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.

Pastor Randy Spacht concludes our Zechariah series by exploring one of Scripture's most profound mysteries: How can the Messiah both suffer and conquer?

In Zechariah 13-14, we see a prophecy that puzzled the ancients and still puzzles some of us today, a Messiah who dies by the sword and rises to lead His people to victory.

From the Garden of Eden to the Book of Revelation, discover how God's glory threads through four pivotal moments in eternity: Creation, Incarnation, Resurrection, and Second Coming. Randy reminds us that between the resurrection and Christ's return, we live in a world where Satan is defeated but not gone, and our calling is to make our world a little more like Eden every single day.

📖 Scripture References: Zechariah 13-14, Genesis 2, Revelation 21-22, 1 Corinthians 11

Where have you seen Jesus show up in your life this week?
Drop a comment below and share how God has been faithful to you.

And if you need prayer today, we're here for you. Reach out at questions@becomehope.com or connect with us at becomehope.com.
Don't walk through your trials alone—let us pray with you.

👉 New to New Hope? Check out our daily devotional podcast "Let's Find Out Together" and our apologetics podcast "Salty Saints" wherever you listen to podcasts!

Why does a good God let bad things happen? It's a question that haunts skeptics and believers alike. But Pastor Zack argues it's the wrong question. The real question is: How does a good God fix all the compounding problems of billions of broken people throughout all of human history?

In this powerful message from Zechariah 9, discover the central theme of the entire Bible: God brings SHALOM peace, wholeness, restoration to chaos.

From the opening words of Genesis, God has been bringing order out of disorder. The creation story itself is a response to ancient Mesopotamian myths that said humanity was an accident born from warring gods. But God says: "No. You're not an accident. I created you with purpose. You're my children, and I love you."

When humanity chose rebellion over relationship, we undid God's peace. We cast the world back into chaos. But God didn't give up. He sent Jesus prophesied, 500 years earlier in Zechariah 9, to ride into Jerusalem on a donkey, the ancient symbol of peace, not war.

In this episode, you'll discover:
- The profound meaning behind "tohu wabohu" (formless and void)
- How the biblical creation story responds to ancient myths
- Why Jesus rode a donkey instead of a horse
- What it means to have peace IN chaos, not just AFTER chaos
- How Horatio Spafford wrote "It Is Well With My Soul" after losing his four daughters
- Why WE are called to bring shalom to a broken world

This isn't just about a future hope, though that's real. This is about finding peace RIGHT NOW in the midst of life's storms. And it's about being the hands and feet of Jesus to bring His peace to others.

Scripture References: Zechariah 9:9-17, Genesis 1:1-2, John 16:33, Matthew 5:9, Colossians 3:15

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New Hope Church | South Side Indianapolis
becomehope.com | questions@becomehome.com

Other podcasts:
- Let's Find Out Together (Daily Devotional)
- Salty Saints (Apologetics)

Why would God crown a priest as king? In this powerful message, Pastor Randy Spacht unpacks one of the most revolutionary prophecies in the Old Testament—a vision in Zechariah 6 where a high priest is crowned as king, something that was strictly forbidden in Israel.

Since the fall, God designed three distinct roles to bridge the gap between Him and humanity: Prophets carried God's word to the people, Priests presented the people to God through sacrifice, and Kings ruled according to God's will. These roles were never meant to overlap.

But in Zechariah 6, God does something unprecedented: He crowns Joshua the high priest as king and calls him "the Branch"—a messianic title pointing directly to Jesus Christ.

This wasn't really about Joshua. This was an object lesson—a living prophecy of the coming Messiah who would perfectly combine all three roles:
- PROPHET: Bringing God's word to us
- PRIEST: Removing our sin and presenting us to God
- KING: Ruling over our lives with perfect wisdom

In this episode, you'll discover:
- The great chasm between God and man caused by the fall
- How prophets, priests, and kings each played a unique role in God's plan
- Why combining these roles was strictly forbidden (and what happened when kings tried)
- The historical context of the Maccabees and priestly kings - How Jesus fulfills all three roles perfectly
- Why Jesus being Prophet, Priest, and King means He's all you need

The question isn't "What do you need?" The question is "Where do you need Jesus in your life?"

Scripture References: Zechariah 6:9-15, Isaiah 11:1, Hebrews 1:1-2, Hebrews 4:14-16, John 18:33-37
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New Hope Church is located on the south side of Indianapolis.
Learn more at becomehope.com
Other podcasts: Let's Find Out Together (daily devotional) | Salty Saints (apologetics)

#ProphetPriestKing #Zechariah6 #MessianicProphecy #ChristianPodcast #BibleStudy #NewHopeChurch

In this message from Pastor Randy at New Hope Church, we begin our series through the book of Zechariah, one of the clearest prophetic books pointing to the coming Messiah.

Zechariah’s opening chapter reminds us that before rebuilding the temple—or any great work—God calls His people to repent and return to Him. Repentance isn’t just turning away from sin; it’s turning toward God and chasing after Him with a renewed heart.

Watch as Pastor Randy walks through Zechariah 1:1-6, shares the powerful story of actor Danny Trejo’s transformation, and closes with a beautiful prayer of repentance from Lewis Bailey.

Main Scripture: Zechariah 1:1-6
Theme: Turning from sin, turning to God, rebuilding our hearts.

Subscribe for more sermons and devotionals from New Hope Church.
Learn more or connect with us: https://becomehope.com

God’s design has always been partnership. From the Garden of Eden to the early church in Acts, His plan has been to work through His people, not just a few leaders, but every believer.

In this message, Pastor Zack Killey reminds us that the body of Christ isn’t built on one person’s strength. It thrives when every part of the body functions together, when teachers teach, encouragers encourage, and servants serve.

The apostles couldn’t do it all, so they raised up others. In the same way, God has wired you with unique gifts, passions, and abilities that the Church needs right now. Whether you’re leading, organizing, mentoring, or simply showing kindness, it all matters.

When every believer steps into their role, the Church reflects Christ to the world.

“It takes everyone. Every believer. Every gift. Every act of love.”

💭 What part of the body has God called you to be?
👉 Share this message and encourage others to find their purpose in God’s Kingdom.