New Hope Chapel

What does true unity look like? The world has its own definition of unity: agreeing on the same ideas, sharing the same values, looking alike, or rallying around a common cause. But that kind of unity can be surprisingly superficial—and it can disappear the moment we disagree. This week, Julie Coleman leads us to discover that God’s vision for unity is far more challenging—and far more beautiful—than simply getting along. If you've ever wondered how Christians with different personalities, backgrounds, opinions, and gifts can genuinely become “one,” join us this Sunday as we explore God's surprising answer.

What if some of the things we’ve been taught to pursue in faith are actually meant to lead us somewhere deeper? This week is about curiosity, affection, and the possibility that God may be bigger than the box we’ve put Him in.Matt Divens

What will you leave behind? Most people hope their life will make a difference—but what kind of legacy truly lasts? This week, we'll explore Ephesians 3, where Paul reveals God's vision for a legacy that reaches far beyond our own lifetime. Discover His desire for every believer to invest in something that will impact generations to come. What is it? Join us and find out.Julie Coleman

If we look at physiological details of the eyes and how the images and visual information is processed in the brain, what spiritual meaning can we derive from these details?Rubén del Pilar

If we analyze the miraculous healing of the blind man from Bethsaida from a spiritual point of view using a spiritual lens and perspective...What can we learn about the physical and spiritual redeeming power of Jesus?What can we learn about the process of redemption and salvation of the believer?

Have you ever asked yourself: Why did the healing of the blind man of Bethsaida require the application of saliva and two touches over the eyes of the blind man from the part of Jesus? Didn’t Jesus have enough power to heal the blind man of Bethsaida with only one intervention? Listen as we try to answer these questions.

If God already knows your every thought, why do so many of us still wear masks when we pray? In this Podcast, we'll continue our study of Psalm 139 and explore David's bold invitation to stop pretending and start relating to God with openness, trust, and authenticity. It could change the way you pray forever.

What are you hoping for? Better circumstances? Healing for someone you love? A brighter tomorrow? We all hope for something—but what if the greatest hope isn't found in this life at all?Today, we'll explore 1 Corinthians 15, where Paul reveals why the resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of the Christian faith. Discover the hope that outlasts suffering, conquers death, and changes everything.In this podcast, we celebrate the risen Christ and discover the hope that anchors us today—and for eternity.

Feeling overwhelmed? David knew that feeling too. Join us this week as we explore Psalm 139 and discover how he found peace—not by changing his circumstances, but by resting in the truth that God knows him completely, cares for him personally, loves him deeply, and never leaves his side.

Pentecost was far more than the birth of the Church—it was the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan revealed through Israel's spring feasts. Passover pointed to Christ's sacrifice, Unleavened Bread to His sinless life and burial, First Fruits to His resurrection, and Pentecost to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.Just as the first Pentecost celebrated God giving His Law to Moses, this new Pentecost celebrates God giving His people His living Word through Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is also a powerful reversal of Babel, where divided languages gave way to a Spirit-created unity in Christ.But there's another astonishing connection between Pentecost and Christ's Ascension—one that unlocks the "great mystery" Paul so often proclaimed. Join us for the Big Reveal!

Have you ever wondered, “Have I sinned too much for God to forgive me?”In Matthew 12, Jesus makes a startling statement: “Every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” Does this mean there is a sin beyond the reach of God’s mercy?Years ago, some people even posted videos online claiming they were committing the “unpardonable sin” by intentionally saying or doing things they believed could put them beyond forgiveness. But did they really cross a line God would not forgive?Join us as we explore Jesus’ escalating conflict with the Pharisees and examine this difficult passage in its biblical context. Along the way, we’ll look at examples of serious sin in Scripture—and discover what they reveal about God’s justice, mercy, and grace.

According to the Mishnah, violating the Sabbath was considered one of the most serious offenses a person could commit, with the penalty being death by stoning. So when the Pharisees accused Jesus’ disciples of breaking Sabbath laws, they weren’t making a minor complaint—they were making a serious charge against Jesus Himself. What might seem like a small disagreement over rules was actually a challenge to Jesus’ identity. If He could be labeled a sinner, He could not be the promised Messiah.Join us as we discover how Jesus turned the tables on the religious experts and taught the teachers a lesson they never expected.

Throughout history, there have been moments when everything changed—the invention of the wheel, the telephone, the internet. These breakthroughs transformed the way people lived and connected with one another.Scripture also records pivotal moments when God changed the way He revealed Himself and related to humanity. This week, we’ll explore one of those often-overlooked turning points and discover how it reshaped our understanding of God’s presence with us.And if you struggle with restless nights, constant fatigue, or waking up tired even after a nap, don’t miss this episode. You may discover a better way to find true rest.

As we continue through Matthew’s Gospel, we encounter a sobering moment in Jesus’ ministry. Those who witnessed His teaching and miracles firsthand still refused to believe.Jesus compared their response to some of the most infamous cities in Israel’s history—Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom—declaring that even they would fare better on the day of judgment.Was this simply a warning for people long ago, or does Jesus still have something to say to us today?Join us to explore the danger of missing what God is doing right in front of us.

If you’ve ever struggled with doubts about your faith, you’re in good company. Even John the Baptist—the one who prepared the way for Jesus and proclaimed Him as the Messiah—had moments when he needed reassurance.This week, we’ll explore Matthew 11:1-15 and discover Jesus’ surprising response to John’s doubts. Was John’s uncertainty a failure of faith? Or did Jesus meet him with compassion and understanding?Join us as we uncover what this passage means for us when our own faith feels shaky. You may discover freedom from the guilt and regret that often come with doubt—and learn to pray with confidence: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

This Easter, we’re stepping back to see the sweeping story of Scripture—from the first creation to the new heaven and new earth. At the center of it all is one life-changing question: Why do Jesus’ death and resurrection matter so much?Because the cross and the empty tomb are the turning point of God’s story, where themes woven throughout Scripture—life, sacrifice, and God’s presence with His people—find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

Have you ever wondered if you’ll ever truly measure up to Christ’s call for His followers?In Matthew 10:37-42, Jesus finishes preparing His disciples to go out and announce that God’s kingdom is near. But how would they respond when faced with rejection, opposition, and challenges? And how will we respond when our own faith is tested?Join us as we explore Jesus’ final instructions to His disciples and discover the surprising simplicity of following God’s will for your life. The answer may be closer—and more freeing—than you think. 

Two of Jesus’ most beloved sayings are: “Love one another as I have loved you” and “Peace I give to you.” But then Matthew records Jesus saying something that sounds completely different: “I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”What do we do with these seemingly conflicting messages? How can the Jesus who calls us to love and peace also say that following Him may divide us—even from those closest to us?Join us as we unravel this mystery and discover the deeper truth behind Jesus’ challenging words.

In Matthew 10:24–31, Jesus prepares His followers for the reality of opposition and hardship. But three times He tells them, “Do not fear.” Why? Because the God who sees every sparrow knows His children completely and values them deeply.When we understand how closely God watches over us, we can face even the hardest circumstances with courage and confidence.

Jesus warned His disciples they would be “sheep among wolves.” In Matthew 10:16–23, He prepares them for the challenges of following Him in a world that may oppose their message and their mission.Join us as we explore what it means to live with the wisdom of a serpent, the innocence of a dove, and the courage to faithfully follow Christ—even when it comes at a cost.

Have you ever wondered how God wants to use you? There are countless books, studies, and seminars designed to help us discover our calling. Some people seem to know exactly where they fit and jump into ministry with confidence. Others are still searching.But how did Jesus’ twelve disciples feel when He called them together and told them they were ready to cast out demons, heal the sick, and proclaim the kingdom of God?And what does their calling reveal about ours?Join us as we discover how Jesus equips ordinary people to do extraordinary things for His kingdom.

What if Jesus’ miracles were meant to reveal more than His power—they were meant to reveal His heart?As we continue through Matthew, we encounter Jesus healing the sick, raising the dead, freeing the oppressed, and bringing hope to the hopeless.In this podcast, Dr. Bill Smith explores two more healings: Jesus restoring sight to the blind and speech to a man oppressed by a demon. These miracles reveal important truths about faith, prayer, and trusting Jesus with our deepest needs.Join us as we discover what the Healer of Matthew 9 teaches us today.

A desperate father with nothing left to lose.A woman who has suffered in silence for years.In Matthew 9:18–26, two lives collide with Jesus—and everything changes. Through these powerful encounters, we discover a Savior who sees the overlooked, reaches the broken, and brings hope where it seems impossible.Join Steve Coleman as he explores what these stories reveal about faith, healing, and trusting Jesus when we need Him most.

Sometimes God works in ways we never see coming—and in those moments, trusting His goodness can be difficult. Have you ever been there?Jesus Himself was the ultimate surprise. He revealed God’s kingdom in ways people never expected, challenging assumptions and turning their understanding upside down.So how can we recognize and trust Jesus when He doesn’t fit our expectations? Join us as we explore how to know Him more clearly—even when God moves in unexpected ways.

A paralyzed man is brought to Jesus—but the miracle is about far more than physical healing. Steve and Joanne explore Matthew 9:1–8 from four different perspectives and uncover what this encounter reveals about Jesus’ authority, forgiveness, and transforming power.

A violent storm. A man possessed by a legion of demons. Two impossible situations. One all-powerful Savior.Join Julie Coleman and explore Matthew 8:23–34 to discover what these dramatic encounters reveal about Jesus' authority over every force that threatens to overwhelm us. If He can command the wind and silence the powers of darkness, what does that mean for the storms in your life?

What does it really mean to be part of Jesus’ mission? Is it simply believing in Him—or does it mean following Him, serving alongside Him, and learning to live as He lived?In Matthew 8:14–22, Matthew places two surprising encounters side-by-side, connected by a prophecy that reveals a deeper truth. But what is the connection, and what does it teach us about following Jesus?Join us as we uncover what it means to truly be part of Christ’s mission.

This week we are coming back to the book of Matthew. We started the book in the fall of 2024 and finished the Sermon on the Mount in February 2025. Matthew is introducing a new generation of people to who Jesus is. Having introduced Jesus' genealogy, the miraculous birth, the magi's visit and the start of Jesus's ministry in chapters 1-4, Matthew told us about Jesus' "Sermon on the Mount." We are now at chapter 8 where Jesus performs two acts of healing. What do they have in common? What do they reveal about Jesus? Listen to discover the surprising answers.Steve Coleman

During the beauty of the Advent Season there is little focus on the brutality going on with Herod massacring all the male children 2 years old and under born in Bethlehem and the surrounding districts. There was a spiritual war going on attempting to get rid of Jesus and that spiritual war is still going on today. While the enemy failed at destroying Jesus at His birth, the enemy is still trying to get rid of the message of Jesus. Satan thought he succeeded through the crucifixion of Jesus only to find out that all backfired. Now that Jesus lives within us the enemy targets us. Fear not, God has provided us spiritual armor that gives us the power to withstand these attacks and to continue the work of defeating the enemy the same way Jesus did, with God’s Word. If you ever wondered how we actually “put on the full armor of God” you might be surprised how simple it really is to become armed and dangerous! William Smith

Joanne says..."Is this passage about submission and leadership?‘You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.’ (Inigo Montoya, The Princess Bride)Paul used a literary pattern that is seen regularly in the Hebrew Bible - what's sometimes termed ‘jump, jump, high jump.’ Jump 1 = Ephesians 5:15-18Jump 2 = Ephesians 5:19-21Jump 3 = Ephesians 5:22 to the high point of verse 32 and back down to 6:9The high point of it all Paul calls the Great Mystery. Leading up to the Great Mystery are three ‘as Christ’ illustrations and following the Great Mystery are three illustrations taken from family life. So let's look together at what that Great Mystery might be."

Have you ever thought about what "walking worthy of our calling" should look like in practical terms? Is it in keeping a strict moral standard? Presenting a "good witness" to society? Giving benevolently to those less fortunate than us? Paul may startle you with his answer in Ephesians 5. Is the church getting it right? Or are we missing the boat?"  Listen as Julie Coleman presents the sure-fire ways, we can demonstrate our commitment to the Lord, to each other and to the world.

This week, Rubén resumes his study of Luke 11:34-36 focusing on the eyes. He reveals how important the eyes and light are to our understanding of this and many other scripture passages.

The eyes could be the most important sense we, as humans, have. Listen as Rubén explains why and reveals how this enlightens our understanding of Luke 11.(Tech Issue: Audio is not the best at the beginning but does improve.)

This week Steve Coleman teaches from Ephesians 4:17-32. He says, "The message of the book of Ephesians has stressed that we should 'walk in a manner worthy' of our calling in Jesus. As we continue in chapter 4, this 'walk' is described in very practical terms and we are introduced to ways that we can change our behavior from old patterns to new."

Every person who is born again into the family of God, who is built as a living stone into the temple of God, who serves in that temple as a priest of God, and finally, who becomes part of the one Body of Christ, is given something vital, something crucial, to contribute. The apostle Paul talked about gifts given to us by God, through the power of Christ via his Spirit. To develop and use our gifts benefits us and the whole Body, the family, the living temple. This is what’s healthy for a living organism, to grow and mature. But how? 

Steve Coleman continues our study of Ephesians. In chapter 4 Paul urges us to walk worthy of our calling. Listen as Steve examines how we do that in unity of Spirit. 

If you ever get the feeling that your Christian life is in a rut, or you keep facing the same struggles, or you somehow feel weak, then listen as we grasp hold of what Paul really wanted for the Ephesians and for us. You are more powerful than you think!Dr. Bill Smith

What was the mystery that had remained hidden for thousands of years? We look back now, and it seems so obvious! But in Paul's day, that wasn't the case. God was revealing new facets of the mystery even as dictated the words to his scribe—and "this is by God's glorious grace!" he wrote. But people were having a tough time dealing with the implications. God's revealed mystery of uniting gentile believers and Jewish believers into one body seemed to fly in the face of scripture, and certainly transgressed every Jewish custom and oral law. Yet there it was. This is the "multifaceted wisdom of God.” Listen as David and Joanne lead this interactive study about who was impacted by Paul's radical and unsettling teaching, and what it might mean for you and me today.

We continue our series in the book of Ephesians. Ephesus was a major commercial center in the Roman world with a population of around 250,000. The city also had a significant Jewish community: estimates put the Jewish population at 20,000 to 25,000. In the last part of chapter 2, Paul continues to write about the marvels of our salvation, but focuses in on the Gentile majority. Listen to see what Steve Coleman says about the Gentiles and the shocking reality of Jews and Gentiles in the same church.

Are you wondering if God plans to use you for His glory? He has a purpose for you. Listen to see what He has already done for and in us as Julie Coleman zeroes in on Ephesians 2:1-10 and learn to live in the extravagant love, mercy, grace, and kindness He has so abundantly provided for those who believe.

In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul piles term upon term to explain that the extraordinary divine force that raised Jesus from the dead is now at work in all believers. Are you living in that resurrection power? Listen to find out how to tap into that amazing resource. It’s way bigger than you think! 

This week we begin an amazing series on the book of Ephesians. You are going to want to put your seatbelt on for this one. The book gives penetrating insights into our identity in Christ and how we fit into God's plan for the world and for the Body of Christ. You won't want to miss a single session.Steve Coleman

In the days and weeks after Pentecost, it must have seemed like a glorious time as people broke bread together in each other's homes, and soaked in the apostles' teaching. Peter and John were publicly healing people, thousands believed in Jesus, and the gospel began to sweep through even Samaria. But trouble soon came. First, John and Peter were arrested. Then the Greek widows were not being treated fairly, and more leaders were needed. Persecution began, one of the new leaders, Stephen, was martyred. Then Peter was dragged off in chains again. What did the church do in response?  If you'd like a preview, read Acts 4:31, then read Acts 12. This week’s message is more of a Bible study as we dive in together and discover what we can learn from their early experience.Joanne Hagemeyer

Before his ascension Jesus provides teaching concerning the meaning and significance of his death and resurrection. Luke 24:44-49 focuses on Old Testament prophecy concerning God’s plan. Listen as Jon shares his insights into this great commission.

According to Jesus' 'greatest commandments,' we need to be occupied with love for God and love for others. Love is an important theme of the New Testament. John writes that God is love. Not that God is loving, or God has love. Since God is love, when we encounter him and get to know him, we can't help but be affected by that love. Have you ever thought about the ways God's love has impacted your life with His love? He is our greatest resource for becoming loving people. Listen as Steve Coleman reveals four ways God has affected your ability to love--it will change your life.

New Hope Chapel has had women teachers for a long time, and about five years ago, New Hope also began recognizing women as elders. Around the same time, we decided to phase out the language of deacons and elders and move into the language of a pastoral team and a teaching team. We know there are many examples of women as disciples in the New Testament--Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Susanna, Martha and Mary of Bethany, and many others. In fact, Tabitha is introduced as a disciple. But are there examples of women teachers, pastors, and ministers? Yes! This week, we meet a half dozen women who taught, pastored, and ministered first-century churches, and spend extra time with Phoebe, whose remarkable story is found in Romans 16.

Has it ever felt that God has let you down? Maybe it was unanswered prayer—a plea for His help, or claiming a promise He made but did not fulfill it. This week, Julie Coleman shares her message on 'The Unexpected God'. Listen and see how He works in unexpected ways--more often than we think!

The Bible says that we have freedom as Christians. The question is freedom to do what? Using the book of Galatians, we will explore what freedom in Christ means and the surprising ways our lives can be different. Listen to look at a new way to live.Steve Coleman

Have you ever felt that your life is spinning out of control, and everything is out of your hands? Maybe there is a personal circumstance like an illness or tragedy that made you feel absolutely helpless. Or maybe it is in looking at our country’s current problems or scary world events. Julie Coleman tells a story where the powerless became the powerful (Judges 3:15-30). What happened then can happen for you today.  

Have you ever been reading scripture and wondered, “That seems weird,” or “I wonder what that means”? I know I have more than once stumbled over certain verses. Right after Jesus taught the crowd the parable of the sower, his disciples asked Him why he taught that way. In his response, Jesus says something that seems strange or, to some, even harsh. Jesus said that those who have more will be given, but to those who do not have, even that will be taken away. That verse has always bugged me, but not enough to really dig into it, until now. I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing from you this Sunday as we ask God to reveal to us what this means for us. Dr. Bill Smith