Celebrating Hope City: A Journey of Faith and Growth

 

Summary

In my sermon today, I reflected on the 10-year anniversary of our church, Hope City, which began on April 6, 2014. I shared the journey of how God planted the seed in my heart to start a church while I was on a morning jog through the cornfields of Las Cruces. Despite my initial hesitations, God reassured me that every corn stalk represented a person we would minister to, and I said yes to His call.

I recounted the story of how the name "Hope City" came to be, inspired by a song that spoke of a city filled with hope in Jesus. The vision was to be a beacon of hope and to share the story of a God that people can know. We wanted to create a church that was a door open wide, bringing compassion, truth, and hope to the community.

I also shared the history of the building we now call home, which has transitioned from Jesus Chapel Northeast to Vineyard and then to Hope City. I spoke about the defining moments, such as when we transitioned from renters to owners, purchasing the building in December 2018, which was a significant step in our stewardship and commitment to the community.

Our church has been marked by various traditions, such as honoring those at Fort Bliss on Memorial Day, wearing orange ties on Father's Day, and celebrating with water baptisms, which is my favorite tradition. We have baptized 362 people since our inception, each representing a unique story of transformation and hope.

I emphasized the importance of honoring the past and those who have contributed to our church's history, as well as the significance of planting seeds for future generations. I shared our vision for the future, Hope City 2.0, which includes expanding our facilities to accommodate growth and enhance our ministries.

As we celebrated our anniversary, we also had a time of spontaneous baptisms, inviting those who had not yet taken this step of faith to come forward. This act of obedience and public declaration of faith is a powerful testament to the work God is doing in our community.

Key Takeaways:

1. The call to start a church was not based on personal readiness but on God's assurance and vision. The image of the cornfield was a powerful reminder that God equips those He calls, and our obedience can lead to a harvest beyond our expectations. ([42:54])

2. The name "Hope City" reflects our core mission to infuse our community with the hope found in Jesus. This vision drives our outreach and shapes the culture of our church, emphasizing that we are not just a gathering place but a beacon of hope for the city. ([45:30])

3. Stewardship is not just about managing resources but about embracing ownership and responsibility. The transition from renting to owning our church building was a pivotal moment that deepened our commitment to our mission and the community we serve. ([59:46])

4. Traditions play a vital role in shaping the identity of our church. From honoring military personnel to celebrating baptisms, these practices create a sense of continuity, community, and shared purpose, reinforcing our values and commitment to the gospel. ([01:10:28])

5. Looking to the future, it's essential to build upon the foundation laid by those who came before us. As we plan for Hope City 2.0, we are mindful of the legacy we are creating for the next generation, ensuring that the seeds we plant today will bear fruit for years to come. ([01:05:24])

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 3:6-8 - "Then Peter said, 'Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.' Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God."
2. Acts 8:36-38 - "As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, 'Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?' And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him."
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the significance of Peter and John’s interaction with the crippled man in Acts 3:6-8?
2. How did the Ethiopian eunuch respond to Philip’s explanation of the scriptures in Acts 8:36-38?
3. What command does Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20?
4. According to the sermon, what was the vision behind the name "Hope City"? [45:30]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Peter and John healing the crippled man in Acts 3:6-8 illustrate the power of Jesus' name and presence? [30:30]
2. What does the Ethiopian eunuch’s immediate desire to be baptized in Acts 8:36-38 tell us about the importance of baptism in the early church?
3. In what ways does the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 align with the mission and vision of Hope City as described in the sermon? [49:34]
4. How does the transition from renting to owning the church building reflect the concept of stewardship and commitment to the community? [59:46]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the story of Peter and John in Acts 3:6-8, how can you use what you have to bless others in your community? What specific actions can you take this week to help someone in need?
2. The Ethiopian eunuch was eager to be baptized as soon as he understood the gospel. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step of faith? If you have been baptized, how can you encourage others to take this step? [01:14:11]
3. Jesus commands us to make disciples and baptize them in Matthew 28:19-20. Who in your life can you share the gospel with this week? How can you be intentional about making disciples in your daily interactions?
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of traditions in shaping the identity of Hope City. What traditions in your own life or church community help reinforce your faith and commitment to the gospel? [01:10:28]
5. The vision for Hope City 2.0 includes expanding facilities to accommodate growth. How can you contribute to the growth and future of your church community, whether through service, giving, or prayer? [01:05:24]
6. The pastor shared a personal story of how God called him to plant Hope City despite his initial hesitations. Have you ever felt God calling you to do something you felt unprepared for? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? [42:54]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of honoring the past and those who have contributed to the church's history. How can you honor those who have impacted your faith journey? What specific actions can you take to show appreciation and respect for their contributions? [01:02:33]

Devotional

Day 1: Obedience Cultivates Divine Harvest
When faced with a divine calling, it's not uncommon to feel unprepared or hesitant. Yet, it is in these moments that faith and obedience intersect, leading to outcomes that surpass human expectations. The image of a cornfield, each stalk representing a person to be reached, is a vivid illustration of how one's willingness to heed God's call can result in a bountiful spiritual harvest. This obedience is not about personal readiness but about trusting in God's assurance and vision. It's a reminder that God equips those He calls, and through their faithfulness, they can impact countless lives.

"Then he said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.'" - Matthew 9:37-38 ESV

Reflection: Recall a time when you felt called to a task that seemed beyond your capabilities. How did you respond, and what was the outcome of your obedience or hesitation? [42:54]

Day 2: Hope as Our Mission's Cornerstone
Hope City was envisioned as more than a place of worship; it was to be a beacon of hope, reflecting the transformative power of Jesus. This mission to infuse hope into the community has shaped the church's outreach and culture, creating an environment where every individual is valued and the message of hope is central. The name "Hope City" itself is a declaration of this mission, a constant reminder that the church exists to bring light into the darkness and offer a message of redemption and grace to all who enter.

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed." - 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 ESV

Reflection: How can you be a beacon of hope in your own community today, and what specific action can you take to reflect the hope of Jesus to someone in need? [45:30]

Day 3: Embracing Stewardship and Ownership
Stewardship extends beyond the mere management of resources; it encompasses a sense of ownership and responsibility. The church's transition from renting to owning its building is symbolic of a deeper commitment to its mission and the community it serves. This pivotal moment signifies a willingness to lay down roots and invest in the future, ensuring that the church remains a steadfast presence in the lives of its congregation and the surrounding area.

"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." - 1 Corinthians 3:9 ESV

Reflection: In what ways are you practicing stewardship in your life, and how can you take a step towards greater ownership and responsibility in your spiritual journey or community involvement? [59:46]

Day 4: The Power of Tradition in Community Identity
Traditions are the threads that weave together the fabric of a community, creating continuity and a shared sense of purpose. In the context of the church, traditions such as honoring military personnel and celebrating baptisms serve as tangible expressions of values and commitment to the gospel. These practices not only honor the past but also reinforce the community's identity, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among its members.

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV

Reflection: What tradition within your spiritual community has significantly impacted you, and how can you contribute to its ongoing practice or introduce a new tradition that embodies your shared values? [01:10:28]

Day 5: Planting Seeds for Future Generations
Looking to the future requires building upon the foundation laid by those who came before. The vision for Hope City 2.0 is not just about expanding facilities but about creating a legacy for future generations. The seeds planted today through ministry, service, and community engagement are investments that will bear fruit for years to come, ensuring that the church's mission continues to thrive and impact lives long after the current members have passed the torch.

"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." - Psalm 145:4 ESV

Reflection: What legacy do you hope to leave for the next generation within your church or community, and what specific action can you take now to start building that legacy? [01:05:24]

Quotes

"And I remember one specific day, I'm jogging down the road and we lived in the South Valley of Las Cruces where there's lots of farmland and acreage. And so, I'm running down the road and to my right and to my left are fields that are growing corn. And I'm running and praying and I feel God speak to me. And he's telling me that he's going to call us in this next season to plant a church." [42:27]( | | )

"And God, very specifically told me as I'm jogging, turn to the right. And as I turn to the right, I see this cornfield and I see all the stalks, corn stalks just growing so tall. And immediately as I saw that picture, as I'm running down the road, God told me, every corn stalk that you see is going to represent a person that you're going to be able to minister to." [42:54]( | | )

"We want to be a door that's open wide. We want to see compassion come to life. We want to carry truth that shines like a beacon in the night. We want to see the city filled with hope. We want to bring peace to troubled souls. We want to tell a story of a God that you can know." [44:57]( | | )

"Imagine a city that's filled with hope. And when I say hope, I'm not talking about hope in hope. I'm talking about hope in Jesus. Imagine a city that's filled with the hope that we find in Jesus. So initially I thought city of hope, church. But as I said that phrase over and over again, city of hope, city of hope, city of hope, I didn't really like how it sounded." [45:30]( | | )

"We went from just being renters to being owners and something spiritual in my heart took place. And I think even in the congregation that we were moving ourselves and becoming better stewards, we were not just renting this place, but now we own this place. It's ours." [59:46]( | | )

"I think the greatest thing, uh, that led to the success of Hope City or contributes to the success of Hope City, uh, looking back these 10 years is this one word. And if we can show that slide, that word is honor. I just felt from the very beginning that there's something, uh, unique." [01:02:33]( | | )

"And our prayer is that us hopesters today would be faithful to the plant the seed today so that the next generation coming up after us receives the harvest of the work that that we're sowing in today. I mean, I'm not going to live forever. So at some point, there will be a new lead pastor of Hope City." [01:03:41]( | | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?