What kind of people receive the applause of heaven?
Jan 28, 2012
Powerful and popular people receive the applause of men.
What kind of people receive the applause of heaven?
Hope Community Church
Our Blog
How can we “stand firm” in Christ?
Jan 17, 2012
How can we “stand firm” in Christ?
We assume that we bear the responsibility to establish a solid spiritual foundation.
The reality is . . . God assumes this responsibility.
Does God make us suffer because we do what’s wrong?
Jan 7, 2012
Does God make us suffer when we do what’s wrong?
The Vase for Grace - the grace of God from the book of 2nd Corinthians
Dec 29, 2011
The Vase for Grace - the grace of God from the book of 2 Corinthians
By Mike Gaudet
God reveals His grace to and through His children. We might imagine that the man or woman through whom God expresses Himself would receive special treatment. The truth is that in order to maximize the impact of His message God treats His messengers in ordinary ways . . . like “jars of clay.”
In his second letter to the Christians in Corinth, we find refreshingly honest glimpses into the heart and mind of Paul. He reveals both the joy and the pain that came with being God’s spokesperson. The insights we gain will equip and encourage us to be a channel of God’s good news to others . . . to be a “vase for grace.”
How can we know the difference between a shepherd and a wolf?
Dec 21, 2011
How can we know the difference between a shepherd and a wolf?
What do we do when sinful attitudes and actions spring up in our lives?
Dec 3, 2011
What do we do when sinful attitudes and actions spring up in our lives?
Message Series - The Spirit of Holiness
Oct 27, 2011
To become “holy” is to become “de-secularized”. . . equipped for divine use. When we talk about holiness we talk about why, when and how God makes us “usable.”
What does God want from us?
Oct 18, 2011
What does God want from us?
He wants us to love one another.
How can we do what God wants us to do?
What is the greatest threat to spiritual progress?
Oct 12, 2011
“Progress, not perfection.” Good to remember when we talk about spirituality.
What is the greatest threat to spiritual progress?
What counts when it comes to living the Christian life?
Oct 4, 2011
In business, increasing profits is what counts.
In sports, putting points on the board is what counts.
What counts when it comes to living the Christian life?
Why do we get pulled back into spiritual slavery?
Sep 19, 2011
God wants us to experience spiritual freedom.
Why do we get pulled back into spiritual slavery?
What Kind of Father is God?
Sep 1, 2011
What kind of father is God?
Is He rigid and harsh as in the Old Testament . . .
. . . or is He kinder and gentler as in the New?
How does God use our disobedience to draw us to Himself?
Aug 20, 2011
God uses our disobedience to accomplish His purposes!
How does God use our disobedience to draw us to Himself?
Does our sin thwart God’s purposes?
Aug 6, 2011
We know what God wants.
We can’t make ourselves do it.
Does our sin thwart God’s purposes?
Why did God give us the Ten Commandments?
Jul 21, 2011
If we’re not supposed to use commandment keeping to earn God’s acceptance . . .
. . . why did God give us commandments in the first place?
How can we receive an eternal inheritance?
Jul 11, 2011
God has promised that some will inherit eternal life.
How can we receive an eternal inheritance?
What can we do to receive God’s blessings and promises?
Jul 6, 2011
God’s blessings and promises come in gift form only.
What do we have to do to receive them?
What kind of person does God curse?
Jun 28, 2011
What kind of person does God curse?
The answer will surprise you!
What kind of person does God bless?
Jun 21, 2011
We all want to be blessed by God.
What kind of person does God bless?
If we “fall from grace”. . . can we get up again?
Jun 13, 2011
If we “fall from grace”. . .
. . . can we get up again?
Does God accept us when we keep the Ten Commandments and reject us when we don’t?
Jun 7, 2011
Does God accept us when we keep the Ten Commandments
. . . and reject us when we don’t?
What kind of person speaks for God?
Jun 3, 2011
Some people encourage spiritual growth.
Other people discourage spiritual growth.
How can we tell one from the other?
The Race for Grace - the grace of God from the book of Galatians
Jun 3, 2011
Under the watchful eye of the apostle Paul, the first century followers of Christ in Galatia sprinted out of the starting blocks spiritually. These Galatian Christians “were running a good race” when visiting religious leaders “cut in on” them and brought their spiritual progress to a grinding halt.
The letter from Paul to the Galatians helps us to identify beliefs we harbor about God that prevent us from being transformed by His grace. The insights you will gain from these studies will help you to “stay on track” spiritually.
What should we do if our relationship with others is adversely impacted by our relationship with God
May 23, 2011
What should we do if our relationship with others is adversely impacted by our relationship with God?
How can we tell if we love money?
May 16, 2011
We can’t live without money but it’s not okay to love it.
How can we tell if we love money?
How can God be loving and frightening at the same time?
May 6, 2011
God is loving.
God can be frightening.
How can God be loving and frightening at the same time?
What does it mean to be holy?
Apr 29, 2011
“Be holy, because I am holy.”
Leviticus 11:44, 1 Peter 1:16
What does it mean to be holy?
Can we avoid God’s discipline?
Apr 19, 2011
No one likes to be disciplined.
We avoid it whenever possible.
Can we avoid God’s discipline?
If God loves us, why does He allow us to suffer?
Apr 1, 2011
It’s natural to attribute the presence of suffering to the absence of divine activity. At some level we all feel abandoned and deserted when we’re left in painful places.
If God loves us, why does He allow us to suffer?
What does God say to us when we want to “throw in the towel” spiritually?
Mar 21, 2011
Living by faith is like running a marathon. It challenges our ability to persevere.
A marathon is a test of endurance. The tough part is resisting the temptation to stop running. The challenge is to keep going.
Where can we find the energy to keep putting one foot in front of another?
Mar 13, 2011
Short-term obedience is tiring.
Long-term obedience is exhausting.
Where can we find the energy to keep putting one foot in front of another?
Will God answer our prayers if we have enough faith?
Mar 5, 2011
We imagine that God answers the prayers of those whose faith is strong. We assume that we don’t get what we ask for because we lack faith. We believe that if and when we acquire enough faith, God will give us what we ask for.
Will God answer our prayers if we have enough faith?
Has God answered all of your prayers?
Feb 26, 2011
Has God answered all of your prayers?
Didn’t think so!
How can we have faith in God when there are reasons to doubt Him?
What happens when we live by faith?
Feb 18, 2011
If we had no prior knowledge of the Bible and began to read it for the first time, it wouldn’t take long before we determined that faith is important. The encouragement to “live by faith” is a thread that runs throughout the Bible.
What happens when we live by faith?
Does God forgive us when we intentionally sin?
Feb 12, 2011
It’s easy to believe that God forgives us when we sin accidentally.
It’s harder to believe that He forgives us when we sin intentionally.
Does God forgive us when we intentionally sin?
What generates healthy spirituality?
Feb 7, 2011
What generates healthy spirituality?
Many of us are aware of the importance of faith, hope and love in the Christian life.
What we fail to realize is that faith, hope and love are built upon “confidence.”
What happens when we have faith in God?
Feb 1, 2011
Faith pleases God.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God . . .” Hebrews 12:6
Because God places a premium on faith, developing faith is priority one.
So . . . what happens when we have faith in God? What does faith look like in operation?
The Base for Grace Bible Study
Jan 24, 2011
Christianity was birthed from Judaism. Our understanding of Jesus and His message is enhanced as we examine the cloth from which Christianity was cut.
Does God make us feel guilty?
Jan 21, 2011
We all know what a “guilty conscience” feels like.
Is God the One who makes us feel guilty?
Does God activate our consciences in order to turn us from the “errors of our way”?
When Jesus “took away” our sins, where did He take them?
Jan 14, 2011
Jesus came to “take away” our sins.
Where did He take them?
What did God “bequeath” to us when His Son died?
Jan 7, 2011
God has a “last will and testament.”
What did God “bequeath” to us when His Son died?
Did God the Father have to slaughter His Son in order to forgive us?
Dec 14, 2010
Did God the Father have to slaughter His Son in order to forgive us?
What does it mean for God to be “our God?”
Nov 24, 2010
God wants to be “our God.”
Is this good news or bad news?
What does it mean for God to be “our God?"
Why does God write His laws on our hearts?
Nov 4, 2010
Why does God write His laws on our hearts?
He used to write them on tablets of stone.
Why did we need a new covenant?
Oct 23, 2010
God issued a new covenant.
What was wrong with the old one?
Will God use the Ten Commandments to judge us?
Oct 15, 2010
Something that is “set in stone” doesn’t change.
God wrote the Ten Commandments on stone.
Will God use these laws to judge us? Are the Ten Commandments “set in stone?”
Can we know for sure that we are going to heaven?
Oct 4, 2010
Can we know for sure that we are going to heaven?
If God rewards obedience, why does life seem to become more difficult when we choose to obey God?
Sep 27, 2010
If God rewards obedience . . .
. . . why does life seem to become more difficult when we choose to obey God?
When children of God continue to struggle with sin does God kick them out of His family?
Sep 17, 2010
When children of God continue to struggle with sin . . .
. . . does God kick them out of His family?
What should we do when spiritual growth grinds to a halt?
Sep 9, 2010
“Progress not perfection.” Good to remember when we think about spiritual growth.
What if we don’t seem to be making any progress?
What should we do when spiritual growth grinds to a halt?
What did Jesus need to learn?
Aug 30, 2010
Have you ever wondered what it was like for Jesus to be both fully divine and fully human?
Was He born with “perfect knowledge”?
Was there anything He had to learn?
Why is it so hard for us be honest with God?
Aug 21, 2010
We say “right things” to God . . .
. . . not “real things.”
Why is it so hard for us be honest with God?
What do we do when we’re sick and tired of being “sick and tired?”
Aug 10, 2010
Wouldn’t it be nice if God always made our lives easier?
What do we do when we’re sick and tired of being “sick and tired?”
Isn’t the Christian life supposed to make our load lighter?
Aug 2, 2010
Jesus said that His “yoke is easy and his burden is light.” Apparently, the Christian life is supposed to make our load lighter.
If it’s making our burden heavier, what are we doing wrong?
Where can we find the energy to keep going?
Jul 23, 2010
Walking with God is a marathon, not a sprint.
Where can we find the energy to keep going?
How can Jesus help us deal with temptation?
Jul 13, 2010
Temptation.
We can’t escape it.
We need help to deal with it.
How can Jesus help us deal with temptation?
What was Christ trying to tell us from the cross?
Jun 21, 2010
God is always speaking to us.
He speaks to us through creation.
He speaks to us through Jesus Christ.
What was Christ trying to tell us from the cross?
Did God change?
Jun 14, 2010
God seems to change in the Bible.
In the first half He seems angry and unforgiving.
In the second half He seems loving and forgiving.
Did God change?
If Jesus came to save us . . . why do some peole ignore Him?
Jun 5, 2010
If Jesus came to save us . . .
. . . why do some people ignore Him?
What is God really like?
May 28, 2010
God is . . .
. . . harsh, frightening, violent?
. . . gentle, fatherly, peaceful?
Both lists are biblical.
What is God really like?
The Base for Grace - a study of the book of Hebrews
May 28, 2010
Christianity was birthed from Judaism. Our understanding of Jesus and His message is enhanced as we examine the cloth from which Christianity was cut.
The letter to the Hebrews helps us understand our Jewish roots. For many of us the rituals and practices of Judaism feel strange and unfamiliar. The understanding you will gain from these studies will give you a deeper appreciation for Jesus’ message and mission.
Does God turn His back on disobedient children?
May 21, 2010
It’s easy to believe that God loves us when we’re “good.”
It’s hard to believe that He loves us when we’re “bad.”
Does God turn His back on disobedient children?
God’s ticket to heaven?
May 14, 2010
Righteousness is God’s “ticket to heaven.”
Find righteousness and you find eternal life.
What sin do religious people commit most often?
May 5, 2010
Both religious and irreligious people sin.
What sin do religious people commit most often?
Will God judge us for not trying hard enough?
Apr 24, 2010
Trying to walk with God can be tiring.
What will happen if we can’t keep up?
Will God judge us for not trying hard enough?
What does God do when we no longer want to connect with Him?
Apr 16, 2010
At first it’s easy for us to put forth the effort to connect with God.
As time goes on it’s harder to maintain the desire to put forth the same effort.
What does God do when we no longer want to connect with Him?
Is God holding out on us?
Mar 19, 2010
God can do whatever He wants.
We certainly don’t get whatever we want.
Is He holding out on us?
Why do bad things happen to good people?
Mar 12, 2010
If God is good . . .
If God is in control . . .
. . . why do bad things happen to good people?
Does God help those who help themselves?
Mar 5, 2010
“God helps those who help themselves.”
This isn’t in the Bible, but . . .
. . . is it true nonetheless?
Does God help those who help themselves?
When will we find what we’re looking for?
Mar 1, 2010
We look in different places, in different ways . . .
. . . but we’re all looking for the same thing.
Contentment!
When will we find what we’re looking for?
Aren’t we supposed to “fear God?”
Feb 19, 2010
Isn’t all this talk about God’s love a bit unbalanced?
What about obedience? Doesn’t God judge disobedience?
Aren’t we supposed to “fear God?”
What happens if the Spirit of God lives in you?
Feb 12, 2010
If the Spirit of God lives in you . . .
. . . do you become some kind of “super Christian?”
. . . do you still struggle with sin?
What happens if the Spirit of God lives in you?
Do we really need to be saved?
Feb 6, 2010
People need to be saved when . . .
. . . they have come under the control of someone whose power exceeds their own.
. . . they have lost the freedom to implement their own will and decisions.
. . . they can only gain their freedom by the intervention of a third party.
Do we really need to be saved?
Why doesn’t our “walk” match our “talk?”
Jan 22, 2010
We know what we should do.
We want to do what we should do.
We don’t do what we should do.
We do what we shouldn’t do.
Why doesn’t our “walk” match our “talk”?
How does God improve spiritual performance?
Jan 15, 2010
Car mechanics know cars. They can figure out why a car is performing poorly. They know how to improve the car’s performance.
God knows people. When we are “not firing on all cylinders” spiritually, He knows why. He also knows how to improve our spiritual performance.
Why do we do things that we end up regretting?
Jan 8, 2010
"I never imagined that I could do something like that!”
We like to believe that we can “keep ourselves in line.”
When we “get out of line” we feel ashamed of ourselves.
Why do we do things that we end up regretting?
Why is it so hard to believe that God loves us?
Dec 18, 2009
We love people because of what they do. We love people because of what they think. Our love is “because of” love.
God loves people in spite of what they do. God loves people in spite of what they think. His love is “in spite of” love.
It’s hard for us to believe God loves us because it is hard for us to trust “in spite of” love.
Does God love us when we sin?
Dec 11, 2009
We were powerless.
We were ungodly.
We were sinners.
We were loved.
Which statement is out of place?
How can a loving God allow people to suffer?
Dec 3, 2009
How can a loving God allow people to suffer?
If God is all-powerful, He could do something about suffering.
If God is all-loving, He would do something about suffering . . . wouldn’t He?
How can we have faith in God when there are reasons to doubt?
Nov 24, 2009
Doubt 25
Faith 0
When Abraham turned 75, God promised him that he would become a father. He turned 80 . . . still no children. He turned 90 . . . still no children. He turned 100 . . . still no children.
Abraham had 25 good reasons to doubt God . . . 25 birthdays sitting across from a chair as empty as the promise that pledged to fill it with a son.
How can faith survive when reasons not to believe are piling up?
Is God counting your sins?
Nov 18, 2009
3,000,000,001 . . . 3,000,000,002 . . .
Is God counting your sins?
What is a Christian?
Nov 10, 2009
It all depends on who is answering the question.
“Someone who is a good person.” “Someone who is a fully devoted follower of Jesus Christ.” “Someone who is at war with Muslims.”
There are lots of answers.
What is God’s answer? How does He answer the question?
Is God “bloodthirsty?”
Nov 5, 2009
Imagine God frowning.
Now imagine Him smiling.
A “sacrifice of atonement” is the reason for the smile. It is the means by which God’s favor is restored.