Sermons from Hope Church in Dubuque, Iowa.
In his sermon, Pastor Ross outlined the church's vision of raising up disciples who surrender their lives to Jesus. He emphasized the importance of connecting with God through Christ, growing together in faith, and serving others as essential steps in this journey. Drawing from scriptures like Ephesians 2:13-18, Acts 2:42-47, and 1 Peter 4:7-11, Pastor Ross encouraged the congregation to embrace unity, radical generosity, and deep love as they fulfill their mission. He challenged everyone to reflect on their personal spiritual journey, asking them to consider how they are connecting, growing, and serving in their faith.
In his sermon, Pastor Ross outlines the new direction for Hope Church, emphasizing a focused vision to raise up fully surrendered disciples of Christ. Drawing from Matthew 28:16-20, he highlights the Great Commission as the foundation for this mission. Pastor Ross identifies three key characteristics of a disciple: worshiping Jesus, obeying His commands, and reaching others for Christ. He encourages the congregation to embrace this vision with a renewed commitment to discipleship, grounded in the promise of Jesus' continual presence and guidance.
In today's sermon, we concluded our series on worship by delving into Psalm 145 and exploring the heart that adores God. We reflected on the various heart postures in worship—seeking holiness, praising, celebrating, trusting, and surrendering—that help us understand and treasure God's infinite worth. Like the facets of a diamond, each posture reveals a unique aspect of God's beauty. Psalm 145 reminds us that true worship captures both our mind and heart, focusing on the greatness of God, who alone is worthy of our adoration. As we draw closer to God, we discover His perfection and our response should be one of awe, reverence, and joyful praise, proclaiming His goodness and passing it on to the next generation.
In his sermon "Heart of Worship" on Psalm 95, Ross emphasizes that true worship involves a heart fully surrendered to God. Worship is more than singing; it is a deep devotion, reverence, and adoration expressed through our entire lives. Ross explains that surrender, akin to raising a white flag in battle, means submitting to God's authority. He highlights recognizing who God is—our Creator, Shepherd, and King—and responding with worship, humility, and obedience. Using the Israelites' failure to trust God as a cautionary tale, Ross urges us to embrace surrender and trust in God. Inspired by Jesus' sacrificial love, he calls for complete surrender, leading to eternal life and present blessings of peace, guidance, and protection. Ross encourages both new believers and seasoned Christians to evaluate their lives and fully surrender to God.
In today's sermon, Ross continued the "Heart of Worship" series, focusing on Psalm 25 to highlight that true worship involves trusting God completely. He explained that worship is not just about singing but living a life of deep devotion and reverence for God. Ross discussed how David exemplified trust in four areas: trusting God's lead, embracing God's forgiveness, following God's wisdom, and relying on God's protection. He emphasized that trust is essential in our relationship with God, much like a crucial ingredient in a recipe. Ross concluded by encouraging the congregation to reflect on their trust in God and to follow Jesus' example of complete reliance on God in all aspects of life.
The sermon continues the "Heart of Worship" series, exploring worship through Psalm 149. It emphasizes that worship is more than singing; it's a deep, devoted response to God's grace and mercy. True worship involves celebrating God's goodness, paralleling the joy of personal milestones like engagements. By examining Psalm 149, the sermon highlights reasons to celebrate God in all seasons, starting with recognizing Him as our Maker. Worship is an active, joyful response to God's blessings, expressed through singing, dancing, and giving, encouraging believers to continually praise and celebrate God's faithfulness and love.
Using Psalm 96, the sermon emphasizes that worship isn't just a ritual but a heart posture towards God, characterized by constant praise for His deeds, nature, and future judgments. It underscores that God deserves our highest praise for His creation, salvation, and majesty. The speaker urges the congregation to continually express their admiration for God, akin to writing 5-star reviews, and to worship Him not just in song but through every aspect of their lives.
In this sermon, Pastor Ross emphasizes warning signs highlighted in Jude 1-16. He warns against ungodly influences and false teachers abusing God's grace, denying Jesus as Lord, and living fruitless, rebellious lives. The call to action is to turn to Jesus, repent, obey, and surrender.
The sermon on Psalm 15 addresses who can dwell in God's holy presence, emphasizing the need for a righteous and blameless life. It explains the Old Testament context of God's holiness and lists characteristics of a holy person, such as integrity and truthfulness.
The sermon on Psalm 15 addresses who can dwell in God's holy presence, emphasizing the need for a righteous and blameless life. It explains the Old Testament context of God's holiness and lists characteristics of a holy person, such as integrity and truthfulness.
In today's sermon, Pastor Ross introduced the new series "Heart of Worship," which explores worship through the Psalms. He explained that worship is about expressing deep devotion and adoration for God, not just through singing but with our whole lives. Using Psalm 27, he highlighted five facets of worship: seeking God's protection, offering praise, praying, desiring God's presence, and following God's path.
In today's sermon, Pastor Ross introduced the new series "Heart of Worship," which explores worship through the Psalms. He explained that worship is about expressing deep devotion and adoration for God, not just through singing but with our whole lives. Using Psalm 27, he highlighted five facets of worship: seeking God's protection, offering praise, praying, desiring God's presence, and following God's path.
The sermon addresses human tendencies to panic and excessively prepare during uncertain times, using historical examples like the Great Depression and COVID-19. Drawing from James 5:7-12, it emphasizes that Christians should wait with active patience, like a farmer, rather than with passivity or grumbling. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's judgment and timing, allowing their faith to foster patience, compassion, and hope.
The sermon, part of the "Faith in Action" series from the book of James, emphasizes that faith in Jesus should influence every aspect of our lives, not just be a one-time acceptance of His sacrifice and resurrection. It calls believers to let Jesus' presence transform their relationships, decision-making, and finances. In relationships, avoid slander and judgment, showing Christ’s compassion instead.
Today's sermon emphasizes that true faith should impact every part of our lives. It contrasts the destructive nature of worldly wisdom, characterized by selfish ambition and bitter envy, with the pure and peace-loving wisdom from heaven. Focusing on James 4:1-10, the sermon explains how selfishness causes internal, external, and spiritual conflict, described as spiritual adultery against God. James calls for submission to God, which brings internal nearness, external peace, and spiritual humility.
This morning's sermon continues the "Faith in Action" series, focusing on James 3:13-18. It contrasts two types of wisdom: the worldly, marked by bitter envy and selfish ambition, and the heavenly, characterized by purity, peace, and mercy. The sermon emphasizes that true wisdom is not just intellectual but demonstrated through humble and godly actions. When off the right path, believers are encouraged to seek God's wisdom, which is accessible through a relationship with Jesus. By relying on Jesus, we can transform our lives from worldly folly to divine wisdom.
Pastor Ross spoke today on how a genuine faith transforms how we live each and every day. He walks us through three main points of how genuine faith transforms who we are and questions us to look inside to see how our faith has transformed us.
Jude urges believers to contend for the faith by being vigilant against false teachings, staying prepared through discipleship and prayer, and actively engaging in a mission of mercy towards others. The sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith, living in anticipation of God's mercy, and extending that mercy to those who doubt or oppose.
Pastor Marty spoke to how favoritism is inconsistent with our faith in Jesus. He speaks on James 2:1-13 showing the command James gives us to show no favoritism as all are equal in God's eyes. He then gives us four different ways to apply this to our lives.
Pastor Marty spoke to how favoritism is inconsistent with our faith in Jesus. He speaks on James 2:1-13 showing the command James gives us to show no favoritism as all are equal in God's eyes. He then gives us four different ways to apply this to our lives.
Pure religion, the sermon argues, involves two main things: listening intently to God's word and living it out obediently and intentionally. It emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with God's word and allowing it to transform behavior, leading to a life that reflects Christ's teachings and character.
Pure religion, the sermon argues, involves two main things: listening intently to God's word and living it out obediently and intentionally. It emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with God's word and allowing it to transform behavior, leading to a life that reflects Christ's teachings and character.
Pastor Ross's sermon today focuses on the idea that while trials often bring temptations, God isn't the source of these temptations. Drawing from James 1:13–18, he emphasizes that temptations originate from our own desires. However, by anchoring ourselves in God's truth and remembering His unchanging nature and love demonstrated through Jesus Christ, we can overcome temptation and endure trials with love and obedience to God.
Pastor Ross's sermon today focuses on the idea that while trials often bring temptations, God isn't the source of these temptations. Drawing from James 1:13–18, he emphasizes that temptations originate from our own desires. However, by anchoring ourselves in God's truth and remembering His unchanging nature and love demonstrated through Jesus Christ, we can overcome temptation and endure trials with love and obedience to God.
Pastor Marty introduces the new series on the book of James, emphasizing James' background and his aim to challenge believers to integrate faith into every aspect of their lives. He focuses on James 1:2-12, which urges believers to find joy in trials because they produce perseverance, maturity, wisdom, perspective, and ultimately lead to rewards in eternity.
Pastor Marty introduces the new series on the book of James, emphasizing James' background and his aim to challenge believers to integrate faith into every aspect of their lives. He focuses on James 1:2-12, which urges believers to find joy in trials because they produce perseverance, maturity, wisdom, perspective, and ultimately lead to rewards in eternity.
Today we dive into our final sermon in our series. Pastor Ross brings us into the intimate moments surrounding Lazarus' resurrection, inviting us to ponder our own relationship with Jesus. The message resonates deeply as it unveils Jesus' declaration of being the resurrection and the life, offering not just a future hope but a transformative present reality. As the sermon draws to a close, Pastor Ross extends a heartfelt invitation for each listener to consider where they stand in our belief in Jesus.
Today we dive into our final sermon in our series. Pastor Ross brings us into the intimate moments surrounding Lazarus' resurrection, inviting us to ponder our own relationship with Jesus. The message resonates deeply as it unveils Jesus' declaration of being the resurrection and the life, offering not just a future hope but a transformative present reality. As the sermon draws to a close, Pastor Ross extends a heartfelt invitation for each listener to consider where they stand in our belief in Jesus.
Jesus, walking with his disciples, describes himself as the true vine and God as the gardener, with his followers as the branches. He stresses that their main task is to abide in him. Abiding means finding identity, growing in communion, and obeying his commands. It's about recognizing dependency on him for life and purpose.
Jesus, walking with his disciples, describes himself as the true vine and God as the gardener, with his followers as the branches. He stresses that their main task is to abide in him. Abiding means finding identity, growing in communion, and obeying his commands. It's about recognizing dependency on him for life and purpose.
In the midst of uncertainty and chaos, Jesus offers peace, promise, and comfort to his disciples. He assures them of his identity as God in the flesh, promising them a place prepared in heaven. Jesus emphasizes that he alone is the way to God the Father, the embodiment of truth, and the source of eternal life.
In the midst of uncertainty and chaos, Jesus offers peace, promise, and comfort to his disciples. He assures them of his identity as God in the flesh, promising them a place prepared in heaven. Jesus emphasizes that he alone is the way to God the Father, the embodiment of truth, and the source of eternal life.
Emphasizing the qualities of a Good Shepherd – guiding, protecting, nurturing, and sacrificing for the sheep – the sermon calls on us to recognize and follow Jesus as their true Shepherd. We are encouraged to respond to Jesus' call, submit to his authority, recognize his voice, and follow him as their caring and sacrificing Shepherd.
Emphasizing the qualities of a Good Shepherd – guiding, protecting, nurturing, and sacrificing for the sheep – the sermon calls on the audience to recognize and follow Jesus as their true Shepherd. We are encouraged to respond to Jesus' call, submit to his authority, recognize his voice, and follow him as their caring and sacrificing Shepherd.
Todays sermon delves into John 10:1-10, where Jesus uses a shepherd and gate metaphor. Initially, the religious leaders don't grasp the analogy, prompting Jesus to clarify that he is the gate for the sheep. The sermon unfolds in two parts: Jesus as the Door of Protection and the Door of Opportunity.
Todays sermon delves into John 10:1-10, where Jesus uses a shepherd and gate metaphor. Initially, the religious leaders don't grasp the analogy, prompting Jesus to clarify that he is the gate for the sheep. The sermon unfolds in two parts: Jesus as the Door of Protection and the Door of Opportunity.
This week focused on Jesus as the "LIGHT" of the world, referencing John 1:1–5 and John 8:12. The sermon highlighted Jesus as the eternal light that brings life and encouraged followers to seek truth in Him, trust Him for everlasting life, and live boldly by shining their light to others.
This week focused on Jesus as the "LIGHT" of the world, referencing John 1:1–5 and John 8:12. The sermon highlighted Jesus as the eternal light that brings life and encouraged followers to seek truth in Him, trust Him for everlasting life, and live boldly by shining their light to others.
Todays sermon is centered on how Jesus is the bread of life, using John 6:25–35. Pastor Ross emphasized that Jesus provides enduring life through belief, contrasting it with earthly pursuits that spoil. We are all urged to reflect on whether Jesus is our bread of life,.
Jude urges believers to contend for the faith by being vigilant against false teachings, staying prepared through discipleship and prayer, and actively engaging in a mission of mercy towards others. The sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith, living in anticipation of God's mercy, and extending that mercy to those who doubt or oppose.
In this sermon, Pastor Ross emphasizes warning signs highlighted in Jude 1-16. He warns against ungodly influences and false teachers abusing God's grace, denying Jesus as Lord, and living fruitless, rebellious lives. The call to action is to turn to Jesus, repent, obey, and surrender.
During this weeks sermon Pastor Ross talks about the value of serving in the Church. We get the opportunity to hear from multiple leaders in the Church about their area of ministry and the different opportunities for us to serve.
During this weeks sermon Pastor Ross talks about the value of serving in the Church. We get the opportunity to hear from multiple leaders in the Church about their area of ministry and the different opportunities for us to serve.
The sermon centers on serving on a mission for Jesus, referencing the Great Commission and 1 Peter 4:7–11. It emphasizes urgency, prayer, and the call to love deeply, practice hospitality, and serve faithfully. The goal is to reach many for Jesus, aligning with the church's commitment to serve the local body, community, and the world.
The sermon centers on serving on a mission for Jesus, referencing the Great Commission and 1 Peter 4:7–11. It emphasizes urgency, prayer, and the call to love deeply, practice hospitality, and serve faithfully. The goal is to reach many for Jesus, aligning with the church's commitment to serve the local body, community, and the world.
Pastor Ross emphasizes the church's mission to connect people with God and stresses the importance of growing with others in Christ, drawing from Acts 2:42–47. The key principles include full devotion, radical generosity, constant togetherness, and daily evangelism. Believers are encouraged to embrace these principles for community growth through opportunities like Life Groups.
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