Hope Alliance Nazareth

Pastor Jim explores the powerful transition from Elijah to Elisha in 2 Kings, highlighting Elisha's wholehearted commitment to God's call. From leaving behind wealth and comfort to asking for a double portion of Elijah's spirit, Elisha models the cost of discipleship and the necessity of divine empowerment. Jim parallels Elisha's story with Jesus, the true and better prophet, and invites listeners to reflect on their own surrender to God's Spirit. This message challenges us to daily clothe ourselves in Christ, walk in the Spirit, and live lives marked by bold faith and confession.

Pastor Jim transitions from First Kings into Second Kings, highlighting how the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah reflects the spiritual fractures that led to exile. He contrasts the partial faithfulness of King Jehoshaphat with the outright rebellion of King Ahaziah, showing how both compromise and idolatry have consequences. Through Elijah's confrontation with Ahaziah and the powerful reminder that “there is a God in Israel,” Jim calls listeners to examine where they turn in distress, and to respond to God's word with repentance rather than resistance.

Pastor Jim unpacks the story of Naboth and King Ahab in 1 Kings 21–22, highlighting the spiritual battle between righteousness and corruption. Naboth stands firm on God's promises, refusing to trade away his inheritance—even at the cost of his life. Ahab's abuse of power and Jezebel's manipulation lead to judgment, but not before exposing how the schemes of the enemy mirror our own modern temptations. Jim points us to Jesus, the better Naboth, who stood firm in obedience, was falsely accused, and secured victory through the cross and resurrection.

Pastor Jim explores the surprising grace God extends to King Ahab in 1 Kings 20, despite Ahab's corruption and idolatry. Through prophetic warnings, unlikely military victories, and divine patience, God continues to pursue Ahab, offering opportunities for repentance. Jim emphasizes that God still uses the small and unexpected—junior officers, obscure prophets, even our own mustard seed faith—to accomplish His purposes. The message points to Jesus as the true King who defeats sin and death, calls us to repentance, and invites us into a kingdom that belongs to the Father.

Pastor Jim explores Elijah's journey in 1 Kings 19, where despair follows his mountaintop victory. After Jezebel's threats, Elijah runs away feeling hopeless and alone. Yet God meets him in his weakness, providing food, rest, and eventually speaking not through dramatic signs but through a gentle whisper. Jim reflects on how God works both through and in us, even in our wandering and despair. He reminds listeners that the Christian life isn't just mountaintop experiences but also seasons of silence where God continues His faithful work.

Pastor Jim walks through Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18, challenging listeners to stop “dancing” between idols and wholehearted devotion to God. He highlights how striving for success, approval, and security often becomes modern idolatry, exhausting us without satisfying our deepest needs. Jim calls believers to trust in the true sacrifice—Jesus—and to rely daily on the Holy Spirit for life, provision, and lasting peace.

Pastor Jim shares a powerful Easter message centered on the resurrection of Jesus and its relevance in the midst of daily chaos and brokenness. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 15 and Romans 10, he challenges listeners to reflect on who they declare as Lord and what they do with the reality of the empty tomb. Jim emphasizes that belief in the resurrection brings not only forgiveness but also the indwelling of the Holy Spirit—transforming believers now and promising renewed life in the future.

Pastor Jim explores the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath from 1 Kings 17, emphasizing what it means to follow God with costly obedience. From hiding in enemy territory to relying on miraculous provision, Elijah's journey reflects deep trust in God's faithfulness. The widow, too, demonstrates courageous faith in offering her last meal. Jim connects this story to Jesus, the better Elijah, who enters enemy territory, speaks truth to power, and draws near to death to bring hope and restoration to the powerless.

Pastor Jim explores the human obsession with winning and control, drawing from the story of Ahab and Jezebel in 1 Kings. He highlights how the relentless pursuit of power leads to idolatry, paranoia, and destruction. Through Elijah's challenge to God's people, Pastor Jim calls listeners to reevaluate what they're truly chasing—and to redirect their hearts toward worshiping the one true God for lasting spiritual growth and wholeness.

Pastor Jim explores 1 Kings 15, focusing on King Asa. He highlights the importance of dethroning and resisting idols inherited from our families of origin and remaining devoted to God, even when it's hard. Pastor Jim encourages listeners to examine family patterns, and to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit through Gospel community, Scripture, and prayer. A life fully aligned with Jesus not only brings personal transformation but also empowers mission and impact in the world.

Pastor Jim explores the stories of Jeroboam and Rehoboam in 1 Kings, highlighting the dangers of hiding from God and the destructive path of disobedience. He contrasts their downfall with David's example of honest confession, emphasizing that true transformation comes through vulnerability before God. Jim encourages listeners to step out from behind their facades, embrace confession, and experience the fullness of life, grace, and strength found in Jesus.

Pastor Jim explores the story of King Jeroboam's disobedience in 1 Kings 13, highlighting the dangers of self-made religion driven by fear and control. He examines how convenience and self-righteousness distort faith, contrasting them with true obedience to God's word. Through the story of the two prophets, Jim challenges all to reject consumer-based religion, align their lives with Jesus as the final authority, and walk in faith-driven obedience.

Pastor Jim examines the leadership crisis in 1 Kings 12, exploring Rehoboam's unwise decisions that divided the kingdom. He highlights the tension between human leadership and God's sovereignty, emphasizing the call to follow the true servant King, Jesus. In a world of turmoil, Jim encourages listeners to seek wisdom, remain faithful to God's principles, and find rest in Christ, the King who serves.

Pastor Jim explores Solomon's downfall in 1 Kings 11, where his idolatry leads to God's judgment and the division of the kingdom. Despite Solomon's wisdom and success, his disobedience brings adversaries and consequences, yet God remains in control. Jim highlights the dangers of idolatry, the necessity of judgment for restoration, and Jesus as the one who bears the consequences of sin to bring true peace. He calls listeners to confess, trust in God's providence, and remain committed to Jesus.

Pastor Jim reflects on King Solomon's journey, highlighting the struggle between flesh and spirit. Despite God's blessings, Solomon's pursuit of wealth and power leads to a divided heart and eventual downfall. Jim warns against prioritizing material gain over faithfulness to God, emphasizing the dangers of idolatry. He encourages listeners to rely on God's presence, resist worldly temptations, and find true fulfillment in Jesus, the ultimate source of life.

Pastor Jim explores the significance of God's presence in Solomon's temple as described in First Kings. He highlights Solomon's awe as God's glory fills the temple and his recognition that God cannot be contained by human structures. Pastor Jim connects this to Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice and priest, who brings God's presence to humanity. Through Jesus, religious duties are fulfilled, and believers are invited into a deeper relationship with God through His eternal sacrifice.

Pastor Jake explores the construction of the temple in 1 Kings, comparing the kingdom of God under the reign of Solomon to that of Jesus. He examines the ethical complexities of Solomon's leadership and the temple's deep symbolism, connecting it to the Garden of Eden and God's presence among His people. Jake highlights Jesus as the true King, emphasizing how believers, through faith, become vessels for God's Spirit and pointing to the future hope of dwelling with Him in His perfect kingdom.

Pastor Jim reflects on Solomon's flourishing kingdom in First Kings 3 and 4, highlighting his wisdom, justice, and governance. While Solomon's reign brought peace and prosperity, it also sowed doubt through flawed human systems. Jim contrasts this with Jesus, the righteous and eternal King who brings true Shalom—a right relationship with God and others. He emphasizes Jesus' resurrection as the beginning of a new creation, calling listeners to obedience and faith in the King who offers lasting peace.

Pastor Jim explores the story of Solomon in 1 Kings 3 asking God for "a heart that hears", highlighting the importance of aligning with God's reality to make just decisions and build a kingdom of peace. He emphasizes how wisdom is also an act of worship while contrasting Solomon's journey with Jesus as the ultimate example of wisdom and obedience. Pastor Jim encourages listeners to seek God's wisdom, embrace true worship, and reorient their lives around glorifying Him through the new covenant in Christ.

Pastor Jim reflects on David's advice to Solomon, emphasizing the importance of covenant obedience for prosperity and strength in God's kingdom. Highlighting the contrast between human kingship and God's rule, he explores the already-present but not fully realized kingdom of Jesus. Jim challenges listeners to repent, believe in Jesus as the better King, and live in obedience while trusting Him to build His kingdom.

Pastor Jim introduces a new series on First Kings, exploring Israel's rejection of God as their king and the consequences of flawed leadership. Through the stories of Adonijah and Solomon, he highlights themes of brokenness, God's faithfulness, and the importance of trusting His promises. Pastor Jim challenges listeners to reflect on their choice of king—following the world's taskmasters or the true King, Jesus, who offers life and salvation.

Pastor Jim explores the transformative concepts of redemption, adoption, and inheritance through Jesus. He emphasizes how believers are redeemed from sin, adopted into God's family, and given a new identity and inheritance. Highlighting the union with Christ as the foundation of true spiritual freedom, Pastor Jim reflects on the atonement, the gift of Christmas, and the significance of communion in connecting past redemption, present identity, and future promises.

Pastor Jim explores the profound concept of the incarnation, highlighting how Jesus closed the gap between God and humanity by taking on flesh. Through His humble beginnings and sinless life, Jesus fulfilled the law and led humanity out of sin into righteousness. Pastor Jim reflects on the compassion and faithfulness of God, urging listeners to embrace the transformative power of Jesus during this season of reflection and hope.

Pastor Jim introduces The Child of Promise series, exploring Galatians 4 and humanity's deepest struggle: the spiritual struggle with sin, idolatry, and religious legalism. He highlights God's redemptive plan, from Noah to Abraham, culminating in Jesus as the promised Savior who arrived at "just the right time." Focusing on the Advent season, Pastor Jim emphasizes shifting from idols and legalism to true life and freedom in Jesus, encouraging a deep, expectant connection with Him for transformation.

Pastor Jim highlights the importance of cultivating a life centered on intentional organization for spiritual growth. He emphasizes obeying Jesus' command to make disciples by recognizing unique callings and living them out through prayer, listening, sharing meals, serving others, and spreading the gospel. Pastor Jim encourages building relationships, serving the community, and sharing the transformative power of Jesus in everyday life as part of a fulfilling walk with Christ.

Pastor Jim explores the importance of using our gifts to serve one another in the church, calling for unity and strength of combined talents. He emphasizes sacrificial living as a response to God's grace and the need to incorporate serving into our daily rhythms as an act of worship. Pastor Jim encourages listeners to reflect on how God has uniquely wired them to contribute to the church, build up the body of Christ, and spread His grace to the world.

Pastor Jim explores the connection between the gospel and generosity, encouraging believers to develop a rhythm of life centered on intimacy with God. He emphasizes the importance of stewardship, being intentional with resources, and practicing open-handed generosity with finances, possessions, and hospitality. By managing wealth wisely and trusting in God, Pastor Jim shows how we can break free from wealth's hold, live fulfilling lives, and draw closer to God. 

Pastor Jim discusses the importance of gospel-centered relationships for personal growth and God's glory. He highlights how believers are adopted into God's family, called to love and support one another as part of one body. Emphasizing forgiveness, humility, and commitment to community, Pastor Jim encourages listeners to prioritize relationships that reflect Jesus and foster spiritual maturity. He also discusses the need to turn from individualism, embrace community, and set boundaries to nurture healthy, Christ-centered connections.

In this episode, Pastor Jim delves into the essence of prayer as a heartfelt conversation with our loving Father rather than a time to use fancy words to impress God or others. Exploring elements like worship, confession, supplication, and submission, he shares insights from Jesus' teaching on prayer using the Lord's Prayer as a framework. Pastor Jim encourages listeners to move to a deeper relationship with God, like a child moves on to a deeper relationship with a parent over time.  (Special testimony from Dick and Nancy Heaney)

Pastor Jim explores the significance of cultivating a rhythm of life that leads to intimacy with God through engaging the scriptures (the Bible). He highlights how engaging with the Bible goes beyond reading, encompassing the person of Jesus and the indwelling Holy Spirit. The teaching discusses the authority and inspiration of scripture, emphasizing its role in guiding believers, not as a set of rules but as a revelation of Jesus throughout the whole Bible. Practical tips, including resources, are offered to help listeners engage deeply with God's Word.

Pastor Jim explores the spiritual discipline of silence and solitude, emphasizing its importance in today's noisy world. He shares how calming the mind and being alone with God can lead to healing, spiritual growth, and deeper intimacy with Him. Drawing from Jesus' example, Pastor Jim highlights the need for quiet time with God amidst the busyness of life and offers practical tips for incorporating silence and solitude into daily practice.

Pastor Jim explores the value of work in a Jesus-centered life, highlighting how all work can be holy when done for God's glory. He discusses finding identity in Jesus, not job roles, and avoiding stress by working for the Lord rather than earthly recognition. Jim emphasizes a healthy balance between work, rest, and relationships, showing how work is a way God shapes and walks with us.

Pastor Jim discusses the importance of Sabbath as a foundational element in forming a healthy rhythm of life for disciples of Jesus. He emphasizes that Sabbath is more than just a day of less work; it is an act of worship and a time for rest, reflection, and restoration. Jim highlights the restorative power of Sabbath in knowing God amidst the busyness of life and addresses why people often struggle to observe it. He explains that Sabbath is about enjoying God's creation, worshiping, and stepping away from the constant need to work and perform. Jim also touches on issues like injustice and identity crises that disrupt rest, clarifies misconceptions of Sabbath as merely a break or indulgence, and underscores its role in celebrating freedom from spiritual slavery. He emphasizes that Sabbath is a personal and vital aspect of worship, not bound by legalism, serving as a foretaste of the restoration to come when Jesus returns. Through practicing Sabbath, believers are reminded of their identity as children of God and their redemption in Jesus.

Pastor Jim discusses the importance of intentional effort in developing a sustainable Christian life, emphasizing the distinction between earning salvation and making effort in one's faith journey. Drawing from biblical references, Jim encourages active participation in the divine nature through God's gifts, highlighting the need for continual effort and growth. He emphasizes grace-motivated obedience in cultivating a rhythm of life focused on delighting in God, aiming for inner transformation rather than perfection. Jim cautions against external conformity without internal change, stressing the need for the gospel to transform the inner self first. He underscores the importance of choosing to walk with Jesus instead of a life of sin, leading to an increased awareness of God's presence. Highlighting the significance of being present to God in daily life and listening to His unique calling, Jim concludes that holiness comes only through God's presence and our relationship with Him, not through mere external efforts.

Pastor Jim discusses the importance of living a rhythm of life that helps individuals glorify God and fulfill their divine purpose. He emphasizes that this rhythm is personal and not a strict prescription, allowing for individual uniqueness in application. Jim highlights the uniqueness of each individual's calling and the need to prioritize glorifying God in all aspects of life. The central message revolves around curating a personal rhythm of life to align with God's plan, focusing on unique purpose and calling rather than rigid rules. Quoting Ephesians, he points out that individuals are God's masterpieces with specific good works to accomplish. Upcoming sessions will cover topics like Sabbath, silence, scripture, prayer, relationships, stewardship, vocation, and mission.

Pastor Jim reflects on our busy lives, introducing the concept of cultivating a sustainable rhythm of life to grow in intimacy with God. He emphasizes the importance of intentionally curating a personal rhythm to experience fullness, peace, and joy in contrast to the frantic pace of modern existence. Jim highlights the challenges of external distractions that divert attention from God's guidance and stresses the need to move beyond belief into active discipleship. He discusses the idea of apprenticeship with Jesus, focusing on learning, being changed by Him, and committing to His mission. Jim encourages a personal approach to life, tailored to one's current state, with an emphasis on grace, presence with Jesus, and living a gospel-centered life.

Pastor Jim concludes a series on parables by discussing the parable in Matthew 20, which highlights the generosity and grace of God as portrayed by the landowner. The parable emphasizes that being in God's kingdom is like working for a generous landowner who blesses all equally, challenging traditional notions of fairness and showcasing God's abundant grace. Jim addresses the dangers of insiderism and legalism, urging listeners to focus on God's mercy and grace. The message underscores that all believers will receive abundant blessings and eternal life through God's generosity, regardless of when they entered the kingdom. Pastor Jim emphasizes the importance of participating in the work of the vineyard, highlighting the rewards of knowing God through faithful obedience and grace, and stresses that salvation is by grace, not by works, encouraging listeners to find purpose and sustenance in God's kingdom.

Pastor Jim speaks on the concept of debt and forgiveness in the kingdom of God, as illustrated in a parable from Matthew 18. The focus is on the importance of extraordinary mercy and forgiveness, drawing parallels between the debts owed due to sin and the forgiveness granted by God through Jesus. Jim emphasizes sin as idolatry, the cost it incurs, and the immense debt owed to God. The parable of the king forgiving a massive debt is used to illustrate God's forgiveness of humanity's sins. The message highlights God's compassion and grace, encouraging listeners to understand and accept God's forgiveness in order to extend it to others. Pastor Jim underscores the transformative power of preemptive forgiveness and the daily practice of living in God's mercy, urging followers of Jesus to embrace forgiveness, compassion, and humility.

Apologies for the poor audio quality...Pastor Jake discusses the parable of the treasure in the field from Matthew 13, focusing on the kingdom of heaven's immense value compared to earthly riches. He emphasizes the significance of prioritizing the kingdom of God over material possessions, prompting reflection on personal priorities and spiritual growth. The parable illustrates the incomparable worth of the kingdom, highlighting the joy in making Jesus the king of one's life and the gift of salvation. Jake explores the concept of giving everything back to God and adopting a new identity as a citizen of the kingdom of heaven.

Pastor Jim discusses the parables of the mustard seed and yeast, focusing on the kingdom of God's transformational power that begins with small, seemingly insignificant beginnings. He challenges the expectation of immediate rescue and salvation, illustrating how the kingdom of heaven grows gradually through internal transformation. The discussion emphasizes the importance of participating in this process, recognizing God's power at work within individuals. Jim also explores the concept of working out salvation with fear and trembling, highlighting the collaboration between personal effort and divine influence. He underscores the role of the Spirit in enabling individuals to live a godly life, and the importance of intentionally incorporating kingdom principles into daily life to bring about internal and external change. The kingdom's growth is gradual and subversive, impacting both individuals and the world through the work of Jesus.

Paul discusses the parable of the ten minas from Luke 19, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and fairness in God's evaluation of individuals. He explains that followers of Jesus will be judged based on their faithfulness rather than outcomes and cautions against speculating on God's fairness. The story of Zacchaeus highlights a shift in faithfulness from worldly structures to the kingdom of God. Paul underscores the significance of performing tasks to the best of one's ability as a sign of loyalty to God. He uses examples of Abraham, Joseph, and David to illustrate faithful actions directed toward serving God and others. The parable calls listeners to be fully engaged and faithful in their responsibilities within the church and community.

Pastor Jim explores the concept of relational prayer through the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18. He contrasts the unjust judge in the parable with God, stressing the need to interpret passages in context. The discussion broadens to view the kingdom of God as both an internal reality and a future hope centered on justice and wholeness. Jesus is presented as the king who brings internal peace and justice, prompting believers to prepare for the return of the Son of Man. Jim underscores the “already not yet” nature of the kingdom, urging his audience to persist in prayer for God's justice and peace. He emphasizes maintaining faith in prayer as a deepening relationship with God, moving beyond mere requests. The talk emphasizes prayer as relational rather than ritualistic, encouraging alignment with God's kingdom and persistent prayer for its manifestation in justice and peace, both presently and in the future.

Pastor Jim discusses the Parable of the Prodigal Son, focusing on the identities and behaviors of the younger and older brothers, noting how their actions—rebellion and self-emancipation for the younger and self-righteousness for the older—lead to deeper enslavement and fractured relationships. He discusses how the story underscores the gracious father's relentless pursuit of his lost sons, symbolizing God's love and the theme of repentance. Jim highlights how the father's unending grace and desire for reconciliation contrast the sons' rebellion and self-justification. He also introduces the concept of Jesus as the better older brother who facilitates our reconciliation with God. The key message is an invitation to return to the Father's grace and embrace freedom from self-justification, highlighting the transformative power of God's love and grace in mending broken relationships and restoring true freedom.

Pastor Jim discusses the parable of the lost sheep from Luke 15, emphasizing the theme of being lost as rebellion against God's ways, and contrasts it with the joy of repentance and the celebration in heaven when a sinner repents. This parable challenges the Pharisees' attitude towards sinners, depicting God as a pursuing shepherd who actively seeks the lost. Jim explains that “lostness” signifies rejection and rebellion, while “foundness” equates to repentance. He highlights God's persistent pursuit throughout history, exemplified by Jesus as the Good Shepherd. The message focuses on the necessity of repentance, recognizing God's kindness, and the joy of salvation. Jim stresses that salvation comes by grace through faith, and that God's kindness is meant to lead to repentance. He encourages listeners to continually reflect on their faith and the importance of reaching out to Jesus for salvation, urging them to embrace God's pursuit.

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?

Pastor Jim covers John 17, focusing on Jesus praying for unity before his crucifixion and highlighting the lack of unity in the world. Jesus prays for unity among his disciples and with God, emphasizing the Father's love for him and how it extends to believers. Jim explores how a secure identity in Christ leads to obedience, sacrificial living, and unity. He discusses how our identity in Jesus provides significance, security, and approval, fostering unity essential for making God known. The message stresses understanding our identity in Christ to overcome divisions and focus on what truly matters. Jim emphasizes that unity in Jesus should be the central focus for believers, who can demonstrate this unity by embodying the love and sacrifice of Christ in a fragmented world. The call is for believers to unite in worship and showcase God's love through their actions and relationships.

Pastor Jim explores Jesus's prayer in John 17 for his disciples, emphasizing his request to God for their protection and unity. Jesus expresses deep love for his disciples, manifesting God's name, words, and truth to safeguard them. His concern for their well-being and glorification is evident in his heartfelt prayer. Jim discusses Jesus' prayer for protection and sanctification in the face of the evil one's lies and distortions, highlighting the importance of being set apart by God's truth as a defense against Satan's deception. He explores the concept of sanctification, explaining how Jesus sanctifies Himself and calls believers to remain in Him. Sanctification is linked to the mission of spreading God's glory, with believers set apart to be sent into the world as worshipers and carriers of the truth.

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. 

Pastor Jim discusses how Jesus sends his Holy Spirit to his disciples to minster TO them and THROUGH them, emphasizing the need to surrender to the Holy Spirit to actually experience his life changing testimony.  He highlights that the Holy Spirit is trying to open hearts and minds to the Gospel while the enemy of God is trying to blind and close them off.   Jim explains that the Holy Spirit is operating in the absence of Jesus to bring about heart change as it pertains to how the world feels about sin, righteousness, and judgment.  

Pastor Jim discusses how true disciples of Jesus will face resistance from a world opposed to His ways, emphasizing the need to prioritize allegiance to the kingdom of God over worldly values such as politics and cultural expectations. He highlights the challenges this misalignment can cause, including hatred and opposition, and stresses the importance of community support and intimate connection with God. Jim explains that the world's ignorance of God leads to hurt and opposition but emphasizes the need to testify to Jesus through love and unity. He also highlights the role of the Spirit in guiding believers and finding peace amid trouble through sacrificial love.