New Hope Church | becomehope

Embracing the Command: Mobilization for the Great Commission

This week our guest pastor Mike Wiggin, teaches over the importance of mobilization in spreading the hope of Jesus to a lost and dying world. Pastor Mike challenges us to shift our priorities, moving from being disciples to disciple makers, and taking intentional steps towards sharing the gospel with those who need it most. Connect with Us: Website: New Hope Church Email: [email protected] Remember to like and subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform for more pod...

What if churches cooperated and collaborated? - April 14, 2024

If churches were to join hands in cooperation and collaboration, the impact could be transformative. Imagine a network of diverse faith communities pooling their resources, talents, and wisdom to address societal challenges. Together, they could amplify their efforts in serving the vulnerable, fostering community engagement, and promoting peace and understanding. Through shared initiatives, such as feeding the hungry, providing shelter for the homeless, or offering educational progr...

What is the cost of unity? - April 7, 2024

Jesus, in John 17:20-26, imparted a prayer for unity, equipping believers with all they require to spread the gospel. However, we frequently confine this unity to our individual church communities. What would happen if The Church unified? 

Easter Sunday: What is true love? - March 31, 2024

What was the significance of Jesus instructing His disciples to love? By observing the multitude of loving actions demonstrated by Jesus in the events preceding His crucifixion, we gain insight into the genuine essence of love. 

Does God save His enemies? - March 24, 2024

Many times, forgiving those who have wronged us proves to be a challenging, if not insurmountable task, leading us to label them as enemies. But did Jesus approach his adversaries in the same manner? Did his sacrifice on the cross extend to even those who opposed him?

What is love? - March 17, 2024

Can we understand the kind of love Jesus commanded us to have? Jesus tells us to love each other the way He loves us. The world will know we are His disciples by the way we love each other, and our example is Jesus's willingness to die on the cross for our sins. 

Is God mentioned in the book of Ester? - March 10, 2024

As you read through the book of Ester you may notice that God is never mentioned, this has even caused debate about the validity of the book's inclusion in the Bible. So why is it included? 

Are you willing to live differently? - March 3, 2024

We often find ourselves in opposition to mainstream culture when we live our lives as God designed, putting us in positions of discomfort and even suffering as we bring the gospel to every corner of our world. In the face of opposition, are you willing to stand in God's truth and live differently?

How do we honor others? - February 25, 2024

Through the lens of Esther's story, we read invaluable lessons on the true essence of honor. Esther's story teaches us that honor is not something we can gain through self-promotion or ambition but rather through service and respect for others. As we navigate our lives, we should ask ourselves: How can I serve and honor others? 

Is my comfort more important? - February 18, 2024

Morticia has discovered the impending edict slating the destruction of the Jewish people and challenges Ester to plead for their salvation before the king. Ester knows that going before the king could mean certain death, but she chooses to lay her life aside for her people. 

Can anger be a positive emotion? - February 12, 2024

It's important to cultivate emotional control, yet certain feelings often deemed undesirable, like anger, are ones we aim to suppress. Exploring the book of Esther, we encounter instances where unchecked anger results in tragedy. However, amidst these narratives, there's a revealing portrayal of anger as a catalyst for rescue, shedding light on its potential for positive transformation.

What should I do if sharing the gospel is uncomfortable? - February 4, 2024

When faced with the death of her people, Ester has to make a choice to either risk her own life or stand by as the Babylonian follow the command to murder the Jews, her people. Ester learns that she is placed exactly where she needs to be, as God planned to use her for just a time like this. #scripture #sundayservice #podcast #greenwoodindiana #indiana #ester #suchatimeasthis

How should a disciple pray? - January 21, 2024

Prayer can be foreign to us, and often, when we pray, it can feel like we are talking ourselves. It can be even more challenging when we have no idea how to approach God with our prayers. We can take heart that Jesus teaches His disciples and us how to pray.  

What does reaching your city have to do with you? - January 14, 2024

Do you know what your role is in taking Jesus to your city? We go to church and hear that we are supposed to bring the gospel to our city. Reach your neighbor with the Word of God! But what does this mean? How do we achieve this? Our guest will share with us how every believer is a missionary and how we can reach our city while teaching others to do the same. 

How to make a difference in your community? - January 7, 2024

The call to share the gospel was not just for the disciples; it's also not just for our pastors and other church leaders. The call to share the gospel is for every Christian! So, how do we go about telling others about the gospel? Learning to use every day events to reach those around you can make a difference that changes your community. It's more than changing one life. 

Do you trust that God will provide? - December 31, 2023

At some point in your life, you have set a New Year's resolution or a goal to improve your health, make better habits, or any number of things. It's that time of year when we start to set priorities and strive to live up to them. Is this our calling as believers? Do our priorities align with God's provision and plan for our lives? Let's look at what Scripture tells us regarding our plans.

Why Christmas? - December 24, 2023

The story of Jesus' birth is one of God coming to us, the narrative of God coming to seek us out. This week, we will hear four messages of how God seeks us out. 

Why did the wise men give Jesus gold, frankincense, and myrrh? - December 17, 2023

Picture Joseph and Mary's astonishment as the Wise Men unexpectedly appear, presenting gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Can you imagine their thoughts? Traveling far to greet the newborn King, yet they bring myrrh of all things.

Why Did God Choose Israel? - December 10, 2023

Why would God pick such a helpless people? Much less the little nation of Israel? God chose Israel because he uses the humble, weak, and the forgotten to show His glory. 

December 3, 2023 - Why was Jesus not born a king?

When we look at the birth of Jesus through a modern lens, we wonder why our King would be born in poverty to an immigrant working family. Jesus had the power to choose to be born the son of an earthly king, but instead, he was born to a poor lower-class family and entered the world to be swaddled in less than desirable cloth and laid in a borrowed feeding trough. Why? 

Why was Jesus not born a king? - December 3, 2023

When we look at the birth of Jesus through a modern lens, we wonder why our King would be born in poverty to an immigrant working family. Jesus had the power to choose to be born the son of an earthly king, but instead, he was born to a poor lower-class family and entered the world to be swaddled in less than desirable cloth and laid in a borrowed feeding trough. Why? 

What does John 3:16 say? - November 26, 2023

John 3:16 is one of the most used verses in the Bible, frequently found on shirts, coffee mugs, and signs, and like all overused things, it often loses its meaning. We need to develop a habit of meditation when reading scripture. When we do this, we discover more profound truths in God's word.

What does it mean to give thanks? - November 19, 2023

When the Pilgrims arrived in the New World, their journey had been marked by hardships, and more challenges were to come as they adapted to life in this unfamiliar territory. Despite enduring difficulties, they paused to express thanks. What inspired their gratitude amid such pervasive hardship?

Who is the most important person in history? - November 12, 2023

If we believe that Jesus is the only way to salvation, then why do we live lives that reflect otherwise? Like the man in John Mark 9:23-25 we struggle with our unbelief. In those times, we should pray. 

Is church important? - November 5, 2023

Numerous churches nationwide have observed a decline in their congregation's attendance since the lifting of pandemic regulations. Has the disruption of our routine led us to overlook the significance of attending church? The Book of Acts provides a clear illustration of the vital role the church plays in our daily lives.

Should we focus on secondary issues? - October 29, 2023

Driving down the road, you see church after church, each claiming they are the right way to follow God. How are you supposed to know which church has the correct answer? Do you have to agree on everything? Jesus gives us these answers and a few more as he teaches his disciples in the Book of Matthew. 

Do I have to follow everything Jesus says? - October 22, 2023

Jesus calls His disciples to wholeheartedly follow all of His teachings, and to go and make disciples. He does not instruct them to cherry-pick teachings that suit their comfort while making disciples. Instead, He emphasizes the importance of taking every word He says and passing it on to others, even when these teachings challenge or cause discomfort.

God is on a mission.

Some of New Hope's guiding principles are remembering that God is on a mission to redeem creation, we want to think Kingdom first, and God has called us to be the Church as we go.

Does God have fair judgment? - October 15, 2023

In Matthew 20:1-16 we read the parable of the vineyard workers and how no matter how long they worked everyone was paid the same days wage by the landowner. We read this parable and think, "That's not fair." Does this mean that God doesn’t have fair judgment? 

What will it take for you to follow Jesus? - October 8, 2032

You demonstrate exceptional moral character, consistently adhering to ethical principles, showing kindness to your neighbors, and actively supporting those in need through various charitable acts. Yet, is there more required to attain heavenly blessings and secure eternal life? Matthew 19:16-30 recounts a profound exchange between Jesus and a wealthy young man, revealing that the path to eternal life isn't quite what we might anticipate.

How do you spend time with Jesus? - October 1, 2023

We frequently encounter hindrances that prevent us from dedicating time to be with Jesus, and these hindrances often originate from our own actions and habits. It's crucial for us to identify and eliminate these obstacles. 

When do we stop forgiving? - September 24, 2023

How many times should we forgive someone? In Matthew 18:21-22 Peter asks Jesus this question, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" Jesus responds, "No, not seven times, but seventy times seven!" But what does this truly mean? Is Jesus advocating for keeping a tally of forgiveness? Jesus continues with a parable (Matt. 23-35) that teaches His disciples to embrace a life of forgiveness. 

How do we handle conflict? - September 17, 2023

Jesus guides us on how to handle conflicts within the Christian community. He teaches how to address conflict when a fellow believer sins against us in a way that builds relationships instead of feeding derision. He starts with approaching the situation privately, seeking a resolution, and involving witnesses if necessary. 

Should we have faith like a child? - September 10, 2023

The disciples ask Jesus who will be the greatest in Heaven, but instead, Jesus uses this moment to teach His disciples about humbleness. Jesus challenges the disciples to be humble and to look outside of themselves to help the lowly in society.  

What does faith mean? - The words of Jesus - September 3, 2023

The Bible shows us examples of faith and how Jesus addresses doubt. From Jesus' words, we see that faith is not a feeling or about how sincere we are, but what is faith? Does God care about how much faith you have? 

How do we approach God in worship? - August 27, 2023

God cares about the posture our hearts take as we enter His presence, and we should view worship before God as more than 'filling our tank' every Sunday. The writer of Ecclesiastes tells us to guard our hearts, watch our words, and be mindful of how we act before God. So, how do we worship a holy God?

How can I help? - August 20, 2023

Family can be complicated, and we often find ourselves at odds with our family. So what does the Bible say about this? The examples we read about in the Bible don't seem that helpful because they are broken and messy, but we can look to Jesus and his ministry to learn how to be a good family member. 

Am I alone in the chaos? - August 13, 2023

The writer of Ecclesiastes writes of a world full of chaos and confirms in his search for meaning that it is all pointless without God. He knows that even in the chaos, we are not alone. 

Hope in the midst of Chaos: Introduction to Ecclesiastes - August 6, 2023

A life without God pleasure, education, work, political causes, wealth, and other good things is meaningless. To live, love and go like Jesus we have to balance life with God at the center. 

Becoming influential in the community - July 30, 2023

The church loses all influence when it stops caring for the brokenness of its community. We need to step into the brokenness of our community with all of our resources, and when we do this, we are showing them who Jesus is.

Serving the body of Christ by giving - July 23, 2023

What does Paul say about giving to the church of Corinth? Does he tell them to give until it hurts? Did he pull on their heart strings and persuade them to give beyond their means with the promise of a 10-fold return? No! Paul shows us how the church willingly supports its church family. Paul even encourages the church not to give unless it's from a place of willingness.  Giving to the church includes many things like giving your time, resources, or finances. If you would like to k...

Does Paul have proof of Jesus's resurrected? - July 16, 2023

What are spiritual gifts? - July 9, 2023

Are all spiritual gifts created equal? Should we desire some gifts more than others? Paul tells the Corinthian church how they should view and use the gifts of the Spirit. 

Are traditions important? - July 2, 2023

Can a man wear a hat while praying? Should a woman cut her hair? What is Paul saying when he addresses these things with the church of Corinth in 1 Corinthians 11:2-10? 

Should Christians play DND? - June 25, 2023

Our culture tells us to do whatever we want, but what if what we want to do causes others to stumble? Paul addresses this issue with the church of Corinth; and Paul tells them to love each other. Sometimes this kind of love looks like not doing what we want to do. 

What did Paul say about divorce? - June 18, 2023

Paul addresses divorce with the church in Corinth. In their culture, marriage, and divorce were contractual agreements between two families. Because of this, the church asks Paul if they should marry, divorce, or remain single.   

Are you a Hope Dealer?

If you are looking for your first step in how to make disciples become a Hope Dealer. Let’s bring hope everywhere we go as we live, love, and go like Jesus. 

There are no lone Christians! - June 11, 2023

Paul addresses the church of Corinth for their open acceptance of sin. He even tells them to remove someone from the church! Does this mean we kick all sinners out of the church?  As believers, we should be seeking out other people to live life with. People who will hold us accountable and address our sins with a call to confession and repentance. 

What is the push and pull? - June 4, 2023

The push of our culture today is division, but as Christians, we are to push back in unity. Paul shows us how to live, love, and go like Jesus in the push and pull of our culture. 

Joesph's second chance for revenge? - May 28, 2023

When the famine hit Egypt, Joesph had the opportunity to get revenge on his family; but instead, he glorified God's divine plan to save the known world from starvation. Joesph gets a second chance at revenge when his father dies. God can take our worst and use it for His good plan.