HoldToHope Videos

The world around us is constantly getting darker and darker. It feels as though the dreams and calls of the Church are getting harder and harder to reach, but is that what the LORD intended for His people? How can we overcome the obstacles in our way? How can we encourage ourselves in the LORD? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the strength we have in Christ Jesus in his message, Standing on the Promises of God. Verses Used: Joshua 21:43–45 John 3:16 Matthew 11:28–29 Jeremiah 29:11 NIV 1 John 1:9 1 Peter 2:24 Matthew 11:12b 2 Corinthians 1:15–22 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/standing-on-the-promises-of-god/

Every 5 minutes a Christian is murdered for their faith. All around the world, people are being tortured for their beliefs and/or political stances. In fact, people are being tortured for no reason at all. What do we as Christians do when it comes to persecution of the Church (other Christians) or others in general? Do we stand up for what's right? Are we a voice for the voiceless? Do we pray for those who are in need of prayer? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the desire of God in his message, The Persecuted Victims of Torture. Verses Used: Jeremiah 38:1–6 Matthew 24:9–13 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/the-persecuted-victims-of-torture/

When we live in such a dark world, it’s to feel hopeless and alone, but as Christians, we have a hope that the world doesn’t have. We have Jesus. We have the Word of God. We have all of His promises. So, what do His promises do for us? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to all that the LORD has in store for His people in his message, God’s Promises. Verses Used: Joshua 21:45 Deuteronomy 30:17–18 Romans 6:23 John 14:13-14 John 16:23–24 Matthew 27:50–51 John 16:23–24 John 16:24b John 3:16 Jeremiah 29:11–14a Isaiah 53:5 (KJV) 1 Peter 2:24 ESV Exodus 15:26b (KJV) Deuteronomy 8:18a 3 John 2:2 (KJV) Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/gods-promises/

From the very beginning, the Devil has been tempting humanity with the same ways he still tempts us with today. He entices us with the lie that sin won’t lead to death. That sin isn’t a big deal. The Devil evil twists Scripture in order to get us to fall prey to his schemes. Many believe that as long as our sin isn’t too great, then we can still make it into Heaven. Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the dangers of playing with sin regardless of how small we think it is in his message, Playing With Sin. Verses Used: Proverbs 6:27–28 Genesis 4:7 (NKJV) 1 Corinthians 10:31 1 Corinthians 10:12–13 2 Corinthians 10:4–5 Romans 12:1–2 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/playing-with-sin/

Today, so many in the Church don't like to think about the future, especially eternity. We focus on what's affecting us at this moment without fully weighing the consequences of our actions. We hold to the idea that as long as we want it in our hearts, it's good, and the desire is from God. But is this true? Can you listen to your heart? Can you truly let your heart guide you through life? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the importance of our decisions in his message, Think Carefully Before You Act. Verses Used: Proverbs 4:20-27 Matthew 16:26 Jeremiah 17:9–10 Matthew 12:34 1 John 2:15–17 1 Corinthians 7:31 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/think-carefully-before-you-act/

Every year, here in America, we celebrate the 4th of July. So many people don’t even know what we’re celebrating, yet it’s the very foundation on which America was built. July 4th, 1776, marks the day that we drafted our freedom from the tyranny of Great Britain. Because of this day, many generations have been blessed with freedom. Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to our spiritual Independence Day in his message, The Truth Will Set You Free. Verses Used: John 8:31–36 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/the-truth-will-set-you-free/

Over the last few decades, fathers have become more and more absent from their children’s lives. Many children today don’t have a father figure in their life anymore. In fact, many don’t even have a male presence in their life to help guide them. There’s a rise in gang violence, children and young adults getting arrested, fights, and shootings in schools. Could this be connected to the rise in father absence in our homes today? According to our ever-changing culture, fathers aren’t important to the family, but is this true? Are fathers replaceable? Is a father necessary to have in the household? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the importance of a father in his Father’s Day Message, Dads Represent. Verses Used: Proverbs 15:5 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/dads-represent/

2,000 years ago, the Jews had their own idea of who the Messiah was supposed to be. Because of this, many missed the first coming of Jesus. Today we are in the same boat as the Jews 2,000 years ago. As the world gets closer to the return of Christ, who Jesus was and who He is gets more and more blurred. We have our own preconceptions of who we believe Jesus should be that we could miss the second coming of Christ. Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the Truth of who Jesus is in his fiery message, What Manner of Man is This Pt. 2: Jesus Is God. Verses Used: Matthew 8:23-27 (KJV) John 3:27–30 Isaiah 40:3 (NKJV) John 1:29–32 Matthew 11:2–6 John 3:16 John 8:54–59 John 17:5 John 1:1–5 Matthew 2:11 John 20:28–29 Matthew 14:33 Matthew 28:9–10 Isaiah 42:1–8 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/what-manner-of-man-is-this-pt-2/

It’s a common belief that Jesus is the only way to Eternal Life, but is that truly what the Scripture says? Isn’t believing in God enough to get us salvation? Why do we have to go through Jesus? Many believe that as long as you believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is enough to receive salvation. Is there something that we aren’t seeing in Jesus’ statement in John 14:6, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.’ Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture to find the answers to these questions and more in her video, Is Jesus Really The Only Way? Verses Used: Exodus 3:1-6 Exodus 3:13-14 John 14:6 John 8:58 Acts 4:11-12 1 Timothy 2:5-6 John 3:16-17 Hebrews 9:11-15 James 2:19 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/nuggets-of-truth/is-jesus-really-the-only-way/

We’ve discussed that there are many different gods according to the Bible. We’ve even discussed what these gods could be and what they most certainly are not. So, the question is, if they are gods, then can we worship them? What if we don’t put them above God? Doesn’t the First Commandment allow the worship of other gods as long as we worship the LORD above all? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture for the answers to these questions and more in her video, The gods Pt. 4: The First Commandment. Verses Used: Exodus 20:3 Genesis 17:17-18 Malachi 3:14 Genesis 45:7 Malachi 3:1 Exodus 23:13 Exodus 20:8 Psalms 77:11 1 Timothy 2:5-6 Colossians 2:13-15 Proverbs 18:10 Exodus 34:5-8 Exodus 23:13 Deuteronomy 4:19-20 Exodus 12:49 Acts 10:34-35 John 15:18-19 Genesis 12:1-3 Joshua 24:1-3 Acts 17:22-34 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/too-deep/the-gods-pt-4-the-first-commandment/

The Feast of Shavuot was celebrated from the time of Moses. When the Day of Pentecost (Shavuot) had come in its entirety, the followers of Christ were together in one accord in the Upper Room. When they were in the Upper Room, the Holy Spirit came and filled all in the Upper Room with the Holy Spirit and His power. 2,000 years later, what happened to the power of the Holy Spirit that came down and filled those in the Upper Room? Does the Church still have power today? What does Joel’s prophecy in Joel 2 mean for the Church? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the power of the Holy Spirit in the Church today in his Pentecost Sunday message, Where’s the Power? Verses Used: Joel 2:28–29 Acts 2:1–4NKJV Joel 2:28–29 Acts 2:14–18 2 Corinthians 6:14–16 Psalm 91:1 Acts 2:17a Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/wheres-the-power/

Many Christians believe and teach that all you have to do is repent, and life will be easier because once you are saved, you are always saved. In fact, some go as far as to believe that Christians no longer can even sin because they have been sealed by the Holy Spirit. Could this be why we Christians are held to a higher standard than the world? We’re supposed to be Christ to the world, so are we perfect as Jesus is perfect? So then are they right, and Christians are saved from sinning because Jesus said, ‘whom the Son sets free is free indeed’? Or is there something more to it? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture for the answers in her video, Can Christians Sin? Verses Used: 1 John 3:9-10 Romans 6:1-2 Colossians 3:5-10 1 Corinthians 10:13 Romans 7:13‭-‬25‬ 1 John 1:5-10 1 John 5:16-18 John 10:27-28 Ephesians 1:13-14 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Philippians 1:6 1 Corinthians 15:51‭-‬58‬ Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/nfwh/can-christians-sin/

Right now, our country is divided into parties, specifically Democrats and Republicans. This is how we think and vote and can also contribute to how we build our social circles but is this how God desires His Church to be? Is this how Christians should vote strictly based on political parties? Does God favor one political party over the other? Or is God’s ways higher than our ways? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture to find the answer to these questions and more in her video, Is God a Democrat or a Republican? Verses Used: Isaiah 9:6-7 John 18:33-38a Deuteronomy 32:4 Psalms 9:7-8 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Galatians 5:19-25, Galatians 5:14 Matthew 22:35-40 Mark 10:18 1 Corinthians 1:25 Isaiah 55:8-9 Proverbs 3:5-6 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/is-god-a-democrat-or-a-republican/

Happy Mother’s Day. In today’s society, it’s easy to overlook mothers and their importance in the family when society continuously tells us that to be a mother is an easy and/or pointless job. But what exactly is a mother? And what is the role of a mother? And is a mother important in the family? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the importance of mothers in his Mother’s Day message, Carry Him to His Mother. Verses Used: 2 Kings 4:18–25 2 Kings 4:12–14 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/carry-him-to-his-mother/ All the videos, songs, images, and graphics used in the video belong to their respective owners and I or this channel does not claim any right over them. Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made for “fair use” for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing.” Video Credit: Marc Mero https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FwqXzkf6gcE&t=1s

Today Jesus is painted in many different ways. Some say He was a good man, while others say that He was a rebel. Some say He was a prophet, while others say He was God incarnate. 2,000 years ago, Jesus asked His disciples the same question, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” How important is that question? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the importance of this question in his message, Who Do Men Say That I am? Verses Used: Matthew 16:13–20 NKJV Joshua 11:16–17 ESV Joshua 12:1 Romans 10:8–10 James 2:19 Matthew 22:14 John 3:16–17 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/who-do-men-say-that-i-am/

The Scripture says that the world is the LORD’S, yet the world has turned its back on the LORD. They took Him out of the schools, workplaces, communities, cities, and governments. They are trying to get rid of God completely; why? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the signs all around us in his message, The Price of Doing and the Cost of Ignoring Pt. 3: We Do Not Want This Man To Reign Over Us. Verses Used: Luke 19:11–27 Revelation 3:18 Revelation 3:20 Genesis 3:10 Revelation 22:7 Revelation 22:12 Revelation 22:20 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/the-price-of-doing-and-the-cost-of-ignoring-pt-3/

This is the day that we rejoice in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This Resurrection Sunday (Easter Sunday) is three days after the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. And with His death, He purchased the souls of men with His own blood, and with His resurrection on the third day, He gave us eternal life. But before He could get to the resurrection, He had to go through the death, and always, that was at the back of His mind, I’m sure. The constant reminder of the price that He would have to pay for the redemption of the souls of mankind weighed on His shoulders. Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the True price Jesus paid for our sins in His Resurrection Sunday (Easter Sunday) message, Now Is My Soul Troubled. Verses Used: John 12:27–36 Luke 22:39–46 John 3:16 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/now-is-my-soul-troubled/

Every year the Church celebrates Palm Sunday, the Triumphal (Triumphant) Entry of Jesus. While we may call this the Triumphal Entry and celebrate it yearly, many of us have no idea why we refer to this event as the Triumphant Entry. What was the purpose of this event, and why is it so important to the Church? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the hidden meanings behind this event in his message, Humble and Riding on a Donkey. Verses Used: Zechariah 9:9 Acts 1:9–11 Matthew 21:6–11 Revelation 12:12 Genesis 16:11–12 Galatians 4:21–25 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/special-occasion-messages/humble-and-riding-on-a-donkey/

When we pray, we expect an immediate answer. We expect God to fulfill His promises and pour out blessings on His people, but what happens when He doesn’t? What happens when certain mountains refuse to move? Do we just give up, or is there something that we’re missing? Is there something maybe that we didn’t even do that’s affecting us? Could it be a generational curse or something in our bloodline that is causing us to stay at a standstill with God? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the spiritual warfare we may be missing in his message series, The Harvest Pt. 2: Reaping Your Harvest. Verses Used: 2 Samuel 21:1–6 Ephesians 4:25–27 Ephesians 6:12 Acts 12:1–3 Acts 12: 4–5 Acts 12:6–10 John 14:13–14 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/the-harvest-pt-2/

2000 years ago, Jesus ascended into Heaven but promised that He would one day return. As we wait for Jesus' return, what are we, Christians, supposed to do? Does it matter what we do? Do Christians have a call (job) to do while we wait for Jesus to return? If we do, what is that call, and what will happen if we don't fulfill it? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the importance of doing the will of God during these last days in his message, The Price of Doing and the Cost of Ignoring Pt. 1: Rewards and Consequences. Verses Used: Luke 19:11–27 Luke 19:9–10 Proverbs 11:30 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/the-price-of-doing-and-the-cost-of-ignoring-pt-1/

When we pray, we expect an immediate answer. We expect God to fulfill His promises and pour out blessings on His people, but what happens when He doesn’t? What happens when certain mountains refuse to move? Do we just give up, or is there something that we’re missing? Is there something maybe that we didn’t even do that’s affecting us? Could it be a generational curse or something in our bloodline that is causing us to stay at a standstill with God? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to the spiritual warfare we may be missing in his message series, The Harvest Pt. 2: Reaping Your Harvest. Verses Used: 2 Samuel 21:1–6 Ephesians 4:25–27 Ephesians 6:12 Acts 12:1–3 Acts 12: 4–5 Acts 12:6–10 John 14:13–14 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/the-harvest-pt-2/

For the past 2000 years, the Church has been awaiting the Second Coming of the Messiah. Each generation has believed they would see Jesus in their day, but never has there been a time such as now. Prophecies are being fulfilled. There are wars and protests for freedom all across the world like never before. It is the sign of the times. So, what does that mean for us? Join Reverend Kenny Yates as he opens our eyes to our spiritual weapons in his fiery message, The Harvest Pt. 1: The Harvest is Nigh. Verses Used: Judges 6:2-6 Genesis 42:36–38 Mark 9:29 (KJV) James 5:16b (KJV) Psalms 147:1 Psalms 135:1 Psalms 22:3 Revelation 12:11 Matthew 4:1-4 2 Corinthians 9:8 Philippians 4:19 Psalms 23 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/weekly-messages/the-harvest-pt-1/

According to Scripture, the Joy of The LORD is our strength. It builds us up and refreshes our soul. It gives us faith and hope. It helps us overcome spiritual and physical obstacles set before us. But what is it? What is the Joy of The LORD? And how do we get the Joy of the LORD? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture for Truth in our video, What Is The Joy of The LORD? Verses Used: Nehemiah 8:10 Luke 2:10 1 Thessalonians 1:4-7 Hebrews 10:32-39 Luke 8:15 John 15:8-11 Romans 12:2 John 17:13 John 16:20-24 1 Chronicles 16:27 Revelation 21:3-4 James 4:7-10 James 1:2-8 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/nuggets-of-truth/what-is-the-joy-of-the-lord/

“I think God would want me to be happy” is a common response in today’s Church whenever we’re being spiritually corrected. But is that a fair statement? Does God want us to be happy? It would seem only right that God would want us to be happy and enjoy life to the fullest, but is that what God really wants for our lives? Is the Joy of the LORD the same as happiness? Join ArieRashelle as she searches through Scripture to find the Truth in our video, Does God Want Me To Be Happy? Verses Used: Revelation 20:11-15 Matthew 18:7-9 Matthew 26:40-41 John 21:15-19 Romans 7:14-25 Psalms 37:3-4 1 Samuel 13:14 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/nfwh/does-god-want-me-to-be-happy/

The world seems to be falling straight into the trap prophesied by Paul 2,000 years ago. Even though the world seems to be hopeless, he still implores us to continue to not grow weary of doing good. But why? Join ArieRashelle as she explains why we must continue to do good, even though everything seems hopeless, in our latest video, I Will Give You Rest, But When? Verses Used: Galatians 6:7-10 2 Thessalonians 3:13 Matthew 11:28-30 Hebrews 12:1-3 Matthew 11:29-30 John 16:33 2 Corinthians 4:8-18 Revelation 21:3-4 Our Website: https://www.holdtohope.org/theology/nuggets-of-truth/i-will-give-you-rest-but-when/