Next Steps Saturdays - Gospel v Religion 4

We’re all moving towards something. At Hope, we are trying to see what the Bible is leading us toward. A next step based on the Bible, is another step toward understanding God and what He’s like. As John the Apostle said, God is love.

How do you get to know God’s love more? One way is by setting religion down and picking up the Gospel. We hand out cards every week that have the Gospel set up against Religion. Look at the fourth one:

In Religion, if I live up to my standards, I feel satisfied, but then I become proud and judgmental to failing people. If I am not living up to my standards, I feel like a failure.

In the Gospel, it’s not about being a moral achiever. In Christ, I am a sinner and accepted. I am so sinful He had to die for me and yet so loved He willingly died for me. This leads to deeper humility and assurance.

2 Corinthians 5:21 says

21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

He became sin and give us His righteousness, His acceptance before God. Free yourself from having to constantly prove yourself! Learn more about the freedom in Christ every week at Hope Church! We hope you’ll be our guest for a Sunday service at 9:30 or 11:00 at Salt Mine Productive Workspace in Sandy.

March 6, 2020

Jonah 2:1-2

1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, 2 saying,

“I called out to the Lord, out of my distress,

   and he answered me;

out of the belly of Sheol I cried,

    and you heard my voice.

What kind of God takes calls from the belly of a fish? I would be so embarrassed to have to call someone from prison, with that message on the front end asking if they will accept a call from such and such penitentiary. What if they say no? What if they say yes, and I have to speak to them, not as an equal, but as a guilty criminal?

In these verses, Jonah is confident that God heard his prayers, even from the bottom of the sea, in a fish Jonah was swallowed by because of his disobedience to God. We really aren’t God’s equals, and we do speak to Him as those who are guilty. And He still hears us. His love is so magnificent, that God hears you, even calling from whatever pit you’re in. Do you call?

Prayer prompt: Lord, may I call out to you at all times, running to you rather than away.

Daily Reading: Mark 5:1-20 (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of Mark’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

March 5, 2020

1 Corinthians 15:19

19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.

I don’t know that I can honestly say I envy the saints in Scripture. Hebrews reminds us that while there were big victories, some of those men and women were tortured, mocked and flogged, imprisoned, stoned, sawn in two, killed with the sword, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. Yet, is my life supposed to be different from theirs? 

What is it about my Christianity that makes me think I can afford to get comfortable in this world? What did they see in the life to come that made them so willing to suffer? We can never forget that Christ does not give us hope for this life only. He came to bring us to a better life, a life so good, we have a hope that will sustain us through literally anything. Don’t live for this life only.

Prayer prompt: Lord, this world is not my home. Please don’t let me get too comfortable here.

Daily Reading: Mark 4:21-41  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of Mark’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

March 4, 2020

2 Corinthians 9:6

6 The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

In this verse, God is dealing with giving, and look at how He sees it: as sowing. The money you give to God’s Kingdom work is like a seed. Too often, we think of giving as something lost, but that’s not how we see an investment. I think you’d stop investing pretty quickly if you never expected a return. But that’s not what giving to God’s work is like. There is a return. 

When we give to God’s work, we are asking God to take this meager sum and do something with it, just like when we hand money to an investment banker. What can He do with it? He’s asking you if you want to give a little, and see a little return, or if you want to sow a lot and watch something big happen? Well, what do you think? 

Prayer prompt: Lord, give me excitement and imagination when I think about how You will use my Kingdom investment.

Daily Reading: Mark 4:1-20  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of Mark’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

March 3, 2020

2 Corinthians 9:7

7 Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

How can it be possible to give cheerfully? Can you imagine people excitedly waiting in a long line to put their check in the little box on a Sunday? Or a husband getting grief from his wife because he just couldn’t wait and gave online before they could do it together? Ludicrous. Except for that verse in the Bible. 

It is possible. Start by remembering the amazing wealth of blessings God has given you, thinking about the scary hold money can have on your heart, and to looking out on all the good giving through your church is going to do. When you start to see and remember, without the compulsion that Religion heaps on, it is indeed possible to be, even hard not to be, a cheerful giver!

Prayer prompt: Lord, give me the joy of giving as I remember the kindness You’ve given to me!

Daily Reading: Mark 3  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of Mark’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

March 2, 2020

Ecclesiastes 4:12

12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Every Sunday, every Community Group night, is there a little speed bump to get over? Is it possible that you have to motivate yourself to go spend time with Christians? The Bible tells us why: we are more easily defeated if we’re alone. 

Others will keep your momentum going, your momentum will keep others going. God designed us to work together and to work better when we’re together. The people at Hope Church need you and you need them. If you can see that, and really believe it, you won’t be easily broken. Become another brick in God’s unbreakable structure.

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me to invest in Your community, so I will not be easily broken.

Daily Reading: Mark 2  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent look at the Gospel of the Kingdom preached by Jesus.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

Next Steps Saturday - Gospel v Religion 3

We’re all moving towards something. At Hope, we are trying to see what the Bible is leading us toward. A next step based on the Bible, is another step toward understanding God and what He’s like. As John the Apostle said, God is love.

How do you get to know God’s love more? One way is by setting religion down and picking up the Gospel. We hand out cards every week that have the Gospel set up against Religion. Look at the third one:

In Religion, when I am criticized, I get angry because it is important I think of myself as a good person.

In the Gospel, when I am criticized I struggle, but it is not critical for me to think of myself as a good person. My identity is not performance but God’s love for me in Christ.

Colossians 3:1-3 says:

1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

If my life, who I am, is determined by God’s love for me in Christ, I am free. Free to take whatever criticism or praise come my way and not have my head turned. Learn more about the freedom in Christ every week at Hope Church! We hope you’ll be our guest for a Sunday service at 9:30 or 11:00 at Salt Mine Productive Workspace in Sandy.

February 28, 2020

Isaiah 55:1

“Come, everyone who thirsts,

    come to the waters;

and he who has no money,

    come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

    without money and without price.

Grace is a word that loses its meaning through over use. You may hear it 50 times on a Sunday and only vaguely understand what’s being communicated. These verses in Isaiah perfectly paint the picture. 

Imagine walking into the nice restaurant, the anniversary restaurant, and looking down the menu. If there was no price listed, you would assume it’s Market Price which is code for way too much, but no, it’s just free. It’s like opening your dad’s pantry, it’s his, but you’re welcome to it, free! That’s grace. That’s what God has for you, for anyone who calls on the name of Jesus. Come and be satisfied!

Prayer prompt: Lord, fill us up to bursting with Your grace, so much so that we never look anywhere else for satisfaction.

Daily Reading: Matthew 28  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap to watch a NEW Bible Project Video!)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year.

February 27, 2020

Matthew 26:40-41

40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Peter had a hard night on Jesus’ crucifixion. He bounced from full-throated proclamations of undying devotion, to sleeping on the job. Then from sword swinging defense of Jesus to fearfully denying that he had ever known Jesus. That guy was a coward and a bum at best and a traitor at worst. But I do the same thing, and I bet you do too.

How are we going to grow out of our weak-kneed denying of Jesus, and wake up from our sleepy lack of devotion? We have to watch and pray. Jesus has given us His Spirit to fill us up and give us strength. Have you cried out to Him today to use His grace to bring boldness to your voice and strength to your hands? 

Prayer prompt: Lord, make us bold as we pray for your grace.

Daily Reading: Matthew 27:32-66  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

February 26, 2020

Galatians 2:20

20 I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Is there something you would leave everything for? Imagine what it would have to be, like a letter confirming you are the heir to a vast fortune, or the only true heir to a throne and a kingdom in some paradise far away. What would that feel like? It would take a minute to confirm it, and believe it, but then how quickly would the new better life wash away the old?

The Gospel story is one of God leading you from a dungeon into light, then into full understanding of His glorious love, to share in His presence and joy forever. We fail to enjoy that when we go back to old ways of thinking and living. Paul, the writer of Galatians, saw clearly that his old life was over, crucified with Jesus, and now a new life with Jesus has begun. Do you have that life in Jesus? Why go back to anything else?

Prayer prompt: Lord, remind me of the promises, blessings, and hope so that I live for your Kingdom.

Daily Reading: Matthew 27:1-31  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s gospel.)

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year.

February 25, 2020

Romans 8:32

32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?

When I read about the grace that God is able to give us (see yesterday’s post) it can bring a warmth from the inside out, like hot chocolate. He can give us so much more than we even know to ask for! But will He? The check on that incredible promise is the question, will He give it? 

God has all the blessings, He could rain them down, but will He? That’s when we go back to the cross. God didn’t hold back the most unthinkable blessing given at the most unspeakable cost. If He didn’t hold back the biggest thing, why do you let yourself wonder if He will hold back the little ones?

Prayer prompt: Lord, never let me forget the cross, the undeniable proof that You will never withhold what I need.

Daily Reading: Matthew 26:44-75  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

February 24, 2020

2 Corinthians 9:8

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.

I often think about the room in Gene Wilder’s Willy Wonka Factory that is made completely from the most delicious sweets. If you think too long, it gets a little gross. I’m sure you would get sticky and the sweets would get dusty or dirty or people sweat on them. But if you just let it exist as an ideal, it’s magical and attractive. Why doesn’t an all powerful God give us goodies like that? 

Each word in this verse should go off like a bomb, shaking that question to pieces. Grace from God will abound, pour out, roll over like a wave, so that being totally sufficient, having everything you need, at all times, you can really get to work. Not only has He, the Supreme God, rolled all our needs to dust under His overwhelming provision, He’s also given us a wonderful task and purpose! What more could we want?

Prayer prompt: Lord, please make me always dependent on and expectant of Your abounding Grace!

Daily Reading: Matthew 26:26-44  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

Next Steps Saturday - Gospel v Religion 2

We’re all moving towards something. At Hope, we are trying to see what the Bible is leading us toward. A next step based on the Bible, is another step toward understanding God. And as John the Apostle said, God is love.

How do you get to know God’s love more? One way is by setting religion down and picking up the Gospel. We hand out cards every week that have the Gospel set up against Religion. Look at the second one:

In Religion, I obey God in order to obtain things from God.

In the Gospel, I obey God to act like Him because I love Him.

Psalm 19 says it this way:

7 The law of the Lord is perfect,
    reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure,
    making wise the simple;
8 the precepts of the Lord are right,
    rejoicing the heart;
…
10 More to be desired are they than gold,
    even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
    and drippings of the honeycomb.

How would your life change if following God’s will for you was like tasting honey or more valuable than gold? It’s all there for you in Jesus. Come find out more Sundays at 9:30 or 11:00!

February 21, 2020

Galatians 5:22-23

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Why should you always take two church folks when you go fishing? So they won’t drink your beer. Have you heard that one? Does the church really change the way you act deeper down or is it just a way to shame people into pretending? 

These verses show us the difference. Outside in change takes shame and forces people to go against their real desires. Inside out change does just the opposite. It starts with your desires then watches as your actions change. Have you seen God’s Spirit change your heart?

Prayer prompt: Lord, change me from the inside out. Please don’t let me be content with a life not full of love for you.

Daily Reading: Matthew 25:1-30  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

February 20, 2020

Daniel 3:16-18

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Is God’s goodness dependent on your circumstances? Is God only good if things are good? The guys in this passage told the King of the world that it didn’t matter if God saved them or not. God is still able to save, still worth our worship, and still undeniably good. 

That is how it’s possible to have joy in suffering. I don’t say happiness, or pleasure, but joy is possible in suffering. Even if I burn up, God could have saved me. If He didn’t, that’s His decision and I trust that He is good. Do you trust Him? If not, go to the cross where Jesus entered the furnace for you. Love like that, and mercy like that, only come from a very good God.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I know You are good and You are bigger than my ideas of what is best for me.

Daily Reading: Matthew 24:29-51  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

February 19, 2020

Psalm 2:12

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.

Does God get mad? He is certainly extremely forgiving and loving, but is there another side? Anger can be like fire that breaks out and destroys whatever it touches, we’ve seen that kind of anger in ourselves or the Hulk. But that’s not what anger is for, and that’s now how God expresses anger.

There is a righteous anger that destroys what is dangerous or evil. Dads with dad bods can summon incredible strength and resolve when their family is threatened. Shepherds like David famously killed bears and lions attacking their sheep. What would it be like to be before God’s anger? What would it be like to be protected by God’s anger? Isn’t it amazing that we can take refuge in Him?

Prayer prompt: Lord, don’t let me deny Your righteous anger as we see it in Scripture. Let me know and rejoice in the refuge I have in You.

Daily Reading: Matthew 24:1-28  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

February 18, 2020

Matthew 26:39

39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

In this moment, Jesus looks down and sees the wrath of God to be poured out on the sin of humanity. Can you imagine what He saw? What could possibly make Jesus feel, say, ask for God to change His plan, to come up with another way? 

When you and I think about what the bible calls sin, we often order it least to greatest, then indulge in little ones while avoiding bigger ones. Or we just do what we like and justify it by thinking, “Well, at least I’m not as bad as that guy.” Take a moment to think about Jesus’ view, as He looked at the cross to come. How can we call any sin ok?

Prayer prompt: Lord, please forgive me for my sin, and also for how small I make my sin. Teach me to remember the cost your love paid for me.

Daily Reading: Matthew 23:23-39  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

February 17, 2020

2 Corinthians 5:15

15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

Right at the heart of our rebellion against God is something tragic. By choosing anything else to love and honor in the place of God, we gave up God. Not just God’s protection or God’s blessings, but God Himself. Every good thing you’ve ever enjoyed or heard of is only good because it comes from Him. How tragic that we walked away from that source and fountain of all good.

But Jesus didn’t leave us there and He doesn’t leave us there now. He died so we can look up from ourselves and enjoy God’s presence once again. He died and was raised so we can go through death back up to the only good there is! Will you do the hard work of looking up from yourself, seeing Jesus’ work for you, and choosing God?

Prayer prompt: Lord, conquer all the things that I choose instead of you so that I will know the joy that only comes from you.

Daily Reading: Matthew 23:1-22  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year

Next Steps Saturday - Gospel v Religion and a free CD!

If you’ve been clicking along with God Time, and maybe come by one of our services, what’s a good next step you can take?

We would love for you to check out some of Hope Church’s resources. If you come by on a Sunday, we will give you a copy of our Hope Church Band’s CD called Valley Songs. Click here to get a taste of the excellent music they produce!

We also make sure everyone who comes by gets a copy of our Gospel vs Religion card. We use that card to make some hard distinctions between the inside out way the Gospel changes us and the outside in way Religion destroys us. Here’s some of the points:

Religion says: I OBEY, therefore I am accepted.

But the Gospel says: I am ACCEPTED, therefore I obey. (1 John 4:19)

We love because He first loved us. Do you see the difference? We invite you to come experience God’s love first and we’ll let the obedience follow when it’s time. Join us soon to find out more!

February 14, 2020

Matthew 19:30

30 But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

In sports, every now in again, an innovator will come with a new look at the game and change everything. Moneyball brought whole new metrics to baseball and rocketed last place teams to first place, they found a new way to win.

The heroes of the Christian faith were martyrs, those who had very little money or comfort. They seemed to be playing a totally different game. Why do Christians have joy, peace, and willingly help enemies? The Kingdom that Jesus taught about keeps score a different way. Have you thought through which game you’re playing? Are you seeking to be last or first?

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me how to live in Your Kingdom rather than by the rules of the world.

Daily Reading: Matthew 13:1-33  (Click or tap the Verses to read them on your device)  

Bible Project Video (Click or tap the Bible Project Video to watch an excellent overview of the second half of Matthew’s gospel.)  

Click or tap here to join a Bible Reading Plan to read the New Testament in a Year