Hope Grows

In this episode of the Jesus on Every Page podcast, Pastor Jon explores key themes from scripture, focusing on the withered fig tree, prophecies about the end times, the story of Dinah, and the importance of anger without sin. He emphasizes the need for prayer to align our hearts with God and highlights the vanishing faithfulness seen throughout biblical narratives. The conversation ends with recognizing Jesus's role in forgiveness...

In this episode of the Jesus on Every Page podcast, Jon guides listeners through challenging passages in Genesis, Mark, and the Psalms, exploring key themes such as God's compassion, the nature of sin, and the importance of humility. He highlights the significance of seeing Jesus in the Old Testament, particularly through the story of Abraham and Isaac, and encourages listeners to reflect on their faith journey as they navigate the...

In this episode of the Jesus on Every Page podcast, Jon introduces the journey through the Bible in 2025, focusing on difficult passages and the presence of Jesus throughout scripture. He discusses challenging texts from Genesis and Mark, emphasizing the themes of corruption and the human tendency to stray from God's path. Jon highlights the importance of understanding these passages in the context of God's overarching narrative an...

Summary

In this final episode of the New City Catechism series, Pastor Jon discusses the hope of everlasting life. He emphasizes that this present fallen world is not all there is and that our hope should not be placed in it. However, he also highlights the importance of recognizing the value of this world and our work within it. Pastor John explains that the purpose of every human being is to enjoy God and glorify Him forever. He ...

Summary

In this episode, Pastor Jon explores the question of what advantage Christ's ascension has for us. He explains that Christ's ascension is not just a foregone conclusion, but a part of God's perfect plan. It is a demonstration of God's love for us and His desire to advocate for us. Pastor John also discusses the difference between Protestant and Catholic beliefs regarding advocates with God, emphasizing that Jesus is the onl...

Summary

The conversation explores the question of what Christ's resurrection means for us. It emphasizes that through trust in Jesus, we are raised to new life in this world and to everlasting life in the world to come. The hope of Jesus' resurrection is not limited to eternity but starts now, bringing a new life and true freedom. Additionally, the conversation highlights that just as we will be resurrected, this world will be rest...

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In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses the New City Catechism question number 49: Where is Christ now? He explains that the question is not about finding Christ like in a Where's Waldo book, but rather about understanding the Christian belief that Jesus rose bodily from the grave and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. Pastor John emphasizes the importance of the bodily resurrection of Jesus and how it is not just...

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In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses the question 'What is the church?' He emphasizes that the church is not a building or a leader, but a community chosen and preserved by God. The church is called to worship God together, connect with one another and others, and share the gospel. Pastor John highlights the importance of the church's role in prefiguring Christ's kingdom through the quality of their life together and their...

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In this episode of the Hope Grows podcast, Pastor Jo

Takeaways

The Lord's Supper does not add anything to Christ's atoning work; it is a celebration and reinforcement of what Christ has already done. Partaking in the Lord's Supper with unrepentant hearts brings judgment upon oneself. Before receiving the sacrament, we should examine ourselves and come in repentance and faith. It is important to have difficult conversations ...

Summary

The conversation explores the meaning and significance of the Lord's Supper, also known as communion. It discusses the different interpretations of the Lord's Supper throughout Christian history, including transubstantiation, memorial view, and spiritual presence. The focus is on the spiritual presence belief, which acknowledges the presence of Jesus in communion without defining the exact details. The conversation conclude...

Summary

The conversation explores the question of whether baptism with water is the washing away of sin itself. Different positions within Christianity are discussed, including the belief that baptism is salvific and the practice of re-baptism. The importance of understanding that baptism is a sign and seal of salvation, not the thing that saves, is emphasized. The answer to the question is that only the blood of Christ and the ren...

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In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses the topic of baptism. He explains that baptism is the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It signifies and seals our adoption into Christ, our cleansing from sin, and our commitment to belong to the Lord and His Church. Pastor John explores the different forms of baptism, including immersion and sprinkling, and emphasizes that both are permissible...

Summary

This episode of the Hope Grows podcast explores the topic of sacraments, specifically baptism and the Lord's Supper. The conversation delves into the number of sacraments recognized by different Christian traditions, the significance of sacraments as visible signs and seals of our unity in Christ, and the role of the Holy Spirit in declaring and sealing the promises of the gospel through the sacraments. The episode conclude...

Summary

In this bonus episode of the Hope Grows podcast, Pastor John discusses the various elements of worship and their significance. He explains the purpose behind each element, including reading, singing, and preaching the Bible, as well as praying and confessing sins together. He also emphasizes the importance of preaching the Word and closing with a benediction. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the elements of ...

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In this episode, Pastor Jon Dennis discusses question 42 in the New City Catechism, focusing on how the Word of God is to be read and heard. He emphasizes the importance of diligence, preparation, and prayer in accepting, storing, and practicing the Word of God in our lives.

Takeaways

The importance of diligence, preparation, and prayer in accepting, storing, and practicing the Word of God Encouragement to engage with resou...

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The conversation delves into an exploration of the Lord's Prayer, dissecting its significance and implications for Christians. It covers the themes of reverence, the kingdom of God, and forgiveness, providing insights into the spiritual discipline of prayer and the Christian approach to forgiveness and repentance.

Takeaways

The Lord's Prayer serves as a foundational spiritual discipline for Christians, teaching a pattern fo...

Summary

In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses New City Catechism question number 40, focusing on what we should pray. He emphasizes the importance of using the whole Word of God to direct and inspire our prayers, and provides a demonstration of how to pray using passages of scripture. He also mentions a resource for further exploration of prayer. The episode concludes with an invitation to join the next episode on the topic of the ...

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In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses the New City Catechism and explores the question of with what attitude should we pray. He emphasizes the importance of examining our hearts and aligning our emotions and thoughts as we prepare to pray. He also delves into the concept of God always hearing our prayers and the different ways in which God answers prayers, including 'yes,' 'no,' and 'wait.' Additionally, he highlights the b...