Word of Hope Sermon Series Podcast

Law & Grace: A New Way of Living

Romans 6:12-23 - What does our Christian calling look like in the present day? What should a truly Christian life look like? Our new identity in Christ needs to be expressed in how we live our daily life. Our bodies can be used as weapons against righteousness and will be destructive, or as tools to be used in constructive ways to further righteous pursuits. Find out how: it's a matter of life and death.

The Value of Truth

Reading: 2 Timothy 4:3-4
A very serious and dangerous trend has emerged that has affected Christians as well. This trend goes against one of the most important values of the Christian faith: the value of truth. A message you must listen to from the pastor of Grace Family Church of RI.

Why Have You Forsaken Me?

Reading: Matthew 27:45-54
At the 6th hour of the day a darkness fell over the land and lasted until the 9th hour. During that darkness Jesus, on the cross, cried out, "My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" This statement was misunderstood by some hearing it in person and is still misunderstood today. Was there a break in the relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? Was the Father so cruel that He wanted to kill His own Son? Jesus' story is God's story.  And we all have a story as well - we all have losses, we all have times in our story when we feel forsaken by God. The answers to our questions and pleas can be found in that strange statement.

A Time of Renewal

Reading: Romans 6:1-11
God's grace is truly amazing. He makes a way for restoration. The Holy Spirit dwells in us and shares with us the nature of God. What does our new life in Christ look like?  We have died to sin, as pictured by our baptism, but still have cravings for sin. If it wasn't a serious matter, Jesus Christ would not have died to pay the price for it. But He did, and He made us free. So, because God's Grace is abundant and freely given, should we just live our lives without a thought towards how we live it?

Finding Peace in Jesus

Reading: Matthew 16:22-33
Life can be overwhelming at times. Everyday we, and everyone else in the world, experience events that affect the life we live. Some are short and transitory, others may be prolonged. Both can be profound and change lives forever. How we react depends largely on where the focus in our lives is. Both, peace in the storm and shelter from the storm, are found in Jesus Christ. Those who do not know this need to be told. It is a life changing message that we have been entrusted to deliver.

Pleasing God Rather Than Men

Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Are we comfortable in sharing that we are Christians? Would we suffer for the Gospel, and sing praises to God while we are suffering? We are not called to share error, but truth, not as part of an agenda, but with pure motives. We are called to be straight forward and truthful. Have we been approved by God? What is our heart about, would it stand the test Paul and Silas faced? We do not speak to please men. We are not greedy, not here to get something out of it. We are not here for the glory or to boast. Christians are here to nurture, like a mother tenderly feeding a newborn, not to overwhelm with our knowledge.

Pain and Suffering in Our World

Reading: Revelation 21:4
Until it strikes home, we tend to ignore it and close an eye to it, but the world around us is riddled with sin and the suffering that sin unleashes on us all. Is there any hope? Are we destined to succumb to the presence of evil and pain in our world? Or does God actually have a plan for it all?

God's Amazing Love

Reading: Romans 5:1-11
Especially in times of uncertainty it is vital for us to know that God loves us and what that mean. But it is also vital for us to understand that we have been called to share something absolutely breathtaking and have been charged with the responsibility to express the love of God to everyone around us.

Vital Resources for the Believer

Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9
In the introduction of the first letter of Paul to the Corinthians we can find hidden gems that are particular important to all of us. From how we should approach a problem that needs to be corrected to how we are called to use the gifts that the Lord has bestowed upon us, this is a message that should not be missed, as it sets the pace for the whole letter and makes an important difference in the way we interact with one another.

Living by the Spirit

Reading: Romans 8:12-25
We know we are justified and stand in God's grace. Yet, we often see ourselves being influenced by this world. If we think we have an obligation to the flesh, we are like an elephant thinking he's a dog. But how do we understand our struggle within? Are good and evil really battling inside us? Are they two equal powers at war against each other? The answer is a resounding no, but find out why....

Our Human Struggle

Reading: Romans 7:14-25

We are all in a lifelong journey to actually become who we are already declared to be in Christ. We are not sanctified by our own efforts, but rather in Christ by the work of the Holy Spirit. That work is accomplished at God's own pace, not our own. Find out how this transformation occurs and what our role in it is.

Patient Endurance

Reading: James 5:7-11
We all experience trials and difficulties in life. But have you ever noticed that the advent of Jesus was and will be in times of crisis? Can that be the same for us today? And if so, what difference does that make, especially when we hurt? Can we really rejoice in our trials?

To Know the Love of Christ

Reading: Ephesians 3:14-21
Do you ever feel weak, limited, incapable of fulfilling the work that the Lord has given you to do? Then you absolutely need to listen to Paul's words from Ephesians 3! You need to realize the depth, the breadth, the width and the height of the love of God in Christ and in you, and Who is in you.

Ancient Promises Fulfilled in Jesus

Reading: Luke 1:46-55
There is so much we can learn from a young woman, Mary, and how she responded to God. We learn about the amazing privilege we have to be part of His plan and His work. We learn about the power of humility and of God's love expressed through us. We learn about the significance of little moments and of the choices we make on a daily basis. But we also learn about God's amazing grace and how committed He is to fulfill His promises.

Is God to Blame When It Hurts?

Reading: Job 1; Jeremiah 32:27

Many are the ways in which we are exposed to pain and trials in life: a serious illness that shatters a family’s hopes, financial reversals that take away a family’s security, a problem son or daughter who brings sadness and disgrace. All around us we find hearts aching, in need of comfort and understanding. But why does this happen? Why would God allow all this? Is it really fair?