New Hope Chapel

Dr. Bill says, "Curiosity saved the cat. Yes, sometimes curiosity is beneficial, and sometimes not. This week, we see how curiosity led to disastrous results for some biblical figures and great blessings for others, such as Zacchaeus. As you continue in your faith, you'll find that developing a habit of curiosity in the things of the Lord will accelerate your growth.”Dr. Bill Smith

Tabitha was her Jewish name, but she was also known as Dorcas, a Greek name that carried the same meaning as the Hebrew indicated. She was a dear, and a deer. She was known for her good deeds, and she is the only woman in the entire Christian testament who is actually named as a disciple. Her seemingly untimely death rocked her Christian community to its core. Her ministry, her presence, her generosity and reach were so important and extensive, it was decided to summon the apostle Peter. Tabitha's deliverance, by being raised back to life, generated widespread belief in the Lord, a harbinger of an even deeper, more powerful, and more shocking divine outpouring of God to come. God changed Tabitha and Peter both, in a story that has puzzled many for centuries.Joanne Hagemeyer

The phrase "getting back to basics" generally means returning to the essential elements of something, stripping away complexity, distractions, or extraneous additions. What would be the value of returning to the "basics" of the Christian life? What would those basics be? Listen as we explore what the Bible has to say about essential Christian living.Steve Coleman

The Bible does not varnish the truth about Rahab, she was a woman of her day and of her culture. Both the Hebrew and Greek words for her mean “harlot,” though there is evidence she was also an innkeeper, a merchant, and very possibly a brewer. Canaanites were also idolaters, whose morals and lifestyle went entirely against the grain of God's ways as given to the Hebrews. Now, God was going to give this land, including Rahab's city, to God's own people. How could an idolatrous Canaanite prostitute ever hope to escape what was coming? Listen as we talk about Rahab's remarkable story, and the jaw-dropping change she experienced.Joanne Hagemeyer

On the Road to Damascus, Jesus tells Paul that "it is hard for you to kick against the goads." What did he mean? When an oxen did it, he only succeeded in hurting himself. How do we fight to keep from making Paul's mistake? Listen as Julie Coleman explores this issue and more!

Some people in scripture encountered God and refused to change. Judas is a prime example. If you are uncomfortable with change, we will explore ways to avoid it. On the other hand, if you are tired or bored with the same life experience, we will also dig into a transformation process using Abram as an example. Bill Smith

Deep down, do you wonder why you, personally, are here, and what is it that makes you special, if anything? I certainly have wondered that about myself. That question has to do with destiny, and with purpose, does my life have meaning? We know from Paul that God did raise you and me up to new life for good works God prepared in advance. But how do we find out what those things are? Perhaps Lydia was asking herself those questions as she prepared to move 300 miles west of her birthplace. Little did she know how God was going to change her life, and the lives of many others, when she arrived in Philippi.Joanne Hagemeyer

This week, we will see how Palm Sunday fits right in with the “Changed” series, as we will hear how the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem began a week that changed everything! While not everyone is a big fan of change, when we live our life in Christ, there will be times when he causes us to change or grow into the person He always designed us to be. We will touch on the importance of being in balance; the mind, emotions, body, and spirit all interact and work together better when in balance. Looking forward to your own triumph in every part of your life. Bill Smith

Are you a perfectionist? How is that going for you? This week, Julie Coleman will take us into the strengths, potential, and failures of the closet perfectionist, Peter. We will see how God transformed this complex man from mere potential to successful apostle. Many of us feel we can relate to Peter. Spoiler alert: your life may be even closer to Peter's than you might think!

This week in the Changed series we are going to talk about one of the most unusual characters that experienced God's transforming power. Listen and hear about Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, and why God was interested in this man.Steve Coleman

We all put hope in the fact that God is not finished with us yet. He continues the process of transformation throughout our lives, molding and conforming us into the image of Christ. There are many examples in Scripture that demonstrate that process. "Changed" will examine the lives of those transformed: the before, the after, and the catalyst God used to make a positive, permanent change in them. Knowing their stories will shed light on our own, because God is at work, doing the same thing in us. “He who began a good work will be faithful to complete it” (Philippians 1:6). This week we will see the dramatic transformation in one of the patriarchs: Jacob. Why does God wait so long to bless us when we pray for something? Why would he bless a deceiver who took advantage of people? We can find the answers in Jacob's story. Don't miss it!" Julie Coleman

We all put hope in the fact that God is not finished with us yet. He continues the process of transformation throughout our lives, molding and conforming us into the image of Christ. There are many examples in Scripture that demonstrate that process. "Changed" will examine the lives of those transformed: the before, the after, and the catalyst God used to make a positive, permanent change in them. Knowing their stories will shed light on our own, because God is at work, doing the same thing in us. “He who began a good work will be faithful to complete it” (Philippians 1:6). This week we are going to talk about John, one of the twelve disciples of Jesus. We are going to ask, how did God change John from fisherman to apostle and author of the book of 1 John?" Steve Coleman

When you read Matthew 7:21-23, where Jesus said, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of God... I will declare to them 'I never knew you,'" does it cause you concern? This verse is often taught as a dire warning to believers. But is it? Come along with Julie Coleman as she clarifies exactly whom Jesus was addressing, and what His statement means for believers today. Don't miss this one--a correct understanding of these verses can change your life!

This section of the Sermon on the Mount includes three of the more famous statements Jesus made and is known for: “ask…seek…knock”, “do unto others…” and “enter by the narrow gate”. Listen as Steve Coleman reflects on the decisions Jesus highlights in this passage.

Have you ever been told to mind your own business? Have you heard someone say, “Judge not!”. This is probably the most quoted and misquoted scripture used by nonbelievers and sometimes even by some believers. What we are going to dig into this week in Matthew 7 is how this opening passage is actually encouraging us to judge and even telling us how to judge one another. We will learn four things: What judging means, how to judge, when to move on, and when not to move on. This passage is less about judging and more about relationships. William Smith. PhD

This week's passage, Matthew 6:25-34, sure seems a lot like singing with Bobby McFerrin, "Don't Worry Be Happy," which is easier said than done (amiright?). So there must be more to it than that. Towards the end of this passage comes one of Jesus's famous sayings, "Seek first the kingdom of God and God's righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." But what does that really mean? And what doesn't it mean? Grace and peace, Joanne

Jesus instructed His disciples to have a "good eye" and not a "bad" one. What was he talking about? He is using what would have been familiar language to His first listeners. They knew exactly what He meant. Listen and find out for yourself! You may be pretty surprised.Julie Coleman

The Lord's Prayer is a favorite text for millions of people who recite it every day. It is simple, yet profound. If we were to follow Jesus' instruction to "Pray like this...", how would our prayers be different? Should we be reciting this prayer regularly? What is the secret behind the pattern of the prayer? Listen for the answers to these and other questions on the Lord's Prayer.Steve Coleman

God's kind of love, the love the Lord pours into your hearts and mine, through the Holy Spirit, is so rich and full that it stretches us. We grow in the capacity to love as God loves. But what does that mean in our real lives? What does that look like? What does that feel like?  Jesus spoke often about ἀγαπῇ | agapē, the Greek word for altruistic love, and Jesus uses that word a lot in our passage, so come with your questions, comments, and prayers and let's talk about it. Joanne Hagemeyer

This week we continue in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. With a few short sentences, He brings God's perspective on fulfilling (or even making) vows and then turns His listeners' ideas of justice upside down. No doubt those on the hillside were shocked at Jesus' new interpretations. Listen and hear Jesus' new perspective on age-old beliefs. How should that affect us today? You may be shocked yourself!Julie Coleman

This week, we are back to looking at the Sermon on the Mount. Matthew says that when Jesus finished, the crowds were utterly shocked, astounded, and amazed at his words. What was so shocking about this message of Jesus? Listen and join us in our shared journey to learn how to live as kingdom citizens.Steve Coleman

Listen as Steve Coleman unwraps nested gift boxes to reveal the many ways God has gifted us through His love.

Dr. Bill says, "So far, in our study of The Sermon on the Mount, we've heard about the beatitudes and how the very things we might consider to be negative are actually blessings. Then we touched on how, in the same way, salt makes things taste better, Jesus tells us we are salt. Then, He further declares that it is not just the teachers who are light, but we are light in the world. He seems to keep turning things upside down.  This week we are going to hit a speed bump of sorts. Seemingly out of nowhere, He starts talking about the law and He sets the bar for righteousness very high to entry into the kingdom of heaven. At first glance, there might seem to be a contradiction here. Are we under the law or grace?

After the rich poetry of the Beatitudes, it feels like Jesus is switching gears and speaking in riddles. What does Jesus mean about being the salt of the world, or the light of the world? Well, one clue is embedded in Jesus's final two blessings about being righteous and being persecuted. Another clue is tucked somewhere you and I wouldn't necessarily think to look —Talmudic teaching from the first century. More clues come up through the daily life of Jesus's time. This week, let's talk it all through, let's talk about what it means to season the world around us, and to be a welcome light in a dark place.Joanne Hagemeyer

This week we continue the Beatitudes, which are Jesus' descriptions on the heart attitudes of His kingdom citizens. God promises rewards for those who act in accordance with hearts that are committed to Him.

Jesus came to bring the Kingdom of God down to earth. So where is it now? Listen and learn about the first four Beatitudes, where Jesus lays down foundational principles for every citizen of His Kingdom. Blessings and rewards are available to hearts that reflect what truly matters to God.Julie Coleman

Matthew's Gospel is often called the teaching Gospel because Matthew concentrated on what Jesus taught, and arranged his material kind of like a catechism. After establishing Jesus's credentials in the first three chapters, Matthew now turned to the school Jesus was about to establish, and to the students who become a part of that school. This week's passage picks up the story about a year into Jesus's public ministry, as he selected his inner circle of disciples. 'Fishers of men' was a phrase that had been in circulation for hundreds of years. Roman and Greek philosophers used it to describe those who could catch people with strong and persuasive teaching. It was a particularly apt phrase for these first four disciples, since they were well acquainted with the patience, concentration, perseverance and hard work every day it took to fish. These were just ordinary people, not seminary students. But they had the one thing that was needed: they loved Jesus with their whole hearts and were willing to give Jesus their whole-hearted devotion. Joanne Hagemeyer

In Matthew's Gospel, we have already learned a lot about Jesus. His genealogy is robust. His birth, miraculous. The visit from the magi, unexpected. Last week we heard about the testing he underwent in the wilderness. Matthew now turns from Jesus' background and preparation to the actual account of his ministry. Listen to hear about the unusual decision he made for beginning his ministry and what that means to us today.Steve Coleman

Have you ever sensed that you were in spiritual warfare? Can you identify any current difficulties in your life that may be the product of spiritual oppression? Jesus faced a spiritual battle in Matthew 4:1-11. We can learn a lot about Satan's tactics from that encounter, as well as the power available to resist him and his schemes. At one time or another, you will also be assailed. We need to get on top of our game--because the enemy is seeking those whom he can devour. God can give us the victory no matter what Satan hurls at us.Julie Coleman

Have you ever wondered why Jesus was baptized? Have you ever wondered why there needed to be a John the Baptist? Couldn't Jesus have just shown up and accomplished the same goals without John arriving first? Why do the four gospels address the baptism differently? Why did the Pharisees and Sadducees show up? Why, Why, Why? It's okay to ask why, it can be important to ask why. When we ask why to understand, God will reveal the answer and by so doing will also reveal His nature and His character. And then we gain understanding and wisdom which brings peace and hope. Listen as we explore the third chapter of Matthew. I encourage you to look for insight into God's approach and listen for ideas related to how God has moved and is moving in your life. Come prepared to take hold of practical things you can do to draw nearer to God and release His power into your life.William Smith. PhD

We have seen that Matthew, writing near the middle or end of the first century, is presenting a picture of Jesus as no ordinary man, but as the Messiah. Last Sunday we looked at the magi and their announcement and celebration of the birth of the King of the Jews. The opposition to God's plan begins with Herod's obsession to see the child (this rival king) destroyed. It falls on two humans--Joseph and Mary--to protect and raise the young child. Listen to the surprising way God looks at you in the same way he looked at Mary/Joseph.Steve Coleman  

All of the Gospels present the new kingdom Jesus came to establish. Matthew's Gospel is particularly compelling because of the account of the visit of the magi. We all know the story, but why was it included in the book of Matthew, but not in the book of Luke? Listen to find out the surprising answer!Steve Coleman  

Matthew recorded not only Jesus's royal credentials, but also his divine lineage and prophetic heritage. Rather than let the story unfold and gradually reveal who Jesus really is, Matthew wanted his readers to know from the first page of his Gospel that Jesus is God the Son, Messiah. Why did Matthew write it this way? And what implications does this hold for you and me today?Joanne Hagemeyer

This week Julie Coleman introduces our new series on the gospel of Matthew, a manual for discipleship.

This week Joanne Hagemeyer concludes her four-part series on Discipling. She says, "What does a resilient and remarkable faith look like? We find out whenever plans unexpectedly or suddenly change, when obstacles arise, when the road gets long and hard. Resilience is something that God works into our character, but being remarkable ... well, that's when God works in great power…think about how the Lord has met you in your life circumstances, growing the resilience of your faith, and doing something remarkable." To hear previous parts of this series see:June 2 - Discipleship Part 1 June 9 - Discipleship Part 2August 25 - Discipleship Part 3

Images and imagery are used a lot in the Bible. Jesus is portrayed appearing as a lamb in Revelation 4. In Nebuchadnezzar's dream, a huge statue made of various metals is interpreted by Daniel as representing the nations of the world. Joseph told Pharoah that the seven skinny cows he dreamed of meant Egypt would go through seven years of famine. Jesus proclaimed Himself to be the bread of life, the door, and the Good Shepherd. Listen as we explore Revelation 19 and the amazing imagery of Christ there.Steve Coleman

This week Joanne Hagemeyer continues with part three of her four-part series on Discipling which she started on June 2nd. She says,  “In Jesus's day, family was at the center of society, and Jesus taught on discipleship using the language of kinship, beginning with new birth, organically becoming part of God's family. Jesus intends his family to have a profound effect on the people around us. In his final commission, Jesus's vision was to spread the Gospel to the whole world, beginning in the place where we are the most comfortable, but reaching out farther and farther until the ends of the earth have been reached. What can that look like for us at New Hope?”   

Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world. Paul tells us we are citizens of heaven. It's a perspective we need to keep as children of God and co-heirs with Christ. How we think is informed by the heart. Listen as Julie Coleman shares ways of thinking that will dramatically transform how we live.

Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world. Paul tells us we are citizens of heaven. It's a perspective we need to keep as children of God and co-heirs with Christ. How should our spiritual reality affect how we think in the here and now? Listen as Julie Coleman shares two ways of thinking that will dramatically transform how we live. 

This week Steve Coleman continues the series entitled God's Master Plan. "The Law of Moses had 613 laws. Besides the Ten Commandments, how many do you know? All of the following are commands found in the Law except one. Which one is it? ·      If someone touches a human bone or a grave, that person will be ceremonially unclean for seven days.·      If a thief is caught breaking into a house at night and is killed by the homeowner, the homeowner is guilty of murder.·      You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way.·      If someone's ox injures a neighbor's ox and the injured ox dies, then the two owners must sell the live ox and divide the price equally between them.·      You must never eat animals from the sea or from rivers that do not have both fins and scales; they are unclean. Listen to find out which one doesn't belong and to learn what the Law has to do with God's Master Plan for the World."Steve

Do you sometimes worry that what's important to you is not an important detail to God? In part 3 in God's Master Plan, we will explore the many foreshadows of Christ in the Old Testament. God is a God of details. He proves that over and over in the Old Testament, detailing much of who and what Jesus would mean to all of us.Julie Coleman

From Moses onward, prophets were giving details about the Promised One, the Messiah. With so many clues, how did God's people completely miss His arrival? Listen as Julie Coleman helps us discover His Master Plan.

Have you ever wondered how the Old Testament fits in with the New? Is it really worth studying, since what is recorded was all before Jesus came? This week, Julie Coleman introduces a new series: God's Master Plan. Come and discover the big picture of the Bible as a whole. This week we will cover the first five books of the Old Testament and discover details that reveal God's Master Plan.Julie Coleman

We all know God is at work… in the world, in our church family, and in each one of us.  We believe God's purposes will eventually unfold, but why are we are often faced with what seems like an eternity waiting for it to happen? Listen as Steve Coleman looks into what God says in Psalm 106 and how we can be better at waiting.

Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Grief often catches us unaware, and can leave you and me feeling shattered. But God is near, even in those moments. Revelation 21:4 says the Lord "will wipe every tear from their eyes." Gently, lovingly, God offers comfort.Joanne Hagemeyer

This week Joanne Hagemeyer leads us in part two of a four-part series on "Discipling." She says, "So, how do we do discipleship the way Jesus did discipleship? We start by reordering the principles of discipleship to lay a good foundation for Christlike and effective apprenticeship, then we reshape our practice through discovering the power of contextualized discipleship."

Joanne Hagemeyer begins a 4-part series on discipleship. This week she reviews the themes and concept of discipleship in the Hebrew Bible, the Christian Testament, the early church, and the Reformation. She then looks at contemporary perspectives in biblical discipleship.  **Recording Delay: We join Joanne just after she asked the question, What is a disciple?

What is the Bible? Most consider it to be God's revelation of himself to his people through his words and actions in history. But how was it written? How do we know the book in our hands contains what God wanted to say? Listen as Steve Coleman looks back and unravel the origins of the Bible.  

As Steve & Julie Coleman complete this 3 part series, we see how important it is to have faith in who God is, rather than only what He does.

Steve and Julie continue our 3-part series on Habakkuk. This week God's world view and His five pronouncements of doom are revealed.  

Sometimes God just doesn't make sense. How do we pray when the world around us is falling apart? This week we begin a three week series team-taught by Julie and Steve, 'Habakkuk: The Anatomy of a Godly Struggle'.