Hope Community Church PCA

This sermon, drawn from Genesis 5, presents meditation on mortality, divine hope, and the enduring legacy of faith across generations. Centered on the recurring refrain 'and he died,' the passage underscores that death is not part of God's original design but a consequence of sin, highlighting humanity's fallen state and the universal experience of decay. Yet amid this somber procession, two figures—Enoch, who walked with God and was taken up without dying, and Noah, whose very name signifies relief—offer transformative hope: Enoch exemplifies a life of intimate faith and obedience, while Noah points forward to Christ, the ultimate Savior who offers rest from life's toil. The sermon emphasizes that true fulfillment is found not in longevity or earthly achievement, but in walking with God, trusting in His promises, and living with the confident anticipation of eternal life, where death's sting is swallowed in victory through Christ. Outline: 1. Death is Not Natural 2. Enoch Walked with God 3. Noah Who Brought Relief

This short message presents baptism as a sacred sign and seal of God's covenantal grace, rooted in redemptive history from Noah's rainbow to Abraham's circumcision and culminating in the New Testament sacraments. It emphasizes that baptism, like the Lord's Supper, is not a work but a divine gift—received passively, not earned—pointing to the gospel and reinforcing God's faithfulness. The preacher highlights the profound theological timeline of salvation: God's election before the foundation of the world, the atonement of Christ two millennia ago, and the future faith of the baptized child, all unfolding in divine order. Through this lens, baptism is not a mere ritual but a powerful picture of God's sovereign love, assuring believers that salvation is entirely His work, from beginning to end. The service culminates in the baptism of a child, affirming the church's collective responsibility to nurture him in the faith, grounded in the unchanging promises of God.

This passage presents the contrast between two spiritual lineages: the city of man, exemplified by Cain's descendants, who flourish in cultural achievements, yet remain devoid of worship and spiritually aligned with the serpent's rebellion; and the city of God, represented by Seth's line, marked by the reestablishment of worship as people begin to call upon the name of the Lord. Though the world celebrates human progress and success, the sermon underscores that true identity is not found in such accomplishments, but in being part of God's redemptive family, where citizenship is heavenly and salvation is rooted in divine adoption. The narrative reveals that even in the darkest times—when wickedness seems triumphant and worship has ceased—God is at work, preserving a faithful remnant that points forward to Christ, whose victory is assured. Ultimately, the passage calls believers to reject worldly identity and instead embrace their eternal belonging to the city of God, where worship, hope, and eternal life are found. OUTLINE: 1. Cain's Genealogy – Common Grace 2. Lamech - The Seed of the Serpent 3. Seth - The Seed of the Woman

This sermon explores the tragic story of Cain and Abel as a profound illustration of sin's deceptive nature, its exponential progression, and the enduring conflict between the line of the serpent and the line of the woman, culminating in Christ's redemptive victory. It emphasizes that sin, though initially subtle, crouches at the door of the heart and that true worship is rooted in faith and the offering of the first and best. The passage reveals God's justice in judgment, yet also His mercy in preserving Cain and marking him, pointing to a larger redemptive narrative where separation from God—symbolized by the cherubim and flaming sword—is ultimately overcome through Christ's sacrificial death, which removes the barrier and grants believers confident access to God's presence. The sermon concludes with a call to be vigilant in guarding against sin, a longing for Christ's return, and the assurance that, despite the darkness of sin and evil, God's ultimate victory is certain. Outline: 1. Sin is Crouching at Your Door - The Bad Offering 2. The Fruit of Sin - The Murder 3. Invitation for Repentance - The Dialog 4. The Mercy of God - The Judgement

This sermon unpacks Genesis 3:22–24 as a pivotal moment revealing both the consequences of human rebellion and God's merciful design for redemption. It emphasizes that humanity's newfound knowledge of good and evil, gained through disobedience, did not elevate them to divine status but instead condemned them to separation from God, necessitating their expulsion from Eden to prevent eternal existence in a fallen state. The imagery of cherubim and a flaming sword symbolizes the profound spiritual divide caused by sin, yet the passage also reveals God's grace in withholding immediate death and instead initiating a redemptive pattern throughout history—judgment followed by mercy, exile followed by restoration. This pattern culminates in Jesus Christ, who bears the full wrath of God on the cross, tearing the temple veil and abolishing the barrier between humanity and God, thereby fulfilling the promise of a future where the tree of life will be restored in the new heavens and new earth. The sermon calls believers to a holy discontentment with this present world, not as despair, but as a longing for the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where suffering ends, God's presence is fully known, and all things are made new. Outline: 1. Corruption in the Garden 2. Cleansing of the Garden 3. Our Future Hope

This sermon, rooted in Genesis 3:7–21, explores the profound consequences of humanity's fall, tracing the loss of innocence, the onset of shame, and the introduction of death and toil into creation. It highlights God's merciful yet just response—calling Adam and Eve not with immediate condemnation, but with questions designed to draw them into repentance, revealing His desire for reconciliation over retribution. The passage underscores the futility of human attempts to cover sin through self-effort (symbolized by fig leaves), contrasting them with God's redemptive provision of garments made from animal skins, a foreshadowing of Christ's righteousness. Central to the message is the promise of hope embedded in Genesis 3:15—the enmity between the serpent and the woman's offspring—pointing forward to Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death, which is fulfilled in the resurrection and the future restoration of all things. The sermon calls listeners to abandon self-justification and instead embrace the gospel: salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone, leading to confident hope in the face of death. Outline: 1. Cover-up 2. Curse 3. Clothes

This sermon centers on the transformative power of Easter not as a distant historical event, but as a living hope grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which secures a future inheritance imperishable, undefiled, and unfading—kept in heaven for believers. It emphasizes that salvation is not earned by human effort but is a gift of God's great mercy, resulting in a new birth and a faith that is actively guarded by divine power through trials. The passage confronts the tension between present suffering and future glory, affirming that trials are not meaningless but serve to test and refine genuine faith, proving it more precious than gold. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to genuine faith—trusting not in self, but in Christ, whose resurrection guarantees both present perseverance and future salvation, enabling believers to rejoice even amid darkness with a joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory. Outline: 1. Born Again to a Living Hope Through Faith 2. Trials Test Our Faith

This sermon unpacks Genesis 3:1–7 to reveal how sin entered the world through deception, disobedience, and silence, tracing its lasting impact on human relationships, identity, and morality. Centered on the fall of Adam and Eve, it highlights Satan's role as the father of lies, the woman's vulnerability through being deceived, and the man's culpability in passive complicity, all illustrating how sin begins in the heart and corrupts every aspect of life. Nathan Francis emphasizes that self-reliance and moral striving cannot overcome this brokenness, but points to Christ—the second Adam—as the true example of obedience, courage, and identity, offering liberation from shame, guilt, and the power of sin through faith in His finished work. Drawing on Scripture, the message calls believers to reject the patterns of Adam and Eve, embrace their new identity in Christ, and live with boldness, vigilance, and dependence on God's Word, empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist deception and stand firm in truth.

The sermon, rooted in Colossians 4:2–6, calls believers to live with intentional, Christ-centered action in three vital areas: prayer, our lives, and speech. It emphasizes that true spiritual doing is not self-effort or control, but faithful obedience to God, trusting Him with the results. The passage calls Christians to persist in prayer with watchfulness and thanksgiving, modeling Paul's kingdom-focused intercession even in hardship, and to live wisely by applying biblical truth to everyday life, especially in relationships with non-believers. It further urges believers to speak with grace and purpose, aligning words with actions and being prepared to share the gospel with each person they encounter. Ultimately, the message is one of encouragement and stewardship—believers are reminded that when they faithfully engage in prayer, practice, and proclamation, they are doing God's will, and they can rest in His sovereignty over the outcomes. Outline: 1) Your Prayers 2) Your Life 3) Your Speech

The sermon centers on the fall of humanity in Genesis 3, emphasizing Satan's role as the father of lies and his deceptive strategy in tempting Adam and Eve. Through a detailed examination of the serpent's tactics—planting doubt, distorting God's Word, exploiting discontentment, and appealing to pride—the preacher reveals how Satan's schemes remain relevant today. The message underscores the necessity of discernment, urging believers to recognize their vulnerabilities and counter deception with the truth of Scripture. Drawing on Ephesians 6 and Jesus' victory in the wilderness, the sermon calls for reliance on God's Word as the ultimate weapon, affirming that despite Satan's persistent attacks, God's grace and sovereignty prevail through Christ's redemptive work.

The message presents a theological defense of infant baptism rooted in the continuity of God's covenant throughout Scripture, emphasizing that baptism is a sign of inclusion in the covenant community rather than a means of salvation. Drawing from the Old Testament practice of circumcision as a covenant sign for infants, the preacher argues that the New Testament does not explicitly abolish this practice. Thus the absence of a command to stop placing the sign of the covenant on believers and their children implies its ongoing validity. The central message affirms that God's covenantal promises extend to children, as seen in passages like Acts 2:39 and Genesis 17:7, and that baptism serves as a visible reminder of God's sovereign grace. The tone is pastoral and reassuring, focusing on divine faithfulness, the perseverance of the saints, and the hope that children baptized as infants will one day personally embrace faith and repentance. Ultimately, the message calls the congregation to affirm their shared responsibility in nurturing these children in the faith, trusting that God will complete the work He has begun.

The sermon centers on Genesis 2:18–24, revealing that God's design for humanity includes a profound need for relational connection, established through the creation of woman as a 'helper fit for him'—a role that reflects divine complementarity, not inferiority. It emphasizes that man's solitude was not good, highlighting humanity's inherent social nature and the biblical foundation of marriage as a divine institution, not a cultural construct. The passage is interpreted through both Old and New Testament lenses, showing how Adam's creation from dust and Eve's from his rib symbolize distinct yet complementary roles, with Christ's sacrificial love for the Church serving as the ultimate model for marital commitment. The sermon calls both men and women to embrace their God-ordained roles—men to self-giving sacrifice, women to faithful partnership—while affirming that all believers, regardless of marital status, are sustained by the Holy Spirit as their true Helper. Ultimately, the narrative of marriage in Scripture points forward to the eternal union between Christ and His bride, offering hope, endurance, and joy in the midst of present suffering. Outline: 1. God's Role for Man 2. God Creates Woman 3. God Institutes Marriage

This passage reveals God as both lavishly generous and sovereignly just, portraying Eden as a divine garden-temple where humanity was created in God's image, entrusted with stewardship, and provided for abundantly, reflecting His love and provision. It establishes the covenant of works, a clear moral boundary where obedience brings life and disobedience brings death, underscoring God's role as lawgiver and judge, while affirming that humanity's failure to uphold this covenant necessitates a divine solution. The sermon highlights that Jesus, as the second Adam, fulfilled the covenant of works perfectly, offering salvation not through human effort but through His righteous life and atoning death, thereby securing a future far greater than Eden. Ultimately, the passage points to heaven as God's ultimate purpose—a restored, eternal reality where suffering is no more, and believers will dwell with God in perfect fellowship, making the present trials insignificant in light of the glory to come. Outline: 1. Garden Temple - God is lavish in his love & provision 2. Covenant of Works - God is the lawgiver & judge 3. Heaven - God's best is yet to come

This address was given at the church's annual Vision Banquet casting vision for the church for 2026. The presentation centers on cultivating a deeper appetite and consistent habit of engaging with Scripture, framing the Bible not as a burdensome duty but as the living, powerful, and infinitely satisfying source of life. Drawing from key passages like Isaiah 55:1–2 & 9-10, Hebrews 4:12, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, and many more it emphasizes the Bible's divine claims—its ability to pierce the heart, sustain life, and offer lasting fulfillment. With all the amazing claims of Scripture, one would expect it easy to read consistently, but most struggle to maintain desire and the habit. Many people look to a variety of things for comfort and pleasure, none compare with Scripture. One that is particularly dangerous is the ubiquitous pervasivity of digital media. It is critical for the church to confront this modern distraction, digital media, with its addictive nature, which hijacks attention and replaces spiritual nourishment with instant gratification. Nathan argues that the human heart, naturally restless, is prone to idolatry, and thus the digital age intensifies the need for intentional, delayed gratification found in Scripture. His Thesis was: If people in our age struggle to not allow digital media to undermine their relationships with humans they SEE, how much more will this struggle impact their relationship with the UNSEEN God. Practical strategies were proposed such as a daily one-verse challenge all designed to nurture both desire and discipline in a culture of distraction. Music video shown, but not included in this recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IM2nMeXvor0

The sermon presents the Sabbath not as a legalistic obligation but as a divine gift designed for weary souls, rooted in God's own rest after creation and reaffirmed throughout Scripture. Drawing from Genesis 2:1–3, Exodus 20:8–11, and Isaiah 58, it emphasizes that the Sabbath is a holy day blessed by God to foster delight in Him, offering a necessary spiritual detox from the relentless pace of modern life and the endless distractions of entertainment. Far from being a burden, the Sabbath is portrayed as a foretaste of eternal fellowship with God, pointing forward to the ultimate rest of heaven where sin and distraction will be no more. The preacher calls believers to rediscover the joy of resting in God, not through rigid rules, but through a heart that longs to delight in Him, mirroring the intimacy God desires with His people. Ultimately, the Sabbath is a sacred invitation to pause, remember, and reorient life around the Christ who sacrificed everything to restore that relationship.

This sermon, rooted in Genesis 1:24–31, presents a theological affirmation of human dignity and purpose by emphasizing that humanity alone is created in the image of God, distinguishing humans from all other creatures and rejecting evolutionary reductionism. It unpacks the creation mandates of being fruitful and multiplying—not merely through biological procreation but also through spiritual reproduction, such as discipling others—and of exercising godly dominion over creation, not as domination but as stewardship under God's authority. The sermon challenges modern secular worldviews, particularly the influence of psychology and evolutionary theory, by advocating for Biblical Counseling and the Bible as the sufficient and authoritative guide for human flourishing, grounded in Scripture's divine inspiration and practical wisdom. Ultimately, it calls believers to surrender personal autonomy to Christ as the true King, recognizing that true fulfillment comes not from self-rule but from aligning life with God's design, beginning in the home and extending to every sphere of life. Outline: 1. We Are Not Animals 2. We Are to Be Fruitful & Multiply 3. We Are to Take Dominion

This sermon defends the claim that Genesis 1 is historical narrative, not poetry or allegory and establishes God as the sovereign Creator who spoke the universe into existence in six literal days. The passage affirms God's eternal power and creativity, declaring the goodness of creation and establishing a clear distinction between Creator and creation, thereby refuting atheism, pantheism, and evolution. It serves as the bedrock for the entire biblical narrative, grounding key doctrines such as human dignity, the Sabbath, marriage, sin, and redemption, all of which hinge on a literal interpretation of Adam and Eve and the early chapters of Genesis. The sermon emphasizes that Scripture must interpret Scripture, warning that undermining the historicity of Genesis unravels the coherence of the entire Bible, and calls believers to submit their worldview to the authority of God's Word rather than to shifting scientific consensus or personal opinion. Outline: Genesis 1… 1. Is Historical Narrative not Poetry 2. Declares the Power & Creativity of God 3. Lays the Foundation for the Entire Bible

The sermon centers on the transformative power of God at work within believers, drawing from Ephesians 3:20–21 to affirm that God's ability to accomplish far more than we can imagine is rooted not in our strength, faith, or effort, but in the resurrection and regenerating power of Christ active within us. It challenges the common assumptions that God's work is limited by our perceived weakness, small faith, or lack of visible progress, instead pointing to the eternal reality of Christ's victory over death and spiritual darkness. Through the lens of Paul's pastoral concern for the Ephesians, the message calls the church to shift focus from earthly discouragements to the unseen, ongoing work of God in sustaining His people and glorifying Himself in His people throughout history. The passage underscores that God's power is not measured by dramatic signs, but by His faithful, sustaining grace in the ordinary lives of believers, where He continues to write His glory in the church and in every generation. Outline: We fail to expect God's ongoing work. Truth: God is at work. 1) We assume that because our faith is small God will not act. Truth: Our faith is not the measure of what God will do. 2) We assume that because we are not able, he is not able. Truth: Our strength is not the measure of what God can do. 3) We assume our efforts explain our progress. Truth: God's power at work within us. (This is the explanation for our growth and vitality- past, present, and future.)

The sermon centers on the foundational truth of Genesis 1:1—'In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth'—presenting it as the bedrock of Christian faith, theology, and worldview. It emphasizes God's eternality, His personal act of creating all things ex nihilo (out of nothing), and the vast scope of His creation, which encompasses the entire universe. Through vivid analogies, scriptural references, and a call to humility, the message confronts human pride and invites listeners to trust in God's sovereignty, arguing that belief in creation is not only rational but a fork in the road of trusting God's revelation in its entirety. The sermon concludes with a pastoral appeal to embrace this truth not as abstract doctrine, but as the basis for faith, comfort, and life-altering commitment. Outline: 1. Eternality of God 2. Created Everything from Nothing 3. The Heavens & The Earth

The sermon centers on Jesus' promise to His disciples in John 14:1–6, where He comforts them amid fear and uncertainty by affirming His divine authority and intimate presence. The passage reveals that true peace comes not from understanding every detail of life's trials, but from trusting in Jesus as the exclusive way, truth, and life to the Father. Through vivid imagery of a prepared heavenly home and the assurance that Jesus Himself will return to take believers to be with Him, the message emphasizes divine sovereignty, personal care, and the necessity of faith over human effort. Todd Billman underscores that while questions and confusion are natural—even for devoted followers—Jesus invites all to stop, surrender, and trust in Him as the only path to eternal life, calling listeners to examine their personal relationship with Christ and to seek clarity through honest inquiry and reliance on His truth. Outline: 1) Jesus is Comforting Them with Truth (John 14:1) 2) Jesus is Revealing Their Future (John 14:2-3) 3) Jesus is Reminding Them of the Way (John 14:4-6)

Romans 8:1–17 delivers a profound and hopeful message of liberation, divine indwelling, and intimate adoption, grounding the Christian life in the transformative reality of being set free from sin's condemnation through Christ's victory. The passage affirms that believers are no longer bound by the law of sin and death, but are empowered by the Spirit of life to fulfill God's righteous requirements through both Christ's imputed righteousness and the ongoing work of sanctification. It emphasizes that the Holy Spirit dwells within believers, providing strength, assurance, and the promise of resurrection, while also highlighting the intimate relationship of adopted children crying out to God as Abba, Father. Far from a call to self-effort, the passage calls for a life of surrender to Christ's new management, where growth is not measured by perfection but by the Spirit's presence, the Father's delight, and the joy of seeing progress amid ongoing struggle. This truth, rooted in divine grace and not human performance, is meant to fuel perseverance, community, and joy in the journey of spiritual maturity. Outline: 1. We Have Been Set Free from Slavery to the Flesh 2. We Have the Spirit Living in Us 3. We Have Been Adopted as Children of God

This sermon explores the nature of conflict within the Christian community through the biblical account of Paul and Barnabas' disagreement over whether to take John Mark on their second missionary journey. It distinguishes between two types of conflict—deeply theological disputes, such as the Jerusalem Council's debate over salvation by faith alone versus adherence to Mosaic law, and wisdom-based disagreements, like the decision about Mark's inclusion—highlighting that both require discernment and biblical principles. The preacher emphasizes that while disagreement is inevitable and sometimes necessary, especially when core convictions are at stake, believers must avoid both peace-faking and peace-breaking responses, instead choosing to move forward with grace, humility, and a willingness to change one's mind, as Paul later did by welcoming Mark back into ministry. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to hold realistic expectations about conflict, recognizing that Christ, not human unity or perfection, is the true foundation and sustainer of the church, and that even in division, God continues to advance His redemptive work through imperfect people. Sermon Outline: 1. Two Types of Disagreements 2. Are You Willing to Disagree? 3. Are You Willing to Move On?

The Christmas Eve message presents a powerful allegory illustrating humanity's spiritual captivity under sin and deception, using the story of a princess held in a castle by a deceptive prince to symbolize humanity's entrapment by sin and the false allure of this world. Through the narrative, it reveals how Jesus, portrayed as the servant and ultimately the victorious knight, came to break the chains of guilt and shame—symbolized by the ball and chain—through His sacrificial death and resurrection, offering true freedom. The central message emphasizes that Christmas is not merely a sentimental holiday, but the beginning of God's redemptive plan, calling listeners to repentance, trust in Christ, and a personal response to His love. Drawing from Scripture, especially the Sermon on the Mount and John 1, Nathan underscores the moral weight of human failure and the radical grace of Christ, challenging the audience to choose between self-justification and surrendering to Jesus as the only true liberator. The tone is both convicting and comforting, urging a heartfelt, faith-filled response to the gospel at the heart of the Christmas story.

This sermon, drawn from John 1:1–18, presents the profound truth that Jesus is the eternal Logos—divine reason and order incarnate—who created all things, embodies life and light, and entered human history not as a distant deity but as a vulnerable infant, fulfilling God's grace-driven plan to redeem humanity. While the world failed to recognize Jesus at His first coming, His incarnation, life, death, and resurrection reveal a radical, undeserved grace that transcends human effort, religious systems, or moral striving, distinguishing Christianity from all other worldviews. The passage calls us to confront the darkness within—sin, despair, and spiritual warfare—and to receive Jesus not as a mere moral teacher or cultural symbol, but as the Lord of the universe who offers adoption into God's family through faith, not works. The sermon culminates in a invitation to respond to Christ's coming with personal surrender, recognizing that what is most needed this Christmas is not a gift we earn, but the unmerited grace of a Savior who came, died, and will return. Outline: 1. The Logos is Jesus 2. Who needs Jesus? 3. What You Most Need

Authentic Christianity lifts burdens rather than imposing them. Acts 15 beautifully illustrates this reality. The early church, guided by the Holy Spirit and united in purpose, resolved a divisive issue by affirming that Gentile believers need not adopt Jewish ceremonial laws to be saved. The Jerusalem Council's decision—sent through a delegation and a letter—protecting the gospel by displelling the false teaching. The response of joy and encouragement in Antioch underscores that true gospel freedom brings relief, not fear, and that the Christian life is not a checklist of rules but a relationship of rest and surrender to Christ. The sermon underscores the threefold use of the law—civil, mirror, and guide—clarifying that while the law reveals sin and points to Christ, it is not a means of salvation, and that genuine faith finds peace in Christ's finished work. Ultimately, the message is that Christianity, at its core, is not a system of burdens but a liberating grace that frees believers from guilt, fear, and self-effort, inviting them into a life of joy. Outline: 1. A Delegation is Sent 2. A Letter is Read 3. A Burden is Lifted

Outline: 1. Appeal to God's Instituted Authority Structures 2. The Importance of a Plurality of Leadership 3. How Christ Leads His Church

This sermon draws from Paul and Barnabas's missionary journey in Acts 14 to emphasize three essential attitudes for faithful Christian witness: being ready for opposition, ready to support believers, and ready to glorify God. It portrays Paul's resilience in the face of stoning not as mere endurance, but as a profound demonstration of commitment to his mission. Todd Billman underscores that true faithfulness involves returning to strengthen new believers, even at great personal cost, and that discipleship requires intentional, ongoing care rather than one-time evangelism. The narrative highlights the importance of honest teaching—acknowledging that tribulation is part of the Christian journey—while rejecting self-glory in favor of attributing all success to God's grace. Ultimately, the message calls the church to embrace inconvenience, courage, and humility, recognizing that the gospel's power lies not in human effort, but in divine transformation, and that every believer is called to share this life-changing truth with boldness and love. Outline: When sharing the Gospel, we must... 1) Be Ready for Opposition 2) Be Ready to Support Believers! 3) Be Ready to Glorify God!

1. Unflinching Resolve - An Example to Imitate 2. Christ is Building His Church The sermon centers on the unflinching resolve of Paul and Barnabas as they endure persecution, rejection, and even stoning while faithfully proclaiming the gospel, demonstrating that true courage is not the absence of fear but the steadfast commitment to Christ amid opposition. Through their journey from Iconium to Lystra, the apostles exemplify boldness in preaching and a clear, direct call to turn from vain idols to the living God, rooted in the universal revelation of God as Creator. The preacher emphasizes that such courage is not self-generated but flows from humility, acknowledgment of personal weakness, and reliance on Christ's power, contrasting worldly heroism with the gospel's call to follow Jesus in humility and sacrifice. The narrative underscores that Christ is building His church not through human strength but through the Spirit's power, as seen in the transformation of persecutors like Paul and the enduring impact of faithful witness. Ultimately, the call is to fix our eyes on Jesus, the supreme example of humility and strength, inviting all—men, women, and children—to embrace a courage that is rooted in dependence on God rather than self-reliance.

1. Expect The Holy Spirit to Save 2. Expect The Counterattack to Come 3. Allow Scripture to Define Your Perspective The end of Acts 13 reveals the transformative power of the gospel, as the Holy Spirit draws both Jews and Gentiles to faith, marked by an insatiable hunger for God's Word and a joy that endures despite opposition. The response of the crowd—first eager to hear more, then met with jealousy and persecution—demonstrates that genuine spiritual awakening inevitably provokes resistance, as the gospel divides hearts and exposes the spiritual warfare beneath human conflict. The Holy Spirit is sovereign in salvation—evidenced by the truth that "as many as were appointed to eternal life believed." Believers must also expect a counterattack, for following Christ is not a path of ease but one of costly discipleship. Ultimately, the passage calls for a biblical perspective: embracing the 'already but not yet' reality of the kingdom, where suffering and joy coexist.

This is a sermon about a sermon. To be more specific, Paul's sermon at a synagogue in Antioch of Pisidia in Acts 13. Paul's sermon traces Israel's redemptive history to reveal the fulfillment of God's promises in Jesus Christ. Centered on the pattern of divine faithfulness—problem, divine intervention, and ultimate deliverance—Paul connects the Old Testament's prophetic storyline to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, demonstrating how even the crucifixion of Christ was part of God's sovereign plan to redeem humanity. The message emphasizes that salvation is not earned by law or lineage but received by faith in Christ, who bore the curse of sin on the cross and offers justification and freedom to all who believe. With urgent pastoral tone, the sermon concludes with a sobering call to respond in repentance and faith, warning that rejecting this gospel leads to spiritual ruin, while embracing Christ—like fleeing to the ark—brings eternal safety and joy. 1. First Missionary Journey of Paul 2. Paul's Sermon in Antioch of Pisidia a. The Gospel in Bud - History of Israel b. The Gospel in Bloom - Christ c. The Required Response – Reliance on Christ

The passage from Acts 13 highlights the divine initiation, practical demands, and spiritual courage required for cross-cultural missions, as the church at Antioch, marked by diverse leadership and worship, is led by the Holy Spirit to send Barnabas and Saul on a strategic mission to Cyprus and beyond. Their journey, marked by intentional travel and the inclusion of a young helper like John Mark, exemplifies the necessity of physical and cultural displacement in advancing the gospel. The confrontation with the sorcerer Elymas in Paphos underscores the reality of spiritual opposition, yet the power of God's Word—demonstrated through miraculous intervention and the conversion of the Roman proconsul—reveals that spiritual transformation is ultimately rooted in divine truth, not signs alone. The sermon emphasizes that missions flow from worship, require personal sacrifice and courage, and are not limited to foreign fields but begin with faithful witness in one's immediate sphere, with the ultimate goal of seeing God's people freed from spiritual bondage and His good works fulfilled both locally and globally. 1. Cross-Cultural Missions is Initiated by the HS 2. Cross-Cultural Missions Requires Travel 3. Cross-Cultural Missions Boldly Confronts Spiritual Strongholds

A talk about Expectations at our family retreat fall 2025 by Todd Billman and Nathan Francis. This talk explores the pervasive human tendency to harbor unrealistic expectations, using a playful skit to illustrate how unmet expectations lead to disappointment, frustration, and relational tension. Drawing from Scripture, particularly the encounter at the well in John 4 and the story of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14, it emphasizes that while expectations are natural, they become destructive when centered on people rather than on God. The message calls for a shift in focus—from self-centered demands to Christ-centered humility, urging believers to communicate honestly, forgive freely, and love sacrificially. Ultimately, it points to the hope of Revelation 21, where God's perfect promises will fulfill all longing, and encourages listeners to place their ultimate expectations on Him alone, finding peace in His faithfulness rather than in the flawed reliability of others.

A talk about Contentment at our family retreat fall 2025 by Zion Connors and Nathan Francis. The talk presents Christian contentment not as passive resignation or emotional suppression, but as a disciplined, inward posture of joyful submission to God's sovereign providence in every circumstance. Rooted in Paul's declaration in Philippians 4:11–13, it emphasizes that contentment is a learned spiritual habit, cultivated through self-denial, a recognition of God's wise ordering of life, and a reorientation of desires away from worldly pursuits toward Christ as the ultimate treasure. The message contrasts the fleeting satisfaction of external circumstances—illustrated through a skit of two people: a discontent person seeking pleasure through the warmth of a fire (external circumstances) and a content person who embraces difficult circumstances with contentment. The teaching warns against the dangers of discontentment, which arises from unmet desires and distorted comparisons, and calls believers to practical disciplines such as gratitude, self-examination, and intentional focus on eternal realities, ultimately framing contentment as both a gift and a discipline that leads to greater holiness, joy, and freedom from the world's relentless demands.

1. Christ Wins in the End 2. God is the Only One Worthy of Worship 3. The Word [The Church] of God is Always Multiplying This passage from Acts 12 presents a powerful testament to God's sovereignty, illustrating how Christ ultimately triumphs over human pride and persecution. Through the dramatic downfall of Herod—arrogantly hailed as a god yet struck down by divine judgment for refusing to give glory to God—the sermon underscores that only God is worthy of worship, exposing the deadly nature of pride that infects every human heart. In stark contrast to Herod's demise, the word of God continues to increase and multiply, demonstrating that the church's growth is not dependent on human strength or giftedness but on faithful proclamation and obedience to Scripture. The narrative necessitates believers to examine their own hearts, confessing pride, and to surrender fully to Christ as King, embracing humility rather than self-exaltation. Ultimately, the passage affirms that God's purposes prevail, and His kingdom advances not despite suffering, but through it, inviting all to find identity and hope in the righteous robes of Christ.

A talk about perfectionism at our family retreat fall 2025 by Russell Foxworth and Nathan Francis. This talk explores perfectionism not as a mere personality quirk but as a deeply rooted spiritual condition that distorts our relationship with God, others, and ourselves. Centered on Scripture, particularly Romans 12:3, Eph. 4:1-3 and 2 Corinthians 12:9, it defines perfectionism as an excessive desire to meet unrealistic standards—either self-imposed or projected onto others—driven by fear of failure, shame, or the need for approval. The teachers illustrated how perfectionism manifests in daily life, from minor irritations like toilet paper orientation to deeper patterns of self-criticism, overachievement, and judgmental attitudes, all of which stem from a longing for the perfection lost in Eden and promised in heaven. By exposing the hidden motivations—such as fear of rejection, distrust in God's grace, and the desire to control outcomes—the talk calls for humility, self-reflection, and a radical embrace of divine sufficiency found in weakness. Ultimately, it invites listeners to exchange striving for surrender, recognizing that true wholeness comes not from flawless performance but from Christ's grace, which is made perfect in our brokenness.

3 Perspectives on the Passage: (3 pair of glasses) 1. Original Audience: Suspenseful Adventure 2. Eternal Perspective: Delivered from Suffering vs. Delivered to Suffering 3. Modern Application: Appropriate Expectations in Life & Prayer

The passage from Acts 11 reveals a divine progression from evangelism to discipleship and church planting. As persecution scattered believers, the gospel spread beyond Jewish communities to Gentiles in Antioch, where the grace of God produced a growing community of believers. The arrival of Barnabas and Paul marked a pivotal moment in discipleship, as they devoted a full year to teaching and nurturing new Christians, exemplifying the pastoral care and spiritual investment essential to Christian maturity. This intentional discipleship bore fruit in tangible ways—financial generosity toward believers in Jerusalem, a unified identity as 'Christians,' and a forward-looking vision for church planting. The passage underscores that authentic faith is not merely initial conversion but a lifelong journey of sanctification and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. 1. The Spread of the Gospel Produces New Christians (19-20) 2. The Discipleship of the New Christians (21-26) 3. The Fruit of the Discipleship (27-30)

1. Suspicious of New Things 2. Stay Alert and Pay Attention (to what God is doing) 3. Submit and Participate Obediently (to what God is doing) The sermon centers on the transformative moment in Acts 11 when Peter defends his inclusion of Gentiles into the early church, revealing God's radical move to break down longstanding barriers between Jews and Gentiles. Through Peter's vision of the unclean animals and the divine command to 'what God has made clean, do not call common,' the narrative underscores God's sovereign initiative in expanding salvation beyond Jewish tradition, challenging the disciples' deeply ingrained assumptions. The preacher emphasizes three key responses: recognizing our natural resistance to change, staying alert to God's ongoing work in the world, and submitting obediently to divine purposes, even when they disrupt our expectations. Drawing on historical and personal illustrations, the sermon calls the church to turn off autopilot, embrace divine appointments, and participate in God's mission with courage and expectancy, trusting that the Holy Spirit is actively at work in ordinary moments. Ultimately, the passage affirms that God's grace is inclusive, and the church's role is to be faithful instruments in a story that is still unfolding. It calls believers to recognize their natural resistance to change, stay alert to God's ongoing movement, and obediently participate in His mission, trusting that the Holy Spirit is active in everyday moments.

The sermon emphasizes the intuitive nature of responding to God, drawing parallels to natural human reactions like cheering for an entertainer or accepting a proposal. It explores the core tenets of the gospel and urging us to embrace repentance, faith, and surrender to Christ's Lordship. Ultimately, the sermon underscores that sharing the gospel isn't about eloquent persuasion, but about obediently pointing others to the good news that saved them. 1. Respond with Repentance 2. Respond with Faith 3. Surrender to Christ's Lordship

The sermon explores the theological significance of Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine nature as both God and man, and His role as Redeemer and King. Drawing parallels to credit card debt, the message highlights the concept of sin as a debt that must be paid, and Jesus as the one who willingly bears that burden. Nathan underscores the importance of understanding Christ's identity—not merely as a good teacher—but as Lord, urging listeners to recognize the implications of this choice for their lives and eternal destiny, while also emphasizing the need to connect the act of spending with the understanding that someone must ultimately pay the price. 1. Christ is God & Man 2. Christ is Redeemer 3. Christ is King

God created humans with dignity. We are created in God's image and tasked with dominion over creation. But after the fall of Adam and Eve, the pervasive reality is depravity and deception. Drawing on biblical passages like Genesis and Romans, the message emphasizes that humanity's brokenness and susceptibility to deceit necessitate divine intervention, urging listeners to recognize the need for resurrection and prompting prayer for the salvation of others. Ultimately, the sermon aims to provide a realistic and sobering, understanding of human condition, laying the foundation for a deeper appreciation of God's grace and the transformative power of the gospel. 1. Man has Dignity 2. Man is Depraved 3. Man is Deceived

Watch as Hope Community Church Becomes a Particular PCA church while also installing and ordaining officers (elders & deacon).

The sermon explores the foundational aspects of understanding God, emphasizing that He is the creator of all things, inherently holy and just, and ultimately defined by steadfast love. It challenges listeners to confront the reality of God's holiness and justice, contrasting it with human tendencies to suppress truth and seek mercy, while highlighting the importance of recognizing God's character as surpassing human imagination. The sermon encourages a shift from personal conceptions of God to a reliance on biblical teachings, ultimately inviting listeners to engage with a God who is both powerful and compassionate, and to consider the implications of encountering God as he has revealed himself in Scripture rather than how we like to think of him.

1. The Hidden Proclaimed 2. The Invisible Made Visible The sermon explores the narrative of Peter's evangelistic encounter with Cornelius, emphasizing the importance of presenting the gospel as a story rather than a transactional formula. The message highlights God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that belief in Him leads to forgiveness of sins and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The preacher encourages listeners to move beyond knowing biblical stories to understanding their personal application and to actively share the gospel, recognizing that God's transformative work often involves stepping outside of comfort zones and engaging with those who are unfamiliar or unexpected.

1) Because He Is 2) Because of His Covenant Faithfulness 3) Because He Knows Our Sufferings The sermon explores the profound significance of God's self-revelation as "I AM," emphasizing His eternal existence, covenant faithfulness, and intimate knowledge of human suffering. Drawing from Exodus 3, it highlights God's promise to redeem Israel from slavery, rooted in His enduring covenant relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus. The message underscores that God not only sees and understands our pain but has personally experienced it, offering hope and assurance of rescue from sin and the evils of the world through His unwavering covenant and eternal promise.

Psalm 139 1. The LORD Completely Knows You (1-6) 2. The LORD is Always with You (7-12) 3. The LORD is All Powerful to Protect & Provide for You (13-18) 4. A New Perspective on the World (19-22) 5. A New Prayer for Holiness (23-24)

1. The LORD Completely Knows You (1-6) 2. The LORD is Always with You (7-12) 3. The LORD is All Powerful to Protect & Provide for You (13-18) The sermon explores the comforting assurance of God's intimate knowledge and constant presence from Psalm 139 to address the pervasive issue of anxiety. It emphasizes that God's omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence are not merely theological concepts but sources of profound peace, particularly when coupled with His unwavering love demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The message encourages listeners to confront their anxieties by recognizing God's encompassing care and proactively engaging with scripture and prayer, ultimately fostering a deeper reliance on divine provision and a diminished fear of life's uncertainties.