Christianity is full of surprises, and Christmas is no exception. Out of that idea, The Surprise of Christmas, our Advent sermon series was born. What's surprising about Christmas? Listen in to today's episode to hear David and Leandra share!

Listen to all sermons from this series here.

Mentioned in today's episode:

Christianity's Surprise: A Sure and Certain Hope by C. Kavin Rowe

In today's episode, Senior Pastor David Dwight and guest host Leandra Parks discuss our personhood and our placement in life. We know we have responsibilities in life as individuals, but we also know we aren't entirely individualistic in our culture and society. What does the Bible say about individuals and their dignity, and what does our culture say about the rights of an individual?

Listen to the culture podcast mentioned here.

Philippians 2:3: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

When is the last time you said "good morning" to a complete stranger? Maybe it's not a big part of your culture, or the mannerisms and norms of what you learned from your community alongside people who influenced you. Senior Pastor David Dwight and guest host Leandra Parks talk about how powerful the concept of culture is and how it impacts us in everyday life.

For more information about HOPE Church, visit hopechurchrva.com.

Listen to our latest sermon on Spotify.

Listen to all sermons in the Angels sermon series on YouTube here or on HOPE's website here.

Books + verses mentioned in this episode:

Angels: Who They Are and How They Help--What the Bible Reveals by David Jeremiah

Angels: Ringing Assurance that We Are Not Alone by Billy Graham

Hebrews 1:14: Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Take a next step with us and learn ways you can join community and grow your relationship with God this summer at hopechurchrva.com/nextsteps 

Subscribe to the HOPEcast in your favorite podcast app, rate this episode or leave a review, and share this episode with a friend! Learn more about HOPE Church at hopechurchrva.com 

Scripture references:

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (NIV)

John 14:26 (AMP)

Isaiah 53:3 (NLT)

1 Thessalonians 4:13 (ESV)

Matthew 5:3-10 (NIV)

Subscribe to the HOPEcast in your favorite podcast app, rate this episode or leave a review, and share this episode with a friend! Learn more about Hope Church at hopechurchrva.com

Subscribe to the HOPEcast in your favorite podcast app, rate this episode or leave a review, and share this episode with a friend! Learn more about Hope Church at hopechurchrva.com 

Scripture references:

Matthew 28:18-19

1 Timothy 2:3-4

Matthew 24:14

Acts 1:6-8

Visit hopechurchrva.com/outreach to learn more about outreach opportunities and join us in praying for our summer outreach trips.

Subscribe to the HOPEcast in your favorite podcast app, rate this episode or leave a review, and share this episode with a friend! Learn more about Hope Church at hopechurchrva.com

Scripture references:

John 4:24

Exodus 3

Check out these other episodes on spiritual disciplines:

Why is it important to read the entire Bible? (Season 3, Episode 2)

Prayer: What is it, how do we do it, and why is it important? (Season 3, Episode 3)

What does it mean to practice simplicity? (Season 3, Episode 4)

What does it look like to bear good fruit? (Season 3, Episodes 5)

Scripture references:

Galatians 5:22-23

John 15:1-8

Luke 13:6-9

Romans 8:1

Subscribe to the HOPEcast in your favorite podcast app, rate this episode or leave a review, and share this episode with a friend! Learn more about Hope Church at hopechurchrva.com