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Week 2 of our "Set Free" Galatians series. Today we won't even mention Galatians—we're setting up framework by looking at PAUL'S STORY.Satan uses our past as a weapon against us in two ways:Believers plagued by their past - Every time they sin, they remember who they've been. It holds them from recovering, from coming to God for forgiveness and guidance.Keeps people from coming to Christ - Their past convinces them they're too far gone.PAUL'S PAST:Acts 8:1-2 - "Saul APPROVED the stoning of Stephen." Stephen was the first martyr of the church—a good, honorable, godly man. Paul was there and APPROVED his killing.Acts 8:3 - "Saul started making trouble for the church. He went from house to house, arresting men and women and putting them in jail."Acts 22:4-5 - Paul recounts: "I persecuted followers of the Lord's Way. I had them arrested and put in jail. I even voted for them to be killed."Paul was going to Damascus with authority to arrest believers. But on that road, Jesus met him.THE DAMASCUS ROAD:"Saul, Saul, why do you PERSECUTE ME?"Paul: "Who are you, Lord?""I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting."When Paul persecutes the church, he's persecuting JESUS. When you harm God's people, you harm Christ.And Paul CHANGES. Completely. Post-conversion Paul writes most of our New Testament.1 TIMOTHY 1:15-16:"Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—and I am the WORST of them all. But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of His great patience."PAUL'S SIN ISN'T UNIQUE:Paul says he's the WORST sinner. But is he? Is Paul's sin worse than Jeffrey Dahmer's? Than Hitler's? Than yours? Than mine?Paul is looking at his sin and recognizing: ALL sin is equally heinous in God's eyes. Murder, lying, gossip, it's ALL the same.And if God can forgive PAUL, the chief of sinners, He can forgive ANYONE.THE POINT:You've been set free from your past. But Jesus never promises a free RIDE.2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God comforts us so we can comfort others with the same comfort we received.Your past, all the garbage, all the pain, all the sin, GOD USES IT. He uses it to set someone ELSE free.Paul's past made him uniquely qualified to preach grace. Your past makes you uniquely qualified to reach people NO ONE ELSE can reach.BOTTOM LINE:Can you be set free from your past? YES. Paul is proof.But God doesn't waste your past. He USES it. Use your freedom to set someone else free.🔔 Subscribe | 👍 Like | 💬 What past is God using in YOUR life?becomehope.com0:00 - Introduction: Set Free Series Framework1:00 - Not Mentioning Galatians Today2:00 - Satan Uses Our Past Against Us3:00 - Who Was Paul/Saul?4:00 - Acts 8:1-2 - Saul Approved Stephen's Stoning5:00 - Acts 8:3 - House to House Arrests6:00 - Acts 22:4-5 - Paul Recounts His Past7:00 - The Damascus Road Conversion8:00 - "Saul, Saul, Why Do You Persecute ME?"9:00 - Persecuting the Church = Persecuting Jesus10:00 - Paul Changes Completely11:00 - 1 Timothy 1:15-16 - Worst of Sinners12:00 - Is Paul's Sin Worse Than Others?13:00 - All Sin Equally Heinous to God14:00 - If God Can Forgive Paul, He Can Forgive Anyone15:00 - Jesus Never Promises a Free Ride16:00 - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - Comfort Others17:00 - God Uses Your Past18:00 - Use Your Freedom to Set Others Free19:00 - Closing Challenge

Today we start a new sermon series on the book of Galatians. The subtitle: SET FREE.Galatians is probably one of Paul's earliest letters, written to a group of churches in a region called Galatia.THE PROBLEM:Galatians 1:6-7 - "I am SHOCKED that you are turning away so soon from God who called you through the loving mercy of Christ. You're following a DIFFERENT WAY that pretends to be the good news, but it's not the good news at all. You're being fooled by those who deliberately TWIST the truth concerning Christ."Paul starts right off: "You guys are following a different gospel."WHAT WAS THE "OTHER GOSPEL"?Acts 15 tells us. Some men from Judea taught: "Unless you're CIRCUMCISED as required by the law of Moses, you CANNOT BE SAVED."When you become a Christian, you first have to become JEWISH.It's hard for some to break with tradition they learned all their life. They grew up being Jews. They followed the law. They couldn't conceive of NOT following the law.The basic truth of the Old Testament doesn't change: Man sinned. Man broke relationship with God. God had mercy and received mankind back through GOD'S GRACE and through MAN'S FAITH.So they went a step farther: "If you want to follow Jesus, you must become a good Jew just like us."I'm sure in their minds, they were trying to be good Christians.BUT PAUL SAW DEEPER.For Paul, the basic question was: Is Christianity a SECT of Judaism? (Like being a Pharisee or Sadducee?) Or is this something TOTALLY NEW?All of Jesus' first disciples were good Jewish men. So it's natural to think as the church grows, everybody should become a good Jewish man.But Paul's answer: NO. This is something TOTALLY NEW. COMPLETELY DIFFERENT.HOW SERIOUS IS THIS?Galatians 1:8-10 - "Let God's curse fall on ANYONE—including us or even an angel from heaven—who preaches a DIFFERENT kind of good news. I say again: If anyone preaches any other good news, let that person be CURSED."This isn't Paul saying "I'd really prefer you didn't do that." This is Paul saying: "If you follow a different gospel, you are CURSED."TWO GOSPELS COMPARED:PAUL'S GOSPEL:Comes by God's GRACERequires FAITH in ChristResults in obedience to the LAW OF CHRIST (love God, love others)THE OTHER GOSPEL (Judaizers):Also comes by grace of GodRequires OBEDIENCE TO THE LAW (Moses' law)Results in following Old Testament requirementsPaul's gospel is about FOLLOWING CHRIST. The other gospel says you must SUBMIT TO THE LAW.THE QUESTION:Why would they EVER go back to submit to the law after experiencing freedom in Christ?This series will explore what it means to be SET FREE in Christ.🔔 Subscribe | 👍 Like | 💬 What does freedom in Christ mean to YOU?becomehope.com

Final sermon in our forgiveness series. This isn't directly about forgiveness, it's about RESTORATION. But when you restore someone, forgiveness is almost always involved.GALATIANS 6:1-5 gives us 5 things to do:1. RESTORE GENTLYUsually when we forgive, we're forgiving an offense against US. That brings up anger. But Paul says: forgive GENTLY.Leave your anger at the door. Yes, you're angry. That's okay. But when you talk about forgiveness, that's NOT the time to express your anger.Start with FACTS. "You did this." State what happened. THEN talk about feelings: "When you did this, this is how I felt."Paul did this with Corinth (2 Corinthians). He stated facts, then explained how their actions made him feel.2. WATCH YOURSELFWe don't forgive because we're so much better than the person we're forgiving. Frequently we're just as bad or even worse.Examine your OWN actions. Even when we forgive, it's very important to set BOUNDARIES.3. CARRY THE BURDEN WITH THEMIf they ask for forgiveness and you forgive, help them carry the burden of CONSEQUENCES.Their action brings certain consequences. Help them understand those consequences. Walk through Matthew 18 process if needed: go to them, take witnesses, take to the church.4. SET BOUNDARIESForgiveness ≠ reconciliation. You can forgive and still set boundaries.If they say "I'm sorry, let's go back to the way things were," you can say NO. That's okay. Saying no is a RESPONSIBLE way to respond.You might limit personal contact. They broke your trust. You no longer trust they won't do it again.Examples:"We can get together once in a while, but weekly isn't right yet"Setting social media boundariesLimiting time/contact5. LET THEM CARRY THEIR OWN LOADGalatians 6:2 - "Bear one another's burdens" Galatians 6:5 - "Each man shall bear his own burden"Contradiction? NO. Two different Greek words.Verse 2: "Share each other's BURDEN" (heavy crushing weight) Verse 5: "Each responsible for own CONDUCT" (personal pack/responsibility)We help carry the CRUSHING burden. But they still carry responsibility for their OWN conduct.Jesus said: "My yoke is easy, my burden is light." We can help carry the crushing weight. But they must carry their own responsibility.BOTTOM LINE:Forgive gently. Watch yourself. Carry the burden WITH them. Set boundaries. Let them carry their own load.🔔 Subscribe to New Hope Church Podcast 👍 Like if this helped you 💬 What boundaries have you had to set? Share belowbecomehope.com

HOW can we forgive?THE HARD TRUTH: WE CAN'T. NOT ON OUR OWN.Many of us say "I'll forgive anything...but I won't forgive THAT." We draw lines in the sand. We say "this far, but no further." Often it's something that impacts us or someone we love deeply.Here's the truth: That line isn't real. Not in Jesus' book.I don't think we CAN forgive in our human nature. Jesus calls us to such a high standard that it goes beyond our ability. It has to be THROUGH GOD working in you that you can even do it.MATTHEW 18: PETER'S QUESTIONPeter asked: "How many times shall I forgive? Up to seven times?" (Seven = number of completion. Peter thought he was being generous.)Jesus answered: "Not seven times, but SEVENTY TIMES SEVEN." (Or 77, depending on translation.)Jesus isn't giving a literal number. He's saying: FOREVER FORGIVENESS. It's not quantifiable. It's infinite. It's complete.WHY WE CAN'T DO IT:Romans 3:10-12 - "None is righteous, no not one. No one understands. No one seeks God. All have turned aside. They've become worthless. No one does good, not even one."This isn't just Paul. He's summarizing FOUR other Bible passages. This is an over-and-over theme: You're not good. I'm not good. The best person you know isn't good. We're incapable of good.Yet we're asked to TOTALLY remove the transgressions people lay on us. Set it as far away as possible. Forgive quickly, in the moment. No number of times someone can wrong you where you finally say "Now we're done."FORGIVENESS ≠ RECONCILIATIONReconciliation = restoration of relationship. Everything made right. Moving forward as friends, hand in hand.Forgiveness = in HERE (your heart). I'm not gonna hold that anymore. I'm not counting it against you.Forgiveness doesn't mean I put myself in a position where you can do it again. BUT, sometimes it MIGHT mean that. Maybe that's between you and God.THE HILARIOUS PART:You can't do it yourself (everything you do is evil in your flesh). YET through God you CAN. AND YET...you HAVE to.God loves doing that. "You can't do it. Only God can. But you totally have to though."MATTHEW 18:23-35: PARABLE OF THE UNFORGIVING SERVANTA king forgave a servant's MASSIVE debt (10,000 bags of gold—unpayable). That same servant went out and found a fellow servant who owed him a tiny amount. Refused to show mercy. Had him thrown in jail.The king called him back: "You wicked servant! I canceled your ENTIRE debt because you begged me. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?"The king handed him over to jailers to be tortured until he paid back everything.The point: God forgave you an UNPAYABLE debt. How can you not forgive others?🔔 Subscribe | 👍 Like | 💬 What makes forgiveness hard for YOU?becomehope.com

Jesus commands us to forgive, not seven times, but seventy times seven. But why is forgiveness so HARD?TWO GREEK WORDS FOR FORGIVENESS:Aphiēmi (147 times in NT, 42 times from Jesus) - Means "to LEAVE something." Leave behind our emotional tie to the offense.Charizomai (24 times, all in Paul) - Means "to show MERCY." Give mercy to others like God gave us mercy.Forgiveness = Leave the emotional tie + Show mercy.WHY IS FORGIVENESS HARD?Not because of what forgiveness IS. It's the UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS we pile onto it.MYTH #1: "Forgive and Forget"The Bible NEVER says this. We're wired to REMEMBER.Experiment: Remember 35. Now forget it. What's the number? We can't forget.BUT we CAN stop BRINGING UP the offense. We can leave that behind.Emotional abuse is hard because we RELIVE it. In the wee hours of the morning, we relive that episode. We're abused hundreds of times because we relive it constantly.GOOD NEWS: You don't have to. You can forgive and leave that emotional tie behind.MYTH #2: Forgiveness Means Denying It HappenedNO. The offense happened. The offense hurt.PETER'S STORY:1 Corinthians 15: Jesus appeared to Peter PRIVATELY before the 12.Peter said "I'll never betray you!" Hours later, denied Jesus THREE TIMES. Wept bitterly—heart-wracking sobs.Jesus sought Peter out. "Did you deny me three times? Yes. That happened. But I forgive you."Jesus didn't DENY it. He ACKNOWLEDGED it, then FORGAVE.Forgiveness isn't pretending it didn't happen. It's leaving the emotional tie behind and showing mercy.🔔 Subscribe | 👍 Like | 💬 What makes forgiveness hard for YOU?becomehope.com0:00 - Introduction: Four Pastors, One Church2:00 - Finishing "All That I've Commanded" Series3:00 - Luke 17: Forgive Seven Times a Day4:00 - Two Greek Words for "Forgive"5:00 - Aphiēmi: To LEAVE Something6:00 - Charizomai: To Show MERCY7:00 - What We Leave Behind: Emotional Tie to Offense8:00 - Why Is Forgiveness So Hard?9:00 - Myth #1: "Forgive and Forget"10:00 - The 35 Experiment: We're Wired to Remember11:00 - Emotional Abuse: Reliving the Offense12:00 - Peter's Private Meeting with Jesus13:00 - Peter's Promise: "I'll Never Betray You"14:00 - Peter Wept Bitterly15:00 - What Did Jesus and Peter Talk About?16:00 - Jesus Acknowledged It, Then Forgave17:00 - Forgiveness Doesn't Mean Denying It Happened#ForgivenessIsHard #ForgiveAndForget #CanYouForgive #LeaveItBehind #ShowMercy #NewHopeChurch #PastorRandy #SundaySermon #ForgivenessSermon #EmotionalTie #PeterDeniedJesus #JesusForgave #BiblicalForgiveness #HowToForgive #WhyForgiveHard

He is risen! This is the biggest holiday we celebrate, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.We believe in a God who is intrinsically active in His creation. He made the earth, looked at it, and said "It's GOOD." He made man and woman in His image as His ambassadors, to enjoy life, work, food, relationship. One rule: Don't eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.Then Satan slithered in with three lies (the same ones he uses today): (1) God isn't trustworthy, (2) There's hidden knowledge you need, (3) It will make you like God.Eve ate. Adam ate. Their eyes opened. They saw their nakedness, their shame, their sin. Their relationship with God was SEVERED. This sin was sewn into our DNA, every child after would suffer the same.God cursed Satan, Adam, and Eve. But He promised: "One day her son will crush your head. You'll strike his heel, but he'll crush your head."SIN DESTROYED EVERYTHING:God reset with Noah and the flood. But Noah was a sinner too. Tower of Babel, humanity tried to make a great name for themselves. God scattered them according to the sons of God (that's where pagan nations and their gods came from).Heaven marred by sin. Earth marred by sin. Sin ruins everything it touches.God chose Abraham (who couldn't even have kids!) and said, "Through YOUR bloodline, I'm going to save the world. The seed of the woman will come through you."The whole Old Testament is waiting for that Messianic figure, the Savior who will save us from sin and death. We thought it might be David. Nope. Every guy we thought might be THE guy fell apart.THEN CAME JESUS:Born of a virgin. Holy Spirit. God Himself (triune God). Lived the perfect life we can't live. And we KILLED Him for it.Why? Because He preached things like "Love your enemy" and "If you follow me, you'll die to yourself." People wanted a warlord to save them from Rome. So they killed Him.But Jesus PREDICTED it. He said it would be like Jonah, in the belly of the great sea beast for three days, then brought out. He predicted His own death and resurrection.He died. Three days later, He rose from the dead. THAT'S what we celebrate today.He conquered sin and death. He paid the toll we owed (our lives). He lived the perfect life we were expected to live. All the work is COMPLETED.BUT WHY? WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT?Isaiah 59:2 - "Your iniquities have separated you from your God. Your sins have hidden His face from you so that He will not hear you."God is GOOD. He wants His creation to be GOOD.It would be one thing for Jesus to just save us from death. But that's not all He does. As Westerners, we often stop there: "Yeah, I'm saved by Jesus." But that's not the POINT.The point of saving you is to RESTORE YOUR RELATIONSHIP with the God of the universe.Sin separated us from God. Jesus' death and resurrection didn't just save us from hell, it RECONCILED us to God. It brought us BACK into relationship with Him.That's the gospel. That's why Easter matters. He is risen indeed.🔔 Subscribe to New Hope Church Podcast👍 Like if you needed this reminder💬 What does the resurrection mean to YOU? Share belowCompanion Podcasts:Daily Devotional: "Let's Find Out Together"Apologetics: "Salty Saints"Visit: becomehope.com

Jesus' final command: "Go and make disciples." But discipleship starts at HOME. Parents are priests over their households, responsible for their children's spiritual development.THE WEIGHT ON OVERSEERS:Hebrews 13:17 - Overseers must give an account for your spiritual wellbeing. 1 Peter 5:1-4 - Shepherd God's flock, not for gain but willingly. Acts 20:28-31 - The church was bought with God's blood (like watching a Ferrari). Savage wolves will come. James 3:1 - Teachers judged more strictly.BUT YOU'RE A PRIEST TOO:1 Peter 2:9 - ALL believers are a royal priesthood. Parents are priests over their households. You'll stand before God and give an account for how well you led your children to Christ.YOUR RESPONSIBILITY:Deuteronomy 6:4-9 - Impress commands on your children at ALL times (sitting, walking, lying down, rising). Tie on hands (actions), bind on foreheads (thoughts), write on doorframes (house emanates Christ).Ephesians 6:4 - Bring them up in training and instruction of the Lord.Genesis 18:18-19 - Abraham chosen to DIRECT his children and household. God entrusts bloodlines to faithful people passing down teachings.Proverbs 22:6 - Direct children onto right path; when older, they won't leave it.Luke 6:40 - Student becomes like their teacher. YOU'RE the teacher.THE PROBLEM:Parents drop kids at Sunday school—that's the ONLY time they hear about Jesus. When kids ask Bible questions, parents say "Go ask your pastor." YOU are their pastor. Church gets them for 1 hour/week. The world gets them 24/7.If you're not discipling your kids, the WORLD IS. It's not asking permission. It's raising them in ITS image.Many talk about "Jesus" on social media, but it's not the biblical Jesus. Kids are left to their own devices, forming conclusions from Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, school, friends.THE SOLUTION:Start with YOUR household first, then radiate outward: You → Family → Friends → Workplace → Strangers. Don't jump from A to Z.Joshua 24:14-15 - "Choose this day whom you will serve... As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."What gods are in YOUR household? TV? Fox News? MSNBC? Podcasts? Nintendo Switch? What do your kids see you doing?Go ALL IN on Jesus. Start reading the Bible with your kids TODAY. Lay a foundation. When they hit rock bottom later, they'll have something to stand on.Church won't raise your kids into Christians. YOU will. And if you don't have the grounding yourself, you can't give what you don't possess.🔔 Subscribe for challenging messages on discipleship👍 Like if this convicted you💬 What gods are in your household? Share below 👇

Jesus commands: "Don't assume." He says it several ways: Don't assume you know what I'm going to say. Don't be surprised by what I say. Don't think like everybody else and assume that's right.THREE TIMES JESUS SAID "DON'T ASSUME":John 3 - Nicodemus: "Don't be surprised when I say you must be born ANŌTHEN" (from above OR again). Nicodemus heard "again." Jesus meant "from above."Matthew 10: "Don't assume I came to bring peace. I came to bring a sword." Follow Him anyway—even if it brings division.Matthew 5: "Don't misunderstand—I didn't come to abolish the Law. I came to accomplish its purpose."THREE THINGS WE ASSUME:1. WHAT WE'VE ALWAYS DONE IS RIGHT Mark 7: Pharisees got mad disciples didn't wash hands before eating. But the OT NEVER commanded this. Pharisees took a priest tradition and applied it to everyone, dividing people into "holy ones" and "sinners." Jesus called them HYPOCRITES. Yesterday's solutions become today's problems.2. WE KNOW OTHERS' MOTIVATIONS Joshua 22: Two tribes built an altar. Israel prepared for WAR—assuming rebellion. But they TALKED first. Turns out it was a memorial, not for sacrifice. Israel assumed WRONG. Mind reading is NOT a spiritual gift.3. INTELLIGENT PEOPLE AGREE WITH US Romans 12:2 - We're prone to GROUP THINK. We listen to people who agree until we're convinced everyone agrees. Paul says: Be TRANSFORMED. Let God change the way you think.HOW TO AVOID ASSUMPTIONS:Recognize mind reading is NOT a spiritual giftCelebrate differences of opinion (Romans 14)Believe the best of others until proven wrong (Romans 12:10)BOTTOM LINE: Don't assume. TALK. COMMUNICATE.Conversations may be awkward. Do them anyway.🔔 Subscribe for commands that challenge assumptions 👍 Like if you've been guilty of assuming 💬 What assumption turned out wrong? Share below 👇

Jesus commands us: "Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us." Then He adds: "If you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:14-15).This is an incredibly dangerous prayer. If you harbor anger, if you choose not to forgive, you're literally saying to God: "I don't want you to forgive me either."THE PROBLEM: WE'RE GETTING ANGRIERRoad rage is UP. Indiana ranks 3rd in the nation for fatal crashes from road rage. Shootings on roadways jumped from 9 in 2019 to 65 in 2021.Anger at government: 70% of Americans are frustrated or angry (consistently since 2010).Social media: "Rage bait" was Oxford's Word of the Year. Content designed to make you angry keeps you on the site longer. Studies show: more social media = more anger.WHY WE'RE ANGRY: Fundamental Attribution ErrorWhen YOU mess up: "Well, circumstances dictated..." When SOMEONE ELSE messes up: "That idiot! They're fundamentally flawed!"We cut ourselves slack we're not willing to give others.HOW TO FORGIVE:Stop saying "I can't forgive" - That's a lie. You CHOOSE not to forgive. Forgiveness is a choice. So is anger.Learn the difference between HURT and INJURY - Injury requires treatment. Hurt can be forgiven. Deal with injury appropriately, but recognize most offenses are hurt, not injury.Forgiveness doesn't eliminate consequences - A thief can apologize, but legal consequences remain. Forgiveness doesn't erase effects.Forgiveness benefits YOU, not them - If you choose anger, it consumes you. If you forgive, you're FREE from bondage to that offense.Recognize how God has forgiven YOU - That slap on the cheek doesn't seem so big when you look at Jesus on the cross.Choose to forgive DAILY - It's not one-time. Every day you can pick that offense back up. So every day, choose to forgive again.BUT WAIT—Can We Rebuke AND Forgive?Luke 17: "If another believer sins, rebuke that person. Then if there's repentance, forgive.""Judge" has two meanings: (1) Come to a right decision, (2) Condemn. Jesus says don't CONDEMN. But DO judge (come to right decision). Rebuke the sin. Help them see what they did. Then FORGIVE.BOTTOM LINE:When something bad happens, DON'T choose anger. That's natural—but it's WRONG. When you choose anger, they get angrier, you get angrier, and it snowballs into a car-wrecking disaster.Choose forgiveness. It's unnatural. It must be learned. But it sets YOU free.🔔 Subscribe for commands that challenge comfortable Christianity👍 Like if you're choosing forgiveness over anger💬 What produces anger in your life? Share below 👇

Jesus' disciples asked, "Lord, teach us to pray" (Luke 11:1-4). Jesus gave them a simple model: "Father, may your name be kept holy. May your kingdom come soon. Give us each day the food we need and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And don't let us yield to temptation."What strikes me about that prayer? It's SIMPLE. No flowery words. No "thee" and "thou." Just straightforward, everyday words, everyday needs. And it's SHORT—about 15 seconds.Prayer is simply a conversation with God, just like you'd talk to a friend.WHY DID JESUS PRAY?FIVE REASONS:TO BUILD RELATIONSHIP - Luke 3: At Jesus' baptism, as He prayed, the Father said "You are my dearly loved Son." Do you just present a list of wants? Or build relationship?FOR GUIDANCE - Four times Jesus spent ALL NIGHT in prayer before major decisions (choosing the 12, starting public ministry, Gethsemane). Are your big decisions informed by prayer?TO GIVE THANKS - Luke 10: Jesus stopped mid-day to thank the Father. When you become aware of God's presence, do you stop and thank Him?FOR PERSONAL STRENGTH - Gethsemane: Jesus was in such agony His sweat fell like drops of blood. An angel came and strengthened Him. When you need strength, do you pray?FOR OTHERS—INCLUDING ENEMIES - Luke 6: "Pray for those who hurt you." Pray for everyone you contact. If they're not friendly, you DEFINITELY have something to pray for.HOW SHOULD WE PRAY? The Lord's Prayer is 15 seconds. It's just a conversation. In John's Gospel, it doesn't say Jesus "prayed" it says He "looked to heaven and said." That's prayer: talking to your friend.Jesus prayed FREQUENTLY but not always in scheduled blocks. The urge to talk to His Father came on Him, and He did it, sometimes in front of crowds, sometimes alone.TRUE CONFESSION:I struggle with extended prayer times. My mind wanders. But it hit me: Prayer is a CONVERSATION. I don't schedule times to talk to my wife. I see her and talk. The conversation lasts 3-4 minutes. An hour later, we do it again.That's what I do with God all day long. Driving, someone comes to mind, I pray. It's not a separate 15-minute block—it's CONSTANT.BUT WAIT—Does that mean we shouldn't have 15-minute prayer times? Of course not! Jesus spent ALL NIGHT in prayer. We need BOTH: extended times AND constant conversation throughout the day. Be bold enough to stop and say, "May I pray for you right now?"FOUR QUESTIONS:When and how do I pray to build my relationship with God? If you don't, start.When and how do I pray for guidance and strength? I was taught I can do anything if I try hard enough. I can't. Neither can you. We ALL need strength.When and how do I thank God? Keep a Thanksgiving journal. Write down what you thank God for. When you get depressed, open it up.When and how do I pray for others? Friends, enemies—doesn't matter. Pray for those you can influence.BOTTOM LINE: PRAY.Lord, teach us to pray like You prayed. We need You. We need that relationship. We need Your guidance, Your strength, Your empowerment to bless others.

Jesus looked at 12 ordinary guys and said: "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those with leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give." (Matthew 10:5-8)Then they DID. Not by their own power, by God's power working through them.In week 5 of "All That I've Commanded You," Pastor Zach tackles the command we often skip: miracles, healing, and God's supernatural work TODAY.THE CORE MESSAGE:I'm not a cessationist (someone who believes miracles stopped after the early church). Why? I don't see that anywhere in my Bible. People all over the world report miracles TODAY.The Great Commission is self-replicating. YOU have been given authority (by God's power alone) to heal the sick, raise the dead, and drive out demons. Not by YOUR power, by God's.TWO TRUTHS IN TENSION:WE PRAY DILIGENTLY AND EXPECT MIRACLES - Jesus healed constantly. "By your faith you have been healed." We should ask boldly.WHEN MIRACLES DON'T HAPPEN, WE STILL PRAISE GOD - Sometimes God says NO. Jesus in Gethsemane prayed for another way. God said NO—the cross was the only way. Nobody had more faith than Jesus, yet God said no.THE SHADRACH, MESHACH, ABEDNEGO APPROACH:"Our God will rescue us from the furnace. And even if He doesn't, we still won't bow. We'll bow to the God of the universe."God's going to come through. And even if He doesn't, He's still God, He's still good, and I trust Him.THREE REAL MIRACLE STORIES:PASTOR TONY SMITH:Christmas Eve - major heart attack, 5% heart function, total organ failure. Doctors: "We don't know how you're alive." Hundreds praying. Organs restart. Heart climbs from 5% to 30%. Doctors: "We don't understand how this is possible." Two weeks later: eating lunch with pastors, preaching again.STEVE (Stage 4 Cancer):Given a year to live. Sees Jesus laughing at the end of his bed. Prays: "Just give me a fighting chance." Specialist uses the EXACT same words. 10 years later: cancer-free, alive, following Jesus. Jesus was laughing because He'd already conquered Steve's death, physically AND spiritually.COREY (Age 32):Hodgkin's AND non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Risky surgery. Nurses circle around, pray over him. "I knew God had me. I wasn't afraid." His response: "I believe God will heal me. But if He doesn't, I'm okay going home. My family knows Jesus. Whatever time I have, I'll spend telling everyone about Jesus."THE D.L. MOODY STORY:D.L. Moody preached two identical sermons. First service: total apathy. Second service: HUNDREDS saved. What changed? Between services, a bedridden woman locked herself in her room and prayed past midnight.Was it hundreds praying? Or ONE person on their knees? It takes ONE God and ONE faithful servant.YOUR ROLE:Can YOU be that person? Totally sold out to Jesus in prayer?When you're sick: Don't suffer alone. James says go to your elders, have them anoint you with oil and pray. We don't see that enough.BOTTOM LINE:We pray diligently. We expect miracles. And when it doesn't go our way, we trust the God who heals and uses ALL things for good.Miracles happen. God is still moving. Open your eyes.🔔 Subscribe for messages that believe God still moves👍 Like if you've seen a miracle💬 Share YOUR miracle story 👇0:00 - Introduction & Series Context1:00 - Today's Topic: Miracles & Healing3:00 - Jesus Tells the 12: "Go Do What I Do"4:00 - I'm Not a Cessationist - Here's Why6:00 - The Great Commission Is Self-Replicating7:00 - Why Did They Keep Healing in Acts?9:00 - "By Your Faith You Have Been Healed"10:00 - Jesus in Gethsemane - When God Says No11:00 - God Uses Suffering for Good12:00 - Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego - "Even If He Doesn't"14:00 - Tony: 5% Heart Function, Total Organ Failure15:00 - Mike Wiggin Gets Inside Info16:00 - Heart Doctor: "He's Going to Die"18:00 - We Arrive - Tony's Eating a Salad20:00 - Two Weeks Later: Preaching Again21:00 - STORY 2: Steve's Stage 4 Cancer22:00 - Steve Sees Jesus Laughing at His Bed25:00 - STORY 3: Corey's Lymphoma Diagnosis26:00 - Age 32 - Hodgkin's & Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma27:00 - Nurses Circle and Pray Before Surgery28:00 - "Whatever Time I Have, I'll Tell Everyone About Jesus"29:00 - D.L. Moody Story - Two Services, Two Results31:00 - Second Service: Hundreds Saved32:00 - The Bedridden Woman Who Prayed All Night34:00 - Don't Suffer Alone - Go to Your Elders35:00 - Closing Prayer36:00 - Outro

Jesus says "Beware" 14 times in the Gospels. He's warning us about two things:BEWARE WHO YOU CAN BECOMEDon't be greedy (storing up wealth while ignoring God)Don't be prideful (practicing righteousness to be seen by others)BEWARE WHO YOU TRUST- False prophets come in sheep's clothing- Bad teaching spreads like yeast- Don't blindly trust teachers, videos, or even your pastorTest EVERYTHING by their fruit and against ScriptureTHE BEREAN TEST:When Paul preached, the Bereans didn't just accept it. They went home, checked it against Scripture, then came back and said "You check out." That's supposed to be US with ALL leaders.In today's cultural chaos, people are being driven away from Christ through either total distrust or angry mob mentality. Neither is discernment.We stand in the gap. We lead people to Christ. We need JUSTICE, not mobs. We need DISCERNMENT, not fear.BOTTOM LINE:Test EVERYTHING against God's Word. Seek truth. The world is getting crazier. We're still called to be here not afraid, standing firm, standing on truth.📖 Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:15-20, Acts 17:11, Proverbs 25:2, 1 Thessalonians 5:21

My name is Randy, and I'm a worrier. It's been six minutes since my last worry. Sound familiar?In week 3 of "All That I've Commanded You," Pastor Randy tackles Jesus' command that hits closest to home for most of us: DON'T WORRY. This message is personal, honest, and incredibly practical for anyone who's ever laid awake at 3 AM with their mind racing.Jesus addresses worry directly in Matthew 6:19-34, but it's more than just "stop worrying." He gets to the ROOT of why we worry in the first place, and what we can do about it.THE HEART OF THE ISSUE:The opposite of faith isn't doubt, it's fear. And worry is just another form of fear. Specifically, worry is the fear of a negative outcome. Fear of being forgotten. Fear of abandonment. Fear of losing control.JESUS' THREE-PART SOLUTION:EXAMINE THE DRIVING FORCE IN YOUR LIFEIs it focused on YOU (wealth, prestige, power)? Or is it focused on GOD (worship and service to His children)?REACH OUT AND HELP SOMEBODY ELSEMatthew 6:22-23 - Don't have an "evil eye" (stinginess). Be GENEROUS. Give it away.SET PRIORITIES - SEEK FIRST GOD'S KINGDOMMatthew 6:25-34 - "Don't worry about these things... Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."Look at the birds. They don't plant, harvest, or store, yet God feeds them. Aren't you more valuable?Look at the wildflowers. They don't work to make clothing, yet Solomon wasn't dressed as beautifully. If God cares for grass that's here today and gone tomorrow, won't He care for you?WHEN TO GET PROFESSIONAL HELP:If worry becomes anxiety with these symptoms: Trouble concentrating, muscle tension (especially mid-back), fatigue, headaches, rapid heartbeat, sweating, irritability affecting relationships, avoidance behaviors, thoughts of self-harm, START WITH YOUR DOCTOR. Counselors are generally as effective as medication and are usually the first step.PRACTICAL STEPS:Tonight when worry wakes you at 3 AM:Ask: What's the driving force of my life? Am I inward-focused or outward-focused?Ask: Is God and His kingdom truly my priority?Recognize: God is actually in control (I never was)Find somebody to talk to and share what you're experiencingSeek first His kingdom. Everything else will be provided.🔔 Subscribe for messages that address real struggles with biblical truth👍 Like if you're a worrier too (we're in this together)💬 What's your #1 worry right now? Share it below, let's pray for each other 0:00 - Introduction & Series Context1:00 - "My Name is Randy, and I'm a Worrier"2:00 - Command: Don't Worry5:00 - Can We Have Fear and Faith at the Same Time?7:00 - Luke 12:6-7 - Fear of Being Forgotten8:00 - Why Do We Worry? (Psychology)10:00 - Matthew 6:19-21 - Don't Store Up Treasures on Earth11:00 - The "Evil Eye" - Be Generous, Not Stingy13:00 - Wealth, Prestige, and Power14:00 - What's the Driving Force of Your Life?16:00 - Can Worries Add a Single Moment to Your Life?18:00 - What Do YOU Worry About? (Church Survey Results)20:00 - Kids' Worries: School, Friends, Spelling Tests21:00 - When Worry Becomes Anxiety22:00 - Warning Signs: Get Professional Help24:00 - Matthew 6:28-30 - Look at the Wildflowers26:00 - "Today's Trouble Is Enough for Today"28:00 - 1. Examine the Driving Force29:00 - 2. Reach Out and Help Someone30:00 - Real Story: Separation Anxiety Solution32:00 - Practical Steps for Tonight34:00 - Closing Prayer35:00 - Outro

Jesus says "Follow Me" 18-20 times in the Gospels. But in 2026, who are we actually following? Our politicians? Our favorite influencers? Our denominational heroes? Our pastors? In this challenging message from the "All That I've Commanded You" series, Pastor Zach confronts one of the most uncomfortable truths in Christianity: following Jesus means giving up everything else.We're wired to follow. We follow politicians, podcasters, thought leaders, and movements. We click "follow" on social media and consume everything they say. But Jesus makes it clear: "If you want to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me" (Luke 9:23).THE HARD TRUTH:A cross isn't a minor inconvenience, it's an execution device. Following Jesus means everything you were before Him dies. Daily. No exceptions.KEY PASSAGES EXPLORED:Luke 9:23 - Take up your cross DAILYLuke 14:25-35 - Count the cost before you followLuke 18:18-27 - The rich young ruler who couldn't let go1 Corinthians 1 - Stop saying "I follow Paul" or "I follow Apollos"John 14:6 & Matthew 7:13-14 - The narrow way is as wide as JesusTHE CHALLENGE:When you follow someone who's not following Jesus, even if they're "Christ-adjacent," you are NOT following Jesus. The path diverges. Even 30 degrees off course leads you miles away from Him over time.This applies to:✓ Your political party✓ Your favorite Christian authors✓ Your podcast hosts✓ Your denominational leaders (Lutheran, Calvinist, Wesleyan, etc.)✓ Even your own church and pastorBIBLICAL LEADERSHIP:Real leaders don't say "follow me." They say what Paul said: "Imitate me as I imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1). If they step out of line with Christ, you don't follow, you bring correction. Leaders shepherd you back to Jesus; they don't build their own following.THE LITMUS TEST:Are their feet pointing toward Christ or another direction?Are they humble or egocentric?Do they point to Jesus or to themselves?Do they say "He must increase, I must decrease" (John 3:30)?BOTTOM LINE:Stop standing behind politicians, influencers, denominations, or movements. Stand behind Jesus. Period. Our citizenship is in heaven. Our King is Christ. Everyone else is just noise.🔔 Subscribe for messages that challenge comfortable Christianity👍 Like if this convicted you (in a good way)💬 Who have you been following instead of Jesus? Be honest in the comments

What does it really mean to believe in Jesus? Is it just intellectual agreement, or is there something more? In the first message of our new sermon series "All That I've Commanded You," Pastor Randy unpacks Jesus' command to "believe the gospel" and reveals why belief is so much more than just accepting facts.Spoiler: Even demons believe the facts about God, and they tremble. So what makes Christian belief different?Starting with the Great Commission (Matthew 28), Pastor Randy breaks down Jesus' unique commands into five categories and focuses on the very first one: believe. Drawing from John 14, James 2, and multiple healing miracles, this message challenges us to move from intellectual assent to life-aligning faith.KEY INSIGHTS:- The 5 main groupings of Jesus' 74 commands- Why "believe" and "faith" are the same Greek word- The difference between believing THAT and believing IN- What Jesus meant when He said "believe in me"- Why the opposite of faith isn't doubt, it's fear- How communion connects us to Christ in a tangible wayMAIN SCRIPTURE:Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission)Mark 1:14-15 (Repent and believe)John 14:1-14 (Believe in God, believe in me)James 2:19 (Even demons believe)Matthew 8:5-13 & 9:27-30 (Faith brings healing)THE CHALLENGE:Has your faith been merely intellectual? What area of your life needs to come under the Lordship of Jesus? Spend time with that question this week.🔔 Subscribe for the full "All That I've Commanded You" series👍 Like if you're ready to move from belief THAT to belief IN💬 Comment: What's one area where you need to align your life with Jesus?0:00 - Introduction & Series Launch3:00 - Jesus' 74 Unique Commands4:00 - Five Main Groupings of Commands6:00 - Command #1: Believe the Gospel8:00 - James 2:19 - Even Demons Believe9:00 - Belief Includes Repentance & Action12:00 - Thomas Asks: "Where Are You Going?"14:30 - Believe THAT vs. Believe IN16:00 - Aligning Your Life With Jesus18:30 - Believing in His Name = Receiving Him19:00 - Faith and Healing Miracles21:00 - What Faith Is NOT22:00 - The Opposite of Faith Is Fear25:00 - What Does Jesus Mean by "Believe in Me"?26:00 - Application: How Do I Believe?32:00 - Outro#GreenvilleIN #JohnsonCountyIN #IndianapolisChurch #SouthSideIndy #GreaterGreenville #IndianaChurch #BelieveInJesus #AllThatIveCommandedYou #GreatCommission #NewHopeChurch #FaithInAction #ChristianFaith #BelieveTheGospel #SermonSeries #NewTestamentCommands

What did Jesus really mean when He said "On this rock I will build my church"? In the final message of our Vision Series, Pastor Randy challenges two traditional interpretations and introduces a third that transforms this familiar passage into a battle cry.Matthew 16:13-20 takes place at Caesarea Philippi, at the foothills of Mount Hermon, a location ancient Jews believed was where Genesis 6 occurred, where fallen angels descended to corrupt humanity. Greek mythology taught that natural springs there were the literal "gates of hell" leading to Hades. This was the center of evil in their world.And Jesus said: This is where I'll build my church.The church goes where it's hardest. Always has. From the Black Plague to Nazi Germany, from the slums of Calcutta to closed nations today, the church invades Satan's kingdom at its darkest points. The gates of hell cannot prevail.This message asks: Where is YOUR Mount Hermon? Where is it hardest for you? That's where you start. That's where it begins.WHEN: Now WHERE: The hardest place WHO: YouWhat are you waiting for?Visit becomehope.com to learn more about New Hope Church.

Why does New Hope emphasize small groups so much? And if small groups are where discipleship truly happens, what's the point of Sunday morning services? In this message from our Vision Series, Pastor Randy answers these questions by going back to the early church in Acts.KEY POINTS:The early church had BOTH corporate meetings and house gatheringsWhy we meet on SundaysThree purposes of corporate worship from Hebrews 10Our vision for teaching: Biblical, checkable, transformativeOur vision for outreach: Being the best church FOR the communityOur vision for encouragement: Get involved, don't just attendThe story of why one family chose New Hope SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:Acts 2:46-47Hebrews 10:19-252 Timothy 3:16-17John 16:33Whether you're new to New Hope or have been here for years, this message clarifies why we do what we do and invites you to get involved in both small groups AND Sunday gatherings.🔔 Subscribe for weekly sermons from New Hope Church👍 Like if you believe in both small groups and corporate worship💬 Comment: Are you part of a small group? If not, what's holding you back?COMPANION PODCASTS:Daily Devotional: "Let's Find Out Together"Apologetics: "Salty Saints"Visit: becomehope.comLocation: South side of Indianapolis#NewHopeChurch #ChurchVision #SmallGroups #CorporateWorship #SundayMorning #ChurchCommunity #Acts2 #Hebrews10 #BiblicalChurch #ChurchPurpose

Showing up on Sunday isn't enough. The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, DAILY. Pastor Zack challenges us: Are you living half the Christian life? Why small groups aren't optional. Acts 2:42-47, Ephesians 2:1-10. CHAPTERS:0:00 Introduction: DONE Series Returns1:00 What Is Church Really About?3:00 Bad Theology Leads to a Contorted Gospel5:00 Ephesians 2:1-10 - You Were Dead, Now Alive8:00 The Church Is the Portrait of Christ Restoring Creation9:00 Acts 2:42-47 - The Early Church Model11:00 Is This What Church Looks Like Today?12:00 What Does "Devote" Mean?14:00 You're Living Half the Christian Walk16:00 Every Pastor Struggles With Small Groups17:00 Sunday Is the Golf Game - Small Groups Are the Range18:00 James 5:16 - Confess Your Sins to Each Other19:00 Hebrews 3:12-13 - Encourage One Another Daily20:00 Romans 15:14 - Instruct One Another21:00 How Many Are Stuck in the Same Sin Forever?23:00 1 Corinthians 14:26 - Each of You Has Something24:00 Sunday Morning vs Small Group Gatherings25:00 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 - Many Parts, One Body26:00 What Goes Wrong With Small Groups28:00 Talk to Each Other Daily - Don't Condense It29:00 Don't Just Watch DVDs - Read the BIBLE Together31:00 Check What Pastors Say Against Scripture32:00 The Holy Spirit Will Teach You All Things33:00 Simple Communities - No Single Teacher35:00 Jesus' Model: 70, 12, and 336:00 Do You Have Accountability?37:00 My Friend Luke and the Gym Accountability38:00 My Friend Mike and the Diet Accountability40:00 Communion42:00 Closing Prayer

WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS?What you look at is what you believe. Just like the Israelites looked at the bronze serpent to live, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the One lifted up for us.But what's distracting you? Your phone? Your hobbies? Your worries?Pastor Zack challenges us to cut out the distractions and start 2026 with our eyes on Jesus.📖 Numbers 21, John 3, Matthew 6, Colossians 3👉 WATCH NOW and take the challenge: What needs to go in your life so you can see Jesus clearly?#DistractionsFromGod #Matthew6 #Colossians3 #SetYourMinds #SeeJesus #NewYearFocus #ChristianLiving #SurrenderAll #CutOutDistractions #HealthyEyes #SingleFocus #SeekFirstTheKingdom #DontWorry #TrustGod #2026Challenge

✨ THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS YOU SEE EVERYWHEREFrom Martin Luther's candles to modern LED strings, Christmas lights have always represented the Star of Bethlehem.In this message, Pastor Randy unpacks:- Who were the Wise Men (and why they matter)- What the Star of Bethlehem really was- Why Jesus calls Himself "the bright morning star"- How YOU are called to be a light pointing to JesusJesus said: "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."This Christmas, don't just hang lights. BE a light.📖 Matthew 2:1-12, Matthew 5:14-16, Revelation 22:16#ChristmasLights #StarOfBethlehem #SymbolsOfChristmas #LetYourLightShine #NewHopeChurch

THE ANGEL ON YOUR CHRISTMAS TREEWe see it every year, an angel sitting on top of the Christmas tree. But have you ever stopped to ask WHY?In this powerful, Pastor Zack unpacks:- What angels REALLY look like (not what pop culture says)- Why Mary and the shepherds were terrified- The gospel message angels announced- What Christmas bells actually symbolize- YOUR role as God's messenger todayThese aren't just decorations. They're powerful symbols that should remind you of:- God's protection and presence- The birth of the Savior- Your calling to share the gospelThis Christmas, slow down. Reflect. Remember what these symbols truly mean.Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:8-15Series: Symbols of Christmas (Week 2)#ChristmasAngels #SymbolsOfChristmas #AdventSeries #NewHopeChurch

THE CHRISTMAS TREE: More Than Just a TraditionIs the Christmas tree a pagan symbol? Should Christians avoid it?In this powerful Advent message, Pastor Randy reveals the surprising Christian origins of the Christmas tree tradition, and its deep biblical meaning that most people have forgotten.📖 IN THIS MESSAGE:- The true origin of Christmas trees - How Martin Luther brought trees into Christian homes- The connection between the Tree of Life and the cross- Why early Christians called it "The Christ Tree"- The powerful parallel between Isaac's sacrifice and Jesus- What your Christmas tree should remind you of this seasonSCRIPTURE REFERENCES:Genesis 2:9 - The Tree of Life in EdenGenesis 22 - Abraham and Isaac on Mount MoriahActs 5:30 - Jesus died on a "tree"Revelation 22:2 - The Tree of Life restoredWhether you already have your tree up or you're just getting started, this message will change how you see this cherished tradition forever.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Introduction: Christmas Traditions3:45 - The Origin of the Christmas Tree11:30 - The Tree of Life in Eden17:00 - Trees as Symbols of Judgment19:00 - Abraham's Sacrifice of Isaac26:00 - Jesus: The Ultimate Sacrifice28:00 - What Your Christmas Tree Should Mean---SUBSCRIBE for weekly sermons, daily devotionals, and apologetics contentTURN ON notifications so you never miss a messageDISCUSSION QUESTION: What traditions in your family have lost their original meaning? Share in the comments!---CONNECT WITH NEW HOPE CHURCH:🌐 Website: becomehope.com📧 Questions: [email protected]🎧 Daily Devotional Podcast: "Let's Find Out Together"🧂 Apologetics Podcast: "Salty Saints"📍 Located on the south side of IndianapolisCome visit us this Sunday!#ChristmasTree #AdventSeries #ChristianLiving #BiblicalTruth #ChristmasTraditions #IndianapolisChurch #IndyChurch #SouthsideIndy #IndianaChristian #IndyFaith

Discover the profound truth about gratitude that most people miss this Thanksgiving. This powerful sermon unpacks a biblical perspective on thankfulness that goes beyond being grateful for blessings. Through the story of Jesus and the 72 disciples, learn why true thanksgiving starts with humility, not accomplishments. This eye-opening message challenges cultural Christianity and reveals how pride can creep into our faith without us realizing it. If you've ever wondered about the difference between religion and relationship with Christ, this sermon will transform your understanding of what it means to be truly thankful. Perfect for anyone seeking deeper faith, questioning their salvation, or wanting to celebrate Thanksgiving with eternal perspective.

Pastor Randy Spacht concludes our Zechariah series by exploring one of Scripture's most profound mysteries: How can the Messiah both suffer and conquer? In Zechariah 13-14, we see a prophecy that puzzled the ancients and still puzzles some of us today, a Messiah who dies by the sword and rises to lead His people to victory.From the Garden of Eden to the Book of Revelation, discover how God's glory threads through four pivotal moments in eternity: Creation, Incarnation, Resurrection, and Second Coming. Randy reminds us that between the resurrection and Christ's return, we live in a world where Satan is defeated but not gone, and our calling is to make our world a little more like Eden every single day.📖 Scripture References: Zechariah 13-14, Genesis 2, Revelation 21-22, 1 Corinthians 11Where have you seen Jesus show up in your life this week? Drop a comment below and share how God has been faithful to you.And if you need prayer today, we're here for you. Reach out at [email protected] or connect with us at becomehope.com. Don't walk through your trials alone—let us pray with you.👉 New to New Hope? Check out our daily devotional podcast "Let's Find Out Together" and our apologetics podcast "Salty Saints" wherever you listen to podcasts!

Why does a good God let bad things happen? It's a question that haunts skeptics and believers alike. But Pastor Zack argues it's the wrong question. The real question is: How does a good God fix all the compounding problems of billions of broken people throughout all of human history?In this powerful message from Zechariah 9, discover the central theme of the entire Bible: God brings SHALOM peace, wholeness, restoration to chaos.From the opening words of Genesis, God has been bringing order out of disorder. The creation story itself is a response to ancient Mesopotamian myths that said humanity was an accident born from warring gods. But God says: "No. You're not an accident. I created you with purpose. You're my children, and I love you."When humanity chose rebellion over relationship, we undid God's peace. We cast the world back into chaos. But God didn't give up. He sent Jesus prophesied, 500 years earlier in Zechariah 9, to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey, the ancient symbol of peace, not war.In this episode, you'll discover:- The profound meaning behind "tohu wabohu" (formless and void)- How the biblical creation story responds to ancient myths- Why Jesus rode a donkey instead of a horse- What it means to have peace IN chaos, not just AFTER chaos- How Horatio Spafford wrote "It Is Well With My Soul" after losing his four daughters- Why WE are called to bring shalom to a broken worldThis isn't just about a future hope, though that's real. This is about finding peace RIGHT NOW in the midst of life's storms. And it's about being the hands and feet of Jesus to bring His peace to others.Scripture References: Zechariah 9:9-17, Genesis 1:1-2, John 16:33, Matthew 5:9, Colossians 3:15---New Hope Church | South Side Indianapolisbecomehope.com | [email protected] podcasts:- Let's Find Out Together (Daily Devotional)- Salty Saints (Apologetics)

Why would God crown a priest as king? In this powerful message, Pastor Randy Spacht unpacks one of the most revolutionary prophecies in the Old Testament—a vision in Zechariah 6 where a high priest is crowned as king, something that was strictly forbidden in Israel. Since the fall, God designed three distinct roles to bridge the gap between Him and humanity: Prophets carried God's word to the people, Priests presented the people to God through sacrifice, and Kings ruled according to God's will. These roles were never meant to overlap. But in Zechariah 6, God does something unprecedented: He crowns Joshua the high priest as king and calls him "the Branch"—a messianic title pointing directly to Jesus Christ. This wasn't really about Joshua. This was an object lesson—a living prophecy of the coming Messiah who would perfectly combine all three roles: - PROPHET: Bringing God's word to us - PRIEST: Removing our sin and presenting us to God - KING: Ruling over our lives with perfect wisdom In this episode, you'll discover: - The great chasm between God and man caused by the fall - How prophets, priests, and kings each played a unique role in God's plan - Why combining these roles was strictly forbidden (and what happened when kings tried) - The historical context of the Maccabees and priestly kings - How Jesus fulfills all three roles perfectly - Why Jesus being Prophet, Priest, and King means He's all you need The question isn't "What do you need?" The question is "Where do you need Jesus in your life?" Scripture References: Zechariah 6:9-15, Isaiah 11:1, Hebrews 1:1-2, Hebrews 4:14-16, John 18:33-37 --- New Hope Church is located on the south side of Indianapolis. Learn more at becomehope.com Other podcasts: Let's Find Out Together (daily devotional) | Salty Saints (apologetics)#ProphetPriestKing #Zechariah6 #MessianicProphecy #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #NewHopeChurch

In this message from Pastor Randy at New Hope Church, we begin our series through the book of Zechariah, one of the clearest prophetic books pointing to the coming Messiah.Zechariah’s opening chapter reminds us that before rebuilding the temple—or any great work—God calls His people to repent and return to Him. Repentance isn’t just turning away from sin; it’s turning toward God and chasing after Him with a renewed heart.Watch as Pastor Randy walks through Zechariah 1:1-6, shares the powerful story of actor Danny Trejo’s transformation, and closes with a beautiful prayer of repentance from Lewis Bailey.Main Scripture: Zechariah 1:1-6Theme: Turning from sin, turning to God, rebuilding our hearts.Subscribe for more sermons and devotionals from New Hope Church.Learn more or connect with us: https://becomehope.com

God’s design has always been partnership. From the Garden of Eden to the early church in Acts, His plan has been to work through His people, not just a few leaders, but every believer.In this message, Pastor Zack Killey reminds us that the body of Christ isn’t built on one person’s strength. It thrives when every part of the body functions together, when teachers teach, encouragers encourage, and servants serve.The apostles couldn’t do it all, so they raised up others. In the same way, God has wired you with unique gifts, passions, and abilities that the Church needs right now. Whether you’re leading, organizing, mentoring, or simply showing kindness, it all matters.When every believer steps into their role, the Church reflects Christ to the world.“It takes everyone. Every believer. Every gift. Every act of love.”💭 What part of the body has God called you to be?👉 Share this message and encourage others to find their purpose in God’s Kingdom.

In this message from the Church Ignited series, we explore what it truly means to care for one another the way the early church did. From the Old Testament commands in Deuteronomy to the example of believers in Acts, we see that generosity, kindness, and forgiveness are at the heart of Christian community.Discover the five ministries of care every believer can live out:The Ministry of Presence The Ministry of Encouragement The Ministry of Acceptance The Ministry of Forgiveness The Ministry of Kindness Through real-life stories of faith and generosity, including the inspiring legacy of Osceola McCarty you’ll be reminded that true care isn’t about wealth or status it’s about love in action.As you listen, ask:Who in my life needs care today?How can I show kindness, acceptance, or generosity to them this week?If this message encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share this episode to help others experience hope and community.Tell us in the comments: Which “ministry of care” spoke to you most today?Visit becomehope.com for more sermons, devotionals, and resources.0:00 – Introduction1:00 – The Purpose and Power of the Church4:30 – How the Church Cares for Its Members5:45 – Caring for the Poor: Lessons from Deuteronomy8:00 – The Ministry of Presence10:00 – The Ministry of Encouragement13:00 – The Ministry of Acceptance16:00 – The Ministry of Forgiveness18:15 – The Ministry of Kindness21:00 – Generosity: Giving Like the Early Church22:45 – The Story of Osceola McCarty26:30 – The Blessing of Generosity30:00 – Caring for Others Like Jesus33:00 – Communion and Closing Prayer

Ever wondered how poetry shapes our understanding of the Bible? This week we dive into the poetic nature of scripture and discover how the Hebrew use of poetry, like parallelism and chiasm, reveals deeper meanings and connections. From the creation story in Genesis to the powerful events of Pentecost, we'll explore how these literary devices help us grasp God's plan and our role as His image bearers. Get ready to see the Bible in a whole new light and learn how its poetic structure guides us to live out our faith with purpose and intent. Like, share, and subscribe to the New Hope Church Podcast for more inspiring messages. Have questions? Reach out to us at [email protected]. We're here to support you on your faith journey!

This week in our Church Ignited series, we turn to Acts 2 and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. What looked like wind and fire to the early church was more than a dramatic sign, it was the presence of God filling His people. From the pillar of fire in Exodus to the Spirit guiding Paul on his missionary journeys, we see how God has always directed, protected, and empowered His people.The message reminds us that the safest place to be is in God’s presence. The Holy Spirit is not just a distant helper, but God with us, guiding our steps, protecting us even in danger, and filling us with power to live as faithful witnesses of Jesus. The question is not whether you have the Spirit, but to what extent the Spirit has you.Comment below: How have you experienced the Spirit’s leading in your own life?

This week’s message takes a heavy but necessary look at the current moment. In light of recent events, we’re reminded how quickly fear and hate are used as weapons to divide us. Scripture is clear, our battle is not against flesh and blood.Through examples from Stephen in Acts, Paul’s words in Romans, and the call to put on the full armor of God, we’re reminded that no person is our enemy. The Christian response isn’t violence or hate it’s love, forgiveness, and boldly sharing the gospel, even when it costs us.Now is the time to pray and to equip ourselves in truth and faith, and to let Jesus—not the voices of culture, politics, or media—shape the way we see the world.Drop a comment: How are you keeping your eyes on Jesus in a world filled with fear and division?If this message encouraged or challenged you, share it with a friend who needs hope today.

The early church in Acts was called to be witnesses—messengers of Jesus’ resurrection—empowered by the Holy Spirit. Yet they hesitated to move beyond Jerusalem until persecution scattered them. Why? They were comfortable. This message explores how “comfortable Christianity” remains one of our greatest obstacles today. From the story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer to the barriers faced by the apostles, we are reminded that Jesus never promised us comfort—He promised His presence. True faith means embracing discomfort for the sake of the gospel.Don’t settle for comfortable Christianity. Ask God where He may be calling you into discomfort to grow, serve, and share the good news.Subscribe for weekly messages, daily devotionals, and apologetics discussions.Share this with a friend who needs encouragement to step out in faith.becomehope.com

In this message, we close out the Short and Sweet series by finishing the book of Jude. Heresy isn’t just an ancient problem—it’s something the church has wrestled with from the very beginning. Jude warns us about those who twist grace into a license for sin, deny Jesus as Lord, and cause division. But he doesn’t stop at the warning—he gives us practical steps: defend the faith, build each other up, pray in the Spirit, show mercy, and live fully submitted to Christ.This is a call not only to recognize heresy but to actively combat it by laying down our own desires and living under the lordship of Jesus.

The book of Jude may be short, but it packs a strong warning: don’t be deceived by false teaching. Jude reminds the church that God’s grace is not permission to live however we want. Using examples from Israel, the angels, and Sodom and Gomorrah, he shows how rebellion against God leads to destruction. In contrast, God calls us to mercy, peace, and truth.This message challenges us to evaluate what we believe, how we live, and how we see ourselves—so we stay aligned with God’s Word instead of drifting into deception.For prayer or questions, reach us at [email protected]

This message walks through the short but powerful letter of 3 John, highlighting its central call to “imitate good, not evil.” The text contrasts the faithfulness and hospitality of Gaius with the pride and self-interest of Diotrephes. From these examples, listeners are challenged to consider what it means to walk in truth and love.To explore this further, the teaching draws on concepts like the Prisoner’s Dilemma and game theory, showing how self-interest often drives human behavior and fuels division. In contrast, Jesus calls His followers to live in a way that seems upside down—loving first, forgiving freely, standing against evil, and living consistently by the Spirit. While this path may not appear logical or safe, it reflects the example of Christ and offers a glimpse of the eternal hope where betrayal and fear no longer exist.

Life as a believer isn’t just about what we know—it’s about what we live. This message from 2 John explores how truth is more than an idea; it’s a way of walking through the world. It’s about letting God’s Word shape the way we treat people, the way we love, and the way we guard our hearts against false teaching. You’ll be encouraged to see truth and love not as abstract concepts, but as daily choices that reflect who Jesus is to those around you. By the end, you’ll have a fresh challenge: make a plan to learn God’s truth deeply, live it out boldly, and let His love shine in all you do.

This message explores the short but powerful book of Philemon, examining how the gospel calls for reconciliation between individuals across deep divides. Through the stories of Philemon, a slave owner, and Onesimus, his runaway slave, the sermon challenges us to consider what real forgiveness, equality, and transformation look like in the body of Christ. Using Paul's letter as a model, it counts the cost, courage, and love required to pursue true unity and brotherhood—both then and now. 

The message explores the final chapter of 2 Corinthians, focusing on personal self-examination, alignment with biblical truth, and living in unity with others. It emphasizes that joy, maturity, encouragement, harmony, and peace are essential to healthy Christian community. Be encouraged to go beyond surface-level relationships, take initiative in connecting with others, and reflect the grace, love, and fellowship of God in daily life. The call is clear: examine your heart, pursue truth, and intentionally build deeper connections within the body of Christ.

Is generosity just about money—or something much deeper? Pastor Zack Killey unpacks 2 Corinthians 8:1–15 to explore how God calls us to sacrificial, eager, and equal-hearted giving. From stories of personal hardship to challenging cultural norms, this message dives into what it means to live generously like Jesus—not out of guilt or pressure, but from a transformed heart. Whether you have much or little, this episode is a call to give boldly, live faithfully, and care deeply.

In this message, we reflect on what it looks like to actually live, love, and go in the way of Jesus. It's not about having all the answers—it's about being part of a spiritual family that's genuinely seeking Him. Some of us may be closer to Jesus than others, and some are still wrestling with faith—but we’re all on the journey together.Jesus made it simple: Love God, love others, and go make disciples. But just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s easy. In this message we walk through how to apply the Great Commandments and the Great Commission in everyday life—and how that clarity can change everything.

In this episode, we dive into what it truly means to live like Jesus. I walk through the foundations of our faith—loving God, loving others, and making disciples. We look at the beautiful cycle of coming to Jesus, growing in love for Him, living like Him, and then turning outward to serve others. It's not just about learning commands—it's about transformation. Whether you're just beginning your faith journey or you’ve followed Jesus for years, this message will challenge and encourage you to reflect on what God is saying in your life and how you're called to respond.

This message is a reminder that believers carry the image of God and are never alone. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, there’s a down payment on eternity—God’s promise of presence and purpose. Let this truth bring peace and courage to live faithfully, no matter the challenge.

This message kicks off the Renewed series with a deep dive into 2 Corinthians. It unpacks the tense relationship between Paul and the Corinthian church, explores the pain behind his “severe letter,” and highlights how Paul becomes a model of reconciliation and spiritual maturity.A powerful real-life story—surviving a death threat while serving as a missionary in Colombia during the Pablo Escobar era—helps illustrate the need for a clear calling and the steady presence of the Holy Spirit when life feels dangerous or divided.Whether the challenge is church conflict, broken relationships, or simply staying faithful to Jesus' mission, this teaching offers encouragement to:- Bear God’s image in every conversation- Stand firm in your calling, even when it costs you- Actively share the good news of Christ’s victory

When life pushes us to the edge, Jesus steps in. Time and again, He meets us with mercy we didn’t earn, strength when we’re at our weakest, and promises that remain steady even when the world around us is falling apart. Sharing how He’s shown up in our lives is one of the most powerful ways we bring Him glory.

We aren’t just a congregation—we’re a spiritual family of seekers.Some are walking closely with Jesus. Others are still searching. But no matter where you are on the path, the call is the same: live, love, and go.This clip invites us to rediscover the simplicity and challenge of Jesus' greatest commandments and the Great Commission.What matters most? That we keep seeking, together.

Jeroboam didn’t want to submit to God—he wanted control. So he made his own gods, ones that wouldn’t challenge his pride or demand surrender. That same temptation is alive today. I have to ask myself regularly: am I following God, or am I reshaping Him to fit my comfort? Pride and selfishness are behind so many of our struggles, and until we let go, we’ll never fully walk in truth.

In this final message of our “Strongholds” series, I share what we can learn from King Jeroboam—a leader who let pride dominate his heart. As I studied his story, I saw how easily pride disguises itself as power, control, comfort, and the need for acceptance. But at the root, it’s still pride.I didn’t just see Jeroboam in this story—I saw myself. Maybe you will too.Together, we’ll walk through how these strongholds form, how they shape our view of God and others, and what Scripture says about breaking free. My prayer is that this message will help you identify any stronghold that might be holding you back—and remind you that real freedom is found in Christ alone.

In today’s message, I take a hard look at the dangers of entitlement and how it played a role in dividing an entire kingdom under Rehoboam’s rule. It’s easy to point fingers at others and say they feel entitled—but what about us? I challenge you to reflect honestly: Are you living as if the world owes you something? Are you ignoring the needs of others while chasing your own comfort and status? Together, we’ll explore how Jesus calls us to humility, mercy, and peace, and how real fulfillment isn’t found in demanding more—but in serving well.Join me as we dive deep into the heart of this struggle and discover the freedom that comes when we lay down entitlement and take up the mindset of Christ.

In this message, I dive into the story of King Solomon and wrestle with a question that hits close to home—am I chasing power, or am I trusting God? Solomon had everything: wisdom, wealth, influence, and success. But somewhere along the way, his pursuit of power led him away from God. Sound familiar?I unpack how this same struggle shows up in our lives today. Whether it’s chasing more money, control over our circumstances, comfort, or acceptance from others, we all fall into the trap of thinking those things will finally make us happy. But they never do.Let’s explore how we can break free from these strongholds and learn to put our trust fully in Jesus, the only true source of power and possibility.If this resonates with you, take a second to like, comment, and subscribe. And if you need someone to pray with or talk to, visit becomehope.com. I’d love to connect.📖 Scripture References I Talk Through:1 Kings 3:7-9Deuteronomy 17:14-17Romans 5:6Philippians 4:13🙏 Need prayer or accountability? Reach out—we’re here for you.