that which is the most important command in the eyes of our Savior - to love God and love people.
Jesus was asked, “Of all the commandments, which is first and foremost?” His response was marked by profound simplicity: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31, adapted)
Love God. Love people.
No other commandment is greater. No other law is higher. Love is primary; everything else is secondary. Love is the fulfillment of the Law. Love is the ultimate ethic.
Love, according to Jesus, involves both a vertical relationship with God and a horizontal relationship with people. One cannot be separated from the other.
Interwoven by the hand of God into every human are both the desire for love and the capacity to love. We love because He first loved us. Let us, then, commit ourselves to that which is the most important command in the eyes of our Savior - to love God and love people.
Jesus was asked, “Of all the commandments, which is first and foremost?” His response was marked by profound simplicity: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31, adapted)
Love God. Love people.
No other commandment is greater. No other law is higher. Love is primary; everything else is secondary. Love is the fulfillment of the Law. Love is the ultimate ethic.
Love, according to Jesus, involves both a vertical relationship with God and a horizontal relationship with people. One cannot be separated from the other.
Interwoven by the hand of God into every human are both the desire for love and the capacity to love. We love because He first loved us. Let us, then, commit ourselves to that which is the most important command in the eyes of our Savior - to love God and love people.
Jesus was asked, “Of all the commandments, which is first and foremost?” His response was marked by profound simplicity: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength; and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31, adapted)
Love God. Love people.
No other commandment is greater. No other law is higher. Love is primary; everything else is secondary. Love is the fulfillment of the Law. Love is the ultimate ethic.
Love, according to Jesus, involves both a vertical relationship with God and a horizontal relationship with people. One cannot be separated from the other.
Interwoven by the hand of God into every human are both the desire for love and the capacity to love. We love because He first loved us. Let us, then, commit ourselves to that which is the most important command in the eyes of our Savior - to love God and love people.
Christmas is a time of celebration, remembrance, and anticipation. Decorating our homes, gathering with friends or family, singing carols, wearing ugly Christmas sweaters, giving gifts, listening to Handel’s “Messiah,” attending a Kid’s Christmas musical, joining in worship at a Christmas Eve service - the ways we celebrate are varied. All over the world, Christmas is celebrated in diverse ways with unique, meaningful traditions.
The way we celebrate may differ from culture to culture and home to home, but why and who we celebrate is where believers find oneness of voice and unity of spirit. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
As we approach Christmas, we remember Jesus’ birth - not only that He came to us, but why He came to us - to show us who God really is, to redeem our lives from sin, to empower us with the Holy Spirit, and to prepare us for an eternity with Him. And as we remember Jesus’ birth, we are filled with anticipation and hope. Christmas is a time of celebration! Why? Because God is with us - Immanuel!
Christmas is a time of celebration, remembrance, and anticipation. Decorating our homes, gathering with friends or family, singing carols, wearing ugly Christmas sweaters, giving gifts, listening to Handel’s “Messiah,” attending a Kid’s Christmas musical, joining in worship at a Christmas Eve service - the ways we celebrate are varied. All over the world, Christmas is celebrated in diverse ways with unique, meaningful traditions.
The way we celebrate may differ from culture to culture and home to home, but why and who we celebrate is where believers find oneness of voice and unity of spirit. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
As we approach Christmas, we remember Jesus’ birth - not only that He came to us, but why He came to us - to show us who God really is, to redeem our lives from sin, to empower us with the Holy Spirit, and to prepare us for an eternity with Him. And as we remember Jesus’ birth, we are filled with anticipation and hope. Christmas is a time of celebration! Why? Because God is with us - Immanuel!
Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. Even before He was born, Joseph and Mary were instructed by an angel to “name Him Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). The name “Jesus” actually means “the Lord saves!”
For those who are bound as prisoners of your past, Jesus is your Savior.
For those who are troubled by present realities and spiritual battles, Jesus is your Savior.
For those who are concerned about your future decisions and ultimate destiny, Jesus is your Savior.
The Scriptures remind us that EVERYONE who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved! Call on Jesus today - He is your Savior!
More than 1,800 passages in the Bible deal with the second coming of Jesus Christ. The fact that Jesus is coming again is not a peripheral doctrine, but a central and meaningful reality to those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ.
Our eschatology is rooted in our Christology - that is to say, our understanding of the end times is determined by the prophecies from and about Jesus Christ, who is the central figure of the Last Days. As it relates to the end times, our focus is not merely on wars, beasts, the Antichrist, or apocalyptic worldwide destruction. The end times are about Jesus. He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the One who was, and is, and is to come - the everlasting King, whose second coming will bring an end to this present age and usher in the fullness of the reign of the kingdom of God, “and of His kingdom, there will be no end” (Luke 1:33).
At His first advent, Jesus came as a humble baby, a suffering servant, and the Lamb of God who had come to take away the sins of the world. When Jesus comes again, He will come as the conquering King, the Sovereign Lord, and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. His second coming will bring justice, peace, and joy to all those faithfully awaiting His return, but to those who stand against Him, He will come with a sword of righteous judgment. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all lords and King of all kings.
We are to be watchful. We must be ready. Jesus is coming again.
More than 1,800 passages in the Bible deal with the second coming of Jesus Christ. The fact that Jesus is coming again is not a peripheral doctrine, but a central and meaningful reality to those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ.
Our eschatology is rooted in our Christology - that is to say, our understanding of the end times is determined by the prophecies from and about Jesus Christ, who is the central figure of the Last Days. As it relates to the end times, our focus is not merely on wars, beasts, the Antichrist, or apocalyptic worldwide destruction. The end times are about Jesus. He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the One who was, and is, and is to come - the everlasting King, whose second coming will bring an end to this present age and usher in the fullness of the reign of the kingdom of God, “and of His kingdom, there will be no end” (Luke 1:33).
At His first advent, Jesus came as a humble baby, a suffering servant, and the Lamb of God who had come to take away the sins of the world. When Jesus comes again, He will come as the conquering King, the Sovereign Lord, and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. His second coming will bring justice, peace, and joy to all those faithfully awaiting His return, but to those who stand against Him, He will come with a sword of righteous judgment. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all lords and King of all kings.
We are to be watchful. We must be ready. Jesus is coming again.
More than 1,800 passages in the Bible deal with the second coming of Jesus Christ. The fact that Jesus is coming again is not a peripheral doctrine, but a central and meaningful reality to those who have put their trust in Jesus Christ.
Our eschatology is rooted in our Christology - that is to say, our understanding of the end times is determined by the prophecies from and about Jesus Christ, who is the central figure of the Last Days. As it relates to the end times, our focus is not merely on wars, beasts, the Antichrist, or apocalyptic worldwide destruction. The end times are about Jesus. He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the One who was, and is, and is to come - the everlasting King, whose second coming will bring an end to this present age and usher in the fullness of the reign of the kingdom of God, “and of His kingdom, there will be no end” (Luke 1:33).
At His first advent, Jesus came as a humble baby, a suffering servant, and the Lamb of God who had come to take away the sins of the world. When Jesus comes again, He will come as the conquering King, the Sovereign Lord, and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. His second coming will bring justice, peace, and joy to all those faithfully awaiting His return, but to those who stand against Him, He will come with a sword of righteous judgment. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord of all lords and King of all kings.
We are to be watchful. We must be ready. Jesus is coming again.
Every human at some point and to some degree faces sickness. No one is immune. No one is exempt. We often label these kinds of infirmities as being either physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual. The truth is when we are assaulted by any form of sickness, disease, or disorder, it affects every part of us - not just one part of us. To all who suffer, God reveals Himself as “the God who heals.” Nothing is impossible for the Creator and Sustainer of life. Few believers doubt God’s ability to heal, but many question his willingness. With eyes wide open to acknowledge the realities of human pain, suffering, and death, we come to this series calling on the God who heals.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
“Houston, we have a problem.” These words, although not an exact quote, came from Astronaut Jack Swigert when an oxygen tank exploded on board the spacecraft Odyssey in April of 1970 during a lunar mission called Apollo 13. Talk about an understatement. This so-called “problem” resulted in dangerously low levels of breathable air and an inability to generate power for their already-damaged spacecraft. Consequently, they were forced to abort their original mission, leaving them with only one goal - to get home.
Many believers today have a problem. They are experiencing dangerously low levels of fresh air for their souls because their theology doesn’t allow for the winds of the Holy Spirit. They have lost their power supply because they are more confident in their human abilities and rationale than they are in contending for miracles, signs, and wonders given through the Holy Spirit.
Are we really surprised then, that so many believers have aborted the mission? Instead of ministering the transforming hope of Jesus to the world around them, they are just barely holding it together. They are consumed with self-assessing their personal damages. Their primary objective is just getting themselves safely home. All because somebody somewhere decided to make the Holy Spirit optional - even expendable.
Your mission is not just to hang on until you make it to heaven. Your mission is to bring heaven to earth! To fulfill God’s assignment you need God’s power! Jesus said, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you…” It’s time for the church of Jesus Christ to once again be filled with the Holy Spirit, led by the Holy Spirit, and empowered by the Holy Spirit so we can get on with the mission of transforming the world.
Romans 6:4 NLT For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives.
A cold, dark shadow slowly emerged from behind the tree. A sinister laugh was heard as the serpent slithered to the ground. The sun itself seemed to grow a few shades darker, and the animals all scurried to places of protection. Trembling and confused, Adam looked down at the half-eaten forbidden fruit in his right hand, then instinctually drew his other hand away from his wife, leaving her exposed as he sought to cover himself. Sin had made its entrance into the world through the gateway of the human heart.
What was God’s response to the humans who had willfully and knowingly sinned? God came to them. He came to sinful humans - not to bring condemnation, but to allow for confession; not to punish them, but to protect them; not to shame them, but to cover them. He made tunics of animal skins to cover Adam and Eve, and in doing so God Himself is the one who made the very first blood sacrifice.
The price of sin is life itself.
For generations, the sins of people were symbolically placed upon unblemished animals. When sacrificed, these animals provided a substitutionary atonement for people. But, although the blood of an animal could provide a covering for sin; it could not provide an actual cleansing of the human heart.
Then Jesus came.
The Word became flesh…and blood. He came near to sinful humanity - not to bring condemnation, but to allow for confession; not to punish us, but to protect us; not to shame us, but to cover us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Not to offer the blood of animals, but to offer Himself as the spotless Lamb of God. He carried the sins of the world to His cross, where He willingly gave His life by shedding His blood - His precious blood.
Not only did God make the first blood sacrifice, He made the final blood sacrifice - for you and me!
A cold, dark shadow slowly emerged from behind the tree. A sinister laugh was heard as the serpent slithered to the ground. The sun itself seemed to grow a few shades darker, and the animals all scurried to places of protection. Trembling and confused, Adam looked down at the half-eaten forbidden fruit in his right hand, then instinctually drew his other hand away from his wife, leaving her exposed as he sought to cover himself. Sin had made its entrance into the world through the gateway of the human heart.
What was God’s response to the humans who had willfully and knowingly sinned? God came to them. He came to sinful humans - not to bring condemnation, but to allow for confession; not to punish them, but to protect them; not to shame them, but to cover them. He made tunics of animal skins to cover Adam and Eve, and in doing so God Himself is the one who made the very first blood sacrifice.
The price of sin is life itself.
For generations, the sins of people were symbolically placed upon unblemished animals. When sacrificed, these animals provided a substitutionary atonement for people. But, although the blood of an animal could provide a covering for sin; it could not provide an actual cleansing of the human heart.
Then Jesus came.
The Word became flesh…and blood. He came near to sinful humanity - not to bring condemnation, but to allow for confession; not to punish us, but to protect us; not to shame us, but to cover us and cleanse us of all unrighteousness. Not to offer the blood of animals, but to offer Himself as the spotless Lamb of God. He carried the sins of the world to His cross, where He willingly gave His life by shedding His blood - His precious blood.
Not only did God make the first blood sacrifice, He made the final blood sacrifice - for you and me!
Is Jesus really God? No one disputes that Jesus of Nazareth was an actual, historical person. Even the harshest critics concede that Jesus captivated crowds with His teachings, exposed prideful legalism as if He had great authority, performed miracles and healings, and lived an exemplary life. No one argues against those things. His humanity was not the issue; it was His claim to deity that stoked the fires of persecution and served as the impetus that led to His crucifixion.
Jesus boldly and repeatedly professed to be the divine Son of God. And His claims were not in word only - after all, talk is cheap. Jesus put on a powerful and compelling display of signs and wonders that proved His words to be true. The Apostle John selected seven of these signs to be included in his Gospel account so that people would “believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing in Him, they would have life by the power of His name.”
I have good news: There is still power in the name of Jesus Christ!
Is Jesus really God? No one disputes that Jesus of Nazareth was an actual, historical person. Even the harshest critics concede that Jesus captivated crowds with His teachings, exposed prideful legalism as if He had great authority, performed miracles and healings, and lived an exemplary life. No one argues against those things. His humanity was not the issue; it was His claim to deity that stoked the fires of persecution and served as the impetus that led to His crucifixion.
Jesus boldly and repeatedly professed to be the divine Son of God. And His claims were not in word only - after all, talk is cheap. Jesus put on a powerful and compelling display of signs and wonders that proved His words to be true. The Apostle John selected seven of these signs to be included in his Gospel account so that people would “believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing in Him, they would have life by the power of His name.”
I have good news: There is still power in the name of Jesus Christ!
Is Jesus really God? No one disputes that Jesus of Nazareth was an actual, historical person. Even the harshest critics concede that Jesus captivated crowds with His teachings, exposed prideful legalism as if He had great authority, performed miracles and healings, and lived an exemplary life. No one argues against those things. His humanity was not the issue; it was His claim to deity that stoked the fires of persecution and served as the impetus that led to His crucifixion.
Jesus boldly and repeatedly professed to be the divine Son of God. And His claims were not in word only - after all, talk is cheap. Jesus put on a powerful and compelling display of signs and wonders that proved His words to be true. The Apostle John selected seven of these signs to be included in his Gospel account so that people would “believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing in Him, they would have life by the power of His name.”
I have good news: There is still power in the name of Jesus Christ!
Is Jesus really God? No one disputes that Jesus of Nazareth was an actual, historical person. Even the harshest critics concede that Jesus captivated crowds with His teachings, exposed prideful legalism as if He had great authority, performed miracles and healings, and lived an exemplary life. No one argues against those things. His humanity was not the issue; it was His claim to deity that stoked the fires of persecution and served as the impetus that led to His crucifixion.
Jesus boldly and repeatedly professed to be the divine Son of God. And His claims were not in word only - after all, talk is cheap. Jesus put on a powerful and compelling display of signs and wonders that proved His words to be true. The Apostle John selected seven of these signs to be included in his Gospel account so that people would “believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing in Him, they would have life by the power of His name.”
I have good news: There is still power in the name of Jesus Christ!
Is Jesus really God? No one disputes that Jesus of Nazareth was an actual, historical person. Even the harshest critics concede that Jesus captivated crowds with His teachings, exposed prideful legalism as if He had great authority, performed miracles and healings, and lived an exemplary life. No one argues against those things. His humanity was not the issue; it was His claim to deity that stoked the fires of persecution and served as the impetus that led to His crucifixion.
Jesus boldly and repeatedly professed to be the divine Son of God. And His claims were not in word only - after all, talk is cheap. Jesus put on a powerful and compelling display of signs and wonders that proved His words to be true. The Apostle John selected seven of these signs to be included in his Gospel account so that people would “believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing in Him, they would have life by the power of His name.”
I have good news: There is still power in the name of Jesus Christ!
Is Jesus really God? No one disputes that Jesus of Nazareth was an actual, historical person. Even the harshest critics concede that Jesus captivated crowds with His teachings, exposed prideful legalism as if He had great authority, performed miracles and healings, and lived an exemplary life. No one argues against those things. His humanity was not the issue; it was His claim to deity that stoked the fires of persecution and served as the impetus that led to His crucifixion.
Jesus boldly and repeatedly professed to be the divine Son of God. And His claims were not in word only - after all, talk is cheap. Jesus put on a powerful and compelling display of signs and wonders that proved His words to be true. The Apostle John selected seven of these signs to be included in his Gospel account so that people would “believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God and that by believing in Him, they would have life by the power of His name.”
I have good news: There is still power in the name of Jesus Christ!
A new year offers us opportunities to prioritize values which are pathways toward our purpose. Your purpose cannot be attained by accident; it requires intentionality, determination, and discipline. Nevertheless, your purpose, contrary to popular belief, is not discovered by looking within yourself. Your true purpose was given to you by the God who created you, and your purpose can only be attained by the God who empowers you. So, seek God. Seek Him first. Seek Him continually. Seek Him passionately and sincerely. Seek Him and you will find Him. And in finding God, you will find yourself and His purpose for your life.
A new year offers us opportunities to prioritize values which are pathways toward our purpose. Your purpose cannot be attained by accident; it requires intentionality, determination, and discipline. Nevertheless, your purpose, contrary to popular belief, is not discovered by looking within yourself. Your true purpose was given to you by the God who created you, and your purpose can only be attained by the God who empowers you. So, seek God. Seek Him first. Seek Him continually. Seek Him passionately and sincerely. Seek Him and you will find Him. And in finding God, you will find yourself and His purpose for your life.
A new year offers us opportunities to prioritize values which are pathways toward our purpose. Your purpose cannot be attained by accident; it requires intentionality, determination, and discipline. Nevertheless, your purpose, contrary to popular belief, is not discovered by looking within yourself. Your true purpose was given to you by the God who created you, and your purpose can only be attained by the God who empowers you. So, seek God. Seek Him first. Seek Him continually. Seek Him passionately and sincerely. Seek Him and you will find Him. And in finding God, you will find yourself and His purpose for your life.
A new year offers us opportunities to prioritize values which are pathways toward our purpose. Your purpose cannot be attained by accident; it requires intentionality, determination, and discipline. Nevertheless, your purpose, contrary to popular belief, is not discovered by looking within yourself. Your true purpose was given to you by the God who created you, and your purpose can only be attained by the God who empowers you. So, seek God. Seek Him first. Seek Him continually. Seek Him passionately and sincerely. Seek Him and you will find Him. And in finding God, you will find yourself and His purpose for your life.
A new year offers us opportunities to prioritize values which are pathways toward our purpose. Your purpose cannot be attained by accident; it requires intentionality, determination, and discipline. Nevertheless, your purpose, contrary to popular belief, is not discovered by looking within yourself. Your true purpose was given to you by the God who created you, and your purpose can only be attained by the God who empowers you. So, seek God. Seek Him first. Seek Him continually. Seek Him passionately and sincerely. Seek Him and you will find Him. And in finding God, you will find yourself and His purpose for your life.
Listen to how people describe Christmas. This simple social experiment will provide you with interesting and valuable insight. In everyday conversations, people will describe their personal perspectives. To some, Christmas is busy, stressful, and chaotic. To others, Christmas is difficult, sad, and lonely. To others, Christmas is filled with wonder, peace, and joy. The truth is, the Christmas season can be all of these things and more, all at the same time!
This year, I want us to make a choice - that this Christmas season will be a blessing. It doesn’t mean it will be free from all forms of negativity. It means that we will keep choosing the blessing of Christmas over the burdens of it. This Christmas, we are choosing hope over despair, faith over fear, joy over sorrow, peace over stress, and light over darkness. We’re not pretending life is always easy; we are simply inviting the presence of God to help us rise above our present-day struggles into an increased gratitude for the greatest Christmas present ever given - Jesus Christ.
Listen to how people describe Christmas. This simple social experiment will provide you with interesting and valuable insight. In everyday conversations, people will describe their personal perspectives. To some, Christmas is busy, stressful, and chaotic. To others, Christmas is difficult, sad, and lonely. To others, Christmas is filled with wonder, peace, and joy. The truth is, the Christmas season can be all of these things and more, all at the same time!
This year, I want us to make a choice - that this Christmas season will be a blessing. It doesn’t mean it will be free from all forms of negativity. It means that we will keep choosing the blessing of Christmas over the burdens of it. This Christmas, we are choosing hope over despair, faith over fear, joy over sorrow, peace over stress, and light over darkness. We’re not pretending life is always easy; we are simply inviting the presence of God to help us rise above our present-day struggles into an increased gratitude for the greatest Christmas present ever given - Jesus Christ.
Listen to how people describe Christmas. This simple social experiment will provide you with interesting and valuable insight. In everyday conversations, people will describe their personal perspectives. To some, Christmas is busy, stressful, and chaotic. To others, Christmas is difficult, sad, and lonely. To others, Christmas is filled with wonder, peace, and joy. The truth is, the Christmas season can be all of these things and more, all at the same time!
This year, I want us to make a choice - that this Christmas season will be a blessing. It doesn’t mean it will be free from all forms of negativity. It means that we will keep choosing the blessing of Christmas over the burdens of it. This Christmas, we are choosing hope over despair, faith over fear, joy over sorrow, peace over stress, and light over darkness. We’re not pretending life is always easy; we are simply inviting the presence of God to help us rise above our present-day struggles into an increased gratitude for the greatest Christmas present ever given - Jesus Christ.
Listen to how people describe Christmas. This simple social experiment will provide you with interesting and valuable insight. In everyday conversations, people will describe their personal perspectives. To some, Christmas is busy, stressful, and chaotic. To others, Christmas is difficult, sad, and lonely. To others, Christmas is filled with wonder, peace, and joy. The truth is, the Christmas season can be all of these things and more, all at the same time!
This year, I want us to make a choice - that this Christmas season will be a blessing. It doesn’t mean it will be free from all forms of negativity. It means that we will keep choosing the blessing of Christmas over the burdens of it. This Christmas, we are choosing hope over despair, faith over fear, joy over sorrow, peace over stress, and light over darkness. We’re not pretending life is always easy; we are simply inviting the presence of God to help us rise above our present-day struggles into an increased gratitude for the greatest Christmas present ever given - Jesus Christ.
Exiled to an Island called Patmos, the Apostle John received a series of visions from Jesus. He meticulously put in writing what had been revealed to him and sent The Revelation to seven city-churches in Asia (modern day Turkey) which were under his pastoral and apostolic care. These churches - and all believers in Christ - were under extreme persecution. John’s letter was a prophetic word from Jesus Himself to encourage, strengthen, instruct, and give hope to these believers, calling them to remain faithful. We are living in what the Scriptures refer to as The Last Days, and the Church has a vital role to play. Our identity and assignment come from Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, who has called us to be: (1) the Body of Christ, continuing the ministry of Jesus as His hands, His voice, and His feet, fulfilling His Great Commission, (2) the Army of God, engaging spiritual warfare and resisting the forces of darkness, (3) the Family of God, expressing in word and deed the love of the Father to all people everywhere, and (4) the Bride of Christ, eagerly anticipating His return for us to be forever with Him. Eternity is at stake. When believers misunderstand their role and become derelict in their divine assignment, the Church can devolve into a place where people experience hurt instead of healing, judgement instead of hope, and confusion instead of clarity. Jesus calls us to repent and recalibrate, so we can be who He has called us to be - His Last Days Church.
Exiled to an Island called Patmos, the Apostle John received a series of visions from Jesus. He meticulously put in writing what had been revealed to him and sent The Revelation to seven city-churches in Asia (modern day Turkey) which were under his pastoral and apostolic care. These churches - and all believers in Christ - were under extreme persecution. John’s letter was a prophetic word from Jesus Himself to encourage, strengthen, instruct, and give hope to these believers, calling them to remain faithful. We are living in what the Scriptures refer to as The Last Days, and the Church has a vital role to play. Our identity and assignment come from Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, who has called us to be: (1) the Body of Christ, continuing the ministry of Jesus as His hands, His voice, and His feet, fulfilling His Great Commission, (2) the Army of God, engaging spiritual warfare and resisting the forces of darkness, (3) the Family of God, expressing in word and deed the love of the Father to all people everywhere, and (4) the Bride of Christ, eagerly anticipating His return for us to be forever with Him. Eternity is at stake. When believers misunderstand their role and become derelict in their divine assignment, the Church can devolve into a place where people experience hurt instead of healing, judgement instead of hope, and confusion instead of clarity. Jesus calls us to repent and recalibrate, so we can be who He has called us to be - His Last Days Church.
Exiled to an Island called Patmos, the Apostle John received a series of visions from Jesus. He meticulously put in writing what had been revealed to him and sent The Revelation to seven city-churches in Asia (modern day Turkey) which were under his pastoral and apostolic care. These churches - and all believers in Christ - were under extreme persecution. John’s letter was a prophetic word from Jesus Himself to encourage, strengthen, instruct, and give hope to these believers, calling them to remain faithful. We are living in what the Scriptures refer to as The Last Days, and the Church has a vital role to play. Our identity and assignment come from Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, who has called us to be: (1) the Body of Christ, continuing the ministry of Jesus as His hands, His voice, and His feet, fulfilling His Great Commission, (2) the Army of God, engaging spiritual warfare and resisting the forces of darkness, (3) the Family of God, expressing in word and deed the love of the Father to all people everywhere, and (4) the Bride of Christ, eagerly anticipating His return for us to be forever with Him. Eternity is at stake. When believers misunderstand their role and become derelict in their divine assignment, the Church can devolve into a place where people experience hurt instead of healing, judgement instead of hope, and confusion instead of clarity. Jesus calls us to repent and recalibrate, so we can be who He has called us to be - His Last Days Church.
Exiled to an Island called Patmos, the Apostle John received a series of visions from Jesus. He meticulously put in writing what had been revealed to him and sent The Revelation to seven city-churches in Asia (modern day Turkey) which were under his pastoral and apostolic care. These churches - and all believers in Christ - were under extreme persecution. John’s letter was a prophetic word from Jesus Himself to encourage, strengthen, instruct, and give hope to these believers, calling them to remain faithful.
We are living in what the Scriptures refer to as The Last Days, and the Church has a vital role to play. Our identity and assignment come from Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, who has called us to be: (1) the Body of Christ, continuing the ministry of Jesus as His hands, His voice, and His feet, fulfilling His Great Commission, (2) the Army of God, engaging spiritual warfare and resisting the forces of darkness, (3) the Family of God, expressing in word and deed the love of the Father to all people everywhere, and (4) the Bride of Christ, eagerly anticipating His return for us to be forever with Him.
Eternity is at stake. When believers misunderstand their role and become derelict in their divine assignment, the Church can devolve into a place where people experience hurt instead of healing, judgement instead of hope, and confusion instead of clarity. Jesus calls us to repent and recalibrate, so we can be who He has called us to be - His Last Days Church.
Exiled to an Island called Patmos, the Apostle John received a series of visions from Jesus. He meticulously put in writing what had been revealed to him and sent The Revelation to seven city-churches in Asia (modern day Turkey) which were under his pastoral and apostolic care. These churches - and all believers in Christ - were under extreme persecution. John’s letter was a prophetic word from Jesus Himself to encourage, strengthen, instruct, and give hope to these believers, calling them to remain faithful.
We are living in what the Scriptures refer to as The Last Days, and the Church has a vital role to play. Our identity and assignment come from Jesus Christ, the Head of the Church, who has called us to be: (1) the Body of Christ, continuing the ministry of Jesus as His hands, His voice, and His feet, fulfilling His Great Commission, (2) the Army of God, engaging spiritual warfare and resisting the forces of darkness, (3) the Family of God, expressing in word and deed the love of the Father to all people everywhere, and (4) the Bride of Christ, eagerly anticipating His return for us to be forever with Him.
Eternity is at stake. When believers misunderstand their role and become derelict in their divine assignment, the Church can devolve into a place where people experience hurt instead of healing, judgement instead of hope, and confusion instead of clarity. Jesus calls us to repent and recalibrate, so we can be who He has called us to be - His Last Days Church.
If you've never questioned your faith, you really should give it a try. (Does that statement make you nervous?) The truth is, if a person is discouraged from asking questions, they are denied the freedom that comes with discovering the truth. Questions are natural, God-given responses to life's complexities. Questions arise when we come of age, or when a loved one dies. Questions arise when we go to college and find that neither our professors nor our peers have any room at all for faith in Jesus. Questions arise when we feel the pain of injustice, or when we are depressed or diagnosed with a terminal disease. Questions arise when our previously held beliefs and traditions are challenged and found wanting. Questions arise when God fails to meet our expectations.
It is not wrong to have questions. It is, however, essential that we are honest in our pursuit for answers. Ultimate answers to the questions of the Christian faith won't be found in an institution or a set of traditions; nor will the perfect model of Christianity be found in any one Christian. If you truly want to know the truth about the Christian faith, it's simple: look to Jesus - He is the initiator, sustainer, and finisher of our faith.
If you've never questioned your faith, you really should give it a try. (Does that statement make you nervous?) The truth is, if a person is discouraged from asking questions, they are denied the freedom that comes with discovering the truth. Questions are natural, God-given responses to life's complexities. Questions arise when we come of age, or when a loved one dies. Questions arise when we go to college and find that neither our professors nor our peers have any room at all for faith in Jesus. Questions arise when we feel the pain of injustice, or when we are depressed or diagnosed with a terminal disease. Questions arise when our previously held beliefs and traditions are challenged and found wanting. Questions arise when God fails to meet our expectations.
It is not wrong to have questions. It is, however, essential that we are honest in our pursuit for answers. Ultimate answers to the questions of the Christian faith won't be found in an institution or a set of traditions; nor will the perfect model of Christianity be found in any one Christian. If you truly want to know the truth about the Christian faith, it's simple: look to Jesus - He is the initiator, sustainer, and finisher of our faith.
If you've never questioned your faith, you really should give it a try. (Does that statement make you nervous?) The truth is, if a person is discouraged from asking questions, they are denied the freedom that comes with discovering the truth. Questions are natural, God-given responses to life's complexities. Questions arise when we come of age, or when a loved one dies. Questions arise when we go to college and find that neither our professors nor our peers have any room at all for faith in Jesus. Questions arise when we feel the pain of injustice, or when we are depressed or diagnosed with a terminal disease. Questions arise when our previously held beliefs and traditions are challenged and found wanting. Questions arise when God fails to meet our expectations.
It is not wrong to have questions. It is, however, essential that we are honest in our pursuit for answers. Ultimate answers to the questions of the Christian faith won't be found in an institution or a set of traditions; nor will the perfect model of Christianity be found in any one Christian. If you truly want to know the truth about the Christian faith, it's simple: look to Jesus - He is the initiator, sustainer, and finisher of our faith.
If you've never questioned your faith, you really should give it a try. (Does that statement make you nervous?) The truth is, if a person is discouraged from asking questions, they are denied the freedom that comes with discovering the truth. Questions are natural, God-given responses to life's complexities. Questions arise when we come of age, or when a loved one dies. Questions arise when we go to college and find that neither our professors nor our peers have any room at all for faith in Jesus. Questions arise when we feel the pain of injustice, or when we are depressed or diagnosed with a terminal disease. Questions arise when our previously held beliefs and traditions are challenged and found wanting. Questions arise when God fails to meet our expectations.
It is not wrong to have questions. It is, however, essential that we are honest in our pursuit for answers. Ultimate answers to the questions of the Christian faith won't be found in an institution or a set of traditions; nor will the perfect model of Christianity be found in any one Christian. If you truly want to know the truth about the Christian faith, it's simple: look to Jesus - He is the initiator, sustainer, and finisher of our faith.
If you've never questioned your faith, you really should give it a try. (Does that statement make you nervous?) The truth is, if a person is discouraged from asking questions, they are denied the freedom that comes with discovering the truth. Questions are natural, God-given responses to life's complexities. Questions arise when we come of age, or when a loved one dies. Questions arise when we go to college and find that neither our professors nor our peers have any room at all for faith in Jesus. Questions arise when we feel the pain of injustice, or when we are depressed or diagnosed with a terminal disease. Questions arise when our previously held beliefs and traditions are challenged and found wanting. Questions arise when God fails to meet our expectations.
It is not wrong to have questions. It is, however, essential that we are honest in our pursuit for answers. Ultimate answers to the questions of the Christian faith won't be found in an institution or a set of traditions; nor will the perfect model of Christianity be found in any one Christian. If you truly want to know the truth about the Christian faith, it's simple: look to Jesus - He is the initiator, sustainer, and finisher of our faith.
If you've never questioned your faith, you really should give it a try. (Does that statement make you nervous?) The truth is, if a person is discouraged from asking questions, they are denied the freedom that comes with discovering the truth. Questions are natural, God-given responses to life's complexities. Questions arise when we come of age, or when a loved one dies. Questions arise when we go to college and find that neither our professors nor our peers have any room at all for faith in Jesus. Questions arise when we feel the pain of injustice, or when we are depressed or diagnosed with a terminal disease. Questions arise when our previously held beliefs and traditions are challenged and found wanting. Questions arise when God fails to meet our expectations.
It is not wrong to have questions. It is, however, essential that we are honest in our pursuit for answers. Ultimate answers to the questions of the Christian faith won't be found in an institution or a set of traditions; nor will the perfect model of Christianity be found in any one Christian. If you truly want to know the truth about the Christian faith, it's simple: look to Jesus - He is the initiator, sustainer, and finisher of our faith.
The waters of wisdom are often hidden deep in the wells of a person’s heart.
God doesn’t give all of his wisdom to any one person all at one time. He gives small doses of wisdom incrementally to those who seek Him consistently, and He often gives that wisdom to us through others. In this series, we will gain insight and receive inspiration from several of our New Hope pastors and some very special guests. Wisdom’s waters are found deep within these women and men of God; grab your bucket with expectation and draw from the waters that will refresh and renew!
The waters of wisdom are often hidden deep in the wells of a person’s heart.
God doesn’t give all of his wisdom to any one person all at one time. He gives small doses of wisdom incrementally to those who seek Him consistently, and He often gives that wisdom to us through others. In this series, we will gain insight and receive inspiration from several of our New Hope pastors and some very special guests. Wisdom’s waters are found deep within these women and men of God; grab your bucket with expectation and draw from the waters that will refresh and renew!
The waters of wisdom are often hidden deep in the wells of a person’s heart.
God doesn’t give all of his wisdom to any one person all at one time. He gives small doses of wisdom incrementally to those who seek Him consistently, and He often gives that wisdom to us through others. In this series, we will gain insight and receive inspiration from several of our New Hope pastors and some very special guests. Wisdom’s waters are found deep within these women and men of God; grab your bucket with expectation and draw from the waters that will refresh and renew!
God doesn’t give all of his wisdom to any one person all at one time. He gives small doses of wisdom incrementally to those who seek Him consistently, and He often gives that wisdom to us through others. In this series, we will gain insight and receive inspiration from several of our New Hope pastors and some very special guests. Wisdom’s waters are found deep within these women and men of God; grab your bucket with expectation and draw from the waters that will refresh and renew!
The waters of wisdom are often hidden deep in the wells of a person’s heart.
God doesn’t give all of his wisdom to any one person all at one time. He gives small doses of wisdom incrementally to those who seek Him consistently, and He often gives that wisdom to us through otheIn this series, we will gain insight and receive inspiration from several of our New Hope pastors and some very special guests. Wisdom’s waters are found deep within these women and men of God; grab your bucket with expectation and draw from the waters that will refresh and renew!
Angie is the President of Life Pacific University and a Licensed Therapist. She is an educator and mental health advocate, passionate about empowering individuals and the next generation to live out their God-given purpose. Angie is a recognized voice in Christian higher education, a future-focused innovator with a proven track record of adaptive leadership. With two earned master’s degrees in education and marriage and family therapy, her Ph.D. centers on identity formation, shared identity, and marital flourishing. Angie and her husband, Lew Richey, are founders of the Gathering, a Foursquare Church, a counseling practice, and a consultancy specializing in strategic leadership development and entrepreneurship. They have two adult children.
The collection of writings that comprise the New Testament begins with four biographical, historical accounts that center on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. These four books - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are referred to as The Gospels (lit. “good news”). The Gospel according to Matthew is the good news of Jesus from Matthew’s perspective, in Matthew’s words, to Matthew’s audience. This is true of each writer. They each told the good news of Jesus from their own perspective, in their own words, and to their own audience.
The collection of writings that comprise the New Testament begins with four biographical, historical accounts that center on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. These four books - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are referred to as The Gospels (lit. “good news”). The Gospel according to Matthew is the good news of Jesus from Matthew’s perspective, in Matthew’s words, to Matthew’s audience. This is true of each writer. They each told the good news of Jesus from their own perspective, in their own words, and to their own audience.
The collection of writings that comprise the New Testament begins with four biographical, historical accounts that center on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. These four books - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, are referred to as The Gospels (lit. “good news”). The Gospel according to Matthew is the good news of Jesus from Matthew’s perspective, in Matthew’s words, to Matthew’s audience. This is true of each writer. They each told the good news of Jesus from their own perspective, in their own words, and to their own audience.
People around you need The Gospel - the good news of Jesus Christ. God strategically and sovereignly placed you in proximity to the people around you to bring them this good news. So, what is The Gospel according to You? What is the good news of Jesus from your perspective, in your words, and to the people around you? The Gospel is unchanging - it is always centered on the person of Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever; but, as messengers, we each bring our unique testimony and witness about Jesus. People around you need The Gospel according to you!
Courage is a God-given inner fortitude that, when enacted, helps us face fears, overcome adversity, and move forward despite personal pain, relational disappointment, and spiritual resistance. Courage is not the absence of angst but the willingness to break through it with God’s strength and peace.
When God said to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous,” it was more than a casual encouragement, it was an authoritative command. Joshua would face real enemies, fight in real battles, and would need to exercise real courage in order to lay hold of God’s promises.
There are various forms of adversity - inward and outward - that stand between you and your divine destiny. You will need courage in order to overcome, and God can give you all the courage you need! Still, you must choose, today and every day, to be strong and courageous!
Context: God had made a covenant with Abraham (refer to series, The Covenant of Abraham). Abraham, Isaac, Jacob/Israel - Egypt, slavery/bondage, Moses (refer to serious, The Exodus) We pick up in Joshua 1 after Moses’ death. Joshua is now in command. Moses had led the people OUT of bondage; Joshua was to lead them IN to the promised land.
Courage is a God-given inner fortitude that, when enacted, helps us face fears, overcome adversity, and move forward despite personal pain, relational disappointment, and spiritual resistance. Courage is not the absence of angst but the willingness to break through it with God’s strength and peace.
When God said to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous,” it was more than a casual encouragement, it was an authoritative command. Joshua would face real enemies, fight in real battles, and would need to exercise real courage in order to lay hold of God’s promises.
There are various forms of adversity - inward and outward - that stand between you and your divine destiny. You will need courage in order to overcome, and God can give you all the courage you need! Still, you must choose, today and every day, to be strong and courageous!
Context: God had made a covenant with Abraham (refer to series, The Covenant of Abraham). Abraham, Isaac, Jacob/Israel - Egypt, slavery/bondage, Moses (refer to serious, The Exodus) We pick up in Joshua 1 after Moses’ death. Joshua is now in command. Moses had led the people OUT of bondage; Joshua was to lead them IN to the promised land.
Courage is a God-given inner fortitude that, when enacted, helps us face fears, overcome adversity, and move forward despite personal pain, relational disappointment, and spiritual resistance. Courage is not the absence of angst but the willingness to break through it with God’s strength and peace.
When God said to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous,” it was more than a casual encouragement, it was an authoritative command. Joshua would face real enemies, fight in real battles, and would need to exercise real courage in order to lay hold of God’s promises.
There are various forms of adversity - inward and outward - that stand between you and your divine destiny. You will need courage in order to overcome, and God can give you all the courage you need! Still, you must choose, today and every day, to be strong and courageous!
Courage is a God-given inner fortitude that, when enacted, helps us face fears, overcome adversity, and move forward despite personal pain, relational disappointment, and spiritual resistance. Courage is not the absence of angst but the willingness to break through it with God’s strength and peace.
When God said to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous,” it was more than a casual encouragement, it was an authoritative command. Joshua would face real enemies, fight in real battles, and would need to exercise real courage in order to lay hold of God’s promises.
There are various forms of adversity - inward and outward - that stand between you and your divine destiny. You will need courage in order to overcome, and God can give you all the courage you need! Still, you must choose, today and every day, to be strong and courageous!
To those who are weary, to those who are anxious, to those who are wounded, to those who are angry, to those who are confused, to those who are burdened, to those who are disheartened, to those who are lonely... This message is for you: Hope is alive.
Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday are bookends to the most significant event in human history - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To Jewish leaders, Jesus was a heretic and blasphemer. To Roman officials, Jesus was a nuisance - if not a threat - to their heavy-handed control over people. Even His own disciples had misguided notions that Jesus would establish a political coup to overthrow Rome and take back governmental authority.
Years of oppression. Tears of heartache and pain. Fear that the suffering would never end. The people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt and had no way out; but God delivered them and brought them out! This is the story of the Exodus. It’s a story of adversity and a story of triumph, a story of bondage and a story of freedom, a story of faith and a story of doubts.
You may ask… Does God see me? Can He hear me? Will I ever be free?
I have good news. God still delivers.
Years of oppression. Tears of heartache and pain. Fear that the suffering would never end. The people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt and had no way out; but God delivered them and brought them out! This is the story of the Exodus. It’s a story of adversity and a story of triumph, a story of bondage and a story of freedom, a story of faith and a story of doubts.
You may ask… Does God see me? Can He hear me? Will I ever be free?
I have good news. God still delivers.
Years of oppression. Tears of heartache and pain. Fear that the suffering would never end. The people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt and had no way out; but God delivered them and brought them out! This is the story of the Exodus. It’s a story of adversity and a story of triumph, a story of bondage and a story of freedom, a story of faith and a story of doubts.
You may ask… Does God see me? Can He hear me? Will I ever be free?
I have good news. God still delivers.
Years of oppression. Tears of heartache and pain. Fear that the suffering would never end. The people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt and had no way out; but God delivered them and brought them out! This is the story of the Exodus. It’s a story of adversity and a story of triumph, a story of bondage and a story of freedom, a story of faith and a story of doubts.
You may ask… Does God see me? Can He hear me? Will I ever be free?
I have good news. God still delivers.
Years of oppression. Tears of heartache and pain. Fear that the suffering would never end. The people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt and had no way out; but God delivered them and brought them out! This is the story of the Exodus. It’s a story of adversity and a story of triumph, a story of bondage and a story of freedom, a story of faith and a story of doubts.
You may ask… Does God see me? Can He hear me? Will I ever be free?
I have good news. God still delivers.
Years of oppression. Tears of heartache and pain. Fear that the suffering would never end. The people of Israel were enslaved in Egypt and had no way out; but God delivered them and brought them out! This is the story of the Exodus. It’s a story of adversity and a story of triumph, a story of bondage and a story of freedom, a story of faith and a story of doubts.
You may ask… Does God see me? Can He hear me? Will I ever be free?
I have good news. God still delivers.
The three major monotheistic religions of the world - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism - all trace their lineages back to one father of faith - Abraham. Raised a shepherd in the land of Ur (modern day Iraq), Abraham’s spiritual upbringing likely included the worship of the moon and stars. Then he encountered Yahweh, the all-powerful yet knowable God of all creation, who promised Abraham that his descendants would outnumber the stars.
The three major monotheistic religions of the world - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism - all trace their lineages back to one father of faith - Abraham. Raised a shepherd in the land of Ur (modern day Iraq), Abraham’s spiritual upbringing likely included the worship of the moon and stars. Then he encountered Yahweh, the all-powerful yet knowable God of all creation, who promised Abraham that his descendants would outnumber the stars.
The three major monotheistic religions of the world - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism - all trace their lineages back to one father of faith - Abraham. Raised a shepherd in the land of Ur (modern day Iraq), Abraham’s spiritual upbringing likely included the worship of the moon and stars. Then he encountered Yahweh, the all-powerful yet knowable God of all creation, who promised Abraham that his descendants would outnumber the stars.
The three major monotheistic religions of the world - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism - all trace their lineages back to one father of faith - Abraham. Raised a shepherd in the land of Ur (modern day Iraq), Abraham’s spiritual upbringing likely included the worship of the moon and stars. Then he encountered Yahweh, the all-powerful yet knowable God of all creation, who promised Abraham that his descendants would outnumber the stars.
The three major monotheistic religions of the world - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism - all trace their lineages back to one father of faith - Abraham. Raised a shepherd in the land of Ur (modern day Iraq), Abraham’s spiritual upbringing likely included the worship of the moon and stars. Then he encountered Yahweh, the all-powerful yet knowable God of all creation, who promised Abraham that his descendants would outnumber the stars.
The three major monotheistic religions of the world - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism - all trace their lineages back to one father of faith - Abraham. Raised a shepherd in the land of Ur (modern day Iraq), Abraham’s spiritual upbringing likely included the worship of the moon and stars. Then he encountered Yahweh, the all-powerful yet knowable God of all creation, who promised Abraham that his descendants would outnumber the stars.
Not only was Abraham convinced that God existed; he knew that this God could be trusted.
To Abraham God extended both a personal calling and an eternal covenant. Abraham’s response was one of faith. He answered the call and accepted the covenant - God’s blessing to one for the benefit of all.
This covenant was the genesis of the people of Israel. This covenant was the impetus for the birth and later rebirth of the nation of Israel. This covenant is the source of contention regarding the land of Israel. But of far greater significance is the fact that this covenant anticipated a Messiah, a Redeemer, a Savior - Jesus Christ - through whom every person on earth may share in this covenant and receive God’s blessing of eternal life.
The three major monotheistic religions of the world - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism - all trace their lineages back to one father of faith - Abraham. Raised a shepherd in the land of Ur (modern day Iraq), Abraham’s spiritual upbringing likely included the worship of the moon and stars. Then he encountered Yahweh, the all-powerful yet knowable God of all creation, who promised Abraham that his descendants would outnumber the stars.
Not only was Abraham convinced that God existed; he knew that this God could be trusted.
To Abraham God extended both a personal calling and an eternal covenant. Abraham’s response was one of faith. He answered the call and accepted the covenant - God’s blessing to one for the benefit of all.
This covenant was the genesis of the people of Israel. This covenant was the impetus for the birth and later rebirth of the nation of Israel. This covenant is the source of contention regarding the land of Israel. But of far greater significance is the fact that this covenant anticipated a Messiah, a Redeemer, a Savior - Jesus Christ - through whom every person on earth may share in this covenant and receive God’s blessing of eternal life.
God created you to sing, and your song is powerful! When you lift up songs of praise and worship to God, you are ushered into His presence, where you hear His voice, know His heart, experience His love, and are compelled by His Spirit. Your song is not only an expression of your soul, your song brings healing to your soul. Your song is a weapon of victorious warfare against the devil and his demons. Your song is a melody of hope to people around you. Your song of praise reverberates in the heavens and touches the heart of your Father. Never, ever let anybody silence your song.
God created you to sing, and your song is powerful! When you lift up songs of praise and worship to God, you are ushered into His presence, where you hear His voice, know His heart, experience His love, and are compelled by His Spirit. Your song is not only an expression of your soul, your song brings healing to your soul. Your song is a weapon of victorious warfare against the devil and his demons. Your song is a melody of hope to people around you. Your song of praise reverberates in the heavens and touches the heart of your Father. Never, ever let anybody silence your song.
God created you to sing, and your song is powerful! When you lift up songs of praise and worship to God, you are ushered into His presence, where you hear His voice, know His heart, experience His love, and are compelled by His Spirit. Your song is not only an expression of your soul, your song brings healing to your soul. Your song is a weapon of victorious warfare against the devil and his demons. Your song is a melody of hope to people around you. Your song of praise reverberates in the heavens and touches the heart of your Father. Never, ever let anybody silence your song.
What are you doing to make the world a better place? As believers, we need not be Escapists, who see only the evils of the world & just want to get out. Nor ought we to be Conformists, seduced into the ways of the world. God’s people see beyond the world’s problems with a vision for its potential. God’s people are willing to overcome the obstacles in order to seize the opportunities. God’s people are motivated by more than a humanitarian cause, we are driven by a divine call from God. God’s people transform the world.
What are you doing to make the world a better place? As believers, we need not be Escapists, who see only the evils of the world & just want to get out. Nor ought we to be Conformists, seduced into the ways of the world. God’s people see beyond the world’s problems with a vision for its potential. God’s people are willing to overcome the obstacles in order to seize the opportunities. God’s people are motivated by more than a humanitarian cause, we are driven by a divine call from God. God’s people transform the world.
What are you doing to make the world a better place? As believers, we need not be Escapists, who see only the evils of the world & just want to get out. Nor ought we to be Conformists, seduced into the ways of the world. God’s people see beyond the world’s problems with a vision for its potential. God’s people are willing to overcome the obstacles in order to seize the opportunities. God’s people are motivated by more than a humanitarian cause, we are driven by a divine call from God. God’s people transform the world.
What are you doing to make the world a better place? As believers, we need not be Escapists, who see only the evils of the world & just want to get out. Nor ought we to be Conformists, seduced into the ways of the world. God’s people see beyond the world’s problems with a vision for its potential. God’s people are willing to overcome the obstacles in order to seize the opportunities. God’s people are motivated by more than a humanitarian cause, we are driven by a divine call from God. God’s people transform the world.
What are you doing to make the world a better place? As believers, we need not be Escapists, who see only the evils of the world & just want to get out. Nor ought we to be Conformists, seduced into the ways of the world. God’s people see beyond the world’s problems with a vision for its potential. God’s people are willing to overcome the obstacles in order to seize the opportunities. God’s people are motivated by more than a humanitarian cause, we are driven by a divine call from God. God’s people transform the world.
What are you doing to make the world a better place? As believers we need not be Escapists, who see only the evils of the world & just want to get out. Nor ought we to be Conformists, seduced into the ways of the world. God’s people see beyond the world’s problems with a vision for its potential. God’s people are willing to overcome the obstacles in order to seize the opportunities. God’s people are motivated by more than a humanitarian cause, we are driven by a divine call from God. God’s people transform the world.
What are you doing to make the world a better place? As believers we need not be Escapists, who see only the evils of the world & just want to get out. Nor ought we to be Conformists, seduced into the ways of the world. God’s people see beyond the world’s problems with a vision for its potential. God’s people are willing to overcome the obstacles in order to seize the opportunities. God’s people are motivated by more than a humanitarian cause, we are driven by a divine call from God. God’s people transform the world.
What are you doing to make the world a better place? Escapists see only the evils of the world. Conformists are seduced into the ways of the world. Naturalists are confined to the limitations of the world. But God’s people see beyond the world’s problems with a vision for its potential. God’s people are willing to overcome the obstacles in order to seize the opportunities. God’s people are motivated by more than a humanitarian cause, they are driven by a divine call from God. God’s people transform the world.
What are you doing to make the world a better place? Escapists see only the evils of the world. Conformists are seduced into the ways of the world. Naturalists are confined to the limitations of the world. But God’s people see beyond the world’s problems with a vision for its potential. God’s people are willing to overcome the obstacles in order to seize the opportunities. God’s people are motivated by more than a humanitarian cause, they are driven by a divine call from God. God’s people transform the world.
Moses was dead. He had led the people of Israel out of Egypt, but not yet into the promised land. They were wandering somewhere in between their deliverance and their destiny, in a place described simply as “the wilderness.” Have you ever been there?
In the wilderness, we are pushed to our limits. We experience confusion, exhaustion, and fear. We get angry. We feel isolated. Our faith is tested. And the enemy seeks to exploit our weaknesses.
Some people never escape the wilderness; they die having never experienced the fullness of God’s promises for their lives. But others emerge from the wilderness with newfound strength, focus, and determination, empowered by the God who leads us into triumph!
The question is not, “Why me?” The question is, “Now what?” Your next step is critical.
Moses was dead. He had led the people of Israel out of Egypt, but not yet into the promised land. They were wandering somewhere in between their deliverance and their destiny, in a place described simply as “the wilderness.” Have you ever been there?
In the wilderness, we are pushed to our limits. We experience confusion, exhaustion, and fear. We get angry. We feel isolated. Our faith is tested. And the enemy seeks to exploit our weaknesses.
Some people never escape the wilderness; they die having never experienced the fullness of God’s promises for their lives. But others emerge from the wilderness with newfound strength, focus, and determination, empowered by the God who leads us into triumph!
The question is not, “Why me?” The question is, “Now what?” Your next step is critical.
Moses was dead. He had led the people of Israel out of Egypt, but not yet into the promised land. They were wandering somewhere in between their deliverance and their destiny, in a place described simply as “the wilderness.” Have you ever been there?
In the wilderness, we are pushed to our limits. We experience confusion, exhaustion, and fear. We get angry. We feel isolated. Our faith is tested. And the enemy seeks to exploit our weaknesses.
Some people never escape the wilderness; they die having never experienced the fullness of God’s promises for their lives. But others emerge from the wilderness with newfound strength, focus, and determination, empowered by the God who leads us into triumph!
The question is not, “Why me?” The question is, “Now what?” Your next step is critical.
Moses was dead. He had led the people of Israel out of Egypt, but not yet into the promised land. They were wandering somewhere in between their deliverance and their destiny, in a place described simply as “the wilderness.” Have you ever been there?
In the wilderness, we are pushed to our limits. We experience confusion, exhaustion, and fear. We get angry. We feel isolated. Our faith is tested. And the enemy seeks to exploit our weaknesses.
Some people never escape the wilderness; they die having never experienced the fullness of God’s promises for their lives. But others emerge from the wilderness with newfound strength, focus, and determination, empowered by the God who leads us into triumph!
The question is not, “Why me?” The question is, “Now what?” Your next step is critical.
Moses was dead. He had led the people of Israel out of Egypt, but not yet into the promised land. They were wandering somewhere in between their deliverance and their destiny, in a place described simply as “the wilderness.” Have you ever been there?
In the wilderness, we are pushed to our limits. We experience confusion, exhaustion, and fear. We get angry. We feel isolated. Our faith is tested. And the enemy seeks to exploit our weaknesses.
Some people never escape the wilderness; they die having never experienced the fullness of God’s promises for their lives. But others emerge from the wilderness with newfound strength, focus, and determination, empowered by the God who leads us into triumph!
The question is not, “Why me?” The question is, “Now what?” Your next step is critical.
Moses was dead. He had led the people of Israel out of Egypt, but not yet into the promised land. They were wandering somewhere in between their deliverance and their destiny, in a place described simply as “the wilderness.” Have you ever been there?
In the wilderness, we are pushed to our limits. We experience confusion, exhaustion, and fear. We get angry. We feel isolated. Our faith is tested. And the enemy seeks to exploit our weaknesses.
Some people never escape the wilderness; they die having never experienced the fullness of God’s promises for their lives. But others emerge from the wilderness with newfound strength, focus, and determination, empowered by the God who leads us into triumph!
The question is not, “Why me?” The question is, “Now what?” Your next step is critical.
SERIES OVERVIEW: In every season of life and in each new day, there is a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit available to us. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit are the birthright of every believer. Sadly, many believers have minimal understanding about the Third Person of the Trinity - who He is and how He works - therefore they undervalue or even ignore the most precious gift ever given to the church. The greatest gift ever given to the world is Jesus, but the greatest gift ever given to the church is the Holy Spirit.
Today, perhaps more than every before, we need a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit and believers who daily seek to be filled with, led by, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
SERIES OVERVIEW: In every season of life and in each new day, there is a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit available to us. The presence and power of the Holy Spirit are the birthright of every believer. Sadly, many believers have minimal understanding about the Third Person of the Trinity - who He is and how He works - therefore they undervalue or even ignore the most precious gift ever given to the church. The greatest gift ever given to the world is Jesus, but the greatest gift ever given to the church is the Holy Spirit.
Today, perhaps more than every before, we need a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit and believers who daily seek to be filled with, led by, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.