Hope Church - Fort Worth, TX

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.

In this eye-opening message, Pastor Brian draws a compelling parallel between augmented reality technology and faith. Just as Pokémon GO revealed an unseen world through our phone cameras, faith offers a deeper perspective on reality. But can we trust this enhanced view? The sermon tackles three crucial questions about the Bible: Can we trust it? Can we understand it? Can we build our life on it? Through historical evidence, practical reading methods, and real-life applications, Pastor Brian demonstrates how taking God at His word can transform daily life. This message, featuring an intriguing clip from Joe Rogan's podcast and practical tools like the H.E.A.R. Bible study method, offers a fresh perspective on faith for both newcomers and long-time believers. Whether you're skeptical about the Bible's reliability or seeking to deepen your faith journey, this first installment of the "Augmented Reality" series provides accessible insights into becoming a faith-filled follower of Jesus.

Ever wonder how to pray for the entire world without feeling totally overwhelmed? This message wraps up our "Pray4" series and makes the seemingly impossible task of praying for 8 billion people seem doable. Pastor Matt Sturdevant lays out 5 practical ways to approach it: pray for peace (because who doesn't want that?), pray for leaders (even the ones you disagree with!), pray for people to hear about Jesus, support mission partners, and make a personal impact right where you are. Instead of getting stuck on the massive numbers—like 17,000 people groups and 7,000 languages—focus on what and who you know. Start small, be specific, and let your impact grow from there. Included is some real talk about different ways to connect with people, from straight-up sharing your faith to just grabbing coffee together.

This powerful message explores how to effectively pray for friends and family members to know Jesus Christ. Drawing from Luke 15's parables of the Lost Sheep, Lost Coin, and Prodigal Son, Pastor Matt highlights God's deep love and relentless pursuit of those who are far from Him. Whether they're rebellious or religious, God desires everyone to experience a genuine relationship with Jesus. This message provides practical steps for identifying and praying for specific individuals in your life, introducing the concept of choosing your "one" - a person you'll consistently pray for and intentionally invest in.

Pastor Matt continues the "Pray For" series with a powerful message on praying for our church family. Drawing from Ephesians 6:18, he outlines four essential ways we can pray: for our church to pray more consistently, love one another more closely, serve our city more compassionately, and love God more completely. Whether you're new to faith or looking to deepen your prayer life, this message provides clear guidance on connecting with God and growing closer as a church family in 2025. Join us as we explore how prayer can transform our relationships and strengthen our community.

Pastor Matt kicks off Hope Church's "Pray 4" series with an essential guide to personal prayer. He explores why many believers struggle with prayer and offers practical solutions. He breaks down three common barriers to prayer—ignorance, time management, and pride—while emphasizing that prayer is simply conversing with God. Using the Lord's Prayer as a template, Pastor Matt demonstrates how to move beyond rote recitation to meaningful dialogue with God. The message provides clear, actionable guidance for newcomers to prayer and experienced believers looking to deepen their spiritual connection. This sermon launches a four-week series examining different aspects of prayer, from personal devotion to praying for the world.

Jacob Willebeek-LaMair, director of Christian Challenge, explores the vital connection between reflection and growth as we transition from 2024 to 2025. Through personal anecdotes about family challenges, unexpected car troubles, and ministry uncertainties, he illustrates how looking back isn't just about remembering—it's about understanding God's work in our lives. Jacob explains that reflection serves three key purposes: preventing repeated mistakes, cultivating gratitude, and becoming more Christ-like. He emphasizes that true hope isn't found in perfect circumstances but in our response to life's challenges, drawing wisdom from Hebrews 12:1-3. You'll find practical guidance for meaningful reflection, including documenting celebrations and challenges from the past year. Rather than merely thinking positively, Jacob encourages listeners to focus on eternal truths while acknowledging current realities. He concludes by offering actionable steps for growth, emphasizing that transformation happens through intentional planning and consistent small steps forward.

In this message, explore the profound meaning and implications of Jesus' lordship in historical and contemporary contexts. Beginning with examining the Greek word "kyrios" (Lord), learn how this title carried political and divine significance during Roman times, especially under Caesar's rule. Jesus proved His lordship through His death and resurrection, setting Him apart from earthly rulers. Pastor Luke delves into the cost of following Jesus as Lord - requiring complete surrender of one's life - while emphasizing the abundant gains of discipleship, including peace and transformed relationships. He concludes with five practical ways to live under Christ's lordship: seeking His direction in decisions, studying Scripture, choosing godly media influences, surrounding oneself with believers, and continually submitting to His authority. You will be  challenged to move beyond superficial acknowledgment of Jesus' lordship to genuine submission in every area of life.

Through a compelling story of being stranded on a remote Cambodian island, this message explores the universal human experience of spiritual disconnection and our need for rescue. Just as the stranded travelers couldn't return to the mainland by their own efforts, the speaker illustrates how people often find themselves unable to bridge the gap between their current spiritual state and a deeper connection with God. The narrative weaves together the physical experience of needing rescue with the broader concept of spiritual rescue through Jesus. It addresses common misconceptions about spiritual fulfillment, explaining why personal achievements, good deeds, and religious observance often leave people still feeling disconnected. The message explores how Jesus serves as a bridge between humanity and God, offering a way to move from spiritual isolation to connection. Using accessible examples and straightforward language, it explains how Jesus's role as a spiritual rescuer works in practical terms, while acknowledging that many people don't initially recognize their need for this type of rescue.

Ever wonder what Christmas is really about beyond the gifts and decorations? This message explores the fascinating story of Jesus's birth and why people call him the "Messiah" - a special title that means "chosen one." Pastor Matt Sturdevant breaks down some interesting historical evidence about Jesus and shares a mind-blowing mathematical study. Did you know the odds of one person accidentally fulfilling just eight ancient predictions about the Messiah are the same as finding one marked coin in a state filled knee-deep with silver dollars while blindfolded? And Jesus fulfilled over 100 predictions! Pastor Matt explains that Christians believe Jesus wasn't just a great teacher or leader—they believe He was sent by God to help fix humanity's broken relationship with their Creator. Whether you're spiritual, curious, or just interested in learning more about why Christmas exists, this friendly introduction helps you understand what Christians mean when they say, "Jesus is the reason for the season."

Ever wonder what true gratitude really means? Group Leader Josh Hofford shares heartwarming stories from his childhood, including special memories with his grandfather, to show us what being thankful is all about. Through old photo albums and personal experiences, he explains how gratitude isn't just saying "thanks" - it's about recognizing the good things we receive without asking.

Ever wonder what Thanksgiving is really about? Join us as we look back at the first Thanksgiving 400 years ago and discover why being thankful matters more than just turkey and football. In this easy-to-follow talk, we use everyday examples like cell phones and water skiing to explain how feeling truly thankful can change your life. Whether things are going great or you're having a tough time, this message will help you find hope and meaning. You don't need to know anything about the Bible or church to understand this message - we explain everything in simple terms that make sense. If you're curious about faith or just want to understand gratitude better, this is a perfect place to start. Come listen as we explore what it means to be thankful, with beautiful music that will lift your spirits.

This powerful conclusion to our "Life God's Way" series explores how living according to God's ways transforms individuals and communities. Watch as we launch our ambitious 2024-2025 Christmas Offering campaign to raise $131,000 for local, national, and global ministry partners. Learn how Hope Church partners with organizations serving globally, nationally, and locally. From supporting persecuted churches to equipping college students, discover how your generosity can impact generations. Whether you're new to Hope Church or a long-time member, this message clarifies our mission to turn an upside-down world right-side up through the power of Christ.

This message addresses a universal human experience: what to do when life doesn't go according to plan. Pastor Matt outlines five essential biblical truths that help believers navigate disappointment and stay faithful to God's purposes. Starting with the recognition that we're living in the midst of a great spiritual war, it explains why challenges are inevitable and how to respond to them. He emphasizes the importance of resisting fear, finding our true identity in Christ as citizens of heaven, and maintaining our mission regardless of circumstances. Rather than focusing solely on temporary solutions to life's problems, it points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest needs. Through scripture references from Revelation, Ephesians, Philippians, and other biblical texts, the sermon provides practical wisdom for moving forward when facing setbacks while reminding believers of their eternal purpose in God's kingdom.

How should followers of Christ handle trouble and calamity? In this message, we explore the stark difference between the world's view that trouble is unusual and God's truth that trouble is the context we live in. Rather than being caught off guard when difficulties arise, learn a practical three-part game plan for navigating troubled times. Before trouble starts, we must walk in wisdom, pray for protection, and help others. During trouble, the focus shifts to maintaining the right perspective, confessing the truth, praying, controlling our thoughts, and taking appropriate action. After trouble passes, we praise and thank God for His faithfulness. This timely message includes biblical guidance for Christians during challenging times. It reminds us that while we can't eliminate trouble, we can minimize it through obedience. Most importantly, we're assured that God can use even the worst circumstances for our good, though we may not see how now.

This is a church sermon focused on biblical teachings about money and possessions, delivered as part of a series called "Life God's Way." The pastor (Matt) discusses how Christians should view and handle finances from a biblical perspective, contrasting worldly approaches with God's principles. The sermon begins with a review of the series' foundation, emphasizing that Jesus should be at the center of every area of life, not just Sunday worship. The pastor uses a "know, be, do" triangle framework to structure the teaching, explaining what Christians need to know about money, who they should become, and what actions they should take. Key themes include: - The concept that God owns everything and gives both the ability to earn and enjoy wealth - Warning against money becoming an idol or alternative god - The deceptive nature of money and its potential to feed arrogance - Biblical sources of money (primarily hard work and inheritance) - The importance of stewarding resources responsibly - Finding a balanced path between "poverty gospel" and "prosperity gospel" The message includes practical applications while emphasizing spiritual principles. Throughout the sermon, the pastor incorporates numerous biblical references and real-life examples, including a personal story about his past reaction to car damage to illustrate how possessions can inappropriately control our behavior. The sermon concludes with the introduction of a "generosity ladder" concept and announces the opening of a new Prayer and Decision Room at the church, made possible through the congregation's generous giving during a previous Christmas offering. The overall tone is educational and pastoral, aimed at helping church members understand and apply biblical principles to their financial lives while maintaining a focus on spiritual growth rather than merely accumulating wealth.

In this sermon, Groups Director Rick Myers, a seasoned pharmacist, shares valuable insights on the power of words and the importance of work from a Christian perspective. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical wisdom, he explores how our speech can build up or tear down relationships, and how our work ethic reflects our faith. Rick emphasizes the significance of sowing positive seeds through our words, respecting authority at work, and finding opportunities to share our faith appropriately in professional settings. He addresses the challenges of maintaining integrity in the workplace and encourages listeners to trust in God's guidance for their careers. This message offers practical advice for both young professionals and experienced workers, reminding us that our words and work have lasting impacts. Ultimately, Rick underscores the importance of relying on God's strength to navigate our professional lives with grace and purpose.