HOPE Church Raleigh Podcast

We are beginning on the study of how God Himself wants to be worshiped. He is the audience and recipient of our worship. The Scriptures provide all that we need to do it rightly and in a way that pleases Him.

Jesus finally arrives on the scene, God coming to earth as a man, being born of a woman, beginning life as is normal for us. However, in His virgin birth and with the announcement of the Heavenly Hosts, we know that Jesus will have a greater impact on mankind than anyone could ever imagine!

The birth of John the Baptizer provides an opportunity to see how Zechariah and Elizabeth respond to the fulfillment of God's Word of promise to them. In the same fashion God will bring the answers to our prayers as we believe and trust in Him.

As Mary visits her cousin, Elizabeth, they gain encouragement from each other in fulfilling the respective roles God has given to them. Likewise, when we need encouragement to complete our mission, God will grant it.

Luke shares the experience of Mary and how Gabriel's message to her as the one chosen to bear God's Son, the Promised Messiah was received by her in faith as an example to all believers to not fear, but to trust completely in God.

After 400 years of silence God speaks through His angel to Zachariah of the son He is sending to him and his wife, Elizabeth. This son, John the Baptizer, will precede the coming of God's Son and Promised Messiah, Jesus Christ.

A thankful heart for God and His blessings to us should drive us to worshipping the Lord according to the Psalmist in Ps. 95. We study ways to apply that principle in our daily lives.

Jesus hits His audience between the eyes with a command not to worry about what we need or wear or what tomorrow will bring. For the modern Christian this also means "Do not stress" over these things. Pastor Chris expounds further on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

Jesus shares a different template for material wealth with His disciples. He wants us to use our gains for His glory and purposes rather than hoarding them for ourselves and our pleasure.

With Jesus' Sermon on the Mount continuing, we explore how God wants His people to pray and to give.

As we progress through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, we deal with the reality that, as Christ's followers, we are called to love our enemies even as He did.

Continuing in the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Chris shares from the text how our words and actions need to be consistent in order for our witness to have the greatest positive impact on others.

Pastor Chris continues the journey through Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. Today's entry deals with Jesus' thoughts concerning the heart and the seventh commandment, "You shall not commit adultery".

Pastor Chris encourages fellow believer in Christ to fulfill Christ's own command to be "salt" and "light" in the world.