The Hope Collective Message Podcast

Who defines you? In Week 2 of our series, Follow Me, Pastor Dave Mudd delivers a powerful message on the "Up" relationship—our vertical connection with the Father. Before Jesus ever performed a miracle or preached a word, God declared, "This is my beloved Son." We often struggle with performance-driven faith and negative self-talk, allowing the world to label us based on our successes or failures. Today, we learn that your true identity is not achieved; it is received. It’s time to stop striving for acceptance and start living from it. Discover how a secure identity in Christ empowers you to withstand testing, serve others with humility, and live out your mission with boldness.Key Takeaways:- Identity Precedes Activity: Learn why God’s love for you is based on who you are as His child, not on your performance or productivity.- The Three Tests of Identity: Understand the three criteria that only God can meet to truly have the right to "name" you and define your worth.- Withstanding the Test: Discover how a secure identity in God’s voice allows you to overcome the lies and temptations of the enemy.- Living from Acceptance: Find out how rooting yourself in the Father's love transforms service from an exhausting obligation into a joyful expression.

In the kickoff of our new series, "Follow Me" (Week 1), Pastor Dave Mudd delivers a challenging message on the difference between admiring Jesus and actually obeying Him. Too often, we settle for a "Bobblehead Jesus"—a comfortable version of Christ that never confronts our sin or reshapes our identity. But the real Jesus of the Gospels doesn't call us to comfort; He calls us to surrender. Whether you are a member of our church community or a young adult seeking spiritual guidance, this message will push you to stop letting your past define you and start living a life that is truly Holy Spirit-driven. It’s time to move past information and step into transformation.Key Takeaways from this Message:- Abandon the "Fake Jesus": Learn how to identify and reject the versions of Jesus we create to fit our own values and comforts [11:46].- Surrender Over Belief: Discover why true following begins with surrendering the right to run your own life, not just agreeing with religious facts [26:34].- The Power of "Immediately": Reflect on the urgency of the first disciples who left their nets behind to follow Christ without a backup plan [15:13].- Daily Dependence: Understand why discipleship is a 24/7 commitment that requires fresh trust every morning rather than relying on yesterday's faith [33:08].- Reflecting His Character: Realize that the world should see the same grace, truth, and kindness in you that you love about Jesus [36:02].

In this year-end message, Pastor Dave Mudd is joined by mental health professional and Hope Collective friend Ken Gates for a transparent conversation about what it truly means to follow Jesus. Building on the "Living the Gospel" series, this week’s discussion dives deep into the tension between our "false self" and "true self." While culture tells us that uncovering our "true self" is the ultimate goal, Ken and Dave challenge us with a biblical truth: our entire self—both the parts we hide and the parts we embrace—must be surrendered to Christ. If you are a member of our church community or a young adult seeking spiritual guidance, this message will help you move past "self-improvement" and into the liberation of a redeemed self. Discover why dying to self is not about self-rejection, but about finding true life and identity in Jesus.Key Takeaways from This Message:- The Trap of the "True Self": Understand why the secular pursuit of the "true self" often misses the mark by failing to recognize our inherent need for a Savior.- Biblical Identity vs. Cultural Trends: Learn how to identify when you are being discipled more by social media and "woundedness" than by the Word of God.- The Vision of Grace: See how Isaiah and Peter responded to the presence of God and why Jesus’ response to our brokenness is always "Come with me" rather than "Fix yourself."- The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness: Practical insights on how to spend less time worrying about your image and more time resting in your security in the Lord.-The Redeemed Self: Discover the beauty of Galatians 2:20—living a life where it is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you.

In the conclusion of our Promised One series, Pastor Alex Gowler shares a powerful message for Week 4 on what it means to recognize Jesus as our Perfect King. Drawing from the life and visions of the prophet Isaiah, we explore the historical tension between earthly leadership and divine promises. Whether you are navigating a season of "deep darkness" or simply waiting for a breakthrough, this message serves as a reminder that the Messiah—our Emmanuel—is faithful to His word. Learn why God’s timing, though it may feel slow, is always intentional and why Jesus is a King truly worth the wait.Key Takeaways- The Contrast of Kings: Understand how the failures of earthly rulers like King Ahaz highlight our universal need for a King with "David’s heart".- Finding Light in Darkness: Discover how the promise of "Emmanuel" (God with us) provides hope even when circumstances feel chaotic or disappointing.- The Purpose of Waiting: Learn to reframe seasons of waiting not as God being slow, but as a time where He is doing a work greater than we can imagine.- A Kingdom of Justice: Explore the vision of a King who defends the needy, crushes oppression, and brings lasting peace to the nations.

This week, Pastor Alex dives deep into the profound theme of Jesus as our Great High Priest. We trace humanity's ancient problem—the universal separation caused by sin—and contrast it with the temporary covering offered by the Old Testament sacrificial system. Discover why Jesus’s perfect and final sacrifice secured eternal redemption for all of us. This essential spiritual guidance explains the new covenant that cleanses our consciences, restores us to the presence of God, and shapes the way we approach life and faith. Learn how to stop settling for simply knowing of God and start being with Him.In this message, you will learn:- Understand Humanity's Deepest Need: Grasp why sin is a fundamental problem that separates us from God's presence, impacting every relationship in our lives.- Grasp the Perfection of Jesus's Sacrifice: Discover why the Old Testament system was a temporary stop-gap and how Jesus, as our Great High Priest, made the once-for-all sacrifice for eternal redemption.- Experience Cleansed Conscience: Move beyond a temporary "covering" of sin to the complete "cleansing" of your conscience, allowing you to approach God boldly and receive His mercy and grace.- Live in the New Covenant: Explore what it means to be united with Christ in His death and resurrection, resulting in a new life that is both started and sustained by the gospel.- Reclaim God's Presence: Find out how Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection means you don't have to settle for just being around God, but can be with Him and know Him fully.Scripture References: Hebrews 1:1-3, Psalm 23:3-6, Romans 3, James 2:10, Hebrews 9, 1 Peter 3:18, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6, Hebrews 4:14-16, 1 Corinthians 11.

In Week 2 of our Advent series, Promised One, Pastor Dave Mudd explores the profound truth of Jesus as the final and perfect Prophet. While the prophets of old brought messages from God, Jesus came as the message of God—revealing the Father's heart in a way no one else could.This message dives deep into Hebrews 1 and Deuteronomy 18 to show that Jesus doesn't just give us information; He gives us revelation. By looking at Him, we not only discover who God is, but we also uncover the restored purpose for our own humanity. Join us as we learn what it means to build our identity on His truth and let His voice guide our every decision this Christmas season.Note: This video also includes an important "Family Update" on the future expansion of our church home and the Hope Center.Key Takeaways:- Jesus is the Final Word: Unlike previous prophets who spoke in fragments, Jesus is the complete and perfect expression of God's voice (Hebrews 1:1-2).- Revealing God’s Heart: Jesus goes beyond delivering rules; He reveals God’s character—compassion, forgiveness, and holiness—in human form.- Restoring Human Purpose: By revealing the Father, Jesus restores the original design of humanity: to know God, reflect His image, and partner in His mission.- Living the Mission: We are called to be more than hearers of the word; we are empowered by the Spirit to embody the message and live as witnesses in our community.- Vision for the Future: An exciting look at how our church family is expanding our facilities to "build bigger tables" for those seeking Jesus.Scripture References: Hebrews 1:1-2, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, John 1:18

Begin your Advent season with Week 1 of our Promised One message series! Pastor Dave Mudd dives into the core mystery of Christmas: why our Rescuer, Jesus Christ, had to be both fully human and fully divine.Discover how God's ancient promises—from Genesis to Daniel—are fulfilled in the one who stepped into our broken world to rescue us. This message challenges us to surrender our self-rule and find true salvation and hope in Jesus as our eternal Prophet, Priest, and King.Key Takeaways from This Message:• Understand the Paradox of the Incarnation: See why Jesus had to be 100% man to represent us and bear the consequences of sin, and 100% God to conquer death itself and offer new life.• Experience Joy in Suffering: Learn to change your perspective on hardship this Christmas, recognizing that even in suffering, the good news of great joy through Jesus remains.• Stop Trying to Fix Yourself: Identify the two common mistakes we make—believing human effort can fix the world, or trying to be God in our own lives—and surrender to the only one who can truly redeem.• Grasp Your New Identity: Recognize the miracle of salvation: Jesus takes our death and rebellion, and in exchange, we receive his eternal life and resurrection.• Meet Your Complete Savior: Explore the three essential roles Jesus fulfills: our speaking Prophet, our representing Priest, and our reigning King.

Join Pastor Dave Mudd for this powerful Baptism Sunday message as he dives deep into the ultimate requirement for following Jesus: Denying the False Self. This compelling message challenges the common interpretation of Matthew 16:24, revealing that "deny yourself" is not merely about giving up comfort or sin, but about identity surrender. Discover how to shift your source of life from your self-made ego to the true, abundant, and authentic self God created you to be. Learn the difference between the protective "false self" and the liberated "true self" so you can finally live the resurrected life Christ intends.Key Takeaways from This Message:- Understand the Prerequisite for Discipleship: Learn why denying yourself is not a spiritual suggestion but an entry requirement for following Christ, as modeled in Jesus’ interaction with Peter.- Surrender Your Identity, Not Just Your Sins: Discover that the greatest surrender is letting go of the "false self"—the protective identity and survival strategies you built—to embrace the "true self" hidden in Christ.- Let the Cross Kill the False Story: Realize that the purpose of the cross is execution, not just suffering; it executes the self-made narratives of victimhood, control, and performance, freeing you to live authentically.- Shift from Ego to Christ: Find freedom by shifting the source of your life from your fear-driven, justifying ego to the life of Christ within you, leading to spiritual authority and wholeness.- See Baptism as Resurrection: Understand baptism as the physical symbol of a spiritual reality: the burial of your old, false identity so you can be resurrected into the new, true self God designed you to be.Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:24-26

Join Pastor Alex Gowler for Week 7 of our Timeline message series as we delve into one of the Old Testament's most profound prophecies: the Valley of Dry Bones from the book of Ezekiel.This powerful message, "TIMELINE | Week 7," confronts the challenging "bad news" of sin and judgment—the 400 years of Israel's failure—to reveal the glorious necessity of the "good news" of hope and resurrection in Jesus Christ. Discover why understanding our deep need for a Savior is the only way to truly receive the Gospel Message and experience New Life in Christ.Key Takeaways from This Message:- Understand the "Why": Learn why recognizing the depth of your own brokenness and sin is essential to fully appreciating the power and grace of the Gospel.- Find Resurrection Hope: Explore the prophetic vision of the Dry Bones to see God's promise of new life, showing that nothing—not even death or utter despair—is too far gone for His restoration.- Bridge the Gap: Discover how Jesus fulfills the roles of the failed prophets, priests, and kings, finally bridging the gap between God and humanity (Emmanuel, God with us).- Receive New Life: Be invited to respond to the hope of Jesus, moving from spiritual "dry bones" to a life filled with God's spirit and presence.

In Week 6 of our Timeline series, HopeCo friend Jeremy Pettitt challenges us with the profound and uncomfortable truth of God's Mercy and Love for Enemies: Overcoming Human Judgment. Drawing from the story of Jonah, the prophet who famously ran in the opposite direction, Jeremy explores what happens when our own desire for judgment clashes with God's compassionate nature. This powerful message is a deep dive into biblical context, revealing parallels between Jonah's descent and the journey of Christ. If you've ever struggled with grace for "those people," this message is your essential spiritual guidance for Christian living and overcoming judgment.Key Takeaways from This Message:- Discover Why Jonah Ran: Understand the historical and personal reasons behind Prophet Jonah's rebellion and what his flight to Tarsish truly represented, driven by his desire for the destruction of Nineveh.- Unpack the Jesus Connection: Learn how Jesus himself used Jonah's three days in the fish as a sign, revealing profound connections between Jonah's anti-savior story and Christ's sacrifice.- Shift Your Perspective on Justice: Challenge the belief that your personal judgment is better than God's mercy, and find freedom from the pride that says, "My judgment is better than your mercy."- Practical Steps to Loving Your Enemies: Get practical, life-changing guidance on how to follow Jesus's command, starting with the simple, powerful act of praying for those who hurt you.

In Week 5 of our Timeline message series, Pastor Dave Mudd dives deep into the destructive nature of pride and the vital importance of submission to God’s will for every believer. Using the compelling and sobering story of King Hezekiah from 2 Kings 20, Pastor Dave shows us how even a great triumph can become a test that leads to spiritual downfall.Hezekiah received a miracle, yet chose to glorify himself instead of the One who healed him. Discover the hidden ways that pride can creep into your life, jeopardize your future, and impact your legacy long after you’re gone. This message is a powerful call to trade the "mirror" of self-focus for the "window" of humility, giving God the credit for every blessing and aligning your plans with His perfect, unwavering will.In this message, you will learn:- The Difference Between Pride and Humility: Understand the biblical definition of pride as the inward belief that your way is better than God’s.- The Generational Cost of Self-Glory: See how Hezekiah's pride created a painful generational sin for his descendants and why your choices today echo tomorrow.- How to Give God the Credit (Not Just Lip Service): Learn why success is always a test and how to genuinely point back to God's goodness in your moments of triumph.- The Posture of Surrender: Why surrendering control to God is not about His need to control you, but His desire to love and utilize you.- Four Practical Ways to Guard Your Heart: Actionable steps to resist pride and live in the strength of humility.

What does it truly mean to have a King? In Week 4 of our Timeline message series, Pastor Dave Mudd dives deep into the heart of the Davidic Covenant from 2 Samuel 7. This message, focused on the theme of Allegiance and Kingship, challenges us to ask: Is Jesus merely your Savior, or is He the Lord and King of your life?Discover how King David’s glorious but broken story ultimately points to the true and better King, Jesus. Learn how we are called to fully detach our worldly allegiance and experience the restoration that comes from having Jesus on the Eternal Throne of our lives. Find out how you can commit to Christian Service by reflecting His grace as you live as a "temporary resident" in this world.Key Takeaways to Help You Live for the King:- Understand the Davidic Covenant: Trace the gospel from creation to David, recognizing the eternal promise God made to restore humanity through one of David’s descendants (Jesus).- Determine Your Allegiance: Examine your heart and actions to ensure your ultimate loyalty is to Jesus, not to worldly desires, goods, or lies, and learn to live as a "foreigner" on mission.- Embrace Your Need for Grace: Understand that David's failures demonstrate that human perfection cannot fulfill God's promises; your brokenness points you back to your need for the true King’s grace.- Reflect the True King Through Service: Discover your role as a "shepherd in your generation"—to lead, serve, and worship with a humble heart, reflecting the King's character in your daily life and in unity with the church.- Move Beyond 'Savior' to 'King': Stop settling for Jesus as only "fire insurance," and invite Him to be the Lord and King over your entire mental, emotional, and relational existence, transforming you completely.

In Week 3 of our Timeline series, Pastor Dave Mudd delivers a compelling message on God's presence and our priestly calling. Drawing from the life of Moses (Exodus 33:11-22), Pastor Dave shows why Moses insisted, "If your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here.” This message highlights the journey from the Tabernacle in the wilderness to the full restoration of God's nearness through Jesus Christ. Learn how you, as a follower of Jesus, are called to be a priestly people who carry the Holy Spirit into the world.Key Takeaways & Timestamps- Understand Your True Calling: Discover why the Old Testament offices of Prophet (Abraham), Priest (Moses), and King (David) are key to understanding the deep longings in your heart and the full story of the Gospel.- Elevate Your Priority: See why Moses' plea for God's presence above all else is a spiritual standard you must adopt, and how settling for "religion without presence" means missing the entire point.- You Are God's Temple: Grasp how Jesus, the "greater Moses," made a way for the Holy Spirit to dwell within you, making you the current-day "temple" for God's glory.

Join Pastor Dave Mudd for Week 2 of our "Timeline" series as he dives deep into Genesis 12. This message explores humanity's spiral into chaos after the Fall (Genesis 3-11), setting the stage for one of the most significant moments in biblical history: God's covenant with Abram [16:12].Discover how God's original purpose for humanity, interrupted by sin, was relaunched through this divine covenant. Pastor Dave reveals the Genesis 12 promise of a family, a land, and a blessing, proving that the Gospel is the ultimate fulfillment of this ancient agreement [18:26]. If you are a young adult seeking spiritual guidance or a member of our community looking for a deeper understanding of the biblical foundation of your faith, this teaching on Restored Purpose is essential.Key Takeaways & Lessons- See the Big Picture: Understand how the entire Old Testament—from the Fall to the Tower of Babel—sets the groundwork for God's redemptive plan through Abraham's promise [11:34].- Claim Your Inheritance: Learn why, in Christ, you are now considered Abraham's heir, inheriting the blessing and being restored to God's original purpose for your life [20:31].- Rethink Your Trust: Discover the profound lesson from Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac—that true faith is centered on the Promise Keeper (God), not just the promise itself [23:08].- Leave a Legacy of Faith: Challenge yourself to leave an "heirloom" of obedience and trust for your children and grandchildren, rather than the "chains" of generational disobedience [27:33].

In the first message of our new "Timeline" series, Pastor Alex Gowler takes us back to the very beginning, exploring the foundational story of creation, humanity's fall, and God's enduring promise. Discover how God's initial good plan was met with a bad decision, and how His unexpected response set the stage for the entire biblical narrative, ultimately pointing to Jesus. This message is essential for anyone seeking to understand the core of the gospel, God's unwavering love, and His continuous work to restore presence, people, and purpose.Key Takeaways:- Understanding God's Original Intent: Explore God's perfect design for humanity to live in His presence, as His people, and for His divine purpose.- The Weight of Our Choices: Learn how humanity's decision to define good and evil for themselves led to a broken relationship with God, division among people, and abandonment of His purpose.- The Inescapable Reality of Sin: Recognize that our own choices often mirror Adam and Eve's, leading to similar consequences and a need for divine intervention.- God's Unwavering Promise: Witness God's incredible grace as He responds to humanity's bad decision not with abandonment, but with an unexpected promise of restoration and a plan to send a redeemer.- The Foundation of the Gospel: Understand that the entire story of the Old Testament builds towards the fulfillment of God's promise to restore what was lost through sin, culminating in the good news of Jesus.

In this week’s message from Pastor Dave Mudd, Week 3 of the "Know | Live | Share - The Gospel" series, we explore the heart of our Christian faith: sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. This message on evangelism will challenge and equip you to move beyond simply knowing the gospel to actively living and sharing it in your everyday life. Discover the joy and purpose that comes from making disciples and fulfilling the Great Commission. If you're ready to grow in your faith and make a real impact for the kingdom, this is a message you don't want to miss.Key Takeaways:    •    The Motivation for Sharing: If you truly love someone, you can't help but talk about them. The same principle applies to our relationship with Jesus. Our love for Him should naturally overflow into conversations about His goodness and grace in our lives.    •    Living a "Sent" Life: The Great Commission isn't just for missionaries in foreign lands. It's a call for every believer to live a "sent" life, sharing the gospel at work, at school, and in our communities. We are all called to be witnesses for Christ wherever we go.    •    Disciples, Not Just Decisions: The goal of sharing our faith isn't just to get people to say a prayer. It's about making disciples – walking with people, teaching them to obey God's commands, and helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus.    •    Overcoming the Obstacles: We can overcome common barriers to sharing our faith like fear, apathy, and a lack of knowledge by relying on the Holy Spirit and remembering that we are not alone in this mission. Jesus is with us, empowering us to be His witnesses.    •    The Power of Your Testimony: You don't need to be a theologian to share the gospel. Simply sharing your personal story of what God has done in your life can be a powerful and transformative tool for reaching others.

This week's message from Pastor Dave Mudd, Week 2 of our "Know | Live | Share - The Gospel" series, challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to faith and embrace a life transformed by the Gospel. Dive into James 2:14-17 with Pastor Dave as he explores the crucial connection between belief and action, urging us to examine if our lives truly reflect what our lips profess. Discover the dangers of "practical atheism" and learn what it means to live out your faith authentically, letting your actions speak louder than your words. This message is a call to profound, real-life change, showing how true belief in Jesus fundamentally alters our behavior, relationships, and priorities.Key Takeaways from This Message:- Action Validates Belief: Understand that faith without corresponding actions is considered "dead and useless", serving as a vital evidence of true belief.- Beware of Practical Atheism: Recognize the subtle but dangerous tendency to live as if God does not exist, even while verbally claiming faith.- Followers, Not Just Fans: Learn that Jesus demands commitment and a transformed lifestyle, not just admiration or theoretical agreement.- Gospel as a Lifestyle: Embrace the truth that the Gospel is not merely a message to believe, but a radical new way of life that changes everything from how you love to how you suffer.- Let Your Life Preach: Be inspired to allow your changed life and actions to be the most compelling evidence of your faith, impacting the world around you.

In this powerful message in Week 1 of our "Know | Live | Share - The Gospel" series, Pastor Dave Mudd delivers a timely and urgent call for Christians to boldly embrace and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In a world struggling with dehumanization and cultural division, this message provides a "kingdom lens" to navigate today's challenges with civility, compassion, and unwavering faith. Discover how to stand firm in the foundational truths of the Gospel and become a credible witness for Christ in every aspect of your life.Key Takeaways:- The Gospel is of First Importance: Learn why the good news of Jesus's death, burial, and resurrection is the foundational truth of our faith that we must continually stand on, live by, and cling to.- Civility and Credibility are Intertwined: Understand the vital connection between treating others with respect and maintaining a credible Christian witness in a polarized world- Viewing the World through Kingdom Eyes: Discover how to shift your perspective from a political lens to a "kingdom lens," addressing cultural issues like racial reconciliation and immigration as kingdom matters.- Combating Dehumanization with Love and Prayer: Hear a passionate call to combat the evil of dehumanization by grieving injustice, praying for both victims and perpetrators, and recognizing the inherent dignity of every person as created in God's image.- Boldness in Evangelism: Be inspired to overcome fear and shame, and embrace the call to boldly share the Gospel, partnering with God to lead others to Christ.

In this powerful Vision Sunday message, Pastor Dave Mudd delivers a passionate call to action for all believers to embrace their role in evangelism and sharing the Gospel of the Kingdom. This message will challenge and inspire you to move beyond a passive faith and actively participate in God's mission of reconciliation. Discover the importance of not just knowing the gospel, but living it out and sharing it with the world around you. If you're ready to be equipped and empowered for spiritual growth and to make an eternal impact, this is a message you don't want to miss.Key Takeaways from This Message:- Embrace Your Identity as an Ambassador for Christ: Understand your vital role in the ministry of reconciliation and what it means to represent Christ to the world.- Discover the Fullness of the Gospel: Learn the distinction between the "gospel of salvation" and the more comprehensive "Gospel of the Kingdom," and how it transforms your discipleship.- Overcome Your Fears of Sharing Your Faith: Receive practical encouragement and a clear framework to help you overcome common obstacles to evangelism, such as fear of rejection and not knowing what to say.- Learn a 3-Step approach to Evangelism: Get equipped with a simple, yet profound strategy to "Know the Gospel," "Live the Gospel," and "Share the Gospel" in your daily life.- The Power of Prayer in Evangelism: Be inspired to start praying for specific people in your life and learn how to partner with God to open doors for gospel conversations.

In this week's special message, Pastor Dave Mudd delivers an inspiring message on the theme of "Kingdom over Everything." Discover how to prioritize God's Kingdom in every area of your life—your time, talents, and treasure—and experience a life of true freedom and purpose. This message will challenge you to shift your perspective from chasing provision to trusting God, transforming your daily life into an act of worship.Key Takeaways:- Kingdom Priorities: Learn why seeking God's Kingdom first is the key to unlocking His provision and living a life free from anxiety (Matthew 6:33).- Beyond the Self: Understand the difference between living for the "kingdom of self" versus the eternal, unshakable Kingdom of God.- Purposeful Living: Discover how prioritizing God's Kingdom can bring eternal impact to your work, relationships, and even your suffering.- The Overflow Effect: Through a powerful visual analogy, see how giving your time, talent, and treasure to God creates an overflow of blessings that impacts others and brings deep fulfillment.- True Freedom: Uncover the deceptive nature of worldly freedom and embrace the true freedom, peace, and purpose that comes from living a life 100% in for the Kingdom.