The Hope Club Podcast

Send us a textPaul the Apostle closes Colossians chapter 2 with five spiritual adherences that have been  fulfilled in Christ. He calls them a "shadow." a Shadow has no substance. It is darkness. But they did serve a purpose. they pointed people to Christ. Now that we have Christ, the shadow can flee away!Sadly, the heresy of two thousand years ago is still alive and well today, even in the Christian church! Listen carefully to this message and share it with someone so you will not be defrauded as man are.

Send us a textAfter Jesus died and was placed in the tomb,  His body lay at rest but His spirit descended into the underworld. He first went to the pits of darkness called Tartarus where the angels that sinned in Genesis 6 were confined. He made the proclamation that He had been victorious in His mission to atone for sin and defeat Satan. He then went to Paradise and brought all the Old Testament believers who were waiting there to Heaven.Now, there is no intermediate state for believers. When we are absent from our body we are present with the Lord. It is vital that we understand the chronology of the mission of Jesus and His victory.

Send us a textBelieve it or not, the best news in all the way is that Jesus died for our sins. He offers forgiveness and salvation to those who come to Him. And yet, as great as this news is, people are still divided on how to attain that salvation.Some say God will determine who can be saved. Others say we can make that determination for ourselves. which side are you on/Hopefully, this message will clear up the chaos because it such an important issue.

Send us a textThe mystery to many people is what would God have them do with their life. Granted, some people do not are in the least but there are those who want to live a life pleasing to God. It may be difficult to discern what His goal is ut that is why we have His Word.This message will lead you into an understanding of who you are in Him and what you are in Him. Listen carefully and share this with someone who may have the same question.

Send us a textOnce in Christ, there are some things that happened to us that are the grounds of  a fulfilled life. I call them "the Five We Ares." Once you, the believer, understand these things, it will catapult you in your Christian walk.This is a good message to have a notebook handy and takedown these "five we ares." You will be surprised at how close you are to Christlikeness.

Send us a textPaul continues to deal with the Gnostic believers who taught that intellectualism was the way to salvation. He presents the reality of the body of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice as the only way of salvation.He also reveals the mystery that has been hidden in past ages. This part of the letter chapter 2, is a great encouragement to the Colossians. If you listen carefully, it will be a great encouragement to you the listener. 

Send us a textOftentimes Christians have the wrong idea of suffering. The Christian life certainly does bring with it great joy and fulness but it also experiences suffer and sacrifice is often a requirement. This part of the message is often missing in the modern church today.In this part of his letter to the Colossians, Paul outlines his calling, purpose and the fact of his suffering. This study really puts things into focus and will help the hearer to better handle many of life's circumstances when they come.

Send us a textEvery person is born spiritually dead and separated from God. This is why we need to be "born again,." or born from above. We also lack personal righteousness which allows us to dwell with God. but the good news is, at faith in Christ as Savior, God credits His righteousness to the believer and that person now becomes alive to God and is restored back to a relationship with Him.How sad it is that people all over the word in their various religions are seeking to establish their own righteousness through rites, rituals and behaviors. If that were possible, Jesus woule not have had to died. But as it is, His death made a way for people to become righteous before God.This is a good study to become grounded in the Christian faith because Satan is deceiving the whole world with a false belief system.If these studies help you or if you have something you want to share or add, put a comment above

Send us a textIn his letter to the Colossians, Paul is answering the Gnostic belief that Jesus didn't really have a physical body. They were the "intellectuals" of the day and couldn't muster any simple faith.Paul outlines the character and work of Christ  in a beautiful and compelling way that should really turn any heart.How much do you know about Jesus? this message provides a good founation upn which you can build more knowledge.

Send us a textAll people are on a spiritual journey. But not all journeys lead to God and the outcome He desires for them. For the Christ-follower, there is a certain path to walk because our journey is a walk and not a ride. On this walk, the Apostle Paul prays for four things the Colossians need and these four thigns are pertinent to us todayThis is a good message  to study with a notebook as it goes into much important information. Even use it for a Bible study with some other people. You will find yourself walking that "worthy walk."

Send us a textPaul opens up his letter with a salutation that reminds the Christians that they are not only living in Colossae but they are also living in Christ. Both locales have responsibilities. He also encourages them of the certainty of Heaven waits for them in the future. The nice thing about this  letter is that we can find much personal application for our own lives. Listen carefully and see for yourself.

Send us a textThis message marks the first installment on Paul's letter to the Colossians. It is not only an important letter for today but the reader must understand who the Colossians were and why Paul wrote the letter.There were  many false teachings infiltrating the  church so the Apostle addresses them one by one. This is a good study that addresses Ascetic practices, worship of angels, study of the stars and the reality of Jesus.  Grab a notebook and good listening.

Send us a textIn this parable, Jesus talks about Himself. He knows His destiny and He doesn't shy away from it. But He does give His hearers an opportunity recognizes that He truly is the Son of God.This is a story about God reaching out to Israel throughout the centuries. God sent the prophets, who they killed and He sent His Son, who they also killed.It's a wake-up call to acknowledge the reality of who Jesus is.

Send us a textNo one really knows how the seed grows once it is put in the soil. We can help it to grow with proper cultivation but how it grows is a mystery. Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to the seed in the soil. It is a mystery and only God can make them both grow.But at the end of the growing season is the harvest and so it will be at the end of time. Because time as we know it will come to an end , there are three things we are to do. Listen carefully to learn what they are.

Send us a textIf you've ever been to a wedding, you may have a pretty good idea of what Jesus meant in this parable. Wedding all over the world share one thing, joy, and with this in mind, Jesus told a story about the kingdom of Heaven being a time of great joy.This parable has a two-fold meaning. It is a reference to the Jews and also to any and all of us today. One thing is for sure. You have been invited to the wedding!

Send us a textThis parable has the Grace of God all over it. A landowner hired men to work in his vineyard at 5 different times throughout the day. Their job was to pick grapes before the rains came. Some were hired at 6am, 9am, 1 noon, 3pm and 5pm. The men worked all day.at then end of the day they were all paid for their labor. It was a surprising outcome. The ones who were hired at 5pm received the same py as those hired at 6am! Was this a discrepancy? the 6am workers thought so.Listen carefully to understand the heart of the landowner. and remember, this parable is about the Kingdom of Heaven.

Send us a textJesus is going to tell two parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. One has to do with a treasure and the other a great pearl. The two men in the stories that made these discoveries responded the same way. They sold all they had in order to buy those treasures. The point of the stories is to be willing to forfeit the lower to attain the higher.How many people in this life are willing to forfeit what they have in order to gain what God offers? That is a question everyone will answer. How about you?

Send us a textWhen the fishnet goes out, it captures all kinds of fish, some good and some bad. After it is brought in, the good fish are separated from the bad fish. the good fish are kept and the bad fish discarded. Jesus said, So it will be at the end of the age.The disciples are learning their job is to put out the net, preach the Gospel to the whole world. At the end, God will separate the true believers from the false.Let this message encourage you to be a "fisher of men." Jesus died for the sins f the world but people need to know. Then they can make an informed decision. Whatever they decide, God will sdend them to their respective places for all eternity.

Send us a textThe Christian way of life is a supernatural way of life. Therefore, it requires supernatural power, Divine power. This power comes from the Holy Spirit. When you have the Holy Spirit that comes at salvation, you are now able to be led by the Spirit and empowered by that same Spirit. And because you live life from the heart. there is a vital relationship between the Holy Spirit and your heartAre you missing something in your Christian walk? This message might hold the answer. Without Divine power, the Christian life is impossible and therefore, disappointing. But with the Spirit, "I can d all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Send us a textYou wouldn't think that the Kingdom of Heaven would have bad people in it but it has good "and" bad people. That's because the Kingdom of Heaven is God's authority n the earth and the Kingdom of God is His throne room in Heaven.Jesus told a story about wheat and tares sown in a field. the field is the church, the wheat is the believers and tares or weeds the false Christians. Listen carefully to learn how to tell the difference and not be deceived by the wolves in sheep's clothing.

Send us a textA mustard seed is a very small seed that grows into a large bush, a tree. It speaks of the growth of the Kingdom of God and the transforming power of the Gospel. Nothing changes the lives of people like the gospel does. Before Jesus people did not put much value on children, the elderly, women or marriage but Jesus changed all that. And if you have been walking with Him, you know the transforming power it has had on you.The Kingdom of Heaven is growing and your faith and participation is a big reason for its growth. Listen carefully and see how.

Send us a textAll disciples of Jesus are believers but all believers are not disciples. A disciple is a follower of their teacher with the intention of becoming like him. There is a cost to discipleship and the disciple will be tested. There will be tests of relationships, duty and even the storms of life.This message is a soul-searching message and one that will hopefully, inspire you the listener on to being a disciple of Jesus Christ. 

Send us a textJesus healed Peter's mother-in-law from a fever. But it wasn't the healing that was unique. Jesus performed many healings for people. What was unique was what she did after she was healed.She provides a wonderful example of what follows a healing. And we don't even know her name. That wasn't important to God but what she did, that was important.This message will cause some soul searching and hopefully, you the listener will follow in her example.

Send us a textThe healing ministry of Jesus was a vey big part of His mission. but when He healed He healed for a reason. You will see Him bring two healings in this message and yet, He brings them two different ways.An important principles we will learn is that healing is not of man but of God. It is Gods willingness and power that heals. And we must remember that for the healings we seek today.

Send us a textHow often do we hear messages about the Christian life being spiritual warfare? It seems like most sermons today are about feeling  good and happy. But the reality is, we are at war. And no one knows this more than Jesus. He came to fight the battle ands thankfully, came out victorious.Listen carefully and let's gret a real handle on this reality and zone in the on the prayer of Jesus.

Send us a textWe know we are to love God with all of our heart, soul and mind. But did you ever consider loving Him with all of your strength? Our physical bodies also play an important part in our relationship with God. After all, our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.We need strength for just about everything we do so let us not leave out strength when it comes to loving God.This message will teach you abour mental toughness and where oiur inspiration and motivation come from. 

Send us a textTrue love involves the intellect. It is not just based on feelings. When it comes to loving God with all your mind, it requires knowing Him. The more you know someone the more you can love them.In order to love God with all of our mind we need the facts. This message will highlight some of the important facts about Jesus that all believers should know.Share this with those who need to see the value of knowing Jesus through His Word.

Send us a textThe soul is the most important aspect of who you are and that's because it is who you are. In loving God with all your soul we need to have a balanced soul. that means there is a complementary relationship between our outward life and our inner life. the inner life works its way out to the outward life.When you have that balance, you have wonderful worship toward God. Listen carefully and learn how this is done.

Send us a textIf you are a believer in Jesus Christ, I'm sure you want to love Him in your daily walk. But the question is, Do you have a balanced love toward Him? In this message, the first in a for part series, you will discover what it means to be balanced in your love toward God. You may be surprised and even challenged in this area.But if it isn't a balanced, love then it isn't love.

Send us a textLife without hope is a boring life; even a discouraging life. Hope speaks of the future and for the believer in Jesus Christ, the future is certainly bright. Granted, life here on earth has its ups and downs but never lose sight of the hope that waits for you.Let this message encourage you and lift your eyes above the earth toward Heaven.

Send us a textJesus did so many wonderful things. He healed people from their diseases. H gave sight to the blind. He enabled the lame to walk and fed the hungry. He spoke words that gave people hope. And yet, with all the good that He did, there were those who wanted to kill Him.And how did they do it? They used a man who gave his heart over to the devil. There is a warning here and guidance not to fall into the trap that Judas did. Listen crefull and heed it obediently to avoid making the same mistake.

Send us a textJesus was right when he said today has enough trouble of its own. some people have said trouble seems to find them. but whatever the case, most of the trouble we experience we make ourselves. And it all began back in the Garden of Eden.But God knows this is not the way we want it to be so He gives us some instructions on how to stay out of trouble. Are yu interested? Then listen and abide.

Send us a textIf there is one thing people today, actually, all time, need to learn it is how to get along. Divided families, divided churches, even divided friendships are evidence of this secret.It is God's desire that His people all be one. In obedience t Him,  we should strive for t5his unity. Listen carefully and learn how.

Send us a textConfidence is an important quality to have in life. Many people live in anxiety, fear and frustration almost every day. But it doesn't have to be that way. God gave a promise and that promise was fulfilled. Jesus was that promise. He came, died and rose again. Belief in Him is confidence expectation of an eternity with God.If you don't have this hope, God has provided it for you. Reach out and take it.

Send us a textIn God's grace, He gives rewards to people. but who are these people? Am I one of them? How do I get them? What are they like? There is so much to learn about rewards in Heaven. And the big question is, "Will I receive them?"Listen carefully and determine for yourself if you will.

Send us a textWe have two societies living side by side. One is the church and the other is the world. Those in the Church are citizens of heaven and those in the world are citizens of Satan. This is why it is so difficult to be a Christian in the world. It has always been that way.This message will help you realize that, as challenging as it is to live in this world system, there is hope. At the end, you will Yes, though life can be challenging as a follower of Christ, I made the right decision.

Send us a textMany Christians are either confused or misguided with regard to the Law of God today. Do we live under it? Are we free from it? What place does it have in the church and my life? These are all legitimate questions and unfortunately, answered in different ways.The simplest answer is in understanding the difference between the letter of the Law and the spirit of the Law. Which one did Jesus live by? Let's watch Jesus in action and learn how we should live according to the Law of God. 

Send us a textReconciliation is an important part of life. We reconcile our checkbooks. We reconcile a broken bone. So there is also a need to reconcile broken relationships. That seems to be the one many people struggle with the most.But look at what God did for us. He did the work and initiated reconciliation to mankind. Let's take a lesson from Him and learn to initiate reconciliation with others when needed.

Send us a textDid you ever wonder why God gives rewards? How about how to get rewards? Some people are satisfied with just being saved and have no desire for rewards. This is a misunderstanding of the whole process. God gives rewards from His grace and this gives glory to Him.Two people can do the exact same thing but only one receive a reward. How can this be? Listen carefully and learn wht God is looking for in giving rewards.

Send us a textSome people are insecure, even intimidated when it comes to talking to God. That's because they don't understand what that really means. The word "prayer" scares them. but prayer is simply conversation with God like it would be with a friend.We don't talk to God to inform Him because He is omniscient. We talk to God to have fellowship with. Conversation deepens friendships. So let this message give you a model for prayer. think of it as talking points, ideas to speak to God about. This will enhance your walk with Him and you may find yourself talking to Him more and more throughout the day.

Send us a textWe actually live our lives either before men or before God. When we live our lives before God, we are seeking their recognition. But that recognition is all there is. When you live your life before God, His recognition is eternal!The religious leaders of Jesus' day lived before people in order to appear holy to them but they were not holy at all. Imagine having the confidence to live before God and do good things in secret that no one knows except God. Now that's what it means to live your life before Him.Listen carefully and learn why we live our lives before God.Listen carefully alkmdmlkdfds

Send us a textDid you ever try to look through a smoggy, foggy window? You don't really see that much do you? But now get out the Windex and clean that window. What a difference! When you can see clearly, you have greater appreciation and clarity. And so it is with our perspective or how we look at life.Jesus said if you eye is clear your body will be full of light. But if it is dark, how great is that darkness. And this determined by who your master is. Is your master the Lord God or the pursuit of wealth? These are the windows you look at life through.

Send us a textDid you know you can't witness to everybody? As a matter or fact, Jesus said don't witness to everyone. He calls those who won't receive His truth dogs and pigs. They have no appreciation for holy things. they are lost and love darkness rather than light.But wait! What do we do with them? Are they hopeless? Are they doomed forever? actually, there is hope for them and the believer is their hope. Not the words of the believer but the life.Listen carefully and see the value, not of what you say to them but how you live your life before them. That is what will draw them to Christ.  

Send us a textMost people, no all people would like to have a happy life. but how many make the choices to do so? Jesus talked about the two choices we have in this life and there are only two. One leads to life and one leads to destruction. And believe it or not, most people make the choice that leads to destruction. Why is that?I guess that's one of the mysteries of life. But you can listen carefully so you will make the right choice because both choices have eternal ramifications.

Send us a textThere are four theological terms that are vital to our knowing Jesus Christ. They are, incarnation, hypostatic union, kenosis and impeccability. In this message you will learn those terms, what they mean and then as a result, grow  even closer to Jesus.This message is also perfect fort the one not yet introduced to Jesus. Share it with someone you care about.

Send us a textThe first thing you may learn about a person is their name. but then you build on that. You get to know their heart and their motives and begin to love them more and more. And so it is with God. The more we know His names, the more we understand Him and grow in our love for Him.This study will certainly draw you closer to the One who created you, loves you and called you into a relationship with Him.

Send us a textWhen we think about forgiveness we have to remember it is a two way street. Jesus told a story about a man who was forgiven a great debt but he refused to forgive the man who owed him a small debt. His outcome was not very good.When you read that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you, know that forgiveness is part of that "all things."When you discover the truth about forgiveness you discover the freedom that follows it. Let this message set you free if you are in need of that.

Send us a textOf course there are times you feel like you have no hope. but it doesn't have to be that way. There is always hope with Jesus Christ. In this message you will meet a young man, a son, who no one could help except Jesus.And Jesus uttered a phrase that got things going and changed everything. this phrase is also applicable for us today. Listen and learn what this phrase may be and use it for the deliverance of those who have no hope.Leave a comment in the text box if you desire.

Send us a textThis is where it all begins. Do you want a relationship with God? Then it comes through Jesus Christ. This relationship is a gift from God. Himself. Saving Grace is the grace that saves. It is an undeserved, unmerited gift of forgiveness and eternal life. And because it is  gift, it is not an effort on our part.Do you know this grace? Do you want this grace? It is right there for the receiving. Listen carefully and learn how.

Send us a textWe all have a memory and that memory is a servant. He can bring you a dish of despair or a cup of joy. It all depends on what you summon him for. Let's learn from Jeremiah how to summon memory and drink from that joyful cup.Like a smoldering fire, sweep away those ashes and let those embers glow and grow into a roaring blaze once again. There is always hope fror the child of God. but for the one without God, there is no hope.

Send us a textThe greatest gift God has given to man - salvation, is seen by many people in different ways. Do I deserve it? Can I lose it? Does everyone have the same opportunity to receive it? These are all common questions that even Christians have.Let this message guide you into the truth of this subject and understand it as a true gift from God and what a gift entails. You will find rest for your soul.