Hope Alliance Bethlehem
528 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 7 ratingsA sermon podcast of Hope Alliance Church
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Episodes
Remembering with Rhythm
June 13, 2021 04:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBA life centered on God's rescue helps us remember who we are in light of who God is and what he has done. This is why we must be intentional in creating a rhythm of life as a response to God's grace and to engage in our communion with him.
Remembering with Rhythm
June 13, 2021 04:00 - 52 minutes - 36 MBA life centered on God's rescue helps us remember who we are in light of who God is and what he has done. This is why we must be intentional in creating a rhythm of life as a response to God's grace and to engage in our communion with him.
Daughters of a New Generation
June 06, 2021 04:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBWith a new census, we once again see the faithfulness and the goodness of God. And both of these are even more apparent when God resounds to the daughters of Zelophehad. Though their father's sin had led to their deprivation, God welcomed them into an inheritance that legally wasn't theirs to share. In the same way, God has welcomed us into the inheritance of enteral life through Jesus.
The Peor Incident
May 30, 2021 17:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBFailing to realize God's promises, the Israelites on the precious of entering the land fall into temptation. Sexual immorality for sure, but at its core cheating on God with other gods. Into this mess steps a man named Phinehas with zeal for God who stops the downward spiral. On an ever greater scale, Jesus stepped into the downward spiral of this world and through his zeal for God took judgment on himself so that all things could be set new.
Choosing the Right King
May 23, 2021 13:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBThe narrative of Balak gives the reader of Numbers an important question to ponder: what kind of king do I want to serve? One who provokes, tempts and is destined to defeat. Or one who blesses by by walking among his people and fighting for them til ultimate victory. The king we need is divine, not human. Our king is God, who himself became the human king we needed in Jesus.
Choosing the Right Rescuer
May 16, 2021 04:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBIn that day, Balaam was clearly the go to guy if you found yourself in a tough spot. But this famous story of Balaam and his donkey shows us that his broken humanity makes him an incapable rescuer. It is God who shows perfect power, vision and loyalty. And it is ultimately Jesus, our servant rescuer, who demonstrates this rescuing power for the world.
Crushing the Serpent(s)
May 09, 2021 04:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBA new generation is on the move toward the land of promise. But this new generation is just as corruptible as the last one. And their impatience and ingratitude, rooted in a desire for self-rule and slavery, invite deadly snakes into their midst. It is only through the grace of God that the serpents that bring death are defeated. And it is only through Jesus that the ultimate serpent that brings death is crushed.
The Rock that Saves
May 02, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBWith the Israelites still ungrateful and grumbling, Moses has a very public meltdown. His self-righteousness has caused him to become impatient with God's patient redemptive plan. And we see that Moses is neither the hero of this story, nor the rescuer that God's people ultimately need. God is the hero and he sends Jesus as our ultimate rescuer who gives us living water that finally quenches our thirst.
Peace in Bloom
April 26, 2021 15:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBThe new creation work of Jesus means that peace can be in bloom in our world. More than just a feeling or experience, peace is a culture of healing, security and prosperity enabled by the just and righteous rule of Jesus. In a world pulled apart by anxiety, this peace protects our hearts and minds and sends us boldly into the world as ambassadors.
Bloom in Peace
April 26, 2021 15:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MBThe new creation work of Jesus means that peace can be in bloom in our world. More than just a feeling or experience, peace is a culture of healing, security and prosperity enabled by the just and righteous rule of Jesus. In a world pulled apart by anxiety, this peace protects our hearts and minds and sends us boldly into the world as ambassadors.
Love in Bloom
April 18, 2021 04:00 - 49 minutes - 34.4 MBThe resurrection means that love is in bloom in the new creation of Jesus. Love is volitional -gracious, self-giving, restorative actions toward others. When we encounter God's love regularly, it moves us to worship and on the basis of worship into love toward others. This love not only gives us a deeper knowledge of God, but makes an invisible God tangible to an onlooking world.
Joy in Bloom
April 11, 2021 04:00 - 49 minutes - 34 MBMore than an emotion or experience, joy is a deep assurance of victory found in the gospel. When we lean into the gospel in obedience our experience of joy increases and works to transform our perspective and counteract our pain. The new creation announced in the resurrection of Jesus means that joy is in bloom in our lives and in our world.
Grace and Cleansing
March 28, 2021 04:00 - 47 minutes - 32.5 MBGod continues to respond to the rebellion of the Israelites with grace. In this case, he graciously reaffirms the role and responsibilities of the Levites and the role and function of the priests to protect the people. Moreover, he gives them a readymade source of cleansing when the encounter death. In Jesus, the ultimate high priest, God brings us near to him without fear and offers us final and ongoing cleansing from our sin that leads to death.
Who is the Rightful High Priest?
March 21, 2021 04:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBKorah leads a rebellion assuming that his standing means he can assert himself as a priest. But God reminds all of Israel that he has chosen rightly with Aaron. Whereas Korah attempted to elevate himself and in so doing put the people at risk, the true high priest puts his own life at risk in order to rescue the people. How much more is this true of Jesus who has once and for all rescued humanity by laying down his life.
Promise or Perspective
March 07, 2021 17:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBThe story of the 12 spies shows us that is entirely possible to be presented with the same facts on the ground and come to entirely different conclusions. That is, as people of God, we can either view the world through the lens of his promises or our perspective. If we are going to follow God in faith, even amidst significant struggle, we must look for his faithfulness, remember his power and listen to his word. And his faithfulness and power are on its fullest display in Jesus - the liv...
Overwhelmed and Envious
February 28, 2021 05:00 - 48 minutes - 33.5 MBAs grumbling overtakes Israel, Moses is overwhelmed and Miriam and Aaron are envious - two emotions that are common amongst us! To each of them God demonstrates his grace, just in different ways. God raises us leaders to help Moses carry the burden. And God gives Miriam and Aaron an important reminder about their true identity. It is identity that brings true contentment.
Grumbling
February 21, 2021 05:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MBThree days into the journey and the Israelites are grumbling. How does this happen? The same way it regularly happens in our lives. We cling to a sense of entitlement that shifts our perspective off of God's glory, presence and mission and onto our cravings and comfort. Rather than going to God in lament about the reality of our struggle we point our finger at him in disgust. And when grumbling starts, it spreads quickly. Only a mediator greater than Moses, namely Jesus, can save us fr...
A Cloud and Two Silver Trumpets
February 14, 2021 05:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBThe cloud not only demonstrated God's purpose, but it would lead God's people on their journey. And in his kindness he provided two silver trumpets to help clarify this leading. Just like the Israelites, we are called to follow God in this life we are living, but it can be overwhelming and difficult at times. Praise God in his kindness he has provided two silver trumpets - the Scriptures and the Spirit to speak to us corporately and individually and keep us on track as we follow God by co...
Celebrating Passover
February 07, 2021 05:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBPassover was a mandatory celebration for God's people because it helped them remember and embrace their identity. But Passover was always pointing to something greater. In Jesus, we have the ultimate Passover - a rescue from slavery and welcome into the family of God. So then, Jesus becomes a mandatory feast for all who desire to come to God.
Adopted and Blessed
January 31, 2021 05:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBIsrael was God's people. He had adopted them, literally placing his name on them. And in so doing he promised to bless them. Blessing meant keeping and protecting them, taking delight in them, extending grace toward them and giving them peace. We see this ancient blessing find its ultimate meaning in the person and work of Jesus, through whom we have been adopted into God's family. And just like them, our only possible response is worship.
The Issue of Impurity
January 24, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.4 MBImpurity amongst the people of God is a big deal in the face of a holy God. And as God is about to depart with his people on a journey he wants to know if they are going to be faithful. The book of Numbers will show us that they aren't and in fact that they can't be. Here we see the true nature of God, who pursues his people relentlessly and ultimately in Jesus deals once and for all with our impurity.
Transporting the Tabernacle
January 17, 2021 05:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MBThe role of the Levites was critical to the function of the people of God. They protected, assisted with and transported the tabernacle in the wilderness. Through Jesus the presence of God is once again on the move in our world. And it is the job of the church to help transport this tabernacle as they go in their spheres of influence.
The Faithfulness of God
January 10, 2021 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBWhy start a book with a census? To demonstrate the faithfulness of God to his people. What started as a promise of a great nation had played out before their eyes. What's more, God not only keeps his promises, but keeps his presence amongst his people. And he shows them that the only proper response is a life ordered around him.
Nothing is Impossible with God
December 27, 2020 05:00 - 36 minutes - 24.8 MBGabriel's final statement to Mary is the closing argument to his plea to not be afraid. Nothing is impossible with God. This no doubt brought to mind the power of God in creation and in keeping his covenant. Moreover, he empowered Mary's faith through the ministry of the Spirit and the testimony of Elizabeth.
The Promised King
December 20, 2020 15:00 - 37 minutes - 25.5 MBGod delivers on His many promises from over many years to crown a new King David. Jesus reigns with the heart of God and delivers his people to salvation, justice, and righteousness.
A Son of God
December 13, 2020 05:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBWhen Gabriel tells Mary her baby will be the Son of God, he is saying that the child will be Israel's long awaited Messiah - chosen by God to rescue his people and in so doing announce their forgiveness. In Jesus, we have the ultimate Son of God. God himself became flesh in order to offer a once and for all forgiveness, not just to Israel but the entire world.
A Child Named Jesus
December 06, 2020 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBWhen Gabriel tells Mary that she is going to have a child, her mind must have heard the echos of Abraham and Issac, but mostly Samson. Just like Jesus, Samson's birth was announced to a common and unsuspecting mother by an angel. And just like Samson, Jesus would be a deliverer of his people. What's more, he would have the name Jesus - literally Joshua. He would lead his people to finally possess the land/blessing God had promised.
You Have Found Favor with God
November 29, 2020 05:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBWhat does it mean that Mary found favor with God? Simply speaking, God had extended himself toward her in grace. And just like Noah and Moses before her, God intended to demonstrate his glory and faithfulness. This truth led to a counter-circumstantial hope and joy for Mary and it can do likewise for us.
A Generous People
November 22, 2020 05:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBThe people of God are called to be generous because God is generous. But living in generosity can be a challenging reality because we often have misplaced hope. It is only through hope rightly placed in God that we can take hold of true life and live in generosity rather than conceit.
Gospel Shepherds
November 15, 2020 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBElders are entrusted to oversee the church toward gospel fidelity, doctrinal purity and fulfilling Jesus' mission for the church. They do this not for personal gain or positions of power and status, but rather to serve. They are shepherds not members of a corporate board. And the church is blessed to have them.
Scattered for Mission
November 08, 2020 23:00 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBIn the same way as gathering is an important part of our identity as the people of God, so too is our scattering. We have been commissioned to make disciples and this takes place literally "as we are going." In other words, we intentionally scatter for mission. This is the call on every follower of Jesus and our embrace of it gives glory to God.
A People of Prayer
November 02, 2020 05:00 - 39 minutes - 26.9 MBThe people of God have always been meant to be a people of prayer. So it is no surprise when we read the book of Acts that we find the church continually being described by a devotion to prayer. As God's people we pray to worship, to be formed in the gospel, to hear from God, to receive power and to advocate for one another. This is our vision for prayer at Hope.
People of the Book
October 25, 2020 04:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBThe Bible is critical to our identity as the people of God. It speaks his word to us with authority by relaying the gospel and its implications on our lives. When we embrace it with an open heart as a church and as individuals, God uses it to teach us the gospel, rebuke and correct us when we embrace false gospels, and train us in how to live in light of the gospel.
Gathered for Worship
October 18, 2020 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBBeing the people of God means that we are committed to regularly gather for worship. This is so significant because it recanters our hearts on Jesus and realigns our lives to the gospel. From its inception the church has done this through teaching, worship and togetherness. Teaching and worship are central to this. But it equally clear that this is a "one another" reality, not just something to be consumed. We gather to participate and therefore to grow in our faith while also emboldeni...
Shared Life
October 11, 2020 15:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBThe New Testament picture of the church is near universally in the first person plural - "we" rather than "me." In a decidedly isolated and individualistic culture, why and how can we lean into biblical community? The gospel brings about the experience of togetherness and our togetherness actually deepens our understanding and commitment to the gospel.
Gifted to Strengthen the Body
October 04, 2020 19:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBThe church is like an orchestra playing the symphony of gospel music composed by Jesus and conducted by the Spirit. And each person plays an incredibly significant and unique part. Our giftedness is actually a means of grace and power to strengthen and mature the church. So, to not embrace our uniqueness and to not embrace and serve the church intentionally is to actually withhold the grace and power of God from his people. We each have a role to play. The absence of you is a loss for t...
One Body in Christ
September 27, 2020 14:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBIn his letter to the Ephesians, Paul makes it clear that we ARE one in the Gospel, and can maintain that same oneness through the Gospel rather than our own efforts or legalism. And when we are one, God gets the glory!
Jesus, Our Head
September 20, 2020 04:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBJesus is the head of the church. He is the one who brings about and sustains the church through his good and gracious rule and direction. And if Jesus is the head, that means no on else is. There are roles and functions in the church, but all in subjection to the headship of Jesus.
Our Identity
September 14, 2020 15:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBTo a scattered church in turmoil, Peter reminds them of their God-given identity through four powerful statements. They are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and God's special possession. All of this has been proven by the ultimate rescue Jesus had provided over sin and death. This identity gave them, and gives us, not only hope for the future, but the truth around which we ought to order our lives in worship.
Therefore (Hebrews 10:19-25)
September 06, 2020 14:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MBIn Hebrews 10 the author encourages us that in the midst of struggle and turmoil to not turn back to religion, but instead rely on our relationship with Jesus to draw near to God, hold on to hope, and encourage one another.
Peter Stands Up
August 23, 2020 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBAfter Jesus ascends to heaven, Peter assumes the role of being the rock of the early church that fishes for people. And rather than trying to gain power to control a physical empire, Peter tells a new story of the power of the resurrection...and it changes the course of history.
Peter's Restoration
August 16, 2020 15:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MBPeter's stunning and dramatic fall is met by the even more stunning and dramatic forgiveness of Jesus. In this story we see the incredible reversals that happen in Peter through the reconciling and restoring work of Jesus.
Peter's Denials
August 10, 2020 17:00 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBPeter's self-confidence led him to follow Jesus at a distance as he was led away to trial. But it also set him up for a dramatic and stunning fall. He would deny Jesus not once, but three times and not in high profile circumstances, but amidst accusations from a servant girl. But, as the gaze of Jesus catches his eye it not only exposes his failures and brokenness, it also offers and equally stunning and dramatic loving forgiveness.
Keeping Watch with Jesus
August 02, 2020 16:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBAs he toils in the garden, Jesus asks Peter to keep watch with him. In so doing, he's redirecting a self-confident Peter away from self effort and toward dependence upon God. It the presence of God and through prayer, our intentions becomes conformed to God and his kingdom.
Gospel Motivated Serving
July 26, 2020 14:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBIn John 13, Peter learns what it means to be cleansed by Jesus and to join him in serving others. We learn that when our identity is rooted in the Gospel, we can join Jesus in serving others, too.
The Barrenness of Religion
July 19, 2020 22:00 - 40 minutes - 28 MBJesus' cursing of a fig tree is meant to show his disciples the danger of external religion. This story, married with the cleansing of the temple, points out that while everything might look good from a distance, the truth is that religion cannot produce what God desires - a heart bent toward him.
The Forgiven Forgive
July 12, 2020 16:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBContrary to Peter's inquiry, forgiveness is not a religious action to be counted. Instead it's the natural overflow of the gospel in our lives. The King has infused his kingdom with a culture of forgiveness. And when we are truly impacted by his forgiveness, we cannot help but forgive as well.
The Family of the King is Free
July 05, 2020 13:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBIn a strange story that seems to center on a fish with a coin in its mouth, we actually find that Jesus is revealing to Peter that "the family of the King is free." In Peter's context and ours, this means we are free from religion, free to worship in the true temple, and free to act in love.
Jesus Only
June 28, 2020 16:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBWhen Peter and two other disciples witness the transfiguration of Jesus, they are overwhelmed and want the experience to continue. But Peter's offer of building three tabernacles for Jesus, Moses and Elijah is quickly corrected by God. Too often we cloud the gospel with spiritual experience, futurism and religion and in so doing miss the sufficiency of Jesus only.
A King Who Lays Down His Life
June 21, 2020 23:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBWhen Peter declares that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, he believes Jesus is the rightful king. And he's exactly correct. What he misses is just how Jesus is going to establish his kingdom - through sacrifice instead of through power. And he is calling all who follow him to do likewise.