Hope Grows

New City Catechism Question Eighteen

Summary
In this conversation, Pastor Chrishon and Bryan Lees discuss question 18 of the new city catechism: 'Will God allow our disobedience and idolatry to go unpunished?' They explain that every sin is against God's sovereignty, holiness, and goodness, and that God is righteously angry with our sins and will punish them in His just judgment. They also address the misconception that the Reformed theology camp believes in a 'cheap grace' that allows for continued disobedience. They emphasize the importance of true obedience and gratitude in response to God's grace. The conversation concludes with a reminder of the scripture passage and a farewell.
Takeaways
Every sin is against God's sovereignty, holiness, and goodness, and He will punish them in His just judgment.The Reformed theology camp does not believe in a 'cheap grace' that allows for continued disobedience.True obedience and gratitude should be our response to God's grace.God's judgment in this life is not to condemn us, but to remind us of His kindness and goodness.We should seek to learn and grow in obedience even in the midst of trials and errors.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Question 1802:04 The Misconception of 'Cheap Grace'05:00 Responding to Grace with Obedience06:14 Understanding God's Judgment in this Life08:13 Learning and Growing in Obedience09:11 Conclusion and Scripture Passage

Communicating "Sin" to a Post-Christian World

Summary
In this episode, Pastor Jon and Pastor Chrishon discuss the concepts of idolatry and sin, and how they are perceived differently in today's culture. They emphasize the importance of being an evangelizing church and being prepared to give a reason for the hope that is within us. The pervasiveness of sin is explored, highlighting the need for Christians to understand and communicate the depth of sin to others. The conversation also touches on the varying definitions of sin in culture and the challenges of addressing sin in Christendom. The pastors recommend resources such as catechisms and books on sin and mortification as tools for understanding and combating sin. They conclude by emphasizing the gratitude and blessing of pursuing a life in Jesus.
Takeaways
As Christians, we need to understand and communicate the concepts of idolatry and sin to a culture that may not see them the same way.Being an evangelizing church means putting effort into loving our neighbors and sharing the hope that is within us.Sin is pervasive and goes beyond the big things; it includes even the motivations behind our actions.The culture has varying definitions of sin, which can make it challenging to navigate conversations about right and wrong.Understanding the unchanging standards of God can help us navigate cultural shifts and evaluate our own actions.We are all imperfect and need to remember that no one is without sin, including pastors.Using tools like the Three Circles evangelism method and catechisms can help us understand and communicate the concepts of sin and the gospel.Living a life pursuing Jesus is a response of gratitude and blessing.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction00:38 Idolatry and Sin01:28 Being an Evangelizing Church03:06 The Pervasiveness of Sin04:06 Leveraging Culture's Idea of Wrongdoings05:08 Varying Definitions of Sin in Culture06:07 The Challenge of Judging Sin07:06 The Dichotomy of Cultural Acceptance08:15 God's Unchanging Standards09:15 The Pervasiveness of Sin in Christendom10:20 The Difficulty of Addressing Sin11:39 Imperfection of Pastors12:08 Using Three Circles as an Evangelism Tool13:08 Resources for Understanding Cultural Divides14:38 Living a Life Pursuing Jesus15:08 Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Seventeen

Summary
In this episode of the Hope Grows podcast, the hosts discuss the concept of idolatry and its relevance in modern culture. They explore how idolatry is not limited to physical idols but can also manifest in the form of misplaced hope and the idolization of good things. The conversation delves into the influence of power and politics as potential idols and the reactions people have when their idols are taken away. The hosts emphasize the importance of finding a balance between enjoying the good gifts of life and avoiding idolatry. They also discuss the role of glorifying God and enjoying Him in combating idolatry.
Takeaways
Idolatry is not limited to physical idols but can also manifest in the form of misplaced hope and the idolization of good things.Power and politics can become idols when people place their ultimate hope in them.Recognizing and repenting of idolatry requires self-reflection and a focus on glorifying God and enjoying Him.Finding a balance between enjoying the good gifts of life and avoiding idolatry is essential.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction00:31 Definition of Idolatry01:00 Idolatry in Modern Culture02:31 Idolizing Good Things03:24 Idolatry in the Modern World04:13 Idolatry and the Loss of Identity04:42 Idolatry in Power and Politics05:14 Reactions to the Loss of Idolatry06:19 Balancing Enjoyment and Idolatry08:31 Avoiding Idolatry09:21 Glorifying God and Enjoying Him10:04 Recognizing Privilege and Idolatry11:30 Reflection and Abstinence12:14 Idolizing Self and Gifts13:13 Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Sixteen

Summary
In this episode of the Hope Grows podcast, Pastor Jon and Pastor Chrishon are joined by Amy Foulks, a Hope children's church teacher, to discuss Question 16 of the New City Catechism: What is sin? They explore the different aspects of sin, including rejecting or ignoring God, and how sin affects every aspect of our lives. They also discuss the pervasiveness of sin and how it manifests in both thoughts and actions. The conversation touches on the nature of sin in children and the futility of trying to avoid sin through rules and regulations. They conclude by discussing how sin results in the disintegration of creation.
Takeaways
Sin is the act of rejecting or ignoring God, and it manifests in various ways in our lives.Sin affects every aspect of our lives and is a result of our fallen nature.Sin is not just about actions, but also about thoughts and emotions.The pervasiveness of sin means that even our good actions can be tainted by sinful motivations.Both the younger and older brother in the parable of the prodigal son represent different manifestations of sin.Sin results in the disintegration of creation, leading to decay and destruction.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background01:00 Question 16: What is sin?05:03 The Pervasiveness of Sin06:03 Sin in Thoughts and Emotions07:20 The Nature of Sin in Children09:04 The Futility of Trying to Avoid Sin10:11 Sin in Both the Younger and Older Brother12:11 Sin and the Disintegration of Creation14:56 Conclusion
 

New city Catechism Question Fifteen

Summary
In this conversation, the hosts discuss the purpose of the law and its role in helping us understand God's will and our need for a savior. They emphasize the importance of self-reflection, vulnerability, and accountability in recognizing the sinful nature of our hearts. The hosts also address the question of temptation and the need for surrounding ourselves with other Christians for guidance and support. The conversation concludes with a benediction, highlighting the significance of the law in showing us our need for a Savior and guiding us to live a life worthy of Him.
Takeaways
The purpose of the law is to help us know the holy nature and will of God and to recognize the sinful nature and disobedience of our hearts.The law teaches and exhorts us to live a life worthy of our Savior.Self-reflection, vulnerability, and accountability are important practices for recognizing our own disobedience and seeking growth.Surrounding ourselves with other Christians and trusting their guidance can help us stay on a good path and overcome temptation.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Question 1501:00 Understanding the Purpose of the Law03:09 Recognizing the Sinful Nature of Our Hearts05:08 Practices for Self-Reflection and Accountability08:00 The Law and Temptation09:26 Closing and Benediction

New City Catechism Question Fourteen

Summary
In this conversation, the hosts discuss New City Catechism question number 14: Did God create us unable to keep his law? They explore the emotional and theological questions that arise from this topic, including struggles with total depravity and fairness. The concept of inherited sin versus federalism is also examined. The importance of human choices, the doctrine of imputation, and the relationship between faith, works, and obedience are discussed. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the Augustinian categories and the hope for a sinless future.
Takeaways
Human beings are born in sin and unable to keep God's law due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve.The concept of inherited sin raises questions about fairness and the accountability for actions committed by others.The doctrine of imputation explains how Adam's sin is imputed to all humanity, but Christ's righteousness is imputed back to believers.While salvation is by grace through faith alone, the choices and works of believers still matter in demonstrating real faith and obedience.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction00:13 Question 14: Did God create us unable to keep his law?01:36 The Emotional and Theological Questions02:33 Addressing Skepticism and Unfairness03:24 Inherited Sin vs Federalism04:12 The Importance of Human Choices05:08 The Doctrine of Imputation06:07 Faith, Works, and Obedience07:35 Augustinian Categories09:00 The Hope for a Sinless Future09:55 Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Thirteen

Summary
In this conversation, the hosts discuss New City Catechism question number 13: Can anyone keep the law of God perfectly? They explore the concept of human inability to obey the law and the exception of Jesus. They also address the question of whether we are all equally bad and the idea of consistently breaking the law. The conversation concludes by highlighting the tension between our sinfulness and occasional obedience.
Takeaways
No mere human has been able to keep the law of God perfectly since the fall.Jesus is the exception to this rule.While we may desire to be good people, our definition of good often differs from what scripture says.Even in our good actions, our motivations may be tainted, and we consistently break the law.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction00:23 Question 13: Can anyone keep the law of God perfectly?03:09 Human inability to obey the law04:59 Are we all equally bad?06:20 Consistently breaking the law08:51 Acknowledging both sinfulness and occasional obedience09:20 Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Twelve

Summary
In this episode, Pastor John and Brian Lees discuss the ninth and tenth commandments. They explore the implications of the ninth commandment in the context of modern society, where fake news and deception are prevalent. They emphasize the importance of speaking the truth in love and the negative consequences of lying or deceiving others. The conversation then shifts to the tenth commandment, which focuses on being content and avoiding envy and resentment. They discuss the challenges of comparison in today's social media-driven world and the need to find ultimate satisfaction in following Jesus Christ. The episode concludes with a recap of the question and answer.
Takeaways
Speaking the truth in love is a fundamental principle for Christians, both in personal relationships and in society.Lying or deceiving others may seem harmless, but it can have negative consequences and erode trust.Being content and avoiding envy and resentment is a challenge in a culture that promotes comparison and materialism.Finding ultimate satisfaction and contentment in following Jesus Christ is the key to true fulfillment.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction00:44 Question 12: Ninth and Tenth Commandments03:19 Speaking the Truth in Love04:47 Importance of Truth in the Christian Life07:36 The Tenth Commandment: Being Content09:12 The Danger of Envy and Resentment11:56 Learning to Be Content12:06 Recap and Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Eleven

Summary
In this episode, Pastor John and Brian discuss Question 11 of the New City Catechism, which asks about God's requirements in the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments. They explore the implications of the sixth commandment, emphasizing the importance of not hurting, hating, or being hostile to our neighbors. They also discuss the need to pursue our enemies with love and patience. The conversation then shifts to the seventh commandment, highlighting the call to live purely and faithfully in both marriage and singleness. The eighth commandment is examined, focusing on the importance of not taking without permission and not withholding good from others. The episode concludes with a recap of the main points discussed.
Takeaways
The sixth commandment calls us to be patient, peaceful, and loving towards our neighbors, even our enemies.Living purely and faithfully is essential in both marriage and singleness, and requires submitting our desires to Jesus.We should not only refrain from taking what belongs to others, but also actively seek to benefit and help others.The church should strive to balance its focus on marriage and singleness, recognizing the importance of both and providing guidance for faithful living in each context.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction00:23 Question 11: What does God require in the sixth, seventh, and eighth commandments?01:14 Implications of the Sixth Commandment06:06 Balancing the Church's Focus on Marriage and Singleness08:30 Living Purely and Faithfully09:27 Withholding Good from Others12:00 Recap and Conclusion

New City Catechism Question Ten

Summary
In this episode, Jon and Brian discuss question number 10 in the New City Catechism, which focuses on the fourth and fifth commandments. They explore the concepts of public and private worship, the anticipation of the eternal Sabbath, and the implications of honoring and submitting to parents. The conversation highlights the importance of rest, community, and obedience in the Christian faith.
Takeaways
Public and private worship are both essential in observing the Sabbath.The Sabbath serves as a foretaste of the eternal rest promised to believers.Honoring and submitting to parents extends to respecting authority in general.Rest, community, and obedience are integral aspects of the Christian faith.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction00:32 The Fourth Commandment: Public and Private Worship06:10 Implications of the Fifth Commandment12:08 Conclusion