What did Jesus really mean when He said "On this rock I will build my church"?

In the final message of our Vision Series, Pastor Randy challenges two traditional interpretations and introduces a third that transforms this familiar passage into a battle cry.

Matthew 16:13-20 takes place at Caesarea Philippi, at the foothills of Mount Hermon, a location ancient Jews believed was where Genesis 6 occurred, where fallen angels descended to corrupt humanity. Greek mythology taught that natural springs there were the literal "gates of hell" leading to Hades. This was the center of evil in their world.

And Jesus said: This is where I'll build my church.

The church goes where it's hardest. Always has. From the Black Plague to Nazi Germany, from the slums of Calcutta to closed nations today, the church invades Satan's kingdom at its darkest points. The gates of hell cannot prevail.

This message asks: Where is YOUR Mount Hermon? Where is it hardest for you? That's where you start. That's where it begins.

WHEN: Now
WHERE: The hardest place
WHO: You

What are you waiting for?

Visit becomehope.com to learn more about New Hope Church.

Why does New Hope emphasize small groups so much? And if small groups are where discipleship truly happens, what's the point of Sunday morning services? In this message from our Vision Series, Pastor Randy answers these questions by going back to the early church in Acts.

KEY POINTS:

The early church had BOTH corporate meetings and house gatherings

Why we meet on Sundays

Three purposes of corporate worship from Hebrews 10

Our vision for teaching: Biblical, checkable, transformative

Our vision for outreach: Being the best church FOR the community

Our vision for encouragement: Get involved, don't just attend

The story of why one family chose New Hope

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

Acts 2:46-47

Hebrews 10:19-25

2 Timothy 3:16-17

John 16:33

Whether you're new to New Hope or have been here for years, this message clarifies why we do what we do and invites you to get involved in both small groups AND Sunday gatherings.

🔔 Subscribe for weekly sermons from New Hope Church

👍 Like if you believe in both small groups and corporate worship

💬 Comment: Are you part of a small group? If not, what's holding you back?

COMPANION PODCASTS:

Daily Devotional: "Let's Find Out Together"

Apologetics: "Salty Saints"

Visit: becomehope.com

Location: South side of Indianapolis

#NewHopeChurch #ChurchVision #SmallGroups #CorporateWorship #SundayMorning #ChurchCommunity #Acts2 #Hebrews10 #BiblicalChurch #ChurchPurpose

Showing up on Sunday isn't enough. The early church devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, DAILY. Pastor Zack challenges us: Are you living half the Christian life? Why small groups aren't optional. Acts 2:42-47, Ephesians 2:1-10.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Introduction: DONE Series Returns

1:00 What Is Church Really About?

3:00 Bad Theology Leads to a Contorted Gospel

5:00 Ephesians 2:1-10 - You Were Dead, Now Alive

8:00 The Church Is the Portrait of Christ Restoring Creation

9:00 Acts 2:42-47 - The Early Church Model

11:00 Is This What Church Looks Like Today?

12:00 What Does "Devote" Mean?

14:00 You're Living Half the Christian Walk

16:00 Every Pastor Struggles With Small Groups

17:00 Sunday Is the Golf Game - Small Groups Are the Range

18:00 James 5:16 - Confess Your Sins to Each Other

19:00 Hebrews 3:12-13 - Encourage One Another Daily

20:00 Romans 15:14 - Instruct One Another

21:00 How Many Are Stuck in the Same Sin Forever?

23:00 1 Corinthians 14:26 - Each of You Has Something

24:00 Sunday Morning vs Small Group Gatherings

25:00 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 - Many Parts, One Body

26:00 What Goes Wrong With Small Groups

28:00 Talk to Each Other Daily - Don't Condense It

29:00 Don't Just Watch DVDs - Read the BIBLE Together

31:00 Check What Pastors Say Against Scripture

32:00 The Holy Spirit Will Teach You All Things

33:00 Simple Communities - No Single Teacher

35:00 Jesus' Model: 70, 12, and 3

36:00 Do You Have Accountability?

37:00 My Friend Luke and the Gym Accountability

38:00 My Friend Mike and the Diet Accountability

40:00 Communion

42:00 Closing Prayer

WHERE IS YOUR FOCUS?

What you look at is what you believe. Just like the Israelites looked at the bronze serpent to live, we must fix our eyes on Jesus, the One lifted up for us.

But what's distracting you? Your phone? Your hobbies? Your worries?

Pastor Zack challenges us to cut out the distractions and start 2026 with our eyes on Jesus.

📖 Numbers 21, John 3, Matthew 6, Colossians 3

👉 WATCH NOW and take the challenge: What needs to go in your life so you can see Jesus clearly?

#DistractionsFromGod #Matthew6 #Colossians3 #SetYourMinds #SeeJesus #NewYearFocus #ChristianLiving #SurrenderAll #CutOutDistractions #HealthyEyes #SingleFocus #SeekFirstTheKingdom #DontWorry #TrustGod #2026Challenge

✨ THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS YOU SEE EVERYWHERE

From Martin Luther's candles to modern LED strings, Christmas lights have always represented the Star of Bethlehem.

In this message, Pastor Randy unpacks:
- Who were the Wise Men (and why they matter)
- What the Star of Bethlehem really was
- Why Jesus calls Himself "the bright morning star"
- How YOU are called to be a light pointing to Jesus

Jesus said: "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

This Christmas, don't just hang lights. BE a light.

📖 Matthew 2:1-12, Matthew 5:14-16, Revelation 22:16

#ChristmasLights #StarOfBethlehem #SymbolsOfChristmas #LetYourLightShine #NewHopeChurch

THE ANGEL ON YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE

We see it every year, an angel sitting on top of the Christmas tree. But have you ever stopped to ask WHY?

In this powerful, Pastor Zack unpacks:
- What angels REALLY look like (not what pop culture says)
- Why Mary and the shepherds were terrified
- The gospel message angels announced
- What Christmas bells actually symbolize
- YOUR role as God's messenger today

These aren't just decorations. They're powerful symbols that should remind you of:
- God's protection and presence
- The birth of the Savior
- Your calling to share the gospel

This Christmas, slow down. Reflect. Remember what these symbols truly mean.

Scripture: Luke 1:26-38, Luke 2:8-15
Series: Symbols of Christmas (Week 2)

#ChristmasAngels #SymbolsOfChristmas #AdventSeries #NewHopeChurch

THE CHRISTMAS TREE: More Than Just a Tradition

Is the Christmas tree a pagan symbol? Should Christians avoid it?

In this powerful Advent message, Pastor Randy reveals the surprising Christian origins of the Christmas tree tradition, and its deep biblical meaning that most people have forgotten.

📖 IN THIS MESSAGE:
- The true origin of Christmas trees
- How Martin Luther brought trees into Christian homes
- The connection between the Tree of Life and the cross
- Why early Christians called it "The Christ Tree"
- The powerful parallel between Isaac's sacrifice and Jesus
- What your Christmas tree should remind you of this season

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:
Genesis 2:9 - The Tree of Life in Eden
Genesis 22 - Abraham and Isaac on Mount Moriah
Acts 5:30 - Jesus died on a "tree"
Revelation 22:2 - The Tree of Life restored

Whether you already have your tree up or you're just getting started, this message will change how you see this cherished tradition forever.

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - Introduction: Christmas Traditions
3:45 - The Origin of the Christmas Tree
11:30 - The Tree of Life in Eden
17:00 - Trees as Symbols of Judgment
19:00 - Abraham's Sacrifice of Isaac
26:00 - Jesus: The Ultimate Sacrifice
28:00 - What Your Christmas Tree Should Mean

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DISCUSSION QUESTION: What traditions in your family have lost their original meaning? Share in the comments!

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CONNECT WITH NEW HOPE CHURCH:
🌐 Website: becomehope.com
📧 Questions: questions@becomehope.com
🎧 Daily Devotional Podcast: "Let's Find Out Together"
🧂 Apologetics Podcast: "Salty Saints"

📍 Located on the south side of Indianapolis
Come visit us this Sunday!

#ChristmasTree #AdventSeries #ChristianLiving #BiblicalTruth #ChristmasTraditions #IndianapolisChurch #IndyChurch #SouthsideIndy #IndianaChristian #IndyFaith

Discover the profound truth about gratitude that most people miss this Thanksgiving. This powerful sermon unpacks a biblical perspective on thankfulness that goes beyond being grateful for blessings. Through the story of Jesus and the 72 disciples, learn why true thanksgiving starts with humility, not accomplishments. This eye-opening message challenges cultural Christianity and reveals how pride can creep into our faith without us realizing it. If you've ever wondered about the difference between religion and relationship with Christ, this sermon will transform your understanding of what it means to be truly thankful. Perfect for anyone seeking deeper faith, questioning their salvation, or wanting to celebrate Thanksgiving with eternal perspective.