Church of Hope

11.12.17 // BORN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

BORN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Generosity – Part 2
Scott Young.com – Pastor of HOPE

YOU WERE BORN TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

“You are the salt of the earth … You are the light of the world.” ~ Jesus

1. We’ve Got To Have Value To Give Value

Matthew 5:13 – [Jesus says] You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

2. We’ve Got To Have Flavor To Give Flavor

Job 6:6 - Can flavorless food be eaten without salt?

Colossians 4:5-6 - Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

3. We’ve Got To Have Warmth To Give Warmth

Matthew 5:14 - You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

4. We’ve Got To See To Give Sight

John 8:12 - Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Matthew 5:15 - Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

11.5.17 // 115 SQUARE FEET

115 Square Feet
Generosity – Part 1
Pastor Holly Russo

John 6:1-14

1. Focusing on lack stifles generosity

Matthew 14:15 (Berean Study Bible)-Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”

John 6:7 (NIV)-Philip answered him, “It would take more than half a year’s wage to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!”

2. Generosity gives compassion

Matthew 14:10 (NASB)- He sent and had John beheaded in the prison.

Matthew 14:13 (ESV)- Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns

Luke 9:11 (NIV) - But the crowds learned about it and followed him. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

3. Jesus saw resources others didn’t

John 6:10 (NIV) -Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there).

4. The boy gave something that shouldn’t have made a difference

John 6:9 (NIV)- “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”

Luke 21:1-4- The widows two mites

John 6:12-13 (NIV) “…Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

10.29.17 // THE REWARD

The Reward
Whose Team Are You On?
Guest Speaker -Sam Farina

I Corinthians 3:9-15 (NIV) – For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a Foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each persons work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved- even though only as one escaping the flames.

1. God’s Grace Shaped us For Service and Reward
Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) - “We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Job 10:8 (NIV) -“Your hands shaped me and made me.”

2. The “One Another” Passages of Scripture Instruct How to Serve and Be Rewarded
1 Peter. 4:10 (NIV) - “Each one should use whatever gift he’s received to serve others.”
Honor one another- Romans 12:10
Serve one another-Galatians 5:13
Offer Hospitality to one another- I Peter 4:9
Encourage one another- Ephesians 4:32
Accept one another- Romans 15:7
Bear with one another I Corinthians 12:25
Admonish one another Romans 15:14
Teach one another- Colossians 3:16
Love one another- I Thessalonians 3:12

3. Jesus and Paul Clearly Spoke Instructions for Reward
Matthew 20:28 (LB) - “Your attitude must be like My Own, for I did not come to be served, but to serve...”
Philippians 2:4 (MSG) - “Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.”
2 Timothy 1:9 (LB) - “It is He who saved us and chose us for His holy work not because we deserved it but because that was His plan...”

4. How Do We Build On Gold, Silver, Costly Stones and Be Rewarded?
Gold is Trial of Faith
Silver is Refining of Holiness
Precious Stones is Proving of Godly Character
Diamonds is Tenacious Endurance
Pearl is Perpetual Grace
White Stone is Revelation of Who You Truly Are
Rewards of Crowns for what we have done for Jesus
Crown of Stephanos for the Victory of Overcomers
Diadem- a Crown of Jewels for Soul Winners
Matthew 25:21 (NIV) Well-done, good and faithful servant!

10.22.17 // THE FOCUS OF OUR SERVICE

THE FOCUS OF OUR SERVICE
Whose Team Are You On?
Pastor Peter Young

 

Best way to focus – Keep our eyes on Jesus

 

“Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end….” Hebrews 12:2 (GNT)

Why do we serve…

 

1. To share Him with Others

 

Galatians 5:13 - For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

 

John 15:13 - Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.

 

2. To demonstrate our Values

 

John 13:35 - "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."

 

Passion What we do is what we really value.
Belief What we value enough to do tells others what we really believe.
Behavior What we really believe shapes who we become.

 

3. To become more like our Savior

 

Philippians 2:5,7 - Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who… made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

 

John 13:14-15 - If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

 

4. To fulfill our Purpose

 

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) – For we are … created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

5. To receive our Reward (PS - It’s not about the credit)

 

Matthew 6:2 (NIV) - So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.

 

Matthew 25:23 (NIV) - His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’.

10.15.17 // THE SPIRIT OF SERVING

THE SPIRIT OF SERVING
Whose Team Are You On?
Scott Young.com – Pastor of HOPE

 

Acts 6:1 - Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

Acts 6:3-4 - Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

 

1. Full Of The Holy Spirit

Acts 6:3 - Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;

Ephesians 5:18 - Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him. (AMP)

 

2. Full Of Wisdom

Acts 6:3 - Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

Proverbs 11:30 - The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever wins souls is wise.

James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

 

3. Full Of Faith

Acts 6:5 - And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit …

 

4. Full Of Grace and Power

Acts 6:8 - And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing.

10.8.17 // TAKE UP YOUR TOWEL

TAKE UP YOUR TOWEL
Whose Team Are You On?
Scott Young.com – Pastor of HOPE

 

Luke 22:24 - Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.

Luke 22:27 - For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.

1. Serve To The End
John 13:1 - Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart from this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

2. Serve Your Judas
John 13:2 - And supper being ended, the devil having already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Him.

 

3. Serve With Your Towel
John 13:3-4 - Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself.

John 13:14-15 - If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

 

4. Serve To Live A Blessed Life
John 13:17 - If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

10.1.17 // STAY IN THE GAME

STAY IN THE GAME
Whose Team Are You On?
Pastor Mark Groover

1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NLT)- Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

4 Essential Plays to Help Us Win In The Game of Life

1. Preparation
Hebrews 12:1 (NAS)-Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.

- The game of life isn’t necessarily won on the field.
- Games are won in the weight room, film room, and the locker room.

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT)-Guard you heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.
Proverbs 4:23 (MSG)-Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.

-Where you set your heart at the beginning is going to determine where you end up and how you finish.
-Worship flows from the heart.

2. Daily Discipline
1 Corinthians 9:25-27 (NLT)- All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

- Unless giftedness is coupled with a complementary work ethic, it will result in wasted potential.
- We can’t just pray as if it depends solely on God; we also have to work as if it depends on us

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)- But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

- It’s the small choices no one sees that result in the big impact that everyone wants.

3. Build Endurance: the ability or strength to continue despite fatigue, stress or adverse conditions. The capacity to bear up under difficult circumstances. Hopeful fortitude that resists weariness. It means: To remain under

Hebrews 12:1-2 (NASB)- Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us [a]fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

- Praise precedes the Victory!
- Praise is not a denial of our circumstances but it declares that God is faithful and trustworthy regardless of our situation.

Acts 16:25-27
2 Chronicles 20:21-22

4. Finish Strong
Hebrews 12:3 (NASB)- For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Don’t focus on the frustration or struggle. 
Focus on JESUS. He has already overcome the cross and grave.
Give Him your praise. Not your situation.

9.24.17 // A HOUSE DIVIDED

A HOUSE DIVIDED

Whose Team Are You On?

Scott Young.com – Pastor of HOPE

 

Matthew 12:25 - But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.

 

STANDING WITH THE LORD’S TEAM

  

1. This Team Has An Owner

Psalm 24:1 - The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

Philippians 2:10-11 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

 

2. This Team Has Coaches and Team Mates

Ephesians 4:11-12 - And [Jesus] He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.

 

3. This Team Has A Play-Book

2 Timothy 3:16 -17 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

 

4. This Team Wins Over All Opposition

Ephesians 6:12 - For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

2 Corinthians 10:3-5 - For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

9.17.17 // DON’T MISS THE HUDDLE

DON’T MISS THE HUDDLE
Whose Team Are You On?
Scott Young.com – Pastor of HOPE

Acts 2:41 - Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. [42] And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Acts 2:46 - So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, [47] praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

GREAT CONNECTIONS BRING

1. Doctrine: Good Beliefs
Acts 4:12 – “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

2. Fellowship: Good Friends
Acts 9:27 - But Barnabas took him [Paul] and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

3. Breaking of Bread: Good Communication
Acts 20:11 - Now when he had come up, had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even till daybreak, he departed.

4. Prayer: Good Guidance & Strength
Acts 4:31 - And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

9.3.17 // JESUS ON THE CROSS

JESUS ON THE CROSS

Jesus On Snapchat

Scott Young.com – Pastor of HOPE

  

WHAT JESUS TEACHES US FROM THE CROSS

 

1. Give Forgiveness

 

Luke 23:34 - Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

 

2. Stay Connected To Family

 

John 19:26 - When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” [27] Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

 

1 Peter 3:8 - You should be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other, loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. [TLB] 

 

3. Reach For One More Soul

 

Luke 23:42 - Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” [43] And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

 

4. Always Bring Hope

 

Matthew 27:46 - Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”

 

Psalm 22 

1 My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?

7 All those who see Me ridicule Me; They shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying, [8] “He trusted in the Lord, let Him rescue Him; Let Him deliver Him, since He delights in Him!”

16 They pierced My hands and My feet; … [18] They divide My garments among them, And for My clothing they cast lots.

22 I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

26 Those who seek Him will praise the Lord. Let your heart live forever!

31 They will come and declare His righteousness to a people yet to be born—that He has done it [and that it is finished]. [AMP]