Redemption Hill Church Sermons

Daniel 3:12–30 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in furious rage commanded that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, to fall down and worship the image that I have made, well and good. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. 22 Because the king's order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.” 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the door of the burning fiery furnace; he declared, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out from the fire. 27 And the satraps, the prefects, the governors, and the king's counselors gathered together and saw that the fire had not had any power over the bodies of those men. The hair of their heads was not singed, their cloaks were not harmed, and no smell of fire had come upon them. 28 Nebuchadnezzar answered and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and delivered his servants, who trusted in him, and set aside the king's command, and yielded up their bodies rather than serve and worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I make a decree: Any people, nation, or language that speaks anything against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego shall be torn limb from limb, and their houses laid in ruins, for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way.” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon. Redemption Hill Church San Antonio, Texas http://www.redemption-hill.com/

Daniel 3:1-12

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its breadth six cubits.  He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.  Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent to gather the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Then the satraps, the prefects, and the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the justices, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. And the herald proclaimed aloud, “You are commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that when you hear the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, you are to fall down and worship the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall immediately be cast into a burning fiery furnace.” Therefore, as soon as all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, all the peoples, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. They declared to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! You, O king, have made a decree, that every man who hears the sound of the horn, pipe, lyre, trigon, harp, bagpipe, and every kind of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into a burning fiery furnace. There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Daniel 2:25-49

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗞𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝑫𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒍 2:1-24 One night during the second year of his reign,[a] Nebuchadnezzar had such disturbing dreams that he couldn’t sleep. 2 He called in his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers,[b] and he demanded that they tell him what he had dreamed. As they stood before the king, 3 he said, “I have had a dream that deeply troubles me, and I must know what it means.” 4 Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic,[c] “Long live the king! Tell us the dream, and we will tell you what it means.” 5 But the king said to the astrologers, “I am serious about this. If you don’t tell me what my dream was and what it means, you will be torn limb from limb, and your houses will be turned into heaps of rubble! 6 But if you tell me what I dreamed and what the dream means, I will give you many wonderful gifts and honors. Just tell me the dream and what it means!” 7 They said again, “Please, Your Majesty. Tell us the dream, and we will tell you what it means.” 8 The king replied, “I know what you are doing! You’re stalling for time because you know I am serious when I say, 9 ‘If you don’t tell me the dream, you are doomed.’ So you have conspired to tell me lies, hoping I will change my mind. But tell me the dream, and then I’ll know that you can tell me what it means.” 10 The astrologers replied to the king, “No one on earth can tell the king his dream! And no king, however great and powerful, has ever asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or astrologer! 11 The king’s demand is impossible. No one except the gods can tell you your dream, and they do not live here among people.” 12 The king was furious when he heard this, and he ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be executed. 13 And because of the king’s decree, men were sent to find and kill Daniel and his friends. 14 When Arioch, the commander of the king’s guard, came to kill them, Daniel handled the situation with wisdom and discretion. 15 He asked Arioch, “Why has the king issued such a harsh decree?” So Arioch told him all that had happened. 16 Daniel went at once to see the king and requested more time to tell the king what the dream meant. 17 Then Daniel went home and told his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah what had happened. 18 He urged them to ask the God of heaven to show them his mercy by telling them the secret, so they would not be executed along with the other wise men of Babylon. 19 That night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven. 20 He said, “Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. 21 He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars. 22 He reveals deep and mysterious things and knows what lies hidden in darkness, though he is surrounded by light. 23 I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors, for you have given me wisdom and strength. You have told me what we asked of you and revealed to us what the king demanded.” 24 Then Daniel went in to see Arioch, whom the king had ordered to execute the wise men of Babylon. Daniel said to him, “Don’t kill the wise men. Take me to the king, and I will tell him the meaning of his dream.” Redemption Hill Church San Antonio, Texas http://www.redemption-hill.com/

Sermon: Jon Herrera
Daniel: The Church in Exile - Week 2
Daniel 1:8-21 "Remaining Faithful"

[8] But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. [9] And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs, [10] and the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who assigned your food and your drink; for why should he see that you were in worse condition than the youths who are of your own age? So you would endanger my head with the king.” [11] Then Daniel said to the steward whom the chief of the eunuchs had assigned over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, [12] “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink. [13] Then let our appearance and the appearance of the youths who eat the king's food be observed by you, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” [14] So he listened to them in this matter, and tested them for ten days. [15] At the end of ten days it was seen that they were better in appearance and fatter in flesh than all the youths who ate the king's food. [16] So the steward took away their food and the wine they were to drink, and gave them vegetables.

[17] As for these four youths, God gave them learning and skill in all literature and wisdom, and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. [18] At the end of the time, when the king had commanded that they should be brought in, the chief of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. [19] And the king spoke with them, and among all of them none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore they stood before the king. [20] And in every matter of wisdom and understanding about which the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters that were in all his kingdom. [21] And Daniel was there until the first year of King Cyrus. 

Introduction to Daniel - The Church in Exile - Week 1 Sermon: Mike Hooper Daniel: The Church in Exile - Week 1 Daniel 1:1-7 "Introduction" [1] In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. [2] And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with some of the vessels of the house of God. And he brought them to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god, and placed the vessels in the treasury of his god. [3] Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility, [4] youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. [5] The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. [6] Among these were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah of the tribe of Judah. [7] And the chief of the eunuchs gave them names: Daniel he called Belteshazzar, Hananiah he called Shadrach, Mishael he called Meshach, and Azariah he called Abednego. (ESV) #daniel #thechurch #exile #sanantonio #Texas #localchurch #reformed Redemption Hill Church San Antonio, Texas http://www.redemption-hill.com/

Sermon: Joel Allardyce
Ekklesia - Week 6
Matthew 18:10-20 "Loving Church Discipline"

[10] “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. 

[12] “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? [13] And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. [14] In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

[15] “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. [16] But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ [17] If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

[18] “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

[19] “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. [20] For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” 

Sermon: Jon Herrera
Ekklesia - Week 5
Romans 12:9-21 "Marks of a Christian"

[9] Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. [10] Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. [11] Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. [12] Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. [13] Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

[14] Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. [16] Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. [17] Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. [18] If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. [19] Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” [20] To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” [21] Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (ESV)

𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 - 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝟐 Sermon: Mike Hooper Ekklesia - Week 4 Ephesians 4:1-16 [1] 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [7] But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. [8] Therefore it says, “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men.” [9] (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? [10] He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) [11] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, [14] so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. [15] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (ESV) Redemption Hill Church San Antonio, Texas http://www.redemption-hill.com/

Sermon: Mike Hooper
Ekklesia - Week 3
Ephesians 4:1-16 Building Up the Body of Christ - Part 1

[1] 1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, [2] with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, [3] eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [7] But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. [8] Therefore it says,

          “When he ascended on high he led a host of captives,
             and he gave gifts to men.”

[9] (In saying, “He ascended,” what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth? [10] He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.) [11] And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, [12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, [14] so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. [15] Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, [16] from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. 

The Ministry of Reconciliation Sermon: Jon Herrera Epiphany 2024 - Week 4 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 [11] Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. [12] We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. [13] For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. [14] For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; [15] and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. [16] From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. [18] All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. [20] Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. [21] For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (ESV) #localchurch #reformed #texas #sanantonio #reconciliation #thechurch #2corinthians Redemption Hill Church San Antonio, Texas http://www.redemption-hill.com/

Sermon: Mike Hooper Epiphany 2024 - Week 3 Hebrews 13:15-19 "The Importance of Church Membership" January 21, 2023 [15] Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. [16] Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. [17] Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. [18] Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. [19] I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner. (ESV) Redemption Hill Church San Antonio, Texas http://www.redemption-hill.com/

Sermon: Mike Hooper Epiphany 2024 - Week 2 1 Corinthians 6:9-20 "So Glorify God in Your Body"

[9] Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, [10] nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. [11] And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. [12] “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything. [13] “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. [14] And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. [15] Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! [16] Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” [17] But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. [18] Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. [19] Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. Redemption Hill Church San Antonio, Texas http://www.redemption-hill.com/

#localchurch #reformed #texas #sanantonio #epiphany

"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝" - 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝟏:𝟕-𝟏𝟏 Sermon: Mike Hooper Epiphany 2024 - Week 1 7 John announced: “Someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to stoop down like a slave and untie the straps of his sandals. 8 I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit!” 9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.” Redemption Hill Church San Antonio, Texas http://www.redemption-hill.com/

Christmas Homily: Mike Hooper Galations 3:23-25, 4:4-7 [23] Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. [24] So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. [25] But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, [4:4] But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, [5] to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. [6] And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” [7] So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God. (ESV)

Sermon: Mike Hooper Advent 2023 - Week 4 Luke 1:26-38 "LOVE" [26] In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, [27] to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. [28] And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” [29] But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. [30] And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. [31] And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. [32] He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, [33] and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” [34] And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” [35] And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. [36] And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. [37] For nothing will be impossible with God.” [38] And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. (ESV) Redemption Hill Church San Antonio, Texas http://www.redemption-hill.com/

Sermon: Mike Hooper
Advent 2023 - Week 3
John 1:6-8, 19-28 "JOY"

Sermon: Guest Speaker, Joel Allardyce

Advent 2023 - Week 2

Ephesians 2:11-22 "PEACE"

#advent #christmas #localchurch #reformed #texas #sanantonio #peace

Sermon: Mike Hooper Advent 2023 - Week 1 Mark 13:24-37 "HOPE"

Sermon: Guest Speaker, Jon Herrera Semper Reformanda - Week 5 John 10:1-18 "Perseverance of the Saints"

Sermon: Guest Speaker, Joel Allardyce
Semper Reformanda: Foundations of Reformation
Week 4 - Romans 8:26-30 "Irresistible Grace"

God designed the work of redemption to provide salvation for His elect, and this work was for His Son (Jesus) to die for His chosen people by laying down his life for those His Father has given to Him.

Sermon: Mike Hooper

Semper Reformanda: Foundations of Reformation - Week 3

John 6:25-71 "Limited Atonement"

Before the creation of the world, God predestined His people to receive salvation. Some receive His justice, some receive His mercy, and no one receives injustice. We trust, and we rest in the knowledge that God is sovereign. Sermon: Jon Herrera, Guest Speaker Semper Reformada: Foundations of Reformation - Week 2 Romans 9:6-24 "Unconditional Election" #doctrineofgrace #reformed #reformation #unconditionalelection #localchurch #sanantonio

We are totally depraved, being children of wrath without the ability to turn from our sinful nature. Paul writes in Ephesians 2:1–10 that we have nothing within our power to save ourselves, but it is only by God's mercy and grace that we are saved. Redemption Hill Church San Antonio, Texas http://www.redemption-hill.com/

Closing out our series in Mark, we take a closer look at the extended ending of Marks's gospel. Within this expanded conclusion, we encounter the assertion that believers will possess the ability to handle serpents and consume poisonous substances without suffering harm. What significance does this hold for believers? Is this the primary message of this particular scripture? No, our primary emphasis lies in what follows. Our divine calling is to spread the good news to every corner of the world.

Jesus was crucified, buried, and rose again in three days. His resurrection completed the work of redemption and justified us in wiping out our debt (our sin). Our sin was nailed to the cross, and because of Jesus we carry it no more! Tetelestai, paid in full!

Sermon: Mike Hooper The Gospel According to Mark - Week 54 Mark 16:1-13 "The Resurrection"

Surrendering His spirit, Jesus took His final breath and passed away on the cross, moving from a state of humiliation to one of exaltation. Yet, this marks only the inception of the redemption story. Jesus is subsequently laid to rest in the tomb of a wealthy man, fully submitting to God the Father on your behalf.

Sermon: Mike Hooper

The Gospel According to Mark - Week 53

Mark 15:16-47 "Crucified, Dead, and Buried - Part 3"

We have all transgressed and fallen short of the divine glory, yet we find justification through His grace as an unmerited gift, made possible through the redemption found in Christ. Every one of our sins has been borne by Christ, and it is through His sacrifice that we are redeemed and able to be reconciled with God. This has forever been God's plan, not a plan B. Sermon: Mike Hooper The Gospel According to Mark - Week 52 Mark 15:16-47 "Crucified, Dead, and Buried - Part 2"

All our righteous actions cannot secure our salvation. So, where do we turn for redemption? Our gaze is fixed on Jesus, who willingly bore our shame, our sins, and in return, we receive the gift of salvation. Sermon: Mike Hooper The Gospel According to Mark - Week 51 Mark 15:16-47 "Crucified, Dead, and Buried - Part 1" September 24, 2023

In this scripture from the Gospel of Mark (Mark 15:1-15), we witness the pivotal moment in the Passion of Jesus Christ. As morning breaks, the chief priests consult with the elders and scribes, deciding to hand Jesus over to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor. Pilate questions Jesus about his identity as the King of the Jews, to which Jesus responds, 'You have said so.'

The chief priests accuse Jesus of various offenses, but He remains mostly silent, leaving Pilate astonished. During the Passover feast, Pilate customarily releases one prisoner, and among the options is Barabbas, a rebel and murderer.

The crowd, influenced by the chief priests, demands Barabbas' release, while Pilate offers to release Jesus, recognizing the chief priests' envy. Yet, the crowd persistently cries out for Jesus to be crucified (despite Pilate's inquiries about His alleged wrongdoing).

To appease the crowd, Pilate releases Barabbas and orders Jesus to be scourged and crucified. This scripture captures the dramatic events leading to the crucifixion of Jesus, a central moment in Christian theology.

Sermon: Mike Hooper The Gospel According to Mark - Week 50 Mark 15:1-15 "Suffered Under Pontius Pilate"

After boldly proclaiming he would never abandon Jesus, we find Peter in the courtyard while Jesus is on trial, warming himself by the fire. While by the fire, some bystanders approach him, and we read that he denies Jesus three times. Is Peter's denial of Christ unforgivable?

Sermon: Guest Speaker Jon Herrera The Gospel According to Mark - Week 49

Mark 14:66-72 "Peter Denies Jesus"

"Jesus on Trial" - Mark 14:53-65

Did Jesus ever say He was the Son of God, and why do we care that Peter warms his hands by the fire? In Mark 14:53-65 we read that Jesus remained quiet during his trial, but when asked if he was the Son of God, His response was simple, "I am." During this trial, we see the story of Peter following Jesus at a safe distance, pausing to remain safe by the fire in the courtyard. Like Peter, many of us choosing to be distant, safe, and comfortable.

The Psalmist sets a standard of praise and love for God's law in Psalm 119, trusting in the Lord for his salvation. With faith, the Psalmist says, "I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant," trusting that the Good Shepherd will be faithful to save.

Have you ever been in a dangerous situation with the enemy closing in on you? In Psalm 119, we read about the psalmist crying out to the Lord for His justice as his enemies draw near, knowing that the Lord is even closer. No matter how near our enemies get to us, they will never be as close as the Lord. Surrounded by God's safety, the psalmist takes refuge in God's perfect plan knowing everything is settled.

Have you ever longed for God's word to the point of "I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments."? Sounds pretty extreme, right? We read in Psalm 119 that the Psalmist does just this, he pants for God's commandments. We go to the word of God to be refreshed and find wisdom, truth, and hope. We should long to spend time in His word, so why is it we often don't?

#psalms #Psalm119 #bible #church #local #localchurch #community #reformed #sanantonio #texas Redemption Hill Church San Antonio, Texas http://www.redemption-hill.com/

The Psalmist longs to see God's saving power saying, "My eyes strain to see your rescue, to see the truth of your promise fulfilled." He knows that in times of persecution, God alone can save, so he awaits God's promises with expectation. Equipped with the knowledge of God's word, the Psalmist knows his hope is found only in God.

Aug 7, 2023

Sermon: Guest Speaker Joel Allardyce Summer in the Psalms - Week 9 Psalm 119:113-128 "Samekh and Ayin"

The Psalmist is being persecuted by people who aren't living by God's law, and he feels that he is being left out to dry. He is calling out to God for his help to keep him steadfast in the ways of the Lord.

Speaker: Mike Hooper

Series: Summer in the Psalms - Week 7

Sermon: Psalm 119:81-96 - "Kaph and Lamedh"

God deals with the Psalmist well and does it according to His word, including when he was going through affliction. The Psalmist was glad that he was afflicted because he learned from the affliction, and it drew him closer to the Lord.

Speaker: Jon Herrera

Series: Summer in the Psalms - Week 6

Sermon: Psalm 119:65-80 - "Teth and Yodh"

The psalmist says he hasn’t forgotten God’s word and wants to fulfill His word, but he cannot because he is not perfect, is sinful, and makes mistakes. He is suffering from affliction's and is trying to hang on to the truth, but he finds comfort and life in God’s law.

Speaker: Mike Hooper

Series: Summer in the Psalms - Week 5

Sermon: Psalm 119:49-64 - "Zayin and Heth"

The Psalmist wants the Lord to teach and lead him on the right path letting his heart have assurance and give him life. The Lord's love will come to him, for he trusts in His word and wants to keep the Lord's law, speak of the testimonies, and not be put to shame, for he loves all of God's law and prays to the Lord for strength to keep it.

Speaker: Mike Hooper

Series: Summer in the Psalms - Week 4

Sermon: Psalm 119:33 -48 - "He and Waw"

July 31, 2023 "Oh how I love your law!" was the sentiment of the Psalmist as he wrote his expressions of love for God's law in Psalm 119. The Psalmist proves his love through the time spent meditating on God's law "all the day long." We spend our time on the things that are important to us. Is the way you spend your time showing that you love the things God loves? #psalms #Psalm119 #bible #church #local #localchurch #community #reformed #sanantonio #texas Sermon: Mike Hooper Summer in the Psalms - Week 8 Psalm 119:97-112 "Mem and Nun"

In Psalm 119:17-32 Psalmist speaks about his love and dependence on God's law as he travels through a foreign land. In these verses, the Psalmist is falsely accused in this foreign land. We would expect that the Psalmist would bring complaints to the Lord, but instead, we read his praises to God because joy is found in dependence on the Lord. Speaker: Joel Allardyce Psalm 119:17–32 "Gamma & Delta" Summer in the Psalms Week 3 June 25, 2023

Redemption Hill Church San Antonio, Texas http://www.redemption-hill.com/

#psalms #Psalm119 #bible #church #local #localchurch #community #reformed #sanantonio #texas

The psalmist describes how the people who walk in the law of the Lord are blessed. He doesn't have a great understanding of the law or even the scriptures but wants to learn the Lord's law and praise him, not wander from the Lord's commandments. He will meditate, fix his eyes on his ways, and not forget his word.

Speaker: Jon Herrera

Series: Summer in the Psalms - Week 2

Sermon: Psalm 119:1 -16 - "Aleph and Beth"

The psalmist describes how he loves God's law because it gives him more understanding, meditation, and wisdom. Since he loves God's law and wants to keep it, it keeps him away from wanting to sin.

Speaker: Mike Hooper

Series: Summer in the Psalms - Week 1 

Sermon: Psalm 119:97-104 - "Introduction to Psalm 119"

Why did Jesus question the religious leaders for coming at night to arrest him? This week we see how the disciples abandoned Jesus when the religious leaders led by Judas arrive to arrest Him at Gethsemane. Jesus questions the religious leaders for arresting him under the cover of the night.

Speaker: Mike Hooper

Series: The Gospel According to Mark - Week 47 

Sermon: Mark 14:43-52 - "The Arrest of Jesus"

Jesus tells the disciples that they will desert and deny him, but he will be raised from the dead and meet them in Galilee. Then Jesus goes on and prays to God asking him to take away his suffering to come. Then Jesus returns to the disciples and says to them to keep watch and pray so they don't fall into temptation because his betrayer is here.

May 28, 2023

Speaker: Mike Hooper

Series: The Gospel According to Mark - Week 46

Sermon: Mark 14:27 - 42 "The Garden of Gethsemane"

Pastor Mike preaches on how Jesus was the fulfillment of the Passover lamb. Jesus ordained the institution of the Lord’s supper as a means of grace to all who put their hope in him for their salvation

May 21, 2023

Speaker: Mike Hooper

Series: The Gospel According to Mark - Week 45

Sermon: Mark 14:10-26 "The Last Supper"

Should we give everything we can to glorify God? Why was it important that Mary did?

May 14, 2023

Speaker: Mike Hooper

Series: The Gospel According to Mark - Week 44

Sermon: Mark 14:1-9 "The Anointing of Jesus by Mary"

Part 3 of the Olivet discourse: Jon preaches on knowing the differences between the symbolic-figurative language and the literal language that Jesus is using in this passage about his return.

May 7, 2023

Speaker: Jon Herrera

Series: The Gospel According to Mark - Week 43

Sermon: Mark 13:24-37 "The Olivet Discourse - Part 3"