Be Hope Church

"You Can Be Confident Because God Is Always Committed."

"Your Progress Is Proof of God’s Faithfulness."

Key Points:• Don’t Forget Who You Are: Identity Matters. When identity is questioned—personally or corporately—we become defensive because identity shapes behavior. For the church, identity is expressed through culture, mission, vision, and values. If Be Hope forgets who it is, it will drift into who it is not.• Jesus Is Our Hope (Not Wishful Thinking). Hebrews 10:23 calls believers to hold unswervingly to the hope they profess. That hope is not an idea or optimism—it is a person. Jesus is our confident expectation, worth holding onto even at the cost of our lives. The church does not forget who it is because Jesus is and always will be our hope.• Growth Can Create Identity Drift. As churches grow, distraction increases and drift becomes real. When focus shifts from mission to programs, from people far from God to preferences, or from encounter to insight, the church slowly loses alignment. If we forget who we are, we drift into who we are not.• Hope Does Not Drift—It Remains Unswerving. To be “unswerving” means actively staying on course despite pressure, distraction, or difficulty. This journey and mission are matters of spiritual life and death. Remaining unswerving requires resisting distraction and refusing deviation, personally and corporately.• We Remain Unswerving Together—Living Out the Call to Be Hope. Hebrews emphasizes “Let us hold”—this is a shared commitment. As a church, Be Hope remains unswerving to: • The Mission: Becoming someone’s first church • The Vision: Pursuing the hopeless and seeing lives transformed • The Calling: Every believer using their gifts to point people to Jesus • Being Hope is not a name—it’s an identity lived out through worship, encouragement, service, invitation, and mission.

"My enough will never be enough, but I don't have to be enough - I just have to be faithful."

Key Points:• Christmas Is Often the Story We Didn’t See Coming. We expect Christmas to be picture-perfect, meaningful, and fulfilling—but reality often disappoints. Just like unmet expectations, disrupted plans, grief, or exhaustion, many of us arrive at Christmas carrying things we never anticipated. The “Christmas we didn’t see coming” mirrors the moments in life when we feel caught off guard and overwhelmed.• The First Christmas Was a Cosmic Battle, Not a Silent Night. Revelation 12 reveals that Christmas wasn’t just a peaceful manger moment—it was the beginning of a spiritual war. While Luke 2 shows us the baby in a manger, Revelation 12 shows us a dragon waiting to destroy Him. Christmas was the moment heaven and hell collided, and the birth of Jesus marked the start of the battle for humanity.• When You Didn’t Stand a Chance, Heaven Started Fighting for You. God’s response to the dragon wasn’t force—it was a baby. In our weakest, most vulnerable moments—when grief, sin, temptation, shame, or despair feel unbeatable—God was never passive. What we didn’t see coming was that heaven had already entered the fight. Christmas declares that our hopeless moments were never unseen by God.• The Battle Didn’t Start at the Cross—It Started at Christmas. The cross finished the work, but Christmas initiated it. From the manger onward, Jesus was ruling, reigning, and interceding for us. Heaven’s fight began the moment Christ entered the world, proving that even when God feels silent, He is still active, present, and fighting on our behalf.• We Overcome by Holding Fast to Our Testimony. If Christmas was the night heaven fought for us, it was also the moment the enemy chose to fight against us. The dragon’s greatest strategy is convincing us that God is silent or absent. But Scripture declares that victory comes through the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. Our testimony—that God was fighting for us even when we didn’t stand a chance—is how we stand firm, endure the silence, and ultimately win.

Key Points:• Some of the best things God does are hidden on purpose. Just like the best bread or hidden gems in life, God often works beneath the surface. What’s unseen isn’t absent—it’s intentional.• God’s promises may be hidden, but they are still valid. Mary kept God’s word in her heart, yet Elizabeth—through the Holy Spirit—validated it. Visibility is not the measure of truth; God’s authority is.• Hidden does not mean inactive—faith stays committed. Mary “hurried” in obedience, prioritizing God’s calling over comfort, reputation, or logic. Commitment means continuing to water what looks dormant.• God’s calling often won’t make sense to others (or to you). Faith requires obedience before clarity. Like Mary, Abraham, Noah, and Jesus, the promise may look impossible—but commitment precedes fulfillment.• What is hidden will eventually be honored by God and the right people. Elizabeth honored Mary by giving her time, encouragement, and affirmation. God brings “Elizabeths” into our lives to confirm, encourage, and honor what He’s doing—even before it’s visible.

Key Points:• God’s greeting is personal and full of grace. God approaches us personally—not impersonally—and invites us to be seen, known, and welcomed. Belief is acknowledging who God is;  that He’s real, powerful, sovereign, and good.• God's favor is given, not earned. Mary had done nothing to earn favor. Favor is rooted in grace (charis), not achievement. It’s not a level-up, not a pass from problems, and not a reward—it’s a gift. We're called to be faithful in the silence.• You can be afraid and still favored.  Mary was greatly troubled even while highly favored. God’s favor exposes our insecurities and unworthiness, yet it is meant to free us—not frighten us.• Favor turns "impossible" to "I'm Possible".  God’s presence transforms impossibility. The shift from “How can this be?” to “May your word be fulfilled” happens when we realize that the Great I AM makes us possible.• Favor invites us into God-sized assignments. Favor isn’t about comfort—it’s a calling. It leads us into things that require faith, courage, and dependence on God. It should provoke a healthy “How can this be?” awe.• Receiving God's favor requires redirecting our trust. The angel’s message ends where Mary’s journey begins: “The Lord is with you.” Favor isn’t activated by striving—it’s received by trust. To walk in favor, we must trust God’s presence, strength, and salvation.

KEY POINTS:• Belief is acknowledging who God is; that He’s real, powerful, sovereign, and good.• Faith is choosing trust even before the outcome changes.• We’re called to be faithful in the silence.• Doubt often comes when His timing, promises, or methods don’t match our expectations.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. When have you gone through a season that felt silent—where you weren’t sure what God was doing? What did that feel like, and what helped you keep going?2. Where in your life right now do you feel like you’re holding a “picture” instead of the real thing—like God has shown you something, but you’re still waiting on His timing?3. “Worship doesn’t remove you from the silence; it reminds you God’s not absent.” What does worship look like for you when life feels confusing or heavy?4. How have you seen God working behind the scenes in a way you didn’t notice until later?5. What helps you keep showing up — in worship, in prayer, in community — even when emotions or circumstances make it difficult?

KEY POINTS:• He honestly brings his needs to God, trusts Him, and asks for: God’s help and mercy, Joy and forgiveness, A heart that is undivided, fully centered on God.• Our hearts were originally whole and undivided (Genesis 1–2). Humanity was created to live in perfect relationship with God.• Distractions still divide our hearts today. Busyness, bitterness, apathy, comparison, unhealthy habits, or people-pleasing can quietly wedge between us and God.• We maintain an undivided heart by inviting God to search us (Psalm 139:23–24). We regularly ask God to examine our hearts, reveal anything unhealthy, and lead us back to His way.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Psalm 86 shows someone talking honestly to God about their needs. What feels hard about talking to God honestly—and what feels comforting about it?2. David asks God for “an undivided heart.” When you hear that phrase, what do you think it means in everyday life?3. The Israelites struggled to clear out things that distracted them. What “distractions” in your daily life make it harder to think about God or grow spiritually?4. God promises to give people a new, soft, responsive heart. If God could change one thing in your heart right now—what would you want Him to work on?5. Acts 2 talks about forgiveness and a fresh start with God. What does a “fresh start” with God look like to you? What questions do you still have about that?

KEY POINTS:• Your faith isn't built on answered prayer, it is built on God's acceptance of your prayers.• Scripture calls us to persistence:“Faithful in prayer”“Keep asking”“Present your requests”• David roots his hope in one thing: God’s unfailing love. That’s why we keep praying, not to get God’s attention, but because we already have it.• You don't need an answer to your prayer, you need to just keep asking through prayer because He listens.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. The message opened with moments where we just want answers. Can you relate to that feeling? What’s one situation in your life right now where you wish God would give you a clear response?2. David asks, “How long, Lord?” When you think about the things you’ve prayed for—or hoped for—what is your own version of “How long, Lord?” How do you think this message applies to your life right now? 3. David says in verse 9: “The Lord accepts my prayer.” What does it mean to you that God accepts your prayer even if He is not answering it yet?4. What is one prayer in your life that you wish God would answer right now? How does it change the way you see that prayer knowing He is already holding it?5. If you’re honest, do you find yourself loving God more for what He answers or for who He is? 6. What is one place in your life where you need to shift from asking God to “prove Himself” to choosing to trust that He already loves you and already hears you?

KEY POINTS:• Boldness comes from being with Jesus.• The Holy Spirit empowers bold proclamation.• The Holy Spirit creates unity in the church.• The Holy Spirit produces generosity among believers.• When the Holy Spirit comes to church, He brings boldness, unity, and generosity.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What stood out to you most from today’s message?2. Was there something that challenged or encouraged you?3. How do you think this message applies to your life right now? 4. What did you learn about who God is through this message? 5. How does this message make you think differently about faith or following Jesus? 6. What’s one step you could take this week to live out what you heard today? 

KEY POINTS:• Live differently.• Remain faithful to Kingdom living as Kingdom citizens.• Christ is the power of God, and the gospel is still the good news.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. What stood out to you most from today’s message?2. Was there something that challenged or encouraged you?3. How do you think this message applies to your life right now? 4. What did you learn about who God is through this message? 5. How does this message make you think differently about faith or following Jesus? 6. What’s one step you could take this week to live out what you heard today? 

KEY POINTS· God chooses who He uses. · God chooses the insignificant and the unseen. · God chooses those who don't deserve it. · God chooses according to His purpose, not your past. · God chooses people who pass it on, never to be the recipient. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1.  When you think about your own life, what surprises you most about the idea that God chose you — not because of what you’ve done, but because of who He is?2. Have you ever felt too small, too broken, or too imperfect for God to use? What would it mean to believe that God still has a purpose for you anyway?3. Where do you find yourself right now on that journey? What helps you stay humble and centered on God rather than yourself?4. When it comes to your time, money, or talents—what helps you trust that what you have actually belongs to God and can be used for His purpose?5. Where is God inviting you to take that kind of faith step—to believe, give, or serve in a new way even if you feel unsure?

KEY POINTS· The shift is in you. · The shift in you begins with God's presence. · Faith shifts our level of generosity. · Faith shifts our level of generosity, but generosity shifts our level of faith. · Why am I Here? I can pray, I can hear, I can give, I can lead.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. When you think about your own life, where have you noticed a shift — a change in the way you see things, respond to people, or trust God?2. Why do you think Moses cared more about who was with him than how he was going to lead? How might that change the way you make decisions? 3. The message said, “Movement without God is just motion.” What’s the difference between moving forward in life and moving with God?4. The message said, “The shift is in you.” What might God be trying to shift in you right now—your attitude, priorities, or trust?5. Have you ever felt like God was asking you to lead, serve, or give in a way that stretched your faith? What made that difficult—or exciting?

KEY POINTS· Faith ignites when we stop going back to the familiar and start fighting for the eternity of others.· Familiar doesn’t always mean healthy; sometimes it means comfortable but destructive.· Growth in faith requires letting go of old patterns, places, and people that once held us back.· Many people mistake the plateau for failure—but it’s actually a place of testing and deepening faith.· Why am I Here? I can pray, I can hear, I can give, I can lead.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS1. When have you been tempted to “go back” to something familiar, even though you knew it wasn’t healthy for you?2. Why do you think it’s hard to trust God when you can’t see what He’s doing? How can you keep your faith steady in those “soooooo long” seasons?3. The message said, “Before you go back, remember God’s done more than enough.” What’s one way God has already shown up for youn big or small that you don’t want to forget?4. What do you think it means to “fight for someone’s faith”? Who in your life might need you to encourage or pray for them right now?5. How might you take a small step this week to move forward in your faith—like serving, living generously, or simply sharing hope with someone else?

KEY POINTS:· When God does more than enough.· Giving ability starts with given ability. · We pursue the hopeless. · Why am I Here? I can pray, I can hear, I can give, I can lead. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. When have you felt like what you had (your time, talent, or money) wasn’t enough—and how might God see it differently?2. Exodus 31 says God “filled them with His Spirit” to do their work. What do you think it means for your everyday skills to be “Spirit-filled”?3. Why do you think generosity is often uncomfortable to talk about? What might change if we started viewing generosity as a way to trust God instead of a way to lose something?4. The message said “giving ability starts with given ability.” How could recognizing that everything comes from God shift your attitude toward what you have?5. What would “more than enough” look like in your life—not in terms of stuff, but in terms of faith, peace, or purpose?

KEY POINTS:Two things can be true at the same time.God calls us to obedience even when it doesn’t make sense.You can trust God and question Him at the same time.God brings life out of what feels like the end.DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Have you ever felt like two things were true at once—like believing in God but still feeling scared or uncertain?2. What part of the widow’s story stands out to you the most? Why do you think God asked her to trust Him in that moment?3. How do you think obedience to God might look in your own life, even when things don’t make sense?4. The message ended with Jesus’ words: “Take heart, I have overcome the world.” What does it mean to you that Jesus has already overcome?5. What’s one area of your life where you sense God might be asking you to trust or obey Him, even if it feels risky or doesn’t make sense?

KEY POINTS:· Silence about your sin is the enemies plan to keep you in bondage. · Sacrifice - Zebach - Ritual or act of sacrifice.· Show devotion and deal with sin. · The Alter is where God does the impossible. · God's plan starts when we are on our knees - a shift in our posture. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:1. Psalm 32 says, “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven.” What do you think it means to be “blessed” in this way? How does hearing that God covers sin make you feel about your own mistakes?2. The sermon said, “Your deepest need in life isn’t knowing God’s plan for you, it’s knowing God’s plan for sin.” How does that challenge the way many of us approach faith or church?3. The sermon described wavering between two options having “one foot in and one foot out.” In everyday life, what are some examples of living half-committed or divided? What do you think it might look like to fully trust God instead?4. The altar was the place where the impossible happened, God lit drenched wood on fire. Where in your life does it feel “soaked” and impossible right now? What would it look like for you to “take it to the floor” and invite God in?5. The message said, “God’s plan starts on our knees.” What do you think could happen if you brought one worry, struggle, or area of guilt to God this week through prayer? What small step could you take to “take it to the floor”?

Key Points: · I'm Over It.· I'm over it, because I'm under it.· I'm over it, God meets you under it.

KEY POINTS:• From Big "G" to Little "g".• When He's the God of your mountain but not the valley.• When your mountain top miracles become the valley of imprisonment.• When your valley is memorialized into a mountain.• Can you believe it? The Creator of the Universe wants a relationship with you.