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New Hope Bend

by New Hope Church

When Life Doesn't Make Sense :: Why Am I So Anxious?

Anxiety can leave us feeling responsible for things we were never in control of. In this message from Matthew 6:25–34, we explore Jesus’ teaching on worry and discover why peace doesn’t come from gaining more control, but from trusting God. Learn the difference between healthy concern and obsessive worry, how remembering the character of your heavenly Father can calm anxiety, and how to trade tomorrow’s worries for today’s faithful obedience. You can’t control tomorrow, but you can trust God today.

When Jesus Told Stories :: Build a Life That Lasts

What you build your life on matters—especially when the storms come. In this message from Matthew 7:24–27, we look at Jesus’ parable of the wise and foolish builders and learn why hearing His words is not the same as following them. Discover how obedience builds a strong foundation, why faith must be formed before difficult seasons arrive, and how to build a life on Jesus that will last for eternity.

When Jesus Told Stories :: Faithfulness Is the Assignment

What does it mean to be faithful with what God has given you? In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the talents—a story about three servants who were each entrusted with something valuable. They didn’t receive the same amount, but they were each responsible for what had been placed in their hands. Comparison can make us overlook what God has already given us. Fear can convince us to bury our gifts, opportunities, resources, and influence while we wait for something bigger or better. But faithfulness doesn’t begin someday. It begins with what is already in front of you. In this message, we look at what Jesus teaches about comparison, fear, stewardship, and living with eternity in mind. Stop waiting for more and be faithful with what God has already given you.

When Jesus Told Stories :: Be Ready, Not Oblivious

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the ten virgins to warn us about the danger of looking spiritually ready without actually being ready. All ten were waiting for the bridegroom. All ten had lamps. All ten expected him to come. But when the moment arrived, only five were prepared. In this message, we look at what it means to have a faith that is more than an appearance, why spiritual preparation has to happen before the unexpected moments of life, and why we cannot keep postponing obedience to Jesus. You cannot borrow tomorrow the faith you refuse to build today. The question is not simply, “When is Jesus coming?” The question is, “If He came today, would I be ready?” Get ready for Jesus before the moment to get ready is gone.

When Jesus Told Stories :: God Changes the Humble

In Luke 18:9–14, Jesus tells the story of two men who went to the temple to pray: a Pharisee who trusted in his own righteousness and a tax collector who knew he desperately needed mercy. In “God Changes the Humble,” we see how spiritual pride can hide behind good behavior, religious activity, and comparison with others. Jesus reminds us that we don’t become right with God by proving how good we are—we come to Him humbly, depending completely on His grace. God does not fill a heart that is already full of itself. In this message, we’ll look at how to stop measuring ourselves against other people, depend on God’s mercy instead of our spiritual résumé, and develop a life marked by humility, teachability, and quick repentance.

When Jesus Told Stories :: Forgiven People Forgive People

In Matthew 18, Jesus tells the parable of the unforgiving servant to show us how deeply God’s forgiveness should change the way we respond to those who hurt us. Forgiveness does not mean pretending the pain did not happen, removing healthy boundaries, or automatically restoring trust. It means remembering the immeasurable mercy we have received through Jesus and releasing our right to revenge by entrusting justice to God. When we truly understand the grace of the cross, mercy begins to reshape our hearts—because forgiven people become forgiving people.

When Jesus Told Stories :: God Wants You to Be with Him

In Luke 15, Jesus tells three stories—the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost sons—to reveal God’s heart for people who are far from Him. Whether we wander through carelessness, feel completely helpless, run through open rebellion, or hide our distance from God behind religious behavior, Jesus shows us that God pursues the lost, celebrates every return, and invites us back into relationship with Him. No matter how you’ve been lost, God’s greatest joy is bringing you home.

When Jesus Told Stories :: Stop Making Excuses

In this message from the When Jesus Told Stories series, “Stop Making Excuses,” we look at Jesus’ parable of the great banquet in Luke 14:15–24 and the danger of allowing good things to take the place of God. Our excuses often sound reasonable, but they reveal what our hearts truly value, protect, and worship. Jesus reminds us that grace welcomes those who know they need it, that no one earns a place at God’s table, and that everything has already been prepared through His death and resurrection. The invitation to repent, trust Christ, reorder our priorities, and take the next step of obedience is open today—but it should not be mistaken for endless opportunity. The banquet is ready, the invitation is open, and no excuse is worth missing what only Jesus can give.

When Jesus Told Stories :: Don’t Waste Your Life

In the parable of the rich fool, Jesus warns us that it is possible to build a successful life and still waste it. Greed often hides behind responsibility, planning, and the desire for security, but life is not found in an abundance of possessions. In this message, we are challenged to stop thinking like owners and begin living as stewards—recognizing that everything we have belongs to God and should be used for His purposes. The life that lasts is not the one with the fullest barns, but the one surrendered to God and rich toward Him.

When Jesus Told Stories :: Love Does More Than Feel

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus shows us that love is more than a feeling or knowing the right answers. Loving God means loving the people He places in front of us through mercy, sacrifice, commitment, and action. In this message, we are challenged to notice the needs around us, respond with compassion, and live out what God’s Word says—because knowing the truth means nothing if we do not obey it.

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