Word of Hope Sermon Series Podcast

The Son of God

Reading: Romans 1:1-7

Do we really understand the meaning of the incarnation? It affects the way we look at the gospel, at the mission the Lord has called us to be part of, and even our very lives. It gives meaning to our humanity, to our very existence, and a purpose we can all look forward to. It reveals the nature of our communion with God, and the amazing hope we have been given in Christ.

If You Love Me...

John 14:15-21

Jesus clearly stated that if we love Him we keep His commandments. Is this a legalistic statement, implying that we must first keep His commandments in order to demonstrate our love for the Lord? The issue at hand is not merely academical but profoundly practical and important. A correct understanding of this key statement guides us to the depth of God's love, and how His love is at work in us.

Loneliness

Loneliness is a very difficult aspect of human suffering, and makes coping with the challenges and pain of life all the more difficult. Yet, even loneliness has solutions. Jesus Christ, who enjoyed perfect fellowship and companionship for all eternity, came to this world in a lonely night and died a lonely death to redeem us and give us freedom even from loneliness.

Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled

Reading: John 14:1-14 
Life can be very difficult, and life as a Christian is no exception. Yet, it is when the going gets really tough that the Lord strengthens our hearts with hope. It is a hope that reassures us as He offers us a sure way to God and points us toward a glorious time of celebration and an eternity of fellowship with Him and with one another. This sermon offers answers we all desperately need, especially when we experience the sorrows of this life.

You Shall Be Holy

Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-23 
All too many people today feel that their life is futile and meaningless. How or where can we find meaning? Why do we have so much conflict, and so many broken relationships? The answers are available, and were provided through the apostle Peter. It is a matter of the heart, a matter we cannot afford to ignore.

The Ultimate Renewal

Reading: Acts 11:1-18

More than just an historical event, Peter's meeting with Cornelius marked a turning point in the life of the early church, and carries many teachings even for us today. It speaks to prejudice, to gossip, to conflict, and calls us to live the amazing renewal that the Lord has freely offered to us. It calls us to be true Christians at the core, rather than just playing the role. It is a vital message for all of us.

The Ultimate Commandment

Reading: John 13:31-35
Is the love we so often talk about nothing more than syrupy sentimentalism? Or is there much more to it? What does it really mean to be disciples of Jesus Christ? What really is that love He commanded us to express? Where does it come from? And what does it have to do with our daily living?

All Promises Are Fulfilled in Him

Reading: Luke 9:28-36 
What was the purpose of the transfiguration? Why did Peter not understand it at first? What does the example of Jesus teach us about service and faith? Do we trust God enough to surrender our life to Him? These and other important questions are answered in this short passage of the Gospel of Luke in a way that resonates with us today as well.

Peace for a Modern Thomas

Reading: John 20:19-31 
In the middle of the fear, the stress and the grief of the recent events, the apostles were presented with a truth that was hard to grasp: the resurrection. One of them like many of us had doubts, and he stands before Christ to represent us and our questions. Thanks to him, we have real answers, as well as important lessons about our faith.

Have You Come to the Tomb?

Reading: John 20:1-21

Through the experience of Mary Magdalene, the Lord invites us to come to the tomb to realize the implications of His resurrection for our life. Have you come to the tomb? Is He alive in you? These are vital questions that can make a radical difference in our life. The answers will change the way we face life and growth in the Lord.

The Power of the Tongue - Pt. 2

Reading: Ephesians 4:25-32

We live in an amazing paradox: in an age of communication explosion, most people are unsatisfied with their interpersonal communication. What is the origin of communication problems? What kinds of problems are most typical, and what does the Word of God tell us about it? How can we use sound communication to establish God honoring relationships?

The Power of the Tongue - Pt. 1

Reading: James 3:1-12

Imagine having a razor sharp sword in your hands. Would you wield it wildly, blindly, everywhere around you? Of course not! Such a sword is dangerous, potentially lethal, and its use requires serious thought and consideration. Whether it is used for good or for harm will largely depend on the state of the heart of the individual using it. Now, take the "S" out of the "SWORD" ... what do you have? Our words are potentially just as dangerous, and need to be used with the same care and thoughtfulness as a very sharp tool.

Fear: Taming the Enemy Within

Reading: 2 Timothy 1:3-7

We have all experienced some fear, and in fact there is a fear that is quite good to have. But what about the fear that cripples and enslaves us? Scripture tells us that God has not given us a spirit of cowardice and fear, but of power and love and discipline. God has given us the resources we need, and Scripture can indeed help us understand the nature of our fears and what we can do to tame this enemy that attacks us from within.We have all experienced some fear, and in fact there is a fear that is quite good to have. But what about the fear that cripples and enslaves us? Scripture tells us that God has not given us a spirit of cowardice and fear, but of power and love and discipline. God has given us the resources we need, and Scripture can indeed help us understand the nature of our fears and what we can do to tame this enemy that attacks us from within.

Dealing With Difficult People

Reading: Matthew 5:43-48

What do you do if someone always rubs you the wrong way? Is there anything in the Bible that tells us how we should handle difficult people? How should we respond? Should we be assertive, defensive, avoiding? Jesus gave us some very simple, yet profound instructions which are general enough to embrace just about every situation.

Lessons from a Samaritan Woman

Reading: John 4:1-26

It's unmistakably familiar: we are tired, drained, desperately looking for something that may satisfy. It's like being in the middle of a desert, begging for something that may quench our thirst. Then, someone comes to us, and offers us crystal, clean, fresh and life-giving water....