Hope Church (Dubuque)

Marty walks us through four often-overlooked “one another” commands in Scripture that are essential for how we handle sin—in ourselves and each other—as a church. In a culture that resists accountability and avoids the topic of sin, we’re called to something deeper: to submit to one another, admonish one another, spur one another on, and forgive one another. These practices are uncomfortable, but they’re necessary for us to grow in holiness, protect each other from sin’s destruction, and reflect the grace and power of the Gospel together.

Mark challenges us to “handle one another’s differences” by living out the “one another” commands of Scripture—not just tolerating each other’s quirks, but actively choosing humility, love, and honor in the midst of our differences. Using the metaphor of cartilage in a knee, he explains that these biblical instructions—like patience, gentleness, and forgiveness—keep our relationships from becoming painfully abrasive. While it’s natural to get annoyed with others, especially in close community, we’re called to bear with one another in love, not isolate or grumble. This isn’t extra-credit Christianity—it’s the outflow of God’s work in us. As we clothe ourselves with compassion and put on sincere love, we reflect God’s grace and put the gospel on display in a broken world.

In this message, Mark unpacks Jesus’ final words in Matthew 28—the Great Commission—as both a call and a promise. After exploring the life-changing invitation to follow Jesus, Mark challenges us to embrace the next step: making disciples. He reminds us that this command isn't just for the spiritually gifted, but for all who follow Christ. Mark identifies two common missteps—reversing the order of discipleship and believing evangelism is only for experts—and replaces them with a clear, grace-filled path: be a disciple and make disciples. It starts with understanding our own need for rescue and continues as we share the hope we’ve found in Jesus with those around us. And through it all, Jesus assures us of His presence, power, and partnership.

Today, Caleb, our Student Pastor, shares a powerful message on identity, walking us through Psalm 139 and reminding us that our true worth is found in Christ alone. Drawing from conversations with students and personal stories, Caleb challenges us to recognize how often we chase after false identities rooted in appearance, status, wealth, or skills—and how easily we let the world define us. Instead, he points us back to the unshakable truth that we are fearfully and wonderfully made, known intimately by a God who sees our hearts, not our performance. As we explore what it means to live out our spiritual identity—beloved, righteous, heirs of God, and equipped by His strength—Caleb invites us to step out from behind the masks we wear and fully embrace the freedom and calling we have in Christ.

Ross’s Easter 2025 message invites us to experience the resurrection of Jesus not as a past event, but as a present reality that changes everything. He unpacks how the risen Christ gives us new life—a new position with God, a new perspective on the world, a new purpose for living, and new power through His Spirit. Through the lens of Scripture and real-life baptism, we’re reminded that this life transformation is available not just historically, but personally, today. The empty tomb isn’t just proof of victory over death—it’s an invitation to step into life with Christ right now.

In this week’s message, Pastor Mark walks us through the story of the rich young ruler in Matthew 19, contrasting him with the unlikely team Jesus builds—fishermen, tax collectors, zealots, and outcasts. This man seems like the perfect candidate: wealthy, respected, and moral. Yet when Jesus invites him to follow, the cost—giving up his wealth—is too great. Mark unpacks the invitation through three parts: the character, the call, and the cost. In the end, we’re challenged to consider what we might be holding onto that keeps us from fully surrendering to Jesus.

In this message, Marty continues the Easter series Follow Me by focusing on Jesus’ call to Matthew in Matthew 9:9. He reminds us that the same invitation extended to a despised tax collector thousands of years ago is still being offered to us today. Jesus—who holds power over creation, the spiritual realm, and sin—sees us in our brokenness and calls us to follow Him, not because of our worthiness but because of His grace. Marty challenges us to reflect on who Jesus is, why He would choose someone like us, and what it truly means to follow Him—leaving our past behind, living in a new identity, listening to His voice, serving with our gifts, and surrendering control of our lives to Him.

In this Family Worship message, Ross opens a new series leading to Easter by unpacking the simple yet life-changing invitation of Jesus: “Follow Me.” Looking at Matthew 4:18–22, we see Jesus call His first disciples—ordinary fishermen—to respond in faith, rely on Him completely, and step into a new purpose: reaching the world. Ross challenges us to consider what it truly means to follow Jesus—not just in word, but in daily surrender and obedience—and invites us to reflect on the character, call, and cost of discipleship in our own lives.