Hope Grows

Update on JEP Podcasts

Jesus On Every Page - Week Three

In this episode of the Jesus on Every Page podcast, Pastor Jon explores key themes from scripture, focusing on the withered fig tree, prophecies about the end times, the story of Dinah, and the importance of anger without sin. He emphasizes the need for prayer to align our hearts with God and highlights the vanishing faithfulness seen throughout biblical narratives. The conversation ends with recognizing Jesus's role in forgiveness and redemption, encouraging listeners to find Jesus in every page of the Bible.
 

Jesus On Every Page - Week Two

In this episode of the Jesus on Every Page podcast, Jon guides listeners through challenging passages in Genesis, Mark, and the Psalms, exploring key themes such as God's compassion, the nature of sin, and the importance of humility. He highlights the significance of seeing Jesus in the Old Testament, particularly through the story of Abraham and Isaac, and encourages listeners to reflect on their faith journey as they navigate the complexities of scripture.
 

Jesus On Every Page - Week One

In this episode of the Jesus on Every Page podcast, Jon introduces the journey through the Bible in 2025, focusing on difficult passages and the presence of Jesus throughout scripture. He discusses challenging texts from Genesis and Mark, emphasizing the themes of corruption and the human tendency to stray from God's path. Jon highlights the importance of understanding these passages in the context of God's overarching narrative and encourages listeners to find Jesus in both the Old and New Testaments.

Bonus Episode: What Now?

New City Catechism Question Fifty-Two

Summary
In this final episode of the New City Catechism series, Pastor Jon discusses the hope of everlasting life. He emphasizes that this present fallen world is not all there is and that our hope should not be placed in it. However, he also highlights the importance of recognizing the value of this world and our work within it. Pastor John explains that the purpose of every human being is to enjoy God and glorify Him forever. He also discusses the freedom from sin that we will experience in the new heaven and new earth, as well as the joy of living with and enjoying God forever. The episode concludes with a quote from Fyodor Dostoevsky about the hope of resurrection.
Takeaways
Our hope should not be placed in this present fallen world, but we should recognize the value of our work and lives within it.The purpose of every human being is to enjoy God and glorify Him forever.In the new heaven and new earth, we will be fully and forever freed from all sin.We look forward to living with and enjoying God forever.The hope of resurrection brings healing, harmony, and justification for all that has happened.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Final Question02:22 Recognizing the Value of This Present Fallen World03:43 Freedom from Sin in the New Heaven and New Earth04:12 Living with and Enjoying God Forever05:08 The Hope of Resurrection06:05 Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Fifty-One

Summary
In this episode, Pastor Jon explores the question of what advantage Christ's ascension has for us. He explains that Christ's ascension is not just a foregone conclusion, but a part of God's perfect plan. It is a demonstration of God's love for us and His desire to advocate for us. Pastor John also discusses the difference between Protestant and Catholic beliefs regarding advocates with God, emphasizing that Jesus is the only intercessor we need. He concludes by highlighting the importance of the Holy Spirit, who is now with us and inside us, transforming us and aiding us in our Christian walk.
Takeaways
Christ's ascension is not just a foregone conclusion, but a part of God's perfect plan.Jesus is the only intercessor we need with God.The Holy Spirit is now with us and inside us, transforming us and aiding us in our Christian walk.
Chapters
00:00 The Significance of Christ's Ascension03:28 The Role of Jesus as Our Advocate04:11 Protestant and Catholic Perspectives on Advocacy05:35 The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit

New City Catechism Question Fifty

Summary
The conversation explores the question of what Christ's resurrection means for us. It emphasizes that through trust in Jesus, we are raised to new life in this world and to everlasting life in the world to come. The hope of Jesus' resurrection is not limited to eternity but starts now, bringing a new life and true freedom. Additionally, the conversation highlights that just as we will be resurrected, this world will be restored, and as Christians, we have a role in making the world more just and beautiful. Overall, the resurrection of Jesus holds significance for both individuals and the world.
Takeaways
Through trust in Jesus, we are raised to new life in this world and to everlasting life in the world to come.The hope of Jesus' resurrection starts now and brings a new life and true freedom.As Christians, we have a role in making the world more just and beautiful, contributing to its restoration.The resurrection of Jesus holds significance for both individuals and the world.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Context02:22 Chapter 1: The Meaning of Christ's Resurrection04:34 Chapter 2: New Life and True Freedom05:30 Chapter 3: Contributing to the Restoration of the World07:02 Chapter 4: Significance for Individuals and the World07:25 Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Forty-Nine

Summary
In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses the New City Catechism question number 49: Where is Christ now? He explains that the question is not about finding Christ like in a Where's Waldo book, but rather about understanding the Christian belief that Jesus rose bodily from the grave and is now seated at the right hand of the Father. Pastor John emphasizes the importance of the bodily resurrection of Jesus and how it is not just a metaphor or analogy. He also touches on the eternal nature of Jesus as both fully God and fully man. The episode concludes with a reminder that understanding God is a lifelong journey.
Takeaways
The Christian belief is that Jesus rose bodily from the grave and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.The bodily resurrection of Jesus is not a metaphor or analogy, but a statement of truth.Jesus is both fully God and fully man, and while he is omnipresent, there is also a way in which he is in one place at a time.Understanding God is a lifelong journey and we may never fully grasp everything about Him.
Chapters
00:00 The Importance of the Bodily Resurrection of Jesus04:04 Jesus: Fully God and Fully Man05:43 Understanding God: A Lifelong Journey

New City Catechism Question Forty-Eight

Summary
In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses the question 'What is the church?' He emphasizes that the church is not a building or a leader, but a community chosen and preserved by God. The church is called to worship God together, connect with one another and others, and share the gospel. Pastor John highlights the importance of the church's role in prefiguring Christ's kingdom through the quality of their life together and their love for one another.
Takeaways
The church is not a building or a leader, but a community chosen and preserved by God.The church's mission is to worship God together, connect with one another and others, and share the gospel.The church prefigures Christ's kingdom through the quality of their life together and their love for one another.The church is a powerful apologetic and offers a picture of what life as a Christian should be like.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the New City Catechism02:21 The Church as a Chosen Community03:12 The Church is Not a Building04:10 God as the Center of the Church05:26 Prefiguring Christ's Kingdom through Life Together06:19 Conclusion and Call to Action