HoldToHope Videos

We all know the story of Zacchaeus. It’s one of the first Bible stories we learn as children growing up in church, but do we truly understand the significance of this story? We know that God doesn’t just tell us things for no reason. Each and every thing the LORD God does has a purpose. So, what was the purpose of Zacchaeus? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through the Scriptures for the answer in her video, What’s The Importance of Zacchaeus? Verses Used: Luke 19:1-10 Matthew 10:3 Leviticus 21:16-23 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/nuggets-of-truth/whats-the-importance-of-zacchaeus/

The book of Daniel is filled with prophecies and mysteries. One of the most talked about prophecies and mysteries is that of the Son of Man being presented to the Ancient of Days. This interaction seems to be a key event in Daniel 7; therefore, shouldn't it be important for us to know who these two individuals are? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture to find the answer to these questions and more in her video, Daniel 7: The Ancient of Days and The Son of Man. Verses Used: Daniel 7:1-12 Revelation 11-13 Revelation 17 1 John 2:18-25 1 John 4:1-6 2 John 1:4-11 2 Thessalonians 2:1-11 Revelation 20 Revelation 16 Revelation 19:20 Matthew 24:29-31 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 Revelation 1:12-16 Revelation 11:15-16 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 Daniel 7:13-14 Acts 1:9 Daniel 8:17 Daniel 7:17-18; 21-22; 24-27 Exodus 4:22 Romans 8:15 Revelation 3:21 Revelation 20:4-6 Revelation 22:5 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Matthew 24:29-31 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/the-end-times/daniel-7-the-ancient-of-days-and-the-son-of-man/

They say if your dreams don’t scare you, then you aren’t dreaming big enough. Our God-given dreams don’t always seem possible. They’ll tell you that it’s impossible. They’ll tell you that you aren’t enough, but what they don’t understand is that if God is for you, then who can be against you? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the importance of pursuing our God-given dreams regardless of whether others believe it’s possible or not in his New Year’s Day message, Against All Odds. Verses Used: 2 Samuel 23:8-17 (CEV) Ezekiel 22:30-31 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/against-all-odds/

The Trinity belief is the very foundation of Christianity. You have to believe that Jesus is LORD and God in order to be saved, but certain Scriptures seem to cast doubt upon this belief. Is there contradiction in Scripture? Or is the Trinity doctrine false? Was Jesus created by God? Or did Jesus always exist because He is God? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture to find the answers to these questions and more in her video, Is Jesus The Beginning of God's Creation? Verses Used: Revelation 3:14 John 1:1-3 John 8:58 John 10:35 Jeremiah 1:12 John 1:14 Philippians 2:5-7 Colossians 1:13-20 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; 42-45; 50-53 Matthew 3:13-18 John 14:6 Acts 4:12 Genesis 5:3 1 Corinthians 15:47-49 Romans 8:15 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/nuggets-of-truth/is-jesus-the-beginning-of-gods-creation/

We all know the Christmas Story of Luke chapter 2. It starts with, “In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” When we read this verse, we don’t think much about it, as I’m sure Caesar didn’t either. Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the significance of one of the most overlooked verses in the Bible in his message, The Hope of Christmas Pt. 4: The Decree of Caesar Augustus. Verses Used: Luke 2:1-20 (KJV) Luke 2:1 Luke 2:1 Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) Luke 2:1, 3 Jeremiah 1:12 Ezekiel 12:25 Luke 1:37 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/the-hope-of-christmas-pt-4-the-decree-of-caesar-augustus/

Every year on December 25th, Christians get together and celebrate the birth of Christ. We sing songs about His birth and read the majestic account of His sinless birth. But is the date of Jesus’ birth actually in the account of Jesus’ birth in the Bible? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he searches through the Scriptures to find the truth behind the date of birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, in his video, Was Jesus Really Born December 25th? Verses Used: Matthew 2:1–6 Luke 1:26-31 Luke 1:24–25 Luke 1:5 1 Chronicles 24:1–4 1 Chronicles 24:9 Luke 1:8–11 Hebrews 9:2–7 Luke 1:22–26–27, 36–40 Genesis 1:14 John 1:4–5 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/too-deep/was-jesus-really-born-december-25th/

Every year on December 25th, we celebrate the birth of Christ. This year is no different, but do we fully understand what we’re celebrating? What does it truly mean for all of mankind that Jesus Christ was born 2000 years ago? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he brings us to the true meaning of the birth of Christ in his message, The Hope of Christmas Pt. 3: And His Name Shall Be Called Jesus. Verses Used: Matthew 1:18–25 John 1:11 Matthew 1:18b Luke 1:39 Luke 1:30–31 Proverbs 27:1 Acts 4:10–12 John 16:33 Matthew 1:21 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/the-hope-of-christmas-pt-3-and-his-name-shall-be-called-jesus/

There’s a lot of talk recently about the Euphrates River. Many believe that these are current signs of several end times prophecies, but which prophecies in specific? There are several prophecies of angels throughout Scripture. One prophecy, in particular, tells of the release of four ominous angels held at the Euphrates River. Who are these angels? Are they the angels of Jude 6 and 2 Peter 2:4? When will they be released? And why does this matter to the Church? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture to find the identity of these four angels in her video, The Four Angels Under The Euphrates River Pt. 1: Who Are They? Verses Used: Revelation 9:13-16 Acts 2:17-21 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 Matthew 24:29-31 Jude 6 2 Peter 2:4 Genesis 6 Revelation 20 Revelation 9:1-11 2 Kings 23:29 1 Chronicles 18:3 Genesis 15:18-21 Deuteronomy 11:24 Matthew 16:18-19 Psalms 115:16 1 Corinthians 15:45-47 James 4:2-3 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/the-end-times/the-four-angels-under-the-euphrates-river-pt-1-who-are-they/

During the Christmas season, we’re used to stories of Santa Claus and his reindeer soaring through the sky on his sleigh to bring presents made by him and his elves for all the good children. Santa has become a staple in our society today, but in the more recent years, a new darker Christmas character has taken the spotlight. Krampus is the center of much pop culture these days, but who is this goat demon? And is there any truth to the story of Krampus? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture to find any evidence in her video, Is Krampus Real? Verses Used: Leviticus 17:7 Exodus 12:12 Jeremiah 44:17‭-‬18 1 John 4:8 John 3:16 Galatians 3:8 Joel 2:32 Genesis 22:18 Ezekiel 3:18-19 Ezekiel 33:6 Matthew 22:29 Genesis 3 Revelation 12 Luke 22:3 Mark 9:20‭-‬29 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/too-deep/is-krampus-real/

Today, Christmas is becoming more and more controversial to celebrate. Many could argue that Christmas itself is under attack. Many don’t realize that this isn’t new. Christmas has always been under attack from the very beginning. 2,000 years ago, there was a war between good and evil. God Himself was the subject of an attack by the enemy. But when was this attack, and when was Christ ever really in jeopardy? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the very first attack on Christmas in his message, The Hope of Christmas Pt. 2: The Dragon Who Tried to Steal Christmas. Verses Used: Matthew 2:1–2 Matthew 2:9–11 Matthew 2:7–8 Hebrews 4:13 Revelation 12 Esther 1:13 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/the-hope-of-christmas-pt-2-the-dragon-who-tried-to-steal-christmas/

Every Christmas season, we read the same Christmas verses on the Birth of Christ Jesus, Matthew 2, Luke 2, Isaiah 9, etc. These are everyone’s go-to Christmas verses, but what if there’s a Christmas verse we’ve missed that’s hidden in plain sight? A Christmas verse that was given to bring hope to all people? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the Christmas promise we’ve all missed in his message, The Hope of Christmas Pt. 1: The Promise of Christmas. Verses Used: Genesis 22:15–19 (NKJV) Genesis 17:5–6 John 8:56 (NIV) Genesis 22:2 Genesis 21:12 Galatians 3:15–18 (NKJV) Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/the-hope-of-christmas-pt-1-the-promise-of-christmas/

Throughout history, we have had several stories of humans shapeshifting into animals. Many different cultures and religions have legends of humans having spirit-animals that give them a form of supernatural capabilities that can present in a physical manifestation. Even though there are countless stories of these kinds of situations, does this mean that shapeshifting is real? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture for the Truth in her video, Is Shapeshifting In The Bible? Verses Used: Genesis 6 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 1 Corinthians 4:6 Philippians 3:20-21 1 Corinthians 15:50–53 2 Samuel 23:8-23 1 Chronicles 11:22-25 Isaiah 29:1-7 1 Chronicles 12:8-15 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/too-deep/is-shapeshifting-in-the-bible/

Many people believe in God. In fact, the majority of people believe in God, but the majority of people who believe in God don’t truly have a relationship with God outside of church on Sunday mornings. The idea is that as long as they go to church and hear the word of God, that’s enough to save them. But is this Biblical? Is there more to salvation than just going to church or knowing the Bible? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the importance of building our relationship God as well as how to do that effectively in his message, Oh To Know Him. Verses Used: Exodus 33:12–23 Exodus 32:34 Jeremiah 9:23–24 2 Corinthians 10:17 Exodus 20:18–21 Psalms 103:6–8 Exodus 34:6–7 1 Corinthians 15:33–34 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/oh-to-know-him/

Every year we celebrate Thanksgiving with family, friends, and food, but is there more to it? What exactly is thanksgiving, and why is it important to be thankful? Join Reverend Jenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the importance of giving thanks in his message, The Joy of Thanksgiving. Verses Used: Psalms 100:1–5 Psalms 47:1 Psalms 100:1b–2ESV Psalm 150:6 Matthew 15:8 Deuteronomy 8:11–18 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 1 Chronicles 16:4 1 Chronicles 16:7 Romans 1:21 Psalms 100:4–5 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/the-joy-of-thanksgiving/

Every Christian knows the Biblical Creation Story of Genesis 1. Each day is written out for us so that there is no confusion about where humans came from. Yet, scientists constantly contradict the Biblical Creation Story with little to no evidence of their own theories and truths. A scientific theory is that all the land on earth was once a supercontinent they have called Pangea. But is that true? Is Pangea Biblical? Does the Bible even mention or hint at the scientific theory of Pangea? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture for the Truth about this scientific theory in her video, Does The Bible Support Pangea? Verses Used: Genesis 10:25 Genesis 11:8-17 Genesis 10:6-10 1 Chronicles 1:19 Psalms 55:9 Job 38:25-27 Job 29:6 Psalms 1:3 Psalms 46:4 Psalms 119:136 Proverbs 5:16 Proverbs 21:1 Isaiah 32:2 Psalms 65:9 Lamentations 3:48 Isaiah 30:25 Genesis 1:28 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/too-deep/does-the-bible-support-pangea/

In the Christian world, we talk about different spirits. We talk about the spirit of Python, the spirit of Jezebel, the spirit of antichrist, and so on. Like all nations, America is also under a spiritual influence. A spirit that’s bent on depopulation, the murder of babies, and removing the man from the equation altogether. Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the spirit behind America’s increasing darkness in his fiery message, The Spirit of Pharaoh. Verses Used: Exodus 1:8–14, 22 Exodus 1:15–22 Mark 16:15–18 Exodus 5:20–21 1 Peter 2:9–10 Revelation 9:1-6 Luke 10:19 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/the-spirit-of-pharaoh/

Many people in the Church take the term salvation for granted. We take the confidence that we have in our salvation in Christ Jesus for granted. If someone were to ask for reassurance on how they know they are saved, would you know how to answer them? Do you know how you know that you have salvation? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he eases our minds on our confidence in our salvation through Jesus Christ in his video, Salvation Pt. 4: How Do I Know I Have Salvation? Verses Used: Romans 10:9-13 Ephesians 2:8-9 John 3:16 Psalms 24:1 1 John 1:9-2:1 1 John 3:3-10 Hebrews 10:26-29 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/salvation-pt-4-how-do-i-know-i-have-salvation/

On November 11th, we celebrate and honor the brave men and women that fought for our freedom. Veterans were willing to give up everything, including their lives so that we could have the opportunity to have everything. They believed that freedom was worth fighting for. They believed that you were worth fighting for, just like Jesus believed you were. Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the importance of the spiritual battle surrounding us in his message, Worth Fighting For. Verses Used: 2 Samuel 22:2-4 Exodus 15:3 Isaiah 42:13 Psalms 24:8 Psalm 110:1 Ephesians 6:12 John 15:12-13 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/worth-fighting-for/

Many people in the Church take the term salvation for granted. How many of us would be able to explain what salvation is, why we all need it, as well as how to get/receive it to someone who has never heard? How can we spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth if we don’t fully know how to explain it ourselves? Peter told us to be ready to give a reason for our hope; therefore, wouldn’t why we need salvation and how we obtained it fall under that category? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he lays out the foundation for our salvation that all Christians should have in his video, Salvation Pt. 3: How Do I Get Salvation? Verses Used: Acts 2:37–41 John 14:5–6 Ephesians 2:8-9 Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) Acts 10:34-35 1 John 1:9 1 John 2:1–6 Psalms 32:5 Matthew 11:28–30 1 Corinthians 10:13 Psalms 32:5 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/nuggets-of-truth/salvation-pt-3-how-do-i-get-salvation/

In the Christian world, we often talk about spiritual doors. We say that the doors God has opened for us, no one can shut. We cling to the idea that the good things God has for us no one can take away, but many of us don’t like the idea that we ourselves can take away those good things by our own actions. We don’t like the idea of the possibility of opening evil spiritual doors in our lives by participating in things that aren’t of God. Many Christians believe that the occult is just foolishness. That the Devil is just a toothless lion, but the Truth is he is a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. Therefore, could participating in darkness, no matter how innocent it may look, cause someone to open a spiritual door for the demonic to enter their lives? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the dangers of careless actions in his video, Can Participating in Halloween Open Spiritual Doors? Verses Used: Revelation 3:20 1 Corinthians 16:8–9 Revelation 3:7–8 Hebrews 3:16–19 Acts 16:6 Deuteronomy 1:42–44 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/nfwh/can-participating-in-halloween-open-spiritual-doors/

Every year candy companies create special packaging, marketing, and products just for Halloween. It’s a spooktacular time. Many people think this is just good business, but what if there is something more to the Halloween candy we’re indulging in every year? What if there is something sinister behind Halloween candy? Join ArieRashelle as she shines a light in the darkness, searching for Truth in her video, Should Christians Buy Halloween Candy? Verses Used: Matthew 4:8-9 Matthew 16:26 Revelation 2:14 Revelation 2:20 Acts 15:28‭-‬29‬‬ 1 Peter 5:8 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/nfwh/should-christians-buy-halloween-candy/

During this season, the world seems to get darker and darker. This time of year is when the world celebrates Halloween, All Hallow's Eve, or Samhain. Many Christians will take part in trick or treating (or Trunk or Treating), dressing up, or decorating their homes in dark and creepy decorations this Halloween. If Halloween is about darkness and horror, what does the Church have to do with it? If it's just a tradition, is it okay for Christians to celebrate and participate in Halloween? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the Truth behind this gruesome holiday in his message, Halloween, A Tradition or A Door? Verses Used: 1 Samuel 16:14–16 1 Samuel 14:47–48 Matthew 12:28 Matthew 11:12 1 Samuel 14:47b–48 Numbers 31:12 Numbers 31:14–16 1 Thessalonians 5:22 (KJV) 1 Corinthians 8:13 1 Samuel 15:23a Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/halloween-a-tradition-or-a-door/

Pumpkins are a beloved fall fruit. Everything is pumpkin spice for the fall season, even air freshener. Another beloved usage of pumpkins this time of year is carving them into Jack ‘O Lanterns. Many Christians carve pumpkins this time of year with Scriptures or images of Jesus or just fun kid things like unicorns or puppies. If Christians aren’t carving pumpkins to be scary Jack ‘O Lanterns, but instead as a fun family night or a way of witnessing to the world, then is it really the same thing? Is it still wrong to carve pumpkins if it isn’t for Halloween? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he searches through Scripture for the answer to these questions and more in his video, Should Christians Carve Pumpkins? Verses Used: Jeremiah 13:23 Exodus 32:2–6 John 10 Isaiah 5:20 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/nfwh/should-christians-carve-pumpkins/

Everyone has heard of the Grim Reaper. He’s literally the personification of Death from many mythologies that is said to come to collect his victim’s soul. While we’ve all heard of the Grim Reaper, we’ve also all wondered if the Grim Reaper was really real at one time or another. Is this really an evil spirit that comes to collect people’s souls, or is this just a far-fetched myth? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture to find the Truth in her video, Is The Grim Reaper Real? Verses Used: Revelation 6:7-8 Revelation 20:14 1 Corinthians 15:26 Revelation 14:14-16 Ezekiel 37:11 John 19:40 Revelation 1:18 Luke 23:50-53 Luke 24:12 John 10:10 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/too-deep/is-the-grim-reaper-real/

Today our society pushes self-love and self-acceptance. We teach our kids from a young age to just be who they are. While this may seem like a positive and motivational practice, the results are a self-pleasuring, conceited, vain, and hard-of-heart generation. So, does this mean it’s wrong to love ourselves? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the importance of dying to self in his message, Lovers of Self. Verses Used: 2 Timothy 3:2a, 4b Genesis 4:6 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 Acts 9:4–6 Romans 15:3 Philippians 2:21 Matthew 24:12 Romans 14:7–9 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/lovers-of-self/