Mount Hope | Belmont Campus

Throughout life we find ourselves in many different situations. Within those circumstances, we think we know our reaction or at least how we should respond. However, it isn't always that simple. Sometimes who we think we are doesn't match up to who we actually are. For the past couple weeks we have taken a look into the book of Luke and have learned how particular groups of people saw Jesus and what happened when they didn't truly see Him. This week, we take a look at another person who was very close to Jesus and yet had to walk a difficult road of sifting in order to see who Jesus truly was.

Throughout life we find ourselves in many different situations. Within those circumstances, we think we know our reaction or at least how we should respond. However, it isn't always that simple. Sometimes who we think we are doesn't match up to who we actually are. For the past couple weeks we have taken a look into the book of Luke and have learned how particular groups of people saw Jesus and what happened when they didn't truly see Him. This week, we take a look at another person who was very close to Jesus and yet had to walk a difficult road of sifting in order to see who Jesus truly was.

Sermons given at Mount Hope Church's campus in Belmont, MA

Have you ever looked back at life and wondered how you missed it? The "It" could be a relationship, or a financial decision, a career choice, or something that where you wish you had made a different choice. We all miss things that are in front of us at times. Some are inconsequential but others are life altering. In our new series, we take a look at some people who missed it and some who did not. In this sermon we look at why the religious leaders in Jesus' time completely missed out on Jesus' work.

We all know men and women who are well respected in their communities and have accomplished much. Some of them within the church world and some outside. But what happens when we hear of the failures they've had in their behavior or in their character? We are broken when we hear that they were living a double life, presenting themselves as respectable and accomplished when in reality they misused their influence and the trust placed in them. How did they get there? While most of them did not start that way, but along the way their hidden actions led them away. How do we avoid doing what they did and make the mistakes they made? Join us as we look at Jesus' final temptation.

We all enjoy some good shortcuts. Whether it's on the road, or at work, or at home, we enjoy the shortcuts that help us save time. However while shortcuts claim immediate gain in the short term, sometimes, these can be harmful and may create more work than we originally thought. In our lives as Christ followers, we are not immune from the effect of a bad shortcut. Join us as we consider how we can discern what's in front of us and how we may handle such a moment.

We jump back into the Book of Luke as we explore the Gospel and how it speaks into our culture and the challenges we face today. In this series we explore the temptations that Jesus faced. Scripture reminds us that as He faced them, He never gave in. How do you and I follow His example and stand in the face of temptations as well? Join us for our newest Sermon series.

We jump back into the Book of Luke as we explore the Gospel and how it speaks into our culture and the challenges we face today. In this first sermon of the series, we explore the theme of repentance and what it really means and how we live it out in our daily lives.

One way to solve a dilemma or when you are between a rock and a hard place is to look for the third way. There are times in our life when we have two options in front of us and neither of them looks appealing, in times like that we think there has got to be another option. When we see the contemporary issues around our day, we may sometimes feel like we have to either be compassionate or compromise our biblical values and truth. But is there a better way? Join us as we examine how we may live compassionately without compromising our values.

In our day to day, we can often know when we are on the right track. There are many tools that help us measure our progress or our lack thereof. "There's an app for that." is most certainly a true statement in our society. But what are those key indicators that do show us when we are on the right track? And more importantly, what are those key indicators in our spiritual walk? How can we measure being on the right path in our walk with Christ? Over the past few weeks, we have taken a hard look at some foundational truths that are vital in the life of every Christ follower. This week we take a look at another important foundational truth and how living it out each day is evidence that we are carrying out God's mission.

While events and circumstances around us may seem chaotic and disheartening, we are often left questioning how we ought to respond. Scripture reminds us that our primary response ought to be prayer. Join us as we look closely at the role of prayer in the life of a Christ-follower.

With 2020 in the rearview mirror, we look forward to what 2021 will bring us. As we start this year, we will take some time to consider the foundations of our Christian life this year. Join us this week as we examine our relationship with God's word.

What is your greatest need? As we come to the Christmas season, we often think about the things we want and need. But if we're honest with ourselves, none of these address our greatest need. God sent His Son to this earth to address a need that we all have. Join us as we explore what this need is and how God resolves it.

Have you ever gone online to a website or an app to do something useful - Reserve a table, research information, or check something for work? But one link comes another and 30 minutes or an hour passes and you could not remember why you picked up your phone in the first place? Whenever this happens to us, it is a reminder that technology can either be used as a tool to experience long-term joy or it is something that uses us and replaces long-term joy with short-term pleasure. Jesus says that to follow Him, we must be willing to invest our lives in following him. If we say we want to follow Jesus and then spend our time doing things that do not draw us closer to Him, aren't we putting short-term pleasures in front of Him? How then should we change to spend our time wisely and efficiently?

While technology does a wonderful job of connecting us to those around us, it unfortunately allows us to stay disconnected from each other as well. In other words, technology helps us connect with those who have similar interests and worldviews as our own. This ability enables us to filter out ideas and views that differ from our own and as an extension, the people that have those ideas and views. As Christ followers, how does this line up with the way God calls us to live? Does this function of technology align or contradict the values of Scripture?

All of us are designed to be in relationship with each other. This is what makes us human. However, as digital technology and communication advances there is less and less need and opportunity to interact with people in person. We have the ability to hide those parts we don’t want seen by other people like never before. Therefore more people know less about us and we aren't really known to anyone. In such a world how do you and I maintain the relationships that are mandated by Scripture?

All of us are designed to be in relationship with each other. This is what makes us human. However, as digital technology and communication advances there is less and less need and opportunity to interact with people in person. We have the ability to hide those parts we don’t want seen by other people like never before. Therefore more people know less about us and we aren't really known to anyone. In such a world how do you and I maintain the relationships that are mandated by Scripture?

It's no secret that our world runs on technology. In some way, shape or form we are all involved in the digital world. Whether it be for work, school or to keep in touch with loved ones far away, we all depend on technology in our lives. This year in particular, we may feel this more than ever before! Technology certainly has its place. But what about when it is out of place? What about when it begins to control us instead of us controlling it? Of course, you won't find the word "iphone" or "technology" in the Bible but God's Word does have principals regarding what we let have control over our lives. In the times we are living, we may be tempted to want to be in the know of the latest news which puts us interacting with technology even more. But what if we put God's principles into place and put technology in its proper place? How could our lives look different? Join in and listen as we begin a new sermon series, "Digitally Remastered."

Sometimes when we look around our community and our world, we may find it difficult to believe that we can be a part of God's work to draw others to Him. But despite how difficult it may seem, God, through His Word, calls each and every one of us to be a part of His work. This week Sarah Malcolm, one of our GO Partners, challenges us to be engage in God's mission of spreading His gospel to the world. Sarah reminds us that God's mission matters in our world. And though it may feel much bigger than us at times, with small acts and intentionality we can make a big difference for His Kingdom.

At Mount Hope, what excites us most is to see people responding to Jesus, locally and globally. This last year was an eventful year for all of us, especially our Global Outreach Partners. While everything seems to have sutdown with the spread of COVID-19, the work of our Partners kept growing stronger. Join us as we celebrate with them and hear their stories.