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New Hope Baptist Church, 1621 Highway 128, Sparkman, AR (2026)

05/30/2026

Love God
This verse from Matthew’s Gospel is a "cute" saying if the words of Jesus are only to be admired, oft quoted, and framed against beautiful scenes on the wall. But, of course, Jesus was outlining more than that. He was stating the most fundamentally required response of mankind to the person of God.

Interestingly, this is a commandment to love. A commandment to love God, an unseen deity. And a commandment to love Him with everything that we have–heart, soul, and mind. Emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually.

As a young person, I had originally questioned the value and sincerity of "forced" love and affection. From a human perspective, there’s no doubt multitudes of people are still struggling with that concept right now. But, I suppose, that is why Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth. He came to bring us a heavenly perspective, with both its commandments and copious benefits. In John 14:23b, Jesus states: "Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them (NIV)." So, can I share with you my response after 55 years as a believer? I used to cry out for "all of God" until I realized that it starts by Him wanting "all of me." What He says works. If you take Him at His Word and ask Him to teach you His ways by the inspiration of His Word and the Holy Spirit, you’ll prove that His commandments bring light and life.

Written by JOHN SCOTT

05/29/2026

United in Christ – Connecting in a Hope-Filled Community

Even though we’re more connected today through social media, many people still feel alone. It’s possible to be surrounded by people, notifications, conversations, and activity, yet still carry a deep ache of loneliness in the heart. According to the World Health Organization, many lives are impacted every day by loneliness and isolation. That reality reminds us how desperately people need genuine connection, hope, and belonging.

As Christians, we know the answer is not found merely in having more followers, more entertainment, or busier schedules. The deepest antidote to loneliness is connection: connection with God and connection with others through Christ.

The beautiful truth of the Gospel is that Jesus never intended for us to walk alone. Through salvation, we are united with Him, and through Him we are united with one another as the body of Christ. Because of Jesus, we are not abandoned, forgotten, or unseen. He draws near to the brokenhearted and welcomes us into His family.

In Philippians 2, the apostle Paul the Apostle urges believers to live differently from the world around them:

“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
— Philippians 2:1–3 (NIV)

Paul points us back to Christ-centered community. Real Christian fellowship is more than casual conversation on Sunday mornings. It is people carrying one another’s burdens, praying for one another, encouraging one another, and reflecting the love of Jesus in everyday life.

Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly. Jesus Christ noticed the overlooked. He sat with the outcast. He touched the untouchable. He wept with those who were hurting. He didn’t merely preach about love; He demonstrated it through compassion and presence.

As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same.

Sometimes the greatest ministry we can offer is simply being present. A text message. A prayer. An invitation to sit together. A meal shared. A listening ear. These small acts of faithfulness can remind someone they are seen, valued, and loved by God.

Christian community should be a place where people find hope instead of judgment, encouragement instead of isolation, and grace instead of rejection. In a world that often feels divided and disconnected, the church has the opportunity to shine brightly by living united in Christ.

Unity does not mean we are all the same. We come from different backgrounds, personalities, and experiences. But when Christ is at the center, He binds believers together with a love that is stronger than loneliness, fear, or division.

If you are feeling lonely today, remember this: God sees you. He has not forgotten you. Through Christ, you belong to a family of believers, and your presence matters deeply in the body of Christ.

And if God has placed people around you who are hurting, discouraged, or disconnected, ask Him to help you become a source of His hope and compassion. One act of Christlike love may change someone’s entire day — or even their life.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for never leaving us alone. Thank You for drawing us into fellowship with You and with other believers through Jesus Christ. Help us to reflect Your love to those around us. Open our eyes to people who may be hurting or isolated, and give us hearts full of compassion, humility, and kindness. Unite us as Your people so the world may see Your love through us. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Reflection Questions

* Is there someone in my life who may be quietly struggling with loneliness?
* How can I intentionally show the love of Christ to someone this week?
* Am I seeking true connection with God daily, or only temporary distractions?
* Does my attitude help create unity and encouragement within the body of Christ?

05/28/2026

Not the Same, But One in Purpose

Unity. In a time when we need it so desperately, it’s scarce. But it’s something Jesus felt strongly enough about to speak on. He prayed in John 17:21 (NKJV) that believers ‘may be one’ and that through this unity the world would believe. As believers, our greatest example of unity is the Trinity. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit… three very different entities co-existing in true unity.

When the disciples were gathered together, united in prayer, they were filled with the Holy Spirit. They went on to preach the Word of God with boldness. In Ezra 3:9, Joshua, his sons, brothers and other members of the tribe of Levi united to build the house of God together and, in 2 Chronicles 5:13, the unity of the musicians’ praise and worship resulted in the tangible, visible presence of God.

God moves most powerfully when His people are united in purpose: prayer, worship, building the house of God... the individuals involved aren’t all the same, but they were united in focusing on a purpose.

As Christians, we should be focused on God-given purpose, a kingdom perspective, and, ultimately, the Great Commission: spreading the Gospel. When we speak, let’s be the ‘salt’ we’re called to be and season our words with lots of love and grace.

Unity is speaking in love, walking in peace, and responding to all circumstances in a way that reflects the spirit of the One we serve, so the world can see Jesus’ heart through our actions.

Written by ABIGAIL GRIMES

05/27/2026

Taking One for the Team

In almost every part of life, God places us on a team. Our families, churches, workplaces, ministries, and friendships all require us to live and work alongside others. Rarely does God call us to walk completely alone. Instead, He calls us to unity.

One of the greatest threats to unity is pride. Pride wants recognition. Pride wants credit. Pride wants to be right, noticed, and praised. But Scripture calls believers to a different spirit.

In Epistle to the Philippians 2:3, Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Those words cut directly against our natural instincts. The Christian life is not about elevating ourselves; it is about reflecting Christ.

Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly. Though He was Lord of all, He humbled Himself, served others, washed feet, and ultimately gave His life on the cross. He continually “took one for the team” for the sake of God’s glory and for our salvation. True humility is not weakness; it is Christlikeness.

Sometimes “taking one for the team” means staying quiet instead of demanding the last word. Sometimes it means serving when nobody notices, encouraging someone else to shine, or choosing unity over personal preference. It may even mean laying down our pride so the mission of Christ can move forward unhindered.

The world teaches us to promote ourselves, but the Gospel teaches us to die to self. When believers walk in humility, putting Christ first and others before themselves, the Church becomes stronger, healthier, and more united.

Today, ask God to reveal any pride or selfish ambition hiding in your heart. Then ask Him to help you love, serve, and lead with the humility of Christ.

“Teamwork makes the dream work” may sound cheesy, but in the body of Christ, unity truly does matter. And unity begins with humility.

05/26/2026

The Pursuit of Unity
Christian unity is desired and commanded by Christ (John 13:34), attracts the favour of God, and is fiercely debated by God’s people. Let’s take a practical look at the subject.

Romans 14 and 15 provide us with instructions under the general headings of the Law of Liberty and the Law of Love (NKJV) in relationship to our different attitudes to proper food and proper times of worship, often a cause for disunity. In this passage above, the servant we’re criticising or judging is actually a servant of God, a fellow believer whose practices differ from ours. And so, by implication, in our disunity we’re judging both them and God.

Here there are 36 verses of insight to consider Christian unity that are clear but somewhat complicated. The key to understanding and working out practical unity is to ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate His Word to us (especially these verses) and to humbly submit ourselves to Him and to our conscience to work them through.

The proof that we’re achieving God’s will for unity lies in how close we become to fulfilling this verse – ‘Therefore, let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another’ – Romans 14:19 (NKJV). Can I ask you to join me in encouraging all fellow believers in their Christian walk, asking God to empower them and us to serve Him fully and faithfully. After all, He is both their and our Master, to whom we must eventually give an account of our actions (Romans 14:12).

Written by JOHN SCOTT

05/25/2026

Everyone gets a lanyard
Where were you on 2 October 2005? I know where I was. Anyone remember the sadly now defunct but forever legendary Black Stump Festival? Held over a few days in Appin, it was a genuine soupy melting pot of music, art, worship, teaching, curiosity, colour, community and dirt. Missiologist Mike Frost reflected on his own experience: “So many Christian bands and speakers got profiled there. It was dirty, tiring, messy, challenging, and really great fun. I’m sad we don’t have a raucous, rabble-rousing, boundary-stretching event like this in Australia anymore.”

It was a grainy polaroid picture, a heart-on-sleeve mix tape, a chaotic gluey collage of the body of Christ in action – with all its gifts, doubts, hopes, stumbles and fervour. One body (unity), many parts (diversity); we need each other and serve each other because we need and serve the same King. We’re one in Christ because we’ve won in Christ (come on, surely there’s a tapestry or coffee mug in that!).

Back to 2005. As the sun set on Black Stump, it was epic; it had it all, lives changed, Jesus praised. Well, that’s what I’m told. I wasn’t there. I had another body with many parts to take care of… another family of believers to believe with… another melting pot to dive into… another… ok I’ll stop. Black Stump lanyard around my neck, I snuck up the road to unite with my family of strangers at the Appin Hotel to watch my Tigers claim a Grand Final victory over the Cowboys. Hallelujah?

Written by JUSTIN KENDALL

05/24/2026

The Use of Scripture
It is important to understand that Scripture was given for a purpose. It forms the foundation for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. This means that for the believer, Scripture is the final authority for teaching, guidance, discernment, and spiritual maturity. Nothing else carries this weight. Not psychology. Not culture. Not human wisdom. Only Scripture.

As we have said earlier, doctrine shapes what we believe. In fact, Scripture defines the believer’s worldview and gives us accurate knowledge of God, salvation, righteousness, the kingdom, the church, and the life of faith. Without doctrine from Scripture, believers drift into error. The Word anchors our minds in truth.

This is why through the counsel of Apostle Paul to Timothy, we know that Reproof exposes wrong beliefs. When experiences are confusing or questionable, Scripture becomes the witness that proves what is true and what is false. If a spiritual experience contradicts the Word, it is rejected. If a practice opposes Scripture, it is corrected. Reproof keeps Christians safe from deception.

Correction restores us when we have taken a wrong path. Scripture not only tells us what is wrong, but it also redirects us to what is right. It guides our choices, relationships, attitudes, and conduct. Correction from Scripture is God’s mercy leading us back to His will.

Instruction in righteousness teaches us how to live every day. The Bible forms our character, dictates our decisions, and trains us to walk in holiness. True Christian growth comes from learning and obeying the Word.

The early church modeled this. Peter preached Scripture on Pentecost. When disputes arose, they searched the Scriptures. When the gospel went to the Gentiles, they confirmed it with Scripture. When teaching doctrine, they taught from Scripture. For them, Scripture was not optional. It was their authority, their witness, and their guide in every matter of faith and practice.

When believers are to be taught, we should look nowhere else but to the scriptures lest we be robbed and swerve into vanity.

For the believer today, the scripture is the tool to build you up and make you thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Let your heart submit fully to the Word of God. This is how you mature, how you discern, and how you live a life pleasing to God.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for giving me Your Word for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction. Teach me to live by Scripture alone. Let Your Word shape my beliefs, guide my decisions, and order my steps daily.

05/23/2026

Profiting From the Scriptures

One of the most important truths that needs to be clear to you is that Scripture was given for your transformation and not information.

The Word of God carries the power to transform your beliefs, renew your mind, direct your steps, and establish you in righteousness. The Bible becomes profitable when you approach it with confidence, faith and openness.

In Apostle Paul's letter to his dear son in the Lord, he admonished him that Scripture is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness.

You see, doctrine, irrespective of its nature, shapes what you believe. Without sound doctrine, your mind becomes unstable and open to deception.

Reproof refers to witness; the scriptures provide witness and the final judgment in any matter, exposing wrong patterns of thinking and lies of the enemy that may have become a stronghold in your mind.

Meanwhile, correction aligns your steps and restores your path when you drift. Instruction in righteousness trains you to live in the character and will of God.

To profit from Scripture, you must do more than read it. You must receive it. You must allow it to confront you, challenge you, and renew your mind. You must apply what you learn. When Scripture becomes your meditation, your decisions, emotions, and habits begin to align with God’s will.

Psalm 1 describes the blessed man as one who meditates on the Word day and night. Such a believer becomes like a tree planted by rivers of water, fruitful in every season and unshaken by circumstances. This is the life God intends for every child of His. You must desire to not only read the scriptures but also study and meditate upon them. There is the profit.

As you come to the scriptures, the Spirit of God brings them to life, making the Word become wisdom, direction, strength, and comfort. The more you walk in the Word, the more victories you experience, the more clarity you receive, and the more Christlike you become.

Saints, your Bible is not just a book of morals or a code of conduct to adhere to. It is spiritual power. It is nourishment for your soul. It is light for your path. It is the voice of God to your heart. The more you profit from Scripture, the more you walk in the fullness of God’s purpose.

Prayer:
Lord, let Your Word profit my life. Teach me, correct me, guide me, and transform me. Let Scripture renew my mind and shape my daily walk until I reflect Christ in all things.

05/22/2026

Jesus, the Testimony of Scripture
Jesus makes a powerful statement in John 5:39. He says that the Scriptures testify of Him. This means that from Genesis to Malachi, and throughout the New Testament, the entire Bible points to one central figure: Jesus Christ. The Scriptures are not a random collection of spiritual writings. They are a unified witness revealing the Person, work, and Ministry of the Son of God.

Every book in the Old Testament contains shadows, symbols, patterns, and promises that find their fulfillment in Jesus. The Law reveals our need for Him. The Prophets announce His coming. The Psalms express His sufferings and victories. The Writings display His wisdom, His kingdom, and His eternal rule. We see here that Scripture forms a divine portrait of Christ long before He walked the earth.

Jesus taught His disciples this truth. After His resurrection, He opened their understanding and showed them how Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms all spoke about Him. Luke 24:44. This means that the Scriptures carry the revelation of Christ at their core. Whenever we read the Word, whether Old or New Testament, the Holy Spirit is unveiling Jesus to us. It is Him we must see as we open the Scriptures. It is His way we must understand as we study and meditate upon it.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ is the testimony of Scripture. The early church sought to see Christ in the scriptures. No wonder it was said in the temple and from house to house, they never ceased to teach and preach Jesus Christ. This makes it clear that the testimony of Jesus Christ forms the foundation of Christian teaching and preaching.

For example, Peter quoted Joel and the Psalms on the day of Pentecost. Stephen preached the whole redemptive story from Abraham to Solomon. Paul reasoned from the Scriptures everywhere he went, showing that Jesus is the Christ. They all understood that Scripture is the primary tool to witness Christ. This is important today.

Nothing outside Scripture reveals Jesus with authority. Experiences can be inspiring, but they cannot bear witness with finality. Visions and dreams cannot stand as divine proof. Scripture alone stands as the witness of God concerning His Son. When believers look for Christ, they should look to the Word lest we be robbed of true divine treasure.

Saints, let this truth shape your reading. Whenever you open the Bible, look for Jesus. In every story, prophecy, pattern, and instruction, He is there. The Scriptures testify about Him so that you may know Him, love Him, and follow Him with confidence.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the testimony of Scripture. Open my eyes to see You in every passage. Let the Word lead me deeper into the knowledge of who You are and strengthen my love for You daily

New Hope Baptist Church

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