Hope Church (Dubuque)

We step into Romans 8:1–4 to see the good news that there is no condemnation, real freedom in Christ, and Spirit-led power to live. God does what the law and our effort never could—He condemns sin in Jesus and fulfills righteousness in us so we can walk a new way.

As we close our Becoming Disciples series, we’re reminded that discipleship is a lifelong surrender to Jesus—every part of who we are and what we do. In this message, Pastor Ross invites us to surrender our purpose to Him. We all want our lives to matter, but true purpose begins when Christ’s love compels us to live for Him, not ourselves.

In John 13:1–17, Jesus shocks His disciples by stooping to wash their feet, showing us that true greatness is found in humble, sacrificial service. As disciples, we are called to step off the path of self-interest and take up the towel, living with a new heart of love, a new posture of humility, and a new witness that shines His light into the world. Following the example of Jesus, who gave His life as a ransom for many, we are invited to let Him first wash us and then empower us to serve others for the glory of God.

In Becoming Disciples, we look at what it means to surrender our relationships to Jesus and relate graciously to one another. From Colossians 3:12–15, we’re reminded that as God’s chosen, holy, and beloved people, we are called to reflect Christ’s grace in every relationship. Ross shows us that disciples put on Christ’s character—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love—practice forgiveness as the Lord has forgiven us, and let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Because Jesus has already clothed Himself in humility, forgiven us at the cross, and brought us peace with God, we can extend His grace to others and live differently in the world.

God invites us into a deep, life-giving relationship with Him, but experiencing His fullness takes intention. In this message, Marty challenges us to surrender our habits and cultivate spiritual disciplines—like prayer, Scripture, fasting, worship, and serving—that open us to God’s presence and help us grow together as disciples.

On Vision Sunday, we celebrate all God has done this past year and look ahead with boldness to the year to come. Together, Ross, Mark, and Marty walk us through our vision of “Raising up disciples who surrender their lives to Jesus”—a vision not about producing busy churchgoers, but wholehearted followers who give their lives fully to Christ. We are reminded of the simple but powerful steps of Connect, Grow, and Serve, and as we reflect on the stories, numbers, and lives God has already transformed, we are called to lean in with faith, generosity, and courage as we continue to pursue this mission together.

In this final message of the Etched in Stone series, Pastor Mark walks us through the Tenth Commandment: “You shall not covet.” We learn that coveting is more than simply wanting something—it is a restless longing for what God has given to someone else. This heart issue distorts our contentment, damages our relationships, and distracts us from worshiping God. Ultimately, coveting exposes our need for a Savior. Only in Jesus, who resisted temptation and offers us a new heart, do we find freedom from restless desires and discover true contentment in Him.

In a world filled with hype, spin, and half-truths, the ninth commandment calls us back to honesty: “You shall not give false testimony.” Marty shows us how lying—whether outright, through gossip, exaggeration, half-truths, excuses, flattery, or false accusations—destroys trust, damages relationships, and reflects the character of the enemy rather than God. We are invited to choose truth, confess where we’ve deceived, repair broken trust, and live in the power of the Spirit of Truth. God delights in honesty, and He calls us to be people who love the truth.