HOPE Church Raleigh Podcast

King David wrote in Psalm 32 about the importance of seeking forgiveness from God and repentance of the sin that so easily builds spiritual barriers between us and Him. He encourages us out of his own experience of sin, repentance and forgiveness so that we might be gain the same blessings of getting ourselves right with God.

David shares honestly about his own struggles and how his trust in God enabled him to go forward. We can learn much from this Old Testament saint in how to deal with our troubles today.

Pastor Chris explains the differences between the Greek words of "love" and how Jesus uses these differences to recall Simon Peter to his commission as a follower of Christ. He also discusses how we are called to share the unconditional love of Christ with family, friends and foreigners at all times.

Pastor Chris explores the reality that when we gather to worship God, we should see Him rightfully as King, humbling ourselves before the Lord.

Pastor Chris is continuing the discussion on worshiping God the way He wants to worshiped.

This week we delved into the words of Christ to the Samaritan woman at the well to determine what it means to "worship Him in spirit and in truth".

Pastor Chris continues to unpack the subject of the worship of God with an emphasis on the Commandments dealing with God Himself and warnings against idolatry and the profane use of His holy Name.

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.