Downtown Hope

In considering how we relate to one another Ephesians 5.21-33 highlights a particular posture that might be confusing to our 21st-century imaginations: submission.  Throughout the centuries this word has, without doubt, been wrongly applied to justify abuse in relationships and marriages.  Yet this passage describes submission as one of the basic ways we are to live in relationship to one another....

In this message, we explore the profound mystery of transformation described in Ephesians 4:17-24.  Learn more about Downtown Hope + get connected by visiting our  ⁠⁠website⁠⁠  or filling out our online  ⁠⁠connect card⁠⁠ .

Nations at war, political polarization, divisions in the church, conflicts within our own relationships, and the pressures of life reveal deep tears and the relational fabric of humanity. There’s an intensity to the disunity we experience that makes the notion of unity seem irrational. Despite this, Ephesians 4 proposes that unity across the most diverse lines of humanity is a reality we can exper...

In this week's sermon, we dive into Ephesians 3.1-13 to further contemplate the mystery of the gospel as the only resource charged with the possibility of bringing enemies, even Jewish and non-Jewish neighboring cultures, and our own relational fractures, together into a peaceful new humanity. Learn more about Downtown Hope + get connected by visiting our  website  or filling out our online  c...

In this sermon, we explore Ephesians 2:11-22, where we see God's plan to unite all things in Christ, dismantling the dividing lines of hostility we often experience. This passage will help us discover the mystery of the new humanity that God is at work forming and how we can embody God-honoring unity. Learn more about Downtown Hope + get connected by visiting our  website  or filling out our o...

As we continue our series through the book of Ephesians, we focus on verses 1:14-23 to discover how we can pray for one another. Learn more about Downtown Hope + get connected by visiting our  website  or filling out our online  connect card .

There is something more to this life, a mystery that, when discovered, has implications for how we live and view reality. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians is an invitation to rediscover and reawaken our sense of awe at the spiritual realities and hidden truths that shape our lives.  We will explore the revelation of truths that challenge our understanding of the world around us. We will navigate thr...

We are physically, emotionally, and spiritually hardwired for deep community with others. Even though we have a deep need for community, it's also the source of some of our deepest pain and frustration. All of us are part of some kind of community and we've learned that it's only a matter of time before someone is hurt, offended, or upset about something. There seems to be "someth...

Humans beget humans and so from our conception, we are bound together. From this anthropological reality arises a deep and mysterious desire (literally) innate to all people: to be in a relationship with other people. In an individualistic culture, we especially feel this need to be connected but it is also something we must resist. Why? Because it inconveniences us, it costs us something, it stea...

In chapter 4, Boaz demonstrates what it means to be a kinsman redeemer through his actions. As we wrap up our series in Ruth, we will look at the way one's actions help to define who the person is. Learn more about Downtown Hope + get connected by visiting our  website  or filling out our online  connect card .

Ruth chapter 3 opens with the suggestion of scandal.  Through it, we'll discover that the way Ruth and Boaz relate to each other carries the potential to reshape culture. Learn more about Downtown Hope + get connected by visiting our  website  or filling out our online  connect card .

Ruth 2 introduces us to a man named Boaz, who is described as a worthy man. We will examine his kind actions toward Ruth and by extension, toward his kin Naomi. Were these acts done just out of obligation to the Law of God? Did he do them for selfish reasons, expecting something in return for his good deeds? Is generosity a spiritual gift one is born with or is it a trait or behavior one should st...

Continuing the narrative that began in the book of Judges, The Book account of Ruth tells the captivating story of a woman named Ruth who remains faithful to God and her family amidst difficult circumstances. This book takes place during the chaotic time of Israel being led by judges and yet it serves as a powerful reminder of how God uses our devotion as a means of grace in causing us to flourish...

One of the greatest tragedies of the notion of human autonomy is that it is a complete falsity.  Physiologically there is no such thing as an autonomous human being.  Our condition is utterly dependent on resources, including people, outside of ourselves.  So when we read in the last verse in the Book of Judges (21.25) "that Israel had no king" it begs an important question for Israel an...

That last portion of the book of Judges highlights the true tragedy of autonomy in great detail. This section of scripture unveils how far God's people have deviated from His way and the tragic consequences of their decisions. Through it all we see a man named Micah and his longing for God's goodness amid the chaos. Learn more about Downtown Hope + get connected by visiting our  website  o...

As we continue our journey in the book of Judges, we read of Samson, a leader dedicated to God from birth and set apart by his supernatural gifts. One of the questions that surface in Samsons’ life is  how he could be blessed with such supernatural gifts and behave ungodly?  It’s a riddle that will be uncovered throughout this narrative.  More surprising is God’s actions in the life of Samson. In...

The book of Judges shows a recurring pattern of Israel's disobedience and subsequent oppression. However, amidst this cycle, God's grace shines through. Join us this Sunday as we explore Judges 10 and see God's grace extended to His people, despite their repeated transgressions, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, His grace is available for all who call on Him. Learn more ab...

As Gideon’s life comes to a close and Abimelech rises to power, we discover Israel’s greatest enemy, and it’s not another nation. The greatest threat to Israel is the pride that has infiltrated their leaders and is beginning to infect the entire nation. Pride is a potent force that hides in the deep recesses of the human heart and the story of Abimelech shows us what can happen when we lose contro...

In our journey through the book of Judges, we encounter the next Judge: Gideon. This passage teaches us an important lesson about what happens when we don't fully appreciate God's power and presence in our lives. It shows us the consequences of underestimating God's greatness. Learn more about Downtown Hope + get connected by visiting our  ⁠ website ⁠  or filling out our online  ⁠ conn...

June 18, 2023 Joey walks us through Judges 4-5 to discover a moment where the nation of Israel abandoned its autonomy and found strength through the most unexpected of resources. Our prayer is that the account of Israel's courage in Deborah, Barak, and Jael will cause our church family to abandon ourselves to Jesus with utmost dependency! He is our true source of strength and courage in hardsh...

June 11, 2023 During Othniel's leadership, Israel enjoyed forty years of peace. However, this peace ended abruptly when they once again chose autonomy. In this sermon, David walks us through some unexpected events that unfold as we meet the next Judge. We will encounter a surprising deliverer who brings about salvation in the most unexpected way. Learn more about Downtown Hope + get connected...

June 4, 2023 Nothing puts our beliefs to the test like insurmountable circumstances. That is exactly where the Israelites find themselves in chapter 3 of Judges. They are surrounded by enemy nations and they have a choice to make. They can trust God or do things their way and choose autonomy. The choice they make can help us answer the question: is autonomy from God what we really want? Learn more...

May 28, 2023 In this message, David goes over the book of Judges and what we’ll be focusing on in this sermon series. Drawing a connection to our own lives, we see that the period of the Judges in which ‘ everyone did what was right in his own eyes ’ is being lived out today. Join us over the next 10 weeks as we dive deeper and explore what comes with the desire for autonomy. Learn more about Down...