Hope Church - Fort Worth, TX

This sermon explores Jesus' fifth "I am" statement from John 11:25, "I am the resurrection and the life," alongside the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection. The pastor explains how significant it was that Lazarus had been dead four days—past when Jews believed resurrection was possible—making this miracle undeniably divine. The message reveals two profound truths: Jesus is the giver of life (physical, spiritual, and abundant) and the destroyer of death (the last enemy, a real enemy, but a defeated one). Just as Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb but had the community remove his grave clothes, Jesus gives us new spiritual life while using fellow believers to help us walk in freedom. The pastor emphasizes that while we're all born physically alive but spiritually dead, Jesus offers resurrection now, not just in eternity, calling us to surrender to Him and experience true life in community with other believers.

Pastor Matt examined Jesus' "I am" statements from John 10, where Christ describes Himself as both the door of the sheep pen and the good shepherd. As the door, Jesus divides (keeping some things in and others out) and demands a decision about which side we choose to be on. As the good shepherd, Jesus knows His sheep, calls them by name, protects them, and gathers them from all nations. Pastor Matt outlined four practical responses for believers: dependence (recognizing we need Jesus daily), obedience (following His voice through Scripture), community (belonging to a church family), and protection (standing firm through Scripture and spiritual support). He emphasized that "the Spirit of God will never lead you to act contrary to the Word of God," providing numerous examples of misguided spiritual "promptings" that contradict Scripture. The sermon concluded by challenging listeners to consider which side of the door they're on and whose voice they're following.

Pastor Matt examines Jesus' dual metaphors of Jesus as "the Door" and "the Good Shepherd" from John 10, unpacking the rich shepherd-sheep imagery found throughout Scripture. As the Door, Jesus creates a necessary division between those inside and outside His fold, requiring a decision that determines our eternal destiny. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus knows His sheep intimately, calls them by name, protects them from danger, and ultimately laid down His life to purchase them. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus came to gather His flock from both Jews and Gentiles, breaking down the wall of hostility between them as described in Ephesians 2. Pastor Matt concludes with four practical applications: dependence on the shepherd daily through prayer and Scripture, obedience to His voice, commitment to community with other believers, and receiving His protection through truth—reminding us that "the Spirit of God will never lead you to act contrary to the Word of God."

In this Sunday Extra podcast, Pastor Matt expands on his sermon about Jesus' statement "I am the light of the world" from John's Gospel. This declaration occurred during the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles), when Jews commemorated God's guidance through the wilderness as a pillar of fire. Throughout Scripture, light symbolizes God's holiness, truth, glory, life, guidance, righteousness, and fellowship, while darkness represents sin, ignorance, Satan's realm, and separation from God. The discussion explores how believers are called to walk in Christ's light and reflect it to others, with Pastor Matt noting that "to be a follower of Jesus is to be in a spiritual battle." The podcast also examines why there are four Gospel accounts with different perspectives: Matthew presents Jesus as King to a Jewish audience, Mark portrays Him as Servant to Romans, Luke depicts Him as the Perfect Man to Greeks, and John emphasizes His deity as the Son of God to all people. This explains why John's Gospel contains the seven "I AM" statements that reveal Christ's divine nature.

Pastor Matt examines Jesus' profound statement "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12), highlighting its rich historical context during the Feast of Tabernacles. During this feast, four massive 75-foot lampstands illuminated the temple, symbolizing God's presence that guided Israel through the wilderness and the hope for the coming Messiah. By making this declaration in the temple treasury near these celebrations, Jesus was boldly claiming to fulfill what the feast represented. Throughout Scripture, light symbolizes God's character and work, while darkness represents sin and Satan's realm. Pastor Matt explains that Jesus is a light that reveals sin but also shows the way out, gives life like phototherapy treating jaundice, guides believers like a lighthouse through storms, and shines through His followers. The practical application is threefold: step out of shadows by confessing sin, follow the light through daily dependence on Christ, and shine your light by sharing your faith with those still in darkness. As Pastor Matt emphasizes, "The world looks and feels darker than ever... But the good news is the light of the world is shining."

Pastor Matt delves into John 6 where Jesus declares "I am the bread of life," examining how this statement reveals three distinct responses to Jesus that remain relevant today. The first response was outright rejection, as many in the crowd grumbled and walked away when Jesus' teaching became difficult. The second response was shallow faith, demonstrated by disciples who initially followed Jesus but turned back when his teachings challenged them. The third response was true faith, exemplified by Peter who declared, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). The sermon emphasizes how we face the same choice today between rejecting Jesus, following with shallow commitment, or embracing true faith. Pastor Matt quotes Charles Spurgeon who described faith as "believing that Christ is what he said to be, that he will do what he has promised to do, and expecting this of him." Just as physical food sustains our bodies, we must feed on Jesus daily through Scripture, prayer, and obedience to be spiritually nourished and transformed into his likeness.

In his sermon on the first of Jesus's seven "I am" statements, Pastor Matt explores the profound metaphor in John 6:35 where Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life." He connects this statement to how God provided manna for the Israelites in Exodus 16, showing how Jesus fulfills and surpasses this Old Testament foreshadowing. While the manna met temporary physical needs for one nation, Jesus as the bread of life meets eternal spiritual needs for the entire world at the cost of His life. Pastor Matt clarifies that when Jesus speaks of "eating His flesh," He's not suggesting cannibalism but using a metaphor for faith. To feed on Jesus means to believe in His death and resurrection, nourish ourselves with God's Word, draw close to the Father through prayer, and obediently live out His commands. In our modern context, we hunger for identity, security, meaning, and love—needs that only Jesus can truly satisfy, not success, relationships, pleasure, or distractions. Just as the Israelites gathered manna daily, we must be nourished by Jesus every day.

This episode launches our new series on the seven "I Am" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John. Pastor Matt explores why these two words carried such weight that religious leaders tried to stone Jesus for blasphemy. Key Topics Understanding "I Am" - When Jesus said "I am," He used the same phrase God spoke to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This wasn't casual conversation - it was a direct claim to deity that His audience understood immediately. God's Perfect Timing - The 400 years between testaments saw God orchestrating history: Greek became the universal language, messianic hopes were rekindled, and Rome built roads that would carry the gospel across the world. The Distinguishing Factor - Jesus separates Christianity from every other world religion. He's not just a teacher or prophet - He claimed to be God in the flesh and the only way to salvation. As C.S. Lewis argued: Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. No Neutral Ground - "Who is Jesus?" demands an answer. Questions are welcome, but staying undecided is itself a decision. Three people trusted Jesus as Savior on Sunday, and we're praying for more throughout this series. Join us next week as we explore "I am the bread of life."

Pastor Matt began a new 8-week series called "I am," examining Jesus' seven profound statements in the Gospel of John that reveal different facets of His identity and mission. The sermon focused on "life's most important question" from Matthew 16:15 - "Who do you say that I am?" - which determines not only how we live now but where we spend eternity. Pastor Matt explained the significance of Jesus' use of the phrase "I am" (ego eimi in Greek), showing that when Jesus made statements like "before Abraham was, I am" (John 8:58), He was deliberately echoing God's self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3:14. The name Yahweh (YHWH) means "I am who I am" and speaks to God's self-existence and self-sufficiency. By using this phrase, Jesus was explicitly claiming to be God Himself, which is why the religious leaders reacted with such hostility. The sermon concluded with a call to personal response, emphasizing that neutrality about Jesus is not an option and mere admiration is insufficient. Pastor Matt invited listeners to surrender to Jesus as Savior and Lord, to grow in their knowledge of Him as described in 2 Peter 3:18, and to share their faith with others.

In this episode of Sunday Extra, the pastoral team continues their discussion from Pastor Matt's "Anxious for Nothing" series, exploring the practical application of Philippians 4:4-9. The conversation centers on the "coffee filter" metaphor for filtering thoughts through biblical criteria: whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. The pastors address the distinction between fear and anxiety, clarifying that while some fear can be healthy (reverent fear of God, appropriate caution), anxiety represents future-oriented worry that reflects lack of trust in God. They discuss how modern information overload - particularly social media consumption averaging over 2 hours daily - can increase anxiety rather than provide clarity. A significant portion explores the lies we commonly believe about personal worth, control, relationships, and forgiveness. The team emphasizes that discerning truth requires filling our minds with Scripture, walking in obedience to God, and being in authentic community with other believers who can provide honest perspective. Looking ahead, Pastor Matt previews the upcoming series on Jesus's seven "I Am" statements from John's Gospel. This series connects directly to the anxiety theme - while worry represents the problem, Jesus is the answer. The seven statements (bread of life, light of the world, door, good shepherd, resurrection and life, way/truth/life, true vine) will help listeners understand who Jesus is and what He offers. The episode concludes with information about fall connection groups studying these topics alongside the sermon series, complete with companion journals for deeper application throughout the week.

In "The Battlefield," the concluding message of the "Anxious for Nothing" series, Pastor Matt explains that while anxiety often begins with external factors, the real battle takes place in our minds. Drawing from Philippians 4:8-9, he presents a comprehensive thought filter to combat anxiety. Pastor Matt emphasizes that we must first "think about what we're thinking about," identifying the thoughts that precede anxious feelings. The sermon highlights truth as the primary filter, warning that our culture increasingly redefines truth according to feelings rather than God's standards. Pastor Matt walks through Paul's complete thought filter—whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy—contrasting these with the default thought patterns that lead to anxiety. He concludes that peace comes when God's truth moves from learning to living, reminding us that "whatever the source of your worry and fear and anxiety, Jesus is the answer."

Pastors Matt, Luke, and Jeremy dive deep into the core of biblical anxiety relief: Philippians 4:6-7. In this episode, they break down the practical difference between the ESV and NLT translations, share personal struggles with finances and uncertainty, and explore how prayer transforms worry into peace. The discussion addresses recent challenging events while demonstrating how God's timing in sermon planning often provides exactly what we need to hear. What You'll Discover: Why the NLT translation offers powerful practical help for anxious moments How to handle finances and uncertainty without falling into worry The spiritual roots of society's current struggles with anxiety and violence Four practical steps to take when anxiety begins to bubble up Why reminding ourselves of the gospel isn't just for new believers Featured Scripture: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

This sermon from the "Anxious for Nothing" series addresses rising anxiety in the wake of recent tragedies like school shootings and the 9/11 anniversary, attributing societal violence to humanity's sin problem and the removal of God from public life. Building on Philippians 4:6-7, Pastor Matt presents prayer as the primary antidote to worry and anxiety, explaining that Paul wrote these instructions while imprisoned and facing potential execution, demonstrating their effectiveness even in dire circumstances. The message includes practical teaching on prayer as conversation with God about everything, contrasts biblical meditation (filling the mind with Scripture) with Eastern meditation (emptying the mind), and references Jesus's own teachings and example of turning to prayer during distress. The core promise is that supernatural peace follows prayer—peace that transcends understanding and guards the heart and mind regardless of circumstances, as illustrated by Peter's water-walking experience where focusing on Jesus enabled stability while focusing on circumstances caused him to sink. The sermon concludes with four practical steps for managing anxiety: surrendering to Jesus Christ (overall and in each situation), turning anxious thoughts into prayers, relying on the Holy Spirit's help, and memorizing Scripture, emphasizing that peace with God through salvation must precede experiencing God's peace in daily life.

Join Pastor Matt and Luke for a conversation about anxiety, fear, and finding peace in Christ. In this episode, they dive deep into the new sermon series "Anxious for Nothing" based on Philippians 4:4-7, sharing personal stories of overcoming anxiety and practical steps for trusting God in difficult circumstances. What You'll Discover: - How to cultivate joy even in challenging circumstances - Practical steps for battling anxiety as a Christian - Real-life stories of trusting God during family emergencies - The difference between happiness and biblical joy - Why "The Lord is at hand" changes everything about our anxiety Featured Scripture: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

In this opening message of a series on anxiety, Pastor Matt shares personal experiences with anxiety, including worrying about a sleepwalking child and awaiting his wife's medical test results. While acknowledging that anxiety is on the rise in our society, he emphasizes it's not a new problem but rather a spiritual one at its core—a divided mind and restless heart weighed down by fear instead of trusting God. Pastor Matt examines Philippians 4:4-9 as a battle plan for anxiety, focusing this week on verses 4-5. He unpacks the surprising command to "Rejoice in the Lord always," explaining that joy isn't mere happiness but a deep, Holy Spirit-given delight in God regardless of circumstances. This joy is possible because "the Lord is at hand"—God's nearness is our greatest source of stability. The simple solution to anxiety is fully surrendering to Jesus Christ, who brings three levels of peace: peace with God through salvation, peace within that surpasses understanding, and peace with others through reconciliation.

Join Rick Myers, Hope Church's Groups Director, as he shares his journey from tragedy to transformation and explains why small groups are essential for spiritual growth. In this episode, Rick opens up about losing his brother in high school, finding faith in college, and discovering the power of authentic community through men's groups. Discover how groups at Hope Church create space for real relationships, practical care, and spiritual growth that goes beyond Sunday mornings. Whether you're new to groups or considering your next step, this conversation reveals why "doing life together" makes all the difference in walking with Jesus. Key Topics Covered: Rick's personal story and calling to groups ministry The difference between community groups and discipleship groups Practical challenges like childcare and how groups handle them Why same-gender groups often go deeper The upcoming fall semester focus on anxiety and Jesus' "I Am" statements

In this sermon, Pastor Jeremy focuses on the importance of small groups at Hope Church as they enter the fall semester sign-up period. He begins by examining Acts 2:44-47, which shows how the early church gathered both in large temple courts and in smaller home settings. Pastor Jeremy emphasizes that God designed us for community, noting that the New Testament uses "one another" or "each other" over 100 times. The heart of his message introduces the BOOST acronym to explain the benefits of group participation: Belong (connecting with 10-15 people rather than trying to know 400+ Sunday attendees), Observe (growing by watching others as "iron sharpens iron" according to Proverbs 27:17), Open up (sharing comfortably to build fellowship as described in 1 John 1:7), Serve (caring for one another's needs as seen in Galatians 6:2), and Truth (growing together through Biblical foundations as taught in Ephesians 4:15). Pastor Jeremy concludes by acknowledging that while we sometimes feel reluctant to attend group meetings, they provide the essential spiritual boost we need throughout our week.

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.