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What’s the secret to lasting friendships? How does queer community show up through the ebbs and flows of life? And what’s the REAL story behind the “YMCA” song? In the first episode of Silver Linings, The Old Gays dive into an essential part of queer life: chosen family. They discuss the vital love, support, and sense of belonging that community provides, especially during life's toughest moments. They open up about what “queer” means to them, how chosen family has impacted their lives, and how to maintain close bonds over time–including their love for each other! “We’ve come a long way, baby.” Family isn’t just what you’re born with; it’s the people who show up, shape you, and stick around. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…
Content provided by Mount Hope Church. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mount Hope Church or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Join us for the Mount Hope Church Sunday Sermon Podcast! Our purpose is to make disciples who are healthy, growing, and full of love. We hope that these messages would equip you and build you up in your walk with God. Thanks for being a part of the online community of Mount Hope Church.
Content provided by Mount Hope Church. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Mount Hope Church or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
Join us for the Mount Hope Church Sunday Sermon Podcast! Our purpose is to make disciples who are healthy, growing, and full of love. We hope that these messages would equip you and build you up in your walk with God. Thanks for being a part of the online community of Mount Hope Church.
Do you want your spiritual senses to come alive? Tune in to the sound of heaven, repent, and respond with worship as we have full access to Jesus. Hear the Lord saying to us, "Come up here," as Pastor Kevin reads through Revelations 4.
One of the chief works of the Holy Spirit is given away in His name—Holy. He is the Holy Spirit, and He works in us, making us more and more like Jesus. In order to become more and more holy, we must declare war on the sin in our lives, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and guard us against the enemy's efforts. Join Pastor Kevin as he teaches about the Holy Spirit's power as part of our ongoing series, "Your Divine Advantage."…
Have you experienced some pain, pressure, or suffering? Do your circumstances ever cause you to question God's love for you? There's good news! As followers of Jesus, filled with the Spirit, we are NOT left on our own! Keep looking forward, the Spirit in us is a sample of the blessings to come! Join Pastor Kevin as he continues our series, "Your Divine Advantage."…
Living a life of freedom has EVERYTHING to do with what you are wearing! When we look at scripture, it clearly tells us to throw off our old sinful nature, and put on a new nature–one created to be righteous and holy like God. Join Sarah as she continues our ongoing series, "Your Divine Advantage."
If we want to take our Divine Advantage, we have to learn how to use it! That means learning to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit and looking for His signs. Join Pastor Joe as he shares the different ways that the Holy Spirit communicates with us, and how we should respond when we hear from Him. This message is part of our ongoing series, "Your Divine Advantage."…
What do you do when you face an impossible situation? What about when you can see something that needs mending, but you don’t know how to fix it? Catch the heart of the Father as Pastor Kevin teaches us to turn to God when we face obstacles and say, “My Dad Can Fix It!”
Are you winning the battle for your mind? In Proverbs 4:23, it states, "Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life." Be inspired as Pastor Kevin teaches how to identity the lies that enter our mind, and replace it with the truth that will set you free.
As Christians, we have a divine advantage: Jesus has already shown us the way to life! But it's so easy to get confused and distracted from that message, with so much going on in the world. Guest speaker Shane Willard helps break down some of the misconceptions Christians can get caught up in when trying to follow Jesus. Join us as we dive into biblical definitions of love and life with our series, "Your Divine Advantage."…
Did you know God has given you the advantage in this world? Join Pastor Kevin as he dives into our new series, Your Divine Advantage, talking all about the Holy Spirit and what to expect when the Holy Spirit works with us and in us daily.
Mothers serve so many jobs, and it's not always easy. Join Pastor Kevin, Amanda, Destiny, and Sarinede Jones as they discuss one mother in the Bible who had to hold tight to her faith through a time of waiting.
When we walk with Jesus, He gives us BIG dreams, and with dreams this big, the enemy will not stand idly by and do nothing. We are surrounded by spiritual warfare, and the Church stands on the dividing line, in this world but not of it. Join us as we hear from guest speaker Pierce Davis, a missionary to the Buddhist world who has experienced firsthand spiritual tension and shares how we as a Church should respond.…
Love perfected is the absence of fear. Be inspired from Pastor Joe as he teaches on how the manifestation of God's love was shown in the sacrifice of Jesus, and truly knowing God always results in love, which is demonstrated by loving others.
When we're walking in the Spirit, we have a divine advantage! He helps us in our weakness, and tells us what to pray when we need guidance. Learn more with Pastor Kevin during our "Walking with Jesus" series.
What does it mean to walk in love? Love is the proof that we follow Jesus, so what can we do to demonstrate it daily, shaping ourselves to be more like Him? Join Pastor Kevin as we continue our series, "Walking with Jesus."
He is Risen! Dream Again with us as we celebrate Jesus' triumph over the grave! Join Pastor Kevin as he shares from his heart about the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection, and the role Mary Magdalene played in the Easter narrative.
The weight of the crown of thorns placed on His head, the stripes laid into His back, and the death on a tree He bore were all done for one thing: to be with you. Come hear the powerful story of the Father’s plan to restore us to Him at one of our Good Friday Services as we remember and give thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice.…
What does it mean to love one another as we walk with Jesus? Join Pastor Kevin as he breaks down the changes that we have to make in how we love as we follow Christ's example. This is part of our ongoing series, "Walking with Jesus."
We all need an upgrade of our picture of Jesus! As we walk with Jesus, Pastor Kevin teaches how to remain filled with the Holy Spirit and how our view of God affects every area of our life.
To walk with Jesus is to walk with the Father—everything in the life of Jesus revolved around relationship with our Heavenly Father. We must keep our eyes on Jesus and not let the patterns and traditions of this world overshadow our eternal calling.
Jesus is our advocate! Be inspired with Pastor Joe as he teaches the balance of works and graces. As believers, this balance is crucial for every follower of Jesus to navigate, as too much emphasis on grace can lead to spiritual neglect and a lack of effort, while too much emphasis on perfection can lead to rebellion and a sense of hopelessness in the face of unattainable standards. We must keep our eyes on Jesus and stay obedience to Him as our savior and atonement.…
We hear the Lord saying " ALL HANDS ON DECK!" God has a miracle catch of people coming into His Kingdom coming on the horizon. Let's push our boat into the water, go out a little deeper, and be where people need hope. Be inspired as Pastor Kevin kicks off our new series, "Walking with Jesus."
What does it mean to hear the sound of God moving? The Bible tells us that the sound of marching feet in the tops of the poplar trees was a sign that the Lord was moving ahead to strike down the Philistine army. Today, we are also hearing sounds on earth that signal God is moving ahead of us. Join Pastor Kevin as he shares his vision for 2023 and how we'll hear God move this year.…
As a nation, we are currently experiencing a desert wasteland of depression and fear because we look to wells that can never satisfy. In John 4:6-26, where Jesus speaks with a Samaritan woman at the well, and Pastor Joe highlights how God is exposing the "false wells" in our lives. The Lord is surveying our souls and calling us to turn to Him, who alone can quench our spiritual thirst.…
Join us as Dave Roever shares his personal testimony of going from tragedy to triumph. As a Vietnam War veteran, Dave suffered a life-changing injury that left him severely disfigured. However, he refused to let this tragedy define him, and instead turned to his faith in God to find hope and healing. Through his inspiring story, Dave shows how anyone can overcome the most difficult circumstances with faith and perseverance. Join us as we listen to Dave's incredible journey of redemption and discover how we too can find hope in the midst of tragedy.…
Join us as we explore what it means to prosper in all things as the Bible teaches in 3 John 2. Your soul must be prospering for you to prosper in all things! Pastor Kevin uses the example of Mary's extravagant act of generosity in John 12 to show how love generates lavish giving and that selfishness will always try to shift the focus. Join us as we learn about being a generous giver, inspired by the teachings of Jesus, as we wrap up our "May You Prosper" series.…
What does it mean to put Jesus first in our lives and how does it translates into our giving? Pastor Kevin delves into the biblical principle of tithing and why it's still relevant for Christians. Through this message, you'll learn how giving to those in need and making deposits in your heavenly account can bring joy, peace, and security. Don't miss this opportunity to grow in your faith and experience the blessings that come from putting God first in your life and your giving, part of our ongoing series, "May You Prosper."…
Join us as we delve into the concept of eternity and its importance in the Christian faith. Through the story of Arthur Stace, a man whose life was transformed by the reality of eternity, we see how God's goal is to restore and revive the hearts of the humble and repentant. This world is not our permanent home, so it's important to consider our eternal home daily. Join Pastor Kevin for our "May You Prosper" series as he explores the connection between following Jesus and the grip of eternity on our hearts.…
The Kingdom of Heaven is near and He is coming soon! It's important for us to be ready for the Lord's return and it should affect our daily decisions and priorities. Through scripture, we see how God calls us to be givers and how our attitude towards money plays a role in our relationship with Him. Join Pastor Kevin as we dive deeper into blessings that come from living a life of generosity as part of our ongoing series, "May You Prosper."…
2023 can be the most enriched, God-filled year for you yet! He wants to bless us immensely, but we have to prepare ourselves to receive His blessing. Join Pastor Kevin as he starts our new series, "May You Prosper," by teaching us how to position ourselves for prosperity.
As we kick off 2023, we want to encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus. This year can be the most exciting, rewarding, fulfilling, and adventurous year of your life, but it’s important to stay focused on Jesus to make sure you are truly living, rather than just existing. When our eyes are fixed on Jesus, we will move through life with joy, see the world in a different way, dream bigger, and stop thinking things are impossible. Be encouraged as Pastor Kevin kicks off the year sharing on how to prioritize our thoughts on one who’s worthy—Jesus!…
God is with you! The story of Jesus coming to earth demonstrates that God desires to be with us. When we were at our worst, God reached out His hand toward us to rescue, save, redeem, and comfort us. Catch the invitation from Heaven as Pastor Kevin continues in our series, "Be Present."
Everything we need in life can be found in the presence of God! Together we are learning how to experience the presence of God, and what His presence will do for you! Our goal? To be completely captivated within the presence of God! Join Pastor Kevin as he continues our Christmas series, "Be Present."…
God has made you to be a gift to one another! We are God's gift to humanity, not in a "look at me way," but in a "look to Him way!" Learn how to live out God's gift with Pastor Joe as he kicks off our Christmas series, "Be Present."
By calling onto Heaven, we have the keys of faith in creating our reality. Be inspired as our dear friend, Dave Williams, walks through activating our faith to build and see our dreams comes to reality.
As we've been talking about bringing heaven on earth, it can be easy to get lost in what role we have to play individually. Join Pastor Kevin as he shares our heavenly assignment, continuing our "Heaven on Earth" series.
What does obedience look like from a heavenly perspective? In what ways should we be obedient to God? Pastor Kevin shares on heavenly obedience as part of our "Heaven on Earth" series.
To bring Heaven on Earth, we need to know what Heaven sounds like! Join Pastor Kevin as he shares how to give praise, share prayers, and express joy in our "Heaven on Earth" series.
How are you showing heaven on earth? Our work is our worship, and we should be carrying that attitude with us as a testimony through our attitude and actions! Join Pastor Kevin as he continues our "Heaven On Earth" series.
Everything begins with a right view of God! So how can we focus our minds on heaven and ensure God is the center of our attention? Join Pastor Kevin as he shares how to develop a heavenly mindset as part of our series, "Heaven on Earth."
How can we position ourselves as heavenly people, ushering God's kingdom here on earth? Join Pastor Kevin as he kicks off our new series, "Heaven on Earth." Then put it into practice by participating in our weekly challenges!
This world needs fathers! God is calling men especially to step into roles of spiritual leadership, to stand in the gap that is being perpetuated by culture. How is God going to equip our men and women of Hope? Join Pastor Peter for the conclusion of our "Family: Designed by God" series.
God designed us for power! John Lindell from James River Church is with us sharing about the power God gives us and how to seek healing! His power is meant for us today! This message is part of our "Family: Designed by God" series.
Our children are both a gift and a responsibility from God. What does the Bible say about parenting, and how can we raise our kids to have a relationship with God? Pastor Kevin shares a biblical perspective on parenting as part of our "Family: Designed by God" series.
What does the Bible say about femininity and the role of a woman? Join Pastor Kevin as he shares a biblical perspective for a woman's role in the family as part of our "Family: Designed by God" series.
What does the Bible say about masculinity and the role of a man? Join Pastor Kevin as he shares a biblical perspective for a man's role in the family as part of our "Family: Designed by God" series.
Our gender and identity were designed by God, just as He intricately created every part of us. But in a world that is questioning gender and sexuality, how should Christians respond? Pastor Kevin addresses this as we begin our “Family Designed by God” series.
God cares about the One, and so should you! How can you partner with God to reach the lost on an individual basis? By learning to hear God's voice. Listen as Pastor Kevin wraps up our "Expect Power" series.
In the book of Acts, we see that the Church experienced a great wave of persecution, but it also received a great wave of God's power from the Holy Spirit! Pastor Kevin shares how we can prepare ourselves for both of these waves, enduring hostility and receiving power. Join us as we continue our "Expect Power" series.…
Jesus warned us that we would suffer, and it is how we respond to suffering that shows God's power working in us. Pastor Joe is joined by MHLS grad Keagan Semlow for this message, which is part of our "Expect Power" series.
Unity is the goal of God, and as Christians, we are called to work towards that end. Pastor Joe shares how Christians should respond to cultural clash, and practical steps for fostering unity as part of our "Expect Power" series. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Pastor Kevin Berry, Mount Hope Church in Lansing, MI http://www.mounthopechurch.org New Online: https://mhc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/38401 Gave Your Life to Jesus: https://mhc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/92120 Prayer Request: https://mhc.churchcenter.com/people/forms/93828…
God has empowered us to be witnesses, even in opposition and hardship! Pastor Ja'Von shares how to continue witnessing in the hard times as part of our ongoing series, "Expect Power."
Are you aiming to please others or to please God? Man cares about being right, while God cares about being righteous. Join Pastor Geoff for our "Expect Power" series as we continue through the book of Acts.
What made the church in the book of Acts so unique? They were filled with power, known for their unity and harmony, and full of generosity. Let this be a day of freedom for you as Pastor Kevin continues in our "Expect Power" series and teaches to live with the resurrection power.
How should we pray when we're sick or surrounded by worry? When it comes to praying through the tough times, there is a way we can pray that borrows from the power of the apostles. Join Pastor Kevin as he continues our "Expect Power" series.
Just as we can expect power, we can anticipate opposition in this life. How can we prepare for it? How can we power through? Pastor Kevin shares how the power of heaven assists us as we continue our "Expect Power" series.
How do you know the difference between a genuine Christian and a fake one? Listen as Pastor Kevin shares how being “all in,” fully devoted to the church, can position you for miracles, signs, and wonders.
In Acts 2, we see this picture of Peter addressing the crowds with such strength and boldness—but if you look back to when Jesus was being crucified, Peter was cowardly denying that he was a disciple. What changed? What happened to Peter that changed his confidence in Christ? Be inspired as Pastor Geoff shares this powerful message in our "Expect Power" series.…
There is never a dull moment in the Kingdom of God! We have been filled with the Holy Spirit to proclaim the greatness of God to ALL people. Join Jordan as he continues our "Expect Power" series.
We can't help but to tell what we've seen and what we've heard! Pastor Kevin is joined by former MSU football coach Mark Dantonio and Phillip Rogers as they discuss how we can carry our testimony with us, during our "Expect Power" series.
What giants are you facing? The Holy Spirit can help you defeat the enemy just as David slayed Goliath. Join Pastor Kevin as he continues our "Expect Power" series.
Regardless of your role, your work is worship! You are called by God, so see everything you work at as holy. Join Pastor Kevin and Sarah as they share the importance of relying on God during the times when work is hard.
Have you received power? Why do we need power? Listen as Pastor Kevin shares the importance of power to being a witness for Jesus during our "Expect Power" series.
Prepare yourself for power encounters! Listen as Pastor Kevin begins our new series, "Expect Power," which focuses on how we serve the same God as the Bible, so we can expect the same power!
There are no shortcuts in the journey of faith! Listen as Pastor Peter shares the importance of dedicated obedience to God as part of our series, "Love is Alive."
A world wrapped in chains needs a deliverer! Jesus came to deliver us, from our sins, from our fear, and into the promise God has on our lives. Listen as Pastor Peter shares the freedom Jesus brings in our "Love Is Alive" series.
Love leads to action. Love keeps hoping. Love keeps believing. Love keeps enduring. Character grows in the stream of the world’s life. That is where we must learn to love. Get ready as Pastor Kevin teaches to live out a love that holds on to hope as we conclude our "Great Pursuit" series.
In a culture that is tailored toward personal preferences, it's easy to get caught up in a self-centered life. Love does not demand its own way, but, instead, prefers the best for someone else. Learn to walk in this kind of love that serves boldly as Pastor Kevin continues in our "Great Pursuit" series.…
Here is the secret to being attractive to God—humility. What does humility look like when it shows up in your home, workplace, school? What happens to the person who cultivates humility? Humility puts a seal on your lips and forgets the good you have done. After you have been patient, kind, and generous, after love has done its beautiful work, go back into the shade and say nothing about it.…
Our world is starving for love, but help is on the way! We are called to love everyone around us, following Christ's example. Listen as Pastor Kevin shares how generosity of love can combat envy as part of our "Great Pursuit" series.
The love from God, that is unlike any worldly kind of love, has the power to endure the test of time, even when irritation is thrown our way. Listen as Pastor Kevin teaches on how to demonstrate patience that then responds with kindness in our�“Great Pursuit” series.
The greatest thing in the world… What is it? You have your entire life before you, and you can only live it once. What is the noblest object of desire, the greatest gift to desire? Maybe you thought it was faith or knowledge, but that is wrong. Love is the greatest. Listen as Pastor Kevin dives into our new series, "The Great Pursuit," discovering the most noble pursuit of all—love.…
Our space is being invaded—our minds, our hearts, and our families. How are we preparing for to fight the wickedness so intent on destroying us? Listen as Pastor Joe shares in our "Space Invaders" mini-series, and learn about how to defend against the enemy's attacks.
Our space is being invaded—our minds, our hearts, and our families. How are we preparing for to fight the wickedness so intent on destroying us? Listen as Pastor Joe shares in our "Space Invaders" mini-series, and learn about how to defend against the enemy's attacks.
We are believing big and expecting great in this year. From upgrades in our children to a deepening and love for the Bible, we are excited for what God has in store. Listen as Pastor Kevin teaches us to get ready for an awakening of boldness and strength to arise as we put our trust in Jesus.
The people of Ninevah had a complete transformation through their aggressive faith. God can do for you what He did for Ninevah, so what are you believing God for this year?
What are you believing God for during this year’s fast? What is it you are wanting to position yourself to receive? Listen as Pastor Kevin teaches how to posture ourselves to believe big and to cleanse ourselves through prayer and fasting.
This year, let’s position ourselves for more, miracles, and multiplication. Listen as Pastor Kevin shares how to reset and sharpen our hearts through the power of prayer and fasting as we look expectantly toward 2022.
Have you ever wanted to know what's happening in our kids ministry? Experience the fun and powerful message from Pastor Zach and Pastor Joe in our Kids Takeover service.
The King has come! Join us in celebrating our Savior's birth, and all the work He has done through our church in the past year as a continuation of our series, "Kingdom Come."
Have you every prayed, how long Lord? Turn your complaints in prayers and listen as Pastor Kevin shows how you live when the heart cry of “how long?” and how to see that the best is yet come!
As Christians, we are called to live like Jesus—imitating the way He loved people and demonstrating the Kingdom around us. Join us as Pastor Kevin shows how we can learn to emulate God, full of His grace and light.
In order to help bring His kingdom, we must be two things: brave and obedient. Pastor Kevin teaches us how these two qualities work hand in hand, and shows how God will bless us through our brave obedience.
The best and safest place to be is right in the will of God! During our Kingdom Come series, we are discovering the heart of God for our community and across the globe, learning the how to posture ourselves to be “Kingdom” bringers in the areas God has called us to. Listen as special guest, Greg Mundis, share how to position ourself to give our lives to Jesus.…
"Your Kingdom come, Your will be done." We must be intentional in our prayers, decisions, thoughts, and actions, knowing that we are carriers of the Kingdom. Listen as Pastor Geoff teaches us how be lights in darkness in our new series, "Kingdom Come."
It’s very easy to see in today’s age a lack of control—whether with words, actions, or motivations. Pastor Kevin shares on how giving control to God and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide your steps will help you to feed the right spirit.
Patience is the enduring, the “long season” of waiting for good to happen. In a culture that celebrate the immediate, it’s vital for us to bear the fruit of patience, believe in the promise, and that know that God is at work in the hold patterns of life. Listen as Pastor Kevin encourages us to remain steadfast in patience as we continue our “Filled” series.…
What does joy look like in everyday life? Learn what it means to walk by the Spirit and to choose stand in the Lord’s strength instead of letting your happening dictate your emotion. The experience of the Holy Spirit is an experience of God’s joy for you!
Have you seen the uncertainty of our times? Have you notice a lack of faithfulness in our society today? Faithfulness has the power to stabilize our lives by trusting not in ourselves, but in the one who is faithful, Jesus. Listen as Pastor Joe shares on the power of faithfulness, and how God will never forsake His faithfulness to us.…
What does it mean to walk in the spirit? When we follow our fallen nature, we tolerate and become desensitized to sin all around us, producing lust, jealousy, greed, and pride. Learn from Pastor Kevin what it means to choose to be lead by the Spirit which produces love, unity, and the fruits of the Holy Spirit.…
What are the gifts of the Holy Spirit? How can we receive them? Pastor Joanna Reeves breaks down the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit and why each is so important to furthering our faith.
Why is speaking in tongues important? How does it affect our prayer life? Pastor Kevin shares the promise of the Holy Spirit as a continuation of our series, "Filled."
Have you ever wondered what the Holy Spirit does? Imagine the creator of the universe, God, who cannot be contained, choses to dwell inside of us. Listen as Pastor Kevin teaches on how to be filled with the Helper, the Holy Spirit, and to rely on the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
The Lord made the promise that Jesus would baptize people in the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not an “it” or a distant source of power we need, but a Person that we can and must know. Listen as Pastor Peter kicks off our new series and teaches the value of being filled!
Who is the Holy Spirit? What role do Christians have with the Holy Spirit today. Be inspired as our very own, Dr. Dave Williams, shares who the Holy Spirit is, and the power the Holy Spirit brings as we conclude our series "Questions."
What is the purpose of the church? Can I just watch church? Listen as Pastor Kevin concludes our Question series teaching on how you were created to be an active participant of the greatest family of all, the local church.
The Word of God is alive and active! Be stirred up as Pastor Kevin teaches the value of reading the Bible for the sake of friendship and to jump into the adventure of reading God's word.
Why do Christians read the Bible? How do I read the Bible? Listen as Pastor Kevin teaches the importance of reading with the intent of having an encounter with Jesus, and how to renew your mind by reading everyday.
Are there many ways to heaven? Is Jesus the true messiah? Yes! Listen as we unpack these questions with Pastor Geoff and understand the Church's role in proclaiming the Good News to our neighbors and nations in the series, "Questions."
Does prayer work? Should we pray today? Yes and yes! Come alive as Pastor Peter continues in our series, "Questions," and teaches how to live with expectation and passion as we pray to a loving and listening God.
Why are we here? What's is our purpose in life? Listen in as Pastor Joe kicks off our new series, "Questions," as we discover God's truth while asking tough questions.
It’s imperative that we understand that there is a real enemy out there looking to steal, divide, and destroy you. Satan understands that a house divided cannot stand, so it’s vital that we come together to defeat and conquer against any attacks. Listen as Pastor Joe concludes our "Together" series and teaches the power of holiness.…
In the season we are about to enter, it requires us to be together. In 1 Peter, it states that the end of all things is near. This means there will be both great suffering but also a great awakening. If you focus on the awakening, the suffering will be pure joy. Listen as Pastor Kevin teaches us to be finished with sin as we continue through our series, "Together."…
Peace doesn’t just happen; you have to work toward it, search for it, fight for it. We must be even more aggressive through trials and difficulty, working toward what will lead to unity and peace together as we adjust our attitudes toward people and as we learn to love! Listen as Pastor Kevin continues as we continue in our "Together" series.…
It is crucial as believers to be connected with others—built in unity and strength together. Be encouraged as Pastor Josh teaches us to see our worth in Jesus, forgive ourselves, and how to respond in love as we continue our series, "Together."
The call to live like Jesus and to be holy begins with being set a part from the things of this world. Be inspired as Pastor Peter teaches of the freedom and liberty of being holy as we continue through the Life Group series, "Together."
How can you face the coming storms in such a way that you have an inexpressible joy? We know that more trails will come, so we live with great expectation knowing that when we're together with others, we will have wonderful joy! Listen as Pastor Kevin begins are new series, "Together."
Where would many of us be if it wasn't for a praying mothers or grandmothers? We are so thankful and full of love for our Mount Hope moms. Listen to the stories of peace makers, prayer warriors, and soul winners during our beautiful Mother's Day service.
We see this beautiful picture of the early church in Acts—seeing the needs of their family and sharing their belongings with each other. Listen as Pastor Kevin shares on the adventure of giving and how to position yourself to be person who brings transformation to someone else.
If this season has taught us anything is that we need others to strengthen, encourage, challenge, and support each other. God has designed us for community to protect us from the enemy, as well as thrive to be our best. Listen as Pastor Joe teaches on this vital transformational moment, and be inspired to find your community as we begin our Life Groups.…
Will you be a tag changer? Everyone one of us has been born in sin, born with a tag deeming us to hell... but Jesus! The beauty of the gospel is that Jesus changes our tags, changes our destiny, and compels us to carry the message of hope to others. Be inspired as our friend Reggie Dabbs teaches us to bring transformation to a hurting world around us.…
We’ve been given the great opportunity to walk in power with the Holy Spirit. Discover all that God has for you as Pastor Kevin continues in our series, “Transformational Moments,” and teaches on the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
The greatest message of hope can be seen on the cross—Jesus died and rose again for you! Listen as we celebrate the resurrected Christ, and then be compelled to share you story as Pastor Kevin teaches on Lazarus raising from the dead and the power of being water baptized.
What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Let’s hear the powerful story of Jesus’ plan to restore us to Him with Pastor Peter Reeves as we remember, take communion, and give thanks for Jesus’ sacrifice.
There’s something powerful about choosing to identity with the death and resurrection through water baptism. Be inspired to take the next step as Pastor Geoff shares this transformational moment and give us the invitation to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.
Why do you spit something out of your mouth? Because it’s unacceptable. Feel the heart of the Father as we look at the church of Laodicea and pray for a passion to refuse lukewarm living. Be encouraged as we continue through our “Tuned In’ series, focused on hearing the voice of God.
God is calling us today us to walk through the doors of opportunity—times of evangelism, of prophecy, of compassion. Listen as Pastor Kevin urges the Church to seek God’s righteousness and understand that Jesus is coming soon!
As creatures of dust, we were never meant to settle. Wake up, Bride, and hear the voice of God calling you to live full of purpose. If you feel like you’re sleep walking through life, allow Pastor Kevin to infuse hope and fire into your bones as we continue through the series, “Tuned In.”
Beware of what you tolerate! Out of God's love for you, He extends His grace and does not want you to live in sin. Listen as Pastor Kevin teaches how to humble yourself, repent, and live in purity. Choose to allow the life of Jesus fill you as He extends His grace and truth.
"Did you get the message?" When Jesus walked on the earth, many heard His words but missed the message. Feel the desire of Heaven as Pastor Peter teaches on catching the passion for Jesus and living intentionally as a builder of the Kingdom.
"Dear Christian, God has called you to be a royal priesthood." Hear the cry of heaven as Pastor Geoff shares on the importance of the whole body of Christ stepping into its high calling and anointing to reach lost.
God is calling us to a full and thorough transformation. We often think that storms and trials derail us from our destiny, but this is not true. Listen as Pastor Kevin teaches how the struggle is part of the transformation that is in store you!
Hear the Lord saying, “Look up, listen up, and let’s clean up.” As we continue through our series, “Tuned In,” follow along with Pastor Kevin as we unpack the letters in Revelation and learn to turn off the commotion of this world and tune in to what God has to say to you.
It is crucial that we tune our ears to hear the voice of God in this season—that begins with reading and meditating on God’s word, the Bible. Get inspired as Pastor Kevin shares how to dive in to the Bible and to create firm foundations in your life.
With all of the noise and distractions around us, let's tune into the frequency of heaven and find God's voice. Listen as Pastor Kevin begins are new series, "Tuned In," and encourages you to live your life as a priest of heaven.
Let's end 2020 declaring Jesus' worth. Listen as Pastor John DePasquale teaches us the importance of celebrating and preparing our hearts for what may come in 2021.
If the message of Christmas says anything, it shouts, “Jesus loves you!” Celebrate with the family as Pastor Kevin shares the gift of peace to the earth, God’s son, and how Jesus passionately loves us, joyfully freed us, and beautifully made us to experience hope.
Don't let your hearts be troubled. While external measures and securities are wise, nothing will compare to the peace that comes from Jesus inside your heart. Listen as Pastor Geoff shares on taking care of your soul and allowing God to give you His peace that was paid for on the cross.
Are you a peace taker or peace maker? Choosing to be a peace maker means you are choosing to get messy and bring healing. Hear the call to go and bring peace as Pastor Kevin continues in our series, "Peace On Earth."
In life, we allow habits and thoughts to dwell in our hearts that leads to us loosing our peace. Listen as Pastor Kevin shares on how to walk away from sin, demolish our idols, and pursue holiness in our series to bring peace on earth.
Tune your ear to hear the Lord speaking to you, “I will be with you.” Be encouraged as Pastor Kevin continues our series on peace, and teaches us to stay humble and obedient to hear God proclaiming our worth over us.
Now more than ever, our world needs peace. Join Pastor Kevin as we begin a new series, "Peace on Earth" and learn how to allow the Prince of Peace to rule in our hearts.
We’re excited to have war veteran, and faith builder, Dave Roever with us as we celebrate our veterans. Dave has a remarkable story of Triumph and Victory after surviving a phosphorous grenade in the Vietnam war. Listen as Dave shares on how to remain in hope and not to allow fear to overcome your life.…
When Jesus encounters Peter on the boat, He speaks to him say, "From now on, you'll be a fisher of men." We are called to made disciples! Listen as Pastor Kevin shares on how to live our days intentionally seeking the lost through little moments of obedience.
It the midst of the unusual moment we live in, Pastor ask the question, "Have you seen, and have you heard what is happening around us?" We are not meant to reflect our culture, but be a reflection of heaven's culture to the earth. Let's be lead to repentance and allow for the world to hear a sound of awakening.…
There are many things that can inhibit or excel your spiritual growth. Honor, forgiveness, and healthy relationship are catalysts for your spiritual life. Listen as Pastor Joe continues in our series, "This is Who We Are," and shares how to remove spiritual inhibitors.
Access granted! We are called … but unto what? We are called to be an empowered people that allow Heaven to shape earth through us! Be empowered and encouraged as Pastor Joe shares how we have access to heaven and are called give these gifts from heaven freely to others in our series “This Is Who We Are.”…
We have all been called to be preach and live out the good news of Jesus Christ. Let’s carry out ourselves like we’ve been called by God! Enjoy this message with Pastor Kevin as we continue our series, “This is Who We Are.”
As followers of Christ, we are representations of God’s kingdom, Ambassadors of Heaven. Listen as Pastor Kevin teaches how to live as citizen of from another realm and to represent Jesus’ light to penetrate the darkness.
The way Jesus loves us and gave His life for us is the same we ought to respond to our church family. As Pastor Kevin continues through our “This Is Who We Are” series, be encouraged to represent God’s love to everyone around you, and to get connected with the body of Christ.
If your life had a reset button, and when you pushed it, everything in your life would go back to the way God intended your life to be, what would change? Join Pastor Kevin as he shares how God created you uniquely to know Him intimately in our series, "This Is Who We Are."
Be inspired and encourage and Jason Frenn shares in our Leadership Summit on how to move from your "default mode" but into your redeemed, hope-filled mode to walk in freedom and deliverance. Choose today to walk in freedom! Jason and his wife Cindee have been missionaries since 1990 and have been a part of holding citywide campaigns throughout Latin America. Together, they have held more than 75 international outreaches reaching more than 7 million people with over 700,000 who have made first-time decisions for Christ—including 50,000 children. They have held 15 open-air campaigns in Cuba.…
What miracle are you believing for? Be inspired and raise your expectations as our guest and friend, Jason Frenn, teaches on the principle: Believing is seeing. Jason and his wife Cindee have been missionaries since 1990 and have been a part of holding citywide campaigns throughout Latin America. Together, they have held more than 75 international outreaches reaching more than 7 million people with over 700,000 who have made first-time decisions for Christ—including 50,000 children. They have held 15 open-air campaigns in Cuba.…
How do you handle trials? What do you when it seems as if all Hell has broke loose? Be encouraged as Pastor Kevin walks us through the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and how God desires to use the fire as a source of freedom.
What do you do when your relationships become the source of your discomfort? When being in relationship stings? Follow along Pastor Kevin as we concludes our series on “In Relationship” and how God uses the annoyance of life to refine our character.
Have you ever felt distant from your spouse—even though you’re still in the same room? Be encouraged as Pastor Peter continues in our “In Relationship” series and teaches on the strength of forgiveness and honor in marriage.
As opinions and stress arise, how is the church to respond? As we continue in our “In Relationship” series, listen as Pastor Kevin encourages us not to react as the world, but choose to be peace makers.
When the fires of marriage rage, what are you filled with? Be encouraged and feel inspired as Pastor Geoff teaches on how marriage is teaching us to be more holy as we continue through our series, "In Relationship."
Jesus first loved us, therefore we love others. Jesus, dying on the cross, declared we are worthy, so therefore, we walk with purpose. Listen as Pastor Joe shares on how rooting our identity in Jesus is the foundation for thriving in our marriage, our friendships, and families.
When Jesus died on the cross, He broke the barriers of hostility and joined us together to be one—whether that’s with your spouse, your co-worker, or friend. Listen as Pastor Joe shares on how our greatest aim is love, and how we reflect what Jesus has done for us and how to carry love in our relationships.…
There is something new being birthed in this season. A new sound is coming out of the church of the living God. Hear from Pastor Kevin about the epic battle and forthcoming birth taking place in our world today.
The key for our nation and our families to live in a better future is to identify and see the beauty in our brothers. Listen as Pastor Peter implores our Mount Hope family to celebrate diversity and respond in the moment when Jesus needs us to represent His kingdom of unity.
When the world is discussing who matters and who is valuable, know that God is shouting, "You are valuable!" Listen as Pastor Kevin teaches through the story of the Samaritan woman at the well and how we, as the body of Christ, are called to empathized and see the value of others as we celebrate diversity.…
We are in the midst of a shaking, and some people are sleeping through it. Listen as Pastor Kevin calls the church, the body of believers, to step off of the sidelines and in the frontlines in the midst of a great shaking. It's abundantly clear that our nation and our people need a better future.
In his speech, Dr. King quoted from the prophet Amos who said, “But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty river” (Amos 5:24). The Church cannot sleep through a moment when the righteousness of Christ is needed in our world. Listen as Pastor Kevin calls the church to love and unity and to display His righteousness to our neighbors and nations.…
As we gather on Pentecost Sunday, we are asking God for a new normal—where miracles and healings become the normal elements of our day. Listen as Pastor Kevin speaks peace over of people and calls the Church to go and be unstoppable.
Now more than ever, the Church is essential—not a building, but a body of diverse believers gathering together and then scattering into the community. Be inspired by Pastor Kevin's message on the importance of being equipped in the local church.
Is there more to my faith in my walk with Jesus? As Christians, we begin to ask the question, "Is there more?" when we take what God has considered essential and made it optional. Listen as Pastor Peter points us back to the essentials of Christ and see how the early church made it a priority.
Whether your mom or not, we need to hear the Lord say, "You are not alone!" Enjoy this beautiful and impactful teaching from Pastor Joanna and Sarah as we celebrate the moms in our community.
We are made for family! Listen as Pastor Kevin reads through Romans 16 and share the heart of the early disciples, and the heart of God, the need for family and relationships.
Are you carrying a weight God has never intended you to carry? God sees you as valuable wants you to experience His strength. Listen as Pastor Kevin teaches us to let go of our burdens and trust that Jesus will take care of us.
Every place that Jesus spilled His blood has importance for us. Listen as we look at the crown, the whip, and cross, and how each element speaks life to us today.
When uncertainty swept the country, do you allow fear to set place, or do you trust in God? Listen as Pastor Kevin shares on practical steps to remember God's goodness by looking to who He is, what He's done, and what He's said.
In the midst of adversity, we choose to have hope! Listen as Pastor Kevin shares the keys of being thankful—even in middle of the storm—and how Jesus either calms the storm, or calms the heart of those in the storm.
Why do we extend grace? Because Jesus did the same! Follow along with Pastor Joe as he shares the position of heaven, a position that embraces people right where they are in the process.
It is our privilege to honor and pray for our authorities. Join Pastor Kevin as we continue through Romans and see at how responding with love effects the world around you. Pastor Kevin Berry Mount Hope Church in Lansing, MI
What do you do when it looks like God failed? What do you do when you believed God for a miracle, but the miracle didn’t happen? We look at what it looks like to trust God in spite of our circumstances. The place we live in is broken but we must keep our eyes on The Promise.
We must choose to cultivate peace. In a world so worried about all of the negativity, we have to be determined to shine the goodness of Christ. People should be attracted to the light of God in our life. Pastor Kevin shares about cultivating peace and building a kingdom culture.
What a powerful time of worship and vision casting! Pastor Kevin invited us all to be a part of what God is doing through our church in 2020. We hope this message encourages you and spurs you on into a year of "unusual!"
Pastor Kevin preaches on giving and why you should be more concerned with your standard of giving, more than your standard of living. Your giving on earth results in a supernatural transaction in heaven. Will you stick your faith out there and dare to become an unusual giver? If you have a testimony you'd like to share, we'd love to hear it! We overcome by the blood of the Lamb, AND the word of our testimony. You have a story. Share it with us at the link below.…
We have the opportunity to worship God through our financial giving. All that He provides comes from him, so when we give the tithe, we're really just returning the 10% to him. Pastor Dave Williams passionately preaches that tithing teaches us to rely on the Lord first for provision and to position ourselves in a way that allows blessings to flow through obedience.…
We have the opportunity to worship God through our financial giving. All that He provides comes from him, so when we give the tithe, we're really just returning the 10% to him. Pastor Dave Williams passionately preaches that tithing teaches us to rely on the Lord first for provision and to position ourselves in a way that allows blessings to flow through obedience.…
Faith will always prompt you to do something. What if instead of just ending a season of prayer and fasting, we were beginning something huge? If we keep praying, asking, and expecting, God will respond. Pastor Kevin shares his heart on this last season and the season we're stepping into and he invites us to believe in faith about what God is going to do something big this year. Pastor Kevin Berry Mount Hope Church in Lansing, MI If you have a testimony you'd like to share that came out of the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, or in general, we want to hear it! Visit the link below to share your story.…
Just on the other side of bold belief in 2020, there are miracles waiting for you. Just on the other side of daring to believe God for something big, there are miracles ready to be released in your life and the lives of your family. Hear Pastor Kevin's heart on how we pray in faith and contend for God to move, through prayer. Pastor Kevin Berry Mount Hope Church in Lansing, MI If you have a testimony you'd like to share that came out of the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, or in general, we want to hear it! Visit the link below to share your story.…
If you dare to do the unusual, you can expect the extraordinary. What is unusual is to keep praying even when it's counter-cultural, weird, not showing results, or draining? God is good and he hears you. Listen to Pastor Kevin's heart on persistence in prayer. Pastor Kevin Berry Mount Hope Church in Lansing, MI http://www.mounthopechurch.org…
In Our House, we keep praying. The people who keep on praying are the ones who have a deep expectation that God will move. It's easy to start praying, but it is unusual to keep on praying and if you do, you can expect the extraordinary! If you'd like to engage in the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, please do! As a tool to help make your commitment plain and tangible, we've made the My 21 Commitment Card. You can get it in the PDF link here in the app.…
What does Love in a family look like? How does a local church reflect the Kingdom culture of love? Paul begins to unpack this in Romans 12. Listen along as Pastor Kevin dives into the Power of Love.
Pastor Kevin opens up Romans 12 again to unpack what it means to take on a renewed mind, and what part you have to play in the body of Christ. Pastor Kevin Berry Mount Hope Church in Lansing, MI http://www.mounthopechurch.org
Our walk with the Lord is strengthened in knowing both His kindness and His severity. Will you respond to God’s kindness, avoiding the temptation to bring Him excuses, but responding to His invitation?
You have to look no further than your life to see that God keeps his promise. In this message Pastor Kevin encourages us in this as we open up to Romans 11.
God's Kingdom is built on honor, and that honor always leads back to the cross. Listen as our friend and guest, Stephen Marshall, shares on "The Honor Way" and how learning Jesus' principle of honor opens the door to blessings in your life.
Every child craves for affection, attention, a blessing from their parent. We see that true for even our spouse, our family, and everyone around us—they need a blessing and you have the power to give it! Listen as Pastor Kevin walks us through the story of Jacob and Esau and how we can learn three different ways to bless the people around us.…
When God created Adam and Eve, He created an order for the family—not for lording and bondage—but for freedom and liberty. Listen as Pastor Joe Mead paints the picture of marriage and gives practical tips to walk in a manner of love.
In the beginning, God created family! God saw that is was not good for man to be alone and create woman—knowing that unity and communion with others was vital. Family is what helps us in our weaknesses, in our troubles, and in low places of our life. Family speaks to who we're suppose to be and excepts us for who are today.…
In Mark 5, we see the ruler of the synagogue, Jairus, come to Jesus and desperately ask Him to heal his daughter who's extremely sick. Jairus give us a picture of how we are suppose to lead our homes—by coming to Jesus and allowing him to bring peace in our homes. Follow along with Pastor Kevin as he share on how to order our family in a way that allows God to bless our households.…
What you imaging when you see God in heaven as a father? Is He looking at you with His arms crossed? Or is He staring at you with love in His eyes? Follow with Pastor Kevin as we begin our series, "Welcome Home," and hear God's heart for us through the story of the prodigal son.
Perfect love drives out fear. When the love of God fills you up, then fear and depression cannot reside in your heart. Follow with Pastor Kevin as he shares how to receive God's love and describes the story of how Jesus told His disciples that they would know that are my followers by how they love.
Love that doesn’t do anything is not love at all. Love that is nothing more than words… is nothing. Love requires actions, requires you to do something. In John 3:16, we see love in motion, "For God so LOVED the world that He GAVE His only Son." Love is always a choice. Follow with Pastor Kevin as he illustrate the depths of God's love.…
When you picture "Father God," do you see somebody angry with you, or someone pursuing you. When we look at Jesus' life, we Him pursuing those who others believed didn't deserve love—like the demon possessed man in Mark 5. God's love is pursuing you and desire to see you whole and healed—not in bondages. Listen as Pastor Kevin shares on how God's love is transforming.…
In the midst of shootings, hatred, and depression, our world desperately needs the love of God. We see in the story of the crippled man at the pool of Bethesda, Jesus instantly heals the man of 38 years and tells the man to "Get up, take your mat and you will walk!" As the man does, the religious leader at the time ridiculed the man for carrying his mat on the sabbath. Follow along with Pastor Kevin and he paints the picture of how good God's love is, and how it's a list of rules but an invitation to celebrate life!…
Knowing that God is for you and not against you changes not only how you view God, but how you view others. Follow with Pastor Kevin as he share God's heart toward you and how God is fighting on your behalf and for others.
When you're in the dark room of doubt and despair, you can either see what looks to be a hinderance or a disability that Satan can use to prohibit you from walking in your fullness, or you can see it as a door that God can leading you to your destiny. Be encouraged as Geoff shares on how to position ourselves to be ready to be used by God, despite what we feel may be holding us back. Also, find out what the Mount Hope family has been able to accomplish together for the first six months through missions giving and support. "Every prayer prayed, every penny given, there's a changed life on the other end of it." - Geoff Bassett…
Family is important to us, we excited to host a Kidz Connect family service where we see what they kids accomplished through Kidz Jam week, and here from our children's pastor, Pastor Andrea Bassett. Listen as Andrea teaches on the importance and power of kindness and love in today's society. How the simply choice to not react and get bitter can break up dissension and promote Christ character to our neighbors around us.…
When Peter denied Jesus before He was crucified, Jesus came back to him and reconciled Peter back to love over a table with a coal fire and fish. This is the Christian life—reconciling people back to Christ and treating them with honor. Follow along with Pastor Jacob Bender as he teach on the power of reconciliation and how we can carry out this command to love on those who are needing forgiveness. Pastors Jacob and Dawn Bender serve and pastor Courage Church in Detroit, MI where they live in the community they serve (Southwest Detroit) and are ready to share stories of reconciliation, hope, and vision with everyone around them. https://couragechurch.com…
Even in the suffering, we can see God’s hand at work. Follow along with Pastor Kevin as he continues through Romans and shares on what Paul wrote in Romans 8.
Sin made us slaves, God made us children! The simplest and most powerful lesson you may ever experience about God is that He is your Father and you are in His family. Follow with our church family as Pastor Kevin continues through Romans 8:12-17 and shares the joy of being led by the spirit.
As believers, we can walk confidently knowing that God has paid the price of sin and has granted us freedom. We see in Roman 8, Paul share that there is NO condemnation, no criticism, no disapproval for those who are in Christ.
"The grace that saves you is the same grace that sustains you." No one can save themselves from the tangle of sin. Only Jesus can! Follow along with Pastor Kevin as he shares how to live against the current of the law and sin and live for Christ and grace.
In Romans 7, we see Apostle Paul describing how Jesus dying on the cross freed us for the old law and bound us to grace. Be ready to be encouraged with Pastor Peter & Pastor Joanna Reeves as they teach on how the law brought us shame but Jesus bought us freedom and grace.
Who do you choose to follow? From the time in the garden to today, God has given humanity the ability to choose life and to pursue Him outside of pursuing our own righteous deeds. Follow along with Pastor Joe as he expounds on the two trees in the garden as we continue through the book of Romans.
If we don't understand what sin does, and what grace does, we spend our whole lives going up and down a ladder. Like a hamster on a hamster wheel —we spend lots of energy, but we don't go anywhere! We don't have time to go nowhere —You have a calling and a destiny! We are here to saturate this world with the hope that only Jesus brings!…
Many of us try to live our lives trying to climb a ladder to God, thinking we can get closer—but then sin knocks us off and we have to start all over. What if God made an easier way? He did! Listen as Pastor Kevin continues in Romans 5, and shares on the great contrast between sin and grace and how Jesus on the cross repaired what one man, Adam, did in the garden.…
What an honor it is to celebrate the amazing women in our lives, and everything they have done for us. Join Pastor Kevin, along with his mom and daughter as they continue the Romans series with a special thought for Mothers.
Whether you're single, married, or dating, unity is vital to long lasting relationship. Listen as our friends Harry & Cheryl Salem share on the power of unity and how to rely on God as your source of love. About the Salems Harry and Cheryl Salem are ministers of the gospel. Restoration has come full circle with the miracle birth of Roman and Stephanie’s girl, Mia Gabrielle. She is named for their daughter, Gabrielle Christian, who is in heaven since 1999. Their latest joy arrived the spring of this year. Roman Jr. is Roman and Stephanie’s second miracle baby of restoration for the Salem Family! The Salems have seen the altars flooded with people receiving salvation, with countless re-dedications, with miraculous healings and with bodies, lives, marriages and souls being restored because of His mighty anointing! Miss America Cheryl was crowned Miss America 1980, but tremendous adversities nearly ended that dream before it began. As a young girl, she survived a horrific car crash that cracked her back and crushed her left leg, resulting in a physical handicap and over 100 stitches in her face. Eleven years old, poor, crippled and scarred… but a miracle, too! This was the outlook Cheryl chose, as she had been told that she might not ever walk again. But walk, she did! And she walked the runway in Atlantic City, against all odds, all because of Jesus. Harry’s father passed away when he was 10, leaving him with a mandate to be the man of the house. This challenge caused Harry to excel, but to also grow up with a cautious outlook on life. He quickly made a name for himself in the corporate world, becoming a major executive before the age of 30, but he knew that there was more. Harry and Cheryl met, married and started their family, but it wasn’t until the mid-nineties that Harry had an encounter with God that changed him forever. He let go of the pain of growing up without his father. All the stress of the mantle that had been placed on his shoulders at such a young age was released. He began to trust God—and he has never looked back.…
Sermon Series: Romans | Week 11: The Possibility in Problems Sunday, April 28, 2019 | Kevin Berry Romans 5:1-2 ESV Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. There is a part of your journey with God that includes: Past, Present, and Future. Why is it so important that we see this for what it really is? Justification – we have been made right in God’s sight: You are not justified over and over again... it’s a completed work. Some of you have been “saved” 50 times. That all works against peace. If you don’t know God has changed you, you will never try and change the world. Others miss out! If you think that God will take salvation from you because you sinned, then you forgot that the reason He gave it to you is because you sinned. We have peace with God – this speaks of the Father’s outstretched arms toward you. He wants to redeem and restore every part of your life. The reality is there are many people who name the name of Christ, but they are not living the abundant, full life God has for them. Saved, yes... but it’s like they entered the door of God’s house (His family), and then just stayed by the front door. Come on, there are rooms to discover, relationship to be cultivated! When we know what has been done in the past and where we stand in the present, we can look to the future boldly, we can dare to dream big dreams... and we can face trouble and not crumble. Recently, my tire kept going flat. They discovered I cracked my wheel. How? They said I probably ran into a pothole. Life is full of potholes... those bumps you didn’t see coming, the things that shake you a bit... whoa! Some of you have hit a pothole such as a diagnosis you didn’t expect or something you thought would be a dream come true that has turned into a nightmare. There is hope! Romans 5:3-4 ESV Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. Romans 5:3 NLT We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. What if the trouble you face could develop you instead of destroy you? Rejoice: This does not mean we rejoice (celebrate) when we run into problems, but because of them! The problems become the reason we rejoice. What? Paul is teaching the Roman Church that: - Your trouble can be your transportation system to the next level God has for you! - Trials and troubles don’t automatically make you better, stronger. They can just as easily make you bitter and paralyze you. How can we get the most out of trouble? In our text today, I will suggest a few ways: Look up. Look up and see your future, look up beyond the current muck you are wading through. Romans 5:1-2 NLT Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. The Christian faith is a “looking” faith! I’m looking beyond the moment. I’m looking for the Blessed Hope—the catching away of the saints—the physical return of King Jesus! Psalm 121:1-2 I look up to the hills, does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth! What is the trouble you face right now? Look up, my friend... Jesus taught us to pray “looking” when He said in Matthew 6:10, “ ...as it is in heaven, let it be on earth!” Look at what we are heading towards: No Republicans, Democrats, no racism, no us and them, no white church, Hispanic, Asian and black church... there is just US. No more betrayal, depression, divorce, sickness, pain, loss... The only thing that is clear in your sight is what you focus on, everything else is a blur. In 2 Kings 6, Elisha’s servant woke up only to look out and discover that they were completely surrounded by an army. He ran into a problem, felt hopeless in the pit of his stomach, he could see the danger but not the deliverance. What he needed was Heaven’s perspective on things. To him it looked like it was all over, but there was more going on than he thought. 2 Kings 6:15 -17 When the servant of the man of God got up early the next morning and went outside, there were troops, horses, and chariots everywhere. “Oh, sir, what will we do now?” the young man cried to Elisha. We’ve all been there? We see something with our eyes... and say, WHAT WILL WE DO NOW? v.16 “Don’t be afraid!” Elisha told him. “For there are more on our side than on theirs!” Want to read the rest of Pastor Kevin's notes? Check out the link! https://mounthopechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Wk-11-Romans-5_Message-Notes.pdf…
Matt. 28:1-3,5-6 Early Sunday morning, as a new day was dawning, suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow! Then the angel spoke to the women, “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.” The Easter story is surrounded with looking. Soldiers looked at God’s Son hanging on the cross; Mary looked at an empty tomb with holy awe; forty days later, the disciples looked up into the sky watching Jesus ascend to Heaven. The Christian faith has always been a “looking” faith. We look at our past long enough to be thankful for what has been done for us; we look at our present with hope and the experience of God’s love cascading over our lives; and we look to the future with expectation and urgency. It seems like I’ve seen ducks all over the place lately, and they are looking for a place to nest and lay eggs. When mowing my lawn years ago, all of a sudden from behind a bush came a duck. I looked, and sure enough there were eggs. When the mother didn’t come back, I tried to talk Renee into sitting on those eggs. :) People today are looking, hoping that something good will be birthed into their lives. The resurrection of Jesus gave birth to hope! The disciples went from fear to faith, from despair to delight, from crying to laughing. They were transformed! Martin Luther said of Romans 5 – “In the whole Bible, there is hardly another chapter which can equal this triumphant text.” Romans 4:24-25 ...God will count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. There is a change in the tone of this text from the prior verses. Paul has shifted from they, to you, to we… and joy is leaping off the page as he writes: Romans 5:1-2 NLT Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. With awe and wonder, let’s peek into the empty tomb and discover what the resurrection of Jesus has purchased for you... We have been made right with God. | Past A look into the past shows Jesus climbed a hill that He formed and was nailed to a tree that He created. He wasn’t just nailed to the cross… He took our place! It’s there we see a great and shocking exchange. We see extravagant, head-turning love. We were guilty. Sin locked us up and put a death sentence on our lives, but we were legally declared NOT GUILTY! When you look in the past you have to see more than what has been done to you or what you’ve done to others. You have to see what has been done for you! WE HAVE BEEN MADE RIGHT. Look what we were before faith in Christ: utterly helpless (v.6); still sinners (v.8); still God’s enemies (v.10). Before faith in Christ, we set ourselves as enemies of God, and sin made a hostile relationship. We tried to be king of our own lives. Where there are two kings, both laying claim to a certain area or people – there is a war. Humanity is in rebellion to the rightful king—The King of Kings—Jesus. But look how Jesus treats His enemies: In the garden, He heals them; on the cross He prays for them and dies for them. But it’s not just them! Do you see what He did for you? HE TOOK YOUR PLACE. Romans 5:6, 8 When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. “For us” means “on behalf of.” Jesus took our place. He just didn’t die for you, He died in place of you! Col. 2:14 NLT He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. In Christ we have been redeemed, reconciled… we are purchased by the blood of Jesus! We were made something entirely that we were not. I was the one under a death sentence. I had no way out. But, God didn’t come to scare the soldiers away from Jesus. No, God came and out of love, took the place of judgment that was mine so that I could be free! Every day I walk, I’m a free man! And, God doesn’t stop with letting us free… He brings us to a place of relationship. We have peace with God. | Present Romans 5:1-2 NLT Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. Undeserved privilege NOW… receiving what you can’t earn. My dad when to Heaven in October of last year. Just a few days ago, I was praying in this room, thanking God. A surprising burst of emotions came over me as I thanked the Lord for the way my dad gave me pictures of what God looks like. He would come with his tools, with knowledge that I did not have, skills I did not have. He taught me that the Lord looks like this: He is the Lord your helper! I never had to earn his help! I was brought into his family… and that gave me access. So it is when we are brought into God’s family! Isaiah 41:10 Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. He will help you today – right now! Romans 5:3-4 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. We rejoice in suffering in the present. Why? My trouble is my transportation system to the next level God has for me! The trouble that you face is not meant to destroy you… it’s meant to develop you! The Greek word for endurance is a compound of “under” and “remain;” it’s having staying power. I’m going to remain under what feels uncomfortable… Romans 5:5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. We get to experience God’s love in the present – it’s love that FILLS our hearts. It fills every hole that was created by hurt; it fills every place that has been broken. It fills everything that is lacking. On a 12-hour trip from Detroit to Cairo, Egypt, a guy on the plane was hacking up a lung. He just happened to lay down on three open seats right across the aisle from me. With every cough I wondered what he was carrying that was flying through the air. This I know – he was carrying something bad. Today, so many are carrying guilt and shame. You spend your life trying to delete the messes you have made, the places you have gone. When you get what has been done for you, you can start to carry hope… right now in the present! We look forward with hope. | Future Romans 5:1-2 NLT Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. We are a looking people… how? Confidently and joyfully, I look forward! The empty tomb promises a blessed hope beyond the moment. Easter reminds me that I was made for more than this world; this too will pass. I’m eating on the run… I’m heading to a destination – the marriage supper of the Lamb! Because I look forward, I know that my present reality is not my future reality! Jesus is coming again! His feet are going to touch the ground again, and every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord! Rom 5:9-10 NLT And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. 10 For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of his Son while we were still his enemies, we will certainly be saved through the life of his Son. “We have been” – it’s a finished work that guarantees we will be saved. Only one thing is required… faith! Jesus, right now, stands at the door of your heart and knocks (Rev. 3:20). The Savior that was knocked around, beat, spat on, whipped, killed… who victoriously walked out of that tomb, is knocking at the door of your heart today. He is the King who knocks! As we celebrate this Easter, will you open the door of your heart to Him? Will you give God your YES? {A spoken narrative} In the beginning, I was there. I put the trees on the Earth, the fish in the sea, and the birds in the air. All for you, I made all this for you. To be with you. But then I had to dismiss you—from the garden, that is—but never from Me. You see, I had a plan to not just correct the past. But you change all of history. A plan that would reveal the mystery... of what it would look like to have a relationship between you and Me. This... was My promise. Yet not everyone I promised it to saw it completed, though they still said yes to it. Why, you may ask? It was because they had trust that was so robust, they gave their lives to follow My instruction. Now none of them were perfect but they were worth it. Worth the blood. The tears. And all the years it took to complete the plan. The first to play a part was Noah, yes My faithful servant that built the ark. But his story is so much more. Every time his hammer struck a nail to solidify the shape of the boat, He was also solidifying his relationship with Me. Every time his neighbors mocked and picked at him, he still chose to work. He still chose to stay committed to Me and My promise. And every day and every night he sailed on that boat, He was also sailing into a lifelong journey with Me. He said yes to the task, to the promise... that is now upon us. And that made all the difference between his life being saved or his body ending up in a watery grave. Then there was Abraham and Sarah, who both said yes and their lives were forever changed and forever blessed. You see, I put them to the test and Sarah responded with laughter as if My promise was a joke. But hey, if I told you a 90-year-old barren woman was going to have a child, you too would probably choke. They stumbled but their faith did not crumble... Isaac was born. And their descendants outnumber all the tiny pebbles on a beach full of sand. Even Moses said yes. Who would have guessed that a man with a stutter would not just utter... but proclaim the words of God. He sacrificed his life to shepherd my people through the wilderness, through the complaints, through all the pains and aches. He persevered. They all said yes. They all... said... yes. And not just them. Century after century, many men and women heard My call and said yes to me. Now not every battle was won. Not every stone was overturned. But as My servants continued to march down the path of righteousness, they realized that My promise was not going to be completed in their lifetime. They realized that My promise may not be completed in a 100 lifetimes. But they still had faith and their faith set the pace for the race they ran. Their yes to Me was stronger - stronger than the storms of life. Their yes to Me was fiercer than any beast that stood in their path. Their yes to Me paved the way to this very day where you would get the chance to say... Yes. Say yes to the truth that will set you free because that truth is Me - I am the light that will guide your life and that will cut through your darkest nights like a knife. I will be with you when you are diagnosed with cancer and when you walk out of the hospital healed. I will be with you when you are told that you will never have kids, and when you defy the odds and raise your own bundle of joy. I will be with you today and tomorrow through the pain and the sorrow. On the days the sun shines bright and on the darkest of nights. I will be there with love, with strength, with patience, with grace. I will be there through it all. So what do you say? Let today be the day. Say yes to the promise that is Me and be free. My arms are stretched wide, you have nothing to hide. Just say yes. Yes to love. Yes to truth. Yes to healing. Yes to blessings. Yes to grace. Yes to family. Yes To Me. Romans 5:11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.…
Sermon Series: Romans | Week 9: The Picture That Keeps You Hoping Sunday, April 14, 2019 | Kevin Berry A picture is worth more than 1,000 words... and in the heart of every person there is a picture. It’s a picture of better... for some it’s a picture of: - What a marriage/family could look like: peace, love, joy in your home to replace all baggage and drama - Being accepted, healed, free - Success, fruitfulness, better future financially, relationally - Ultimately, it’s a picture of what it looks like to be loved and to love. Two guys were involved in a head-on collision in Germany. Severe fog made visibility horrible. Each car was driving at a snail’s pace with one guy heading north the other heading south. The fog was so bad, both drivers stuck their heads out their windows. It was only a matter of time before their heads smacked together... a real head-on collision. Both men were hospitalized with severe head injuries, though neither of their cars were scratched. Why? They could not see! This is the problem for many of us – we just can’t see beyond the moment... and in the fog of our circumstances, there’s a crash. For some of you, your vision has been clouded, you thought something was out of reach, or maybe not even there anymore. But, all the good that God has promised is out there, even when you cannot see it. If you could see the faithfulness of the One who made the promise... you would have hope. When the Lord gives a promise, it often comes with a picture. The Lord came to Abraham and gave him a promise... a picture that captivated his heart. It was a picture of a better future: Gen. 15:5-6 NLT Then the Lord took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have! 6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. What would it take to see that become a reality? Would he work for it, strive for it, would it depend on his goodness, efforts? No, Abraham would have to have one thing: Faith. In other words, he needed to simply believe God. While Paul is teaching us how a person can be saved from eternal judgment (all have sinned!), he gives us a lesson on faith that applies to every area of our lives. The “law” was given by God to Moses around 500 years after Abraham. He could not have obeyed the Mosaic law that wasn’t even available when he walked the earth. So how was he saved? Through faith – trust in the promises of God – the same way we all are. Romans 4:14-15 ESV For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. When Paul said the law brings wrath, he could not have written something more offensive to the Jews. What?!? They taught that the law brought grace, not wrath. Romans 4:13 ESV For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. Look at Romans 3:20 – through the law we become conscious of sin... so where there is no law, there is no transgression of sin. A society that does not regard stealing as a crime has no thieves. The word ‘brings” implies that the law not only reveals sin, but it produces sin. Paul suggest that when you prohibit something, you actually create a desire for it. So the law creates a desire for the very things it condemns. For example, when you see a “Wet Paint” sign, don’t you just want to touch it? Transgression is a willful overstepping or violation of a commandment. If I trespass on private property, I am guilty of trespassing. But if I see a sign saying “Keep Out” and choose to trespass, then I am a transgressor. I knew the law clearly and still broke it. Knowing the law does not make us heirs; it makes us doubly guilty! Want to read the rest of Pastor Kevin's notes? Check out the link!…
Series Title: Romans: Good News for You Peter Reeves | March 31, 2019 – Jesus, I’m Convinced You Love Me Romans 3:21-31 CEV Background: -Paul is writing to people he never expects will agree. -Jews vs Gentiles -The argument is about how we get God to accept us. -This portion of scripture is Paul screaming, “Stop! Would you just listen?” Let’s look at verses 21-22: “Now we see how God does make us acceptable to him. The Law and the Prophets tell how we become acceptable, and it isn't by obeying the Law of Moses. God treats everyone alike. He accepts people only because they have faith in Jesus Christ.” -Trust Jesus, and Jesus alone. -Everything that will truly satisfy you in life is on the other side of trusting Jesus. -“If we follow the rules we will be in right standing with God.” -Here’s the sad truth: You could be so busy following the rules, you forget to follow Jesus. -Jesus never said to follow rules; He said to follow Him. -Because He never wanted us to listen His orders without understanding His heart. -This is because He loves you, He doesn’t want you to get so caught in the behaviors. He wants your heart. 23-26: “All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins. God sent Christ to be our sacrifice. Christ offered his life's blood, so by faith in him we could come to God.” - “All” – this means none of us are perfect. We don’t get to judge one another; we definitely don’t get to judge the world. - Failure to understand Romans 3:23 results in us criticizing the world instead of showing compassion towards it. - Jesus took on what we deserve so we can take on what God desires for us. - Let’s not focus on what we disagree on, let’s focus on what He desires for us. - Jesus between two thieves... “Today you will be with me in Paradise...” - This also means Jesus isn’t afraid of what you have done. - Jesus, I’m convinced you love me! 26-28: “And God did this to show that in the past he was right to be patient and forgive sinners. This also shows that God is right when he accepts people who have faith in Jesus. What is left for us to brag about? Not a thing! Is it because we obeyed some law? No! It is because of faith. We see that people are acceptable to God because they have faith, and not because they obey the Law.” - This is funny...people were bragging. - “It is because of faith.” - The trajectory of your life is forever changed not because of what you can do, but because of what Jesus did for you. - He suffered death on a cross – “ He didn’t die just for you, but as you.” - Jesus, I’m convinced you love me! 29-31: “Does God belong only to the Jews? Isn't he also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, he is! There is only one God, and he accepts Gentiles as well as Jews, simply because of their faith. Do we destroy the Law by our faith? Not at all! We make it even more powerful.” - You are not rejected... Jesus calls you accepted. - You don’t have to try to earn this. You don’t have to try and prove why God should love you... you are accepted. - “There is only one God.” Why does Paul say this? - Because you don’t have to try and fix your life... there is one God and only He can do that. - I think we can all admit we have tried to fix our life. “God didn’t ask us to fix our faith.” - “Do we destroy the law?” There’s a new standard. - Jesus, I’m convinced you love me! “There is only one secure foundation: a genuine, deep relationship with Jesus Christ, which will carry you through any and all turmoil. No matter what storms are raging all around, you'll stand firm if you stand on His love.” —Charles Stanley “Make sure of your commitment to Jesus Christ, and seek to follow Him every day. Don't be swayed by the false values and goals of this world, but put Christ and His will first in everything you do.” —Billy Graham Check out Pastor Peter's notes here! https://mounthopechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Wk-7-Romans_Jesus-Im-Convinced-You-Love-Me_Message-Notes_PeterReeves.pdf…
Introduction: The Benefit of Contrast We are going to talk about contrast. Contrast is necessary for understanding. For example you can’t understand a star’s light at noonday. But the contrast of dark space exposes it’s light. Romeo and Juliet, and classic literary example of contrasting love and hate Michiganders have a special appreciation for warm summers because we know the agony of a cold winters Photo Example: Girl with a doll in the ruins of her home after the bombing of London, 1940. (WWII, German’s bomb London in The Blitz) MAIN QUESTION: My question is can we truly appreciate salvation if we don’t understand judgment? Today, one of the greatest deceptions of the devil is to delude moral absolutes. His strategy is to twist black and white truth into a sea of gray opinions. If there is not absolute standard of morality then our conscious is free to give into our own selfish and fallen nature. Furthermore if there is no moral standard, then we cannot be held accountable. If there is no wrong then why seek to be right. If there is no judgment (hell/wrath), than why seek a salvation? There is nothing to be saved from. This is a terrible error and a deception of the evil one! • Results: moral decay, loss of justice, confusion, no urgency in church, etc. “The safest road to Hell is the gradual one—gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turning, without milestone, without sign post” -C.S. Lewis Today The Apostle Paul lays down an airtight case against humanity, that there is evil, there is judgment, there is a standard, and all of humanity has fallen short. He creates contrast between God’s absolute holiness verses our wickedness His case declaring humanity’s hopeless fallen state is not for the purpose of condemnation, but to lead us to all cry out for the only salvation provided for our guilty state of being. In other words, the purpose of bringing awareness to the contrast of light verses darkness is that you will be drawn to The Light. “May God grant that you may not rest quiet in sin, for to be at peace with sin is to be sleeping yourself into hell. May God awaken you, that you may flee to Christ for mercy at this very hour and there shall be joy in His presence. Amen.” –Charles Spurgeon Review Jewish rituals from the law (like circumcision) will not save you. Heaven’s gates will never open based on men’s merit. ---------------------------------------- Romans 3:1-9 (NLT) So then what is the importance of circumcision, and what advantage is there of being a Jew? 2 Actually, there are numerous advantages. Most important, God distinguished the Jews from all other people by entrusting them with the revelation of his prophetic promises. ----------------------------------------- • Verse 1-2: It is asked, “Then what advantage to being a Jew?” • Though there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles (we have all sinned) Paul doesn’t want us to lose sight of how unique and special the Jewish people are, due to all they were entrusted with. • By this chosen people, we received the promise, were grafted into the promise given to Abraham • By a Jewish hand, mind, and heart the Spirit of God moved and penned the inspired Word of God • Through the lineage of the Jewish people came the Savior of the World. • “I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.” (Romans 9:1-5) • EXTRA SIDENOTE, there is obviously, no room for Anti-Semitism for those who follow Jesus Christ. There is no room for racism of any sort. For God’s Spirit does not partner with partiality of any kind (economic, social, ethnic, gender) • “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:27-29) • We are all equally invited to love and serve each other as fellow heirs in His Kingdom. --------------------------------------- But what if some were unfaithful to their divine calling? Does their unbelief weaken God’s faithfulness? Absolutely not! God will always be proven faithful and true to his word, while people are proven to be liars. This will fulfill what was written in the Scriptures: Your words will always be vindicated and you will rise victorious when you are being tried by your critics! Want to read more? Check out the rest of Pastor Joe's notes in the link! https://mounthopechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Romans3_DrawnToLight_onlinenotes.pdf…
Sermon Series: Romans | Wk 4: Getting YOU Out of The Way Sunday, March 17, 2019 | Kevin Berry The book of Romans – a book, a letter, in the Bible that has consistently changed people and changed the world. It’s a deep book; it’s like getting into the deep end of the pool. Together, we are getting our spiritual floaties off, and getting into the deep end of God’s love – the deep end of who Jesus is, and what He has made available to you today! Romans is GOOD NEWS for you! Let’s expect that God is going to do some transformation in our lives. Introduction: Getting YOU out of the way One of your biggest growth moments in life will be when you get YOU out of the way. The difficulty with the Jewish believers Paul addressed was that they were standing in the way of being right with God. They were relying on themselves, their Jewish status, smarts, and works, when they needed to rely on the Spirit’s work within them. Every person can get “themselves” out of the way. How? Paul moves from “they” – the corrupt, depraved Gentiles, to “you” – the moralist, to talking to the “Jew.” – The Jew would have likely responded something like this: “Well, certainly Paul, you can’t possibly treat us Jews like we are no different from the Gentiles. Have you forgotten that we have been given the Law of God, that we have been circumcised? We have the revelation of God, and the sign of covenant with God. Don’t you see that this distinguishes us from all the nations of the world and protect us from God’s judgement?” Paul replied by saying: But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Romans 2:17-24 ESV) The church in Rome was a mixture of Jews and Gentiles. The Jews had been kicked out of Rome, then allowed back in. This resulted in the church, that was at one time primarily Jewish, being primarily filled with Gentile believers at the time Paul wrote his letter. The unseen problem that Paul is addressing is the same problem that has plagued the church throughout history – hypocrites. Many of the Jews thought of their Gentile neighbors as barbarians who lived in ignorance. The Torah was for Jews the embodiment of knowledge and truth. Paul’s words burst the balloon of Jewish pride and, perhaps our own pride too, as he attempted to help them get out of their own way and receive salvation through Christ, not through themselves. Stop leaning on YOU. Now, you claim to be a Jew because YOU lean upon your trust in the law and you boast in your relationship with God (Rom. 2:17 MSG). Aramaic can be translated, “you take comfort from the law.” You call yourself a Jew who: Relies on the law: The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living. 9 Reverence for the Lord is pure, lasting forever. The laws of the Lord are true; each one is fair. 10 They are more desirable than gold, even the finest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even honey dripping from the comb (Ps. 19:7-10). Ancient Jewish writings include statements like this: In your law we have put our trust, because, behold, your Law is with us, and we know that we do not fall as long as we keep your statutes. We shall always be blessed; at least, we did not mingle with the nations. For we are all a people of the Name; we, who received one Law for the One. And that Law that is among us will help us, and that excellent wisdom which is in us will support us. Want to read more? Check out the link for the rest of Pastor Kevin's notes! https://mounthopechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Wk-5-Romans-Getting-YOU-Out-Of-The-Way_Message-Notes.pdf…
You Need to Hear This, Part 2 Sunday, March 10, 2019 | Kevin Berry Introduction – Life is full of good news and warnings… and the truth is, we need both of them. Luke 3:18 – speaking of John the Baptist: John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News. GOOD NEWS AND WARNINGS GO TOGETHER! There are certain things we want to hear – good news. Spring is coming! Warm weather is coming! We want to hear things like: You are going to get through what you are going through; I know it hurts, I’m so sorry; You might not see it now, but you are going to be okay. Then there are those things we need to hear – warnings. Renee and I will be heading to Florida soon, and on the plane we are going to hear these words, “In case of a water landing…” and very few will actually listen. I’ve heard it all before; I’ve actually plugged my ears because I didn’t want to hear it again. The problem is, it’s not just that we don’t want to hear warnings… we often ignore them. It seems like we used to give more attention to warnings. As kids, a tornado warning meant we headed to the basement every time. But now, we have executives that actually pay to go with storm chasers to “relieve stress.” CRAZY! They are ignoring the warning! The Bible tells you more than what you want to hear, it includes what you need to hear! Paul begins Romans by announcing good news (Rom 1:16-17) and now we find him weaving in words of warning – what they must know… what we must know. What You Need to Hear: (review from last week) You have no excuse, so stop judging. Therefore, you have no excuse, you are just as bad (Rom. 2:1). Again, Paul is making the point that everybody has sinned and everybody needs a savior. Because everybody has sinned… that means you, too! God is kind, so repent. How you view God affects every area of your life. Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin? (Rom. 2:4) God’s kindness is meant to move you. It should move you to be kind to others, it should move to you repentance. Repent and then times of refreshing will come (Acts 3:20). Let the Lord wash over you! Remember, He’s the one who makes you clean! If you pour a cup of coffee in the ocean, did you just dilute the ocean? Of course not; the ocean just swallowed up all the coffee. So it is with the love of God… come to Him and let the love of God swallow up all your sins. Come to me all you who are weary and I will give you rest (Matt 11:27). Jesus was talking specifically to those Jews who were trying to be right with God by their actions… and it wasn’t working out… it was tiring, draining, fatiguing. You are responsible for your own heart. Take responsibility for you – for your own heart. But because you are stubborn and refuse to turn from your sin, you are storing up terrible punishment for yourself. For a day of anger is coming, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed (Romans 2:5 NLT). He will judge everyone according to what they have done. He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers. But he will pour out his anger and wrath on those who live for themselves, who refuse to obey the truth and instead live lives of wickedness. There will be trouble and calamity for everyone who keeps on doing what is evil—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good—for the Jew first and also for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism (Rom 2:6-11 NLT). The ESV version puts it this way: He will render to each one according to his works. “A day is coming” sounds like a warning… like something we may not want to hear, but need to hear. Somebody has to love you enough to tell you, not just what you want to hear, but what you need to hear. The idea of God judging people just doesn’t sit well with everyone. Everybody will face judgment according to what they have done. It’s critical you understand Paul is not telling people how to get saved. We are not saved by works… we are saved by grace, through faith (see Eph. 2:8-9). Good works show we have saving faith; they do not add to our faith in saving us. For the God-seeking they will be given eternal life: He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers (Rom. 2:7). Want to read more? Check out the link for the rest of Pastor Kevin's notes! https://mounthopechurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Wk-4-Romans-You-Need-to-Hear-This-Part-2_Message-Notes.pdf…
Romans: Good News for You Series Kevin Berry | March 3, 2019 Romans is a book that repeatedly changes the world by changing people. This study together is all about transformation for you, our church, and our community. Fortune Cookies... why do they give them out? Perhaps because everybody wants to be told that they are going to be okay, that things will work out; they want to hear some good news in their world that’s so full of bad news. Of course, we can’t and shouldn’t take fortune cookie seriously. But, Christians can and must take the Bible seriously. When you see a promise in God’s Word, your heart should leap for joy. • For example: Hannah’s deep grief and private prayer to the Lord found in 1 Sam 1 teaches us that God prepares to display publically, what you have prayed for privately. He starts making arrangements in response to what you prayed (1 Sam 1:19 MSG). We should take hold of a verse like that and allow our faith to rise as we expect the Lord to answer, as we keep on asking, seeking, and knocking (Matt. 7:7-8). However, we can’t make the mistake of reading our Bibles like some read fortune cookies – just looking for the encouraging word. Here’s the thing... Messages in the cookies tell you want you want to hear; the Bible tells you want you need to hear! A.W. Tozer said, “Nothing less than the whole Bible can make a whole Christian.” Today in Romans 2, we come across one of those passages that we need to hear: Therefore, you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? Romans 2:1-3 ESV In last week’s passage, Paul uses the word “they,” “them,” or “their” 20 times and all the moral people in the church would have agreed: Yep – THEY are sinners; THEY do horrible things; You can almost hear them saying a loud “amen!” as the letter from Paul is read. But then Paul gets personal; he moves from saying THEY to YOU! You Have to Hear This: #1 You Are Without Excuse, So Stop Judging and Start Repenting. To play the judge is to believe that others are worthy of God’s judgment while you are not. Jesus blows apart the finger pointing when he said, “Refuse to be a critic full of bias toward others, and judgment will not be passed on you. For you’ll be judged by the same standard that you’ve used to judge others. The measurement you use on them will be used on you. Why would you focus on the flaw in someone else’s life and yet fail to notice the glaring flaws of your own?” (Matt 7:1-3 TPT) If you don’t understand that you are guilty of sin too, you never stop pointing the finger at others. “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment” (Matthew 5: 21-22). For most of us, it is not too hard to get to the end of the day and say, “Well, I haven’t murdered anyone.” But can we honestly say, “I have not been angry with anyone? Have I treated everyone like they are worthy of the extravagant love of God?” The greatest danger to our lives is never what’s on the outside, but rather what’s on the inside. The greatest danger to the church is not the immorality that gets spewed into homes on a television, nor is it the corruption that can be found in the political arena. The church will never implode from the sin that surrounds it. No, the greatest danger to you is the sin on the inside of you – the self-righteous attitude that looks down at others, but looks up to self. Remember from last week: When you demote God and promote self, everything gets turned upside down. • What are the sins you are tempted to excuse in yourself while condemning them in others? Want to read more? Check out Pastor Kevin's notes in the link!…
“Again, I observed all the oppression that takes place under the sun. I saw the tears of the oppressed, with no one to comfort them. The oppressors have great power, and their victims are helpless. So I concluded that the dead are better off than the living. But most fortunate of all are those who are not yet born. For they have not seen all the evil that is done under the sun. Then I observed that most people are motivated to success because they envy their neighbors. But this, too, is meaningless—like chasing the wind.” Ecclesiastes 4:1-4 NLT…
Good News: Everybody could use some. How about you? In the headlines: “’One of my worst fears,’ says man who choked mountain lion.” On February 4, 2019, Travis Kauffman was running in the mountains of Colorado when a mountain lion lunged at him, latching onto his wrist and clawing his face and legs. As Travis tumbled to the ground, he grabbed sticks, rocks, anything to defend himself with, but nothing worked. At that moment, he said his fear response turned into a fight. Some things are worth fighting for! He fought for his life, his future, his family. Though the lion refused to let him go, he was able to get his foot on the lion’s neck and choke it to death. Twenty-eight stitches later and grateful to be alive, he said, "The story is bigger than my puny form." Some of you have been in a fight. I see it in some of your eyes... you’re tired of the fight. The bad news has been so fatiguing, and you could use some good news. Peace be to you! Good news: The story is bigger than you. The story of God’s grace—the good news of God’s grace applied to your story—is bigger than anything you could pull off. The Romans needed some good news, so the Apostle Paul wrote the letter we know as Romans. The book of Romans is known for bringing about transformation. This message of grace through Jesus is transformational for you. Martin Luther called Romans, “The chief book of the New Testament.” As we go through Romans together, let’s ask God to transform us! The goal of God’s Word is not to inform you, but to transform you. What is the gospel? What do we know about the gospel? Gospel means “good news.” The book of Romans unpacks the gospel, this good news about Jesus! Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ, (Romans 1:1-6) Paul described himself as a servant – one who served his master to the disregard of his own interests, one whose will was swallowed up in the will of his master. Furthermore, Paul was called to be an apostle, something entirely different than what he was. He was a terrorist... but called to be an apostle. Paul relates to real people; he knew what he was, and where he had come from. Maybe that is why he could say with such confidence those words, “Such WERE some of you!” He knew what he was once like. Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Cor. 6:11) Read that again. Some of you were like that, but you were cleansed, made holy, right with God. He can make you what you could never be on your own. Truth be told, this is what the church is made of – people that used to be one thing that are now something else. Everybody has a story; what’s yours? Lastly, Paul was set apart for THE GOSPEL OF GOD – the good news. What makes the gospel good news for you? #1 - The gospel has always been God’s plan to adopt you. “ ...set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised beforehand through the prophets...” (Rom. 1:1) The gospel was not an afterthought; it was His plan before the creation of the world. You may wonder if God even knows you are around, if He cares. YES! He is the God who sees! In Gen. 16:13, Hagar said, “You are the Lord who sees me and cares for me.” Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. (Eph. 1:4-5 NLT) The gospel is the good news of God’s plan to adopt you into His family. # 2 - The gospel is about Jesus and what He did for you. “...concerning His Son... Jesus...” (Rom. 1:3-5) If we don’t remind ourselves the good news of what Jesus did for us, we beat ourselves up and fight a battle against sin that we could never win. Some live their entire lives feeling defeated, like they are not enough and don't measure up. If that's you – STOP and listen to the gospel. Remind yourself what Jesus did for you! He stepped out of Heaven, took on human skin, lived a sinless life, and willingly allowed Himself to be crucified. All of your sins were nailed to that cross so that you could be free from the penalty of sin. Jesus died so you could really live! When Jesus rose from the dead, He proved He really was the Son of God. Oh, what a joy to know that in Christ your sins are forgiven! What does the resurrection mean? What has been purchased? I keep a simple reminder in my office – a fishing lure. Out of the six hooks it had, five remain. The sixth hook was stuck in my hand, a hook that I could not get out by myself. That situation reminds me of when I was stuck in sin, and I could not get myself out until Jesus came and did for me what I could never do on my own. He gave His life for me and now the rest of my life is all His. Oh, how we need to be reminded of the gospel today! #3 - The gospel transforms you. To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom. 1:7) In Rome, where the Christians were thought to be substandard, where they were treated more like animals than humans, Paul called them ‘loved by God, saints, children of the Lord.’ This is who you are! We see Paul’s transformation moment in Acts 9 – he went from terrorist to apostleship. See how Paul spoke to the Roman church that he had never visited before; hear his heart and see the transformation that took place! First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God's will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. (Rom. 1:8-12) The transformed Paul was thanking instead of killing; praying non-stop instead of hunting them down non-stop. He longed to see them as a father sees his kids—with a desire to impart, encourage, strengthen—not destroy them as he did before. Paul was changed by God’s grace, radically transformed. How about you? Have you been changed by God’s grace? #4 - The gospel is for everyone. I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. (Rom. 1: 13-15) The gospel breaks all barriers; there is no “us” and “them.” Why do you think that there is this “us and them” attitude in our society? What keeps that from creeping into our lives? The gospel obligates you to think of everyone – from the person across the street to the one across the sea. The gospel obligates us to go global. This otherworldly love compels us to include everyone. #5 - The gospel gives you the only way to be right with God, by faith ALONE. For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes – the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” (Rom. 1:16-17 NLT) The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. (1 Cor. 1:18) The gospel affects everyone. It is our response to the gospel that puts us on a path that is either “headed for destruction” or “being saved.” The problem today is that people are caught by a roaring lion, and many struggle their whole lives to accomplish what they never could on their own – freedom! Your story is bigger than your ability. It is bigger than what you can make happen. Your future is bigger than your past. The gospel: God took our sin, put it on Jesus and treated Him as our sins deserves. So now through faith in Jesus, God treats you like Jesus deserves to be treated. That is why the gospel is such good news for you!…
"Every penny given, every prayer prayed, there is a life changed at the end of it." From the children in Iran, the single parents in Lansing, to the beggars in Argentina, people matter. Get ready for more, miracles, and multiplication as we live out the mission to declare the gospel to every nation, tribe, and tongue. Listen as Pastor Geoff Bassett shares the heart of the church and how you are impacting lives all across the nation. Will you help by praying for our 310 missionaries in 120 countries? Will pray change your prayer from "should I go on a mission trip?" to "which trip should I go on?" Will to pray "Lord, how can I be a missionary in my sphere you given me?"…
When ever God is looking to do something on the earth, He looks for a someone. As we look at the last chapters of Jonah, we see God's compassion for the people and invites Jonah to bring a life-changing message. Open your heart to God as He wants to bring change into someone else's life and is inviting you to be a part.…
Follow along with Pastor Kevin as we journey through the book of Jonah and how immediate obedience is vital in this upcoming year for a year of open doors!
Get your expectations up as we enter 2019! There's a blank canvas in front of us and we get to partner with the Holy Spirit to paint our future by opening our hearts and allowing the King of glory fo enter! Follow along with Pastor Kevin as he shares how to be prepared for more, miracles, and multiplication this year.…
Fasting repositions His spirit as the dominant force in our lives. As Mount Hope starts the new year with a 21-day fast, listen to the heart of God as Pastor Joe unpacks the revelation of fasting as a New-Testament believer.
As we finish out 2018, let's get excited for what God has in store! There's a blank canvas in front of us that we get to partner with the Holy Spirit and paint our future by putting God first!
Sent to save the world, Jesus Christ was the biggest blessing we could have ever received. Likewise, the Mount Hope Church family was able to inspire hope by blessing others this Christmas season. Watch as Pastor Kevin helps us see how the spirit of Christmas begins with our generosity.
What does a generous heart look like? When the wisemen saw the star in the sky, they were filled with great joy and were compelled to give extravagant gifts. Be encouraged from Pastor Kevin and learn that the pathway to being blessed is not in keeping, it's in giving.
In every season, especially the Christmas season, are you filled with joy? It's key to know that in your trouble and heartache, Jesus comes to you and that His desire for you is great joy! Be encourage by Pastor Kevin as we see that joy is not determined by our circumstances, but instead who's with us.…
As we close out the Study of Mark... what's next? Be inspired and motivated by Pastor Peter Reeves to be an activated church—a church where everyone takes personal responsibility to share hope.
"Courage is not the absence of fear —Courage is not letting fear control you!" -Pastor Kevin Berry If there was no fear, there'd be no need for courage. When tragedy hits, it's vital that you keep your eyes on the kingdom and hold fast to courage. Listen as Pastor Kevin shares deep from his heart how to triumph over fear and rejoice even in the darkest of hours.…
Have you ever felt like darkness is all around you? Understand that God will never leave you, nor forsake you. When darkness come around you, remember that Jesus triumphed for fear and death when He died on the cross. Follow along with Pastor Kevin as we go through Mark 15.
In Mark 15 we see Jesus walking up the mountain to be crucified. How Jesus responded was astonishing. Follow along with Pastor Kevin as he continues the study of Mark. Pastor Kevin Berry Mount Hope Church in Lansing, MI http://www.mounthopechurch.org
Have you ever been stuck? Or have you be going around the same mountain over and over again? Honor is the key to your breakthrough! True honor is an act of belief that brings us into God's promise.
Do you still stand in amazement at what God has done for you? In Mark 15, Jesus is before Pilot being questioned whether He is the "King of the Jews" or not. After Jesus stop answer Pilot, he was left amazed. Follow along with Pastor Kevin as we see Jesus take the place of Barabbas—just as He took our place on the cross.…
I don’t know what was more painful for Jesus at this moment in Mark 14:66-72; Peter’s denial, the false accusations of the Pharisees, or the mocking and beating from the soldiers. Let's examime this pattern of Peter’s choices with Pastor Joe that led him to this point. Let’s also let the Word of God examine our own lives and recognize these patterns in our own lives as a warning to run back to Jesus and strengthen our love for Him.…
In Mark 14:53, we see Jesus being on trial—being asked, "Are you the Messiah." Jesus later asks the crowd, "Who do you say that I am?" We all have decisions to make: • How will we approach Jesus? • Are you willing to make the cost? • Will you find others to follow Christ?
When we see Jesus in Mark 14, we see the characteristics every believer should demonstrate—pray, love, and serve. In 1 Peter 4:7-8,10, Peter instructs us, "The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another." We see the instruction to pray, connect with God, love, connect with others, and serve, connect with your purpose.…
When we face problems, sometimes what we think requires a giant solution may be something little like praying a prayer or singing a song. Follow along with Pastor Kevin in Mark 14:26-42 as we see Jesus facing the cross and choosing to sing a song.
We were designed to declare worth when we see it. That's what worship truly is! Pastor John continues the Study of Mark series by explaining how Mary responded to the worthiness of Jesus and consequently discovered her own worth.
As Jesus was watching people put their money in the temple treasury, one particular woman, who put in just a couple coins, captured Jesus' attention. It's not about the amount of the offering but the position of the heart. Are you giving in a way that capture the attention of heaven? Listen to Pastor Dave William teach through the story of the widow's offering and share his testimonies of God providing.…
"Your full will fight for you." When you are full of the Holy Spirit, all other temptations, attractions, or distractions will not be appetizing. Whether you're driving to work or just walking to your coffee pot, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you and watch as healings and miracles come as a byproduct of being full of Him.…
The greatest commandment Jesus ever gave us was to simply love both God and others. It must be experienced and practiced, both spiritually and practically. Our efforts are worth nothing without it.
When Pharisees approached Jesus about paying taxes to Caesar, they thought they were going to trap Him, but instead Jesus says, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s." What in your life belongs to God and are you giving it to Him? Follow along in Mark 12:13-27.
Jesus faced opposition from all sides while He was here on Earth. We can learn a lot from how He handled these situations by reading of His interactions with the Pharisees in Mark 11.
What is it you're facing right now that seems impossible? Through giving a voice to your faith, practicing the power of prayer, and forgiveness, God works through us to make the impossible possible.
The King is here! With Him you can know that healing is here; you know that your Provider is here; you know that the Creator is here; you know that everything broken can be restored; you can now have an absence of fear and worry; you know that anything is possible!
God has called you to a new normal! He's prepared a healing, peace, and a new day for you. In Mark 10, learn how the blind man, Bartimaeus, cried out to Jesus and his life was never the same.
Are you allowing God to build on your life? Pastor Peter Reeves teaches from Mark 10 about the rich young ruler's decision between his stuff and his soul.
In Mark 10 we encounter a guy who looked like he had everything, but his heart was hungry for eternal life. He was close to Jesus—they stood eyeball to eyeball—but he was far from heaven… and he knew it!
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives? Listen as our very own Pastor Dave Williams shares on the importance and power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.
On this Mother's Day, Pastor Kevin and Sarah Kessler explore the passage of Mark 10 in which children come to Jesus. He tells the disciples that they must enter the kingdom of God with the simple faith of a child.
Jesus didn't shy away from addressing areas that both impact and reflect the hearts of people. In the beginning of Mark 10, He begins speaking to the people about divorce and—more importantly—how to do marriage God's way.
Following along with Pastor Kevin in Mark 9 as Jesus teaches on the importance of humility—becoming like a child to be great in the Kingdom. Listen as we unpack how to serve without thinking about yourself and how to celebrate others!
"No one can curse what God has blessed!" Enjoy our special guest Christopher Alam as he shares the power testimonies happening in Africa and the Middle East and the power of the glorious cross.
What do you do after the mountain? In Mark 9:14-29, after Jesus was transfigured before the disciples, they descended from the mountain and encountered a demon-posessed boy. Listen to Pastor Kevin's message as he instructs us to follow Jesus example to: • Be the link to someone's hope • Believe that all things are possible with God • Practice the secret to power—prayer…
He is alive! Listen as Pastor Kevin goes through the Easter story, along with a theatrical presentation of the life after Jesus is raised from the dead.
We see in Mark 9 Jesus being transfigured before the disciples eyes. Follow along with Pastor Kevin as he teaches the importance of the mountain-top experience, listening to God, and then going out in power.
What does it mean to follow Jesus? Review as Pastor Kevin unpacks Mark 8:34 where Jesus is sharing the invitation with everyone and reveals the showing cost and adventure that comes with being a disciple.
If you've ever driven in the snow or heavy rain, it's dangerous when you can't see clearly. Same goes spiritually, it's dangerous to go through life not seeing clearly. Follow along with Pastor Kevin as he unpacks Jesus' dialogue with the disciples about who people say that He is and who they say that He is.…
Pastor Deanne continues the Study of Mark at Mark 8:22 when Jesus encounters the blind man in Bethsaida. Follow along and pastor Deanne unpacks the power of seeing spiritually and how to position ourselves to see as God sees.
In Mark 8, Jesus is on the boat with the disciples talking about the leaven of the Pharisees and Herod. Listen as Pastor Kevin unpacks the importance of remember who Jesus is and what He has done.
Compassion moves toward people. Regardless of their personal background or faith, we are called to show others the same compassion Jesus demonstrated to His followers.
We see in Mark 7 the people of Decapolis begging Jesus to heal a man. When we position ourselves to believe anything is possible, we see God doing extraordinary miracles.
As we continue in the Gospel of Mark, Pastor Joe encourages us on the position of faith, and how to hold your ground, break through the boundary, even when your circumstances look differently.
Balloons aren't naturally blown up by themselves—just as people aren't naturally discipled. They take time. As Christians, you have a part to play in sharing hope and discipling someone. Whether at your job, in your home, or at the grocery store, you can give someone the hope you've received through Christ.…
This is a year of harvest... so we need all hands on deck! Listen to Pastor Kevin's message on where Mount Hope is going in 2018 and how you are a vital part of it.
In Mark 7, Jesus encounters Pharisees who were more concerned with cleaning their hands than cleaning their heart. Listen to Sunday's message as Pastor Kevin shares the invitation to come to God and allow His grace to make you clean.
When Jesus walked on the water, He intended to walk by the disciples, but the hunger of the disciples brought Him into their boat. Are you invited Jesus into your boat? Enjoy Pastor Kevin's message on how to position yourself for unusual encounters.
Enjoy Pastor Stephen and Pam Marshall as they teach on setting your mind on God to lead you toward your breakthrough! Breakthrough Word Keys For 2018 1. Let This Mind Be In You, And Enjoy Kingdom Breakthrough I am transformed by the renewing of my mind, proving what is that good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. (According to Romans 12:2) I have, and possess, the mind of Christ. (According to 1 Corinthians 2:16) I set my mind on things above, not on things on the earth. (According to Colossians 3:2) I let this mind, which is in Christ Jesus, abide in me. (According to Philippians 2:5) 2. The King’s Context Come, The King’s Will Be Done I seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things are added to me. (According to Matthew 6:33) Father God, You have rescued me and drawn me to Yourself from the dominion of darkness, and have transferred me to the kingdom of Your beloved Son—King Jesus! (According to Colossians 1:13) I am in Christ and in His anointing. Therefore, I am a new creation; old things have passed away; and all things have become new. (According to 2 Corinthians 5:17) I choose everyday to walk in the light and to have fellowship with God’s children. (According to 1 John 1:7) I imitate God as His child by being kind, tender hearted and forgiving. Yes, I choose to walk in love! (According to Ephesians 4:32 – 5:1,2) #3. Worship Rewards Push Open Big Doors God has never called me to seek Him for nothing, but He has called me to a just reward. (According to Isaiah 45:19) I choose to be a true worshipper of Father God, worshipping Him in spirit and in truth… with my heart and mind… believing and receiving. (According to John 4:23) Without faith it’s impossible to please God. Therefore, I believe that He is, AND that He rewards me when I seek Him—when I worship Him. (According to Hebrews 11:6)…
When the angel announced to Mary about giving birth to the Son of God, he said, "You will have great joy!" Set in your heart to be a life-long joy giver—one who always has great news and encouragement.
Sent to save the world, Jesus Christ was the biggest blessing we could have ever received. Likewise, the Mount Hope Church family was able to inspire hope by blessing others this Christmas season. Watch as Pastor Kevin helps us see how the spirit of Christmas begins with our generosity. Pastor Kevin Berry Mount Hope Church in Lansing, MI http://www.mounthopechurch.org…
Joy is a lifestyle—not just a feeling or moment—but an intentional life position. So how do you cultivate joy when troubles and trials come? Enjoy Pastor Kevin's message on how to rely on Christ for your center of joy in every season.
In Mark 6, we see Jesus moved with compassion to feed the crowds of people. Listen to Sunday's message as Pastor Kevin shares the invitation Jesus gives to you today to rest, experience compassion, and feed the people.
In the middle of Mark's story, we come across the beheading of John the Baptist—a tragic moment in such a great man. And it's true in our lives that sometimes bad things happen to good people. Listen as Pastor Kevin teaches us the importance of fixing our eyes on heaven, even though following Jesus has a cost.…
Did you know you are on a journey? When Jesus sent His disciples on their journey, He sent them two-by-two, because He knows you were not meant to do life alone. Be encouraged and inspired by Mount Hope's youth pastor, Peter Reeves, as he continues the series in Mark 6.
According to Mark 6, the people of Jesus' hometown refused to have faith in Him. They demanded signs and miracles, but were afraid to hear the truth. How can we begin to have faith?
The story of the demon possessed man shows us that God can someone from the lowest of lows and bring them to the highest of highs. Listen as Pastor Kevin follows through the story of Jesus and how He went after the one.
We all encounter fear, but we are told not to be afraid! Jesus is waiting to be our defender against anything we are facing, and all we need to do is reach out in faith! Know that He will rescue you.
We are called to honor everyone! From the pastor to the new believer, everyone should be treated with respect and honor because it brings glory to God.
The Kingdom is not a matter of eat or drink, or rules and regulation. Jesus spent much of His time teaching about the new Kingdom of God, but what exactly is it? Follow along with Pastor Kevin as he continues in Mark chapter 4.
When Jesus shared the parable of the sower to the disciples and the others, He wasn't trying to teach them about farming. No, He was more concerned with their heart. Listen to Pastor Kevin and continues the Gospel of Mark in chapter 4.
Your family is bigger than you thought it was! The church and fellow Christians are our spiritual family, and we have the responsibility and privilege of experiencing life together.
As we recap the past few chapters of Mark, Pastor Kevin notes how God stirred the hearts of four men to dig a hole in the roof where Jesus was speaking, all to help their paralyzed friend, (Mark 2:4-5). Wherever there is a stirring of God, there is a call to action!
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? We are meant to embrace our spiritual identity as sons and daughters of God, and as such are called to live as Jesus lived.
Pastor Joe Mead shares on the different characteristics and personalities when Jesus talks to His disciples about fasting and wineskins in Mark 2:18-22.
Just as healthy people do not need a doctor, Jesus didn't come for those who believed they were righteous, but for those who needed a savior. Listen as Pastor Kevin shares about Jesus invited Matthew, the tax collector, to follow Him, and how Jesus calls us to follow Him too.
Though we may not see many lepers in our lifetime, we will see people in desperation. When Jesus saw the leper in Mark 1, He saw a man of desperation and was moved with compassion.
After a day of the whole city coming out to receive healing from Jesus, the disciples still found Jesus praying early the next morning. There's power when find time to find Jesus in the secret place.
Pastor Mark shares on the importance of taking ownership of America. We as Christians should not be complacent and just talk about how things need to change, we need to follow 2 Chronicles 7:14 and help to bring Jesus' freedom to everyone. "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14…
Though we shouldn't believe that demons are behind every bad thing that happens to us, it would be equally foolish to completely ignore their existence. Listen as Pastor Kevin continues going through the book of Mark and teaches us to follow Jesus' example on how to deal with demons in our daily lives.…
When Jesus began to choose His disciples, He had a pattern of jumping into the middle of their story and interrupting their day-to-day life. He then invited each one of them on the journey of a lifetime—to walk hand-and-hand with the living God. Listen as Pastor Kevin shares on Mark 1:16-20 and how the Lord has the same invitation for us.…
As we continue this story of Jesus through the book of Mark, we see that Jesus, after being water baptized, was drove out into the wilderness where He was not only tempted by Satan, but was also protected by angels.
We see in the New Testament this pattern: They believed and then they were water baptized. Follow along with Pastor Kevin as we discover the importance of water baptism for every Believer today as we continue our series in the Gospel of Mark.
In Genesis 1:26, God creates man (and woman) in His likeness and image, and creates them to have dominion on the earth. We were not designed to create our own dominion, but to trust in the finish work on Jesus and operate of this truth.
God designed every one of us to be care free and to cast our cares at the foot of the cross. You were never meant to carry the burdens and stress of this world—but instead—casting off every care and allowing God to lift you up and sustain you. Psalms 55:22
It is often said, "The best thing to do with your past is leave it there." When Jesus came and died, He came to redeem the world from sin and to save us unto to good works. He did not come to judge nor condemn the world, but to save it.
When Jesus was on the cross, He looked to the man on his left, the people crucifying Him, and to His mother and was thinking about them. Learn from this message how to be others minded, even when it doesn't come naturally.
One of the most powerful lessons we see from the cross is forgiveness. Though we were sinners, Christ died for us and forgave us. We now have the power to forgive other just as Christ has forgiven us.
"The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God." 1 Corinthians 1:18 Everyone has tried to fix their own life, their own marriage, their own problems—but once you see that you cannot fix things on your own, you then allow Jesus' abundant power to bring hope in every situation.…
Listen to Michael and Ramona Woods share how their wisdom in getting out of debt, planning for your tomorrows, and living victorious in your finances. Learn how simply cleaning up your house and your clutter positions you to receive more.
In John 21, God sets a plan of how to be a good neighbor for life. Pastor Chilly's charging message will stir you up to love the people around you and get you excited about showing Christ in your neighborhood.
Every Sunday, we should leave this place on mission… Let's go and be a mercy giver. Let's go and love like Jesus. Let's go and blow somebody away with kindness. Now GO let your light shine!
When tragedy and calamity comes, we as Christians are called to be First Responders—not second or third, but first! During these days, it's not difficult to find someone calling for help, whether it be financially, emotionally, or even physically. In Acts 16:9-10, Paul has a vision of a man from Macedonia crying for help, and he concludes, we must go to Macedonia to preach the Good News. We too must hear the cry of our nation and other nations to be compelled to go and preach the Good News.…
Sometimes, your neighbor may be someone different from you, and may be literally your neighbor. Listen as Pastor Kevin explains how you can follow Jesus' words and "love your neighbor as yourself."
The story of Jesus is so good, you can't help but share the good news—just as the shepherds did. Enjoy a warm, family Christmas with Pastor Kevin as they go through the Christmas Story and celebrate the birth of Jesus, joined by his grandkids.
We know it to be true, "For God so loved the world, he GAVE..." (John 3:16). Pastor Kevin share, both in words and in actions, the power of giving this Christmas season.
The Church is the hope of the world, and it should be breathtaking. The way we present ourselves, our message, and every worship experience should be breathtaking.
God has called all of us to grow in our ability to lead. Your life will be pulled in the direction of your most dominant thought, this sermon will explore the Power of a Renewed Mind.
God has called all of us to grow in our ability to lead. You are the salt of the earth… you are the light of the world... You are meant to flavor the earth in everything we do… you are called to light up and change the atmosphere around you.
God has called all of us to grow in our ability to lead. This week, Pastor Kevin begins a new series on leadership in which you will be challenged to grow and equipped with some practical tools to become a Christ-like leader.
As followers of Jesus Christ we're meant to live as His representatives here on the earth. Rather than engage the world according to earthly standards, connect with your higher call, live there instead, and be the solution the world needs.
Pastor Kevin continues his series, Connected, by pointing out that we as Christians are called to be connected with each other, to help each other grow. As we invest in our relationship with Christ, we should increasingly see and feel the need to connect with the body of Christ.
Pastor Dave Williams, Mount Hope Church's pastor for 30 years, teaches us to recognize the signs of the time in which we live, realizing that God has not set before us multiple choices, but rather life or death. If God's people will humble themselves, God will hear, answer, and heal their land.
Learn God's solution to heal the division that comes from pride and offense as Pastor Joe Mead explores the proven truth that forgiveness can empower people to remain free.
After teaching on how important God's design for family is to the future of our nation, Pastor Kevin focuses in closer today on the state of marriage in America and how we can have marriages that reach their full potential in Christ.
As Pastor Kevin continues the Indivisible series, he focuses attention on the family, a fundamental piece of the puzzle when it comes to our unity on the national level. Challenging parents to raise godly children in an ungodly world, Pastor Kevin gives some practical advice from God's word on how to seize the moment we have now with our children.…
Much like the GPS you may use while driving needs to recalculate when a wrong turn is taken, so also America needs to allow God to recalculate our path. Pastor Kevin continues the series Indivisible by outlining how we can get back on the right path.
In a timely message for important times, Pastor Kevin explores the heritage and foundation of Christianity in America, and expounds on the role every Christian needs to play in America today.
As we celebrate America and her rich Christian heritage, Pastor Kevin begins a new series title Indivisible. How should we as Christians respond to the chaos, division, and godlessness we see in our country today? Find out as Pastor Kevin affirms that God has a part for each of us to play in the healing of our nation!…
Your voice is one of the most powerful gifts you have, allowing you to declare what is on God's heart for the world around you. In this week's sermon, Pastor Kevin takes the mystery out of prophecy and shows us how we can put this simple but powerful gift into practical, every-day use wherever we go.…
For Father's Day, Pastor Kevin teaches on the unique gifts that father's have been given by their Father God, encouraging dads that they are fully resourced to be the father that God is calling them to be.
Pastor Kevin continues our series, "One Of A Kind" by affirming that everyone of us are gifted and have a critical part to play in the last days, using our gifts to serve others.
Pastor Deanne Moore introduces our new Sunday series, “One of a Kind” with a powerful reminder of how unique and amazing God has made each one of us. Listen and learn what Scripture says about you and what Jesus Christ has given to empower you to bring God’s Kingdom to earth.
Pastor Deanne does a masterful job wrapping up the Healed series, by unmasking the strategy of the enemy to confuse and distract from the beauty God placed in you from the very beginning.
Healing Evangelist, Pastor Billy Burke brings a stirring message, meant to increase our faith for miracles, signs, and wonders as we stand firm to God's word and promises without wavering.
Pastor Kevin Berry and his daughter, Sarah Kessler, kick off a new series entitled Healed on this special Mother's Day service by asking the question, "What if healed became the new normal?"
Concluding our series, Carriers of Hope, Pastor Chilly Chilton caps off the study of Acts 3 by highlighting the 4 "turns" that every believer must experience.
Pastor Chilly Chilton continues our Carriers of Hope series with a stirring message, teaching what happens when we are holding onto God's hand. We can reach further and touch with more power when we are hand-in-hand with our Savior and Creator.
As all of Mount Hope gathered together for one service, our newly renovated sanctuary was dedicated to be a house of prayer and a place of hope for all. As well as dedicating the sanctuary, Pastor Kevin asks for a re-dedication of ourselves to being a people of prayer and carriers of Hope to the world around us.…
Pastor Kevin issues a dare to every person called to be a carrier of hope: "I dare you to engage people". This week's message challenges us to think beyond ourselves as we are all called to carry hope to those around us.
Now that we have experienced the Hope that is found in Jesus Christ, we are all called to be carriers of that hope, to the world around us. In the first week of this new series, Carriers of Hope, Pastor Kevin shares how we are able to bring hope to those who have none.
Happy Easter! Pastor Kevin continues his powerful series Experience Hope by focusing on the hope found in Jesus' triumph over the grave. God's master plan behind the resurrection was to adopt us into His family.
In week 3 of the Experience Hope series, Pastor Kevin wants you to know that there is hope for you in God's grace! When you get a picture of the grace that God freely gives, you can't help but be filled with hope.
Pastor Kevin continues a powerful series on the Hope God has for us all, by confronting the enemy's strategy of worry and fear. We can walk through any storm with Hope when we hang onto what God has spoken!
When Jesus walked the earth, thousands would flock to hear Him. They saw hope in His eyes, they heard it in His voice, and they began to experience it in their lives. Today, Pastor Kevin begins a new series entitled, Experience Hope.
Missionary and Spiritual Father to churches across Asia, Ron Maddux shares the many joys along the journey of being a missionary, planting churches, preaching the gospel, and leading people to Jesus.
Missionaries to Argentina, Kim and Shari Babcock bring a powerful word to encourage us all to walk in the supernatural in the world around us. Using amazing testimonies of what God is doing in their ministry, Kim and Shari will encourage you to be all in as you minister in your every-day life.
Pastor Joe Mead continues our series, All In, on a special Valentine's Day Sunday by discussing how Christ-like love compels us to think of others before ourselves. Giving to global missions is the byproduct of a heart that longs for others to know Jesus
In the second week of Pastor Kevin's series on being All In, he discusses the power of faithfulness in your giving, going beyond just the occasional, but giving in a way that requires faith!
In our walk with the Lord, we are to have an "All In" mentality. As Pastor Kevin begins this new series this week, he teaches about being a generous giver, a true sign of an all-in believer.
Pastor Kevin focuses on one of the most important issues in a Christian's life that needs to be in order: the tithe. When God called for order and restoration in the Old Testament, the response of His people concerning tithes and gifts was "immediately, generously, and faithfully" given. So it is to be for us today.…
Pastor Kevin continues his series on Divine Order by challenging us to give proper attention to the Temple. Old Testament kings cleaned out the temple and re-instituted the proper order of prayer and worship, just as Jesus did when he cleaned out the temple in the New Testament. It is time for us to do the same.…
Pastor Kevin shares a word God has given him for 2016: Divine Order. There are blessings God has to pour out on His people in 2016, but there first needs to be order. Divine Order.
We’re convinced that prayer gatherings like these will be pivotal for the future of Mount Hope and our Lansing community! It’s the prayers of God's people that change the destiny of cities and nations.
As pastor Kevin continues his series on breakthrough, he gives both practical and spiritual advice on fasting and how participating in a time of fasting yields powerful results in your spiritual journey with Jesus as well as in your body.
As we prepare for 2016, Pastor Kevin gives a stirring message on the value of fasting, and how it can be the key to breakthrough and freedom in the believer's life.
Pastor Kevin wraps up the Extravagant series with a powerful message for every believer. We all have an amazing story to tell because of God's extravagance to us, and now we must respond by telling that story just as the shepherds did so long ago.
Following up part one of Pastor Kevin's Extravagant series, Pastor Johnny and Sarah Kessler teach us the appropriate response to such extravagant love: extravagant worship.
As we approach Christmas, Pastor Kevin begins a new series entitled Extravagant, teaching us to take notice of God's extravagant nature and how He's directed it toward us!
Wrapping up his sermon series on The Journey, Pastor Kevin leaves us with a vital piece to our journey. When we were rescued, we became part of the rescue team, and now it is our responsibility to rescue others.
Pastor Kevin continues his series on The Journey by teaching us about one of the most significant parts of our journey as believers, the Church. So much of our walk with the Lord is linked to God's house and the family God has given us. Nobody succeeds spiritually by being alone!
Pastor Joe Mead continues our series with one of the most important parts of The Journey: God's Word. Encouraging all of us to refocus on the priceless treasure we have in God's Word, Pastor Joe teaches the importance of revering and mining God's word everyday.
Pastor Chilly Chilton picks up where Pastor Kevin left off last week with his prayer-time acronym, T.A.L.K. Listening and knowing are the focus for this week, and Pastor Chilly gives us some invaluable tips to grow in both areas.
Pastor Kevin focuses on the prayer life of a believer walking through life as a friend of God. In the secret place we T.A.L.K. (Thank, Ask, Listen, Know) with God, and, this week, Pastor Kevin focuses on how we should be asking.
Conversation with God is natural when you're friends! Pastor Kevin continues his series, The Journey, by focusing on the importance of constant conversation in our friendship with God, using the life of Daniel as a backdrop.
Pastor Deanne Moore gives a powerful and stirring message on Christ being our foundation and cornerstone. Through every storm and season of life, we are blameless and holy while standing on Christ, the solid rock.
Pastor Chilly gives an important message on having an un-compromised, virus-proof truth hidden in our hearts, one that cannot be tainted by culture, but is built firmly on Jesus Christ.
Pastor Kevin expounds on the vocal gifts of the Spirit, specifically the gift of prophecy, teaching us practical ways to activate this gift in our everyday lives.
Pastor Kevin uses week six of the Spirit-Filled Life series to discuss the highest goal, according to 1 Cor. 14:1... Love. As Christians, we are to be known most of all by our love, not just the gifts.
In the 5th week of the Spirit-filled life series, Pastor Kevin discusses the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives, explaining their purpose and their role in the life of the Spirit-filled believer.
Pastor Kevin teaches what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Beyond the Holy Spirit's presence with us and in us, there is an outpouring when He comes upon us in a powerful way.
Week 3 of Pastor Kevin's series on the Spirit-filled life focuses on the transforming work of the Holy Spirit that takes place in those who behold the glory of the Lord.
Pastor Kevin continues his series on the Spirit-filled life, explaining why Jesus said it was better for Him to ascend to Heaven in order for us to have the Holy Spirit here. Life with the Holy Spirit is an upgraded life!
Special guests Harry and Cheryl Salem talk about the importance of rebuilding God's temple and what that means to us today as we are nearing Christ's return.
Pastor Kevin closes up his two-part series calling the church to Wake Up! In this week's message, Pastor Kevin outlines what weapons we have to make an impact on the world around us in these last days.
Pastor Kevin shares a word that God has given him for our city, state, and nation: Wake Up! God is calling us to wake up to His agenda and it is time for us to get on board with it.
Pastor Kevin and Mount Hope Church gathered together for a powerful time of prayer and intercession for our nation, believing the promise of healing and restoration God gave in 2 Chronicles 7:14 if His people would humble ourselves, pray, seek His face, and turn from wickedness.
Pastor Kevin continues his series on The Blessed Life by talking about how a gutsy step of faith can bring about a blessing, with the potential to impact even our nation.
Special Guests, Michael and Ramona Woods, begin a three part series on how to step into the blessed life, by discussing when it is time to take the next step.
In part two of their 3 part series, Michael and Ramona woods answer the questions of "Where?" and "Who?" when it comes to stepping into the blessed life.
In this week's message, Pastor Kevin makes it clear that the Blessed Life will inevitably have its share of potholes and pain, but is it a life that prevails!
Pastor Kevin begins a brand new series on the Blessed Life, asking the question, "What does the blessed life look like?". We learn that the greatest mark of a blessed life is our encounters with God!
Pastor Kevin delivers an important Mother's Day message, praising mothers everywhere for their strength and their godly Legacy and speaking a powerful blessing over them. Happy Mother's Day!
Pastor Dave Williams teaches the importance of honor, giving practical ways for every church member to show honor to their pastor. Together, we honor our Pastor, Kevin Berry, and his wife, Renee Berry for their faithfulness and service to God and to every member of Mount Hope Church.
Pastor Stephen encourages us to embrace what God has done for us, taking the curse upon himself so that we can carry the blessing He has purchased into every area of our lives.
Learn to upgrade your thinking by eliminating toxic thoughts. Pastor Kevin gives a powerful word on how a renewed mind can change the course of your life.
Pastor Deanne Moore point out that, as members of God's family, we are to imitate our Father. As we take up our cross and follow after Him, we begin to love the same way He loves us.
Pastor Kevin explores the depths of our adoption into the family of God, expounding on Ephesians 2 and explaining what it means to be "seated with Christ".
Pastor Kevin begins an in depth study in the book of Ephesians, where it all begins with the idea that we have been adopted into God's family, and as members of this family, we are loved and chosen.
Missionary to the middle East, Dick Brogden delivers a powerful and much needed message challenging us to grow deeper in how we abide, abandon, and apostle.
Rick Pasquale, missionary to Italy, gives a stirring word on the importance of "going" into the world, sharing testimonies of what God is doing, not only in Italy, but also throughout the world.
Pastor Kevin continues his series on the great commission, explaining that missions work isn't just for missionaries. We are ALL called to make disciples and invest our lives into others!
Pastor Kevin elaborates on Jesus's final instructions to the disciples, commissioning them and us to GO into the entire world, making disciples. We have an important part to play in the discipleship of those around us! Ready, set, GO!
Pastor Kevin shares some prophetic words for 2015, declaring that this is a year filled with rest for God's people, and that the rest God has for you will bring with it freedom, multiplication and unity.
Pastor Kevin shares an important word that God has for us this year: there is a rest for you. As we partner with Jesus, taking His light yoke upon us, we enter into a divine place of rest and this will lead us to the places Jesus wants to take us this year!
Pastor Kevin kicks off the new year by talking about the benefits and the power behind fasting, and how it can position the believer for incredible breakthroughs!
Pastor Deanne teaches that there are superpowers available to us through the power of the Holy Spirit, and that forgiveness is one of the greatest ways for us to blow-up the plans of the enemy.
What you hold onto says a lot about you. In this week's message, Pastor Kevin encourages us to cling tightly to the promises of God, highlighting the powerful promises that are declared in the Christmas story.
Pastor Kevin teaches that the most important "spiritual upgrade" you can make is your picture of who God is. This is best accomplished in our lives when we are in a constant pursuit to know Him, not just know about Him.
Our heart condition determines our hearing condition. Pastor Kevin walks us through the 4 heart conditions that will develop in every believer supersonic hearing for the voice of God.
Listening for the believer isn't optional; it's essential! Pastor Kevin shares a great message on hearing from God during the storms of life, and how the voice of God brings hope and encouragement in those times.
Special guest Dave Roever tells his personal story of tragedy and triumph and how his faith in God continues to open doors he never thought possible. Reminding us of the depth of sacrifice made to purchase our freedom, Dave Roever honors veterans past, present and future who have all served so selflessly.…
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