Hope Church - Fort Worth, TX

Join Pastor Matt and the team as they dive deeper into topics from the recent "Financial Squeeze" sermon series that didn't quite fit into Sunday morning. This episode focuses on biblical generosity, tithing, and God's design for our finances. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history behind "In God We Trust" on American currency, dating back to the Civil War era when a Pennsylvania pastor wrote to the Treasury Secretary suggesting this unifying phrase during our nation's most divided time. Pastor Matt addresses common questions about tithing in the New Testament era, explaining how this practice preceded the Mosaic Law and continues to be relevant for Christians today. He breaks down the principles of giving found in the New Testament and clarifies why tithing to the local church specifically matters according to biblical teaching. The conversation also covers the "Generosity Ladder" - a practical framework for growing in biblical giving, from first-time gifts to legacy giving that impacts the kingdom long-term. They discuss the four components of God-honoring giving: systematic, proportional, sacrificial, and cheerful. Finally, Pastor Matt explains Hope Church's financial stewardship practices, including budgeting, board oversight, third-party audits, and accountability measures that ensure donated funds are used wisely and transparently.

In the final message of "The Financial Squeeze" series, Pastor Matt explores how generosity during financial hardship seems counterintuitive yet is precisely what God calls us to do. Using the book of Haggai, he illustrates how God's people postponed rebuilding the temple saying, "not now," while God responded by withholding blessing until they prioritized His work. Pastor Matt connects this to our own struggles with generosity, explaining that our hesitation stems from a lack of trust in God. The sermon highlights research from "The Paradox of Generosity," a secular study confirming Biblical principles that those who give regularly experience greater happiness, improved health, and stronger purpose. Pastor Matt emphasizes Jesus' words in Acts 20:35 that "It is more blessed to give than to receive," and challenges the congregation with a "now challenge" to take specific steps toward greater generosity, recognizing that generosity changes both us and the future.

Welcome back to another episode of Sunday Morning Extra! This week, our pastoral team delves into the challenging topic of contentment and why it's such a countercultural message in today's world. What We Cover: In this episode, we explore why contentment feels so unnatural in American culture and how everything around us is designed to create discontentment. We discuss the three major forces working against contentment: social media amplification (where influencers portray unrealistic lifestyles), endless product cycles that push constant upgrades, and comparison culture that makes us feel inadequate. Our team shares personal stories of learning contentment through difficult experiences - from job disappointments and health challenges to broken expectations about what God "owes" us. We tackle the dangerous prosperity gospel message and why it's so appealing yet fundamentally flawed. Key Discussions: Why 70% of GDP comes from consumer spending, and what that means for Christians The moment when gas prices crossed $1 and never looked back (and what that teaches us about inflation) How social media creates unrealistic expectations through carefully curated "perfect" lives Personal testimonies about learning contentment through trials and unmet expectations The difference between God's definition of "good" versus our expectations Why we often write deals with God that He never signed Practical wisdom about budgeting, financial stewardship, and living within your means The danger of the prosperity gospel: promising the very things we should be fighting against Key Takeaways: ✅ Contentment is learned through experience, often during our most difficult times ✅ Everything in our consumer culture is designed to make us feel like what we have isn't enough ✅ We need to align our definition of "good" with God's, not our desires ✅ The Christian life isn't about having an easy, comfortable life - it's about faithfulness ✅ Budgeting isn't just for people with little money - it's wise stewardship for everyone ✅ True contentment comes from understanding that everything beyond hell is a gift from God Join us this Sunday at Hope Church! We'd love to have you worship with us as we continue our series on biblical principles for life.  Can't make it in person? While we're glad you're joining us through the podcast, there's something special about gathering together in community. Come as you are - we'll save you a seat! Thanks for listening to Sunday Morning Extra - where we take the Sunday message and dig a little deeper into what it means to live out biblical principles in everyday life.

Pastor Matt continues "The Financial Squeeze" series by exploring the countercultural concept of contentment, which he defines as accepting your current condition in life. Using Paul's testimony in Philippians 4:11-13, Pastor Matt explains that contentment is "a secret we all must learn" through experience—not something that comes naturally. This secret is God's power at work in the life of Christ followers, enabling them to handle any circumstance life presents. The sermon distinguishes between two types of contentment experiences: planned contentment (budgeting for godliness and finances) and unplanned contentment (dealing with unexpected losses). Drawing from 1 Timothy 6, Pastor Matt emphasizes that "godliness with contentment is great gain," contrasting this with our consumer-driven culture that constantly creates discontentment. He concludes that contentment requires daily choice and refocusing on God rather than comparing ourselves to others, which he calls "the great destroyer of contentment."

Join Pastor Matt Sturdvant, Pastor Luke Myers, Pastor Jeremy Good, and Pastor Brian Cropp as they dive into the launch of Hope Church's new sermon series "The Financial Squeeze" and share personal stories about navigating financial pressures. n This Episode: The pastors share their weekend highlights, including Rhonda Gales' retirement celebration and some late-night lawn mowing adventures Personal stories about the last time each pastor felt a real financial squeeze - from car troubles to unexpected medical bills How different personalities respond to pressure: Do you go toward "idleness" or become a "busybody"? The importance of taking personal responsibility and partnering with God in our work Practical advice for excelling in your field, whether you're a student, professional, or stay-at-home parent How faithfulness in small things prepares us for bigger opportunities Key Takeaways: ✅ Everyone has God-given responsibilities that look different in each season of life ✅ Your future is built out of your faithfulness today ✅ Turn your commute into a classroom - practical tips for continuous learning ✅ God often uses our secular work experiences to prepare us for future ministry Whether you're facing financial pressure right now or just want to hear some honest conversation about money, work, and trusting God through life's squeezes, this episode offers both encouragement and practical wisdom.

Pastor Matt begins a new series called "The Financial Squeeze," addressing how believers should respond to financial pressure. He explains that society has been trained since the New Deal of the 1930s to look to government for bailouts rather than to God for help. The sermon's key perspective shift is: "God wants to use the pressure I experience financially to grow my dependence and faith in Him." Pastor Matt distinguishes between "burdens" (overwhelming difficulties we help each other with) and "loads" (personal responsibilities we must carry ourselves) from Galatians 6:2-5. Using 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, he emphasizes that God designed hunger as a motivation beacon, stating "if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." Pastor Matt concludes with three practical applications: excel in your field, expand your responsibility, and endure the weight of your responsibility—all conditions for experiencing God's help during financial squeezes.

Welcome back to Season 3 of the Sunday Extra podcast! After a refreshing summer break, Pastors Matt, Brian, Luke, and Jeremy are back to dive deeper into Sunday's message about God's multigenerational plan. This week, they explore how different generations can work together in the church and what it means to have "all hands on deck." Join us for some laughs with the "Mind the Gap" generational trivia game, insights into building a 150-year church vision, and a preview of the upcoming "Financial Squeeze" series.

In celebrating Hope Church's 47th anniversary, Pastor Matt examined the Biblical concept of generations and God's multi-generational plan. Using Psalm 145:4 as the theme verse, he presented five key truths: God has been unfolding His generational plan since creation (Genesis 1:27-28); He works through leadership transitions to continue leading His people forward; contribution to God's work is lifelong though roles change over time; older generations must train younger ones (Psalm 78:5-7); and everyone has a role in shaping future generations. Pastor Matt emphasized that God thinks on a grander scale than we do, seeing our lives in the context of His bigger picture. He illustrated how our lives can be divided into thirds—the first third focused on learning and preparing, the middle third on building and leading, and the final third on encouraging, praying, and finishing well. Regardless of our stage in life, we're called to pass on both the character of God (testimony) and the content of Scripture to those who follow us, fulfilling Acts 13:36 by serving God's purposes in our generation.

In this sermon, Pastor Brian tackles the question that has nagged him most as a worship pastor: "What are we doing here?" He explains that Biblical worship involves humbling ourselves before God and demonstrating His worthiness through our actions and attention. Jesus told us in John 4 that "true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people." Pastor Brian distinguishes between two essential types of worship. First, private worship (Monday through Saturday) deepens our closeness with God through both scheduled devotional times and spontaneous moments of praise. Second, corporate worship (Sunday) strengthens our identity as Christ followers when we assemble together. The Sunday service follows an intentional order to offer our collective worship in an orderly way, as Paul instructed in 1 Corinthians. Pastor Brian concludes with practical takeaways: establish a private worship practice, set prayer triggers throughout your day, memorize Scripture, and get involved with a local assembly of believers, as Hebrews 10:25 encourages us not to give up meeting together.

Pastor Matt concluded his series on the Lord's Prayer by examining the textual history of Matthew 6:13b ("For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen"), which appears as a footnote in many modern translations. He explained the process of Biblical transmission from original manuscripts to modern translations, noting that the Bible's reliability remains uncompromised despite textual variations. Pastor Matt demonstrated that while Matthew 6:13b may not have been in the original manuscripts, it functions as a fitting doxology that accurately reflects Biblical truths found throughout Scripture, particularly echoing King David's prayer in 1 Chronicles 29:11. The sermon also analyzed the structure of the Lord's Prayer, showing how it begins and ends with God's glory while addressing man's needs in between. Pastor Matt emphasized that this model prayer covers our past (forgiveness), present (daily bread), and future (deliverance from temptation) while teaching us to approach God with both intimacy and reverence. He concluded by encouraging listeners to use the Lord's Prayer as a mirror for spiritual self-examination rather than a source of discouragement, inviting them to yield their lives to Christ.

In this sermon, Pastor Jeremy continues his series on the Lord's Prayer by examining the line "lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." He addresses the apparent contradiction between this prayer and James 1:13, which states God tempts no one. Pastor Jeremy explains that the Greek word "pismon" is neutral, meaning both temptation and trials/testing, and appears throughout Scripture with both translations. Pastor Jeremy emphasizes that temptations come from our own desires, not from God, though God allows us to walk through trials for our growth. When facing these tests, we should respond by considering it joy (James 1:2), recognizing God is developing our endurance and character. He assures us that God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can handle (1 Corinthians 10:13) and provides ways of escape. To combat the evil one during these times, Pastor Jeremy encourages us to pray for God's help and rely on Scripture as our defense, following Jesus's example of ultimately surrendering with "not my will but yours be done."

Jacob Willebeek-LaMair examines the forgiveness portion of the Lord's Prayer, explaining why Jesus specifically emphasized "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." He clarifies that sin creates not a financial debt but a justice debt before God—a debt so massive that we could never repay it ourselves. Using Romans 6:23, Jacob illustrates how sin leads to death, but God offers the gift of eternal life through Christ. The sermon's central message is that Jesus explicitly teaches we are forgiven to the extent that we forgive others. Jacob references Matthew 18:21-35, where Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant who was forgiven an enormous debt but refused to forgive a much smaller one. Jacob shares his personal journey of forgiving someone who bullied him in middle school, offering practical advice for forgiveness: be understanding of others' brokenness, don't dwell on others' sins, put others' interests above your own, and trust God with justice.

Jake Myers examines the line "Give us this day our daily bread" from Matthew 6:11, using the famous "Grace" photograph as a visual representation of the humility and dependence we should have before God. Myers breaks down the verse into three components: "Give us" reminds us God is our source and we approach Him in humility; "this day" teaches us to trust God for daily provision rather than storing up to avoid dependence; and "our daily bread" helps us distinguish between true needs and mere wants. The sermon emphasizes how the Lord's Prayer shifts from focusing on God's kingdom to our needs at this point, but maintains a community focus with "us" rather than "me." Myers references Exodus 16:4 where God provided manna daily to the Israelites, teaching them dependence, and challenges believers to develop an attitude of dependence on God, maintain appropriate expectations about provision, and cultivate a heart for others' needs. He concludes with practical challenges to pray with family before meals, pray publicly, and offer to pray for servers at restaurants.

In this sermon, Pastor Brian examines the phrase "your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" from the Lord's Prayer, addressing the tension between God's sovereignty and human free will. He distinguishes between God's moral will—the framework for how we should live—and God's sovereign will—His overarching plan that will ultimately be accomplished. Using personal examples like his family's car accident with a fleeing criminal, Pastor Brian illustrates how events that don't align with God's moral desires can still be used within His sovereign plan. Pastor Brian explains that when we pray for God's will to be done, we're not attempting to influence God but rather aligning ourselves with His purposes. We can discern God's moral will through Scripture, being led by the Holy Spirit, and having our minds renewed through regular engagement with God's Word and His people. As we choose to live according to God's ways, we experience a taste of heaven on earth, similar to how angels in heaven perfectly obey God. The prayer is ultimately a surrender of our own plans and desires, trusting that as Romans 8:28 promises, all things work together for good for those who love God.

In this sermon, Jordan Funderburk delves into the meaning of "Your kingdom come" from the Lord's Prayer. He begins by explaining that the kingdom of God is not a physical location but rather the rule of God in people's lives. Funderburk highlights that Jesus spoke about the kingdom as both present and future, quoting Luke 17:20-21 and Matthew 24:14. Funderburk outlines three ways we can experience God's kingdom: conversion (accepting Christ as Lord), commitment (being a "kingdom builder" by using our time, talents, and treasure for God's purposes), and completion (the future return of Christ and establishment of His eternal kingdom). He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's kingdom over worldly pursuits, despite the challenges of living in a society that often pulls us away from God. Funderburk concludes by encouraging listeners to change their citizenship, live out their commitment, and eagerly await the completion of God's kingdom.

Josh Hofford delves into the significance of God's holy name as found in the Lord's Prayer, specifically the phrase "hallowed be your name" (Matthew 6:9). He begins by discussing the importance of names in our lives, then transitions to the exclusivity and holiness of God's name. Hofford emphasizes that while we have an intimate "Abba" relationship with God, we must approach Him with reverence, not as a casual buddy. The sermon outlines God's character traits, including patience, faithfulness, and kindness, illustrated through personal anecdotes like the story of Theo the dog. Hofford concludes by presenting three ways we can show reverence to God: believing He exists, maintaining awareness of His presence, and obeying His word. He encourages listeners to identify areas in their lives where they need to better align with God's will and show Him proper reverence.

In this sermon, Pastor Jeremy delves into the Lord's Prayer, beginning with its context in the Sermon on the Mount. He explains that Jesus addressed a diverse audience, including Jewish worshippers, Jewish elites, and pagans. Before introducing the Lord's Prayer, Jesus corrected misconceptions about prayer, warning against making it a spectacle (Matthew 6:5-6) or engaging in meaningless repetition (Matthew 6:7-8). Pastor Jeremy emphasizes that the Lord's Prayer is not meant to be recited mindlessly, but rather serves as a template for personal, meaningful prayer. He illustrates this by showing how the line "Give us this day our daily bread" (Matthew 6:11) can be adapted to address current needs, such as transportation or employment. The sermon concludes by focusing on the opening line, "Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9). Pastor Jeremy explains the revolutionary nature of addressing God as Father, especially in the context of distant, unassociated gods in Greek and Roman mythology. He highlights the perfect nature of God as our heavenly Father, contrasting it with imperfect earthly fathers, and encourages listeners to develop a personal relationship with God.

In this sermon, Pastor Luke wraps up the "Unshakable Faith" series by addressing how believers can maintain strong faith during life's trials. He shares a personal story about his father-in-law's diagnosis with primary progressive aphasia, using it as an example of a faith-shaking experience. The main point of the sermon is that "because of who Jesus is, you don't have to remain shaken by life's trials." Pastor Luke outlines five steps to respond to faith-shaking experiences: 1) Don't be surprised, 2) Turn immediately to God, 3) Embrace the emotions, 4) Lean on the faith of others, and 5) Allow your faith to be a witness to others. He grounds these points in scripture, particularly Matthew 7:24-27, which talks about building one's life on the solid rock of Christ. Pastor Luke concludes by emphasizing the importance of basing one's life on Jesus Christ, using the acronym B.A.S.E. (Believe, Accept, Switch, Express) to explain how to build a foundation of faith. He encourages listeners to examine whether they're building their lives on the bedrock of Jesus Christ or something else, reminding them that only faith in Christ can remain unshakable in the face of life's storms.

In this sermon, Pastor Matt explores how to respond to faith-shaking illnesses, accidents, or deaths. He begins by acknowledging that life runs on two rails: celebrating good things and dealing with difficult realities. The pastor shares personal experiences with health issues, accidents, and loss to illustrate his points. The main focus is on four key responses: 1. Turn immediately to God: Pastor Matt emphasizes the importance of talking directly to God rather than about Him. He discusses various names of God that reveal His nature and ability to help, such as Jehovah Shalom (the Lord is peace) and Jehovah Rafa (the Lord who heals). 2. Admit when we need support from others: The pastor reminds us that God created us for relationships and that we sometimes need others to help bear our burdens (Galatians 6). 3. Give ourselves permission to mourn: He acknowledges that grief is a natural response to loss and that it's important to work through it with God and community support. 4. View our circumstances as opportunities to share Jesus: Pastor Matt encourages seeing difficult situations as chances to demonstrate faith and share Christ with others. Throughout the sermon, he reinforces the message that God is close to the brokenhearted and rescues those whose spirits are crushed (Psalm 34:18).

Join our pastoral team as they wrap up this season with another engaging and authentic conversation. Our host shares a hilarious "real life" moment of being stuck at a stoplight due to a truck blocking the trigger sensor, leading to a discussion about patience and navigating daily frustrations. The team dives into the recent Mother's Day sermon about doubt and unshakable faith, sharing personal experiences of wrestling with intellectual questions and finding their way back to trust in God. Listen as they recommend helpful resources and discuss how prayer remains essential even when facing challenging theological questions. Highlights include: The baptism dilemma: cold water vs. Trinity River (and whether cheese grits or grape jelly would be worse alternatives!) Parenting lessons learned from their mothers How to handle doubt while continuing to move forward in faith The importance of community when facing spiritual struggles That powerful biblical statement: "I believe; help my unbelief." This is our season finale, but join us at Hope Church this summer for our sermon series on the Lord's Prayer. Subscribe to catch our return and any surprise bonus episodes!

This sermon, part of the "Unshakable Faith" series, addresses the topic of doubt and how to overcome it through faith. Pastor Matt begins by acknowledging that doubt is a universal human experience, affecting even spiritually mature individuals. He uses Mark 9:14-29 as a case study to illustrate how Jesus responds to doubt. The sermon outlines five general truths about doubt: 1. It's easy to have faith on the mountaintop but hard not to doubt in the valley. 2. Doubt can be a sign of a broken connection with God. 3. Doubt prevents us from experiencing God's power. 4. Jesus only requires a small amount of faith. 5. Reading the Bible and prayer are essential tools for overcoming doubt. Pastor Matt emphasizes that prayer is God's "power pipeline," connecting us to His unlimited resources. He explores five causes of doubt and how prayer can help in each situation: 1. Difficult circumstances 2. Intellectual arguments 3. Imperfect Christians 4. Spiritual dryness 5. Recurring sins Throughout the sermon, Pastor Matt encourages listeners to confront their doubts with faith, reminding them that God is present and willing to help overcome doubt through His word and prayer.

In this sermon, Pastor Matt explores the concept of serving from God's perspective and provides practical reasons for serving. He emphasizes three main points about serving from God's viewpoint: 1. Serving is an assignment, not just volunteering. God has given each believer a specific role in His kingdom work. 2. Our gifts are for ministering, not just consuming. God has equipped us with abilities to serve others and advance His kingdom. 3. Serving is about an altar, not a container. Even when we don't see immediate results, our service is an offering to God. Practically, Pastor Matt explains that we serve because God first served us through Jesus Christ's sacrifice. We also serve because God has gifted us for service and provided us a place in His church. Additionally, serving blesses others by meeting their needs and sharing the gospel. Finally, we ourselves are blessed when we serve, growing in our faith and becoming more like Christ.

Pastors Jeremy, Luke, and Brian discuss the topic of failure and how God uses it in our lives. They share personal stories of failure, including instances of lying and damaging relationships. They emphasize that what we perceive as failure may actually be part of God's larger plan, citing examples from the Bible such as Joseph and John Mark. Key points include: 1. The importance of defining failure from God's perspective rather than a worldly viewpoint. 2. How God can use our failures to shape our character and teach us valuable lessons. 3. The significance of surrounding ourselves with supportive people who can help us grow through failures. 4. The need to trust God with both our own hearts and the hearts of those we may have hurt through our failures. The pastors draw parallels between God and a coach, noting that while God doesn't set us up to fail, He can use our failures to produce righteousness and peace in our lives. They conclude by encouraging listeners to lean into God as a strong foundation during times of failure, emphasizing that we are always in process and that God continues to work in our lives through both good and bad circumstances.

In this sermon, Pastor Matt explores the topic of failure as part of the "Unshakable Faith" series. He begins by acknowledging that failure is a universal human experience and shares some of his own failures. The pastor then introduces the life principle that "failure is an opportunity to give up or grow up." Using the apostle Peter as a case study, Pastor Matt examines how to find unshakable faith even in the face of failure. He outlines four key steps: facing the emotions of failure, allowing failure to draw us closer to God, identifying and learning from the source of failure, and listening for and obeying God's new plan. The sermon emphasizes that our failures don't have to be final or prevent us from being used by God, as demonstrated by Peter's restoration and subsequent leadership in the early church. Pastor Matt concludes by addressing whether there's an unforgivable failure, stating that continued unbelief is the only failure we can't recover from in this life. He encourages listeners to surrender to Jesus and build their lives on the solid foundation of Christ, reminding them of Romans 10:9, "If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."

On Easter Sunday, Pastor Matt kicked off a new sermon series titled "Unshakable Faith." This series aims to help believers navigate the storms of life by grounding their faith in Jesus. The pastor emphasized that while troubles are inevitable, God provides peace, power, and direction to those who trust in Him. The series will explore various challenges that can shake one's faith, including anxiety, weakness, uncertainty, failure, doubt, illness, and death. Pastor Brian's goal is to equip the congregation with practical tools to face these difficulties, encouraging them to look to God first rather than as a last resort. He shared personal examples of how he's applying these principles in his own life, demonstrating that even pastors need reminders of God's faithfulness during tough times. The church saw good attendance for Easter, with deveral individuals indicating decisions to believe in Christ, highlighting the impact of sharing the Gospel message. As the series progresses, Pastor Matt hopes it will strengthen the faith of both long-time believers and newcomers alike.

In this Easter sermon, Pastor Matt Sturdivan of Hope Church explores the meaning of Easter and introduces a new series called "Unshakable Faith." He begins by recounting the events of the first Easter morning, referencing Matthew 28:5, where an angel tells the women at Jesus' tomb not to be afraid because Jesus has risen. Pastor Matt then outlines three key elements of unshakable faith: 1. When we're anxious or afraid, God gives us peace. He cites John 20:19-21, where Jesus appears to His disciples and says, "Peace be with you." 2. When we're weak, God gives us power. The pastor references Isaiah 40:29 and 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 to illustrate this point. 3. When we're uncertain, God gives us direction. He uses Proverbs 3:5-6 and James 1:5 to emphasize God's guidance. The sermon concludes with an explanation of how to find unshakable faith by building one's life on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. Pastor Matt presents the gospel message, explaining that we are all sinners in need of salvation, which is available through faith in Jesus. He invites listeners to trust in Christ as their Savior and Lord, offering a simple prayer for those ready to make this decision.

In this Palm Sunday sermon, Pastor Matt wraps up the series on Colossians by focusing on Colossians 4:2-18. He emphasizes three important areas related to words: prayer, proclaiming the word, and witnessing to the watching world. The pastor encourages believers to be faithful, watchful, thankful, and purposeful in prayer, as Paul instructs in Colossians 4:2-3. Pastor Matt then discusses the importance of proclaiming the gospel and living a life consistent with one's beliefs. He uses Paul's "verbal group photo" of his ministry team to illustrate the diverse roles and lessons we can learn from faithful servants. The sermon concludes with four key takeaways from the Colossians series: Jesus Christ's supremacy, His sufficiency, the new identity believers have in Him, and how this transforms practical living.

This sermon discussion delves into the complex issue of forgiveness, which the pastors describe as a supernatural gift we first receive from God through Jesus before we can truly offer it to others. They define forgiveness as pardoning an offender and releasing them from the penalty of their wrongdoing. It involves letting go of resentment and the right to seek revenge, while reflecting God's grace and mercy. The pastors emphasize that forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling, and often requires both time and Jesus' help to fully accomplish. They distinguish between forgiveness, which only requires one person, and reconciliation, which requires agreement between both parties. The speakers also discuss the difference between forgiveness and apologizing, noting that sometimes an apology is appropriate even when no sin has occurred. They stress that while Christians are commanded to forgive, they are not always required to reconcile or rebuild trust, especially in cases of abuse or severe harm.

In this sermon, Pastor Matt delves into Colossians 3:18-4:1, focusing on how to live under Christ's lordship in our closest relationships. He emphasizes that God's ways, though often unpopular, bring blessing when obeyed. The passage addresses three pairs of relationships: husbands and wives, parents and children, and masters and bondservants (employers and employees). Pastor Matt explains that wives are called to respectfully follow their husbands, while husbands are to lovingly lead their wives. Children should obey their parents in everything, as it pleases the Lord. Parents, especially fathers, are warned not to provoke their children to discouragement. In the workplace, employees are instructed to work wholeheartedly as if working for the Lord, while employers should treat their workers justly and fairly. Throughout the sermon, Pastor Matt stresses that these instructions are about bringing all aspects of life under Christ's lordship. He acknowledges the tension between God's ideal and the broken world's reality but emphasizes that our present circumstances don't change God's standards. The pastor concludes by encouraging listeners to love radically, forgive freely, serve humbly, and treat others with dignity in all relationships.

In this sermon, Pastor Matt delves into Colossians 3:12-17, exploring how believers should "put on" their new identity in Christ. He begins by reminding the congregation of their status as God's chosen, holy, and beloved people, emphasizing that this identity should shape their behavior. The pastor then unpacks a list of Christ-like qualities that believers should embody, including compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and forgiveness. He particularly focuses on forgiveness, clarifying misconceptions and stressing its importance in the Christian life. Pastor Matt concludes by highlighting three priorities for believers: letting the peace of Christ rule in their hearts, allowing God's Word to dwell richly within them, and doing everything in the name of Jesus with thankfulness. Throughout the sermon, Pastor Matt uses practical examples and scripture references to illustrate his points, encouraging believers to align their daily lives with their new identity in Christ. He emphasizes that this transformation is both instantaneous and ongoing, urging the congregation to continually grow in these Christ-like characteristics.

In this sermon discussion, Pastor Matt and his colleagues delve into the topic of speaking in tongues and its relationship to the Holy Spirit. They clarify that while speaking in tongues is mentioned in the Bible, it is not a requirement for salvation or evidence of the Holy Spirit's presence in a believer's life. The pastors emphasize that the Holy Spirit indwells all true believers at the moment of salvation, as evidenced by scriptures such as Ephesians 1:13-14 and Romans 8:9. The discussion then shifts to the dangers of legalism in spiritual practices, particularly in one's quiet time or devotional habits. The pastors share personal experiences of how they've struggled with turning their Bible reading and prayer time into a checklist rather than focusing on developing a relationship with God. They encourage listeners to prioritize growing in their relationship with Jesus over simply completing religious tasks. The conversation concludes with reflections on how to recognize the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life, emphasizing the importance of the "fruit of repentance" and gradual life change as evidence of genuine faith.

In this sermon, Pastor Matt delves into Colossians 3, transitioning from doctrinal teaching to practical Christian living. He emphasizes that right beliefs should lead to right behavior, focusing on seeking "the things that are above, where Christ is" (Col. 3:1). The pastor explains that this heavenly focus should produce an earthly difference in believers' lives. Pastor Matt outlines two lists of sins that Christians must "put to death" (Col. 3:5) or "put away" (Col. 3:8): personal sins like sexual immorality and covetousness and social sins like anger and slander. He stresses that these practices belong to the old self, which has been replaced by the new self in Christ. The sermon concludes with practical steps for living out this new identity, including starving sinful appetites, focusing on God's Word, seeking the Holy Spirit's help, and learning contentment.

Jerry Roberts has been an associate pastor at Hope Church for nearly 26 years.  This episode was recorded on his last full weekday before retirement, and pastor Matt asked Jerry to reflect on his life and ministry. Growing up in Fort Worth, Jerry came to faith at a young age but didn't fully commit to following Jesus until later in life.  His background in business and psychology, coupled with a heart for evangelism, prepared him for a unique role in ministry. Throughout the conversation, Jerry emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's Word and the courage to share one's faith.  He recalls numerous instances of witnessing to others, from door-to-door evangelism to chance encounters on airplanes.  Jerry's advice for believers is simple yet profound: "Do what God wants you to do today" and walk by faith, not by sight. Jerry draws inspiration from 1 Peter 4:2, which says, "You won't spend the rest of your life chasing your own desires but you will be anxious to do the will of God" (Living Bible).  He encourages listeners to make a daily commitment to follow Jesus, regardless of feelings or circumstances.  As he concludes his time on staff at Hope Church, Jerry's life serves as a testament to the impact of faithful obedience and a willingness to be used by God.

In this sermon, Pastor Matt delves into Colossians 2:6-23, building upon previous messages in the series. He begins by highlighting the importance of continuing to grow and make spiritual progress after receiving Christ. Using vivid imagery from the passage, he compares the Christian life to an army, a pilgrim's journey, a deeply rooted tree, a well-built structure, a school of learning, and an overflowing river of thanksgiving. Pastor Matt then warns against deception, particularly false philosophies and human traditions that can lead believers astray. He emphasizes Christ's supremacy, as stated in Colossians 2:9-10, reminding the congregation that in Christ, they are made alive and complete. The sermon concludes with warnings against legalism, mysticism, and asceticism, stressing that Jesus alone is sufficient for salvation and spiritual growth. Pastor Matt encourages believers to walk closely with Jesus, be aware of deception, and remember the victory they have in Christ.

In this discussion about the book of Colossians, Pastor Matt and Hope's associate pastors explore Paul's approach to writing, noting how he typically presents doctrine before addressing practical Christian living. They highlight Colossians 1:13-14 as a key passage, discussing how believers have been delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to Christ's kingdom. In addition to hearing each person's testimony and call to ministry, the conversation delves into Paul's use of various images to illustrate salvation, including courtroom, Marketplace, bank, home, and battlefield analogies. These images help explain concepts like justification, redemption, forgiveness, adoption, and reconciliation. The pastors emphasize the importance of understanding these truths as a foundation for Christian living. The team also discusses the preeminence of Christ as presented in Colossians, noting how a proper understanding of Jesus' identity is crucial for believers to live out their faith effectively. They stress the importance of continuing in faith and staying rooted in Christ, while acknowledging the tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility in the Christian walk.

In this sermon, Pastor Brian delves into Paul's letter to the Colossians, focusing on chapter 1:24 through chapter 2:5. He likens Paul's attitude to that of a proud grandparent, willing to sacrifice and suffer for the spiritual growth of believers he's never met. Pastor Brian emphasizes Paul's goal of presenting mature believers to God, highlighting the importance of deepening our roots in Christ to withstand cultural and philosophical pressures. The sermon outlines three key attitudes demonstrated by Paul: willingness to sacrifice for others, investing in people for eternal returns, and cheering on fellow believers in their faith journey. Pastor Brian challenges us to reach out to those who have invested in our spiritual walk, to encourage those we are investing in, and to consider serving within the church family. He concludes by reminding listeners that deep roots in Jesus will help weather ideological storms and that our focus should extend beyond personal spiritual condition to helping others mature in Christ. Do you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area? We would enjoy worshipping with you. Visit https://hopechurch.com/plan-your-visit to find out more.

In the second installment of our series "Deepening the Roots of Our Faith," we explore Colossians 1:15-23 and examine the supremacy of Jesus Christ. This message reveals why understanding Jesus' true identity is vital for believers, addressing today's culture's many counterfeit versions of Jesus. Pastor Matt explains how Jesus is supreme in creation and redemption, explaining theological concepts like justification, redemption, forgiveness, adoption, and reconciliation. He compares these transformative realities to the false teachings that troubled the early church in Colossae, many of which still mislead people today. Learn why Jesus Christ is not merely a prophet, teacher, or moral guide but God himself - and discover what it means to place Him at the center of every aspect of your life. Whether you're just beginning your faith journey or seeking to strengthen your spiritual roots, this message offers clear biblical truth about who Jesus really is and why it matters. Join us next week as we continue our 8-week journey through Colossians, building a faith foundation that can withstand our time's counterfeit ideas.

In this opening message of an eight-week series on Colossians, Pastor Matt explains why this ancient letter remains crucial for modern believers. He enthusiastically explains how the church in Colossae faced challenges similar to those Christ-followers encounter today. The sermon explores Paul's letter to the Colossians, written between 58 and 62 AD while imprisoned. It addressed both false philosophy and Jewish legalism that were confusing new believers.   The message focuses on Colossians 1:1-14, breaking down Paul's prayer for spiritual knowledge into five key goals: a worthy walk, a fruitful life, spiritual growth, strength, and joyous endurance. Pastor Matt then connects these ancient challenges to modern issues in Christianity, including progressive Christianity, new-age mysticism, and hyper-grace teachings. He concludes by emphasizing the importance of standing firm in Christ and God's Word, encouraging daily Bible reading using provided Scripture journals.

Explore the essential qualities of humble leadership through biblical principles and real-world examples. Beginning with contrasting stories of two leaders—one who prioritized personal gain and another who put employees first—the message delves into why humility is crucial for effective leadership. Drawing from Philippians 2:3-4, it emphasizes three key priorities: mission first, team second, and leader's interests last. Pastor Jeremy discusses practical traits of humble leaders, including active listening, patience, and commitment to staying the course during challenges. Through biblical examples like Moses, Joshua, and ultimately Jesus Christ, he illustrates how true leadership involves serving others rather than seeking personal glory. Whether leading in business, ministry, or family life, this teaching provides practical guidance for developing character-based leadership that prioritizes others' needs above personal interests.

In this extended podcast episode, Pastor Matt provides thoughtful, practical answers to common questions about prayer. Following up on the Pray 4 message series, the conversation delves into both foundational aspects and deeper nuances of prayer life. From addressing whether you can pray while doing dishes to explaining the theological significance of praying "in Jesus' name," the discussion maintains an accessible, down-to-earth tone while tackling substantive topics. The episode explores various prayer models, discusses the relationship between Bible reading and prayer, and offers practical guidance for developing a more meaningful prayer life. Pastor Matt shares personal experiences and biblical insights, addressing concerns like praying out loud, setting aside dedicated prayer time, and understanding how God answers prayers. Whether you're new to prayer or looking to deepen your existing practice, this conversation provides clear, practical guidance while acknowledging the challenges many face in developing a consistent prayer life.

Drawing from his unique background in aerospace and augmented reality technology, Pastor Luke explores what it means to be an intentional friend in today's world. Just as augmented reality technology enhances our view of the physical world, this message reveals how we can enrich our relationships through a spiritual lens. The sermon unpacks three key elements of intentional friendship: investing in others, offering encouragement, and walking alongside people through life's challenges. Using practical examples and biblical wisdom from Ephesians 5, Pastor Luke illustrates how we can live "acrobatically" – with precision and purpose – in our relationships. The message presents Jesus as the ultimate model of intentional friendship, demonstrating how divine love can transform our approach to relationships. Whether in our neighborhoods, workplaces, or recreational spaces, we're challenged to move beyond passive connections to active, purposeful friendships. This teaching provides practical steps for becoming the kind of friend who makes a lasting impact in others' lives.