New Hope Baptist Church

Jesus' prayer life so impressed His disciples that they asked Him to teach them how to pray. The text today and the next couple of weeks all teaches us about prayer.

Should we be active in service for the Lord or should we be more contemplative? The answer is that we need to do both. Last week's message dealt with loving our neighbor. Today's message deals with the other side of that coin - listening to Jesus.

The disciples Jesus sent ahead of Himself returned with great joy. But Jesus cautioned them not to be thrilled that the demons were subject to them. Rather, they should rejoice that their names are written in Heaven. Can you rejoice for that same reason?

Jesus sent disciples out to places where He would soon be coming. Some places received them. Some rejected them and their message. Since they were bringing the message of salvation, they did so to their doom. The same is true today.

In preparation for His arrival, Jesus sends 70 of His disciples out to areas He will visit on His way to Jerusalem. Just as it was then, the harvest today is plentiful. Therefore, we too should pray that the Lord of the harvest would send out laborers into His field. Will you answer that call?

Jesus calls us to follow Him, but there are reasons many people don't. They are not good reasons, but they have their reasons nonetheless. In today's text, we meet three people and see three reasons not to follow Jesus.

Which disciple is the greatest? That is exactly what the Apostles argued about. Even though they had seen and heard all that Jesus was doing and saying, they still squabbled about such things. In correcting their errant views, Jesus tells them, and us, what it takes to be great in the Kingdom of God.

When we suffer affliction, it can make us desperate for help. When loved ones suffer, it can make us even more desperate. In our text today, we meet a father who's son is suffering from demon-possession, and he is desperate to see his son freed.

Jesus promised some of His first followers they would not taste death until they had seen the Kingdom of God. Since the visible rule of Christ is not yet established on this earth, what do we make of His promise? Join us as we get a glimpse of glory.

Many people, both inside and outside the church, claim to follow Christ. While it may be true that many have walked an aisle, shaken the preacher's hand, and joined the church roll somewhere, that is not the essence of following Christ. Following Christ means taking up our cross. Following Christ is choosing Him above and before all other things. Following Christ will cost us something - everythin...

The most pressing question we must answer is, "Who is Jesus?" In our text today, Jesus poses this question to His earliest followers, and by extension to us. Who do you say that He is? Join us as we look at the Bible's answer to that question.

One of the most significant miracles Jesus ever performed was the feeding of several thousand people with just a child's lunch. While its significance is seen in its scope, its main significance lies in what it shows us about Who Jesus is.

Jesus multiplied His ministry efforts in sending out the Apostles in missionary teams. Today's text records their commission and ministry, as well gives us some helpful reminders when ministering to others.

In this unique double-miracle account, Jesus does what only He can do - brings healing and gives life. The same is true today. God is the source of healing, life, and spiritual life.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus cast out many demons. In today's text, He casts out many demons - from one man. His interaction with a man possessed by a legion of demons is unique in several ways in the biblical account. It is filled with human interested and, most importantly, truth about who Christ is.

All too often, we try to make the biblical accounts about us. This is certainly true with the calming of the storm. However, this is all about Jesus - Who He is and what He is like. Join with us today as we try to answer the disciples' question - Who is this man?

God does not give us spiritual insight for our benefit only. Part of the reason He gives it to us is so that we can enlighten those who are coming into the Kingdom. But it's not enough to simply have the spiritual insight. We must then be obedient to what we know. Join us as we study Jesus' parable of the lamp in Luke 8 today.

The amount of love you have for Jesus reflects the amount of sin that you have been forgiven. The one who has been forgiven much loves much. The one who loves little has been forgiven little. Join us today as we see two sinners - one who recognizes her sin and experiences forgiveness and one who doesn't recognize his and does not experience forgiveness.

Every Christian struggles at times with doubts and confusion. None is immune - not even one as great as John the Baptist. In our text today, we see John's Concern, Jesus' Confirmation, Jesus' Commendation, and Jewish Complaints.

Jesus was compassionately authoritative - meaning He did not use His authority in a self-serving way. Rather, He often exercised His authority on behalf of others. He would see their plight, would be moved with compassion, and act accordingly. Such is the case with the raising of the widow's son. Jesus was moved with compassion for this woman and He acted on her behalf. Join in and see what this h...

In the Gospels, Jesus was not often surprised, much less amazed. Today's encounter with a Roman centurion was one of those rare times He was. Join us as we look at how this centurion wowed Jesus.

The Resurrection is the central pillar of the Christian faith. It is what sets Christianity apart from the false religions of man. Join us as we celebrate the risen Christ!

Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem was chock full of meaning. Listen in as we explore some of the meanings behind His actions.

Jesus closes out the Sermon on the Plain with a challenge. It is not stated as such, but implicit in His words is the challenge to put what He has said into practice. Failing to do so is like foolishly building one's house on the ground. Doing so is like wisely building one's house on a solid rock. Be a wise builder.

In wrapping up the Sermon on the Plain, Jesus gives us three short parables or word pictures to help us get what He has been teaching. We need to beware of blind guides, not be blind eye surgeons, and be careful fruit inspectors.