Hope for Today Hope for Today Church

Who enjoys serving others?
The truth is a believers identity in Christ qualifies them for service. ‘Serving’ others is the byproduct of empowered witness via the Holy Spirit.

The message begins by emphasizing the theme of empowerment by the Holy Spirit for effective witness, drawing from Acts 1:8, Acts 2:1-21, and Acts 2:32-33. It highlights that followers of Jesus operate under His authority and power, living under a banner of love that covers them with forgiveness, transformation, and good works. The big idea presented is that the power to witness unfolds through a lifestyle of worship, honor to the Lord, and serving one another in good works.

The sermon delves into the importance of good works as taught by Jesus in Matthew 5:15–16, emphasizing that our actions are meant to glorify God and teach others about His kindness. It then explores Ephesians 2:8–10, emphasizing that while salvation is by grace through faith, believers are created for good works that align with God's purposes.

Moving on to a lifestyle of worship and honor before the Lord, the message reflects on John 15:13-16, where Jesus calls for sacrificial love and intimate relationship. It underscores the importance of aligning our hearts with Christ's call and cultivating intimacy with God with the help of the Holy Spirit.

The sermon continues by discussing practical applications, including Jesus' example of servant leadership in John 13:1-17. It encourages believers to move beyond ‘ritualistic service’, to serve with humility and love, empowered by the grace and authority of Christ.

Finally, practical steps for effective witness today are outlined, including cultivating intimacy with God, depending on the Holy Spirit, looking for opportunities to share the gospel, building relationships, and living authentically and with integrity.

Mr. Travis Lubbers joins us at HFT to share his vision and heart for ministry to the youth of Norfolk. A venture being realized through his partnership with Youth for Christ (YFC).

Following a time of Q&A Pastor Andrew shares a brief word on Increasing our capacity to witness through the empowerment of God’s promised Holy Spirit. As we cultivate intimacy with God the overflow is increased capacity to witness, to the glory of God.

In today's message, looking to the passages Acts 1:1-26 and Luke 14:25-33, we uncovered timeless truths about the call of Christ. We explored how the first followers of Jesus witnessed His authority and promises firsthand, leading them to willingly give their lives to His call, regardless of personal cost. Drawing from passages like 1 John 1:1-4 and Titus 3:5b-7, we saw that intimate communion with Christ transforms us and sustains us through every trial.

We also examined the call to proclaim the gospel boldly, as exemplified in Mark 16:15-18 and Matthew 28:16-20. Like the early disciples, empowered by the presence of the Holy Spirit to be witnessess, ambassodors of Jesus authority and mission, we are called to count the cost of discipleship, forsaking all else for the sake of the kingdom, as highlighted in Luke 14:25-33. Through illustrations like the story of missionary Jim Elliot and the analogy of the builder, we were challenged to carefully consider the cost of following Christ.

Finally, we found encouragement in the example of the apostle Paul, who endured persecution and hardship with unwavering faith, as seen in Philippians 1:21-25. Despite adversity, the truth of the gospel endures, impacting countless lives and shaping history.

As we reflect on these truths, may we embrace sacrifice for the sake of the eternal reward, knowing that although the call of Christ demands our all, we have assurance of full support and His promises of boundless joy and fulfillment.

In Part 2 of Unlocking the Power of Truth: Discovering the Reality of the Resurrection, using Matthew 27:50-53 all who look to Jesus are urged to embrace the significance of Christ's resurrection in one’s life today. In picturing the earth shaking and tombs opening at the moment of His victory over death, we are reminded of the enduring power of His resurrection. This truth transforms our perspective, empowering us to face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that the same resurrection power dwells within us.

Moreover, the inclusive nature of God's salvation, demonstrated by the opening of tombs, emphasizes His boundless grace and invitation to all. As recipients of this grace, we are called to extend love and compassion to others, sharing the hope of the gospel with everyone we encounter.

In all, the events of Matthew 27:50-53 inspire us to live as resurrection people, fueled by the Spirit's power, and dedicated to spreading the transformative message of Christ's victory over death to a world in need.

In this sermon, we explored the profound truth of Christ's resurrection, anchored in Scripture and supported by historical evidence. Beginning with the crucifixion and resurrection accounts, we witnessed the miraculous events surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection, affirming His victory over death.
Through the ascension, we saw Jesus' authority and reign established, empowering His disciples with hope and purpose.
The testimony of the apostles provided undeniable proof of the resurrection's reality, leading to transformative encounters with the risen Savior.
Ultimately, we discovered that the truth of Christ's resurrection sets us free from sin and death, offering hope and redemption to all who believe. As resurrection people, we are called to live victoriously, proclaiming the life-changing power of the gospel to a world in need of hope.

What happens when we die? This is one of the questions answered by the proof of the resurrection of Jesus.

In this Easter message, Living in the Resurrection: Embracing the Signs of Life, we explore the profound reality of resurrection life as revealed through Jesus' words in John 12:44-50 and other passages.
Jesus emphasized His divine authority, declaring Himself as the Light of the world and offering the promise of eternal life to all who believe. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus secures our salvation and invites us into a life of abundance.

We are called to respond to the signs of resurrection life by surrendering to Jesus, obeying His teachings, and sharing the Good News with others. Just as Jesus offered salvation to a repentant criminal on the cross, we too can experience the transformative power of resurrection life by embracing His message and living as witnesses of His resurrection in the world today.