If churches were to join hands in cooperation and collaboration, the impact could be transformative. Imagine a network of diverse faith communities pooling their resources, talents, and wisdom to address societal challenges. Together, they could amplify their efforts in serving the vulnerable, fostering community engagement, and promoting peace and understanding. Through shared initiatives, such as feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, or offering educational programs, these co...
Apr 18, 2024•38 min•Ep. 171
Jesus, in John 17:20-26, imparted a prayer for unity, equipping believers with all they require to spread the gospel. However, we frequently confine this unity to our individual church communities. What would happen if The Church unified?
Apr 11, 2024•34 min•Ep. 170
What was the significance of Jesus instructing His disciples to love? By observing the multitude of loving actions demonstrated by Jesus in the events preceding His crucifixion, we gain insight into the genuine essence of love.
Apr 04, 2024•23 min•Ep. 169
Many times, forgiving those who have wronged us proves to be a challenging, if not insurmountable task, leading us to label them as enemies. But did Jesus approach his adversaries in the same manner? Did his sacrifice on the cross extend to even those who opposed him?
Mar 28, 2024•25 min•Ep. 168
Can we understand the kind of love Jesus commanded us to have? Jesus tells us to love each other the way He loves us. The world will know we are His disciples by the way we love each other, and our example is Jesus's willingness to die on the cross for our sins.
Mar 21, 2024•27 min•Ep. 167
As you read through the book of Ester you may notice that God is never mentioned, this has even caused debate about the validity of the book's inclusion in the Bible. So why is it included?
Mar 14, 2024•31 min•Ep. 166
We often find ourselves in opposition to mainstream culture when we live our lives as God designed, putting us in positions of discomfort and even suffering as we bring the gospel to every corner of our world. In the face of opposition, are you willing to stand in God's truth and live differently?
Mar 07, 2024•25 min•Ep. 164
Through the lens of Esther's story, we read invaluable lessons on the true essence of honor. Esther's story teaches us that honor is not something we can gain through self-promotion or ambition but rather through service and respect for others. As we navigate our lives, we should ask ourselves: How can I serve and honor others?
Feb 29, 2024•33 min•Ep. 164
Morticia has discovered the impending edict slating the destruction of the Jewish people and challenges Ester to plead for their salvation before the king. Ester knows that going before the king could mean certain death, but she chooses to lay her life aside for her people.
Feb 22, 2024•32 min•Ep. 164
It's important to cultivate emotional control, yet certain feelings often deemed undesirable, like anger, are ones we aim to suppress. Exploring the book of Esther, we encounter instances where unchecked anger results in tragedy. However, amidst these narratives, there's a revealing portrayal of anger as a catalyst for rescue, shedding light on its potential for positive transformation.
Feb 15, 2024•31 min•Ep. 164
When faced with the death of her people, Ester has to make a choice to either risk her own life or stand by as the Babylonian follow the command to murder the Jews, her people. Ester learns that she is placed exactly where she needs to be, as God planned to use her for just a time like this. #scripture #sundayservice #podcast #greenwoodindiana #indiana #ester #suchatimeasthis
Feb 08, 2024•34 min•Ep. 165
Prayer can be foreign to us, and often, when we pray, it can feel like we are talking ourselves. It can be even more challenging when we have no idea how to approach God with our prayers. We can take heart that Jesus teaches His disciples and us how to pray.
Jan 25, 2024•29 min•Ep. 164
Do you know what your role is in taking Jesus to your city? We go to church and hear that we are supposed to bring the gospel to our city. Reach your neighbor with the Word of God! But what does this mean? How do we achieve this? Our guest will share with us how every believer is a missionary and how we can reach our city while teaching others to do the same.
Jan 18, 2024•43 min•Ep. 164
The call to share the gospel was not just for the disciples; it's also not just for our pastors and other church leaders. The call to share the gospel is for every Christian! So, how do we go about telling others about the gospel? Learning to use every day events to reach those around you can make a difference that changes your community. It's more than changing one life.
Jan 09, 2024•27 min•Ep. 164
At some point in your life, you have set a New Year's resolution or a goal to improve your health, make better habits, or any number of things. It's that time of year when we start to set priorities and strive to live up to them. Is this our calling as believers? Do our priorities align with God's provision and plan for our lives? Let's look at what Scripture tells us regarding our plans.
Jan 02, 2024•26 min•Ep. 163
The story of Jesus' birth is one of God coming to us, the narrative of God coming to seek us out. This week, we will hear four messages of how God seeks us out.
Dec 26, 2023•24 min•Ep. 162
Picture Joseph and Mary's astonishment as the Wise Men unexpectedly appear, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Can you imagine their thoughts? Traveling far to greet the newborn King, yet they bring myrrh of all things.
Dec 19, 2023•27 min•Ep. 158
Why would God pick such a helpless people? Much less the little nation of Israel? God chose Israel because he uses the humble, weak, and the forgotten to show His glory.
Dec 12, 2023•28 min•Ep. 158
When we look at the birth of Jesus through a modern lens, we wonder why our King would be born in poverty to an immigrant working family. Jesus had the power to choose to be born the son of an earthly king, but instead, he was born to a poor lower-class family and entered the world to be swaddled in less than desirable cloth and laid in a borrowed feeding trough. Why?
Dec 05, 2023•31 min•Ep. 161
John 3:16 is one of the most used verses in the Bible, frequently found on shirts, coffee mugs, and signs, and like all overused things, it often loses its meaning. We need to develop a habit of meditation when reading scripture. When we do this, we discover more profound truths in God's word.
Nov 28, 2023•30 min•Ep. 160
When the Pilgrims arrived in the New World, their journey had been marked by hardships, and more challenges were to come as they adapted to life in this unfamiliar territory. Despite enduring difficulties, they paused to express thanks. What inspired their gratitude amid such pervasive hardship?
Nov 21, 2023•25 min•Ep. 158
If we believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation, then why do we live lives that reflect otherwise? Like the man in John Mark 9:23-25 we struggle with our unbelief. In those times, we should pray.
Nov 14, 2023•25 min•Ep. 159
Numerous churches nationwide have observed a decline in their congregation's attendance since the lifting of pandemic regulations. Has the disruption of our routine led us to overlook the significance of attending church? The Book of Acts provides a clear illustration of the vital role the church plays in our daily lives.
Nov 07, 2023•39 min•Ep. 157
Driving down the road, you see church after church, each claiming they are the right way to follow God. How are you supposed to know which church has the correct answer? Do you have to agree on everything? Jesus gives us these answers and a few more as he teaches his disciples in the Book of Matthew.
Oct 31, 2023•36 min•Ep. 156
Jesus calls His disciples to wholeheartedly follow all of His teachings, and to go and make disciples. He does not instruct them to cherry-pick teachings that suit their comfort while making disciples. Instead, He emphasizes the importance of taking every word He says and passing it on to others, even when these teachings challenge or cause discomfort.
Oct 24, 2023•26 min•Ep. 155
Some of New Hope's guiding principles are remembering that God is on a mission to redeem creation, we want to think Kingdom first, and God has called us to be the Church as we go.
Oct 20, 2023•9 min•Ep. 154
In Matthew 20:1-16 we read the parable of the vineyard workers and how no matter how long they worked everyone was paid the same days wage by the landowner. We read this parable and think, "That's not fair." Does this mean that God doesn’t have fair judgment?
Oct 17, 2023•24 min•Ep. 153
You demonstrate exceptional moral character, consistently adhering to ethical principles, showing kindness to your neighbors, and actively supporting those in need through various charitable acts. Yet, is there more required to attain heavenly blessings and secure eternal life? Matthew 19:16-30 recounts a profound exchange between Jesus and a wealthy young man, revealing that the path to eternal life isn't quite what we might anticipate.
Oct 10, 2023•34 min•Ep. 152
We frequently encounter hindrances that prevent us from dedicating time to be with Jesus, and these hindrances often originate from our own actions and habits. It's crucial for us to identify and eliminate these obstacles.
Oct 03, 2023•25 min•Ep. 151
How many times should we forgive someone? In Matthew 18:21-22 Peter asks Jesus this question, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" Jesus responds, "No, not seven times, but seventy times seven!" But what does this truly mean? Is Jesus advocating for keeping a tally of forgiveness? Jesus continues with a parable (Matt. 23-35) that teaches His disciples to embrace a life of forgiveness.
Sep 24, 2023•26 min•Ep. 150