Podcasts about sunday extra

In this bonus episode of the Sunday Extra podcast, Pastor Matt fills in some important context before the church moves into the second missionary journey in Acts 15. Specifically, he walks through the Jerusalem Council found in Acts 15:1-35, where a dispute arose after Jewish believers from Judea began teaching that circumcision according to the law of Moses was required for salvation. Paul and Barnabas strongly opposed this view, and the council — including Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and James — gathered to settle the matter. The council's conclusion was decisive: salvation is by grace alone, through faith in Jesus Christ — Jesus plus nothing. As Peter put it in Acts 15:11, "We believe that we will be saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus, just as they will." While Gentile believers were encouraged to avoid certain practices like food sacrificed to idols and sexual immorality, these were not requirements for salvation but practical steps meant to promote unity and fellowship between Jewish and Gentile believers.

This week, Pastors Matt, Jeremy, Jake, and Luke dive deeper into Sunday's sermon on Acts 10:1–11:18 — one of the longest continuous narratives in the entire book of Acts (66 verses!). Why did Luke dedicate so much space to the conversion of Cornelius? And what does it mean for us today? In this episode: Why the Cornelius account is a major turning point in Acts — and in all of church history The "But God" moments hidden in this passage (and throughout Scripture) The religious categories of the first century: pagan Gentile → God-fearer → proselyte → ethnic Jew What Peter's mini-sermon in Acts 10:34–43 reveals about the core essentials of the gospel Surprising parallels between Roman military discipline and the Christian life What "uncomfortable obedience" looks like across every stage of life A Bible reading plan check-in: finishing Job and entering the books of Wisdom and Poetry Key Verse: "God has shown me that I should not call any person common or unclean." — Acts 10:28

In episode 21 of season four of the Sunday Extra podcast, Pastor Matt Sturdivant, Pastor Jeremy, Pastor Jake Myers, and Pastor Luke Myers gather around the table to recap and expand on the previous Sunday's sermon from Acts 9:18-43. The big idea of the message was that God develops who He calls — and while a calling can be immediate, the preparation for that calling is always a process. Four key lessons were drawn from the passage: immediate obedience doesn't guarantee immediate results; God often does His deepest work in hidden seasons; opposition should be reframed as confirmation, not contradiction; and we all need people to help us grow and step into our calling. The team then digs into the portion of Acts 9 that didn't make it into Sunday's sermon — Peter's private ministry in Acts 9:32-43. Peter heals a paralyzed man named Aeneas in the name of Jesus Christ, and raises a beloved disciple named Dorcas back to life in Joppa. Both miracles result in widespread belief, with Acts 9:35 noting that "all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord." Pastor Matt also highlights Acts 9:31 as a powerful summary statement on the state of the early church — walking in the fear of the Lord, encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and multiplying — not merely surviving. The conversation closes with a rich discussion on the "challenge of the decades," a framework originally taught by their founding pastor, which maps out the spiritual and personal challenges unique to each decade of life. The team encourages those under 30 not to despise their development season, and those over 40 to stay faithful even when progress feels slow. They also challenge listeners who feel lonely to take personal responsibility — to get into a group, take a risk, and stop waiting for community to come to them — because as Pastor Matt puts it, you cannot fulfill your calling in isolation. Wisdom Through the Decades (Wisdom Conference)

In this episode, drawn from his message on Acts 9:1-18, Pastor Matt walked through Saul's conversion with one driving idea: Jesus transforms sinners and sends them on mission. Three lessons anchored the sermon. First, Jesus confronts us in our direction — and as Pastor Matt pointed out, you can be sincere and still be sincerely wrong. Second, Jesus interrupts us with His presence because salvation is a divine act that demands a human response. Third, Jesus redefines our purpose. He doesn't just save you from something; He saves you for something. Woven into the middle of the sermon was the Antioch Training Program graduation, honoring those who completed Hope Church's rigorous five-year vocational ministry training. Rather than holding the ceremony separately, Pastor Matt intentionally placed it within the Sunday morning service so the whole congregation could witness what it looks like when the church rallies together to raise up the next generation. The moment powerfully illustrated that calling isn't reserved for a special few — it belongs to every Christ follower. The podcast discussion also expanded on material that didn't make it into the sermon, including a helpful breakdown of three types of calling, the difference between wisdom and discernment, and a word of caution about praying for God to humble you. As Pastor Matt put it, if God has to do the humbling, it's going to be a lot more painful than if you humble yourself.

In this episode of the Sunday Extra podcast, Pastor Matt Sturdevant and the Hope Church team revisit Acts 8, going deeper into the passages they couldn't fully explore on Mother's Day Sunday. The overarching big idea of the sermon was that God advances His mission through ordinary believers who are willing to faithfully follow wherever He leads. Pastor Matt opens by taking a closer look at Acts 8:4, emphasizing that the early believers went out preaching the Word not out of convenience, but out of genuine conviction — they truly believed Jesus had risen from the dead, and that changed everything. They understood the mission, had been personally transformed by the gospel, and even saw suffering as part of following Jesus. As Pastor Matt puts it, "Persecution scattered them geographically, but it did not silence them spiritually." The team then digs into the story of Simon the Magician (Acts 8:9–25), which Pastor Matt uses to illustrate that whenever the gospel is preached, it will inevitably produce both genuine saving faith and false faith. Simon appeared to believe, was baptized, and followed Philip — but when the apostles arrived and the Holy Spirit was given, Simon's true motivation was exposed: he wanted the power of God, not God Himself. Pastor Matt connects this to the Parable of the Weeds in Matthew 13:24–30, where Jesus warns that weeds will grow alongside wheat until the final harvest. The arrival of Peter and John in Samaria, Pastor Matt explains, wasn't just a validation of Philip's ministry — it was a critical moment that kept the unity of the early church, preventing a split between Jewish and Samaritan believers. Perhaps the richest part of the discussion centers on Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch. Pastor Matt unpacks the enormous significance of who this man was — a high-ranking government official, a eunuch who would have been denied full access to Jewish worship (Deut. 23:1), and a representative of what the Greeks and Romans considered the very ends of the known world. When Philip leads him to faith in Jesus and baptizes him, the Ethiopian continues reading Isaiah and would have soon arrived at Isaiah 56:3–5, a passage that speaks directly to foreigners and eunuchs being given "an everlasting name" in God's house. The team reflects on the goosebump-worthy reality that this man, who had likely left Jerusalem discouraged and excluded, was now not only forgiven and filled with joy, but carried the gospel back to the ends of the earth — fulfilling Acts 1:8 in a way none of them could have fully anticipated.

Pastor Jake's sermon covering Acts 6–7 centers on the big idea that local faithfulness launches the gospel of forgiveness globally. He walks through the early church's organizational response to a widow-care problem, the false accusations leveled against Stephen, and Stephen's sweeping sermon before the Sanhedrin — a sermon that drew clear parallels between Moses and Jesus while declaring that God works outside of Israel and is not confined to the temple in Jerusalem. Stephen's faithfulness ultimately costs him his life, making him the first Christian martyr, but his death becomes the very spark that propels the gospel outward, fulfilling the promise of Acts 1:8 — "You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" — as seen in Acts 8:1. The podcast discussion opens up several threads that didn't make it into the sermon. Pastor Jake unpacks the nature of forgiveness, emphasizing that it is not a matter of conjuring up good feelings but rather an act of the will empowered by the Holy Spirit — the emotions and freedom often follow the choice, not the other way around. He also highlights the powerful moment in Acts 7 where Stephen sees heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God — the only instance of that image in Scripture — suggesting that Stephen was catching a glimpse of his ultimate destination even as his life was on the line. Pastor Matt adds rich historical context, explaining that the widow problem in Acts 6 was not random but the surface-level eruption of four centuries of cultural tension between Hebraic Jews and Hellenistic Jews. He also draws a compelling through-line from Acts to church history and the present day, pointing out that persecution has never stopped the gospel — it has consistently refined and spread it, from the explosion of Christianity in China under Mao to the rapid growth of the church in Iran today. The conversation closes with a challenge for every believer to examine whether their faith depends on comfort or conviction, and to ask honestly: Where has God placed me, and am I on mission right there?

In episode 17 of season four of the Hope Church Sunday Extra podcast, Pastors Jeremy, Brian, Luke, and Jake gather to discuss Luke's sermon from Acts 3–5. The big idea of the sermon is that the Spirit-filled church is bold in both its mission and its commitment to holiness. Luke walks through five scenes from the text: Peter healing a lame man and pointing the crowd to God's glory, Peter and John modeling obedience before the Sanhedrin, the church responding to opposition with prayer and unity, God exposing the hidden sin of Ananias and Sapphira, and the church pressing forward with rejoicing. The sermon closes with two pointed questions for every listener: "Are you willing to take God seriously?" and "Whose name are you living for?" Though away on a ministry trip, Pastor Matt chimes in via a recorded segment to expand on the communal sharing described in Acts 2:42–47. He is careful to address a common misreading of the passage, explaining that what we see in Acts 2 is not a Biblical case for communism or socialism, but rather Spirit-produced, voluntary generosity flowing out of transformed hearts. He draws a helpful contrast: communism is forced by the state and driven by an external system, while what happens in Acts 2 is a spiritual movement — people filled with the Holy Spirit loosening their grip on possessions because they understand that Jesus gave everything for them. Matt also draws from his Old Testament reading, reflecting on the life of King Asa from 2 Chronicles 13–16, whose early faithfulness to God gradually gave way to self-reliance — a sobering reminder that starting well does not guarantee finishing well. Luke then adds what he didn't have time to cover on Sunday, diving into the significance of Solomon's Colonnade — the very place where Jesus declared "I and the Father are one" in John 10:23–39 — as the location where Peter preaches his second sermon. He also unpacks the rich names Peter uses for Jesus in Acts 3–5, including Servant, Holy and Righteous One, Author of Life, the Prophet Moses spoke of, and the Christ of Nazareth, showing how Peter is making the unmistakable case to his Jewish audience: don't miss Jesus again. The episode wraps up with a candid conversation about the three battlefields of spiritual warfare — the world, the flesh, and the devil — and a personal, honest discussion around what it really looks like to take God seriously and live for His name in everyday life.

In episode 16 of season four of the Hope Church Sunday Extra podcast, hosts Jeremy, Brian, Luke, and Jake gather around the table to look back at Pastor Matt Sturdivant's sermon on Acts 2 — one of the most significant passages in all of Scripture, where the Holy Spirit falls on the disciples at Pentecost, Peter preaches the first Christian sermon, and 3,000 souls are added to the church in a single day. Pastor Matt organized the passage around four movements: preparation, power, proclamation, and response. Before the Spirit moves, God is forming unity, dependence, and readiness among the disciples. Then the Spirit arrives with the sound of a mighty rushing wind and divided tongues of fire, and Peter stands up to preach a sermon rooted in Old Testament Scripture, centered on Jesus, and calling the crowd to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit. The table discussion goes deeper into the cultural backdrop of the passage, noting that the Galileans speaking in all these languages would have been shocking to the crowd — Galileans were viewed as rural, uneducated outsiders, and even religious leaders scoffed at the idea that anything good could come from Galilee. The pastors also unpack what it looks like to be filled with the Holy Spirit in everyday life, sharing personal stories of God giving them the power to forgive, the words to share the gospel, and the self-control to respond graciously rather than react harshly. As Galatians 5:16 reminds us, "Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves." The episode wraps up with a practical conversation about living on mission where we live, work, and play — whether that's disc golf with a skeptical friend, intentional conversations with neighbors, or simply letting the fruit of the Spirit shine in the workplace over time.

Pastor Matt Sturdevant began a new sermon series on the book of Acts, examining Acts 1:1-11 and establishing that Jesus continues his mission through the Holy Spirit-empowered church. He made five key points from this passage: Jesus's work is both finished (redemption) and unfinished (mission), we need the Holy Spirit rather than just more human effort, believers must stay focused on the mission instead of getting distracted, the mission is clear according to Acts 1:8, and Jesus's ascension means the mission continues through his disciples. The central verse, Acts 1:8, reveals that power comes from the Holy Spirit, the purpose is to be witnesses (not experts), and the plan extends from local to global - Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Matt also presented two helpful charts during the sermon: the "JAR" chart showing how John, Acts, and Romans fit together in answering key questions, and a structure chart breaking Acts into three sections with Peter (chapters 1-7), Philip (chapters 8-12), and Paul (chapters 13-28) as central figures. He concluded with three applications: we cannot experience God's power without surrendering to Jesus, Jesus's mission is now our mission as disciples, and we cannot live the Christian life in our own strength but need the Holy Spirit as our helper and guide. The passage ends with Jesus's ascension and angels redirecting the disciples from gazing into heaven to getting moving on their mission.

In this episode of the Sunday Extra podcast, Pastor Matt Sturdivant and the Hope Church pastoral team dove deeper into the sermon covering John chapters 17 through 19, focusing on Jesus's final hours. The message highlighted three key episodes: Jesus's high priestly prayer in John 17, where He prayed for Himself, His disciples, and future believers; the betrayal, arrest, and trials before both Jewish and Roman authorities in John 18; and the crucifixion, death, and burial in John 19. Pastor Matt emphasized that Jesus was never a victim but remained in complete control throughout His passion. The discussion explored the political context surrounding Pilate's difficult position, caught between Roman authority and Jewish pressure. The team also examined the brutal reality of crucifixion, noting that the English word "excruciating" literally means "out of the cross," showing how this became the benchmark for ultimate suffering. The conversation concluded with encouragement for Easter invitations, using the "three T's" (tension, transition, trouble) and "four nots" (not doing well, not from around here, not prepared, not in church) to identify spiritually open people.

This episode of the Sunday Extra podcast features Pastor Jeremy, Pastor Brian Crop, and Pastor Matt Sturdivant discussing Brian's recent sermon, "The Final Hours Part One," which examines Jesus's final hours of ministry. Brian's central message was that God-honoring love is a verb - something we do rather than just feel. He explored the Greek concept of agape love, which is selfless, willful, and sacrificial, and emphasized how Jesus redefined love as a decision rather than merely an emotion. The discussion delved deeply into the doctrine of the Trinity, with Pastor Matt sharing insights from his seminary paper on the subject. They explained how the Trinity is involved in salvation across past, present, and future - with the Father as the source and planner, the Son as the means and achiever, and the Holy Spirit as the applier of salvation. The Holy Spirit serves as our helper (Paraclete), guiding believers into truth and empowering them for Christian living through His multifaceted ministry, including conviction, regeneration, indwelling, and gifting. A significant portion addressed the relationship between obedience and love for God, drawing from John 14. The pastors clarified the crucial distinction between the means of salvation (grace through faith alone) and the evidence of salvation (visible life change and obedience). They stressed that while we're not saved by works, genuine salvation will produce fruit in the form of good works and transformed behavior, emphasizing that "faith that saves is never alone."

In this Sunday Extra podcast, Pastor Matt walks through John chapters 7-12, covering Jesus's final six months of public ministry before the cross. During this intensifying period, Jesus became increasingly direct about his divine identity through seven miraculous signs and "I am" statements - claims that clearly identified him as God to the Jewish leaders. These Revelations divided people into three groups that still exist today: the curious (interested but undecided), the convinced (those who believe), and the combative (those moving toward open hostility). The sermon particularly focused on spiritual blindness, drawing from the healing of the man born blind in John 9. Pastor Matt offered a "you might be spiritually blind if" framework, identifying warning signs like resisting correction, explaining away clear Biblical commands, being confident in your righteousness while cold toward Jesus, and dismissing consistent feedback from godly people. The discussion emphasized that evidence alone doesn't produce faith, and that every person must decide how to respond to Jesus - the same choice people faced two millennia ago.

Pastor Matt delivers a comprehensive warning about progressive Christianity and its political manifestations, using Texas State Senator James Talarico as a primary example. Talarico, who is pursuing theological training and frequently uses Christian language in politics, promotes positions that directly contradict Biblical Christianity including support for same-sex marriage, LGBTQ inclusion, and expanded abortion access. Pastor Matt explains that progressive Christianity differs fundamentally from Biblical Christianity in five key areas: Biblical authority, sexual ethics, abortion, government's role, and the mission of Jesus. The core theological disagreement centers on interpretive authority - progressive Christians interpret Scripture through modern moral understanding, while Biblical Christians believe modern moral thinking must be corrected by Scripture. Pastor Matt outlines eight warning signs that progressive theology might be influencing churches, including Scripture being quoted but its authority quietly redefined, sermons focusing more on cultural issues than Biblical texts, and the gospel becoming about social transformation rather than salvation from sin. He provides diagnostic questions to help listeners assess their own beliefs and identifies common progressive talking points that twist Biblical passages out of context.

Pastor Matt tackled the longest chapter in John's Gospel, breaking John 6 into four key sections. First, Jesus feeds the 5000, demonstrating that he meets real needs and is never surprised by them, but he multiplies what we choose to surrender. The crowd wanted to make him king, but only a certain kind of king. Second, Jesus walks on the water, revealing he's not just a provider but God himself - using the sacred "I am" when he tells the frightened disciples not to be afraid. The third section focuses on Jesus as the bread of life, where his teachings became difficult and many people left because they were only seeking him for a free meal, not genuine faith. This leads to the final section where Jesus asks the remaining disciples if they want to leave too, and Peter responds with his famous declaration: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). Pastor Matt emphasized that hard teachings act like sieves, separating curiosity from commitment, surface belief from genuine faith, and those who want Jesus on their terms versus his terms.

This Sunday Extra podcast episode begins with Matt addressing the recent conflict between America and Iran, providing Biblical perspective on how Christians should respond to world events. He shares multiple Scripture passages emphasizing God's sovereignty and the importance of prayer, while cautioning against misinformation and AI-generated content. Matt stresses that believers should spend more time in God's Word than consuming news, maintaining a healthy ratio of Scripture to current events. Jeremy then discusses his sermon on John 5:1-18, focusing on Jesus's encounter with the paralytic at the Pool of Bethesda. He introduces the concept of "magic pool mentality" - our tendency to look for quick fixes rather than trusting in Jesus for genuine healing and transformation. The invalid had been waiting 38 years for healing, yet when Jesus offered it directly, the man still looked to the pool rather than recognizing the true source of restoration standing before him. This challenges modern believers to examine whether they're trusting in systems, methods, or worldly solutions instead of placing their faith in Christ's transforming power.

Pastor Matt Sturdivant explored John chapter 2, highlighting two key scenes that reveal Jesus' transformative mission. At the wedding in Cana, Jesus turned water into wine, demonstrating that He brings something entirely new rather than just improving what exists. Using the stone purification jars representing the old system, Jesus showed He offers heart transformation, not mere behavior modification. Many believers settle for "water level Christianity" that's safe and shallow, when Jesus offers a "good wine level life" full of joy, power, and Spirit-led living. Significantly, this first miracle happened at an ordinary celebration, showing Jesus cares about every part of our lives - family, work, stress, and even our messes. The second scene, Jesus cleansing the temple, revealed His confrontation with corrupted worship. What was meant to be a house of prayer had become a religious Marketplace exploiting worshipers. Jesus wasn't just cleaning a building but declaring a shift - He Himself would become the meeting place between God and humanity. After the cross, the temple curtain was torn from top to bottom, removing the barrier between God and people. Pastor Matt concluded with four applications: stop settling for water Christianity, invite Jesus into ordinary life, let Him flip tables in corrupted areas, and build life on the risen Jesus rather than religious systems. The extended podcast discussion clarified that John 2 doesn't license indulgence in alcohol or anger, but calls for submitting all freedoms to Christ's lordship.

In this podcast episode from the sermon on John 1:35-51, titled "Come and See: Being Found by Jesus," the pastor examines the calling of Jesus's first disciples to illustrate how salvation works. The passage shows John the Baptist referring his own disciples to Jesus, which was unheard of in that culture, demonstrating God's initiative in salvation. When Jesus turns and asks the disciples, "What are you seeking?" it reveals that questions are often better than answers and that Jesus is always the initiator in our spiritual journey. The episode emphasizes that salvation is initiated by God, responded to by people, and applied through relationships. The life-changing invitation to "come and see" becomes a model for how believers should invite others into a relationship with Jesus. Pastor Matt explains that we find people using Andrew's immediate response to bring his brother Simon (later called Peter) to Jesus as an example. The message also touches on baptism as an act of obedience that follows salvation, not something that saves us, but rather evidence of our response to God's grace. The sermon concludes with practical applications about how believers can extend four types of invitations: to get to know someone better, to share burdens through prayer, to invite people to church, and ultimately to receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.

This podcast centers on the launch of a new sermon series through the Gospel of John, with the speakers discussing how John's Gospel uniquely focuses on revealing Jesus's deity. They examine John's explicit purpose statement in John 20:31, where he writes so that readers "may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." The discussion highlights the prologue of John (verses 1-18), where Jesus is presented as the eternal Word who was present at creation and became flesh to reveal God to humanity. A significant portion focuses on John the Baptist's declaration of Jesus as "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1:29), connecting this title to Old Testament sacrificial imagery from Abraham and Isaac through the Passover and Day of Atonement. The speakers emphasize that Jesus fulfills both aspects of the Day of Atonement - being both the sacrifice for sin and the one who carries our sins away. They stress that our greatest problem isn't our difficult circumstances, but our sin, and that salvation is offered as a free gift through Jesus Christ.

In this episode, Pastors Matt and Brian reflect on the recent winter storm that forced them to pre-record their church service, sharing how God sometimes changes our plans to provide needed rest. Matt introduced the major sermon series called "The Bible in a J.A.R.," covering the books of John, Acts, and Romans over the next several months. Pastor Matt explains that these three books perfectly illustrate the discipleship journey: John shows us who Jesus is (meeting Jesus), Acts demonstrates how to live out our faith in mission (joining His mission), and Romans provides the theological foundation for why it all works (growing in truth). He emphasizes that Jesus is the central figure of all Scripture - the Old Testament points toward Him, and the New Testament explains who He is and what He accomplished. Pastor Matt also encourages listeners to continue their Bible reading plan, particularly as they enter Leviticus, explaining that even the detailed sacrificial laws and rituals described there point forward to Jesus as our perfect sacrifice and great high priest.

In this podcast episode, Hope's Associate Pastors reflect on their congregation's Bible reading plan, having completed Genesis and started Exodus. They discuss how reading through Genesis reveals God's incredible mercy and patience with broken people, noting that the heroes of faith were "mildly screw ups" whom God used for great things. The conversation shifts to personal testimonies as Pastor Meyers shares his journey from physical therapy to ministry, describing how God's call became undeniable during a quiet moment in his clinic. The discussion centers around the "3C's" of discipleship that their church has been teaching: commitment to Christ, connection to His followers, and contribution to His mission. The pastors share how their upbringing in families that prioritized ministry and opened their homes to missionaries and church leaders shaped their understanding of faithful living. They emphasize that while not everyone is called to vocational ministry, the same three principles apply to all believers. The episode concludes with reflections on how genuine connection with other believers is essential for spiritual growth and victory over temptation, noting that simply attending church is different from being truly plugged in and connected to the community.

Pastor Matt's Ministry Mentor Podcast: https://mattsturdevant.com/podcasts/ In this podcast discussion about Hope Church's "Becoming a 3C Disciple" series, Pastors Matt, Brian, Jeremy, and Luke explore what it means to live as committed, connected, and contributing followers of Jesus. They address the challenge of building adult friendships, noting that proximity, timing, and energy are essential for deep relationships - with research showing it takes 74 hours to become casual friends and over 200 hours for close friendships. The discussion emphasizes that Christians don't just attend church but belong to the body of Christ, shaped through relationships where "iron sharpens iron" (Proverbs 27:17). They explore spiritual gifts extensively, explaining that every believer receives at least one spiritual gift at salvation to serve others and glorify God. The conversation includes practical advice about discovering gifts through service, the importance of "doing life together," and the reality that all Christians are called to be servant ambassadors wherever they "live, work, parent, and play."

In the first message of the "3C Disciple" series, Matt began with the foundational truth that "you don't have to stay the way you are," emphasizing that real transformation is possible through Jesus Christ. He defined discipleship as more than just belief - it's about following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and being committed to His mission. The first "C" focuses on being committed to Jesus, recognizing Him as both Savior and Lord, not treating these as separate categories. Matt spent considerable time addressing cultural barriers to commitment, explaining how our society trains us against making lasting commitments through endless options, comfort-maximizing technology, and viewing discomfort as a problem rather than a teacher. He noted how previous generations saw commitment as virtuous and character-building, while today's culture often views it as limiting freedom. The sermon emphasized that obedience doesn't earn salvation but reveals genuine faith, and that loving God requires total life devotion - heart, soul, mind, and strength. Using the "know, be, do" triangle, Matt explained that disciples must know Jesus personally, be transformed by His lordship, and do what He commands. The church is emphasizing Bible reading this year with Joshua 1:8 as their theme verse, encouraging members to read Scripture at least four days a week for spiritual transformation.

In this bonus episode of The Sunday Extra podcast, Matt, Jeremy, and Luke begin by sharing their Thanksgiving experiences before discussing the recent sermon delivered by guest speaker Mike Poff, who shared ten lessons he learned during his ministry at Hope Church. The hosts reflect on several key lessons that resonated with them, including "be a learner," "get wise counsel," "ministry comes at inconvenient times," and "God defines success as faithfulness." The conversation then shifts to approaching Christmas with the right mindset, focusing on three critical areas: expectations, priorities, and focus. Matt emphasizes that unspoken or unrealistic expectations lead to disappointment and resentment, while proper priorities should center on pleasing God rather than pursuing happiness directly. The hosts remind listeners that when we focus on Christ rather than ourselves during the Christmas season, true fulfillment follows as a byproduct of our obedience and faithfulness to God's commands, as Ecclesiastes 2:26 teaches that God gives wisdom, knowledge, and happiness to those who please Him.

In this concluding message of the "I AM" series, Pastor Matt reviews the seven statements of Jesus that reveal His divine identity: the bread of life, light of the world, the door, good shepherd, resurrection and life, way/truth/life, and true vine. Each statement offers a unique invitation, collectively calling us to respond to God's invitation to relationship through Christ. Pastor Matt celebrates that 26 people surrendered to Jesus and 12 were baptized during the series. Pastor Matt then transitions to explain discipleship as the process of transformation where followers grow to be more like Jesus in character and conduct. This leads to the launch of the church's annual Christmas offering—an 11-week generosity campaign with a goal of $155,000 to support kingdom-building initiatives locally (like Union Gospel Mission), nationally (church plants), globally (missionaries), and on college campuses. He encourages everyone to participate according to their ability, emphasizing that "a little adds up over time" and that together they can accomplish more than individually.

Focusing on Jesus's words in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," this sermon explores how this sixth "I AM" statement in John's Gospel reveals Christ's exclusive claim as the only path to God. Pastor Matt explains how these statements build in clarity throughout John, showing Jesus's increasing revelation of His divine identity. Against cultural relativism that claims "your truth" and "my truth," the sermon emphasizes that truth is not a concept to be defined by individuals but a person to be known and followed. For non-believers, Jesus offers forgiveness for the past, direction for the present, and hope for eternity, while for believers, His way guides our walk, His truth anchors our knowledge, and His life enables our abundant living through abiding in Him.

Join Lead Pastor Matt Sturtevant, Pastor Brian Cropp, and Pastor Luke Myers for an in-depth discussion of the fifth "I Am" statement from Jesus in the Gospel of John. In this episode, we unpack Jesus's declaration "I am the resurrection and the life" from John 11, exploring the profound truths about spiritual life, death, and transformation. What We Cover: The story of Lazarus and what it teaches us about resurrection power Understanding the difference between physical life and spiritual life Jesus's dual role as the giver of life and destroyer of death The critical question: What will you do with Jesus? Why community matters in removing our "grave clothes" The distinction between God's role and our role in spiritual transformation Two judgments we all face: salvation and stewardship Understanding conversion, regeneration, justification, and sanctification Why you can't be spiritually "sinless" on this side of heaven (but you can sin less!) Behind the Scenes: Hear about the unplanned technical difficulties during the 9:30 service that became a perfectly-timed sermon illustration about being connected to the power source! Key Takeaway: Life in Christ is personal, but never private. We're called to grow in community, take next steps of obedience, and help others experience the transformation that comes from moving from spiritual death to spiritual life. Perfect for anyone wrestling with questions about faith, salvation, spiritual growth, or what it means to truly follow Jesus.

Pastor Matt examined Jesus' "I am" statements from John 10, where Christ describes Himself as both the door of the sheep pen and the good shepherd. As the door, Jesus divides (keeping some things in and others out) and demands a decision about which side we choose to be on. As the good shepherd, Jesus knows His sheep, calls them by name, protects them, and gathers them from all nations. Pastor Matt outlined four practical responses for believers: dependence (recognizing we need Jesus daily), obedience (following His voice through Scripture), community (belonging to a church family), and protection (standing firm through Scripture and spiritual support). He emphasized that "the Spirit of God will never lead you to act contrary to the Word of God," providing numerous examples of misguided spiritual "promptings" that contradict Scripture. The sermon concluded by challenging listeners to consider which side of the door they're on and whose voice they're following.

In this Sunday Extra podcast, Pastor Matt expands on his sermon about Jesus' statement "I am the light of the world" from John's Gospel. This declaration occurred during the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles), when Jews commemorated God's guidance through the wilderness as a pillar of fire. Throughout Scripture, light symbolizes God's holiness, truth, glory, life, guidance, righteousness, and fellowship, while darkness represents sin, ignorance, Satan's realm, and separation from God. The discussion explores how believers are called to walk in Christ's light and reflect it to others, with Pastor Matt noting that "to be a follower of Jesus is to be in a spiritual battle." The podcast also examines why there are four Gospel accounts with different perspectives: Matthew presents Jesus as King to a Jewish audience, Mark portrays Him as Servant to Romans, Luke depicts Him as the Perfect Man to Greeks, and John emphasizes His deity as the Son of God to all people. This explains why John's Gospel contains the seven "I AM" statements that reveal Christ's divine nature.

Pastor Matt delves into John 6 where Jesus declares "I am the bread of life," examining how this statement reveals three distinct responses to Jesus that remain relevant today. The first response was outright rejection, as many in the crowd grumbled and walked away when Jesus' teaching became difficult. The second response was shallow faith, demonstrated by disciples who initially followed Jesus but turned back when his teachings challenged them. The third response was true faith, exemplified by Peter who declared, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68). The sermon emphasizes how we face the same choice today between rejecting Jesus, following with shallow commitment, or embracing true faith. Pastor Matt quotes Charles Spurgeon who described faith as "believing that Christ is what he said to be, that he will do what he has promised to do, and expecting this of him." Just as physical food sustains our bodies, we must feed on Jesus daily through Scripture, prayer, and obedience to be spiritually nourished and transformed into his likeness.

This episode launches our new series on the seven "I Am" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John. Pastor Matt explores why these two words carried such weight that religious leaders tried to stone Jesus for blasphemy. Key Topics Understanding "I Am" - When Jesus said "I am," He used the same phrase God spoke to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This wasn't casual conversation - it was a direct claim to deity that His audience understood immediately. God's Perfect Timing - The 400 years between testaments saw God orchestrating history: Greek became the universal language, messianic hopes were rekindled, and Rome built roads that would carry the gospel across the world. The Distinguishing Factor - Jesus separates Christianity from every other world religion. He's not just a teacher or prophet - He claimed to be God in the flesh and the only way to salvation. As C.S. Lewis argued: Jesus is either a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. No Neutral Ground - "Who is Jesus?" demands an answer. Questions are welcome, but staying undecided is itself a decision. Three people trusted Jesus as Savior on Sunday, and we're praying for more throughout this series. Join us next week as we explore "I am the bread of life."

In this episode of Sunday Extra, the pastoral team continues their discussion from Pastor Matt's "Anxious for Nothing" series, exploring the practical application of Philippians 4:4-9. The conversation centers on the "coffee filter" metaphor for filtering thoughts through biblical criteria: whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praiseworthy. The pastors address the distinction between fear and anxiety, clarifying that while some fear can be healthy (reverent fear of God, appropriate caution), anxiety represents future-oriented worry that reflects lack of trust in God. They discuss how modern information overload - particularly social media consumption averaging over 2 hours daily - can increase anxiety rather than provide clarity. A significant portion explores the lies we commonly believe about personal worth, control, relationships, and forgiveness. The team emphasizes that discerning truth requires filling our minds with Scripture, walking in obedience to God, and being in authentic community with other believers who can provide honest perspective. Looking ahead, Pastor Matt previews the upcoming series on Jesus's seven "I Am" statements from John's Gospel. This series connects directly to the anxiety theme - while worry represents the problem, Jesus is the answer. The seven statements (bread of life, light of the world, door, good shepherd, resurrection and life, way/truth/life, true vine) will help listeners understand who Jesus is and what He offers. The episode concludes with information about fall connection groups studying these topics alongside the sermon series, complete with companion journals for deeper application throughout the week.

Pastors Matt, Luke, and Jeremy dive deep into the core of biblical anxiety relief: Philippians 4:6-7. In this episode, they break down the practical difference between the ESV and NLT translations, share personal struggles with finances and uncertainty, and explore how prayer transforms worry into peace. The discussion addresses recent challenging events while demonstrating how God's timing in sermon planning often provides exactly what we need to hear. What You'll Discover: Why the NLT translation offers powerful practical help for anxious moments How to handle finances and uncertainty without falling into worry The spiritual roots of society's current struggles with anxiety and violence Four practical steps to take when anxiety begins to bubble up Why reminding ourselves of the gospel isn't just for new believers Featured Scripture: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Join Pastor Matt and Luke for a conversation about anxiety, fear, and finding peace in Christ. In this episode, they dive deep into the new sermon series "Anxious for Nothing" based on Philippians 4:4-7, sharing personal stories of overcoming anxiety and practical steps for trusting God in difficult circumstances. What You'll Discover: - How to cultivate joy even in challenging circumstances - Practical steps for battling anxiety as a Christian - Real-life stories of trusting God during family emergencies - The difference between happiness and biblical joy - Why "The Lord is at hand" changes everything about our anxiety Featured Scripture: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7

Join Rick Myers, Hope Church's Groups Director, as he shares his journey from tragedy to transformation and explains why small groups are essential for spiritual growth. In this episode, Rick opens up about losing his brother in high school, finding faith in college, and discovering the power of authentic community through men's groups. Discover how groups at Hope Church create space for real relationships, practical care, and spiritual growth that goes beyond Sunday mornings. Whether you're new to groups or considering your next step, this conversation reveals why "doing life together" makes all the difference in walking with Jesus. Key Topics Covered: Rick's personal story and calling to groups ministry The difference between community groups and discipleship groups Practical challenges like childcare and how groups handle them Why same-gender groups often go deeper The upcoming fall semester focus on anxiety and Jesus' "I Am" statements

Join Pastor Matt and the team as they dive deeper into topics from the recent "Financial Squeeze" sermon series that didn't quite fit into Sunday morning. This episode focuses on biblical generosity, tithing, and God's design for our finances. In this episode, we explore the fascinating history behind "In God We Trust" on American currency, dating back to the Civil War era when a Pennsylvania pastor wrote to the Treasury Secretary suggesting this unifying phrase during our nation's most divided time. Pastor Matt addresses common questions about tithing in the New Testament era, explaining how this practice preceded the Mosaic Law and continues to be relevant for Christians today. He breaks down the principles of giving found in the New Testament and clarifies why tithing to the local church specifically matters according to biblical teaching. The conversation also covers the "Generosity Ladder" - a practical framework for growing in biblical giving, from first-time gifts to legacy giving that impacts the kingdom long-term. They discuss the four components of God-honoring giving: systematic, proportional, sacrificial, and cheerful. Finally, Pastor Matt explains Hope Church's financial stewardship practices, including budgeting, board oversight, third-party audits, and accountability measures that ensure donated funds are used wisely and transparently.

Welcome back to another episode of Sunday Morning Extra! This week, our pastoral team delves into the challenging topic of contentment and why it's such a countercultural message in today's world. What We Cover: In this episode, we explore why contentment feels so unnatural in American culture and how everything around us is designed to create discontentment. We discuss the three major forces working against contentment: social media amplification (where influencers portray unrealistic lifestyles), endless product cycles that push constant upgrades, and comparison culture that makes us feel inadequate. Our team shares personal stories of learning contentment through difficult experiences - from job disappointments and health challenges to broken expectations about what God "owes" us. We tackle the dangerous prosperity gospel message and why it's so appealing yet fundamentally flawed. Key Discussions: Why 70% of GDP comes from consumer spending, and what that means for Christians The moment when gas prices crossed $1 and never looked back (and what that teaches us about inflation) How social media creates unrealistic expectations through carefully curated "perfect" lives Personal testimonies about learning contentment through trials and unmet expectations The difference between God's definition of "good" versus our expectations Why we often write deals with God that He never signed Practical wisdom about budgeting, financial stewardship, and living within your means The danger of the prosperity gospel: promising the very things we should be fighting against Key Takeaways: ✅ Contentment is learned through experience, often during our most difficult times ✅ Everything in our consumer culture is designed to make us feel like what we have isn't enough ✅ We need to align our definition of "good" with God's, not our desires ✅ The Christian life isn't about having an easy, comfortable life - it's about faithfulness ✅ Budgeting isn't just for people with little money - it's wise stewardship for everyone ✅ True contentment comes from understanding that everything beyond hell is a gift from God Join us this Sunday at Hope Church! We'd love to have you worship with us as we continue our series on biblical principles for life.  Can't make it in person? While we're glad you're joining us through the podcast, there's something special about gathering together in community. Come as you are - we'll save you a seat! Thanks for listening to Sunday Morning Extra - where we take the Sunday message and dig a little deeper into what it means to live out biblical principles in everyday life.

Join Pastor Matt Sturdvant, Pastor Luke Myers, Pastor Jeremy Good, and Pastor Brian Cropp as they dive into the launch of Hope Church's new sermon series "The Financial Squeeze" and share personal stories about navigating financial pressures. n This Episode: The pastors share their weekend highlights, including Rhonda Gales' retirement celebration and some late-night lawn mowing adventures Personal stories about the last time each pastor felt a real financial squeeze - from car troubles to unexpected medical bills How different personalities respond to pressure: Do you go toward "idleness" or become a "busybody"? The importance of taking personal responsibility and partnering with God in our work Practical advice for excelling in your field, whether you're a student, professional, or stay-at-home parent How faithfulness in small things prepares us for bigger opportunities Key Takeaways: ✅ Everyone has God-given responsibilities that look different in each season of life ✅ Your future is built out of your faithfulness today ✅ Turn your commute into a classroom - practical tips for continuous learning ✅ God often uses our secular work experiences to prepare us for future ministry Whether you're facing financial pressure right now or just want to hear some honest conversation about money, work, and trusting God through life's squeezes, this episode offers both encouragement and practical wisdom.

Welcome back to Season 3 of the Sunday Extra podcast! After a refreshing summer break, Pastors Matt, Brian, Luke, and Jeremy are back to dive deeper into Sunday's message about God's multigenerational plan. This week, they explore how different generations can work together in the church and what it means to have "all hands on deck." Join us for some laughs with the "Mind the Gap" generational trivia game, insights into building a 150-year church vision, and a preview of the upcoming "Financial Squeeze" series.

Join our pastoral team as they wrap up this season with another engaging and authentic conversation. Our host shares a hilarious "real life" moment of being stuck at a stoplight due to a truck blocking the trigger sensor, leading to a discussion about patience and navigating daily frustrations. The team dives into the recent Mother's Day sermon about doubt and unshakable faith, sharing personal experiences of wrestling with intellectual questions and finding their way back to trust in God. Listen as they recommend helpful resources and discuss how prayer remains essential even when facing challenging theological questions. Highlights include: The baptism dilemma: cold water vs. Trinity River (and whether cheese grits or grape jelly would be worse alternatives!) Parenting lessons learned from their mothers How to handle doubt while continuing to move forward in faith The importance of community when facing spiritual struggles That powerful biblical statement: "I believe; help my unbelief." This is our season finale, but join us at Hope Church this summer for our sermon series on the Lord's Prayer. Subscribe to catch our return and any surprise bonus episodes!

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In her new book “Toxic Empathy,” Allie Beth Stuckey urges Christian women to break free from progressive narratives that manipulate emotions at the expense of truth. Get the facts first on Morning Wire.Netsuite: Make better business decisions with NetSuite. https://www.NetSuite.com/MORNINGWIRE

A group of Jewish professors is suing their openly Marxist teachers union, arguing that forced representation by a union actively engaged in anti-Semitism violates their First Amendment rights. Get the facts first on Morning Wire.Birch Gold: Text "WIRE" to 989898 for your no-cost, no-obligation information kit.Black Rifle Coffee: Give back by drinking America's coffee! Get an exclusive discount with code DAILYWIRE: https://www.blackriflecoffee.com

Governor Stitt's bold moves to protect families, and institute common sense policies in Oklahoma. Get the facts first on Morning Wire.

Wisconsin is one of the most critical battleground states in the 2024 presidential election. Senator Ron Johnson joins us to discuss Wisconsin's political landscape and the GOP strategy to secure his state's electoral votes. Get the facts first on Morning Wire.

Republican Congressman Chip Roy discusses the Senate's push to include women in the draft, election integrity, and the national debt. Get the facts first on Morning Wire.Fast Growing Trees: Get 15% off your entire order. Use Promo Code ‘WIRE' at http://www.fastgrowingtrees.com

Fearless attorney Harmeet Dhillon discusses the politically driven "lawfare" against Trump, his associates, and supporters. Get the facts first on Morning Wire.Birch Gold: Text "WIRE" to 989898 for your no-cost, no-obligation information kit

Europe is seeing a dramatic shift toward the right as conservatives and populists make major parliamentary gains. Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at The Heritage Foundation explains Europe's political earthquake. Get the facts first on Morning Wire.

Florida Congressman Byron Donalds is in studio sharing his thoughts on being a potential VP candidate for Donald Trump, his insights on Trump's broad appeal, and the shifting political landscape, Get the facts first on Morning Wire.