In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we dive into the theme of Jesus' kingship as part of our Advent series. Pastor Randy, explores the significance of Jesus being in the line of David, emphasizing that this lineage is not just a historical detail but a profound declaration of His identity as King.

We reflect on the promises made to David in the Old Testament, where God assured that his line would endure forever. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah foretold the coming of a righteous king from David's lineage, culminating in the New Testament where Jesus is recognized as the Messiah.

Pastor Randy discuss the implications of Jesus' kingship, tracing the narrative from the Garden of Eden, where humanity was called to rule, to the ultimate victory over sin and death through His resurrection. The episode highlights that Jesus' kingship is not merely about His importance but signifies the fulfillment of God's grand story of salvation.

As we conclude, the challenge to listeners is to consider whether they have made Jesus the king of their lives and to reflect on areas where they may need to surrender control to Him. We end with a prayer, seeking guidance to fully embrace Jesus as our King.

Thank you for tuning in, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions or thoughts you may have!

#VictoryInJesus #JesusIsKing #DefeatingTheDeceiver #BiblicalTruth #SalvationStory #LiveUnderGrace #GodsPromise #ChristianEncouragement #GreenwoodChurch #BaptistFaith

This week, Pastor Zach invites us to reflect on Advent and the coming of Jesus, the light of the world. Drawing from his own childhood fear of the dark, Zach explores how spiritual darkness has impacted humanity since the fall in the Garden of Eden. Through this message, he highlights how Jesus dispels that darkness, giving us the courage to confront our fears and the realities of sin.  

Zach shares how, like his experience in haunted houses, understanding the truth about our fears and sin removes their hold over us. Using 1 John as a foundation, he reminds us that while we all wrestle with sin, we have an advocate in Jesus who purifies us and calls us to live in righteousness.  

As Christmas approaches, Pastor Zach encourages us to embrace the light of Christ in our own lives and share that light with a world in need. He closes with a heartfelt prayer for those feeling overwhelmed by darkness, offering hope and freedom through Jesus. Don’t miss this inspiring message of light, hope, and renewal during this Advent season.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, join us as pastor Randy introduces our new Advent series focused on the theme of Jesus's incarnation—God becoming man. We reflect on the story of Joseph and Mary, exploring the challenges they faced and the significance of their acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah.

We discuss the importance of understanding that God loves us so much that He chose to become one of us, emphasizing that this is not about man becoming God, but God becoming man. As we delve into the biblical narrative, we highlight the prophecy of Emmanuel, which means "God with us," and how it was fulfilled through Jesus. We also examine the historical context of Israel, where God had been silent for centuries until the birth of Jesus brought forth His presence among the people.

Throughout the episode, we encourage listeners to consider how they receive Emmanuel in their own lives and how they can share this good news with others. We reflect on the different responses to Jesus's birth—from the acceptance of Joseph and Mary to the fear of King Herod—and challenge ourselves to befriend and serve those around us, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith.

Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you have a blessed week as you seek to embody Jesus in every corner of your world.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we dive deep into the significance of food and feasting in the biblical narrative, as presented by Pastor Randy. He reflects on the teachings from last week's message by Zack Killey, emphasizing that just as we need food to live, we also need Jesus for our spiritual nourishment.

Randy highlights that the story of humanity begins and ends with a banquet, starting in the Garden of Eden and culminating in the wedding feast of the Lamb in Revelation. He contrasts the modern understanding of wedding receptions with the vibrant, week-long celebrations of first-century Jewish weddings, filled with joy, music, and dancing.

The episode also explores the importance of the Passover meal, which Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. Randy explains that this meal is a pivotal moment in history, symbolizing God's deliverance and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus as the Lamb of God. He discusses how the early church commemorated this sacrifice through the Lord's Supper, looking back at Jesus' death and forward to the future wedding feast.

As we prepare to celebrate the Lord's Supper, Randy invites listeners to reflect on the significance of this act—remembering Jesus' sacrifice and anticipating the joy of the future banquet with Him, where pain and sorrow will be no more. He encourages everyone, regardless of their church affiliation, to partake in this sacred moment of remembrance and hope.

Join us as we celebrate the richness of God's promises and the joy that awaits us in His kingdom!

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we continue our sermon series titled "Between Kingdoms: Six Questions for November," led by Pastor Zack Killey. Zack addresses the often contentious topic of politics, specifically exploring the question, "Which party's right?"

He begins by recounting the biblical story of Abraham and the Israelites, emphasizing God's covenant with His people and the significance of their journey to the Promised Land. This narrative sets the stage for a deeper discussion about the nature of political allegiance and divine authority.

Throughout the episode, Zack emphasizes that God does not align with any political party. Instead, he calls for individuals to recognize their identity in Christ and to stand behind God's truth, rather than being swayed by political rhetoric. He encourages listeners to make informed voting decisions based on biblical principles, rather than party loyalty.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we continue our series titled "Between Kingdoms: Six Questions for November," where we explore how to think biblically about the upcoming election. Our speaker, Pastor Zack Killey, poses the question, "What does God look for in a presidential candidate?"

Zack begins by referencing Deuteronomy 17:14-20, where God outlines His expectations for Israel's king. He emphasizes that while this passage is specific to Israel, we can glean insights about God's heart for leadership. Key points include the importance of the leader being one of the people, the need for humility, and the necessity of being grounded in God's law.

Zack then transitions to discuss the expectations for Gentile rulers, citing Psalm 2, which calls for wisdom and reverence for God. He highlights that true leadership should reflect a love and fear of God, particularly through Jesus Christ, whom God has appointed as King.

The conversation shifts to the current state of our nation and the challenges we face in choosing leaders who embody these biblical principles. Zack warns against idolatry, sexual immorality, and other sins that can lead to God's judgment on a nation. He stresses the importance of personal repentance and the need for Christians to actively share their faith and make disciples, rather than merely practicing a private religion.

In closing, Zack encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and the state of the nation, urging them to take responsibility for loving their neighbors and sharing the truth of Jesus. He reminds us that real change begins with individuals committed to living out their faith authentically.

Join us as we seek to understand our role in shaping a nation that honors God, and remember to subscribe for more insightful discussions.

00:00:00 - Introduction to New Hope Church Podcast
00:00:42 - Continuing the Series: Between Kingdoms
00:01:13 - What Does God Look for in a Presidential Candidate?
00:01:56 - God's Mandate for Israel's King (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)
00:03:42 - Key Qualities of a King
00:08:27 - God's Expectations for Gentile Kings
00:10:36 - The Importance of Serving the Lord
00:12:06 - The Role of Jesus as the Son
00:12:29 - Judging Nations by Their Actions
00:13:35 - What Leads to God's Judgment on Nations?
00:14:35 - Idolatry and Its Implications
00:15:37 - Understanding Sexual Immorality
00:16:33 - The Dangers of Magic and Sorcery
00:18:18 - The Issue of Drug Use
00:19:24 - Child Sacrifice in Modern Context
00:20:50 - The Problem of Empty Religion
00:22:05 - Disobedience to God's Moral Law
00:23:09 - The Current State of the Nation
00:25:34 - The Role of the Church in Society
00:27:24 - The Need for Discipleship
00:28:40 - Conclusion: Responsibility and Hope
00:33:01 - Closing Prayer and Reflection
00:34:17 - Outro and Invitation to Engage

#podcast #sundayservice #greenwoodindiana #indiana #ellection2024 

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, Pastor Mike Wiggin, dives into the theme of decision-making amidst the current political climate as we approach the upcoming election. Mike emphasizes the importance of filtering our decisions through a biblical lens, particularly focusing on our relationship with Jesus.

He shares a personal experience from a men's retreat in Estes Park, Colorado, where he was challenged by the question: "Do you want me more than you want anything else in this world?" This question serves as a foundation for the discussion on how to prioritize our lives and decisions in alignment with our faith.

Mike outlines the staggering number of decisions we make daily—around 35,000—and categorizes them into commands, promises, and options. He references Deuteronomy 6, highlighting the command to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind, and encourages listeners to process their decisions through this framework.

Throughout the episode, he stresses the significance of listening to God, seeking biblical guidance, and consulting wise counsel when faced with choices. He also addresses the emotional fatigue that can accompany decision-making, particularly in a polarized environment.

As we conclude, Mike invites listeners to reflect on their desire for Jesus in their lives and encourages them to turn back to Him if they find that desire lacking. He reminds us that our ultimate hope lies not in political figures but in Jesus, who is the true source of hope and guidance.

Join us as we explore how to navigate our decisions with faith and intentionality, ensuring that our choices reflect our commitment to Christ.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, I, Randy Spade, one of the pastors at New Hope, continue our sermon series focused on the upcoming election. Instead of telling you who to vote for or what to believe, we aim to address essential questions that need consideration before casting our votes. Last week, we explored the question, "Who am I?" and this week, we tackle the question, "Can I disagree with someone without disrespecting them?"

We dive into a powerful passage from John chapter four, where Jesus engages with a Samaritan woman at the well. This story illustrates how Jesus, despite cultural and social barriers, respected the woman and found common ground with her. He demonstrated that it is possible to express disagreement while maintaining respect for the other person.

As we navigate the current election season, where disrespect and dishonoring opponents seem prevalent, I emphasize the importance of engaging in civil discourse. I share historical examples of political disagreements, highlighting how even prominent figures like Abraham Lincoln invited opposing viewpoints into his cabinet to foster understanding.

Throughout the episode, I encourage listeners to seek first to understand others, admit the possibility of being wrong, and be cautious about the information consumed online. Ultimately, I remind everyone that we are all image bearers of God, deserving of respect, regardless of differing opinions.

I conclude with a prayer, asking for guidance in learning to disagree without disrespecting, and encourage our listeners to reflect on how they can engage in respectful conversations during this election season. Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you find this discussion valuable as you seek to embody the teachings of Jesus in your interactions with others.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, Pastor Zack Killey returns to discuss a timely and often contentious topic: politics.

Zack emphasizes that while politics can be divisive, the focus of the discussion will be on a deeper understanding of our purpose as Christians, rooted in scripture. He references Ephesians 2:1-10 to highlight that we are saved by grace for good works, not by our own efforts. This leads him to explore the greatest commandments given by Jesus in Matthew 22:34-40, which call us to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.

Throughout the episode, Zack challenges listeners to reflect on how they engage with others, especially those with differing political views. He stresses the importance of seeing everyone as image bearers of God and the necessity of sharing the gospel with them. He also discusses the Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8, reminding us that our primary mission is to make disciples of all nations.

Zack warns against the complacency that can arise from relying solely on political leaders to enact change, asserting that true transformation comes from individuals sharing the love of Christ in their everyday lives. He encourages listeners to prioritize their spiritual responsibilities over political debates and to actively engage in loving and sharing the gospel with those around them.

In closing, Zack leads a prayer asking for wisdom and grace as we navigate these discussions and encourages everyone to keep their focus on what truly matters: bringing people to know Jesus.

00:00:00 - Introduction to New Hope Church Podcast
00:00:14 - Welcome and Companion Podcasts
00:00:46 - Zack's Return and Personal Update
00:01:42 - Introduction to Sermon Series on Politics
00:02:10 - Expectations and Offense in Political Discussions
00:03:00 - The Importance of Scripture in Politics
00:03:42 - Ephesians 2:1-10 - Saved by Grace
00:05:39 - Purpose of Salvation: Good Works
00:06:33 - Matthew 22:34-40 - Greatest Commandments
00:08:52 - Loving Your Neighbor
00:10:34 - The Importance of Sharing the Gospel
00:11:09 - Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission
00:12:03 - Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth
00:15:33 - Discipleship Beyond Politics
00:19:22 - God's Love for All Nations
00:20:28 - Eternal Consequences of Inaction
00:22:25 - The Power of the Gospel in Weakness
00:23:37 - The Role of Personal Responsibility in Faith
00:24:10 - The True King and His Authority
00:26:39 - Call to Action: Change Starts with Us
00:27:15 - Closing Prayer and Reflection
00:29:00 - Outro and Encouragement to Engage

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, Pastor Randy Spacht, welcomes our listeners to a special family worship service. Every fifth Sunday, we invite children to join us in the sanctuary, creating an opportunity for both kids and adults to learn how to worship together. Today, we find ourselves in between two sermon series: we just wrapped up a series on grief and will soon begin a new series titled "Between Kingdoms," which aims to guide us as we approach the upcoming elections.

In this transitional moment, we are going to focus on the theme of wisdom, a topic that naturally brings to mind the biblical figure of Solomon, King David's son. Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, but he is also known for having a thousand wives. I delve into both aspects of his life, starting with the context of his reign. Solomon became king during a tumultuous time when the kingdom of Israel was divided, and he faced challenges, including a rival brother who sought the throne.

I recount the pivotal moment when God appeared to Solomon in a dream, offering him anything he desired. Instead of asking for wealth or power, Solomon humbly requested wisdom to govern his people effectively. This request exemplifies true wisdom—recognizing one's limitations and seeking guidance. I share the story of how Solomon demonstrated his wisdom through a remarkable judgment involving two women and a baby, which left the people in awe of his ability to render justice.

As we explore Solomon's wisdom, I draw parallels to the New Testament, specifically the book of James, which encourages us to ask God for wisdom. I emphasize that God is generous and willing to provide wisdom to those who seek it, but we must approach Him with unwavering faith.

However, I also highlight the tragic turn in Solomon's life. Despite his wisdom, he ultimately strayed from God's commands, influenced by his many foreign wives. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of not just knowing what is right but also acting on that knowledge. I challenge our listeners to reflect on their own lives—how often do we know the right thing to do but fail to follow through?

Thank you for tuning in to the New Hope Church podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking or subscribing on your favorite platform. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]. Have a great week, and remember that we are praying for you as you strive to be a reflection of Jesus in every corner of your world.