Blessed Hope Chapel Treasure Valley Idaho Sermon Podcast

The God Fearing Believer

When Solomon was taking over the kingdom from his father David, God said to him, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Solomon’s humble plea was met with abundance as God showered him with a wealth of discernment. Throughout Scripture when men and women cry out to God for help He shows up, makes a way, and makes the most inadequate adequate for His work at hand.

As the Apostle Paul brings his final Corinthian letter to a close, we get one last glimpse into the heart of this tender apostle. Over the span of two lengthy letters we’ve seen him open up his life with transparent humility and a heart of reconciliation. Through his prayers, his words of endearment, and his unique ending to this final letter, the Apostle Paul gives us a godly example for all to follow after.

Every believer in Jesus Christ is called to chase after this one thing. Its pursuit is costly and trying, yet it leads to a life of joy and a peace that passes all understanding. In one way we’ve attained it, and yet in another way it’s a lifelong pursuit. The Prophets spoke about it, the Apostles proclaimed it, and Jesus modeled it perfectly for us all. May the Lord help His church to pursue this one thing until the day we all see the Lord.

As the Apostle Paul begins to bring his second letter to the Corinthians to a close, he gives one final plea. He hopes to visit in peace, but by all appearances it looks like he may have to come in judgement. Though he’s admittedly weak, he’s strong in the power and authority in Christ. If the Corinthians will but humble themselves and do a real and necessary examination of their lives, Paul’s hopeful they’ll come to their senses and find a true and lasting relationship with Christ.

Servanthood is at the heart of what it means to be a Christian. Jesus taught this to His disciples and modeled it for us all. In Christ’s church, building up His body is of primary importance. Christ’s servants, who build up His body, and model true repentance are a force to not be reckoned with. May the Lord use His people to do His will and His work in these last days.

The Apostle Paul admitted to the Corinthians he was a fool. They drove him to it and so he confessed it. The man that poured his life into them concedes to the point they had driven home with him. But what he concedes may not be what they had in mind. This self proclaimed foolish spender was actually the one they should have been commending all along.

At the end of the Apostle Paul’s life, he was able to look back at all the high’s and lows, the trials and tribulations, the set backs and breakthroughs and say the words, “I Have Fought The Good Fight.”

By God’s Spirit and through His power we’ll be able to echo the same words. The struggle is not always easy but it’s always worth it in honor of our King.

Taking care of our hearts is vitally important. Eating healthy, exercise, and getting good sleep can help combat the epidemic of heart disease. Yet even more important than this is caring for our spiritual hearts. The heart is the seat of our soul and mind, of our thoughts and affections, and must be continually submitted over to the Lordship of Christ. In the battlefield of life, by God’s abundant grace, we can find victory and maintain healthy hearts that thrive through obedience to God

The Apostle Paul was pressed into a corner by the Corinthians and their false teachers. What he responds with is nothing short of a masterclass on the credentials of a true Apostle of Christ. What Paul didn’t want to do, has led to an example of transparency and humility for all generations of believers to follow after.

Throughout almost every New Testament book the authors warn about spiritual deception. As the truth marches forward the enemy is lurking in the shadows ready to make his move. In his second letter to the Corinthians the Apostle Paul gives us insight into the deceivers who were leading the early Christians astray, and what their end would be when all was said and done.

Lessons from Israel of old and from the Plymouth Pilgrims help us to live out our Christian lives in 21st century America. With all the blessings we have from God and all the freedoms bestowed by Him may God help His people remain humble and grateful before Him..

The Corinthian church found themselves in a bit of a conundrum. They were giving an ear to false teachers and closing themselves off to the Apostle Paul. They began to drift more and more from the truth of Christ. Through love, logic, and reason Paul attempts to bring them back to reality. He painstakingly labors to show them the great contrast of a minister of the true gospel and a minister who peddles the word of God for selfish gain.

Throughout Scripture God reveals Himself in many ways. He’s Lord, King, Shepherd, Savior, Redeemer, and Father. In a nation with a fatherless epidemic, more than ever our nation needs to return to God the Father through Jesus our Lord. May God bless the faithful fathers who sacrifice everyday for their families, and May He raise up more dad’s who are willing to humble themselves and follow the will of our Father in heaven.

In the book of Malachi, the prophet tells of another prophet who is coming before the great and terrible day of the Lord. Looking through the Old and New Testament texts regarding this prophet we see clues connecting his end times ministry with his role of turning hearts back to God before Christ’s coming with power and great glory.

The Gospel of Matthew presents events in the life of Jesus that find rich typologies in the Old Testament. From His birth to baptism and subsequent wilderness trial, the backdrop of the Israelite history and the forefathers of old sets the stage for Jesus’ life and what’s unveiled in the New Testament.

A phrase found throughout the Old Testament “Yom Yahweh” is translated The Day Of The Lord. The prophets pointed to this final Day when the Lord would come with glory, judgement, and power. For believers in Christ it’s a day of comfort and joy, but for those who don’t know God it’s a day of gloom and distress. What began with the prophetic witness of old, is repeated throughout the New Testament and into the book of Revelation. The testimony of Scripture is this—the Day Of The Lord is coming so be ready and believe in the gospe...

Memorial Day serves as a time to remember those who have sacrificed much for our nation and given their lives for others. Many noble and honorable men and women have done valiant things during times of war. These accounts point us to something far greater. They lead us to a large furnished upper room in 1st century Jerusalem where Jesus institutes a new memorial to be celebrated throughout all generations.

Living in what's known as the Information Age can be a challenging thing. We're inundated on a daily basis with a surplus of news and information which no other generation has known. Wisdom and encouragement from Paul's second letter to the Corinthians motivates us to never stray from the simple devotion of following Jesus Christ.

The Proverbs 31 woman is a woman held up as the gold standard for all faithful women to follow. She’s industrious, diligent, strong, and yet humble and meek. Wisdom undergirds all she does, and peace is the fruit of her labors. What defines her most is her reverence for God. He is highest in her heart and His glory is her ultimate goal. The Proverbs 31 woman is an example for all, and those who emulate her will be women worthy of praise.

Throughout the Old Testament God over and over again confirms His love for Israel. Isaiah 41:10 states, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Though Israel disobeyed and spurned on God’s wrath, God promised them a future and a hope for salvation. Through God’s steadfast love for Israel, all who put their faith in Christ can say with confidence, “God is with us.”

It’s been said, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong; it is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” In a world with deception all around us, fixing our eyes on Christ and holding fast to His word continues to be the antidote for victory. Lessons learned from the Corinthian church help us to be jealous for God, jealous for purity, and on guard with deception all around us.

A minister of old once said, “Grace puts its hand on the boasting mouth, and shuts it once and for all.” The more we understand the grace of Christ the more humble and contrite we become before Him. As the Apostle Paul was dealing with a church entertaining false teachers caught up in pride, he dealt with the topic head on. Though they commended themselves, praised themselves, and measured themselves with themselves, Paul would have not of it. He would not allow his ministry to be discredited and found his approval and praise from the audience of One.

After urging the Corinthians extensively on the topic of giving, the Apostle Paul abruptly changes course to a different matter. In 2 Corinthians Ch. 10 Paul turns the churches attention to the theme of apostolic authority. As his position in the body of Christ was being undermined, Paul felt the need to address it head on. In the last four chapters of his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle outlines directly who he is, what God has called him to, and what he expects from the people he loves so dearly.

Throughout the Scriptures we find typologies, metaphors, prophesies, and symbolism foreshadowing and pointing to the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ. Isaiah 46:10 states, “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” God’s purpose in raising up His Son on the third day came to pass just as Jesus said it would. We have a blessed hope and an inexpressible joy because our redeemer lives!

In his last hurrah on giving, the Apostle Paul urges the Corinthians one last time on the importance of selflessness and generosity. He wants the congregation to know that giving like Christ blesses God, will bless them, will bless the saints in Jerusalem, and will be a blessing to the entire body of Christ. The Apostle concludes by teaching that hearts that are open to God will be filled with all grace and sufficiency needed for life and godliness. The truly prosperous life is one poured out to Christ with a heart of cheerfulness for what He’s done fo...

The ultimate gift of God’s grace is the person and work of Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians Ch. 8 Paul builds upon this truth as he urges the Corinthian church to participate in Christ’s glorious grace. As he brings the chapter to a close, Paul introduces several invaluable gifts of grace that were instrumental in his service unto the Lord.

Lawlessness Increasing and Love Growing Cold

Matthew 24:3-14

As the Apostle Paul continued to rally the troops to raise support for the saints in Jerusalem, he let the Corinthians know it was to their advantage. Paul’s heart was to communicate to them that blessing others brings a great return on investment. It’s a return of joy, peace, and fulfillment in Christ that money can’t buy.

Colossians 2:1-7

Prior to the downfall of ancient Jerusalem, the Lord raised up a young king who brought reformation and momentary peace. He recovered the Word of God, and returned the people to God’s commandments. In these last days, the Lord is calling on the church to return to His Word and have a holy reverence for Him.

It was Francis Havergal who once sang the lines, “Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee. Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise.” The consecrated life is one that is holy and set apart to God. A life that is wholly dependent on Him and being led by His Spirit. In Romans 12:1 the Apostle Paul exhorts the church to lay everything on the altar for the sake of Christ. C.T. Studd summed it up well when he said, “If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrif...

The Apostle Peter learned a lot during his ministry with Jesus. The Lord was patient with him yet firm when he failed. Prior to Jesus ascending to heaven he restored Peter with the words, “Shepherd my sheep…feed my lambs.” Peter’s shepherding heart shows forth in 1st Peter where he encourages the church to stay strong, be holy, and above all look to the Chief Shepherd who is the guardian and sustainer of our souls.

Evangelizing and Sharing The Gospel, Philippians 1:27

It was John Flavel who once said, “No doctrine is more excellent, or necessary to be preached and studied, than Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.” The path of freedom begins and ends with the cross of Christ. In Galatians 2:20 the Apostle Paul sums it up best, “I’ve been crucified with Christ, it’s no longer I who live but Christ lives in me..” The Christian life, lived out by the power of the Holy Spirit within us, leads us to bear much fruit and live in freedom all our days.

As many are compiling New Year’s Resolutions, we as Christians should be more resolute than ever to live out Christ’s calling upon our lives. It all begins with an acknowledgement that apart from Him we can do nothing, yet also realizing that through Him we can do all things through Him who gives us strength. When we keep our eyes on Jesus and stay humble before Him the sky is the limit with what the Lord can do in and through His people!

It’s been said that the Gospel is “So simple a child can understand, and so profound that studies by the wisest theologians will never exhaust its riches.” With the vast depth of Scripture to ponder over at the end of 2025, it’s good to be reminded of this simple teaching—God’s people, filled with God’s Spirit, doing God’s work, unto God’s glory is the marching orders the church has been given until the King returns. A church empowered by the Spirit of God, is a church strong and secure, filled with the love, joy, and peace of God.<

The amount of energy the sun produces in one second is nearly a million times more energy than humanity uses in an entire year. It’s this magnificent power that lights up the world day after day to sustain life on earth. The sun, which is a picture of the Son of God, is a metaphor for the spiritual power and light that radiates from our Lord Jesus Christ. Though many around Him refused to believe and receive the light, nevertheless, the promise of Scripture remains true—light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not and will not...

At one time or another every Christian will find themselves in spiritual “depths”. It’s the place where we feel overwhelmed and hemmed in by the circumstances of life. Throughout the Psalms the writers encourage us, and give us examples of what a weary soul is to do in such conditions—cry out to God from the depths of our soul and drive out the darkness with the glorious light of His Word.

The Corinthian church was left with a decision. Would they submit to the Lord or continue down the arrogant path they were on. The Apostle Paul dropped a heavy letter on them, and their response, coupled with holy reverence led Paul’s soul to be refreshed in the midst of all his afflictions.