Hope Church Podcast

This exploration of joy challenges us to reconsider what we truly mean when we talk about being joyful. Drawing from Galatians 5:22, we discover that joy is fundamentally different from happiness. While happiness depends on what happens to us—our circumstances, successes, and comforts—joy is a settled assurance rooted in knowing who God is.The message takes us into the lives of two remarkable women: Mary, the mother of Jesus, who faced tremendous uncertainty when told she would bear the Son of God, and Naomi, who walked through devastating loss and pain.Mary's response to an uncertain future wasn't denial or fear, but worship—she praised God even when she couldn't see the full picture. Naomi's story reminds us that pain can tempt us to rename ourselves after our struggles, to let our identity become defined by our suffering. Yet God was working in the background, orchestrating redemption through Ruth and Boaz.

 This sermon launches a nine-week series on the Fruit of the Spirit, focusing specifically on love as the foundation of all spiritual fruit. Pastor Jeff challenges the congregation to move beyond passive Christianity to active, sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's love for us. He contrasts the "acts of the flesh" (plural, scattered, self-gratifying) with the "fruit of the Spirit" (singular, unified, God-glorifying), emphasizing that true Christian identity is demonstrated through fruit, not just religious activity or appearance. The message calls believers to surrender their hearts fully to Jesus, recognizing that spiritual fruit grows naturally from an abiding relationship with God rather than through human effort. The sermon emphasizes that love is not sentimental or weak but active, intentional, and sacrificial—demonstrated supremely in Christ's death for us while we were still sinners.

This message takes us into Matthew chapter 8, where we encounter an unexpected hero of faith: a Roman centurion. What makes this story remarkable is not just the healing that occurs, but Jesus' amazement at the faith displayed. Have we become so familiar with Jesus that we no longer truly believe in his power? Are we comfortable with our patterns of sin, our coping mechanisms, our busy schedules that we use as crutches? The centurion's faith calls us to humble ourselves and ask a crucial question: do we want a new story? Jesus stands ready to heal, to transform, to renew, but our familiarity and lack of faith can close the door to what he wants to do in our lives.

This powerful message draws us into the transformative encounter between Jesus and a man suffering from leprosy in Matthew 8:1-4. We're invited to understand leprosy not just as a physical disease, but as a profound metaphor for isolation and lost identity. Just as the leper experienced progressive separation from family, community, and worship, we too can find ourselves isolated by circumstances, labels, and the voices around us that tell us who we are. The sermon brilliantly connects this ancient story to our modern experience of isolation, particularly drawing parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic and how separation has affected our mental health and sense of community. This sermon can be broken down in three points: taking a step of faith despite what others say, trusting in God's authority and willingness to heal, and following through with action. The leper didn't just receive healing; he was restored to community and given back his identity. Jesus didn't simply cure a disease; He touched the untouchable and brought someone back from the margins. This reminds us that God's work in our lives isn't just about fixing problems, but about complete restoration and giving us renewed purpose. The challenge we face is moving from encounter to action, from feeling called to actually stepping forward into what God has placed on our hearts.

Easter isn’t just another holiday—it’s the day that changed everything. On this Resurrection Sunday, we unpack the miracle of the empty tomb and invite you to discover what it truly means that Jesus is alive. Through Mary Magdalene’s encounter and the story in John 20, you’ll see how:Because He lives, I am free—“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV);Because He lives, I am safe—“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28-29 ESV);Because He lives, I will rise—“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25-26 ESV).Break out of empty traditions and celebrate the real hope of Easter—because Jesus lives, you can have freedom, security, and the promise of resurrection.

This week on the Hope Church Frankfort podcast, Pastor Jeff brings a fresh word for Palm Sunday with his message, "The Lord Needs It." As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds were filled with holy anticipation and hope for the Messiah. But, like waiting for that long-desired gift only to find it isn’t what you expected, Pastor Jeff challenges us: What if what Jesus wants most is our obedience and surrender, no matter our expectations? Drawing from Luke 19, this episode explores the power of letting go, why true followers lay everything before the King, and how even the rocks would worship if we remain silent. Be inspired to give Jesus what He deserves—your worship, your surrender, your whole life—because the Lord needs it, and the Lord deserves it.

What is the church really all about, and why does being “planted” matter? Drawing from Psalm 1, Pastor Jeff unpacks how church is meant to be more than a place to attend—it’s where we’re invited to deep-rooted health, wholeness, and holiness. Just as healthy things grow and growing things change, discover why being planted in God’s Word and among God’s people leads to true spiritual flourishing. Whether you’ve felt like a hospital patient in crisis, a rehabber in need of steady growth, or an athlete ready for training, this message calls you to move beyond surface involvement into a life of real transformation: it’s time to plant.

In this message, we looked at Jesus’ final words in the Sermon on the Mount, where He shares the illustration of two builders. One builder builds his house on a solid foundation—the rock—while the other builds on a weak foundation—the sand.Aaron used the picture of ancient Israel’s dry riverbeds to help illustrate what Jesus was describing. When the ground looked firm on the surface but had no real foundation underneath, it would collapse when the storms came. Jesus teaches that He is the solid rock—the only foundation strong enough for us to build our lives on.He ended with an illustration using ping pong balls in a jar, asking the question: What are we building our lives upon? Our lives can easily be filled with hollow things that don’t truly satisfy. But when we allow the Spirit of God—like living water—to fill us, He brings the fullness and foundation our lives truly need.

In this message, we walk through Matthew 7:1-6 (ESV), where Jesus warns against judging others without first examining our own hearts. Pastor Jeff shares a powerful illustration about the dangers of focusing on someone else’s faults while ignoring our own, urging us to seek spiritual growth from the inside out. The sermon highlights the need for discernment over distraction, encourages daily Bible reading and prayer, and reminds us that true transformation comes through humility, honesty, and God’s grace.

In this sermon, Pastor Jeff Lister explores what it means to truly impact the world for God as a “Kingdom Builder.” Drawing from Isaiah 6:1-8, Romans 10:13-15, and 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (ESV), he outlines three essential qualities: a willing heart, a committed heart, and a generous heart. Using biblical examples and modern missionary stories, Pastor Jeff challenges listeners to make themselves available for God’s mission—whether through serving, sharing the gospel, or supporting missions financially. He reminds us that God’s Kingdom advances when ordinary people say yes to His call, and our collective sacrifices can echo into eternity, spreading hope both locally and globally.

This Sunday message, Pastor Jeff begins our Kingdom Builders vision series with part one from Matthew 6:19-24. Jesus warns us that whatever we treasure shapes our hearts, and He challenges us to invest in “treasures in heaven” rather than earthly possessions that fade. Through real-life stories, biblical context, and practical teaching,We unpack why following Jesus with our finances, focus, and devotion is the only way to true security and eternal impact. Listen in as we explore what it means to serve God, not money, and prepare our hearts for next week’s celebration of missions and reaching our world for Christ.

Pastor Jeff continues our series on prayer and fasting, exploring Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:16-18 (ESV) about the heart and purpose of fasting. This message, "When You Fast," emphasizes that fasting isn’t optional for believers—it's essential for spiritual growth, but it must be done authentically, seeking God’s reward rather than recognition from others. Drawing from biblical examples like Moses, David, and Esther, this message shows how fasting is used for revelation, repentance, and deliverance. Be encouraged to practice fasting in secret, check your motives, and pursue God’s purpose for your life.

This weekend we dove into the importance of authentic, heartfelt prayer based on Matthew 6:5-14. We believe prayer isn’t just a ritual, but a daily conversation with our Heavenly Father that transforms our lives and deepens our faith. The Lord’s Prayer guides us to seek God’s will, ask for our daily needs, pursue forgiveness, and trust His guidance. Wherever you are in your spiritual journey, you’re invited to join us in discovering the power of prayer and living out God’s purpose together.

Over the past few weeks we’ve been anchored in Isaiah 9:6, and today we focus on Jesus as our Everlasting Father—a promise spoken into a time of fear and uncertainty, pointing to a King who would protect, provide, and care for His people forever. Unlike broken earthly leaders or even broken family relationships, Jesus shows us the compassion of a perfect Father, invites us to come to Him for rest, and adopts us into God’s family with unchanging love.

Isaiah 9:6 reveals Jesus as Mighty God, a title that points to His unmatched power and authority. In Matthew 14, we see this might on display as Jesus walks on water and steps into the storm to be near His disciples, showing that His power is not distant but personal. Peter’s faith reminds us that we are not meant to face storms in our own strength, but to move at Jesus’ command and trust His power to sustain us. Like God’s deliverance at the Red Sea, our stillness makes room for His greatness—because the Lord Himself fights for us.

As we begin our Christmas series, “Who is This?”, we’re exploring the question that everyone must answer: Who is Jesus, and why does it matter? Like the days before Caller ID, when you’d nervously answer the phone and wonder, “Who is this?”, we all have to answer that about Jesus. Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV) gives Jesus four unique titles—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These names are not just poetic descriptions; they reveal who Jesus is and what we can experience through Him. Everyone is searching for help, advice, and meaning—something or someone to guide us through life’s darkness and uncertainties. Isaiah warns that looking anywhere but God will lead us only to more distress and emptiness (Isaiah 8:21–22 ESV). But Jesus breaks into our darkness as the promised light (Isaiah 9:1 ESV). He is the Wonderful Counselor who gives soul-deep healing and guidance, as when He forgave and healed the paralytic (Mark 2:5, 11 ESV). Jesus challenges our misplaced trust, as He did with the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21 ESV), offers real comfort in grief (John 11:25, 35 ESV), and brings clarity in confusion, as on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:15–32 ESV).This season, the invitation is simple: draw close to the Wonderful Counselor. He is ready to guide, heal, and walk with all who seek Him—not just at Christmas, but every day.

The message focuses on Matthew 5:33–37 and Jesus’ teaching about oaths within the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew, writing to a largely Jewish-Christian audience, emphasizes Jesus as King and the character of His advancing kingdom. In this section, Jesus challenges the traditional practice of swearing oaths to prove one’s honesty, teaching instead that kingdom people should be so truthful that oaths become unnecessary. He warns against swearing by heaven, earth, Jerusalem, or one’s own head because all belong to God, not to us. Ultimately, Jesus calls His followers to integrity—letting their simple “yes” or “no” be enough—reflecting a transformed character rooted in God’s authority, holiness, and grace.

The sermon welcomed the congregation and introduced teaching from Matthew 5:27-32, where Jesus addresses lust and divorce in the Sermon on the Mount. It was emphasized that Jesus’ message goes beyond outward actions to examine the attitude of the heart, challenging everyone to take personal responsibility for their own thoughts and desires regarding lust. We talked about the dangers of unchecked lust, including issues like pornography, highlighting Jesus’ urgent call to remove anything that causes sin and to make a covenant with our eyes, following the example of Job (Job 31:1 ESV). On the topic of divorce, it was explained that Jesus restores the biblical view of marriage as a sacred covenant and speaks up for those vulnerable in society, urging the church to respond to Jesus’ teachings with repentance, grace, and a genuine pursuit of purity in both thought and relationship.

Our world today is saturated with anger—fueled by social media, constant connectivity, and even daily experiences like road rage. Jesus addresses this in Matthew 5:21-23, reminding us that anger, not just outward actions like murder, places us in danger of judgment. He teaches that even harboring ongoing anger, using insults, or pronouncing moral worthlessness against others brings spiritual consequences. Jesus calls us to recognize the seriousness of anger, pointing out that unaddressed bitterness or contempt destroys relationships and invites judgment, both now and in eternity.Your relationship with Jesus is directly connected to how you treat others. God’s forgiveness toward us is directly linked to the forgiveness we extend to others. How we conduct ourselves in relationships matters deeply—to others and, most importantly, to God. We cannot be healthy followers of Jesus while living with unresolved contempt or bitterness in our hearts.

This message emphasizes that living out the Christian faith is much simpler than we often make it. Drawing from Matthew 5:13-16, the sermon reminds believers that Jesus calls His followers to be salt and light—people who influence the world around them with the goodness and love that comes from God, not out of duty or fear, but as an outworking of relationship with Christ. The Kingdom of God, unlike the kingdoms of man, gives rather than takes, allowing believers to shine and benefit the whole community, ultimately bringing glory to God rather than themselves. Are we living out our identity as light in the world, resting in our relationship with Christ, and bringing glory to our Father in heaven?

Jesus establishes a new and unexpected standard for what it means to be "blessed" in His Kingdom—a standard completely different from what the world values. Instead of achievement and status, Jesus calls the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, and the persecuted as "blessed."We emphasized that these blessings aren’t rewards for personal virtue or commands to achieve, but declarations of good news right in the midst of people’s pain and need. Jesus invites the struggling, overlooked, and hurting into His "upside down Kingdom" where blessing is present not instead of pain, but within it. We closed by challenging listeners to rethink what blessing means, assuring them that God’s favor isn’t measured by circumstances, but by our belonging in His unshakable Kingdom.

This message teaches that Jesus’ baptism and wilderness temptation show us how to face the lies and temptations of the enemy. Jesus fulfills God’s requirements, is affirmed as God’s beloved Son, and overcomes Satan’s lies by relying on God’s Word and staying grounded in his God-given identity We are encouraged to know who we are in Christ, know the truth of Scripture, be alert to our weaknesses, and use our gifts for God’s glory, not our own.

In this message, we explore what it truly means to prepare the way for the Lord, drawing from the example of John the Baptist. Using the illustration of “means and methods” from the construction world, we learn that the MEANS are the resources God provides—the people, moments, and communication He uses—while the METHOD is the process of transformation through repentance, humility, and surrender.God works through ordinary days, unique individuals, and honest communication to accomplish His eternal purposes. Preparing the way begins with acknowledging our need for Him, confessing our shortcomings, and allowing Him to shape our character—even in the wilderness.

Matthew gives us Jesus’ “origin story” in his gospel—showing us his genealogy and then his miraculous birth. Matthew emphasizes that Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, fully God and fully man, sent to fulfill prophecy and to save us from our sins. Joseph’s response of integrity and obedience shows the weight of this moment. The heart of the passage is this: Jesus’ mission is to save us from sin, but if we don’t recognize our sin, we miss our need for him.

This sermon introduces a new expository journey through the Gospel of Matthew, emphasizing the importance of knowing Jesus as the Messiah and King. Pastor Jeff highlights how Matthew’s genealogy demonstrates Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, linking Him directly to David and Abraham to validate His messianic identity. We look at how God works through flawed and ordinary people to accomplish His purposes and calls the church to find hope, identity, and purpose in Christ.

This weekend we heard a powerful message from our friend, Pastor Dustin Johnston, on the subject of idols. Drawing from Acts 17, he used the city of Athens as an example of what we often see in our own lives.Too often, we take the good things God has given us and place them where only He belongs. Pastor Dustin challenged us to reevaluate our priorities, repent where we’ve gone wrong, and realign our lives to put God first.Here are the questions he ended his message with...1. What do I love most deeply? 2. What do I trust in for a sense of security or identity?3. Where do my time, attention, and energy go the most? 4. What do I find hard to say “no” to?5. What triggers my strongest emotion?6. What am I striving to achieve and protect above all else?7. Who or what gives me significance?8. What do I run to for comfort or escape when life gets hard?9. When am I willing to compromise my integrity?

This sermon concludes the “I’m IN” series by inviting believers to be fully invested in our church. Pastor Jeff emphasizes that everyone is already invested in something, and what we invest in reveals what we truly value—our “treasure,” as Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:21 (ESV): "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Rather than storing resources for ourselves, we are called to pour them into God’s Kingdom, illustrated through stories like the foolish rich man in Luke 12, the woman with the alabaster jar in Mark 14, and the feeding of the five thousand in Luke 9. God created us to pour, not to store, and when we are invested—our time, resources, and hearts—we are transformed.

This week’s message reminded us that true influence isn’t about platform—it's about people. Beginning with the story of Mordecai Ham, a lesser-known evangelist whose faithfulness led to the conversion of Billy Graham, we saw how one act of obedience can shape eternity. You truly have no idea how one conversation, one word of encouragement, or one act of love might change someone’s life forever.In a culture obsessed with viral fame and social media stardom, God redefines influence—not through celebrity, but through faithfulness. As Matthew 5:13–16 declares, we are salt and light, made to shine and shape the world around us.We explored three biblical examples of everyday people using their influence for the Kingdom:Priscilla and Aquila: tentmakers whose hospitality and teaching helped shape Apollos, a powerful preacher of the Gospel.Barnabas: whose encouragement opened doors for Paul and gave John Mark a second chance—his generosity and advocacy influenced early church history.The Samaritan Woman: an outcast whose encounter with Jesus led to a village-wide revival—proving you don’t need a perfect past to make an eternal impact.

Pastor Jim continued our I’M IN series with a powerful reminder: “I’m Invaluable.”Every person in the body of Christ has God-given value—and that includes you. Your unique gifts and talents are not just important—they’re indispensable. We can’t fulfill our mission to reach the community without each part of the body working together.Pastor Jim challenged us to recognize the role we’re called to play. No one is here by accident, and no gift is too small to make an eternal impact.We need you. We need each other. Let’s keep stepping into our calling—together.

This weekend, we had the privilege of hearing from our missionaries to Ecuador, Josh and Karri Woolley! They shared their journey into ministry, gave us an update on what God is doing in Ecuador, and showed us how we can be part of the bigger mission. If you’d like to support them financially, you can give through our Kingdom Builders fund!

In this world, you’ll have struggles. You’ll face opposition. You’ll be challenged. And there’s a reason for that: this world is not your home. So answer hate with love, find joy in the midst of trials, and rely on a strength beyond yourself. You’re meant to be … Different.This is the final week of our sermon series, Different. We are concluding by walking through how to be different in different areas of our life 1. Different...In Spirit 2. Different....Under Pressure 3. Different....In Battle 4. Different....In Destiny

In this world, you’ll have struggles. You’ll face opposition. You’ll be challenged. And there’s a reason for that: this world is not your home. So answer hate with love, find joy in the midst of trials, and rely on a strength beyond yourself. You’re meant to be … Different.This is week three of our series, Different. We we are challenging everyone to be a "hope dealer" for your community. The first way to share the gospel is by your actions.

In this world, you’ll have struggles. You’ll face opposition. You’ll be challenged. And there’s a reason for that: this world is not your home. So answer hate with love, find joy in the midst of trials, and rely on a strength beyond yourself. You’re meant to be … Different.This is the second week of our series, Different. We talked about how to be set apart in our culture!

In this world, you’ll have struggles. You’ll face opposition. You’ll be challenged. And there’s a reason for that: this world is not your home. So answer hate with love, find joy in the midst of trials, and rely on a strength beyond yourself. You’re meant to be … Different.This is week 1 from our new sermon series, Different

“Remember His Words”, comes from our Easter Sunday celebration—a powerful reminder of the hope we have in Jesus Christ.We began by reading Luke 24:1–11, where the women discover the empty tomb and hear those life-changing words: “He is not here; He has risen!” The core of the message? Jesus is alive, just as He said He would be.💡 Big Idea: We are forgetful people... but Easter calls us to remember. But today, we’re called back to Jesus' words, His mission, and His identity. His Disciples Forgot Too Even those closest to Jesus forgot or misunderstood His mission. Over three separate times in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus clearly predicted His death and resurrection. But each time, the disciples drifted back into their own concerns—arguing about greatness, misunderstanding his purpose, or just plain not asking questions. We shared three vital questions that every person must reckon with:1. What do you think is the purpose of your life?2. What do you believe happens when you die?3. What do you believe about Jesus Christ?These aren’t just religious questions—they’re eternity-defining ones.✝️ Jesus IS Who He Says He IsJesus didn’t just predict His death and resurrection—He fulfilled those promises. Every claim Jesus made about Himself—Son of God, Good Shepherd, the Way, the Truth, the Life—came true.Jesus said in John 3:16–21 that belief is what saves us—but it also changes us. Real belief moves us into the light for all to see. It transforms not just our eternity, but our everyday So we ask again—what do you believe about Jesus?Key Takeaway:The resurrection is more than a story; it's a call to remember Jesus’ words, to believe in Him, and let that belief change our lives forever.🙏 Salvation Call:“Don’t just celebrate Easter—live in the power of the resurrection. Believe. Be changed. Remember His Words.”#HopeChurchPodcast #EasterRecap #HeIsRisen #RememberHisWords #HopeInJesus #TheResurrectionChangesEverything #FaithThatTransforms

In this message we look at Jesus triumphal entry on Palm Sunday in Luke's gospel. What does Jesus life mean for us? How will we live in light of Jesus triumphal entry? Will we listen and trust him in Jesus? Will we critique him and how others worship him? Will we be just on-lookers but not participators? Three different perspectives 1. The Disciples 2. The Pharisees 3. The Crowd

In this message, we talked about how as a church we need to "Run The Play" in sharing the gospel with the world around us. "God gives us the gospel, the power of the Spirit, and diving appointments - our role is to obey and run the play." Our Examples 1. Stephen speaking boldly 2. Peter breaking down barriers 3. Philip following a whisper 4. Paul and Silas praising in suffering All of these Jesus followers chose to run the play of the gospel and follow the Lord's call. Because of their bold choice, the gospel spread, people where saved and the world was never the same. It's our turn. Run the play.

As we continue our sermon series, Peace of Mind we looked at the topic of burnout and how sometimes the most spiritual thing that you can do is REST. Be faithful with what you have and use the gifts that God has given you for his glory!How do we get to burnout? 1. We run ourselves into the ground 2. We try to do it all on our own 3. We dwell on the negative Look to Jesus and he will bring you into his rest!

This is part three of our sermon series, Peace of Mind. We are tackling some difficult topics regarding mental health.This week, we discussed our mindset when battling depression. We are making a commitment not to make permanent decisions based on temporary emotions. Even in the midst of our pain, we can have hope in God.

This is part two of our sermon series, Peace of mind. We are taking time to tackle hard topics that interrupt our peace. In this message, we will look at King Jehoshaphat and how he dealt with an fearful and anxious situation. He gives us some leadership on how we can deal with the anxiety of our day. Title: Divine Reliance 1. It's time to pray 2. It's time to pause 3. It's time to praise 4. It's time to rest

This was Part One of our sermon series, Peace of Mind. We began by discussing the myths of mental health and exploring how God calls us to pursue a holistic approach to daily living. This pursuit is grounded in the greatest commandment: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and strength. When we align our lives with this truth, we experience God's peace that surpasses understanding, guiding us toward spiritual, emotional, and mental wholeness.

In this message, Pastor Jim concludes our sermon series on the book of Ruth, focusing on chapter four.We explore how Boaz exemplifies both character and action, not hesitating to redeem Ruth but stepping up immediately. Similarly, just as Boaz redeemed Ruth, our ultimate Redeemer, Jesus, has redeemed each of us.

We continue our journey through the Book of Ruth, now exploring chapter three. In this passage, we see how Ruth courageously stepped out in faith, following Naomi's guidance to ask Boaz to fulfill his role as guardian-redeemer.Three keys to Bold Faith Faith Requires Trusting Without Seeing - Hebrews 11:1 Integrity and Bold Action Work Together - Ruth 3:10-11Trusting the Outcome to God - Ruth 3:18

This sermon, titled "As It Turned Out," explores the theme of finding God in hard work, drawn from Ruth 2:1-10. Through the story of Ruth, the sermon emphasizes how faithfulness in small, diligent actions can lead to divine opportunities and blessings. Remain diligent and faithful in the current season, trusting in God's provision.

Resolve to RemainThis sermon explores the book of Ruth, focusing on how we can find God in ordinary and difficult times. It emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful to God and others during hardships, using Naomi and Ruth's story as an example. The sermon encourages listeners to view their struggles as opportunities for growth and to impact others positively through their response to adversity.Key Points:The absence of God's leadership leads to moral and social chaosIsolation during hardship can lead to desperation and destructive decisionsHow we handle hardship can lead others to praise GodOur pain can become a purpose for someone else's praiseEven in our emptiness, God is at work and preparing to fill us

2 Corinthians 2:14 (ESV) - "But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere." Assuming Everything Will Go Bad "Do you remember the Israelites in the wilderness? They saw God's faithfulness part the Red Sea, but the moment they faced giants in the Promised Land, they said, 'I knew it!' They immediately doubted and let fear dictate their future. Not anymore—I quit that mentality." "My God promised me a land of milk and honey, and if He said it, He will do it!" Fixating on What I Can't ControlJohn 5:6 (ESV) - "When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, 'Do you want to be healed?'" "We fixate on what we can’t control instead of focusing on what we can. Jesus asked the man at the pool, 'Do you want to be well?'—because change starts with choosing to step away from what holds us back." "So, I quit trying to control what I can’t. Instead, I’ll take responsibility for what I can control and trust God with the rest." Letting My Hardships Define MeEsther 4:14 (ESV) - "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" "Esther could have let fear or hardship define her, but she believed that her position was for God’s purpose. I won’t let my hardships define me anymore—I quit! I’m not a victim of my circumstances; I’ll be a victor in them." "If it got to me, it went through Him. Who knows but that I am here for such a time as this!" Focusing on Other People’s LivesLuke 15:31 (ESV) - "'And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.’" "Like the older brother in the story of the Prodigal Son, we can get so focused on what others have that we lose sight of what God has already given us. I quit comparing my life with others—I am always with my Father, and all He has is mine!" 7 Statements of Victory1. I am in Christ—I am a new creation. 2. I am invincible within the will of God—I am victorious in Him. 3. I have a calling on my life—God has called me His. 4. I have a future—He knows the plans He has for me. 5. I have so much to be thankful for—Jesus is good. 6. Hardships make me stronger—James 1:2-4. 7. My reward is knowing Jesus

This is a message from our sermon series Don't Drink The Poison. See the notes below!Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense Galatians 5:13 (NIV) “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.“Matthew 11:2–6 (NKJV) And when John had heard in prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him, “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another?” Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” 3 Traps of Expectation 1. Unspoken Expectation 2. Unmet Expectation Proverbs 6:16-19There are six things the Lordhates—    no, seven things he detests:17 haughty eyes,    a lying tongue,    hands that kill the innocent,18 a heart that plots evil,    feet that race to do wrong,19 a false witness who pours out lies,    a person who sows discord in a family.3. Unrealistic Expectation Process of Offense 1. Offense2. Bitterness3. Anger 4. Hate

Title: Your Spirit, Your Responsibility Stage 1 - The Feeling of Offense Stage 2 - The Choice to live or not live offended Stage 1 - Someone presents you with an opportunity to be offended Stage 2 - To Live offended is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die Luke 17: 1 (NKJV)"It is impossible that no offenses should come..." Matthew 24:10"And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another."YOU MIGHT HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE OFFENDED; BUT THAT DOESN'T MEAN YOU SHOULD 1 Corinthians 10"All things are lawful," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful, " but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good but the good of his neighbor." Galatians 5:13 (NIV) “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.“ANYONE CAN GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE OFFENDED, BUT YOU GET TO CHOOSE IF YOU WILL LIVE OFFENDED.Proverbs 19:11 Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other's their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 

We Are The Church Acts 2:46-4746 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.1. Gathering of GracePhilippians 1:7 (NLT)"So it is right that I should feel as I do about all of you, for you have a special place in my heart. You share with me the special favor of God, both in my imprisonment and in defending and confirming the truth of the good news."2. Gathering of Healing James 5:16"Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."3. Gathering on Mission Acts 2:46-4746 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. Serve one another. - Galatians 5:13Show hospitality to one another - 1 Peter 4:9Be kind to one another - Ephesians 4:32Encourage one another - 1 Thessalonians 4:18Carry one another's burdens - Galatians 6:2

Title: Remember why you startedSubtitle: 3 keys to a missional church Acts 2:42-471. We will be a passionately devoted church 2. We will be an irrationally generous church 3. We will unapologetically share the gospel