Hope Grows

New City Catechism Question Twenty-Eight

Summary
In this conversation, Pastor Jon and Bryan discuss the tough topic of what happens after death to those not united to Christ by faith. They explore the concept of hell, describing it as a place of darkness, fire, and weeping. They also discuss whether the descriptions of hell in the Bible are literal or symbolic. The conversation delves into the idea of hell as eternal separation from God and the objections that people have to this concept. They address the accusation of cruel and unusual punishment and emphasize the importance of looking to Christ for hope.
Takeaways
Hell is described in the Bible as a place of darkness, fire, and weeping.The descriptions of hell in the Bible may be symbolic or literal, but the important message is that it is a place of separation from God's mercy.People often object to the concept of hell as cruel and unusual punishment, but it is a consequence of our own choices and actions.The crucifixion of Jesus demonstrates God's love and willingness to bear the punishment for our sins.There is hope in Christ for those who believe and trust in Him.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Question 2805:01 Eternal Separation from God09:55 The Crucifixion of Jesus and the Penalty for Sin

New City Catechism Question Twenty-Seven

Summary
In this episode, Bryan and Jon discuss the doctrine of election and its relation to predestination. They explore the idea that salvation is dependent on God's grace and not on our own actions. They also discuss the role of works in our salvation, highlighting the tension between faith and action. Additionally, they touch on the concept of common grace, which refers to the ways in which God shows kindness and goodness to all people, regardless of their election.
Takeaways
Salvation is dependent on God's grace and not on our own actions.There is a tension between faith and action in the process of salvation.Common grace refers to the ways in which God shows kindness and goodness to all people.Works play a role in our process of salvation, but they do not justify us before God.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Halfway Point of the Study05:24 The Tension Between Faith and Action09:58 Exploring Common Grace

New city Catechism Question Twenty-Six

Summary
In this conversation, Pastor Jon, Pastor Crishon, and Nancy Bevilacqua discuss New City Catechism question 26: What else does Christ's death redeem? They explore the effects of the fall on creation, including the curse on the ground, disease, and the imbalance in nature. They also discuss the importance of Christians being stewards of creation and finding a balance between appreciation and cultivation. The conversation ends with a reminder of the promise of Christ's death to redeem and renew every part of fallen creation.
Takeaways
Christ's death is the beginning of the redemption and renewal of every part of fallen creation.The fall had various effects on creation, including the curse on the ground, disease, and imbalance in nature.As Christians, we are called to be stewards of creation and find a balance between appreciation and cultivation.The promise of Christ's death is that it will reconcile and make peace for all things, whether on earth or in heaven.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Question 2609:31 Stewardship of Creation

New City Catechism Question Twenty-Five

Summary
In this conversation, the hosts discuss question 25 of the New City Catechism, which asks if Christ's death means all our sins can be forgiven. They explore the concept of God's forgiveness and how sometimes we struggle to fully accept it. They also delve into the idea of imputed righteousness and what it means for believers. The conversation touches on the consequences of sin and the unforgivable sin mentioned in the New Testament. Overall, the hosts emphasize the complete forgiveness and righteousness we receive through Christ's death.
Takeaways
Christ's death on the cross fully paid the penalty for our sins, and God graciously imputes Christ's righteousness to us.We sometimes struggle to fully accept God's forgiveness and live as if it is only partial.Remembering that Jesus paid the price fully should lead to perfect freedom and joy.Imputed righteousness means that Christ's righteousness is placed upon us, and it is not based on our own actions or worthiness.While God remembers our sins no more and does not hold them against us, there may still be practical consequences for our actions.The unforgivable sin is a willful denial of God's forgiveness and a lack of desire for it.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Question 2504:01 Understanding Imputed Righteousness07:49 God's Forgiveness and the Consequences of Sin13:35 Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Twenty-Four

Summary
In this conversation, Pastor John, Pastor Chrishon, and Nancy Bevilacqua discuss the question of why it was necessary for Jesus to die. They explore the concept of Jesus willingly dying in our place to deliver us from the power and penalty of sin and bring us back to God. They also touch on the historical deviations from the belief in Jesus' death and the importance of understanding that Jesus truly died. The conversation highlights the benefits we gain from Christ's death, including redemption from hell, forgiveness of sin, righteousness, and everlasting life.
Takeaways
Jesus willingly died in our place to deliver us from the power and penalty of sin.Understanding that Jesus truly died is crucial to our faith.Christ's death brings us redemption from hell, forgiveness of sin, righteousness, and everlasting life.The concept of substitutionary atonement is illustrated by the death of animals in the Old Testament and Jesus' death on the cross.The righteousness of Christ is traded for our sin, allowing us to be blameless and above reproach before God.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction06:34 Understanding Substitutionary Atonement10:58 The Hope of Everlasting Life

New City Catechism Question Twenty-Three

Summary
In this episode, Bryan and Pastor Jon discuss the divinity of Jesus and why it is important for the Redeemer to be truly God. They explore the concept of forgiveness and how only God can forgive sins against Him. They also discuss the inadequacy of Jesus being only human in bearing God's righteous anger and overcoming death. The conversation highlights the balance of justice and mercy in Jesus' humanity and divinity. The impact of Jesus' divinity and humanity on the daily lives of believers is also explored, emphasizing the hope and comfort found in the providence of God.
Takeaways
Only God can forgive sins against Him, highlighting the importance of Jesus being truly divine.Jesus' divinity and humanity create a balance of justice and mercy, making Him the perfect mediator and savior.The divinity and humanity of Jesus impact the daily lives of believers, providing hope and comfort in the providence of God.Living in the tension of Jesus' divinity and humanity allows Christians to experience the love and power of God in their lives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction06:17 The Inadequacy of Jesus Being Only Human10:24 Living in the Tension of Divinity and Humanity

New City Catechism Question Twenty-Two

Summary
In this episode, Bryan and Jon discuss question 22 of the Catechism, which explores why the Redeemer must be truly human. They delve into the importance of Jesus perfectly obeying the law and the role of justice in His death. They also explore the significance of Jesus sympathizing with our weaknesses and how it encourages us as Christians. The conversation highlights the impact of sin and suffering in the world and the hope we have in Jesus as our Redeemer.
Takeaways
Jesus had to be truly human in order to perfectly obey the law and suffer the punishment for human sin.Justice plays a role in Jesus' death as it is the just outcome for sin, but His sinlessness allows for a renewed relationship with God.Jesus' ability to sympathize with our weaknesses encourages us as Christians, knowing that He understands our struggles.The humanity of Jesus reminds us of the devastating impact of sin and suffering in the world, but also gives us hope in His redemptive work.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction04:44 The Role of Justice in Jesus' Death09:13 The Impact of Sin and Suffering in the World

New City Catechism Question Twenty-One

Summary
In this episode, Bryan and Jon discuss the transition from part one to part two of the new city catechism, focusing on Christ, redemption, and grace. They explore the humanity and divinity of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of both aspects in our understanding of who he is. They reference Isaiah 9:6 to highlight Jesus' role as a Redeemer. The conversation sets the stage for a deeper dive into Jesus' nature in future episodes.
Takeaways
The transition from part one to part two of the new city catechism focuses on Christ, redemption, and grace.Jesus' humanity and divinity are both essential aspects of his nature.Jesus' humanity shows that God is with us and sympathizes with us in our temptations.Jesus' divinity fulfills God's promises and enables him to be the Redeemer we need.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Transition to Part Two of the New City Catechism06:06 Jesus' Humanity: God With Us and Sympathizing with Us

New City Catechism Question Twenty

Summary
In this conversation, Chrishon and Bryan discuss question 20 of the New City Catechism: 'Who was the Redeemer?' They explore the concept of redemption and how it is tied to the Old Testament figure of Boaz. They also delve into the doctrine of the incarnation and the necessity of Jesus becoming human. The conversation highlights the role of Jesus as the Redeemer and emphasizes the inclusivity of the gospel message for all people. The episode concludes with a recap of the question and answer.
Takeaways
The only Redeemer is the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God.Jesus' role as Redeemer is foreshadowed in the Old Testament figure of Boaz.The doctrine of the incarnation emphasizes the necessity of Jesus becoming human.The gospel message is for all people of all tribes and nations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Question 2001:18 Boaz: A Type of Christ06:06 The Inclusivity of the Gospel Message09:14 Recap and Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Nineteen

Summary
In this conversation, Chrishon and Bryan discuss question 19 of the New City Catechism: 'Is there any way to escape punishment and be brought back into God's favor?' They explore the concept of punishment and how Jesus took on the punishment for our sins. They also discuss why the idea of the cross and punishment can be offensive to some people in today's society. The conversation concludes with a restatement of the question and answer.
Takeaways
God, out of mere mercy, reconciles us to Himself and delivers us from sin and punishment through a Redeemer.The concept of punishment and the idea that Jesus took on our punishment can be offensive to some people in today's society.The cross is a central symbol of Christianity and represents the sacrifice Jesus made for our sins.As a society, we need to grapple with the reality of punishment and the need for redemption.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Question 1900:32 Escaping Punishment and Finding God's Favor04:08 The Sacrifice of Jesus for Our Sins06:07 Grappling with Punishment and Redemption07:12 Restatement of Question and Answer