In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, I, Randy Spacht, begin by reflecting on the past few weeks, where we've explored various aspects of grief. We discussed how grief is a natural response and does not indicate a lack of faith. We examined the story of Job and the five stages of grief, looked at Jesus' own experience of grief at the death of his friend Lazarus, and analyzed the Psalms to understand the different forms of grief expressed by David.

Today, I focus on the commonality of grief, highlighting that it is a shared human experience. I remind listeners that even Jesus experienced profound grief throughout his life—losing his earthly father, facing rejection from those he came to save, and enduring the betrayal of his closest friends. I reference Isaiah's description of Jesus as "a man of sorrows acquainted with deepest grief," underscoring that suffering is an integral part of the human condition.

As we delve deeper, I share Jesus' teachings on suffering, noting that he prepared his disciples for the inevitable hardships they would face. From the Sermon on the Mount to his final instructions before the Last Supper, Jesus consistently warned his followers about the persecution and suffering that would come as a result of their faith. I draw parallels to the Apostle Paul's journey, illustrating how he transitioned from being a persecutor of Christians to suffering greatly for the sake of the Gospel.

I acknowledge that while we may not face the same level of persecution as early Christians, we still experience suffering in various forms—misunderstanding, alienation, and rejection. I encourage listeners to embrace their suffering, not as something to welcome, but as a reality to accept, reminding them that Jesus foretold these challenges.

However, I emphasize that suffering is only part of the story. I conclude with a powerful message of hope from the book of Revelation, where God promises to wipe away every tear and make all things new. This promise serves as a reminder that our current struggles are not the end of the story; there is a future where suffering will cease, and we will dwell in the presence of God.

As I lead us in prayer, I invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of suffering and to hold onto the promise of renewal and restoration that God offers. I encourage everyone to stand firm in their faith, even in the face of adversity, and to remember that we are not alone in our grief.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the New Hope Church podcast. If you found this message meaningful, please consider liking or subscribing on your favorite platform. We are here to support you as you navigate your journey of faith.

00:00:00 - Introduction to New Hope Church Podcast

00:00:42 - Randy's Unexpected Preaching

00:01:39 - The Journey Through Grief

00:02:14 - Understanding Grief is Normal

00:04:09 - Commonality of Grief

00:05:52 - Jesus and His Grief

00:07:48 - Suffering as a Reality

00:10:06 - Jesus Prepares His Disciples for Suffering

00:12:12 - The Transformation of Paul

00:15:12 - Paul's Suffering and Trials

00:18:03 - Modern-Day Suffering

00:20:29 - Embracing Our Suffering

00:21:30 - The Promise of Renewal

00:24:20 - Closing Prayer and Reflection

00:26:12 - Outro and Invitation to Connect

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we delve into the profound and often challenging topic of mourning. I, Randy Spacht, one of the pastors at New Hope, share how our sermon series on mourning has become particularly timely in light of recent events within our church community, including the passing of our friend John Kellams and the loss experienced by several members of our congregation.

We begin by exploring the biblical foundation of grief, highlighting that the Old Testament, particularly the book of Psalms, contains a significant number of psalms of lament—62 out of 150, to be exact. I read Psalm 13, which exemplifies the structure of a lament: a complaint, a plea, a confession of trust, and a concluding praise. This psalm reflects the deep anguish and sorrow that can accompany mourning, a sentiment that resonates with many of us.

Throughout the episode, I discuss various reasons for mourning, drawing parallels between David's experiences and our own. David mourned when faced with enemies, injustice, a sense of abandonment by God, his own sinfulness, and the loss of loved ones. I emphasize that while we may not face the same enemies as David, we can relate to feelings of being attacked, experiencing injustice, or feeling distant from God.

I also touch on the personal nature of mourning, discussing how it can stem from various life circumstances, including the loss of relationships, the challenges of parenting, and the grief that comes with fostering children. Each of these experiences can lead to a sense of loss and mourning, even when they involve positive changes.

As we navigate through these themes, I pose critical questions for reflection: Where are you mourning today? Has your mourning caused you to doubt God? How can you learn to trust amidst your grief? I encourage listeners to reach out for support, whether through pastoral staff or small community groups, emphasizing that mourning is a natural and valid response to life's challenges.

Thank you for tuning in to this episode of the New Hope Church podcast. If you found this discussion meaningful, please consider liking or subscribing on your favorite platform. We are here to support you as you seek to embody the love of Jesus in every aspect of your life.

In this episode of the New Hope Church podcast, we continue our series titled "Good Grief," led by Pastor Zach Killey. The focus of today's discussion is on the themes of mourning, loss, lament, and the various challenges that life presents us. Zach dives deep into the well-known biblical story of Lazarus, found in John 11:1-44, to explore how we can navigate our grief and understand God's role in our suffering.

Zach begins by reading the passage, setting the stage for the story of Lazarus, who falls ill and ultimately dies. He highlights the emotional weight of the narrative, particularly the reactions of Lazarus's sisters, Martha and Mary, who express their grief and frustration to Jesus, questioning why he did not arrive in time to save their brother. This moment serves as a powerful entry point for discussing our own feelings of anger and disappointment when faced with loss.

Throughout the episode, Zach emphasizes three key takeaways from the story:

God's Foreknowledge: Zach explains that God knows everything before it happens and is never caught off guard by our suffering. This realization can evoke complex emotions, including anger and relief. While it may be frustrating to acknowledge that God knew about our pain beforehand, it can also bring comfort to know that He sees the bigger picture and is working for our good, even when we cannot understand it.

God Weeps with Us: In a poignant moment, Zach reflects on the significance of Jesus weeping at Lazarus's tomb. He points out that this act of empathy reveals a God who is not distant or indifferent to our suffering. Instead, He shares in our grief and understands our pain. Zach encourages listeners to embrace their emotions, including sadness and sorrow, and to bring those feelings to God, who desires a genuine relationship with us.

The Greater Miracle: Finally, Zach addresses the miracle of Lazarus's resurrection, noting that while it is a profound event, it ultimately points to a greater truth: the promise of eternal life through Jesus. He acknowledges the reality that not all prayers for miracles are answered in the way we hope, but reassures listeners that the greatest miracle—Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection—offers us hope and redemption.

As the episode concludes, Zach encourages listeners to recognize that life is filled with hardships, but we have a God who understands our struggles and walks alongside us in our grief. He invites everyone to trust in God's plan, to love those around them, and to find solace in the promise of eternal life.

00:00:00 - Introduction to the Podcast
00:00:14 - Series Overview: Good Grief
00:00:43 - Reading the Story of Lazarus
00:01:36 - God's Foreknowledge of Grief
00:07:02 - Emotions: Anger and Relief
00:10:40 - God Weeps with Us
00:12:27 - Understanding Jesus' Tears
00:15:34 - The Challenge of Miracles
00:19:10 - The Greater Miracle: Salvation
00:22:03 - Conclusion: Hope in Grief
00:24:30 - Closing Prayer
00:26:00 - Outro and Call to Action