Hope Fellowship Church

Ten Results of the Resurrection
If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. (l Corinthians 15:17)

Here are ten amazing things we owe to the resurrection of Jesus:
1) A Savior who can never die again. “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again” (Romans 6:9).
2) Repentance. “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel” (Acts5:30-31).

3) New birth. “According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).
4) Forgiveness of sin. “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).
5) The Holy Spirit. “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing” (Acts 2:32-33).

6) No condemnation for the elect. “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died — more than that, who was raised — who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).
7) Jesus’s personal fellowship and protection. “I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).
8) Proof of coming judgment. “[God] has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

9) Salvation from the future wrath of God. “[We] wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians1:10; Romans 5:9).
10) Our own resurrection from the dead. “[We know] that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence” (2 Corinthians 4:14; Romans 6:4; 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 15:20).

Hope Fellowship Church
Good Friday Service
April 7, 2023
At 6:30pm

What is Good Friday, and why do we call Good Friday “good” when it is such a dark and bleak event commemorating a day of suffering and death for Jesus?

Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is the Christian day to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus and His death at Calvary. This Christian holiday is also known as Holy Friday, Great Friday, Great and Holy Friday, and Black Friday.

For Christians, Good Friday is an important day of the year because it celebrates what we believe to be the most momentous weekend in the history of the world. Ever since Jesus died and was raised, Christians have proclaimed the cross and resurrection of Jesus to be the decisive turning point for all creation. Paul considered it “of first importance” that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and was raised to life on the third day, following what God had promised in the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3).

"For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance; that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures" (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)

On Good Friday, we remember the day Jesus willingly suffered and died by crucifixion as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins (1 John 1:10). Easter follows it, the glorious celebration of the day Jesus was raised from the dead, heralding his victory over sin and death and pointing ahead to a future resurrection for all who are united to him by faith (Romans 6:5).
Join us this Friday at 6:30am, 7th of April for a time of worship and to learn more about the seven words of the cross from our Savior.

Hope Fellowship Church
Good Friday Service
April 7, 2023
At 6:30pm

Two crowds met on Palm Sunday and the week following: the provincial followers of Jesus who shouted Hosanna, lined his way with their garments, and recognised him as king; and the sophisticated, religious leaders of Jerusalem, confident in their religious system and the righteousness they were sure it yielded, who recognised no authority above theirs. This encounter was destined to end in bloodshed, and Jesus did nothing to prevent that, rather he worked to provoke the self-righteous Jerusalem crowd. Which crowd do you run with? Whose authority do you recognise? Palm Sunday is a chance to figure that out.
Join us at Hope Fellowship Church this Palm Sunday for a worshiping experience.

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Christmas is here again, seems like just yesterday we celebrated Christmas 2021. It’s however, very exciting to know that we are blessed with God’s gift, His Son!

“Unto us a child is born. Unto us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."- Isaiah 9:6

Our church, Hope Fellowship Church, is having our annual Christmas Musical Candlelight Celebration on Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 4:00p.m. This event will be held at:

Hope Fellowship worship Center
45150 Russell Branch Parkway Suite #202
Ashburn, VA 20147

Why don’t you join us for a time of praise, worship, and fellowship? We are featuring some great artists and want you to be blessed as well. Please bring a friend! Attached is a flyer for your use.

Refreshments will be served after the service, so, please RSVP with the number of people coming, we would like to adequately plan.

I hope you can make it, looking forward to seeing you!

Blessings,
Pastor Michael

The world and spiritual warfare

Societies and cultures in the world encourage people to think and act in certain ways. Some elements of every society or culture can point you toward Jesus, some are neither good nor bad, and some directly conflict with your ability to follow Jesus and maintain a strong connection with God.

The things a culture values — whatever it focuses its attention on — are usually a clear indicator of the position God’s commandments are given in it. In our Western culture, physical appearance, personal success and freedom from responsibility to the wider community are just three examples of things the world encourages you to put before God.

Scripture reminds us that to walk closely with God, we need to be alert to the ways we are influenced by the people around us.

For everything in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — comes not from the Father but from the world.
(1 John 2:16, New International Version)

Prayer tip:
As you pray regularly, ask God if there are ways you are putting something the world values before Him in your life.

Just a reminder, our annual Christmas Candlelight service will be held this coming Sunday, 12/19/21 at 5:00pm.

Verse of the Day and Devotion

Your verse for the day!

Verse of the Day and Devotion So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God. - Hosea 12:6 ESV

Salvation vs. Assurance of Salvation

Great Devotion!

Salvation vs. Assurance of Salvation “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.” (1 John 2:5) The New Testament is emphatically clear that we are saved entirely by the grace of God through faith in Christ. “For by grace are ye saved through faith;...it is the gift o...

I pray you will go the way of our Lord!

✝️ When the teachings of men conflict with the Word of God, it would be wise to go with God.

Speaking at Baptist Convention of Maryland Annual Meeting.

African American Church Services Consultant Michael Mattar shares with messengers and guests about the BCM/D African American Fellowship.

He says, “We aim to connect African American churches and pastors in order to build relationships, form partnerships, and organize fellowships with one another. We encourage African American churches to partner together to adopt and fulfill the goals and objectives of BCM/D.”

Impatience Is a War for Control: How God Prepares Us to Wait

Are you impatient?

Impatience Is a War for Control: How God Prepares Us to Wait Nothing outside of us makes us impatient, and nothing in us can make us more patient. To wait well, we need a miracle from God.

Press On to Know the Lord

“Let us know; let us press on to know the LORD; His going out is sure as the dawn; He will come to us as the showers, as the spring rains that water the earth.”
HOSEA 6:3

Do you not feel God? You’re not alone. Many heroes of the faith felt very distant from God most of their lives, including the author of most of the Psalms, King David. He wrote, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Words which would be repeated by Jesus as He withered on the cross.

The best advice I can give is to keep learning about God. Keep reading the Word and filling your mind with Him. The act of these disciplines will eventually reorient your desires toward Him, and even though they are not glamorous or even fun, your emotions will follow.

“The ruts of routine become the grooves of grace.”

The things you fill your head with will eventually trickle down into your heart; your emotions will be affected by what you put in your mind. There’s no way they can’t be! So don’t try to rush it. I would argue that wisdom doesn’t attempt to conjure up a false emotional experience, but simply remains faithful and lets the emotion come when the time is right.

Different views of our beautiful God will choke you up and tug on your heart, but one thing is true across the board: You won’t reach these deep places with Him if you’re not filling your mind with His words and orienting your life toward Him.

It will come in time.

So may we be people who pursue God, not an emotional high. May we be people who see God working in all areas of our lives, especially many of the mundane and unglamorous nooks. May we be comforted by knowing that He is not simply an emotion to be conjured up at will, but He is a person; a Father who wants to walk the journey of our lives with us. And that means that there will be a lot of long stretches of road without emotion or hype, just many, many trudging footsteps.

Dear God, I want to press on to know You deeply and fully. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Biblical Counseling Coalition | The Use of Validation in Counseling

Validation!

Biblical Counseling Coalition | The Use of Validation in Counseling Validation strengthens the bond between counselor and counselee. Recognizing a person’s responses, feelings, and questions fosters connection and is in line with the compassion Jesus showed to people.

98 Killed, More Than 100 Reportedly Injured in Sierra Leone Fuel Tanker Explosion: 'Horrendous Loss of Life'

Please join me in praying for Sierra Leone!

98 Killed, More Than 100 Reportedly Injured in Sierra Leone Fuel Tanker Explosion: 'Horrendous Loss of Life' Witnesses and officials said that many were impacted when a crowd gathered to collect leaked fuel from the tanker after it collided with another vehicle in the country's capital city

“I’m Praying for You”: 11 Bible Verses That Teach Us How to Pray Like Jesus Did

Lord please teach us how to pray!

“I’m Praying for You”: 11 Bible Verses That Teach Us How to Pray Like Jesus Did Here are 11 Bible verses that reflect on how our Savior prayed and teach us how God commanded us to pray in our daily life.

Erwin McManus: Why Understanding the Genius of Jesus Will Change Your Life

Jesus of Nazareth is undeniably one of the most influential figures ever to have walked the face of the earth. Yet his life as a work of genius has yet to be excavated and explored. In The Genius of Jesus, Erwin Raphael McManus examines the person of Jesus not simply through the lens of his divinity, but as a man who radically changed the possibility of what it means to be human.

Erwin McManus: Why Understanding the Genius of Jesus Will Change Your Life "The reason it's so easy to overlook Jesus’ genius," says Erwin McManus, "is that his canvas is the human spirit.”

BLB Daily Promise for January 30th

He will cover you with his feathers...

Psalm 91:4-6
He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.

Reflection
Take refuge in the Lord, O believer! Take courage in His mighty strength! Take comfort in His sure defense! Rejoice in the power of His hand to accomplish good for His people! He is strong and He is loving—so trust in Him and proclaim His truth boldly among the nations!

https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=30

Nehemiah 1:1-11 NIV
1. The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa,

2. Hanani, one of my brothers, came from Judah with some other men, and I questioned them about the Jewish remnant that had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.

3. They said to me, "Those who survived the exile and are back in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."

4. When I heard these things, I sat down and wept. For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.

5. Then I said: "LORD, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments,

6. let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Israel. I confess the sins we Israelites, including myself and my father's family, have committed against you.

7. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.

8. “Remember the instruction you gave your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,

9. but if you return to me and obey my commands, then even if your exiled people are at the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for my Name.'

10. "They are your servants and your people, whom you redeemed by your great strength and your mighty hand.

11. Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man." I was cupbearer to the king.

BLB Daily Promise for January 30th The Lord our God is the High King of Deliverance! There is no calamity so great that He might be unable to rescue us. Even when we were dead of spirit and

Lord longs to meet with you today!!

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

No matter who you are or what you’ve done, you serve a God who longs to meet with you. He is knocking on the door of your heart today, asking you to simply let him come in. He is quietly beckoning you with his love, simply speaking to you, “Don’t shut me out.” God has an incredible life filled with an ever-increasing awareness of his love for you. He longs for your heart to be wrapped up in his presence when the world rejects you, speaks lies to you, or tries to pull you away from the comfort of his love and peace.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Seek the presence of your heavenly Father today in faith that he longs to be encountered. Trust him at his word that he will reward your seeking with the wonders of his nearness. Seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with him in light of the truth that he is always fully available to you. May your life be ever filled with communion with your loving heavenly Father.

Lord longs to meet with you today!!

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20

No matter who you are or what you’ve done, you serve a God who longs to meet with you. He is knocking on the door of your heart today, asking you to simply let him come in. He is quietly beckoning you with his love, simply speaking to you, “Don’t shut me out.” God has an incredible life filled with an ever-increasing awareness of his love for you. He longs for your heart to be wrapped up in his presence when the world rejects you, speaks lies to you, or tries to pull you away from the comfort of his love and peace.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Seek the presence of your heavenly Father today in faith that he longs to be encountered.

Trust him at his word that he will reward your seeking with the wonders of his nearness. Seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with him in light of the truth that he is always fully available to you. May your life be ever filled with communion with your loving heavenly Father.

Grace 2 U

When God Is Silent

Dear God, please remind me daily that your silence never signifies your lack of love or presence in my life. Thank you for being my provider, protector, and comforter even amidst the silence. In Jesus’ name, amen.

When God Is Silent "I write this because I feel like many people today struggle with knowing God’s voice, curious as to whether or not God is hearing their cries. Even in God’s silence there is power."

Biblical Counseling Coalition | Church Hurt: Beyond Disappointed, Beyond Loved, Part Two

Take it to the Lord how heals the broken hearted!

Biblical Counseling Coalition | Church Hurt: Beyond Disappointed, Beyond Loved, Part Two Church hurt is especially damaging because of its systematic nature. Victims may face the added pain of being sinned against by people they trusted and loved, sometimes while God’s name was used to…

"God Removed the Veil From My Eyes": Famous P**n Star-Turned-Pastor Now Lives for Jesus

I say no matter how far you’ve fallen in sin, nothing can separate you from the love that is in Christ Jesus.

"God Removed the Veil From My Eyes": Famous P**n Star-Turned-Pastor Now Lives for Jesus "We all do wrong. Nobody’s perfect. It didn’t matter if you’ve been saved your whole life or you walk into my church with full-on tattoos. I accept them for who they are."

P**n Star Not Allowed Out of Her Contract for "A Fantasy Like God"—Her Bold Move Proves Jesus Is Worth It

Our God Restores! Nothing can separate us from Him.

P**n Star Not Allowed Out of Her Contract for "A Fantasy Like God"—Her Bold Move Proves Jesus Is Worth It “If you were trying to leave the industry to try and have a child or start a family, I would understand," he said. "I can’t let you out of the contract for a fantasy like God.”

Does God Answer Your Prayers?

The short answer is yes! God wants you to bring your concerns to Him, and He has promised to listen when you do.

In the Bible, there’s a book called Psalm. In it, a man named David wrote, “As for me, I call to God … and he hears my voice” (Psalm 55:16-17). God not only hears, but He is eager to respond.

So does prayer work? Why does it seem like God doesn’t hear you? How do you really know if He does?

Sometimes, our prayers may seem to go unanswered because God is keeping us from something that isn’t best. He may answer prayer with a “Yes,” “No” or “Wait.” That might not be what we want to hear, but we see only part of the picture where God sees all of it.
The most important thing, however, is that we all have a problem that can hinder our prayers, and we have to deal with that first. That problem is called sin.

Sort of like weeds choke out a plant, sin keeps us from getting the light – the answers we need from God. Sin is anything we do or don’t do that goes against God’s moral standard. It’s falling short of His perfection. Like two cliffs with no bridge between them, sin always cuts us off from God. And we’re all guilty of it.

Whether it’s a crime or bad habits, jealousy or putting material things before God, sin pollutes our souls. That’s why Jesus Christ came to this earth, to take our sins upon Himself so we can be made clean inside and be in relationship with God.

He spans the gap between those cliffs and reconnects us with the God who made us and loves us. Through Jesus, we become friends with God again, and in friendship He listens to us and cares for us.
When we consider whether God is hearing us, the first and most important question is whether we have a relationship with Him. Prayer is not just getting or asking or even demanding. Prayer is conversation between God and those who know Him.

Do you know that you need God’s forgiveness? Do you believe that the only way to receive it is to know that Jesus has taken the punishment for your sin so you can be forgiven?

Consider this invitation and ask God today.

Step 1 – God loves you and has a plan for you!
The Bible says, “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, [Jesus Christ], that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Jesus said, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly”—a complete life full of purpose (John 10:10). But here’s the problem:

Step 2 – People are sinful and separated from God.
We have all done, thought or said bad things, which the Bible calls “sin.” The Bible says, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). The result of sin is death, spiritual separation from God (Romans 6:23). The good news?

Step 3 – God sent His Son to die for your sins!
Jesus died in our place so we could have a relationship with God and be with Him forever. “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). But it didn’t end with His death on the cross. He rose again and still lives! “Christ died for our sins. … He was buried. … He was raised on the third day, according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Jesus is the only way to God. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me” (John 14:6).

Step 4 – Would you like to receive God’s forgiveness?
We can’t earn salvation; we are saved by God’s grace when we have faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. All you have to do is believe you are a sinner, that Christ died for your sins, and ask His forgiveness. Then turn from your sins—that’s called repentance. Jesus Christ knows you and loves you. What matters to Him is the attitude of your heart, your honesty. We suggest praying the following prayer to accept Christ as your Savior:

Dear God, I know I’m a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord, from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Did you pray this prayer? Let me know, I want to be connected with you on your spiritual walk with the Lord.

Why You’re Overlooking Your Marriage’s Biggest Flaw

Hope this article helps someone today.

Why You’re Overlooking Your Marriage’s Biggest Flaw When we forget that evil exists within our own hearts; indeed, when we stop ordering our thinking and feeling around God and begin to live to please ourselves, we open the door to all kinds

I feel Like preaching right now.

When we allow God to work in our souls, we give Him the access He needs to clean out what the locust (the invading enemy of our souls – sin) destroyed and build up what the Spirit delivers. The Holy Spirit, in effect, redeems what was lost by working through our lives.

Each of us who have called on the name of the Lord understands this completely. It’s further evidence that Romans 8:28 is true.

26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

27 And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.
28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. (Romans 8:26-30, NLT)

Our sin makes us weak, but it is Christ in us that makes us strong in spirit. God works everything together to restore what sin has cost us. It does not matter what the “locust” have done to destroy your testimony or the life of a prodigal you know; the Lord, through His mercy and grace, is ready to redeem.

Let the church say thank you Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Trust Jesus for your PEACE!

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world,” John 16:33.

Jesus has succeeded in every way that we have failed, and with Christ in us, we discover a new capacity through Him to get up and try again.
Put your dependence in Him and not man or material stuff.

Join us for our in Person Worship Service this coming Lord’s day.

Hope Fellowship Church
45150 Russell Branch Parkway
Suite #202
Ashburn, Virginia 20147

Service starts at 11am
Hope to see you there!

Although mothers tend to get most of the credit (and rightfully so!) for handling the majority of the parenting responsibilities, there's no forgetting a father's impact on his child or children as well. If you grew up with a religious dad who always made you feel loved, helped teach you right from wrong, and instilled a sense of faith in you, then these Father's Day Bible verses will be the perfect reminder of just how special he is, on Father's Day and every day.

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him;
– Psalm 103:13 [NIV]

The father of a righteous son will rejoice greatly, and one who fathers a wise son will delight in him.
– Proverbs 23:24 [CSB]

Father's Day lands on June 20 this year, and it comes after more than a year of strife due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Many people haven't had the chance to see their fathers in person in a long time, and many may still not be able to come June.

Remembering what the Bible says about your dad will remind you of God's love and how it can be seen through a father's love. And how you can return that very same love on June 20 .