In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we continue our series titled "Between Kingdoms: Six Questions for November," where we explore how to think biblically about the upcoming election. Our speaker, Pastor Zach Killey, poses the question, "What does God look for in a presidential candidate?"

Zach begins by referencing Deuteronomy 17:14-20, where God outlines His expectations for Israel's king. He emphasizes that while this passage is specific to Israel, we can glean insights about God's heart for leadership. Key points include the importance of the leader being one of the people, the need for humility, and the necessity of being grounded in God's law.

Zach then transitions to discuss the expectations for Gentile rulers, citing Psalm 2, which calls for wisdom and reverence for God. He highlights that true leadership should reflect a love and fear of God, particularly through Jesus Christ, whom God has appointed as King.

The conversation shifts to the current state of our nation and the challenges we face in choosing leaders who embody these biblical principles. Zach warns against idolatry, sexual immorality, and other sins that can lead to God's judgment on a nation. He stresses the importance of personal repentance and the need for Christians to actively share their faith and make disciples, rather than merely practicing a private religion.

In closing, Zach encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and the state of the nation, urging them to take responsibility for loving their neighbors and sharing the truth of Jesus. He reminds us that real change begins with individuals committed to living out their faith authentically.

Join us as we seek to understand our role in shaping a nation that honors God, and remember to subscribe for more insightful discussions.

00:00:00 - Introduction to New Hope Church Podcast
00:00:42 - Continuing the Series: Between Kingdoms
00:01:13 - What Does God Look for in a Presidential Candidate?
00:01:56 - God's Mandate for Israel's King (Deuteronomy 17:14-20)
00:03:42 - Key Qualities of a King
00:08:27 - God's Expectations for Gentile Kings
00:10:36 - The Importance of Serving the Lord
00:12:06 - The Role of Jesus as the Son
00:12:29 - Judging Nations by Their Actions
00:13:35 - What Leads to God's Judgment on Nations?
00:14:35 - Idolatry and Its Implications
00:15:37 - Understanding Sexual Immorality
00:16:33 - The Dangers of Magic and Sorcery
00:18:18 - The Issue of Drug Use
00:19:24 - Child Sacrifice in Modern Context
00:20:50 - The Problem of Empty Religion
00:22:05 - Disobedience to God's Moral Law
00:23:09 - The Current State of the Nation
00:25:34 - The Role of the Church in Society
00:27:24 - The Need for Discipleship
00:28:40 - Conclusion: Responsibility and Hope
00:33:01 - Closing Prayer and Reflection
00:34:17 - Outro and Invitation to Engage

#podcast #sundayservice #greenwoodindiana #indiana #ellection2024

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, Pastor Matt Hart, dives into the theme of decision-making amidst the current political climate as we approach the upcoming election. Matt emphasizes the importance of filtering our decisions through a biblical lens, particularly focusing on our relationship with Jesus.

He shares a personal experience from a men's retreat in Estes Park, Colorado, where he was challenged by the question: "Do you want me more than you want anything else in this world?" This question serves as a foundation for the discussion on how to prioritize our lives and decisions in alignment with our faith.

Matt outlines the staggering number of decisions we make daily—around 35,000—and categorizes them into commands, promises, and options. He references Deuteronomy 6, highlighting the command to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind, and encourages listeners to process their decisions through this framework.

Throughout the episode, he stresses the significance of listening to God, seeking biblical guidance, and consulting wise counsel when faced with choices. He also addresses the emotional fatigue that can accompany decision-making, particularly in a polarized environment.

As we conclude, Matt invites listeners to reflect on their desire for Jesus in their lives and encourages them to turn back to Him if they find that desire lacking. He reminds us that our ultimate hope lies not in political figures but in Jesus, who is the true source of hope and guidance.

Join us as we explore how to navigate our decisions with faith and intentionality, ensuring that our choices reflect our commitment to Christ.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, I, Randy Spade, one of the pastors at New Hope, continue our sermon series focused on the upcoming election. Instead of telling you who to vote for or what to believe, we aim to address essential questions that need consideration before casting our votes. Last week, we explored the question, "Who am I?" and this week, we tackle the question, "Can I disagree with someone without disrespecting them?"

We dive into a powerful passage from John chapter four, where Jesus engages with a Samaritan woman at the well. This story illustrates how Jesus, despite cultural and social barriers, respected the woman and found common ground with her. He demonstrated that it is possible to express disagreement while maintaining respect for the other person.

As we navigate the current election season, where disrespect and dishonoring opponents seem prevalent, I emphasize the importance of engaging in civil discourse. I share historical examples of political disagreements, highlighting how even prominent figures like Abraham Lincoln invited opposing viewpoints into his cabinet to foster understanding.

Throughout the episode, I encourage listeners to seek first to understand others, admit the possibility of being wrong, and be cautious about the information consumed online. Ultimately, I remind everyone that we are all image bearers of God, deserving of respect, regardless of differing opinions.

I conclude with a prayer, asking for guidance in learning to disagree without disrespecting, and encourage our listeners to reflect on how they can engage in respectful conversations during this election season. Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you find this discussion valuable as you seek to embody the teachings of Jesus in your interactions with others.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, Pastor Zach Killey returns to discuss a timely and often contentious topic: politics.

Zach emphasizes that while politics can be divisive, the focus of the discussion will be on a deeper understanding of our purpose as Christians, rooted in scripture. He references Ephesians 2:1-10 to highlight that we are saved by grace for good works, not by our own efforts. This leads him to explore the greatest commandments given by Jesus in Matthew 22:34-40, which call us to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves.

Throughout the episode, Zach challenges listeners to reflect on how they engage with others, especially those with differing political views. He stresses the importance of seeing everyone as image bearers of God and the necessity of sharing the gospel with them. He also discusses the Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8, reminding us that our primary mission is to make disciples of all nations.

Zach warns against the complacency that can arise from relying solely on political leaders to enact change, asserting that true transformation comes from individuals sharing the love of Christ in their everyday lives. He encourages listeners to prioritize their spiritual responsibilities over political debates and to actively engage in loving and sharing the gospel with those around them.

In closing, Zach leads a prayer asking for wisdom and grace as we navigate these discussions and encourages everyone to keep their focus on what truly matters: bringing people to know Jesus.

00:00:00 - Introduction to New Hope Church Podcast
00:00:14 - Welcome and Companion Podcasts
00:00:46 - Zach's Return and Personal Update
00:01:42 - Introduction to Sermon Series on Politics
00:02:10 - Expectations and Offense in Political Discussions
00:03:00 - The Importance of Scripture in Politics
00:03:42 - Ephesians 2:1-10 - Saved by Grace
00:05:39 - Purpose of Salvation: Good Works
00:06:33 - Matthew 22:34-40 - Greatest Commandments
00:08:52 - Loving Your Neighbor
00:10:34 - The Importance of Sharing the Gospel
00:11:09 - Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission
00:12:03 - Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth
00:15:33 - Discipleship Beyond Politics
00:19:22 - God's Love for All Nations
00:20:28 - Eternal Consequences of Inaction
00:22:25 - The Power of the Gospel in Weakness
00:23:37 - The Role of Personal Responsibility in Faith
00:24:10 - The True King and His Authority
00:26:39 - Call to Action: Change Starts with Us
00:27:15 - Closing Prayer and Reflection
00:29:00 - Outro and Encouragement to Engage

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, Pastor Randy Spacht, welcomes our listeners to a special family worship service. Every fifth Sunday, we invite children to join us in the sanctuary, creating an opportunity for both kids and adults to learn how to worship together. Today, we find ourselves in between two sermon series: we just wrapped up a series on grief and will soon begin a new series titled "Between Kingdoms," which aims to guide us as we approach the upcoming elections.

In this transitional moment, we are going to focus on the theme of wisdom, a topic that naturally brings to mind the biblical figure of Solomon, King David's son. Solomon is renowned for his wisdom, but he is also known for having a thousand wives. I delve into both aspects of his life, starting with the context of his reign. Solomon became king during a tumultuous time when the kingdom of Israel was divided, and he faced challenges, including a rival brother who sought the throne.

I recount the pivotal moment when God appeared to Solomon in a dream, offering him anything he desired. Instead of asking for wealth or power, Solomon humbly requested wisdom to govern his people effectively. This request exemplifies true wisdom—recognizing one's limitations and seeking guidance. I share the story of how Solomon demonstrated his wisdom through a remarkable judgment involving two women and a baby, which left the people in awe of his ability to render justice.

As we explore Solomon's wisdom, I draw parallels to the New Testament, specifically the book of James, which encourages us to ask God for wisdom. I emphasize that God is generous and willing to provide wisdom to those who seek it, but we must approach Him with unwavering faith.

However, I also highlight the tragic turn in Solomon's life. Despite his wisdom, he ultimately strayed from God's commands, influenced by his many foreign wives. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of not just knowing what is right but also acting on that knowledge. I challenge our listeners to reflect on their own lives—how often do we know the right thing to do but fail to follow through?

Thank you for tuning in to the New Hope Church podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider liking or subscribing on your favorite platform. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at questions@becomehope.com. Have a great week, and remember that we are praying for you as you strive to be a reflection of Jesus in every corner of your world.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, I, Randy Spacht, begin by reflecting on the past few weeks, where we've explored various aspects of grief. We discussed how grief is a natural response and does not indicate a lack of faith. We examined the story of Job and the five stages of grief, looked at Jesus' own experience of grief at the death of his friend Lazarus, and analyzed the Psalms to understand the different forms of grief expressed by David.

Today, I focus on the commonality of grief, highlighting that it is a shared human experience. I remind listeners that even Jesus experienced profound grief throughout his life—losing his earthly father, facing rejection from those he came to save, and enduring the betrayal of his closest friends. I reference Isaiah's description of Jesus as "a man of sorrows acquainted with deepest grief," underscoring that suffering is an integral part of the human condition.

As we delve deeper, I share Jesus' teachings on suffering, noting that he prepared his disciples for the inevitable hardships they would face. From the Sermon on the Mount to his final instructions before the Last Supper, Jesus consistently warned his followers about the persecution and suffering that would come as a result of their faith. I draw parallels to the Apostle Paul's journey, illustrating how he transitioned from being a persecutor of Christians to suffering greatly for the sake of the Gospel.

I acknowledge that while we may not face the same level of persecution as early Christians, we still experience suffering in various forms—misunderstanding, alienation, and rejection. I encourage listeners to embrace their suffering, not as something to welcome, but as a reality to accept, reminding them that Jesus foretold these challenges.

However, I emphasize that suffering is only part of the story. I conclude with a powerful message of hope from the book of Revelation, where God promises to wipe away every tear and make all things new. This promise serves as a reminder that our current struggles are not the end of the story; there is a future where suffering will cease, and we will dwell in the presence of God.

As I lead us in prayer, I invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of suffering and to hold onto the promise of renewal and restoration that God offers. I encourage everyone to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity, and to remember that we are not alone in our grief.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the New Hope Church podcast. If you found this message meaningful, please consider liking or subscribing on your favorite platform. We are here to support you as you navigate your journey of faith.

00:00:00 - Introduction to New Hope Church Podcast

00:00:42 - Randy's Unexpected Preaching

00:01:39 - The Journey Through Grief

00:02:14 - Understanding Grief is Normal

00:04:09 - Commonality of Grief

00:05:52 - Jesus and His Grief

00:07:48 - Suffering as a Reality

00:10:06 - Jesus Prepares His Disciples for Suffering

00:12:12 - The Transformation of Paul

00:15:12 - Paul's Suffering and Trials

00:18:03 - Modern-Day Suffering

00:20:29 - Embracing Our Suffering

00:21:30 - The Promise of Renewal

00:24:20 - Closing Prayer and Reflection

00:26:12 - Outro and Invitation to Connect

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we delve into the profound and often challenging topic of mourning. I, Randy Spacht, one of the pastors at New Hope, share how our sermon series on mourning has become particularly timely in light of recent events within our church community, including the passing of our friend John Kellams and the loss experienced by several members of our congregation.

We begin by exploring the biblical foundation of grief, highlighting that the Old Testament, particularly the book of Psalms, contains a significant number of psalms of lament—62 out of 150, to be exact. I read Psalm 13, which exemplifies the structure of a lament: a complaint, a plea, a confession of trust, and a concluding praise. This psalm reflects the deep anguish and sorrow that can accompany mourning, a sentiment that resonates with many of us.

Throughout the episode, I discuss various reasons for mourning, drawing parallels between David's experiences and our own. David mourned when faced with enemies, injustice, a sense of abandonment by God, his own sinfulness, and the loss of loved ones. I emphasize that while we may not face the same enemies as David, we can relate to feelings of being attacked, experiencing injustice, or feeling distant from God.

I also touch on the personal nature of mourning, discussing how it can stem from various life circumstances, including the loss of relationships, the challenges of parenting, and the grief that comes with fostering children. Each of these experiences can lead to a sense of loss and mourning, even when they involve positive changes.

As we navigate through these themes, I pose critical questions for reflection: Where are you mourning today? Has your mourning caused you to doubt God? How can you learn to trust amidst your grief? I encourage listeners to reach out for support, whether through pastoral staff or small community groups, emphasizing that mourning is a natural and valid response to life's challenges.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the New Hope Church podcast. If you found this discussion meaningful, please consider liking or subscribing on your favorite platform. We are here to support you as you seek to embody the love of Jesus in every aspect of your life.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we continue our series titled "Good Grief," led by Pastor Zach Killey. The focus of today's discussion is on the themes of mourning, loss, lament, and the various challenges that life presents us. Zach dives deep into the well-known biblical story of Lazarus, found in John 11:1-44, to explore how we can navigate our grief and understand God's role in our suffering.

Zach begins by reading the passage, setting the stage for the story of Lazarus, who falls ill and ultimately dies. He highlights the emotional weight of the narrative, particularly the reactions of Lazarus's sisters, Martha and Mary, who express their grief and frustration to Jesus, questioning why he did not arrive in time to save their brother. This moment serves as a powerful entry point for discussing our own feelings of anger and disappointment when faced with loss.

Throughout the episode, Zach emphasizes three key takeaways from the story:

God's Foreknowledge: Zach explains that God knows everything before it happens and is never caught off guard by our suffering. This realization can evoke complex emotions, including anger and relief. While it may be frustrating to acknowledge that God knew about our pain beforehand, it can also bring comfort to know that He sees the bigger picture and is working for our good, even when we cannot understand it.

God Weeps with Us: In a poignant moment, Zach reflects on the significance of Jesus weeping at Lazarus's tomb. He points out that this act of empathy reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to our suffering. Instead, He shares in our grief and understands our pain. Zach encourages listeners to embrace their emotions, including sadness and sorrow, and to bring those feelings to God, who desires a genuine relationship with us.

The Greater Miracle: Finally, Zach addresses the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection, noting that while it is a profound event, it ultimately points to a greater truth: the promise of eternal life through Jesus. He acknowledges the reality that not all prayers for miracles are answered in the way we hope, but reassures listeners that the greatest miracle—Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection—offers us hope and redemption.

As the episode concludes, Zach encourages listeners to recognize that life is filled with hardships, but we have a God who understands our struggles and walks alongside us in our grief. He invites everyone to trust in God's plan, to love those around them, and to find solace in the promise of eternal life.

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast
00:00:14 - Series Overview: Good Grief
00:00:43 - Reading the Story of Lazarus
00:01:36 - God's Foreknowledge of Grief
00:07:02 - Emotions: Anger and Relief
00:10:40 - God Weeps with Us
00:12:27 - Understanding Jesus' Tears
00:15:34 - The Challenge of Miracles
00:19:10 - The Greater Miracle: Salvation
00:22:03 - Conclusion: Hope in Grief
00:24:30 - Closing Prayer
00:26:00 - Outro and Call to Action