Hope Downtown Minneapolis Podcast

It starts with two brothers and two offerings. One is accepted, the other isn't, and what unfolds exposes something hidden in all of us—a quiet comparison, a craving to be enough, a soul that won't settle. You can't outwork that restlessness, but you can let better blood speak. Cloud of Witnesses Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Our current cultural moment lends itself to highly narrated identities. What is a highly narrated identity? It's a self-conception that is shaped, curated, and reinforced through continuous personal storytelling. Essentially, you're the author. Scripture confronts this thinking and invites to embrace a new author and new identity, one beyond your ability to manufacture. Cloud of Witnesses Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently overturns people's expectations and reshapes their understanding of who God is and what He is doing. He flips the script by working in unexpected places, changing lives, and transforming the world through a group of the most unlikely people. In the most surprising act of all, he dies and rises again—so that now through the good news of the gospel, he can rewrite any story. Cloud of Witnesses Paul Stiver Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

This passage is filled with perils, promises, and planks. The bible often uses narrative to communicate spiritual realities. In this story, a ship is destroyed and those unable to swim cling to wood planks eventually arriving safely ashore. Isn't that our spiritual story—awash in sin and death until a wooden plank in the form of a cross surfaces and saves us? Acts: The Story Continues Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Through four “snapshots” we cover a lot of the middle of the book of Acts, allow us to reflect and enjoy all the beauty of wonder of the gospel's spread on Paul's second missionary journey. Acts: The Story Continues Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

In our study of Acts so far, we have seen a lot of things. In chapter 15 we see this new movement of the followers of Jesus facing a very real threat, that, if not handled correctly, would be the end of true Christianity! Acts: The Story Continues Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

In faith, and in life, we keep score. I'm winning. Ope, I'm losing. Nope, I'm back to winning. Oh, I think I just lost. The great relief we find in the bible is that Jesus has played the game and won. Dear friend, relax…do away with the many scorecards of life…and trust afresh in the good news of Jesus. Acts: The Story Continues Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Some words stretch over time -- literally, awesome, curated, decadent. The word Christian may fall into that category too, loaded with assumptions, baggage, and cultural shorthand. But in Acts 11, we see its very first use in history not to describe the squeaky clean or hyper-religious, but those rescued by Jesus, relieved by grace, and racing to the bottom with love. Being a Christian isn't about climbing higher, but living in light of the storm that's already passed. Grace is the big relief at the heart of Christianity -- and it changes everything. Acts: The Story Continues Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

In the longest narrative in the book of Acts, we see a twist to the story of Scripture that for us, seems like no big deal, but for the early church was earth shattering. The Gentiles are to be included in the church WITHOUT having to convert to Judaism. And, there are plenty of applications for us today as well. Acts: The Story Continues Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Early in Scripture, our ancestors were told not to eat from one tree—but they did. Since then, nothing has been as it should be. We keep seeking life and fulfillment in ways we weren't made for. Is there hope? Yes—through another tree. The cross, a tree of death, has become for us the tree of life. How can we be sure? The resurrection of Jesus is our proof. Easter 2025 Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

In your sphere of influence, who is the person who comes to your mind as “the very last person who would ever become a follower of Jesus?” If you were to ask the early church that, they would have said, “Saul of Tarsus, the persecutor of the church.” And yet, in God's ironic economy, Saul not only is converted to following Jesus, he becomes the most influential person ever as a spokesperson for Jesus. Hear how Jesus' work in Saul's life transformed him to be this person. Acts: The Story Continues Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

What kind of power really changes a person? In Acts 8, we meet two forces most of us know well: the pressure to follow the rules and the drive to prove ourselves through performance. One scatters the church through fear. The other tries to buy the Spirit like a promotion. But what if real transformation comes not through control or success, but through weakness? Acts 8 isn't just a story of power, but a quiet confrontation of how the gospel flips our idea of strength upside down. Acts: The Story Continues Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

In the production of Hamilton, Aaron Burr reflected that he is the villain in American history due to his killing of Alexander. It could be argued that Burr is not the only villain in the story. Similarly, in this biblical passage, Stephen recounts many villains within the biblical story. Who are they and why does it matter? Acts: The Story Continues Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

In this passage, a group of Christians come together to solve a problem…and they do it without issue. What!? Is that even possible? If so, how? That's what this sermon spends time dissecting and contemplating. Acts: The Story Continues Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

In one of the most difficult passages in the book of Acts, we can find real hope in developing a fear of the Lord that drives us TO Jesus, as opposed to away from him. Acts: The Story Continues Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

The book of Acts is written as story, with all of the details being relevant for us to ponder. This week, in Acts 4:1-31, we will exam those details and let God work in our lives through the telling of this amazing account! Acts: The Story Continues Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

What if miracles aren't about breaking the laws of nature but about restoring what's broken? In Acts 3, a lame man was hoping for spare change and God gave him something far greater. We tend to look for quick fixes, but the real miracle isn't just walking; it's being made whole. The healing we need most isn't physical but spiritual. Acts: The Story Continues Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

The Early Church devoted themselves to certain practices. What were they? And, more importantly, why were these spiritual practices their priority? Because physical practices reveal spiritual priorities. Through this passage, we (re)examine what our own physical practices may be revealing about our spiritual priorities. Acts: The Story Continues Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

What if Pentecost isn't a distant, hard-to-relate-to supernatural event but a picture of how grace breaks through our confusion? Babel's division is undone and the law's burden is lifted as the gospel is proclaimed to all people. The Holy Spirit chases our shadows away not by giving tools for labor or weapons for battle, but by empowering tongues to declare the death of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins. The result? Clarity, grace, and the promise that God's kingdom rests on His mighty deeds, not our efforts. Acts: The Story Continues Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

The book of Acts is an amazing continuation of the story of Jesus Christ. After his death and resurrection, he hangs out with his disciples for 40 days, preparing them for the amazing ride that is about to begin - the age of the church! Acts Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Where are ~~you~~ we going? This week we consider the significance that all things are from, through, and to Jesus. You, me, the Church, and Hope Community Church were all created by God to showcase how great and good he is. So, this year, in light of Jesus being the head of our church, may our ministry efforts in community, church planting, and the God is Moving campaign hit us with the force of joy! Vision Series Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Quit Day -- the second Friday of January -- is the perfect picture of why so many of our plans fall apart: big ambitions meet the unpredictability of real life. But it's not just bad luck or lack of effort -- the world's brokenness and our own misplaced desires often derail us before we even begin. Learning how to plan from a greater sense of purpose while understanding our place within the bigger story allows us to move through the world with hope, especially when our plans fall apart. Vision Series Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

What if heaven is less about escaping to the clouds and more about being with Jesus, who is making everything new? The purpose of heaven is to undo death in all its forms—restoring what was lost and healing what was shattered. If this is true, then heaven's power isn't just for someday but is also here and now, as we're set free from trying to make heaven on earth because this world is not our home. Isaiah Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

The Bible is an unfolding of a huge mystery. This week, we will unfold the largest mystery in Scripture, and see how Jesus Christ is the final “reveal” of all!The Bible is an unfolding of a huge mystery. This week, we will unfold the largest mystery in Scripture, and see how Jesus Christ is the final “reveal” of all! Isaiah Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

We would like to believe that we know how God operates. It gives us an illusion of control and predictability. He feels safer that way. But God does not act in keeping with our directives. Rather his ways are higher than our ways. And what this means might surprise you. It means that he is far more loving and forgiving and merciful than you and I imagine. Isaiah Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

It's easy to think of a cosmic God who is very "other" than us. Yet, do we also God as one that is near, and can actually relate to everything we're going through? Discover how an Ethiopian eunuch not only finds acceptance and inclusion, but also a savior that can relate to his inner struggles. Isaiah Jon Neal Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” These words would later be understood as clear reference to Jesus. He is the awaited Son. He is the one who is “God with Us.” This Christmas, we will consider afresh how we are a waiting, wondering, and worshiping group of people in light of the news that the Savior has been born to us, who is Christ the Lord! Isaiah Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Christmas can be a wonderful time of year, but it can also be a very spiritually dry season as well. The traditions that are there to encourage us can end up becoming an in themselves. How does religion and tradition become a barrier to our relationship with God? How do we once again make sure we keep the “Christ” in Christmas? This week, we will focus in on these questions and more. Isaiah Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Wait...God is hiding? Yes, Scripture and our experiences both testify that He is often concealed. But perhaps He's hiding not to confuse but redirect -- away from speculation, pride, and misplaced seeking -- and inviting you to find Him in the last place you'd expect: humility, suffering, and the ordinary. Finding God isn't about striving or guessing but trusting when He says, “Here I am, for you.” Isaiah Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Why do we value what we value? Is it driven by personal preference, tradition, a return on investment, or simply our emotions? The Bible tells a consistent and challenging story: humanity often misplaces its values, elevating what is trivial and neglecting what is truly significant. But why is this the case? More importantly, how can we learn to value what truly matters? Isaiah Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Coca-Cola's mission is “to refresh the world and make a difference,” but what does that really mean? Like many mission statements, it's unclear and open to interpretation—just as people often misunderstand the mission of God. When Jesus reads from Isaiah 61, declaring good news for the poor and freedom for captives, He is met with resistance instead of celebration. What is God's mission, and why do we resist it? Discover how Jesus fulfills the mission of God according to Isaiah.   Isaiah Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Matthew quotes Isaiah to connect the ministry of Jesus to a historic prophecy of Israel whereby darkness gives way to light. Why does Matthew see a connection between the two? And, more importantly, how does darkness give way to light? Isaiah Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

In Isaiah 40, a promise is made that a “voice crying out in the wildnerness" will come forth and will usher in a new era of God's relationship with his people. Learn how Isaiah's contemporaries would have heard this, and what this means to us as Christ followers. Isaiah Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

We are opening up a new 12 week sermon series this fall called “Isaiah: Revealing the Rescuer.” We'll be looking at how the New Testament uses passages from Isaiah in order to clearly show that Jesus is the Savior Israel, and we also, were/are waiting for! Isaiah Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Money has this quiet way of shaping our sense of self — whispering that security lies in what we own or earn. Caught in its current, we strive for more, measuring ourselves by what we have or haven't yet achieved. But what if there was an approach to money that released us from the pressures of comparison and sense of never having enough? Half Truths Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

The half-truth in today's sermon is “Identity is a secret puzzle.” On one level, life does require some exploration so you can understand what makes you uniquely recognizable. On another level, to build a life in this manner results in ever-fluid, ever-unstable, and ever-changing “you”. Is that our best option? Or is there a grander story that we are a part of, where identity isn't achieved but received, where we're not adrift but secure? Reflection Do you believe in a transcendent God? Do you believe in the immanent Christ?Paragraph Description Half Truths Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Our culture demands us to be viruous and to achieve perfection in our schools, jobs and relationships. Are you tired of trying to trying to measure up to this unattainable standard? This week's message hits these questions head on so we can actually find freedom in Christ. Half Truths Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

What is Cheap Grace and what are the truths and errors in it? This week, we look at the beauty of Grace and the way that it can be misunderstood that actually hinders our walk with God. Half Truths Steve Treichler Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

Suffering can feel meaningless. To cope, we take our cues from culture or our own best thinking. We treat God as an accomplice, someone who is to act in accordance with our wishes for happiness. It is folly. Instead we need to trust God as God and the Cross, which shows how God can transform the worst suffering into the greatest salvation. Reflection:  Do you ever wonder if God is going to “get it right”? Do you believe in God that one day everything that is sad will come untrue? Half Truths Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

When our desire for control meets the unpredictability of life, we're left with anxiety and frustration. What if real freedom comes not from tightening our grasp, but from responding to and resonating with the God who holds all things together? Join us this week as we discover the possibility of releasing our grip a bit through navigating the half truth of control as the goal. Half Truths Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

We are accustomed to loving those who love us and agreeing with those who are agreeable. What about loving those who disagree with or even hate us? That's far less common. But the story of God shows a love for enemy. This is outlandish when set beside one of our current cultural half-truths—To love me, you must agree with me. How does the love of Christ speak a better word to us? Listen to find out! Reflection Amidst this noisy world of half-truths, are you hearing the clear love of Jesus for you? Half Truths Cor Chmieleski Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.

What are half-truths, and why do they hold such power over us? From the garden of Eden to everyday life, these subtle distortions of reality sneak in — often unnoticed — creating doubt and confusion toward our understanding of God, our relationship with others, and our place in the world around us. Join us as we kickoff this series unpacking the insidious and destructive nature of half-truths while discovering how the gospel offers a better, fuller story that brings clarity and freedom. Half Truths Davis Johnson Hope Community Church - Downtown Minneapolis Download Message Slides For more resources or to learn more about Hope Community Church, visit hopecc.com.