Hope Fellowship Teaching Podcast

Upside Down 03: Generosity

In this message, Pastor John teaches about how generosity is a fundamental aspect of Christian living that often goes against our natural human tendencies. He explains that generosity is important for three main reasons: it guards our hearts from materialism, it helps people in need, and it makes the Great Commission possible. He emphasizes that in the New Testament, giving should come from a cheerful heart and a place of "want to" rather than "have to."

Upside Down 02: Blessed When Poor

In this message, Pastor Eric emphasizes that true happiness comes from recognizing our spiritual poverty and complete dependence on God, not from our circumstances or possessions. We are encouraged to embrace our need for God daily and to put Jesus' teachings into practice, as this is the foundation for experiencing the abundant life He offers.

Upside Down 01: The Kingdom

In this message, we discuss how the kingdom of God that Jesus taught us about is an "upside down" kingdom that is not of this world. It presents the kingdom as an invitation to start over and be "born again," living a different way from the values and priorities of this world, focusing on goodness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit rather than worldly desires and power.

Decisions, Decisions 03: Choose Prayer

This message focuses on prayer as one of the key elements for making wise decisions. John breaks down prayer into four main components: how we pray, why we pray, what we pray, and where we pray. He emphasizes that prayer is accessible to everyone and doesn't require perfection or formality.

Decisions, Decisions 02: Choose Counsel

This message focuses on the importance of choosing the right counsel when making wise decisions, emphasizing two key sources of counsel: Scripture and trusted advisers. John stresses that basing one's life on God's Word provides a solid foundation for decision-making while surrounding oneself with wise, trustworthy people can provide valuable guidance.

Decisions, Decisions 01: Choose Wisdom

In this message, John emphasizes the importance of seeking wisdom from God in decision-making. He highlights that unwise decisions can have long-lasting impacts on our lives. To make wise decisions, we are encouraged to ask God for wisdom, ensure our faith is solely in Him, and maintain an undivided commitment to Him. By doing so, we align our choices with God's will, which is inherently pure and good.

The Bible For Regular People 04: Responses

This message focuses on embracing and applying the teachings from the Book of Colossians by responding intentionally through four key areas: prayer, lifestyle, words, and community. Pastor Zach encourages us to integrate these responses by being people of prayer, living wisely, speaking with grace, and participating in community, ultimately allowing the Holy Spirit to guide actions and deepen our relationships with Jesus.

The Bible For Regular People 03: Renewed

In this message, we look at Colossians 3, which focuses on the concept of renewal. Pastor John emphasizes the transformative journey of shedding our old sinful nature and putting on a new nature through the Holy Spirit. Key points include focusing on eternal matters rather than temporary earthly concerns, actively working to shed sinful behaviors, and allowing our new nature—characterized by love, mercy, and forgiveness—to become evident in our lives.

The Bible For Regular People 02: Rules

This message focuses on the role of rules in Christianity. Pastor John emphasizes that while rules aren't inherently bad, they don't make us right with God or help us conquer sin - only faith in Jesus does that. He encourages listeners to grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus rather than relying on rule-keeping, stating that true obedience and righteous living flow from a heart devoted to Christ.

The Bible For Regular People 01: Reconciled

This message focuses on chapter 1 of the book of Colossians, emphasizing the concept of reconciliation through Jesus Christ. Pastor John highlights five key aspects of reconciliation: purposeful identity, love for God's people, confident hope, changed lives, and love for others. He encourages believers to surrender any sinful nature and embrace the fruits of the Spirit while also inviting non-believers to be reconciled with God through faith in Jesus.