REimagine

Hi, God, Part 3: Persevering Prayer (Dr. Hoffmann)

Jesus taught His disciples a parable to demonstrate to them that they should always pray and not give up. George Mueller's formula for prayer stated, "It is not enough to begin to pray, nor to pray aright; nor is it enough to continue for a time to pray; but we must patiently, believing, continue in prayer until we obtain an answer." This talk explores the power of persevering prayer and encourages us not to give up.  Scripture Reference: Luke 18:1-8

Hi, God, Part 2: Praying the Scriptures (Dr. Brad Hoffmann)

What do you say when you pray? Speaking Scripture back to God is a meaningful way to pray. This talk informs about the significance of praying Scripture as well as some practical steps in how to pray. Scripture Reference: Acts 4:24-26

Hi, God, Part 1: "Reverence" - A Key to Prayer (Dr. Brad Hoffmann)

Hi, God is about the conversation between the believer and God. We will look at the heart and the practice of the one praying. How do we view God? When do we pray? What do we seek when we pray?  These are all simple questions with complicated answers. The goal is to address each question to foster greater intimacy in the believer's prayer life.  In this sermon, I'm sharing about one of the essential aspects of prayer, which is reverence. Malachi informs us, "Then those who feared the Lord s...

TALK: The Place of Wisdom

Scripture Reference: Proverbs 1:33

Dollars & Sense, Part 3: The Treasure

Life is often about perspective. What we value we typically pursue. Sunday's talk is about value - the things we treasure. The goal for this talk is to put money and possession into perspective in light of God's purpose and mission.  Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:19-21

Dollars & Sense, Part 2: The Debt Factor

Do you own your debt or does your debt own you? Living in the most significant consumer culture in the world, we're conditioned to consume and unfortunately, at a very high cost. This talk exposes consumerism and puts debt into perspective from a Biblical perspective.  Scripture Reference:  Proverbs 22:7, 26-27

Dollars & Sense, Part 1: What Is Money?

Money is a challenge and struggle for many people. For the married couple, it can be the most divisive issue in the relationship. Living in America, we reside in the world's largest economy. Every generation battles consumerism from products to education. The Bible has much to say about money and its uses. The series explores the meaning and methods of money. The goal is to make sense of the dollars.  What is money? What is its usefulness? From the beginning, three roles form our understand...

The Bible, Part 4: How Do I Apply the Bible? (Brad Hoffmann)

Application is often the most significant challenge. We defined the Bible and its major themes. We've talked about how to read and study the Bible - the breadth and depth conversation. How can statements on a page become alive in me - a part of personal practice? This week, the goal is to share principles for the application of what you've read and learned.  Scripture Reference:  Matthew 4:4

The Bible, Part 3: How Do I Study the Bible (Bryan Dupuis)

Scripture Reference:  2 Timothy 3:10-17 Foundation for Reading Scripture: We sit with Jesus -- The Word of God We read mostly for transformation and not information Less like an open book test, more like a good dinner with friends. Feasting on Scripture:           a. Set the Table           b.  Eat Slowly           c.  Talk about it           d. Give Thanks Resources for studying the Bible: youversion.com biblehub.com logos.com New Testament for Everyone Commentary -- N.T. Wright that...

The Bible, Part 2: How Should I Read the Bible?

Reading the entire Bible can appear as a daunting task. It is a big book in so many ways. Where do you start? How do you establish context? Should you read it as a novel or as a textbook?  This talk focuses on creating a framework for reading the Bible, including appropriate daily steps to enrich the reading experience.  2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible, Part 1: What is the Bible?

The new year brings a new teaching series called The Bible. This series intends to deepen our appreciation and understanding of the Scriptures. As a result, I hope we grow in our practice of reading, studying, and applying the Bible.  What is the Bible, how did we get it, and what is its importance? We will attempt to answer all these and establish the Scriptures as a book of hope. This first talk in the series is foundational to the entire series.  Scripture References: Psalm 19:7-9 and Jo...

A Season of Giving, Part 5: Christmas Eve 2019 (Brad Hoffmann)

A Season of Giving, Part 4: The Result (Brad Hoffmann)

The result of caring and giving is flourishing. All communities have needs, including our own. As in the days of Jeremiah, the exiles in Babylon lived with instruction to pray and work for the flourishing of their city. As Jesus followers, who live in a temporary land, we have the mandate to work for the flourishing of our neighborhoods. The result of caring and giving in Hanover will result in the thriving of Hanover. This talk focuses on the steps to flourishing.  Scripture Reference: Jer...

A Season of Giving, Part 3: The Gift (Brad Hoffmann)

Sometimes we get caught up in the deed or resource we give to help others. The action of giving is fundamentally far more significant than a single transaction. When you give, care, and support, you're actually giving hope and in many cases, joy. This talk focuses on the deeper meaning of the gift to allow the giver to understand how significant their actions are in the lives of those in need. Know you're really giving hope.  Scripture References: Psalm 42:5; Romans 15:13; John 11:1-44

A Season of Giving, Part 2: The Example (Brad Hoffmann)

Jesus is the example of giving. The incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection attest to what it looks like to care. This talk explores what it looks like to practically help others. Following Jesus' example, how can you make a difference right where you live? That's the question we'll attempt to answer. How can you make a difference in someone's life? Scripture Reference: John 1:14

A Season of Giving, Part 1: The Principle (Brad Hoffmann)

This talk series is about making a difference. Christmas is synonymous with giving; this is the season of the incarnation. God came in the flesh and dwelt among men. He gave, loved, healed, sacrificed, redeemed, and reconciled. The story of the incarnation is a sent story, the sending of Jesus. As Jesus followers, we live sent too. We're led into our communities to make a difference. This series explores aspects of what it means to make a difference right where you live. This series coincide...

Don't Miss It, Part 2: Life (Brad Hoffmann)

#Adulting The talk focuses on establishing a counter liturgy to the secular framework often promoted and adopted by parents of adult children and emerging adults. Secular liturgies foster frustration. In response, Christians should ask five essential defining questions when trying to discern a theological position for adulthood. The goal of this talk is to provide a framework for a meaningful conversation between parents and emerging adults. The relationship is too important. 

Don't Miss It, Part 1: Life (Brad Hoffmann)

#Adulting What does adulthood look like? What's the path toward becoming an adult? How do you know you've become one? The conversation is often tense between generations. Parents of an adult child hold one view while emerging adults position with another.  This two-part series addresses the elephant in the room. What is the definition of adulthood? What are the dilemmas associated with adulting? Finally, we'll investigate the five-questions, which will help us interpret both a Biblical and t...

Get in the Game, Part 5: The Hard Play (Brad Hoffmann)

Sometimes the right play is the hard play; it's the one we'd rather not do. For the man healed by Jesus, he wanted to go with Jesus - he begged. Instead, Jesus sent him home to his friends to testify and join the mission.  Mark 5:1-20

Get in the Game, Part 4: Learning from the Coach (Brad Hoffmann)

Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow Him. In the following, Jesus would show them how to fish for me. This talk focuses on becoming a disciple and what it means to learn from someone who has gone before you.  Matthew 4:18-22

Get in the Game, Part 3: A Part of the Team (Brad Hoffmann)

Jesus sends out the team of twelve to teach in the villages. Teamwork always infers dependence - dependence upon another teammate. This talk focuses on trust, collaboration, and empowerment. Mark 6:6b-13

Get in the Game, Part 2: The Second Down (Brad Hoffmann)

John Mark had previously failed by deserting his team. Barnabas chose to give him a second chance. Even when life circumstances have sidelined you, you can't remain on the sidelines. This talk is about how to get back into the game. Acts 15:36-41

Get in the Game, Part 1: From Spectator to Participant (Brad Hoffmann)

Five vignettes and teachable moments define this series about mission, teaming and perseverance. How do we move from spectator to participant? How do we re-engage after failure? How do we learn to trust? How do we learn from others? How do we make the hard decisions?  These are the questions people ask who desire to remain in the game until the very end. These are the questions we'll address during this five-part series.  Zacchaeus is the guy in the tree trying to find a better vantage poin...

TALK: Choosing Life (Brad Hoffmann)

Life is sacred; God values life. How do we, as Jesus followers demonstrate the sacredness of life? Let's start at the beginning. We help people choose. We do this in a variety of ways. For the mother, we assist her in the decision to give life. For the abandoned, neglected, and abused child, we help by fostering and adoption. For the individual struggling with life, we offer hope. For the aging and others unable to care for themselves, we bless and care in meaningful ways.   Scripture Refer...

TALK: Protecting What Matters Most (Brad Hoffmann)

Protecting what matters most is a talk about defining, developing, and living appropriate boundaries. What matters most in your life? Relationships, morality, thought life, family, finances, and faith. The goal is to assist people in establishing and honoring meaningful boundaries for a healthier life.  Scripture References: Titus 2:12; James 4:4; Galatians 5:13

#result, Part 3: The Evidence (Brad Hoffmann)

Living in freedom and pursuit of the new nature is nothing more than living a Spirit-controlled life. When the Spirit controls, there is an incredible result of fruit produced in us, which gives glory to the Father. This talk is about the fruit produced, evidence of the Spirit's control, and the result every Christ follower desires.  Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:22-26

#result, Part 2: Honest with the Struggle (Brad Hoffmann)

If you're honest, you know the struggle between the old and new nature. The two are very different, producing opposing results. This talk exposes the reality of giving into old nature's pursuits and its adverse outcomes. We want better; we need better.  Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:16-21

#result, Part 1: Life Free (Brad Hoffmann)

We approach faith with certain biases, not unlike the new believers in Galatia. If you were a "good" follower of the way, you were to perform certain rituals held from a previous life. What they thought connected them to God further disconnected them. What biases do we bring to the faith's table? Freedom is difficult to grasp, especially for people bound by rules, laws, and superstitions. Are any of these prohibiting freedom in your life?  Scripture Reference: Galatians 5:1-6

TALK: Anger Management 101 (Brad Hoffmann)

Therapists report 50 percent of clients seek help for anger issues.  Anger is both good and bad. This talk distinguishes the two by discussing appropriate anger and the dysfunctional effects of inappropriate anger.  Scripture Reference: Ephesians 4:26

TALK: The Whole Person (Brad Hoffmann)

Mental Health is about the whole person; we address both the physical and the spiritual as these are intricately related and interwoven. This weekend is Mental Health Sunday at Cool Spring. The goal of this weekend is to reduce the stigma and encourage people affected by mental illness to take the first step in finding help for the journey. 

TALK: My Hope (Brad Hoffmann)

A story about heaven. What is heaven like? What happens when we die? Well-meaning answers range from nothing to paradise depending on the perspective. For the Jesus follower, Scripture has a lot to say about the future of a Christ follower. This talk is about the "character" of heaven. Heaven is God's presence, it is permanence, our home, and His hope. We will unpack each of these characteristics to understand our future and our longing better.  2 Corinthians 5:1-8

TALK: It's Still Easter (Bryan Dupuis)

Scripture Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

TALK (Easter Sunday): Difference Maker (Brad Hoffmann)

Have you ever gotten up in the middle of the night hoping for a better world? I have. There some things I miss; there are many things I long for. I crave community and not isolation. I want healthy relationships and not toxic ones. I have this idea. Maybe I can really change the world - at least my small world. But, the action, begins with me. Let's try this. For the next thirty days, with my eyes on for all the days of my life, I'll love and practice justice, mercy, and kindness with the ul...

Disciplined, Part 4: Worship (Brad Hoffmann)

We are made for worship. As Ruth Barton said, "Your desire for God and your capacity to connect with God as a human soul is the essence of who you are." Daily we assign value and worth; our devotions reveal the intentions of the heart. Worshiping the secondary things of life never result in lasting fulfillment; only One will satisfy. God invites us to worship. When we worship God, we surrender. This week I'll talk about the invitation and our response. Scripture Reference: Psalm 139:14 & Ro...

Disciplined, Part 3: The Study of Scripture (Brad Hoffmann)

Martin Luther encouraged Christians: "preach the gospel to yourself every day." We do that by reading and studying the Scriptures. One of the most essential of the disciplines is the routine of reading the Bible. How should a Jesus follower read the Bible regularly? We'll talk about the discipline with some practical suggestions on how to incorporate it into a daily routine.  Scripture Reference: Hebrews 4:12

Disciplined, Part 2: Fasting (Brad Hoffmann)

Fasting may be one of the most misunderstood of the practiced spiritual disciplines. Therefore it often goes unutilized or misapplied. The goal of this talk is to bring clarity to the practice and make some suggestions as to how a Christ follower can benefit from its training.   Matthew 6:16-18; 9:14-17

Disciplined, Part 1: I'm Praying for You (Brad Hoffmann)

Disciplined is a series focusing on the practice of a few of the key spiritual disciplines. Prayer is an essential spiritual discipline. While there are many kinds of prayers, this week I will talk about how we pray for others. Utilizing Daniel's example of intercessory prayer, we'll talk about how we can build our own model and practice of intercessory prayer.  Scripture Reference: Daniel 9:1-19

Lead, Part 3: His Opportunities (Brad Hoffmann)

When you match gifts with passion while living sent you'll discover all sorts of opportunities to live on mission. Part of it is awareness while the other part is availability. This week I want to summarize with an emphasis on the many opportunities around us as we live sent. How do you cultivate an awareness? How do you live with an availability? We'll talk about both. When you live sent, you live on mission.  Scripture Reference: Luke 10:1-24

Lead, Part 2: My Passion (Brad Hoffmann)

God gives me the desire of my heart. He's the desire planter. As my relationship with him flourishes so does the God-given and planted desire. God has planted a desire and passion in your heart. What is it? Where is it? The talk this week is about identifying this God-given passion and how we can all take appropriate steps to live out this passion.  Scripture References:  2 Timothy 1:6-7; Titus 2:11-14; Romans 9:1-5

Lead, Part 1: The Gifts (Brad Hoffmann)

LEAD is a series about leadership. Leaders lead by serving. It begins with understanding our giftedness, our passions, and God's opportunities. Effective leadership starts by serving. We don't tell people what to do; we show people what to do. Just as Paul encouraged the believers in Philippi to imitate him, we serve others to demonstrate what it means to lead.  God uniquely gifts every Christ-follower. The Holy Spirit gives each one gift(s) as He sees fit. These gifts are utilized in coope...

Identity, Part 4: I'm Created (Brad Hoffmann)

I read in Ephesians 2 that I am created. Read it for yourself, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." God took me, producing something new out of what existed. When God created here, it wasn't like the original creation. This was a spiritual and moral rebirth and renewal. God created me for good works. It's my identity; I'm established with his purpose in mind. You are created with his purpose in mind....

Identity, Part 3: I'm Forgiven (Brad Hoffmann)

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. Paul wrote this to the Corinthian believers; God says the same thing to us. As a Jesus follower, you are a new creation, forgiven and encouraged with the ministry of reconciliation. I am forgiven; it is my identity. Christians struggle with trusting God's forgiveness. We're crippled by doubt and disbelief that we are indeed forgiven. This doubt prohibits us from living out our true identity. We'll talk about God's forgiveness this weekend and how...

Identity, Part 2: I'm Confident (Brad Hoffmann)

 I believe many Christians live in the tension between confidence and doubt. There's a vast difference between the two. Have you ever stopped to recognize God chose you? In the grand scheme of things, in our response to God's invitation, God chose me. Living in our identity in Christ means living with confidence in Christ's work in our life. I want to talk about this Sunday with some specific application on how we do this.  1 Peter 2:9-12

Identity, Part 1: Fake IDs (Brad Hoffmann)

The goal of the talk this week is to expose the fake ID's by which people identify themselves and to teach for understanding one's true identity as a Jesus follower is in Christ.  Scripture References: Galatians 3:25-29 and Philippians 3:3-7

TALK: Remember the Gain; Look for the Need (Brad Hoffmann)

Matthew's response to Jesus' invitation to follow resulted in both loss and gain. Loss of position, but gain in Jesus. The lesson learned at the dinner to follow was how much God enjoyed kindness and compassion for those in need. These few verses remind us to remember the gain and look for the needy around us.  Scripture Reference:  Matthew 9:9-12

TALK: Something Has Happened (Brad Hoffmann)

It's a short verse, perhaps unnoticed by first glance. The background is Abel is dead and Cain is doing his own thing. Seth is born to Adam and his wife. Seth now has a son and names him Enosh. His name means man and serves as a reminder of the frailty and dependence of man. But, it is at this time people begin to inquire of the Lord. Something has happened; life is different. What is it? We're going to talk about this something on Sunday with the goal of applying it to our own experience.  ...