Hope Church Augusta

“Why should I say I am a Christ follower but my behavior is not reconcilable?”
— Cyrus Mad-Bondo

Jesus asked a similar question in Luke 6:46:

“Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and don’t do the things I say?”

Following Jesus is more than identifying as a Christian. It is allowing our lives, our choices, our priorities, and our behavior to reflect the One we claim to follow.

None of us do this perfectly, but every follower of Christ should regularly ask: Does my life match my confession?

“Who will come to know Jesus because you lived?”
— Cyrus Mad-Bondo

After Jesus transformed the man in Mark 5, He sent him home with a mission: tell others what the Lord has done for you.

That same mission has been given to us.

Your story matters. Your obedience matters. Your influence matters. God has placed people in your life that only you can reach.

One day, when your life is over, what impact will your faith have made on eternity?

Who will come to know Jesus because you lived?

Mark 5:19-20

The world had written him off. Jesus crossed the sea to find him.

Today at Hope Church, we celebrated Father’s Day and welcomed special guest Cyrus Mad-Bondo. Cyrus shared from Mark 5 and reminded us that Jesus went looking for one man who everyone else had written off. Living among the tombs, bound by chains, and completely hopeless, this man mattered to Jesus.

After Jesus changed his life, the man begged to go with Him. Instead, Jesus gave him a mission: go home and tell people what the Lord has done for you. One transformed life became a testimony to many others.

We were challenged to remember that ministry is often messy, but God uses ordinary people who are willing to obey Him. The question is not whether God can use your life. The question is whether you are willing to say yes.

Who will come to know Jesus because you lived? What a powerful reminder that our mission is to make Christ known wherever He sends us.

Men, lead your families to church this Sunday.

One of the greatest gifts a father can give his family is a consistent example of following Jesus. Long after your children forget the sermons, they’ll remember that Dad made worship, God’s Word, and the local church a priority.

This Father’s Day, take the lead. Gather your family, invite a friend, and join us at Hope Church as we celebrate the men who faithfully love, lead, serve, and point others to Christ.

We’re also honored to welcome special guest Cyrus Mad-Bondo from the Central African Republic, who will be sharing a powerful message of God’s faithfulness.

Every father in attendance will receive a special gift.

We’ll see you Sunday at 10:30 AM.

Hope Student Camp 2026! Today is the last full day. Continue to pray for every student and leader over the final two main sessions, group huddles, and activities. God is moving! Pray everyone has receptive hearts and minds.

Without a proper guide, choosing the right path comes down to everyone’s personal opinion.

When everyone becomes their own authority, confusion is inevitable.

That is why God has given us His Word. The Bible is not one voice among many. It is our standard of authoritative truth. It reveals who God is, who we are, and how we are called to live.

A life apart from truth leads to captivity. A life rooted in God’s truth leads to freedom.

Jesus did not simply teach the truth. He declared, “I am the truth.”

2 Timothy 2:26

Never underestimate the impact of a father who leads his family to church.

Long before children understand theology, they notice who makes Jesus a priority. They notice who prays. Who serves. Who worships. Who shows up week after week.

Fathers are often the unsung heroes of discipleship. They help shape the spiritual direction of their homes and leave a legacy that can impact generations.

As we celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, we’d love to hear from you:

What’s one lesson your dad taught you that has stayed with you through the years?
Share your answer in the comments.

How we point people to the truth matters.

Paul told Timothy that the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome, but gentle, patient, and able to teach.

Truth should never be compromised, but it should always be communicated with grace. We are not called to win arguments. We are called to faithfully point people to Jesus.

Gentleness is not weakness. Patience is not compromise. Speaking the truth in love is one of the most powerful ways God uses His people to lead others toward repentance and freedom.

2 Timothy 2:24-25

There is truth, and it must be contended for.

In a world where everyone seems to have their own version of truth, God’s Word remains the standard.

Truth is not determined by our feelings, preferences, experiences, or culture. Truth is revealed by God and embodied in Jesus Christ.

As followers of Jesus, we are called to contend for the faith. Not by being argumentative or combative, but by standing firmly on what God has said.

Truth is not ours to redefine. It is ours to faithfully proclaim.

2 Timothy 2:24-26