In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, I, Zack Killey, one of the pastors at New Hope, delve into the profound topic of the lordship of Jesus Christ as we conclude our Advent series. We explore the assertion that Jesus is indeed God, a claim that is often disputed in contemporary discussions, especially on social media platforms.

I begin by emphasizing the importance of understanding Jesus' identity through the Gospel of Mark, which I argue is the earliest and most direct account of His life. Throughout the 16 chapters of Mark, I highlight how each chapter reveals Jesus' divine nature and authority. From the very beginning, Mark introduces Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and I draw connections to Old Testament prophecies that affirm this identity.

As we progress through the chapters, I discuss key events such as Jesus forgiving sins, healing on the Sabbath, calming storms, and raising the dead—actions that only God can perform. I point out that Jesus not only claims divine authority but also fulfills prophecies and performs miracles that demonstrate His power over nature, illness, and even death.

I also address the skepticism surrounding Jesus' claims, encouraging listeners to critically examine the historical and logical evidence supporting His divinity. I share an interesting experiment I conducted using AI to analyze the historical claims about Jesus, which concluded that the resurrection is a logical and credible event.

Ultimately, I urge everyone, whether a lifelong believer or a skeptic, to recognize the significance of Jesus as the God of the universe. I call on listeners to embrace their identity in Christ and to actively share the good news of Jesus with others, ensuring that everyone in our community has the opportunity to respond to His message.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we dive into the theme of Jesus' kingship as part of our Advent series. Pastor Randy, explores the significance of Jesus being in the line of David, emphasizing that this lineage is not just a historical detail but a profound declaration of His identity as King.

We reflect on the promises made to David in the Old Testament, where God assured that his line would endure forever. Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah foretold the coming of a righteous king from David's lineage, culminating in the New Testament where Jesus is recognized as the Messiah.

Pastor Randy discuss the implications of Jesus' kingship, tracing the narrative from the Garden of Eden, where humanity was called to rule, to the ultimate victory over sin and death through His resurrection. The episode highlights that Jesus' kingship is not merely about His importance but signifies the fulfillment of God's grand story of salvation.

As we conclude, the challenge to listeners is to consider whether they have made Jesus the king of their lives and to reflect on areas where they may need to surrender control to Him. We end with a prayer, seeking guidance to fully embrace Jesus as our King.

Thank you for tuning in, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions or thoughts you may have!

#VictoryInJesus #JesusIsKing #DefeatingTheDeceiver #BiblicalTruth #SalvationStory #LiveUnderGrace #GodsPromise #ChristianEncouragement #GreenwoodChurch #BaptistFaith

This week, Pastor Zach invites us to reflect on Advent and the coming of Jesus, the light of the world. Drawing from his own childhood fear of the dark, Zach explores how spiritual darkness has impacted humanity since the fall in the Garden of Eden. Through this message, he highlights how Jesus dispels that darkness, giving us the courage to confront our fears and the realities of sin.

Zach shares how, like his experience in haunted houses, understanding the truth about our fears and sin removes their hold over us. Using 1 John as a foundation, he reminds us that while we all wrestle with sin, we have an advocate in Jesus who purifies us and calls us to live in righteousness.

As Christmas approaches, Pastor Zach encourages us to embrace the light of Christ in our own lives and share that light with a world in need. He closes with a heartfelt prayer for those feeling overwhelmed by darkness, offering hope and freedom through Jesus. Don’t miss this inspiring message of light, hope, and renewal during this Advent season.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, join us as pastor Randy introduces our new Advent series focused on the theme of Jesus's incarnation—God becoming man. We reflect on the story of Joseph and Mary, exploring the challenges they faced and the significance of their acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah.

We discuss the importance of understanding that God loves us so much that He chose to become one of us, emphasizing that this is not about man becoming God, but God becoming man. As we delve into the biblical narrative, we highlight the prophecy of Emmanuel, which means "God with us," and how it was fulfilled through Jesus. We also examine the historical context of Israel, where God had been silent for centuries until the birth of Jesus brought forth His presence among the people.

Throughout the episode, we encourage listeners to consider how they receive Emmanuel in their own lives and how they can share this good news with others. We reflect on the different responses to Jesus's birth—from the acceptance of Joseph and Mary to the fear of King Herod—and challenge ourselves to befriend and serve those around us, creating opportunities for meaningful conversations about faith.

Thank you for tuning in, and I hope you have a blessed week as you seek to embody Jesus in every corner of your world.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we dive deep into the significance of food and feasting in the biblical narrative, as presented by Pastor Randy. He reflects on the teachings from last week's message by Zack Killey, emphasizing that just as we need food to live, we also need Jesus for our spiritual nourishment.

Randy highlights that the story of humanity begins and ends with a banquet, starting in the Garden of Eden and culminating in the wedding feast of the Lamb in Revelation. He contrasts the modern understanding of wedding receptions with the vibrant, week-long celebrations of first-century Jewish weddings, filled with joy, music, and dancing.

The episode also explores the importance of the Passover meal, which Jesus shared with His disciples before His crucifixion. Randy explains that this meal is a pivotal moment in history, symbolizing God's deliverance and the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus as the Lamb of God. He discusses how the early church commemorated this sacrifice through the Lord's Supper, looking back at Jesus' death and forward to the future wedding feast.

As we prepare to celebrate the Lord's Supper, Randy invites listeners to reflect on the significance of this act—remembering Jesus' sacrifice and anticipating the joy of the future banquet with Him, where pain and sorrow will be no more. He encourages everyone, regardless of their church affiliation, to partake in this sacred moment of remembrance and hope.

Join us as we celebrate the richness of God's promises and the joy that awaits us in His kingdom!

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we continue our sermon series titled "Between Kingdoms: Six Questions for November," led by Pastor Zack Killey. Zack addresses the often contentious topic of politics, specifically exploring the question, "Which party's right?"

He begins by recounting the biblical story of Abraham and the Israelites, emphasizing God's covenant with His people and the significance of their journey to the Promised Land. This narrative sets the stage for a deeper discussion about the nature of political allegiance and divine authority.

Throughout the episode, Zack emphasizes that God does not align with any political party. Instead, he calls for individuals to recognize their identity in Christ and to stand behind God's truth, rather than being swayed by political rhetoric. He encourages listeners to make informed voting decisions based on biblical principles, rather than party loyalty.

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 Zack Killey, poses the question, "What does God look for in a presidential candidate?"

Zack 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.

Zack 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. Zack 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, Zack 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 Mike Wiggin, dives into the theme of decision-making amidst the current political climate as we approach the upcoming election. Mike 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.

Mike 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, Mike 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.