Hope Grows

New City Catechism Question Forty-Seven

Summary
In this episode of the Hope Grows podcast, Pastor Jo
Takeaways
The Lord's Supper does not add anything to Christ's atoning work; it is a celebration and reinforcement of what Christ has already done.Partaking in the Lord's Supper with unrepentant hearts brings judgment upon oneself.Before receiving the sacrament, we should examine ourselves and come in repentance and faith.It is important to have difficult conversations with those who may not be ready to partake in the Lord's Supper.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Question 4702:47 The Lord's Supper and Christ's Atoning Work03:17 The Purpose of the Lord's Supper04:11 Examine Yourself Before Receiving the Sacrament05:34 The Importance of Difficult Conversations06:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
n discusses question number 47 of the New City Catechism: Does the Lord's Supper add anything to Christ's atoning work? The answer is no. The Lord's Supper is a covenant meal that celebrates Christ's atoning work and strengthens our faith. It is not a means of adding to what Christ has already done. However, those who partake in the Lord's Supper with unrepentant hearts bring judgment upon themselves. The episode concludes with a reminder to examine ourselves before receiving the sacrament and to have difficult conversations with those who may not be ready to partake.
 

New City Catechism Question Forty-Six

Summary
The conversation explores the meaning and significance of the Lord's Supper, also known as communion. It discusses the different interpretations of the Lord's Supper throughout Christian history, including transubstantiation, memorial view, and spiritual presence. The focus is on the spiritual presence belief, which acknowledges the presence of Jesus in communion without defining the exact details. The conversation concludes by emphasizing the anticipation of the day when believers will eat and drink with Christ in his Father's kingdom.
Takeaways
The Lord's Supper is a celebration of the presence of God in our midst.There have been different interpretations of the Lord's Supper throughout Christian history, including transubstantiation, memorial view, and spiritual presence.The spiritual presence belief acknowledges the presence of Jesus in communion without defining the exact details.The Lord's Supper anticipates the day when believers will eat and drink with Christ in his Father's kingdom.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring the Meaning of the Lord's Supper01:25 Different Interpretations of the Lord's Supper05:36 Anticipating the Feast in God's Kingdom

New City Catechism Question Forty-Five

Summary
The conversation explores the question of whether baptism with water is the washing away of sin itself. Different positions within Christianity are discussed, including the belief that baptism is salvific and the practice of re-baptism. The importance of understanding that baptism is a sign and seal of salvation, not the thing that saves, is emphasized. The answer to the question is that only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin.
Takeaways
Baptism with water is not the washing away of sin itself; only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin.Different Christian traditions have different beliefs about the salvific nature of baptism.Baptism is a sign and seal of salvation, showing us what saves us and applying that salvation to our hearts.Understanding the true meaning of baptism helps us appreciate the significance of the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Chapters
00:00 Is Baptism with Water the Washing Away of Sin Itself?01:56 Different Beliefs about the Salvific Nature of Baptism03:23 Baptism as a Sign and Seal of Salvation05:17 The Blood of Christ and the Renewal of the Holy Spirit

New City Catechism Question Forty-Four

Summary
In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses the topic of baptism. He explains that baptism is the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It signifies and seals our adoption into Christ, our cleansing from sin, and our commitment to belong to the Lord and His Church. Pastor John explores the different forms of baptism, including immersion and sprinkling, and emphasizes that both are permissible and helpful in understanding the meaning of baptism. He also addresses the practice of baptizing infants and explains that it is based on the example set in the New Testament.
Takeaways
Baptism is the washing with water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.It signifies and seals our adoption into Christ, our cleansing from sin, and our commitment to belong to the Lord and His Church.Both immersion and sprinkling are valid forms of baptism and provide different visual representations of dying and being raised with Jesus.The practice of baptizing infants is based on the example set in the New Testament.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Baptism: Significance and Meaning02:08 Different Forms of Baptism: Immersion and Sprinkling03:00 The Sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper04:28 Baptizing Infants: New Testament Example

New City Catechism Question Forty-Three

Summary
This episode of the Hope Grows podcast explores the topic of sacraments, specifically baptism and the Lord's Supper. The conversation delves into the number of sacraments recognized by different Christian traditions, the significance of sacraments as visible signs and seals of our unity in Christ, and the role of the Holy Spirit in declaring and sealing the promises of the gospel through the sacraments. The episode concludes with a reminder of the reassurance and knowledge that the sacraments provide.
Takeaways
Sacraments, such as baptism and the Lord's Supper, are visible signs and seals of our unity in Christ.Different Christian traditions recognize a varying number of sacraments, but most Protestants acknowledge two: baptism and the Lord's Supper.The sacraments were instituted by Christ and serve as a visual act to teach us important lessons.The Holy Spirit uses the sacraments to declare and seal the promises of the gospel to us, helping us grow and mature as Christians.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview02:08 Different Christian Traditions and the Number of Sacraments03:31 The Significance of Sacraments in Christian Traditions04:01 The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Sacraments04:59 Declaring and Sealing the Promises of the Gospel Through the Sacraments05:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Bonus Episode - Why We Do What We Do

Summary
In this bonus episode of the Hope Grows podcast, Pastor John discusses the various elements of worship and their significance. He explains the purpose behind each element, including reading, singing, and preaching the Bible, as well as praying and confessing sins together. He also emphasizes the importance of preaching the Word and closing with a benediction. The episode provides a comprehensive overview of the elements of worship and their role in the church service.
Takeaways
Understanding the significance of each element of worship in a church service.The importance of reading, singing, and preaching the Bible in worship services.The role of prayer, confession, and benediction in the context of worship.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring the Elements of Worship03:29 The Role of Preaching the Word

New City Catechism Forty-Two

Summary
In this episode, Pastor Jon Dennis discusses question 42 in the New City Catechism, focusing on how the Word of God is to be read and heard. He emphasizes the importance of diligence, preparation, and prayer in accepting, storing, and practicing the Word of God in our lives.
Takeaways
The importance of diligence, preparation, and prayer in accepting, storing, and practicing the Word of GodEncouragement to engage with resources that help in memorizing and understanding scriptureThe significance of practicing the Word of God in our lives, not just having knowledge of it
Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Word of God: Diligence, Preparation, and Prayer03:16 Engaging with Scripture: Memorization and Understanding05:11 Practicing the Word of God in Our Lives

New City Catechism Question Forty-One

Summary
The conversation delves into an exploration of the Lord's Prayer, dissecting its significance and implications for Christians. It covers the themes of reverence, the kingdom of God, and forgiveness, providing insights into the spiritual discipline of prayer and the Christian approach to forgiveness and repentance.
Takeaways
The Lord's Prayer serves as a foundational spiritual discipline for Christians, teaching a pattern for prayer and an attitude of reverence toward God.The concept of the kingdom of God reminds Christians that this world is not their ultimate home, and they look forward to an eternity with God.Forgiveness in the Christian faith involves seeking repentance and acknowledging wrongs, reflecting the way Christ forgives and helps individuals grow and change.
Chapters
00:00 Exploring the Significance of the Lord's Prayer03:16 Understanding the Kingdom of God06:01 The Christian Approach to Forgiveness and Repentance

New City Catechism Question Forty

Summary
In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses New City Catechism question number 40, focusing on what we should pray. He emphasizes the importance of using the whole Word of God to direct and inspire our prayers, and provides a demonstration of how to pray using passages of scripture. He also mentions a resource for further exploration of prayer. The episode concludes with an invitation to join the next episode on the topic of the Lord's Prayer.
Takeaways
Using the whole Word of God to direct and inspire our prayersPraying using passages of scripture as a springboard for prayerExploring the topic of prayer through the New City CatechismInvitation to join the next episode on the Lord's Prayer
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to New City Catechism Question 4002:50 Challenges in Prayer Life06:06 Praying with the Whole Word of God

New City Catechism Question Thirty-Nine

Summary
In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses the New City Catechism and explores the question of with what attitude should we pray. He emphasizes the importance of examining our hearts and aligning our emotions and thoughts as we prepare to pray. He also delves into the concept of God always hearing our prayers and the different ways in which God answers prayers, including 'yes,' 'no,' and 'wait.' Additionally, he highlights the balance between perseverance in prayer and submission to God's will, encouraging listeners to seek wisdom and support from fellow Christians.
Takeaways
The importance of examining our hearts and aligning our emotions and thoughts as we prepare to prayUnderstanding that God always hears our prayers, but may answer them in different ways such as 'yes,' 'no,' or 'wait'The balance between perseverance in prayer and submission to God's will, and the need for wisdom and support from fellow Christians
Chapters
00:00 Exploring the Attitude of Prayer03:10 Understanding God's Response to Prayer06:28 Balancing Perseverance and Submission in Prayer