Hope Grows

New City Catechism Question Thirty-Eight

New City Catechism Question Thirty-Seven

Summary
In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses how the Holy Spirit helps us as Christians. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin, comforts us, guides us, gives us spiritual gifts, and enables us to pray and understand God's word. Pastor John also emphasizes that the desire to obey God is a gift from the Holy Spirit. He encourages listeners to recognize and use their natural talents and abilities for God's glory, while also being open to the supernatural capacity that the Holy Spirit provides.
Takeaways
The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sin and reveals our brokenness, enabling us to let go of selfishness and pride.The Holy Spirit comforts us, guides us, and gives us spiritual gifts to serve others.Our natural talents and abilities are gifts from God that uniquely equip us to fulfill our purpose.Spiritual gifts are supernatural capacities that God gives us to serve others in ways we wouldn't expect.The desire to obey God is a gift from the Holy Spirit, and we should be humbled and thankful for it.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview02:20 Conviction of Sin and the Expulsive Power of a New Affection03:43 Discovering and Using Spiritual Gifts05:09 The Supernatural Capacity of Spiritual Gifts05:35 The Gift of Desire: Obeying God by the Power of the Holy Spirit06:04 Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Thirty-Six

Summary
In this episode, Pastor Jon discusses question 36 of the New City Catechism, which asks what we believe about the Holy Spirit. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit is God, co-eternal with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit is not just a power source or manifestation of God, but a distinct person within the Trinity. Pastor Jon also mentions the concept of the Spirit being given irrevocably to all who believe, highlighting the perseverance of the saints. This episode aims to clarify the role and nature of the Holy Spirit.
Takeaways
The Holy Spirit is God, co-eternal with the Father and the Son.The Holy Spirit is a distinct person within the Trinity.The Spirit is given irrevocably to all who believe.Understanding the Holy Spirit's role and nature is important for Christians.The concept of the perseverance of the saints is related to the Holy Spirit.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Format00:55 Question 36: What do we believe about the Holy Spirit?03:17 Beliefs About the Holy Spirit04:13 The Irrevocable Gift of the Holy Spirit04:43 Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Thirty-Five

Summary
In this episode, Bryan explores question 35 of the New City Catechism, which asks where our faith comes from since we are redeemed by grace alone through faith alone. He emphasizes that all the gifts we receive from Christ, including faith, come through the Holy Spirit. Bryan discusses the role of obedience in our faith and encourages listeners to be honest with themselves about their willingness to obey. He reminds listeners that while our works don't save us, they are a reflection of genuine faith. Bryan concludes by offering words of encouragement and reminding listeners that progress, not perfection, is the goal of our faith.
Takeaways
Our faith comes from the Holy Spirit, who gives us all the gifts we receive from Christ.Obedience is an important aspect of our faith, and we need to be honest with ourselves about our willingness to obey.While our works don't save us, they are a reflection of genuine faith.Perfection isn't the goal of our faith; progress is.We are encouraged to trust in God's goodness and grace and to remember that He is taking care of us day by day.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview03:13 The Role of Obedience in Our Faith04:25 Works as a Reflection of Genuine Faith05:23 Progress, Not Perfection06:50 Trusting in God's Goodness and Grace

New City Catechism Question Thirty-Four

Summary
In this episode, Bryan discusses the role of good works and obedience in the lives of Christians. He emphasizes that while works cannot save us, they are a reflection of our genuine faith. Bryan explores the concepts of justification and sanctification and explains how God works out our sanctification through our cooperation with the Holy Spirit and our obedience to Scripture. He highlights the importance of living a life of good works and obedience as a witness to unbelievers. The episode concludes with a reminder of the question, answer, and Scripture verse.
Takeaways
Good works and obedience are a reflection of our genuine faith in Christ.God works out our sanctification through our cooperation with the Holy Spirit and our obedience to Scripture.Living a life of good works and obedience is crucial for Christians to reflect Christ and be a witness to unbelievers.While works cannot save us, they are an overflow of the goodness of God that we have experienced.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview02:18 The Role of Good Works and Obedience05:30 Cooperating with the Holy Spirit and Obedience to Scripture06:58 Living a Life of Good Works and Obedience as a Witness08:25 The Overflow of God's Goodness: Works as an Expression of Faith08:52 Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Thirty-Three

Summary
In this episode, Bryan discusses questions 33
Takeaways
Salvation is found in Christ alone, not through our own works or any other means.We often struggle to fully embrace God's grace because it seems too good to be true.Comparing ourselves to others and relying on our own performance can lead to insecurity and rob us of joy.There is no catch to God's gift of grace; it is freely given and available to all.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview00:28 Question 33: Salvation in Christ Alone04:37 The Harm of Comparison and Insecurity06:05 No Catch: God's Gift of Grace07:02 Conclusion and Encouragement
of the New City Catechism. He focuses on the idea that salvation is found in Christ alone and not through our own works or any other means. Bryan acknowledges that while we may intellectually understand this truth, we often struggle to live it out in our daily lives. He explores the reasons behind this struggle and emphasizes the importance of relying on God's grace rather than our own performance. Bryan concludes with a reminder that there is no catch to God's gift of grace and encourages listeners to embrace the good news of the gospel.
 

New City Catechism Question Thirty-Two

Summary
In this conversation, Pastor Jon discusses the concepts of justification and sanctification. Justification refers to our declared righteousness before God, made possible by Christ's death and resurrection. Sanctification, on the other hand, is our gradual growing righteousness, enabled by the work of the Holy Spirit. While justification happens at the moment of conversion, sanctification is a lifelong process. Pastor John emphasizes that although we will never be completely sanctified in this life, we will see growth and become more like Jesus every day.
Takeaways
Justification is our declared righteousness before God, made possible by Christ's sacrifice.Sanctification is the ongoing process of growing in righteousness through the work of the Holy Spirit.We will never be completely sanctified in this life, but we will see growth and become more like Jesus.God's love for us is not based on our perfection, but on Jesus' perfection.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Question02:26 The Role of Christ's Death and Resurrection03:19 The Work of the Holy Spirit in Sanctification04:16 The Reality of Gradual Growth05:14 God's Love and Grace in the Process06:12 Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Thirty-One

New City Catechism Question Thirty

New City Catechism Question Twenty-Nine

Summary
In this episode, Bryan and Jon discuss the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith. They explore the biblical basis for this doctrine and its implications for believers. They emphasize the supernatural nature of faith and the imputation of Christ's righteousness to believers. They also discuss the role of repentance in salvation and the importance of sharing the gospel with others. The main takeaway is that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned through works, and believers are called to share this good news with others.
Takeaways
Salvation is a gift from God, not something earned through works.Believers are called to share the gospel with others.Faith is a supernatural act and the result of the regenerative work of the Holy Spirit.Repentance demonstrates the reality of the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.God is sovereign in salvation and uses imperfect human efforts to accomplish His purposes.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Overview05:52 Sharing the Gospel with Boldness