Hope Alliance Bethlehem

What does it really mean to step into the calling God has prepared for you? In 2 Kings, we witness the powerful transition from Elijah to Elisha, where true discipleship requires unwavering commitment and the courage to embrace God's greater purposes. Elisha's bold request for a double portion reveals how we can step into the spiritual inheritance available to each of us. Listen now and be inspired to follow Jesus with that same wholehearted enthusiasm.

What happens when life's pressures tempt us to seek the help of "lesser gods"? In this sermon, we move from the end of 1 Kings to 2 Kings and see how King Jehoshaphat's compromises and King Ahaziah's idolatry led to devastating consequences. But God intervenes in all of our desperate moments to offer opportunities for repentance rather than judgment. Most importantly, we see how Jesus perfectly walks with God where these kings failed. Listen now and be inspired to choose God's voice over the false promises of shortcuts!

Have you ever stood firm for what's right when powerful forces pushed against you? In the story of Naboth's vineyard, we witness a humble man who valued God's covenant promises more than a king's wealth. This ancient narrative reveals how God sees our struggles against worldly powers and corrupt systems. His justice may not be immediate, but it is certain. Listen now and be inspired to hold fast to your spiritual inheritance in Christ—a treasure far more precious than anything this world can offer or take away.

King Ahab faces Ben Hadad's overwhelming threat, but God intervenes with a miraculous provision. This ancient story reveals how God preserves His people and repeatedly invites us to truly know Him through His powerful Word, not just acknowledge Him. Listen now and be inspired to embrace complete obedience to God's Word. Because victory comes not from our strength, but from recognizing Him as the one true LORD.

Have you ever felt like your faith-driven efforts have fallen flat, leaving you exhausted and alone? This sermon explores Elijah's wilderness quest following Mount Carmel, revealing how God meets us in our darkest moments with gentle care and renewed purpose. Listen now and find hope in God's still, quiet voice.

What happens when your faith feels pulled in multiple directions? The Israelites faced this exact dilemma as they wavered between God and Baal. Through Elijah's dramatic showdown with false prophets on Mount Carmel, God powerfully demonstrated His supremacy in enemy territory, just as Jesus would later do. Listen now and be inspired to recognize God's presence in every square inch of your life, knowing He works through both extraordinary prophets and ordinary believers like Obadiah to bring you back to Himself.

What does faith look like in enemy territory? Follow Elijah from his bold confrontation with King Ahab to his humble dependence on God's unusual provisions. Discover why God placed him in the heart of Ba'al worship and what it teaches about authentic faith. Listen now and be inspired to face your own challenges with courage, knowing God is preparing you for greater purpose.

What happens when we choose false gods over the true King? We explore the stark contrast between Judah's faithful King Asa and Israel's seven increasingly corrupt rulers. At its heart, this is a powerful reminder that who we worship determines our path—faithful devotion to God leads to peace and flourishing, while false worship spirals into chaos and destruction. Listen now to understand the good news: Jesus still invites us to live under His faithful kingship today.

What idols might be hiding in your own life today? We look at the story of King Asa of Judah, a ruler who broke the cycle of idolatry and rebellion established by his predecessors. Despite opposition from neighboring kingdoms and even family conflicts, Asa's commitment to righteousness transformed his nation. Listen now as we discuss the daily battle between authentic faith and the subtle idols that compete for our heart–and how to find courage to make radical changes that honor God above all else.

Join us as we explore the story of Jeroboam, whose pride led to devastating consequences for his family and Israel. See the difference between Jeroboam's stubbornness and King David's humble response when both faced their sins. Listen now and be inspired to approach God with a humble heart!

What happens when we shape our faith to fit what we want instead of what God wants? Join us for the story of Jeroboam from 1 Kings, who made golden calves for worship to keep control of his kingdom. Listen now and be inspired to build a real relationship with God based on trust—where true freedom comes not from controlling your faith, but from letting it change you.

Did you know a single prideful decision by Solomon's son permanently divided God's people into two kingdoms? When faced with his first leadership test, Rehoboam rejected the wisdom of experienced elders and embraced his friends' harsh counsel instead. His story stands as a powerful warning about the consequences of pride and reminds us that who we listen to shapes who we become. Listen now as we explore how Rehoboam's failure points us to our need for Jesus, the humble King who perfectly models the discernment and God-dependence we all require.

Solomon's tragic journey from wholehearted devotion to divided loyalty shows how subtly our hearts can turn from God. His story reveals that idolatry isn't just about physical statues, but about what truly captures our deepest affections and allegiance. Listen now as we explore the consequences of Solomon's choices and discover how confession and repentance can preserve our legacy and keep our hearts fully devoted to God.

Have you wondered how even the wisest king in history could fall so dramatically from God's favor? We look at Solomon's spiritual decline in 1 Kings, revealing how his foreign marriages and divided loyalties led him away from true worship. Listen now as we explore the warning signs of misplaced priorities in our own lives and discover how maintaining singular devotion to God protects us from seeking validation in all the wrong places.

The Ark of the Covenant's placement in Solomon's temple marked a profound shift in how God dwelt among His people. This sacred moment transformed God's presence from temporary to permanent, fulfilling His promise to Israel. While the temple's ceremonies once set boundaries around God's presence, they pointed forward to Jesus, who would tear down every barrier between God and His people. Listen now as we explore how this ancient dedication ceremony reveals the stunning accessibility we have to God through Christ today.

Did you know Solomon's temple wasn't just a building, but a powerful symbol of heaven touching earth? This magnificent structure represented God's promise to dwell among His people, even as Solomon's own story revealed the tension between divine purposes and human ambition. While the temple's glory eventually faded, it pointed forward to something greater—Jesus himself, who makes us living temples of God's presence. Listen now as we explore how this ancient building project shapes our understanding of identity and purpose in Christ today.

Solomon's reign gives us a glimpse of life under a king who listens to God—justice, prosperity, peace, and God's glory. But even in his wisdom, he isn't the king we truly need. This famous story points us to Jesus, the perfect King who brings God's kingdom in full. Join us as we explore what this means for our lives today.

After Solomon becomes king, his entire approach to worship transforms. He moves from treating God as just one option among many to recognizing Him as a personal, pursuing God. Join us as we explore how this timeless story points us toward Jesus, the true Son of David, and speaks to our own path from ritual to relationship.

We continue our journey in 1 Kings and consider David's final charge to his son, Solomon, the new king. He calls Solomon to a position and posture of strength. In this, we will see his good and right call to walk in the ways of God alongside his other human, kingly wisdom. How will Solomon respond?

We begin our journey though the book of 1 Kings. This important Old Testament narrative traces the royal lineage of David, beginning with Solomon. There will be highs and plenty of lows. And in this sermon, we see that from the beginning there are major cracks in the armor–specifically the weakness of David and prideful ambition of Solomon's brother Adonijah. Through this we see both the reality of the spiritual battle at hand in our world, and our need to crown the right king.

Did you know the Magi's gifts weren't just precious treasures, but prophetic symbols pointing to Jesus as the true King? Their bold journey from the East shows an authentic faith. While King Herod clutched his earthly crown, these distant travelers recognized and bowed before the ultimate King, showing us the difference between worldly power and divine authority. Listen now as we explore how their response to Jesus challenges us to examine our own hearts and allegiances today.

The incarnation of Jesus ultimately offers humanity redemption and adoption. Not only does Jesus redeem us--set us free from our slavery--but he makes it possible for God to adopt us. He welcomes us into his family as sons and daughters. This new identity means we have full access to a royal inheritance. 

We consider why Jesus was perfectly able to rescue and redeem humanity. Born of a woman, born under the Law, Jesus entered into the mess of our world so that we could be truly human again.

Advent is a season that often gets overshadowed by the festive celebrations of Christmas. However, it holds a profound significance in the Christian calendar, inviting believers to reflect on the anticipation and hope that precede the arrival of Jesus Christ. Here we take a deeper look at the meaning of Advent through the lens of Paul's letter to the Galatians. This isn't just a distant historical account—it's a living invitation to discover an identity that truly sets you free.

We look at Jesus' final warnings to his followers: be careful the path you are following, the voices you are listening to, and ultimately the state of your heart toward God. We consider the importance of these three realities as we conclude our study of this famous teaching from Jesus.

Did you know Jesus' command "do not judge" is an often-misunderstood teaching from the Sermon on the Mount? This command still aligns with other New Testament teachings–if we understand the crucial difference between harmful judgment and righteous discernment. Listen now as we examine our own hearts, and build relationships that reflect Christ's love.

Jesus calls his followers to not be overly consumed with their own lives, but instead to value life in the kingdom of God. The prior can be clouded by worry, while the later affords a certain freedom. Is worry a sin? Where does it come from? And how do we shift out of it? In this teaching we aim to answer those questions and others as we look internally at our hearts and consider their condition.

We look at Jesus' teaching on the reality and location of our treasures. Rather than entrusting our treasures to this earth, Jesus calls us to place them in heaven. What does this mean and how do we do it? We will aim to answer those questions and others as we look internally at our hearts and consider their condition.

We continue our look at the Sermon on the Mount by considering Jesus' teaching on how to carry out our spiritual disciplines (Matt 6:1-18). While the Pharisees and religious leaders liked to flaunt their spirituality, Jesus is calling his followers to a heart-based spirituality that seeks God's glory above man. 

How are we supposed to love those who are not so easy to love? We look at Jesus' teaching from Matthew 5 about loving your enemies–a command that challenges everything our culture tells us about relationships and justice. It offers a fresh perspective on handling conflict, rising above division, and experiencing true spiritual transformation in your daily life. Love can help you break cycles of hatred and walk a more fulfilling path forward. Listen now and be inspired to cultivate a love that transcends boundaries, heals relationships, and reflects God's extraordinary grace in your life.

What if true strength meant responding to wrongs with grace? Here we look at Jesus' teachings on retribution and mercy from the Sermon on the Mount. Find out why how "turning the other cheek" isn't about weakness, but a powerful transformation of the heart. We also cover what it means to go the extra mile in a world fixated on fairness. This isn't about following rules—it's about embodying the revolutionary love of Christ in everyday conflicts. Listen now and be inspired to live out grace in ways that reflect the transformative power of the gospel.

How do Jesus's comments on divorce go beyond marriage? We take a deeper look at Matthew 5:31-37, beginning with the historical context of divorce laws and the importance of truthfulness and fidelity in all relationships. Jesus urges us to let our "yes" be "yes" and our "no" be "no." So listen now and be inspired to build a life and community defined by honesty, trust, and unwavering commitment.

What if Jesus's teachings on lust could change our view of desire? Let's look at the Sermon on the Mount's radical perspective on adultery and the heart. We cover how God supports us even in our struggles, and why desire itself isn't the enemy. This isn't about guilt—it's about finding true fulfillment in Christ. Listen now and be inspired to align your desires with God's will, finding peace that surpasses worldly pleasures and becoming salt and light in today's world.

What if anger was just as serious as murder in God's eyes? We continue to explore Jesus's radical teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. Listen now and be inspired to embrace a new way of living, rooted in love and grace, that starts with genuine heart change and impacts every relationship in your life.

How does Jesus' fulfillment of Old Testament law change our understanding of righteousness? Here we explore a righteousness that goes deeper than simply following rules. It's about embracing a profound shift from self-reliance to Christ-dependence. Listen now and explore how Jesus' grace can reshape your approach to faith and daily living. 

What does it truly mean to be salt and light in today's world? We take a deeper look at the Sermon on the Mount and unpack the profound wisdom of the Beatitudes. Learn how mercy, purity of heart, and peacemaking can shape your character. This sermon will challenge you to live boldly, embracing Kingdom values in a world that often pushes against them. You'll gain practical insights on how to positively influence your surroundings and reflect Christ's love in your daily interactions. Listen now and be inspired to become a salt and light in your spheres of influence! 

Are you building your life on solid ground or shifting sand? Join us as we kick off an exciting new series on the Sermon on the Mount, exploring Jesus' powerful metaphor of life foundations. This sermon digs into what it means to intentionally construct our lives based on Christ's teachings, and the stark contrast with lives built on shaky ground. We'll unpack how Jesus himself is the ultimate foundation, while warning against the danger of letting secondary beliefs overshadow the core gospel. Get ready for some honest self-reflection about your own life's foundation, the crucial role of community, and how to wisely align your daily choices with Jesus' timeless wisdom. Listen now and be inspired to evaluate what you're building your life upon - and perhaps start some renovations!

What if God's generosity doesn't match our ideas of fairness? This sermon looks at the provocative parable of the workers in the vineyard, wrapping up our summer journey through Jesus' teachings. This story challenges our notions of reward and calling. And we can contrast it with the rich young ruler's struggle to follow Jesus. At its heart, this parable invites us to rethink what it means to follow Jesus and be part of God's kingdom. It's not about earthly success, but about embracing a relationship with a surprisingly generous God. Listen now and be inspired to see your role in God's vineyard with fresh eyes, appreciating the lavish grace extended to all who answer the call! 

What does it truly mean to forgive? This episode explores the parable of the unmerciful servant from Matthew 18, using relatable experiences with financial debt as a metaphor for sin and forgiveness. True forgiveness involves releasing someone from the obligation to repay a debt, often requiring us to absorb the cost of the wrong done. The parable challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards forgiveness and urges us to embody the limitless forgiveness exemplified by God's grace. Forgiveness emerges as a continual, transformative process that can reshape our relationships and inner lives. Listen now and be inspired to embrace the challenging yet liberating practice of forgiveness in your own life!

What makes the Kingdom of God so valuable that one would give up everything for it? This episode explores the parables of the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price from Matthew 13:44-46. The Kingdom of God is both a future promise and a transformative present reality. Some discover it by chance, others through active seeking, but both require radical commitment to fully embrace it. These parables challenge us to evaluate our lives, prioritize the Kingdom above all else, and recognize its unparalleled worth. Listen now and explore how to make God's Kingdom the ultimate priority in your life! 

How does the parable of the mustard seed explain the nature of God's Kingdom? This sermon looks at Matthew 13, exploring the themes of growth, hope, and inclusivity. Like the mustard seed, the Kingdom of God starts small but grows significantly over time–its expansion gradual yet unstoppable. Through biblical stories and historical references, we examine how this divine process unfolds and recognize our role within it. Listen here to learn how we are called to be agents of hope and inclusivity, participating in the God's grand, unfolding plan! 

What does the parable of the talents teach us about stewardship and faith? This episode examines Matthew 25:14-30 and its far-reaching impact on our lives. God places immense trust in us by investing gifts, abilities, and relationships in our care. It is crucial to actively engage with these investments, overcoming fear and laziness. We can use our talents for God's glory, to invest in our communities, and prioritize spiritual growth. Listen now and be inspired to make the most of what God has given you! 

Jesus told a story about a persistent widow who pleaded with a judge and finally received justice. And Jesus told his disciples this is how they should pray. Persistent prayer is important. More specifically, though, he is urging them to pray persistently for the return of Jesus and the fullness of the kingdom of God. Persistent kingdom prayers should be part of the rhythm of life for all of Jesus' disciples.

Jesus tells a compelling story of an entitled and prideful son who demands his inheritance, runs away and spends himself into poverty. Upon his return home, he is met in compassion and abounding grace by his father. Far from humiliating, he is welcomed by a celebration. His brother, however, is irate. Unlike his brother he was being a "good" son, but just like his brother he was trying to get his inheritance from his father. He is just like the Pharisees and teachers Jesus is speaking to. No one can earn God's affection, he gives it by grace.

Wealth can certainly be dangerous, but it is not wrong, nor does Jesus condemn it. Rather this parable is about greed, thinking only of self and hoarding. And while greed certainly pertains to money, it also pertains to every facet of our lives. Jesus shows us that greed actually comes from our inner soul talk about what we need to be satisfied. The gospel is its only antidote. 

Pastor Jim explores the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan, cautioning against the oversimplification of its message and stressing the importance of understanding its deeper meanings and context. He discusses how the parable intertwines the law, eternal life, and the notion of being a good neighbor, urging listeners to reflect on their relationship with God and their behavior towards others. Jim highlights that true eternal life is realized through understanding the heart of the Father and demonstrating compassion, as exemplified by the Samaritan's actions towards his enemy, which underscore the value of people over ritual purity. Further delving into the themes of loving one's enemies and neighbors, he emphasizes that genuine love stems from a profound relationship with God, driven by His love, rather than from obligation or an attempt to justify oneself.

Jesus tells the parable of the sower to show two important truths. First, God faithfully and generously sows the seed of the gospel for all of humanity, without precondition or prejudice. Second, the soil, or human heart, on which a seed lands is important for its growth. The faithfulness of the sower is a constant, but the human heart is not. What type of soil is your heart? And what are you doing to cultivate it?

Jesus concludes his prayer by praying for all who come to believe. He prays for unity - that the church would be one like he and the Father are one. In fact, he says that it is unity that will enable the world to know Jesus and the love of God.  This reality of unity is only possible when believers collectively see the glory of Jesus above all else.

Jesus sends his disciples into the world in the very same way the Father sent him. They are agents of the gospel for the glory of God. His prayer for them is for their protection from wandering and from the evil one who seeks to destroy. Moreover, he prays that they would have joy and be set apart. 

Jesus begins his prayer by asking to be glorified. He is praying for the reality of resurrection in the face of the cross. This resurrection will not only glorify Jesus, but also the Father. And it will bring eternal life to all who are in Jesus. Eternal life is knowing God - both then and now, in both quality and quantity.