Claim OwnershipThe Hope Files
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God is the ultimate source of hope. In this ten-episode series, George Penk unpacks some Christian beliefs which help us find hope. This podcast is for anyone who wants to explore life-giving ideas about God. It’s for anyone who’s interested in hearing some good news. It’s for anyone who’s looking for hope.
21 Episodes
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We can sum up the story of the whole Bible by talking about the kingship of Christ. In this episode, we explore what it means for Jesus to be king, and why it’s an idea that gives a lot of hope. Watch NT Wright talk about Jesus and the Kingdom https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXgLCK5ogOo Listen to Bishop Barron’s sermon about Christ the King https://www.wordonfire.org/videos/sermons/march-in-the-army-of-the-true-king/ Read Susan Hylen’s article about Jesus’ kingship https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/christ-the-king-2/commentary-on-john-1833-37-3 Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When we’re faced with problems, we can be real and honest with God about them. This week we look at three common struggles and see how, through them, we can find some hope. Check out Rebecca Rene Jones’ book ‘Broken for Good’ https://www.amazon.com/Broken-Good-Grief-Awoke-Greatest/dp/1455538078 Read Aaron’s Loy’s article ‘Confessions of a Depressed Pastor’ https://relevantmagazine.com/faith/church/confessions-depressed-pastor/ Find Erica Barthalow’s book ‘Holy Doubt’ www.goodreads.com/book/show/35103707-holy-doubt Get support for mental health-related issues at https://1737.org.nz or https://www.lifeline.org.nz Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Lord’s Prayer is not only a prayer, it’s also a summary of Christianity. That means there’s a lot of good news in it, because the Christian message is one of hope. Read Rowan Williams’ reflections on the Lord’s Prayer https://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/prayer/lordsprayer_1.shtml Watch Bishop Barron talking about the Our Father https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2ysPSuz7_U Check out Meda Stamper’s article on the prayer https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/revised-common-lectionary/ordinary-17-3/commentary-on-luke-111-13-2 See the banned cinema ad from the Church of England https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgN0s2xmCuM Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We can’t ignore the Old Testament, because Jesus certainly didn’t. In fact, it provided the background and context to everything he did. This week we’re looking for hope in the Hebrew scriptures. Watch Glen Scrivener’s video about Abraham https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2em1M6fJWI&t=28s See Glen’s video on the sacrifice of Isaac https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYcPfySl-y8 Watch Amy Orr-Ewing’s ‘Good Friday Reflections’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TozlBSfH1q8 Check out Jon Coombs’ article on the Servant Songs https://rootedministry.com/blog/remembering-the-servant-songs-and-the-greatest-service-of-all/ Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
God uses people for good. Throughout the Bible, the Lord involves people in his work, and he does so in surprising ways. These stories give hope that he’ll use us, too. Check out Nicky Gumbel’s ‘How Your Life Can Make a Difference’ commentary https://bibleinoneyear.org/en/classic/246/ Watch Bishop Barron talking about the Woman at the Well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N862lyF8KtU Read Stephanie Jane Judd’s article about women and the Resurrection https://au.thegospelcoalition.org/article/historys-biggest-hoax-women-as-resurrection-witnesses/ Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes it’s really hard to trust God. But even when life makes it difficult, we can always trust him. This week we look at some reasons why. Watch Trillia Newbell’s ‘A Moment of Steadfast Hope’ video https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/video/romans-8-a-moment-of-steadfast-hope Read Thomas Christianson’s book ‘The Unreasonable Jesus’ www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Jesus-Becoming-Person-Made/dp/1470748630 Check out Shane Pruitt’s book ‘9 Common Lies Christians Believe’ www.amazon.com/Common-Lies-Christians-Believe-Infinitely/dp/0735291578 Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode we look at the concept that our identity is ultimately defined by God. Who we are in his sight is who we really are. Connect with ELEVATE Christian Disability Trust www.elevatecdt.org.nz Read Ellery Sadler’s article about calling and identity https://relevantmagazine.com/life5/your-calling-doesnt-define-you Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jesus Christ is the Light of the World, and his followers are called to reflect that light. This week we hear stories of people who have done so in amazing ways. Listen to Nicky Gumbel’s ‘Money: A Blessing or a Curse?’ commentary https://bibleinoneyear.org/en/classic/220 Check out Daneen Akers’ profile of Florence Nightingale https://www.holytroublemakers.com/florence Read Lynne McDonald’s article about Nightingale’s faith https://cwfn.uoguelph.ca/spirituality/florence-nightingale-faith-and-work Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week we’re talking about the Cross of Christ. Because when it comes to Christian hope, we can’t really overstate the significance of the Crucifixion. Watch NT Wright teaching about the Cross https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGJ7M1CDhBU Read Andrew Wilson’s article about Barabbas https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/april/andrew-wilson-barabbas-story-prisoner-swap.html Check out Amy Orr-Ewing’s ‘Good Friday Reflections’ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TozlBSfH1q8 Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ep 20 - Give a reason In the New Testament, Christians are told they should be able to give a reason for their hope. So in this final episode of the series, George does that. He gives a reason for the hope he has. Check out George’s other podcast ‘The Seven-Minute Sermon’ https://omny.fm/shows/the-seven-minute-sermon Keep up with all the content he publishes through his Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/revgeorgepenk Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sometimes life is really hard, and things don’t make a lot of sense. In the first episode we talk about God’s presence in difficult times. We look at the way he is with us, even in the pain. Read Pete Greig’s book 'God on Mute'. www.zondervan.com/9780310114635/god-on-mute Watch Amy Orr-Ewing answer the question ‘Did Jesus really experience pain and suffering?’ www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZ3Q3ZECy6Q Connect with Frank Ritchie www.francis-ritchie.comSupport The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Christians believe that Jesus was a man, but that he was also God. So, if we want to know what God is like, we can look at Jesus. The way he treated people tells us a lot about God’s character – and it’s really good news. Read Thomas Christianson’s book The Unreasonable Jesus www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Jesus-Becoming-Person-Made/dp/1470748630 Connect with the ELEVATE Christian Disability Trust www.elevatecdt.org.nz Check out Erica Barthalow’s book Holy Doubt: Finding Hope When Faith is a Struggle www.goodreads.com/book/show/35103707-holy-doubtSupport The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
When we come to God, confessing our sins, he welcomes us with open arms. And he not only forgives us, he invites us to a new, a healthier, a fuller way of living. This week we look at what it means to find freedom from our mistakes. Listen to Bishop Barron’s sermon on the Prodigal Son www.wordonfire.org/resources/homily/the-prodigal-son/994 Follow Thomas Christianson’s writing www.thomaschristianson.com Watch Amy Orr-Ewing’s ‘Good Friday Reflections’ www.youtube.com/watch?v=TozlBSfH1q8Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Last week we talked about being forgiven by God. In this week’s episode we chat about forgiving other people. We look at how to extend grace when others let us down. Check out Shane Pruitt’s website for some great resources www.shanepruitt.com Read Brant Hansen’s book Unoffendable www.amazon.com/Unoffendable-Just-Change-Make-Better/dp/0529123851Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
God works through people to make the world a better place. In this episode we hear the stories of three amazing people who have served others in extraordinary ways. Each has made an incredible impact and their lives have a lot to teach us. Check out Shane Claiborne’s book The Irresistible Revolution www.amazon.com/Irresistible-Revolution-Updated-Expanded-Ordinary/dp/0310343704 Watch Mother Teresa pray the Prayer of St Francis www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVzm6yVI9Gk See the trailer for the film about William Wilberforce www.walden.com/films/amazinggraceSupport The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If we're talking about ideas which give hope, then this is a really important one. In this week's episode we see how the Resurrection of Christ changed everything – and how it's a vision of hope for the future. Watch NT Wright answer the question "Why does Resurrection matter?" www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgiGB21LWmM Listen to Bishop Barron's sermon on the Resurrection www.youtube.com/watch?v=oU44CfXulNI Read Dale Campbell's article about Resurrection and Justice www.tearfund.org.nz/Get-Involved/Church/Church_News/What-Does-the-Resurrection-Have-to-do-with-Justice.aspxSupport The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 7 - Communicating With God If God is the ultimate source of hope, then communicating with him is a significant part of living a hope-filled life. This week we talk about what prayer is and how to pray. Read Thomas Christianson’s book The Unreasonable Jesus www.amazon.com/Unreasonable-Jesus-Becoming-Person-Made/dp/1470748630 Check out George Herbert’s poem about prayer www.interestingliterature.com/2017/12/a-short-analysis-of-george-herberts-prayer-i Watch Pete Greig’s ‘Why We Pray’ video www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIqbRn6dC_YSupport The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
If we want to know the God of hope, then engaging with his word is really important. In this episode we talk about how to read the Bible. We also look at the big picture – we see how the whole Bible points to Jesus. Connect with Frank Ritchie www.francis-ritchie.com Read Shane Pruitt’s book 9 Common Lies Christians Believe www.amazon.com/Common-Lies-Christians-Believe-Infinitely/dp/0735291578 Check out the Apostles’ Creed www.churchofengland.org/our-faith/what-we-believe/apostles-creedSupport The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
God is in the business of changing lives. This week’s episode focuses on transformation. We hear about three different people whose lives have been transformed by the grace of God. Check out a short bio of John Newton www.christianitytoday.com/history/people/pastorsandpreachers/john-newton.html Read about the church which the Membreys pastor www.nzherald.co.nz/northern-advocate/news/pastor-trent-membrey-went-from-drug-dealer-to-gods-mob/S2NANUPRKJFRD4Y52YBZFF4CSY/Support The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The idea that God is love underpins all Christian belief. It’s the starting point for all good theology. We wrap up the series by talking about the unconditional love of God. Listen to Audrey Assad singing ‘Oh the deep, deep love of Jesus’ www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vUhwyjdk8A Check out Nicky Gumbel’s Bible in One Year www.bibleinoneyear.org/en Read Thomas Christianson’s article ‘The Worst Part of Religion’ www.thomaschristianson.com/blog/2016/9/9/so-much-loveSupport The Hope Files: https://donate.rhemamedia.co.nz/?utm_source=omnystudio&utm_medium=linkSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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