Hope Wesleyan Church - Independence, Iowa

Forgiveness sounds easy—until someone truly hurts us. We keep score. We remember the wounds. We wonder how many chances one person deserves. In Matthew 18:21–35, Peter asks Jesus a question we’ve all wrestled with: “How many times do I have to forgive?” Jesus responds with a story that exposes the enormous grace we’ve received from God—and the danger of refusing to extend that same grace to others...

We believe God is in control. We believe He hears our prayers. But when the future feels uncertain and the “what ifs” start piling up, worry can become louder than our faith. Philippians 4:4–9 reminds us that God never intended for anxiety to control our lives. Instead, He calls us to bring everything to Him in prayer, guard our minds with truth, and trust Him with what we cannot control. Worry as...

We believe God is powerful. We believe He has a plan. But when life doesn’t make sense, prayers seem unanswered, and circumstances refuse to change, we begin to wonder: Is God really doing anything? Romans 8:28 reminds us that even when we can’t see His hand, God is still working. He can take the pain, setbacks, disappointments, and uncertainties of our lives and weave them into His greater purpos...

We believe God is real. We believe He loves people. But when life hurts, shame speaks, and we see our failures, we begin to wonder: Does God really love me? Romans 8:31–39 answers with a resounding YES! Nothing—not trouble, failure, fear, suffering, or anything else in all creation—can separate us from the love of God found in Jesus Christ. It’s one thing to believe that God loves the world. It’s...

Today we start a new sermon series titled "The Disconnect" We say we believe in God—but does the way we live reflect what we say we believe? We believe in Jesus, but do we truly know Him? We know God loves us, yet we worry and doubt. We believe He is working, yet wonder where He is. We receive forgiveness but struggle to forgive. We justify sin, hide our faith, and convince ourselves we don’t real...

Jesus teaches us to stop building our lives around temporary things and put God first. Invest in what lasts. Earthly possessions fade, but heavenly treasure has eternal value.  Your money reveals your heart. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”  You can't serve both God and money. Eventually, one will become your master.  Don't let worry control you. If God cares...

The world says, "Hold on tightly to what you have." God says, "Trust Me enough to let it go." In 2 Corinthians 9: 6–15, Paul reveals a kingdom principle that turns human thinking upside down: those who sow generously reap generously. God doesn't bless generosity because He wants something from us—He blesses generosity because He wants something for us. As we trust Him with open hands, He supplies,...

Today we welcome to Hope the leader and front man of Denver Bierman and the Mile High Orchestra, Denver Bierman.  Denver and the MHO bring a sound to Christian music that is truly their own. This Nashville-based, horn-driven band blends big band, jazz, funk, pop, and gospel into an energetic style they call “power funk.” Since forming at Belmont University in 1999, they’ve performed around th...

Jesus saw the crowds—but He saw more than faces. He saw the hurting, the wandering, the forgotten, and the spiritually lost. Matthew 9:35–38 tells us that when Jesus looked at them, He was moved with compassion because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He didn't see interruptions or problems—He saw people desperately in need of a Savior. And then He turned to His disc...

Everyone wants a blessed life, but God begins where most people never expect. Before He blesses what we do, He calls us to surrender who we are. In Romans 12:1–2, Paul urges us to place our entire lives on God's altar—not as a one-time sacrifice, but as a daily act of worship. As our minds are renewed and our hearts are transformed, we begin to see life, money, relationships, and purpose through G...

The world doesn't need more hidden faith—it needs followers of Christ who shine. In Matthew 5:13–16, Jesus calls His people the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Salt preserves what is good. Light pushes back the darkness. Our faith was never meant to stay private; it was designed to transform the world around us. As we continue Exploring Faith in 3D , discover what it means to live a...

Jesus teaches that the secret to a fruitful, joyful, and faithful life is staying closely connected to Him.   Jesus is the true vine , and His followers are the branches.   Branches that remain connected to Him bear much fruit; apart from Him they can do nothing.   God lovingly prunes His people so they become even more fruitful.   Remaining in Christ means...

Psalm 95 is a joyful invitation to worship God, followed by a serious warning to listen and obey Him.  Come with joy, singing and thanksgiving because God is the great King and Creator of all things.   Bow before Him in humility because He is our Maker and we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.   Don't harden your hearts like Meribah and Massah, where the Israelites...

The gospel was never meant to stay where it was comfortable. In Acts 16, God redirects His servants, opens hearts, breaks chains, and transforms lives. A wealthy businesswoman finds faith. A demon-possessed girl is set free. Two beaten prisoners sing in the darkness, and a jailer discovers salvation before dawn. It's a story of pain, purpose, and redemption that reminds us of one powerful truth: G...

Saul was absolutely convinced he was right. Armed with certainty, passion, and religious conviction, he set out for Damascus determined to stop the followers of Jesus. He believed he was serving God. He believed he was defending the truth. He believed he knew exactly what he was doing. But he was wrong. In a blinding moment on the road to Damascus, everything changed. The man who thought he could...

The church was growing, the gospel was spreading, and lives were being changed. But as the church expanded, a conflict arose. Some people were being overlooked, and the unity of the church was at risk. What could have become a division became an opportunity for growth. Instead of ignoring the problem, the believers responded by serving. Faithful men stepped forward to care for those in need, allow...

The early church was marked by extraordinary unity, generosity, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Believers gave freely, not out of obligation, but from hearts fully surrendered to God. Then the story takes a startling turn. Ananias and Sapphira appeared generous on the outside, but their hearts told a different story. They wanted the recognition of sacrifice without the reality of surrender. In a...

On an ordinary day at the temple gate, a man who had never walked sat begging for help, expecting nothing more than a few coins. But God had something greater in mind. When Peter and John arrived, they offered no silver and no gold—only the power of Jesus Christ. In an instant, the man’s life was transformed. Weak legs were strengthened, hopelessness gave way to joy, and a forgotten beggar became...

The room was quiet—then heaven moved.  A sound like a rushing wind filled the house, and tongues of fire rested on ordinary people as the Spirit of God came in power. Fear gave way to boldness, and those who once hid now stood and proclaimed the mighty works of God.  The crowd was amazed, confused, and cut to the heart. As Peter preached, one question rose above the noise: “What must we...

The disciples stood on the edge of something world-changing, but before the mission could begin, Jesus gave them one command: wait. In Acts 1:4–11, the risen Christ calls His followers not to rush ahead in their own strength, but to remain in expectation for the promise of the Holy Spirit. The room was filled with anticipation. Heaven was about to move. The Spirit of God would soon come with power...

Two weary travelers walked the road to Emmaus with heavy hearts and shattered hopes. Discouragement clouded their steps. Disappointment filled their words. The One they trusted had been crucified, and all they thought they knew seemed buried with Him. But on that dusty road, Jesus drew near. He met them in their sorrow, walked with them in their confusion, and opened the Scriptures until the fire...

Today we welcome guest speaker Alex Kremer. Alex is a full-time Pastor and Bible teacher at Atlantic Gospel Chapel in Atlantic, Iowa.  His message focuses on the promises made by God in the Old Testament that we see come to fruition in the New Testament.  We would be delighted if you could join us in person for our Sunday morning worship service! It starts at 10 am every Sunday, and ther...

All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him.  The risen Jesus gives a clear command: GO—make disciples, baptize, and teach. Carry the gospel to every nation, every neighbor, every corner of the world.  But this mission was never meant to be done alone.  We are called as one people—different lives, one purpose—moving forward together, strengthened by His authority and sustain...

Today, we explore the call to go—to tell, to share, and to live out the message of Jesus in everyday life. This is more than a moment; it’s a mission. A calling to be His hands and feet, to love boldly, serve faithfully, and point others to the hope we’ve found in Christ. Evangelism isn’t just for a few—it’s for all of us. Wherever you are, God is already at work, inviting you to join Him in reach...

Today we welcome missionaries to Sierra Leone, Geoff & Carrie Jo Cain. Carrie Jo is an emergency room RN from Minnesota, certified in newborn resuscitation, who grew up in Sierra Leone and speaks fluent Krio. She serves with World Hope International, leading child and maternal health programs including Helping Babies Breathe, CHAMPS, and care for Ebola survivors. During the 2013 Ebola crisis,...