April 20, 2020

Psalm 46:4-5

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

    the holy habitation of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

    God will help her when morning dawns.

In these verses, we have a reference to something you and I probably don’t think about much. It’s the idea that your town is much harder to besiege if it has a river running through it. They may stop food from getting in, but if you have a river, you have water. It was a sign of a well tended, almost invincible city.  

The City of God is one of those cities. These verses, beautifully and poetically describe God’s city as impenetrable, a place of totally security, where all your needs are met. The Christian hope is a place where all of your fear is forgotten. In pandemic times, in violent aftershock times, find joy in remembering your true citizenship in your true city.

Prayer prompt: Lord, remind me of my true citizenship so I will move through this world, doing Your will, without fear..

Daily Reading: Luke 12:1-34 (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 Luke’s gospel.)  

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

Next Steps Saturday

After a strange Easter, the optimists among us will be quick to point out silver linings. I count myself among their happy, unrealistic number. What was the upside to an Easter without family, physical church service, or big communal meals?

Well, depending on your family, it might be a nice thing to get away from them. And for the meals, did you really need the calories? For the church service, that’s a little harder. It is a real bummer to celebrate Easter with a screen on your couch instead of with all the people and energy of the church gathered together. What is the upside? I only know of one: sharability.

That may not be a word, but it is the best way I know to talk about an incredible benefit. Anyone, anywhere can have access to the full Hope Church Easter service. And it couldn’t be easier for them to attend or for you to invite. For the Next Step this week, make a list of 5 friends and send them the link to the Hope Church YouTube page. Take the one big advantage we see in all this and make the most of it!

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQTB41oWVYs1D4hjQpkw_Tw

April 17, 2020

Luke 10:21

21 In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will.

Jesus says these words in prayer and celebration after a group of 72 of His followers return from preaching about the Kingdom. They were jazzed, as we would be, because they could cast out demons. And Jesus says, “That’s nothing, I saw Satan fall from Heaven like lightening. Rejoice instead that your names are written in Heaven.” Then He sings, He rejoices over these little ones who have the Kingdom. 

There’s two options in life. You can either be the King, or bow to the King. Pride or humility. Jesus’ followers got a taste of power and started flexing, but Jesus quickly checks them. “You may be effective in ministry, but it’s only by using my name, I saw Satan fall from Heaven. Rejoice instead that you have Me.” How great is God that He would make the real joy of the Universe available to everyone? How dangerous is pride that it can keep you from it?

Prayer prompt: Lord, please protect me from pride and focus my eyes on You.

Daily Reading: Luke 10:25-42 (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 Luke’s gospel.)  

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

April 16, 2020

Isaiah 55:11

11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

    it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

    and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

It can seem so empty to tell yourself or others Bible verses when things are hard. In the moment of temptation, verses can sound trite or even patronizing. In the moment of deep pain, verses can sound like a platitude and insincere. In the moment of contesting for the faith, verses can seem like a weak argument. 

But remember who spoke those words, and what they’ve done so far. God, the Holy Creator and Lord of all, made everything by speaking. He upholds the Universe by the word of His power. And John started his gospel by referring to Jesus as the Word of God, the perfect expression of God given to us. To read His word, and to apply it to your life, is to touch something unspeakably powerful, something that always accomplishes what the One who spoke it purposed.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please help me remember and pray Your powerful, powerful word.

Daily Reading: Luke 10:1-24 (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 Luke’s gospel.)  

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

April 15, 2020

Luke 8:25

25 He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

What do we do with faith? It seems like a muscle we should flex. If we do it right, then miracles happen. But that’s not what this story points too. The disciples were in a boat that almost capsized in a storm. It seems really appropriate to panic. Yet, Jesus makes it clear that a little faith would have lead to entirely different reactions.

If Jesus was a man, then yes, panic. But if He’s God, why would anything make them fear? If He holds the universe together with the word of His power, doesn’t it seem silly to think He wouldn’t be aware of the weather situation and able to knock it out? If they had had faith, they could have ridden out that storm with all the joy of a kid on a roller-coaster. Marvel at God’s greatness and then watch your fears shrink away.

Prayer prompt: Lord, teach me to live like what is true is true.

Daily Reading: Luke 9:37-62 (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 Luke’s gospel.)  

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

April 14, 2020

Romans 14:17

17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Inside or outside? We don’t stop asking that question at Hope Church. Does the way you act make you a Christian or does becoming a Christian effect the way you act? Is being part of the Kingdom about keeping Kosher or the way you dress? Does the gate to heaven swing wide for people without righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit as long as they avoid bacon?

The Kingdom of God is only for the holy and the perfect, and that’s not us. If we want in, we go in through Jesus. The question now is do we have Him? Has His love and has the Holy Spirit begun to change us? If it has and He has then we start to see righteousness, peace, and joy invade our lives. That’s what we are working toward in the Kingdom of God.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please work through me and allow me to see your work from the Inside Out.

Daily Reading: Luke 9:1-36 (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 Luke’s gospel.)  

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

April 13, 2020

Luke 23:40-43

40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

Yesterday at Hope Church, we went through these verses to celebrate Easter. You would be right to wonder why. This is a crucifixion text and Easter celebrates the Resurrection! Yes. But this text tells us how to have the Resurrection and how to want the Resurrection.

In this scene there are two criminals on either side of Jesus. One mocks Jesus and the other worships. Why? Because he saw Jesus’ love and forgiveness even from a cross. That man knew he could be loved and forgiven by this King even though he deserved a cross. Do you know that love? Have you experienced that acceptance? You can. Let us know if we can help answer questions. Email ben@hopechurchutah.com

Prayer prompt: Lord, let me see the Savior’s love for me and have it change everything.

Daily Reading: Luke 8:22-56 (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 Luke’s gospel.)

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

Next Steps Saturday - Easter Weekend

It doesn’t feel like Easter, but Easter it is! How amazing that we can sort of enact the truth of Easter? The Easter Story says that in our darkness we saw a great light. When things were awful, people separated from God and at odds with other people, still Jesus came. When those who followed Him were at their lowest, seeing Him dead, carried away to a tomb, Resurrection happened and the grave was empty!

You may feel very down right now. Everyone is at least frazzled by events, but many are miserable. In our darkness, Easter isn’t cancelled. It erupts in joy like sunlight from the dawn or trumpets ringing out in a field.

This week’s next step is simply to Join us on Sunday at 9:30 on YouTube Live to celebrate that He Is Risen. Post about it, share it, text it or email it around. Let others know about a celebration in the middle of all this pain.

Click here for Hope Church YouTube

April 10, 2020 Good Friday

Matthew 27:50-54

50 And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit.

51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. 52 The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, 53 and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

What makes Good Friday good? Today we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. To be clear, Jesus was God made Man, perfect in obedience, over-flowing with love, the one who came to save us. How could it be good that He died, and died so gruesomely?

The verses that follow verse 50 describe events that took place. It’s a news report not just symbolic language, but the wild stuff that followed is packed with meaning. Jesus’ death tore the curtain that separates God from man. His death shook the earth, the earth that groans longing to be renewed. His death lead to a small localized resurrection of some of the believers who had already passed, as the resurrection power of His atoning death spilled over like a tidal wave. And all this is just a symbol of what His death means for you.

Spend today in praise and reflection. Remember how good He is in giving Himself for you.

Prayer prompt: Lord, Your sacrifice is unparalleled. Teach me to see what You did for me, so I can see more of Your love and grow in worship.

Daily Reading: Luke 7:1-30 (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 Luke’s gospel.)  

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

April 9, 2020

Hebrews 13:17

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.

In the middle of COVID, as everybody becomes a work-from-home employee and a homeschool teacher, stress is high. I can see my kids wondering why I’m so frustrated, or to use the term from this verse: groaning. How much better for them if they help make it easier on us?

That’s exactly what this verse helps us to think about for the church. It’s not easy leading people to apply the gospel, love their families, and equip them for the work of ministry to the world. What’s more, we have to give an account to God for the way we do it. Do us and yourselves a favor: obey and submit to your leaders. And Pray Pray Pray for us!

Prayer prompt: Lord, please give our leaders wisdom and teach us to follow in obedience to You.

Daily Reading: Luke 6:27-49 (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 Luke’s gospel.)  

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

April 8, 2020

Luke 2:13-14

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest,

    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

There is a special kind of excitement that bubbles over, that just can’t be held in. The Angels just finished telling a group of shepherds about Jesus, and how there was a baby in swaddling clothes that they could go see. Not a verse later, as soon as the message was faithfully delivered, the angels split the sky open in song and celebration! “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

Christianity is not primarily or first made of emotions. But it doesn’t lack them either. Does your walk burst with excitement? It shouldn’t always, there are times to mourn and repent, times to be sober-minded and serious. But there are also times to sing! If you are in Jesus, God is pleased with you! He sent Jesus to save us! That’s something to feel. I hope you split into songs and shouting, or at least a deeply felt grin from time to time today.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please let the Easter truths sink down in and burst back up in song!

Daily Reading: Luke 6:1-26 (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 Luke’s gospel.)  

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

April 7, 2020

Luke 22:26

26 But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.

This is a hard one. The youngest doesn’t get to pick. The servants don’t get to eat first or have much autonomy. When kids play make believe, everyone wants to be the Knight or the Princess. Nobody wants to be the slave. Why would Christianity set up this kind of upside-down value system? 

If you argue too much against it, you run into a problem. Jesus Himself set a pretty drastic example. You were never king of anything and your service to others won’t end up being too extreme. He is King of Everything and His service included drinking the full wrath of God for Humanity’s sin. He has set our example for true greatness. Will we take Him seriously?

Prayer prompt: Lord, You have served me so well. Please teach me to serve others.

Daily Reading: Luke 5:17-39 (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 Luke’s gospel.)

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

April 6, 2020

John 12:12-15

12 The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. 13 So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” 14 And Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, just as it is written,

15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion;
behold, your king is coming,
    sitting on a donkey's colt!”

Yesterday was Palm Sunday. I don’t know if you’ve heard of that before, but the Sunday before Easter, we remember what happened when Jesus entered Jerusalem in what has been called the Triumphal Entry. The people of Israel cut palm branches and waved them before Jesus as a way to affirm Him as David’s heir, the new King of Israel.

The irony of Palm Sunday is that it would only be 5 days before these same people cry out, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” What happened? Jesus came to be King, but not as the people wanted. They wanted riches, security, and honor for their nation. They wanted a political figure. Jesus came to give them forgiveness, entrance into God’s Kingdom, and indelible proof of God’s unending love. When God gives you something different than what you expect, think about Palm Sunday. Trust God to give you what you need, even if it isn’t what you want.

Prayer prompt: Lord, I trust Your goodness, even in pain. You know what’s best.

Daily Reading: Luke 5:1-16 (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 Luke’s gospel.)  

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

Next Steps Saturdays - COVID Edition

On Saturdays, we take a second to think about how to take a step further in. We stop and look before we leap. At Hope, we expect people to take time and evaluate the gospel and the church. But we also want to help people know what a next step can be as they evaluate.

While we’ve outlined several possibilities so far, here are a couple that are specific to our life under the Stay Home, Stay Safe orders.

1. Reach out. Make a call to someone you know and spend an unhurried amount of time just chatting. It’s not often that we call someone without having a specific goal and a specific amount of time. Try it! You’ll be surprised how nice it is.

2. Give blood. This one isn’t for everyone and can’t be done frequently, but the Red Cross needs donors in a bad way. Make an appointment and save some lives.

3. Deliver food. The Utah Food Bank is accepting volunteers to pick up food boxes and deliver them to clients. It’s a fantastic way to help those in need without exposing them to COVID.

I’m sure there are other ways to serve and if you think of them, let us know! These are a couple of the ways you can help others during this difficult time.

As always, if there are ways for Hope Church to help you or pray for you, please let us know!

April 3, 2020

Ephesians 6:19

19 and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel,

I’m sure some people have been more bold than the Apostle Paul when it came to preaching the Gospel, but I can’t think of any. He preached in chains, from jails, to Kings and councils. Yet when it came time for him to give a prayer request, he asked for God’s grace to be bold in speaking about the Gospel.

Where are you? Are you bold? Have you given up? Gospel ministry isn’t done by tireless and fearless geniuses. Gospel ministry is done as a tireless and fearless God works through a humble people. Pray today for God’s grace to speak boldly and then make the leap. He is strong enough to give you words to speak.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please give us words and boldness as we speak about your good news!

Daily Reading: Luke 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 Luke’s gospel.)  

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

April 2, 2020

Hebrews 11:1-2

1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.

We are always trying to make clear the difference between the Gospel that Jesus taught and the religion that man builds. In Hebrews 11, we see a long list of the great accomplishments of God’s people throughout the history of Scripture. It can be intimidating! They did those things and I can’t even get to church weekly.

But that’s just it. They did what they did by faith. If you read the chapter, over and over again the sentences start with the words, “By faith…”. That means that the big things God does through these people happens when they believe Him and start to act like it. They weren’t honored for their actions, but they were blessed by their faith. Start today by making that adjustment. What can God do through you as you simply start to trust Him?

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me to really believe so my actions will follow.

Daily Reading: Luke 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 series on Luke’s gospel.)  

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

April 1, 2020

1 John 3:14

14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.

Do you see the either/or of this verse? The Holy Spirit says we can have either love or death. Life is love, no love is death. To live selfishly or with pride, with yourself at the center, is to literally abide in death. What does that really mean? 

It means that one of the great tests of Christianity is your heart’s temperature. Do you love? If God’s love has met you and begun to change you then that love will flow out from you. You will really feel it. If you don’t, it doesn’t necessarily mean you aren’t a Christian, but it does mean you’ve started choosing yourself, relying on yourself, instead of Him. Make the change today! Soak in His love.

Prayer prompt: Lord, please help me to understand and feel your love so it will flow through me to the world.

Daily Reading: Luke 1:57-80 (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 Luke’s gospel.)  

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

March 31, 2020

Psalm 3:3

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,

    my glory, and the lifter of my head.

I want to be strong. I want my kids to see me as invincible and the one they can run to in trouble. I want to be Captain America, but I’m not. Really, I’m more like the scared kid than the invincible dad. That’s why this verse means so much to me. 

I am the scared kid, but I have an invincible Dad. God is a shield about me, total protection. God gives me what value I have calling me loved and His child. God lifts up my head when it droops from fatigue and discouragement. That’s just how good He is when I go to Him. Commit today to look to Him for your security, your satisfaction, and your identity.

Prayer prompt: Lord, let me look to you to lift my head, to be a strong shield around me.

Daily Reading: Luke 1:1-25  (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 first part of Luke’s gospel.)  

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

Next Steps Saturdays - YouTube Live

Just like everybody else, Hope Church is having to adjust to make sure that we keep everyone safe and still do what God has called us to do! That has meant a couple of different things. In the first place, it has meant that we are meeting online through YouTube Live. It also means that the way we serve people has to be very strategic.

1. Subscribe. A great next step for this week would be to go to YouTube.com and subscribe to the Hope Church Utah page. You can then click on the little bell icon and get notifications when we start a live event or service.

2. Invite. Through our YouTube Live services, we have become an option for people who would have a hard time coming to one of our normal services. Now is a great time to invite! Send that link around and let other people know about the Hope that we talk about at Hope Church.

3. Serve. It is a hard time to serve people when it is such a bad idea to be around people! But, there are 2 things that would help a ton. You can give blood at the American Red Cross by appointment. There’s not much you can do that will save more lives. You can also volunteer to deliver food boxes for the Utah Food Bank. In both of these ways, you can help people without spreading the virus.

Don’t forget that God is doing big stuff during all this difficulty. We hope to see you Sunday through YouTube Live!

March 27, 2020

Acts 1:8

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

These verses have all the appeal of a command to climb Mt Everest or run across the Lower 48. We have to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. Do you know how far the ends of the earth are? And as soon as crazy Elon Musk colonizes Mars, we’ll have to send evangelists up there too. That’s exhausting just to think about. 

But don’t miss the first part of the verse. Jesus commands us fly and gives us wings. We will have the power to do what He calls us to do. Not because we will tap some unforeseen abilities in ourselves, but because He will provide it in the Holy Spirit. Step up to the long journey and trust in His strength to move you on.

Prayer prompt: Lord, help me to remember the power You’ve given me to accomplish Your plans.

Daily Reading: Mark 15:1—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