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The Gospel is Better
During the Christmas season, we can, many times, become distracted by all the other things happening. It can be hard to remember that the gospel is better. In this advent devotion, we take time to focus ourselves on Jesus, the Savior. Download › [pdf-embedder...
Names of Jesus
Son, Savior, Messiah, The Vine…Jesus is called many names in Scripture and each demonstrate a different and wonderful truth about him. In this advent devotional, we reflect on the names of Jesus. Download › Subscribe on Apple Podcasts › Subscribe on Spotify › ...
Born is the King
There are many classic Christmas hymns. The tunes are memorable and the lyrics are rich. In this advent devotional we walk through several of these songs in order to declare once again, “Born is the King!” Download › [pdf-embedder...
How to: Care for Hurting or Grieving People
At Hope, we value all people, regardless of their life or faith condition. As small group leaders, you have a unique role in that you will be on the “frontlines” with people who are experiencing varying life and faith situations. Specifically, you will find that...
Why We Fuss: And the Shocking, Unfair Power of God’s Provision
My favorite time of day is early morning. That might put me in the minority, but I look forward to that first sip of warm coffee as I sit in my little corner of the couch watching the light stream in through the windows. Now, on this side of having kids, my mornings...
The Lists We Keep: Another Way God is Not Like Us
This article originally appeared on redtreegrace.com. Red Tree is a multi-church ministry effort started by Hope Community Church in order to connect the clarity of God’s grace to our otherwise confusing lives and attempts at reading the Bible. Fridays are the...
Better Wine
You may know the first miracle Jesus performs publicly is at a wedding when he turns water into wine. What’s less talked about is why it matters today. The passage is John 2:1-12, and to really understand what it has to say, it’s helpful to first take an inventory on...
Gushers & Assimilation
You look at the table during snack time at the many different snacks all around you. Your mom of course packed you your favorite crustacean flavored chips. As each of the snacks are taken out, goldfish crackers, fruit by the foot, and a wide assortment of treats from...
Breaking Shame Narratives
Shame. It’s a heavy word. One, when spoken out loud you can feel that “shame-like” feeling wash over you. It’s a feeling many have experienced and wish they hadn’t. Shame is a feeling that we, as God’s image bearers, weren’t meant to experience. Yet, because of the...
Grieving Unmet Expectations
Expectations. We all have them. Whether they are known or not, whether they are met or not. They can be sneaky and can reveal a longing, a desiring or a hope we didn’t know we had until that expectation was not met. Expectation is defined as the state of expecting or...
The Jealousy of God
Many people do not have a problem with a soft “teddy bear” God. However, the moment the words “wrath,” “anger,” or “jealousy” are mentioned, the room grows quiet and hands start fidgeting. All too often, when something is challenging, people give themselves the...
A Journey Through Small Groups
There are many places in Scripture where God commands us, as followers of Christ to live and be in community with one another. We are not to do this life alone, we need others to support us and point us back to God in both the joys and trials of life. There are many...