Discovering HOPE Paul Knight

1. Your response to my love has been CYNICAL

Malachi 1:1-5 NIV



A prophecy: The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi. 2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. “But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’


“Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob, 3 but Esau I have hated, and I have turned his hill country into a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.” 4 Edom may say, “Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins.” But this is what the Lord Almighty says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the Lord.5 You will see it with your own eyes and say, ‘Great is the Lord—even beyond the borders of Israel!’



2. Your worship of me has been CASUAL

A) Give your best in worship


Malachi 1:6-8 NIV



“A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty. “It is you priests who show contempt for my name.


“But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’


“By offering defiled food on my altar. “But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’


“By saying that the Lord’s table is contemptible.8 When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the Lord Almighty.



B) Don’t steal from God



Malachi 3:7-12 NIV


Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord Almighty.


“But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’


“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me.


“But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’


“In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. 12 “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.



C) Correct your “what’s in it for me” attitude


Malachi 3:13-15 NIV



“You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the Lord.


“Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’


“You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? 15 But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.



3. Your relationships have been COMPROMISED

A) As Christ-followers be faithful to God’s Word.


Malachi 1:7-9 NIV (1 Peter 2:9-11)



“For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth. 8 But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the Lord Almighty. 9 “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.”



Malachi 2:10 NIV



Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us? Why do we profane the covenant of our ancestors by being unfaithful to one another?



B) Don’t marry someone who doesn’t love the Lord.


Malachi 2:11-12 NIV



Judah has been unfaithful. A detestable thing has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem: Judah has desecra

Demise is the inevitable outcome of rejecting God


Lamentations 1-2, 3-4; Deuteronomy 28; Romans 1:18-30



It’s okay to admit it’s not okay and say it out loud


Lamentations 1-2, 3-4; Psalm 73



Justice and joy are right around the corner


Lamentations 3:21-33
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THE STORY OF GOD IN THE OLD TESTAMENT


June 2, 2024


Pastor: Patrick Severson






When you experience a crisis of faith what do you do? Pastor Patrick Severson takes us through a biblical view.


A FEW KEY MOMENTS AND PEOPLE IN THE OLD TESTAMENT



Creation
Fall
Flood
Tower of Babel
Abraham
Covenant with Israel
Promise Land
Judges
King Saul
King David
King Solomon
Divided Kingdom
Exile
Prophets
Return from Exile


Three reminders for us when we experience a crisis of faith:

1. IT’S NORMAL – Accept that a crisis of faith is a common experience.

2. IT’S TRICKY – Be honest with yourself.

3. IT’S PIVOTAL – We choose the path forward.











HOPE Church


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This week Pastor Paul takes us through the secret of contentment.


The Secret of Contentment


May 26, 2024


Pastor: Paul Knight






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Main Scripture Reference(s): Genesis 1:1, Genesis 2:2, Exodus 3:3

Philippians 4:10-20: (NIV)



I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.


Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.15 Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; 16 for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. 17 Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.18 I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.







1) Learn what contentment “is” and “is not.”

Scriptures referenced: Philippians 4:10-13,


Philippians 4:10-13 (NIV)



I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.






1 Timothy 6:6-12 (NIV)



But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith.






2) Learn the contentment producing power of partnerships in Christ.

Scriptures referenced: Philippians 1:3-7,


** Philippians 1:3-7** (VER)



I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. 7 It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart






Philippians 4:14 (NIV)



Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles.






Philippians 4:18-20 (NIV)



I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.


To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen.






3) Learn the contentment producing power of living the purposes of Christ.

Scriptures referenced: Philip

This Confirmation Sunday Paul walks the next generation of Christ followers through a systematic overview of the bible.
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Get Your Joy Back!


May 12, 2024


Pastor: Paul Knight






Pastor Paul Knight walks us through how to get our joy back.


Main Scripture Reference(s): Philippians 4:1

Philippians 4:1 (NIV)


Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.






1) Resolve to Rejoice

Philippians 4:4 (NIV)



Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!






Psalm 61:1 (NIV)



Shout for joy to God, all the earth!



Psalm 71:23 (NIV)



My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered.



Psalm 95:1; Psalm 100:1, 2; Nehemiah 8:10; Luke 2:10; James 1:2, 3





2) Restore Your Relationships

Philippians 4:1-3 (NIV)



Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life.






Philippians 4:5 (NIV)



Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.






John 15:10-12 (NIV)



If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.






Matthew 5:23, 24 (NIV)


“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.


Romans 12:18 (NIV) (see 14-21)



If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.






3) Raise Your Requests to God

Philippians 4:6, 7 (NIV)



Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.



Romans 15:13 (NIV)



May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.






Psalm 5:1-3 (NIV)



Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. 2 Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. 3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.






Romans 8:26-28 (NIV)



In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accor