Sunday Messages: Recent Episodes
Hosanna Church
Listen to weekend services from Hosanna Church, a multi-site church located in the south metro of Minneapolis, Minnesota. We long to multiply the hope and heartbeat of Jesus through irresistible love, generosity and unity. Learn more at http://hosannalc.org
In the midst of the challenges and turmoil of their day, Paul encourages the believers that they can stand firm, by putting on every piece of the armor of God- including the largest protective piece- the body armor of righteousness.
Good News- our battle is not against one another. But the battle against our common spiritual enemy does require us to suit up with armor- that protects and defends. Paul begins where soldiers must- the Belt that holds all of the armor in place… Truth.
In the midst of the social and political turmoil of their day, Paul proclaimed the Good News to Christians, that they could stand steady and strong, by remaining united against a common enemy.
While our physical lives will end one day, we can live our lives in such a way that abundant joy and generosity keeps on flowing long after we’re gone! When we begin with the end in mind, our capacity to be generous overflows in lasting and life-changing ways.
We live in a world where many have more than they need and others are dying due to a lack of basic needs. What if we got beyond living for wants and started giving beyond our needs to meet the needs of others who have “less” than us. God’s Word tells us exactly what will happen: Our lives will overflow with purpose and joy!
A life of giving and generosity flows out of what we’ve been given, not arbitrary “feelings” that we never have or give enough. When we see everything we have as coming from God, our giving flows naturally out of a heart that overflows with gratitude, humility and joy.
Life can be demanding, complex, and overwhelming. Paul encouraged the early followers of Jesus that they now had a source of supernatural strength to do ALL things.
We all know the anxiety that comes when money is tight, or resources are thin. But Paul assures the early followers of Jesus that God will supply ALL of their needs.
Romans 8:28 is one of the most often quoted verses in the whole bible, for good reason. Paul assures the early followers of Jesus that God can work for the good, in ALL circumstances.
For Paul, Love was not an abstract concept, or fickle feeling. Christian Love had definition and practical application.
For Paul, the good news began and ended with love. Though other priorities and positions mattered, they were all noise if love was not the endgame.
As Paul brought the good news to people in a culture of distorted, disordered, and temporary loves, he proclaimed the good news of a preeminent love, that surpasses and outlasts every other.
The more deeply we know ourselves, the more God can do His good work within us. It begins by inviting the Holy Spirit to search, reveal and heal the world inside.
May is a month of significant celebrations and holidays- each containing a unique proclamation of good news.
The resurrection of Jesus is good news for our lives because when we have fully entrusted our lives to Christ- we can influence others to do the same, even and especially in the midst of life’s storms.
The resurrection of Jesus is good news for our lives because- when we experience the transforming power of the gospel- we are compelled and empowered to boldly share the good news with others.
The resurrection of Jesus is Good News for our lives, because when we no longer fear death- we are set free to really live.
The resurrection of Jesus is Good News for our lives because, in Christ, our old life is gone, and a new life has begun (2 Cor 5:17).
Palm Sunday launches “Holy Week”- with the day we remember Jesus riding into Jerusalem, being highly praised as the hero the Israelites had been hoping for. The way he would “come into this Kingdom” was different than expected, but he was worthy of all the praise and worship given to him that day.
The good news of the cross is that it provides the bridge that repairs and reconciles our relationship- to God and to one another.
Paul declares- “Jesus is the image of the invisible God” (Colossians 1:15). In other words… Jesus is what God is like. And nowhere is God more clearly revealed than Jesus on the cross.(Col 1:20)
The good news of the cross includes the reality that though we were once living under the curse of the fall, Jesus’ death redeems us from the curse, so we can live a life of blessing.
The Cross is about God going on a personal rescue mission to get his people back. His death on the cross completes that mission by defeating the forces of darkness, the power of sin (nature) and the natural consequence of death.
At the center of the good news stands an old wooden cross. The message of the cross has been reduced to Jesus dying for my sins so I can go to heaven. While that’s certainly part of the good news, it is far from the whole story. The Cross doesn’t just bring personal salvation…it ignites a revolution!
Jesus has made it possible for us to live forever with God, like He always intended. Jesus has gone ahead to prepare a place for us. And God desires that all people would be saved for eternity.
The gospel message rightly proclaims good news for our life after death, however it firstly proclaims Spirit-led purpose into our current, daily lives here on earth.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ means that suffering leads to victory, and sin is no longer the master of our lives.
The problem of sin is resolved and redeemed by Jesus’ death on the cross, making it possible for all who believe, to be reunited with God.
Just like you’ve always suspected, deep down, there actually is something wrong with you. And you’re not the only one.
This week we explore the first “facet” of a more complete gospel by starting with the Good News that when God created the world- he declared humanity (including you!) “very good.”
This message launches our 2024 Year of Good News and considers why it’s so critical to clarify and expand our understanding of what it means to believe, share, and live The Gospel.
Dec 31 is the last day of the year and the final Sunday in our Year With Jesus. Gather with your people, or find a quiet place to worship alone. Let's focus on Jesus together.
Christmas- the day we Receive, Celebrate, and Share the Angel's proclamation to the shepherds: "Behold! I bring you Good News of Great Joy that will be for ALL people: Today- in Bethlehem- the Savior of the world is born!"
Just as the Israelites awaited the arrival of The Christ, Christians now await the promised return of Jesus. This week, we live into the story of Simeon, who praised God that the time of waiting for The Christ, was over.
During Jesus’ finite years on earth, he accomplished all that was expected and required of The Christ- namely securing the salvation of God’s people. This week, we live into Zechariah’s story, as one who saw and celebrated God’s saving work in the baby to be born.
The glorious mystery of the Trinity holds that Jesus always existed as The Christ, even before he was conceived and born to a virgin. This week, we live into Mary’s story, as the one who carried God in flesh.
“Christ” is not Jesus’ last name! It’s the title that sets him apart from every man. This week, we live into Joseph’s story- as one of the first to hear of the extraordinary significance of the baby to be born.
Jesus was bold. In his famed “Sermon on the Mount”- Jesus directly addressed hot and complex topics. What Jesus had to say about…
Jesus was bold. In his famed “Sermon on the Mount”- Jesus directly addressed hot and complex topics. What Jesus had to say about…
“Sermon on the Mount”- Jesus directly addressed hot and complex topics. What Jesus had to say about…
Jesus was a miracle worker. He commanded the supernatural out of the natural, causing many to believe he was who he said he was.
Jesus was a miracle worker. He commanded the supernatural out of the natural, causing many to believe he was who he said he was.
Jesus was a miracle worker. He commanded the supernatural out of the natural, causing many to believe he was who he said he was.
Jesus was a miracle worker. He commanded the supernatural out of the natural, causing many to believe he was who he said he was.
Jesus was known (and criticized) for the “crowd he kept.” Religious leaders did not typically associate with the people that Jesus valued and befriended.
Jesus was known (and criticized) for the “crowd he kept.” Religious leaders did not typically associate with the people that Jesus valued and befriended.
Jesus was known (and criticized) for the "crowd he kept." Religious leaders did not typically associate with the people that Jesus valued and befriended.
Being "with Jesus" requires slowing down long enough to rest and listen. This week, Pastor Jenn reflects on how sabbatical rest opened the space to be with Jesus in new and richer ways, and invites us to step into holy rest this Labor Day weekend.
This weekend our Pastors, Ryan and Jenn Alexander, returned from a 4 month sabbatical. This time was set apart for them to Rest, Renew, and Be With Jesus. We heard about what they did, but more importantly we heard them reflect on what God did in their souls during this sacred time. Our conversation today allows us the opportunity to consider the metaphors and themes they brought forward for inspiration and application in our lives.
Jesus was a healer. With the touch of his hand, he healed short term illnesses, and lifelong diseases. With his voice, he commanded evil spirits to cease tormenting people. And he told his followers they could and would do the same. What could happen today, if we were open to asking Jesus for healing?
Jesus declared that he did not come to be served, but to serve. As his followers, do we consistently position ourselves to be servants?
Jesus deeply invested in relationships. He spent significant time eating, walking, and sharing life with his followers and friends, so that he could influence them, receive their support and empower them to do the very work he did. How could my relational life look more Jesus?
Jesus spent his days engaged in meaningful and high impact activities, including consistent and intentional Prayer. How could my prayer life look more Jesus?
We discover what deeply matters to Jesus, by paying attention to what made him angry. Jesus reserved his harshest words for the hypocritical religious leaders who did not practice what they preached.
We discover what deeply matters to Jesus, by paying attention to what made him angry. The most famous account of Jesus expressing anger happens when he "turns the tables" in the temple. What about this scene made him so angry?
One of the ways to discover what really matters to a person is to pay attention to what makes them angry. As Jesus followers, do we have righteous anger about the same things he did?
Jesus was a great storyteller, and he harnessed the power of story to capture and convey his largest truths.
Jesus was a great storyteller, and he harnessed the power of story to capture and convey his largest truths.
Jesus was a great storyteller, and he harnessed the power of story to capture and convey his largest his largest truths
Just like us - Jesus experienced tremendous suffering - emotionally and physically. He was abandoned and betrayed by those closest to him, and his body endured excruciating pain. We are not alone when we suffer the same.
Christianity is distinct in the belief that God is not distant from the human experience, but actually intimately connected as a man who went through it all too.
Christianity is distinct in the belief that God is not distant from the human experience, but actually intimately connected as a man who went through it all too.
Just like us - Jesus was born into a family, with a mother who nurtured and shaped him. Christian tradition respects - and sometimes even reveres - Mary. But she was a real person (and a teen mom!), with whom Jesus experienced all of the dynamic experiences of family relationships.
We gather and celebrate confirmation while exploring what it means to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Jesus' life was demanding and taxing (we can relate). How can we learn from him, to remain deeply connected with God through intentional rhythms of spritual renewal?
We all desire to be "fueled" and sustained for our demanding lives. Jesus constantly poured out his cup for the sake of healing and teaching others, but he was deeply sustained by getting "away" often to be renewed and refilled by time with The Father. How can we learn from Jesus how to live into intentional rhythms of renewal, so that we can receive the spiritual sustenance we need?
The first—essential—and elemental rhythm of renewal, that is built into creation is: Rest.
God created the world for 6 days, and rested on the 7th, and commanded his people to do the same. The regular rhythm of Sabbath was practiced by Jesus, though not in the legalistic way that Jews had adopted. How will our spiritual lives be sustained by following Jesus in taking God’s command to Rest, more seriously?
Jesus insisted on being understood on his terms. According to Jesus: “I am the way, the truth and the life”... What does this mean? And how does it inform our understanding of who he is, and how we follow him?
Jesus insisted on being understood on his terms. According to Jesus: “I am the True Vine”... What does this mean? And how does it inform our understanding of who he is, and how we follow him?
Jesus insisted on being understood on his terms. According to Jesus: “I am the good shepherd”... What does this mean? And how does it inform our understanding of who he is, and how we follow him?
Jesus insisted on being understood on his terms. According to Jesus: “I am the gate for the sheep”... What does this mean? And how does it inform our understanding of who he is, and how we follow him?
Jesus insisted on being understood on his terms. According to Jesus: “I am the light of the world”... What does this mean? And how does it inform our understanding of who he is, and how we follow him?
People had and often have a “box” they put Jesus in, but he insisted on being understood on his terms. According to Jesus: “I am the bread of life”... What does this mean? And how does it inform our understanding of who he is, and how we follow him?
People did (and do) have to decide what to do with Jesus. Some revered his teaching while ultimately rejecting his message. Others called him crazy or worse. But some fell at his feet and worshiped him as Lord. Who do you say that he is?
People did (and do) have to decide what to do with Jesus. Jesus drew large crowds because he healed people, and dealt with demonic possessions. People reconciled his “outlier” status with categories like “crazy”- “blasphemous” and “possessed” while others believed he had power to do these things because he was who he claimed to be… God!
People did (and do) have to decide what to do with Jesus. One option was to respect his skill as an orator and teacher, but those who do so must then reject the reality that his teaching consistently included his claim to be the Son of God.
As Jesus stepped into his public ministry, he was crystal clear on the mission and purpose of his life. Are we?
Jesus was tempted by the devil to gain influence and power through “wordly” means. His resistance and refusal can inspire our own.
This week will step into Jesus’ Baptism story as his launch into public ministry- Significant that before he does anything- God audibly declares- “with him well pleased.”
Jesus lived a real life, and- just like us- his identity and faith were formed by real people and experiences.
The Book of Revelation has intrigued (and scared?!) believers for two millenia. How does this letter actually speak to the future?
As Christians, we live in a world that is already- and still being- made whole by Jesus.
The bible provides constant and consistent wisdom regarding our complex and often difficult relationship with money.
Wisdom is a megatheme in the bible- especially in Proverbs & the book of James. What does it look like to receive and walk in Godly wisdom?
Join pastors Ryan and Jenn Alexander for the next chapter of the bigger story, discussing love.
Join us as we explore what the Bible says about love and how it fits into The Bigger Story.
The Holy Spirit indwells all believers and empowers us to be witnesses to those around us.
The Holy Spirit indwells all believers and empowers us to be witnesses to those around us.
The Holy Spirit indwells all believers and empowers us to be witnesses to those around us.
Grief and Lament are key parts of the Christian walk. Join us as we explore what the Bible has to say on these topics.
Grief and Lament are key parts of the Christian walk. Join us as we explore what the Bible has to say on these topics.
Over and over, Jesus issued the invitation to people: "Come, follow me"... and to do so meant leaving behind previous identities, preferences, roles and religions. So what did it look like to follow Jesus then? And how do we truly follow him today?
Over and over, Jesus issued the invitation to people: "Come, follow me"... and to do so meant leaving behind previous identities, preferences, roles and religions. So what did it look like to follow Jesus then? And how do we truly follow him today?
Over and over, Jesus issued the invitation to people: "Come, follow me"... and to do so meant leaving behind previous identities, preferences, roles and religions. So what did it look like to follow Jesus then? And how do we truly follow him today?
ver and over, Jesus issued the invitation to people: "Come, follow me"... and to do so meant leaving behind previous identities, preferences, roles and religions. So what did it look like to follow Jesus then? And how do we truly follow him today?
There's got to more to life than this, right? Join us for our Easter message where we explore how the resurrection offers us a richer life.
The Bible is the most popular book of all time, but many of us (including Christians) find it a confusing and difficult book to read. So, we are beginning at the beginning, to read it together, and see the larger story unfold.
The Bible is the most popular book of all time, but many of us (including Christians) find it a confusing and difficult book to read. So, we are beginning at the beginning, to read it together, and see the larger story unfold.
The Bible is the most popular book of all time, but many of us (including Christians) find it a confusing and difficult book to read. So, we are beginning at the beginning, to read it together, and see the larger story unfold.
Christianity is unique in its claim that God became flesh, so humanity could see, touch, and hear from God “incarnate.” We are still invited to live in, and enjoy the very presence of God With Us.
Christianity is unique in its claim that God became flesh, so humanity could see, touch, and hear from God “incarnate.” We are still invited to live in, and enjoy the very presence of God With Us.
Christianity is unique in its claim that God became flesh, so humanity could see, touch, and hear from God “incarnate.” We are still invited to live in, and enjoy the very presence of God With Us.
Christianity is unique in its claim that God became flesh, so humanity could see, touch, and hear from God “incarnate.” We are still invited to live in, and enjoy the very presence of God With Us.
Jesus and his early followers drew a crowd because of their counter-cultural, contagious, irresistible way of living. What if The Church today did the same?
Jesus and his early followers drew a crowd because of their counter-cultural, contagious, irresistible way of living. What if The Church today did the same?
Jesus and his early followers drew a crowd because of their counter-cultural, contagious, irresistible way of living. What if The Church today did the same?
Jesus and his early followers drew a crowd because of their counter-cultural, contagious, irresistible way of living. What if The Church today did the same?
Jesus and his early followers drew a crowd because of their counter-cultural, contagious, irresistible way of living. What if The Church today did the same?
Jesus and his early followers drew a crowd because of their counter-cultural, contagious, irresistible way of living. What if The Church today did the same?
In Homecoming, we are diving into the story of the Prodigals in Luke 15 and into the rich, fulfilling, unrivaled experience of truly coming home.
In Homecoming, we are diving into the story of the Prodigals in Luke 15 and into the rich, fulfilling, unrivaled experience of truly coming home.
In our sermon series on Ephesians, we are looking at the letters to the church and how Paul's words are still relevant for our church today.
In our sermon series on Ephesians, we are looking at the letters to the church and how Paul's words are still relevant for our church today.
In our sermon series on Ephesians, we are looking at the letters to the church and how Paul's words are still relevant for our church today.
In our sermon series on Ephesians, we are looking at the letters to the church and how Paul's words are still relevant for our church today.
In our sermon series on Ephesians, we are looking at the letters to the church and how Paul's words are still relevant for our church today.
In our sermon series on Ephesians, we are looking at the letters to the church and how Paul's words are still relevant for our church today.
In this series, we explore what it looks like to be free from the power of sin and experience true freedom binding ourselves to Christ.
In this series, we explore what it looks like to be free from the power of sin and experience true freedom binding ourselves to Christ.
In this series, we explore what it looks like to be free from the power of sin and experience true freedom binding ourselves to Christ.
In this series, we explore what it looks like to be free from the power of sin and experience true freedom binding ourselves to Christ.
Week 6 of our series on the Holy Spirit, Gifted. Pentecost marks the time when the early church received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the unique gifts of the Spirit, for the building up of the Body of Christ. How is the Holy Spirit at work among us today?
Week 5 of our series on the Holy Spirit, Gifted. Pentecost marks the time when the early church received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the unique gifts of the Spirit, for the building up of the Body of Christ. How is the Holy Spirit at work among us today?
Week 4 of our series on the Holy Spirit, Gifted. Pentecost marks the time when the early church received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the unique gifts of the Spirit, for the building up of the Body of Christ. How is the Holy Spirit at work among us today?
Week 3 of our series on the Holy Spirit, Gifted. Pentecost marks the time when the early church received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the unique gifts of the Spirit, for the building up of the Body of Christ. How is the Holy Spirit at work among us today?
Week 2 of our series on the Holy Spirit, Gifted. Pentecost marks the time when the early church received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the unique gifts of the Spirit, for the building up of the Body of Christ. How is the Holy Spirit at work among us today?
Week 1 of our series on the Holy Spirit, Gifted. Pentecost Sunday memorializes the moment when the promised Holy Spirit fell upon, and filled the early believers to build up the church, and carry on Jesus’ work in the world. But who is the Holy Spirit? To answer this, we must start at the beginning.
Week 3 of our Series God and Trauma. In this series, we pray through Psalm 139 and invite God to shine His healing light, into the dark corners of our individual and collective trauma (including the collective trauma of a global pandemic).
Week 2 of our Series God and Trauma. In this series, we pray through Psalm 139 and invite God to shine His healing light, into the dark corners of our individual and collective trauma (including the collective trauma of a global pandemic).
Week 1 of our Series God and Trauma. In this series, we pray through Psalm 139 and invite God to shine His healing light, into the dark corners of our individual and collective trauma (including the collective trauma of a global pandemic).
Week 3 of our series The Rest of (His)tory. In this series, we explore the lesser known post-resurrection stories of Jesus and see why they matter for Christians.
Week 2 of our series The Rest of (His)tory. In this series, we explore the lesser known post-resurrection stories of Jesus and see why they matter for Christians.
Week 1 of our series The Rest of (His)tory. In this series, we explore the lesser known post-resurrection stories of Jesus and see why they matter for Christians.
Our Easter Service in 2021. In this service, Pastor Ryan Alexander discusses what it means for us to rise since Christ has risen.
Week 6 of our Lenten series, delivered on Palm Sunday 2021. In this series, we explore Jesus’ own words about his favorite topic: “The Kingdom of God”- and discover that our citizenship and participation in this Kingdom is the only way forward.
Week 5 of our Lenten series. In this series, we explore Jesus’ own words about his favorite topic: “The Kingdom of God”- and discover that our citizenship and participation in this Kingdom is the only way forward.
Week 4 of our Lenten series. In this series, we explore Jesus’ own words about his favorite topic: “The Kingdom of God”- and discover that our citizenship and participation in this Kingdom is the only way forward.
Week 3 of our Lenten series. In this series, we explore Jesus’ own words about his favorite topic: “The Kingdom of God”- and discover that our citizenship and participation in this Kingdom is the only way forward.
Week 2 of our Lenten series. In this series, we explore Jesus’ own words about his favorite topic: “The Kingdom of God”- and discover that our citizenship and participation in this Kingdom is the only way forward.
Week 1 of our Lenten series. In this series, we explore Jesus’ own words about his favorite topic: “The Kingdom of God”- and discover that our citizenship and participation in this Kingdom is the only way forward.
Our Ash Wednesday service in 2021. This service is a more intimate worship experience than a normal Sunday and is the beginning of the Lenten season.
Week 3 of our series Reconnecting: Choosing Community Again. This series discusses returning to and rebuilding Christ-centered community after long periods of quarantining and social distancing.
Week 2 of our series Reconnecting: Choosing Community Again. This series discusses returning to and rebuilding Christ-centered community after long periods of quarantining and social distancing.
Week 1 of our series Reconnecting: Choosing Community Again. This series discusses returning to and rebuilding Christ-centered community after long periods of quarantining and social distancing.
Week 4 of our sermon series Our Imperfect Families: Parenting in the Best and Worst of Times. In this series we explore biblical perspective on family and parenting.
Week 3 of our sermon series Our Imperfect Families: Parenting in the Best and Worst of Times. In this series we explore biblical perspective on family and parenting.
Week 2 of our sermon series Our Imperfect Families: Parenting in the Best and Worst of Times. In this series we explore biblical perspective on family and parenting.
Week 1 of our sermon series Our Imperfect Families: Parenting in the Best and Worst of Times. In this series we explore biblical perspective on family and parenting.
This series may cause many to be ready to seek help for your mental health. We want to support and provide resources to you for that. Please visit the Unstuck Page to get a complete list of resources.
Should you not find what you are looking for...
LENT: ALL ABOUT JESUS ...let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. Hebrews 12:1-21 (NIV) WHY JESUS CAME : LUKE 2:22-38 (P. 614) He is the image of the invisible God...