In this episode, we gather on the third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday, which emphasizes the theme of joy. Lets reflect on the unique nature of Advent as a season of joyful waiting, contrasting it with the somberness of Lent. We are reminded that our waiting for the Lord is not just a passive act but an active vigil filled with hope, peace, and expectation.Our focus is on Philippians 4:4-9, that encourages listeners to rejoice in the Lord always, even amidst trials and suffering. Paul, writing from prison, exemplifies how joy and suffering can coexist. Its important to importance of focusing on the Lord rather than our circumstances, reminding us that our joy should be evident in our actions. We discuss the significance of being reasonable and gentle in our responses to life's challenges, recognizing that the Lord is always near.Ultimately, the call to embrace joy as a response to the hope and peace we have in Christ, encouraging us to celebrate His goodness and remain steadfast in our faith as we await His return.

In this message, we explore 1 Corinthians 4:8-21, diving deep into Paul’s words to the divided Corinthian church. Through themes of humility, spiritual correction, and the true nature of Christian leadership, we uncover vital lessons for our faith journey, especially during this Advent season.

In this podcast episode, the Pastor Mike Hooper reflects on the significance of Advent, a tradition he initially viewed as outdated but has come to appreciate over the years. He emphasizes the importance of setting aside time in the church calendar to focus on key aspects of faith, such as the Second Coming of Christ, the Incarnation, and the passion of Jesus. The speaker highlights how holidays, originally rooted in holy days, serve as reminders to pause and reflect on what truly matters, centering around the person and work of Jesus Christ.The episode transitions to a reading from 1 Thessalonians 3, where the Apostle Paul expresses joy upon receiving good news about the faith and love of the Thessalonian church. The speaker contrasts Paul's tone in this letter with his more corrective letters to the Corinthians and Galatians, noting the encouragement and comfort Paul derives from the Thessalonians' steadfastness in faith amidst his own afflictions.As the discussion unfolds, the speaker delves into the meaning of Advent, describing it as a time of "presence after absence." He draws parallels between his personal experiences of longing during a year and a half of separation from his beloved and the Christian anticipation of Christ's return. The speaker emphasizes that, like Paul, believers can find hope and encouragement in the faith of others, and he encourages listeners to pray for love to abound within the church.The episode concludes with a reminder of the hope Christians have in the return of Christ, urging listeners to live in anticipation of that day without fear, as there is no condemnation for those in Christ. The speaker encourages a focus on hope during the Advent season, inviting listeners to let that hope fuel their devotion and discipleship.

In this episode, we conclude our Reformation series titled "Post-Tenebrous Lux," which translates to "after darkness, light." We delve into 2 Timothy 3 and the beginning of chapter 4, where Paul warns Timothy about the challenges of the last days, emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and the teachings of Scripture.

We reflect on the historical context of the Reformation, starting with the life of Daniel, who faced darkness but was assured of the light to come through the Messiah, Jesus Christ. This theme of light after darkness resonates throughout history, including the Reformation period, where figures like John Wycliffe, Jan Hus, and William Tyndale sought to return God’s people to His Word.

The central theme of our discussion is "sola scriptura," or Scripture alone, which became a rallying cry during the Reformation. We explore how this principle emerged as a response to the corruption and misinterpretation of Scripture in the church, leading to a renewed focus on the authority of God's Word.

We highlight Martin Luther's pivotal role in the Reformation, particularly his famous stand at the Diet of Worms in 1521, where he declared, "My conscience is held captive by the Word of God." This moment underscored the belief that the authority of the church must be rooted in Scripture, not in human tradition or authority.

As we wrap up, we emphasize that the Word of God is not just a collection of texts but is breathed out by God, making it profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. We encourage our listeners to hold fast to the truth of Scripture, recognizing its power to guide and transform lives, even in the midst of darkness.

Join us as we continue to explore the significance of God's Word in our lives today and the enduring legacy of the Reformation.

In this episode, we continue our Reformation series titled "Post-Tenebrous Lux," which translates to "After Darkness, Light." We delve into the lives of early Reformers who sacrificed greatly to make the Reformation possible, focusing on the theme of the power and sufficiency of God's Word, encapsulated in the doctrine of sola scriptura—Scripture alone.

In this episode, we dive into Romans chapter six, verses four through eleven, exploring the profound themes of identity and regeneration in Christ. We reflect on the life of John Hus, affectionately known as "The Goose," a key figure in the Reformation who boldly preached the gospel despite facing severe opposition from the Catholic Church.

I share Hus's journey from a young boy in Prague to a professor and ultimately a minister, emphasizing the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in his life. We discuss how Hus's teachings, influenced by Wycliffe, challenged the status quo and brought the message of grace to the people, leading to his martyrdom.

Throughout the episode, I highlight the importance of theology and understanding our identity in Christ, reminding listeners that we are all filled with the same Holy Spirit that empowered great reformers like Hus. I encourage everyone to engage with Scripture, as it shapes our understanding and transforms our lives.

As we reflect on Hus's courage and the impact of his faith, I remind us that while we may not face the same trials, we are called to live out our faith boldly in our everyday lives. We celebrate the victory over sin and death through Christ, urging listeners to embrace their new identity and purpose in Him.

In closing, we pray for the strength to live with boldness and grace, continuing the work of the kingdom in our communities.

00:00:00 - Introduction and Scripture Reading
00:02:16 - John Hus: The Goose
00:03:46 - Hus's Early Life and Education
00:05:41 - The Importance of Theology
00:08:39 - Identity in Christ
00:10:25 - Spiritual Resurrection
00:12:49 - Regeneration and New Life
00:14:48 - Unity with Christ
00:16:09 - The Courage of John Hus
00:19:01 - Hus's Teachings and Opposition
00:21:29 - Hus's Martyrdom
00:23:58 - The Legacy of John Hus
00:25:50 - The Power of the Gospel
00:30:11 - Celebrating New Life in Christ
00:34:20 - Closing Prayer and Reflection

In this episode, we delve into the significance of Scripture in our lives and its historical context, particularly focusing on the life and contributions of John Wycliffe, often referred to as the "Morning Star of the Reformation." We begin by reading from Psalm 119:105, which emphasizes the Word of God as a guiding light, and then transition to 2 Peter chapter 1, where we explore the authority and inspiration of Scripture.

As we continue our series on the Reformation, I share how Wycliffe laid the foundational stones for what would later become the Protestant Reformation, advocating for the authority of Scripture above all else. His conviction that the Bible should be accessible to everyone, not just the clergy, was revolutionary for his time. Wycliffe's efforts to translate the Scriptures into English allowed the common man to engage with God's Word directly, breaking the chains of ignorance that had kept many in spiritual darkness.

We reflect on the importance of understanding our place in church history and how Wycliffe's teachings influenced later reformers like Jan Hus and Martin Luther. I challenge listeners to consider whether they hold Scripture as the final authority in their lives and to actively engage with the Word of God daily.

Ultimately, this episode serves as a reminder that, like Wycliffe, we are called to live in the light of God's Word, allowing it to shape our lives and guide our actions. We must not only acknowledge the authority of Scripture but also apply its teachings in our daily lives, ensuring that we do not fall into a self-imposed darkness despite having access to the light of God's Word.

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Word of God
The speaker introduces the theme of the sermon, focusing on the importance of Scripture.

00:05:30 - Reading of Scripture
The congregation reads selected verses from Psalm 119 and 2 Peter, emphasizing the authority of God's Word.

00:10:00 - The Light of the Reformation
Discussion of the Reformation series and the significance of John Wycliffe in church history.

00:15:00 - Understanding Our Spiritual Heritage
The speaker reflects on personal family history and the importance of understanding one's place in the broader church history.

00:20:00 - The Dark Ages and the Need for Scripture
An explanation of the term "Dark Ages" and how it relates to the accessibility of the Scriptures.

00:25:00 - Erasmus and the Return to the Source
The role of Erasmus in translating the Greek New Testament and its impact on the Reformation.

00:30:00 - Wycliffe: The Morning Star of the Reformation
Introduction to John Wycliffe and his foundational contributions to the Reformation.

00:35:00 - Wycliffe's Commitment to Scripture
Exploration of Wycliffe's belief in the authority of Scripture and its accessibility to all people.

00:40:00 - The Legacy of Sola Scriptura
Discussion on the doctrine of sola scriptura and its implications for the church today.

00:45:00 - Peter's Humility and Equal Standing
Reflection on Peter's letter and the concept of equal standing before God for all believers.

00:50:00 - Living in the Light of God's Word
Encouragement to apply the teachings of Scripture in daily life and to seek a closer relationship with God.

00:55:00 - Conclusion and Call to Action
Final thoughts on the importance of Scripture and a call for believers to engage with the Word of God actively.

Daniel 12

The Church in Exile | The Kings to Come

Daniel 11

Daniel 10:1–21