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Put Off the Old Self (Eph 4:17-19) Paul warns believers not to live like the Gentiles, whose thinking is futile and whose hearts are hardened. Their lifestyle is marked by having a darkened understanding, ignorance, insensitivity, and moral corruption that is driven by selfish desires. Be Renewed and Put on the New Self (Eph 4:20-24) Paul claims that the old way of life is not how believers have learned Christ. Rather believers are to: Put off the old self (i.e. the former way of life). Be renewed in the spirit of their minds. Put on the new self (i.e. new way of life in righteousness and holiness). Practical Instructions for New Life (Eph 4:25-32) Paul lists specific ways to live out this new self: Speak truthfully instead of lying. Control your anger and deal with it promptly. Do honest work so you can help others. Speak words that build up, not corrupt speech. Avoid bitterness, rage, slander, and malice. Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving, just as God forgave you in Christ. Imitate God and Walk in Love (Eph 5:1-2) Believers are called to be imitators of God as His children. We should walk in love, following the example of Christ, who gave himself as a sacrificial offering for us.The post Ephesians Part 8: The New You first appeared on Living Hope.
In this episode, Ricky and Bonnie are joined by Leah, a Living Hope participant, to talk about her testimony, what brought her to the ministry, and the healing she has found being a part of groups, but ultimately at the feet of Jesus. They discuss that although struggles do not disappear after surrendering to Christ, there is still hope and healing to be found in trusting in the One who gave His life for all sins.**Trigger Warning: There is an extremely brief reference to self-harm to talk about the healing afterward. Skip from 8:57 to 9:19 if needed**
Ephesians 4:1-3 Here we find five important behaviors that all Christians should cultivate in their lives: humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, and seeking unity. Each of these takes intentionality and sustained effort. Unity, in particular, requires serious effort. In fact, Jesus himself prayed for our unity (John 17:20-23). Ephesians 4:4-6 The basis of our unity is what we hold in common with each other: one body, one spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God over all. The Moravian motto said it well: “In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things love.” Ephesians 4:7-10 When he died and was buried, Jesus descended into the grave. When God raised him from the dead and brought him up to heaven, he ascended. His death, resurrection, and ascension together defeated spiritual evil in high places with the result that he led captivity captive. Additionally, his victory brought into reality new structures both in heaven and earth. Ephesians 4:11-13 The various positions in the local church exist to equip the saints for the work of ministry with the goal of developing maturity in individuals and as a group. Christ is our forerunner and prototype. We want to grow into his full stature over time. Ephesians 4:14-16 As you develop in your faith, you should not be easily deceived by the many winds of doctrine blowing in our time, especially through social media. Rather, the goal is to grow and mature such that we not only remain connected to the body but also build it up in love.The post Ephesians Part 7: Grow Up first appeared on Living Hope.
This special Father's Day message honors the role of fatherhood by looking at three powerful but often overlooked dads in Scripture Job, Manoah, and Zebedee.
Worship - June 15, 2025 “A Living Hope: Of first importance…” 1st Corinthians 15:1-11Pastor Don Meeks
What a total contrast there is between our readings in Judges ch. 9 and all the conflict and resultant deaths it describes – caused by Abimelech – and the “living hope” of which Peter writes at the start of his First Epistle. The spirit that Abimelech created all around him has considerable comparison with life around nearly all the world today.Peter addresses his letter to the “exiles of the dispersion” – this would be the Jewish dispersion – and, of course, written to “those who are elect.” [1 v.1] “Elect” is an significant word – we do not use it in normal conversations, although with elections looming here, there will soon be lots of comment about those who are ‘elected.' But whoever is elected, not one of them can give us, “a living hope” [v.3]The world can only provide ‘a dead hope' – which is no hope at all! This life is all there is, and how short may this become as the human ‘pathway' appears to be going more steeply downhill into utter godlessness!Remember what we read yesterday in James 5 v.1,5,9 “…weep and howl for the miseries that are coming … You have lived … in luxury and in self-indulgence… the Judge is standing at the door.” Very few years after James wrote this, the nation came to an end – and Jerusalem was destroyed.In contrast Peter tells his readers, the believers, that God “has caused us to beborn again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable.” [v.4] Peter then says this “inheritance” is “kept in heaven for you … ready to be revealed in the last time.” [v.5]Those who read the scriptures carefully know that genuine believers do not go to heaven to receive it. The last chapter in Bible (v.22) says, “”Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” The “recompense” or reward, is given to believers “on earth.” Jesus taught “”Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” [Matt. 5 v.5] Let us make sure we have been “born again to a living hope“ – a spiritual rebirth, which we outwardly witnessed by our baptism.They showed this on the day of Pentecost when they were “cut to the heart” at the preaching of Peter, (Acts 2 v.37) and “said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And so they went down into the water and were “born again to a living hope”There are increasing signs that the coming of Jesus is close – and then he will “repay each one for what he has done.” All those who have been “born again to a living hope” followed by a life of commitment in service to Christ will have prayerful confidence as what their reward will be.
Sunday morning, June 8, Pastor Tiago DovaleFor more information on knowing Christ: https://www.calvarypsl.com/knowing-christ/
The Apostle Paul prays for Christians to be strengthened that Christ may dwell in their hearts with the result that they may be rooted and grounded in love. He prays that they would be able to comprehend Christ's love so that they may be filled with all God's fullness. Thus, as we continue pursuing love, we understand not only what has already been done for us, but we also show to others that love which is paramount in the life of the Christian. Ephesians 3:14-15 To name is to exert power over, often as the creator. The Father is the supreme source of everyone on earth as well as the spiritual powers in heaven. It's always helpful to remember to whom you're praying at the start of your prayer. Ephesians 3:16-17 Here God's spirit strengthens so Christ can dwell in our hearts with the result that we become rooted and grounded in love. God's love shown through Christ is the most powerful redeeming force in the universe, capable of turning enemies into family (John 3:16; Rom 5:6-8). As Martin Luther King Jr. said, “Love is the absolute power” (Love Your Enemies Sermon, March 7, 1961, Detroit, MI). Ephesians 3:18-19 Paul prays that Christians would be able to grasp a truth so deep and profound that it surpasses knowledge—the love of Christ. Loving others when they've given you reason to hate them doesn't make sense, but it follows Christ's example and can result in total transformation. When we finally experientially know the love of Christ, we can be filled with all God's fullness—a staggering thought! As Christ was filled with God, so can we (Col 2:9; John 3:34). Ephesians 3:20-21 God is capable of doing so much more than we can ask or even imagine. He is worthy of our devotion and dedication. In fact, our lives are to bring Him glory, not only individually, but also as a group. Is your life bringing glory to God?The post Ephesians Part 6: Strengthened, Rooted, Filled first appeared on Living Hope.
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Worship - June 8, 2025 “A Living Hope: The Spirit of wisdom and revelation” Ephesians 1:15-23Pastor Don Meeks
Part 5 of our Don't Miss out Series!Welcome to Living Hope Church! These podcasts are our weekly Sunday sermons. We hope you enjoy them.
On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came in power—not to create chaos, but to launch the church with clarity, order, and bold gospel proclamation. In this sermon, Pastor Mark Groen walks through Acts 2:1–21 and reminds us that the spark that started in Jerusalem still burns today.The signs and wonders of Pentecost weren't ends in themselves—they were meant to give authority to the message: that Jesus is Lord, the Spirit has been poured out, and the mission of the church is now in motion. From a fearful denier to a faithful preacher, Peter stands up to declare the gospel boldly. That same Spirit that empowered him empowers us.
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Join the mission! Visit donate.accessmore.com to help fund more episodes and shows like this. Today is a red-letter kind of day here on Back Porch Theology because Alli and I have the undeserved privilege and absolute delight of having a conversation with one of the world's foremost experts on the New Testament canon, specifically the Gospels, Dr. Craig Blomberg. It's not every day you get to sit down with a brilliant saint with a PhD from the University Aberdeen, read an excerpt from his classic book called: “The Historical Reliability of the New Testament” – which, by the way, is just one of almost twenty academic books and commentaries that Dr. Blomberg's written – and then ask him this question: Will you please explain the term “hermeneutical spiral” as well as how it can be useful as we seek to not simply read and interpret the Bible but actually be read and interpreted by the Bible? Welcome to Back Porch Theology's scholar edition…we're really glad you've chosen to hang out with us today.
The great mystery was hidden throughout the ages until revealed to the Apostle Paul. If it was known, the evil rulers would not have crucified Jesus, and God's plan for humanity's redemption would have been thwarted. The inclusion of the Gentiles and the full significance of what Christ accomplished on the cross are part of the mystery that is now revealed in the Ephesians Epistle. Ephesians 3:1-9. What Christ accomplished for humanity was kept secret until Paul received it by revelation. Luke 9:44-45. God wanted the information concealed. Luke 18:31-34. Many things are written in the OT foretelling what Jesus would do and accomplish; however, much of it was hidden until Paul. Mark 8:31-33. Not only did Peter not understand what Jesus said, he also thought he was wrong. 1 Corinthians 2: 6-8. Had they understood, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. Ephesians 3:2. The word “stewardship” and “administration” in verse 9 are the same Greek word oikonomia. 3:4-5. Before, no one understood; now, we can understand. 1 Corinthians 2:6-16. Ephesians 3:6. Gentiles were now fellow heirs, members, partakers of the promise. Ephesians 2:12-22. 3:8. The riches are so deep, vast, and profound they can never be fully discovered until Christ returns. They are infinitely rich and abundant. Colossians 1:27. Christ in you Ephesians 3:10. Rulers and the authorities – 1:19-21; 6:12 3:11. The mystery explains God's purpose of the ages. 3:12. Only the high priest once a year had access to God. Now every disciple has direct, bold, and confident access to God. 3:13. Do not be discouraged I am in prison; rather, accept it is actually a glorious thingThe post Ephesians Part 5: The Mystery of Christ first appeared on Living Hope.
Guest Preacher: Hua Ming Newman | Anchored in the Living Hope pt 2 | 1 Peter 1:8-12 | 060125 by Corey
This is it! Today we come to the end of Peter's first letter. Join Pastor Ken for the apostle Peter's closing words as he preaches the final sermon in his series entitled "A Living Hope."
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Why do we have a living hope as Christians?
Why do we have a living hope as Christians?
Pastor Wes Weber's teaching titled "Living Hope" from our series Walking in New Life.
Pastor Wes Weber's teaching titled "Living Hope" from our series Walking in New Life.
What's the difference between judgment and correction—and why does it matter in our walk with Christ?In this message, Pastor Matt Brummett @TheMarinatedLife explores how Scripture defines and differentiates judgment and correction. Using the stories of the Good Samaritan, Nathan and David, and Jesus' restoration of Peter, we contrast prideful condemnation with loving, biblical guidance.✅ Judgment tears down.✅ Correction builds up.✅ Judgment points a finger.✅ Correction offers a hand.We'll discuss how to reflect God's heart by correcting with grace not harshness and how to receive correction as a blessing, not a burden. This message calls believers to live with humility, love, and truth in every relationship.
Worship - June 1, 2025 “A Living Hope: Press on toward the goal…” Philippians 3:4-14Pastor Don Meeks
1 Peter 1:1-12 ESV Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.
Stone Chapel — Connect with the power of prayer at the Stone Chapel during camp meeting. The daily morning prayer group provides a peaceful and uplifting space to connect with others and lift your concerns to the Lord. All are welcome to attend.
Sermon by Jonathan Wisdom on May 25, 2025 at New Covenant Church in Anderson, SC. Scripture Passage: 1 Peter 1:1-9 Outline: 1. Living with hope because of our identity (v. 1-4) 2. Living with hope because of God's activity (v. 3-7) 3. Living with hope because of our eternity (v. 4, 8-9) ncchurch.net
Guest Preacher Hua Ming Newman | Anchored in a Living Hope Pt 1 | 1 Peter 1:3-7 | 052525 by Corey
Ephesians 2:11-12. Before Christ, the nations were hopeless because they had no Messiah and no real, solid hope for the future. Because of this, sin reigned and darkness increased in these nations. We too were lost. Those who had no Jewish lineage were cut off from God's promises. Ephesians 2:13-14a. Christ has brought us near to God. He is our peace and the source of our hope. Ephesians 2:14b-16. Christ has made something entirely different out of the two groups. He did this through his death on the cross. His body dying gave life to us gentiles and Jews in God. He destroyed the hostility between the two groups. He did this by freeing us from the law of Moses and its commandments. He gave us a new identity in him in a new covenant apart from the law. Ephesians 2:17-18. Jesus preached to Jews and gentiles alike while he was on the earth but integrally after he left through his followers. He gave access to God to all who believe both Jews and gentiles. Ephesians 2:19-21. Gentiles are fellow partakers of the promises of God. This was something planned long ago and was built upon the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone. Ephesians 2:21-22. In Christ, we are the new temple of God. We are being built into something new, God's new temple on earth. God dwells in human hearts, especially when we gather together in the name of Jesus Christ.The post Ephesians 4: From Strangers to Citizens first appeared on Living Hope.
Join Pastor Ken as we continue our series through 1 Peter entitled "A Living Hope."
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► Gather with us live online and in person every Sunday at 9:30a and 11:00a: https://live.fbcw.org/► Watch/listen to our full services: https://fbcw.org/sermons► Reach out to us: https://fbcw.org/contact/► Give to help our mission: https://fbcw.org/give/
What does it look like to live a life that reflects the goodness of God? Through Jesus, we've been given a living hope—one that doesn't fade, break, or run out.Today, Matt concludes our series, “Living Hope!”It's not just something we hold onto; it's something we live and carry into every moment. Discover what it means to live with a hope that's real, powerful, and unmistakable.Support the show
In this powerful message, we continue our series on Living Hope Church's core values: Love, Discipleship, and Family. We explore what it truly means to not miss out on the spiritual blessings God offers through authentic relationships.Through the testimony of Jason Freeman grandson of Charles Manson, we witness how one man broke the chain of generational trauma through faith, love, and intentional discipleship. We also dive deep into the biblical story of Jacob, Joseph, and their family legacy, unpacking how dysfunction can be redeemed when one generation decides to follow God wholeheartedly.This message reminds us that curses can be broken, relationships can be restored, and no past is too dark for the light of Christ.
Worship - May 25, 2025 “A Living Hope: We too may live a new life…” - Romans 6:1-14Pastor Don Meeks
Ephesians 2:1-10 is a master text for understanding our need for salvation, God's gracious offer of salvation, and how to live out our salvation in deed and truth. Living out of a grace narrative rather than a moral performance narrative makes it possible to avoid religious judgmentalism and persevere with joy. Ephesians 2:1-3. Paul's description of humanity is startling and offensive but true. A quick glance at the last two weeks in the news easily confirms that we are broken. There's something wrong with us. By nature, we follow the ruler of the power of the air, living according to the passions of our flesh. We murder, rape, assault, steal, lie, and deceive each other. The Bible's diagnosis is that we are already dead. Our trespasses and sins have killed us. We who are spiritually dead cannot save ourselves. Ephesians 2:4-7. Because of his mercy and love, God makes the first move. Astoundingly, he looks at fallen humanity, mired in selfishness, despicable in character, hopelessly dysfunctional—he looks and says, “I want you!” By bringing us back to life in union with Christ and seating us in the heavenly places, he has saved us and given us a bright hope (Titus 3:3-7). If you have not yet believed in the gospel, today is the day. Don't say no to God's invitation to salvation! Ephesians 2:8-10. Salvation is God's free gift to you. He reaches down in grace, but you must reach up in faith. When you do, he pulls you out of the quicksand of sin and sets you on solid ground. Remembering who you were before Christ and how God saved you makes it possible to live out of a grace narrative rather than a moral performance narrative. God has prepared work for you to do. Are you doing it? If not, go to him in prayer and ask him to reveal what work he has for you to doThe post Ephesians 3: From Death to Life first appeared on Living Hope.
Join Pastor Ken as we continue our series through 1 Peter entitled "A Living Hope."
What does it look like to live a life that reflects the goodness of God? Through Jesus, we've been given a living hope—one that doesn't fade, break, or run out.Matt continues our series, “Living Hope!”It's not just something we hold onto; it's something we live and carry into every moment. Discover what it means to live with a hope that's real, powerful, and unmistakable.Support the show
Worship - May 18, 2025“A Living Hope: The ministry of reconciliation…” 2 Corinthians 5:14-21Pastor Don Meeks
God desires that we know Him in a way that enlightens the eyes of our hearts, transforming how we see Him, ourselves, others, history, and our eternal hope. The prayer in Ephesians 1 centers on God’s calling, His glorious inheritance, and the immeasurable greatness of His power toward those who believe. While God wants us to walk in this deep understanding, many remain unaware or disconnected from it. Why is there so much emphasis on prayer in this very important and short epistle? Acts 19 Break from pagan prayer to new covenant Christianity prayer 15-16 God-inspired prayers written in the Church Epistles reveal what God deems important to include in our petitions and intercessory prayers. 17 The prayer is addressed to God our Father. Ephesians 1:2, 3, and 17; 3:14 and 15; Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:1; John 14:13; 16:23 If we see what God wants us to see, our perspective of Him, humanity, history, and the hope will change. God wants us to know Him and His desires for His human family. 18 “Enlightened” is the difference between hearing the truth and having it come alive inside you, where it changes how you see and live. The prayer is not about knowing our calling, inheritance, and power, but His. Genesis 1:26-28 God's original plan has not changed. This is what He wants. Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3 In Jesus, we see what God wanted and still wants all humans to be. His inheritance – Inheritance: 1:11, 13, 14; 1 Peter 1:3-5; Hebrews 9:15; Romans 8:16-17; Deuteronomy 32:9; Jeremiah 7:23; Ezekiel 36:28; Revelation 21:23 Ephesians 1:19-23 We have the evidence of God's power because He raised Jesus from the dead and ascended him to His right hand. That mighty power will do the same for us. Ephesians 1:13-14The post Ephesians 2: Eyes Opened first appeared on Living Hope.
Happy Mother's Day!What does it look like to live a life that reflects the goodness of God? Through Jesus, we've been given a living hope—one that doesn't fade, break, or run out.Matt shares how we can live a life of hope and freedom that honors God and brings hope to others. Plus, he'll interview a very special Mom — his lovely wife Kim.It's not just something we hold onto; it's something we live and carry into every moment. Discover what it means to live with a hope that's real, powerful, and unmistakable.Support the show
He's not in the tomb — He is RISEN!This Resurrection Sunday, listen in as we celebrate Living Hope — the powerful truth that because Jesus lives, we have confidence, assurance, and victory in every season.Drawing from Luke 24, John 12, 1 Corinthians 15, and more, this message invites you to walk in the resurrection promises of Christ. It's not just about what happened 2,000 years ago — it's about what's possible for you today.
What makes the Christian's future so bright? God gives followers of Jesus Christ a living hope. Pastor John Munro continues to explore this special hope and shares how this security changes our outlook on everything.