Hope Church

Life’s hardships often leave us asking, “Why?” In Romans 8, Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are nothing compared to the glory that will one day be revealed in us. As we wait, creation groans, we groan, and even the Spirit groans on our behalf — all pointing us toward a future hope that far outweighs our pain. This message invites us to fix our eyes on what’s unseen and live with patient, eager expectation as God renews all things.

When someone asks, “What do you do?” our answer often shapes how people see us—and how we see ourselves. But Romans 8 reminds us that when we are in Christ, everything about our identity changes. We are no longer slaves to sin but children of God—adopted, loved, and given a purpose. This week, we’re reminded that our new identity also comes with a calling: to follow the Spirit, to put sin to death, and to live as heirs with Christ.

In Romans 8:5–11, we explore Paul’s “if/then” reality: if Christ is in us, then the Spirit reorients our minds and governs our lives. A mindset on the flesh leads to dead ends; a mindset on the Spirit brings life and peace. We see how belonging to Christ means the Spirit lives in us now—reshaping our desires, relationships, and choices—and guarantees our future: the same Spirit who raised Jesus will raise us, too. As we surrender daily, we don’t think or live like we used to; the Spirit is producing real life in us today with resurrection hope ahead.

We step into Romans 8:1–4 to see the good news that there is no condemnation, real freedom in Christ, and Spirit-led power to live. God does what the law and our effort never could—He condemns sin in Jesus and fulfills righteousness in us so we can walk a new way.

As we close our Becoming Disciples series, we’re reminded that discipleship is a lifelong surrender to Jesus—every part of who we are and what we do. In this message, Pastor Ross invites us to surrender our purpose to Him. We all want our lives to matter, but true purpose begins when Christ’s love compels us to live for Him, not ourselves. Through 2 Corinthians 5, we see that the gospel changes who and what we live for. We are renewed by grace, anchored in the gospel, and commissioned as Christ’s ambassadors—sent to share the message of reconciliation with the world. To live purposely means centering our lives on the mission and glory of Jesus, joining Him in raising up disciples who surrender their lives to Him.

In John 13:1–17, Jesus shocks His disciples by stooping to wash their feet, showing us that true greatness is found in humble, sacrificial service. As disciples, we are called to step off the path of self-interest and take up the towel, living with a new heart of love, a new posture of humility, and a new witness that shines His light into the world. Following the example of Jesus, who gave His life as a ransom for many, we are invited to let Him first wash us and then empower us to serve others for the glory of God.

In Becoming Disciples, we look at what it means to surrender our relationships to Jesus and relate graciously to one another. From Colossians 3:12–15, we’re reminded that as God’s chosen, holy, and beloved people, we are called to reflect Christ’s grace in every relationship. Ross shows us that disciples put on Christ’s character—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love—practice forgiveness as the Lord has forgiven us, and let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts. Because Jesus has already clothed Himself in humility, forgiven us at the cross, and brought us peace with God, we can extend His grace to others and live differently in the world.

God invites us into a deep, life-giving relationship with Him, but experiencing His fullness takes intention. In this message, Marty challenges us to surrender our habits and cultivate spiritual disciplines—like prayer, Scripture, fasting, worship, and serving—that open us to God’s presence and help us grow together as disciples.

On Vision Sunday, we celebrate all God has done this past year and look ahead with boldness to the year to come. Together, Ross, Mark, and Marty walk us through our vision of “Raising up disciples who surrender their lives to Jesus”—a vision not about producing busy churchgoers, but wholehearted followers who give their lives fully to Christ. We are reminded of the simple but powerful steps of Connect, Grow, and Serve, and as we reflect on the stories, numbers, and lives God has already transformed, we are called to lean in with faith, generosity, and courage as we continue to pursue this mission together.

In this final message of the Etched in Stone series, Pastor Mark walks us through the Tenth Commandment: “You shall not covet.” We learn that coveting is more than simply wanting something—it is a restless longing for what God has given to someone else. This heart issue distorts our contentment, damages our relationships, and distracts us from worshiping God. Ultimately, coveting exposes our need for a Savior. Only in Jesus, who resisted temptation and offers us a new heart, do we find freedom from restless desires and discover true contentment in Him.

In a world filled with hype, spin, and half-truths, the ninth commandment calls us back to honesty: “You shall not give false testimony.” Marty shows us how lying—whether outright, through gossip, exaggeration, half-truths, excuses, flattery, or false accusations—destroys trust, damages relationships, and reflects the character of the enemy rather than God. We are invited to choose truth, confess where we’ve deceived, repair broken trust, and live in the power of the Spirit of Truth. God delights in honesty, and He calls us to be people who love the truth.

This commandment goes beyond bank heists—it exposes how we take more than we give, whether through time, effort, or trust. Mark reminds us that God gives good gifts, calls us to work with integrity, and invites us to live generously. Stealing reveals a heart that doesn’t trust God to provide—but as His people, we’re called to reflect His generous nature.

Marty unpacks the seventh commandment by reminding us that God's laws are not just rules—they are protections for what is precious. This command protects the sacred gift of sex and the covenant of marriage. God gave sex as a good gift—for creating life, cultivating pleasure, and bonding two hearts as one. When misused, that gift can deeply damage trust, intimacy, and our ability to connect. From adultery to pornography to cohabitation, Marty challenges us to push back against cultural lies and pursue purity with conviction and hope. In Christ, there is forgiveness, strength, healing, and a new start. Let’s honor what God calls sacred.

This week, Pastor Sean Holloway walks us through the Sixth Commandment, showing that it’s more than just avoiding physical harm—it’s a call to value every human life. Jesus teaches that even anger and contempt break this command. We’re reminded that all people are made in God’s image, and we’re called to reflect His heart by cherishing life in both our actions and attitudes.

This week in our “Etched in Stone” series, we reach the fifth commandment: “Honor your father and mother.” It’s a turning point in the list—moving from loving God to loving others. But honoring parents isn’t always straightforward, especially in a world where not all parents live honorably. Mark walks us through what biblical honor truly means: valuing, respecting, and showing appreciation across all stages of life—not because our parents are perfect, but because God calls us to it. Drawing from Ephesians 6 and Colossians 3, we explore what this looks like when we’re young, as adults, and even when relationships are complex. Most importantly, we’re reminded that honoring our earthly parents reflects our honor for our heavenly Father, who adopts us into His family through grace.

This week in our Etched in Stone series, we explore the 4th commandment—Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. In a culture that runs on busyness and burnout, God calls us to a different rhythm—one of rest, remembrance, and renewal. We see that Sabbath is not a burden but a blessing, rooted in both creation and redemption. It reminds us that our identity is not in what we produce but in what Christ has provided. As we discover the beauty of work, the blessing of rest, and the fullness of Christ, we’re invited to stop striving and find true rest in Him.

As we continue through the Ten Commandments, we explore the weight and wonder of the third: “You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God.” This message challenges us to consider how we speak—and live—in light of God’s name. His name isn’t just a label; it represents His character, His blessing, His authority, and His salvation. Misusing it—through cursing, casualness, or contradiction—diminishes something deeply sacred. But when we treat God’s name with reverence, it shapes our hearts and honors the One who gave everything for us. Let us learn how to speak His name with honor, live with integrity, and reflect Christ in all we do.

In week two of our Etched in Stone series, Mark unpacks the Second Commandment—“No Idols”—by reminding us that the Ten Commandments aren’t a way to earn God’s favor, but a path to walk in relationship with Him. Just like a train needs tracks to move forward, our lives were designed to flourish when aligned with God's ways. Idolatry isn’t just an ancient problem—it’s a human one. Whether it’s our preferences, feelings, or a distorted view of God, anything that replaces or reshapes Him in our hearts becomes an idol. But God hasn’t left us guessing about who He is—He’s revealed Himself in creation, His Word, and ultimately in Jesus. When we truly see Him, we can worship Him rightly and live with purpose.