WELCOME TO TRUE HOPE CHURCH!
Whether you are new, ready to take your next steps, need prayer, or want to give online, you’re in the right spot!
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“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. … You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9: 7, 11
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“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:16
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“The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.” Psalm 37:23
I’m ready to:
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"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God." Romans 15:7
Welcome! We're so glad you joined us!
If this is your first time with us, we would love for you to fill out the I'm New form so we can say hello and help get you connected!
If you are newer and would like to get more connected, here are two great steps for you to take:
INTRO — A monthly connection experience at True Hope! If you are new to True Hope and want to get connected, meet people and staff, and learn what your next steps are, join us on the second Sunday of each month after the last service!
WEEKLY — If you would like to stay up to date with all things True Hope Church, sign up for the True Hope Weekly! It's a weekly email with upcoming events, mission updates, the next Reading With Ryan podcast book, and more!
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“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” Luke 22:19-20
What does True Hope believe?
Here at True Hope Church, you'll notice that we participate in communion every week. We believe that as Christians, we are called to be the Church together as we seek to become more like Christ. Communion is one way we do that as we confess sin and pray together.
Why do we take communion?
Because Jesus told us to. The purpose is celebration, declaration, and remembrance. We remember that Jesus' death defeated sin, and we partake of the symbolic elements (the bread and juice knowing that, through the Holy Spirit, we are communing with God and the family of believers.
Who should take it?
Communion is for all believers who trust in Jesus alone for their salvation.
I'm not a member of True Hope Church, Can I still take communion?
Absolutely. The table is open to all believers.
Is it really Christ's body and blood?
Not literally. The bread and the cup symbolically represent His body, which was given for us, and His blood, which is a seal of the New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34).
Where is communion found in the Bible?
The primary texts are Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, Luke 22:19-20, and 1 Corinthians 11:23-29.
What is the New Covenant?
In the Bible, "covenant" refers to a relationship between two parties. When the Bible talks about the "New Covenant," it refers to the access we have through Jesus into a relationship with God. This access is granted through His death on the cross as a substitute for our sins and is received through putting our faith and trust in Jesus as our only means of relationship with God.
What is the right age to receive communion?
Ultimately, there is no right age. Anyone with the capacity to understand the sacrificial death of Jesus should partake. We encourage parents to use the elements as a visual way to teach their children about what Jesus did for us on the cross.
Do you have to take communion to be a Christian?
Initially, no. However, to be a follower of Jesus is to obey His commands, and He told us to celebrate His death through communion.
What does it mean in 1 Corinthians 11:27 to partake in an unworthy manner?
The context of 1 Corinthians 11 is primarily about church unity. When there is relational discord, the encouragement is to get right with your brother or sister in the faith and then take communion. We must also be right with Jesus by confessing our sin to him. We are not to remain apathetic toward the Lord, His Church, or our sin. Therefore, this text is not an excuse to opt out of communion; in fact, it is just the opposite. It is an encouragement to honor God and take communion. If you are struggling with sin and desire forgiveness, call out to God and take communion. Communion was not intended for the perfect but for sinners to rejoice in the redeeming power of God.
Is this the same thing as Mass?
In intent, yes, but in result, no. Roman Catholicism teaches that the bread and wine are converted to the body and blood of Christ in what they call the Mass. It teaches that the Mass itself produces grace in the believer's life. We, as Evangelicals, on the other hand, understand the elements to be symbolic representations and that grace comes not through the sacrament of communion but directly from Jesus.
Thank you for joining us; we’ll see you next week!