Eagles Rising: Finding Strength in Hope (#1080 - Elim)

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Hope in the Lord, Not in Religion

Scripture Focus: Isaiah 40:28–31
Speaker: Pastor Ben Cooper

What happens when we place our trust in religious systems instead of Jesus Himself? In this compelling and deeply challenging episode, Pastor Ben Cooper brings an unfiltered exploration of Isaiah 40:28–31—one of the most uplifting passages in Scripture—yet used here to challenge the very foundations of what we’ve built our faith on.

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.”
 Not those who hope in denominations.
 Not those who hope in personalities or religious institutions.
 Only those who hope in the Lord.

This teaching exposes a vital distinction: between religion and relationship, between performance-based Christianity and Spirit-filled intimacy with Jesus. Pastor Ben boldly confronts the truth that many believers have unknowingly placed their faith in systems, routines, and spiritual leaders rather than in Christ alone.

As this episode unfolds, you’ll be invited to reflect deeply on your walk with God:

• Are you a Christ-follower or a crowd-follower?
• Is your strength being renewed by the Holy Spirit—or drained by trying to please people?
• Have you built your identity around your church culture or your connection to the Savior?

Faith and hope are presented not just as theological ideas, but as spiritual weapons. Hope operates in the realm of expectation—it lifts the heart toward God’s promises. Faith is the assurance that what we hope for is already secured in Christ. Together, they form the unshakeable foundation that carries us through every storm.

We also explore the broader call of Isaiah 40—how God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. This isn’t about managing burnout; it’s about encountering the renewing power of the living God. God’s strength doesn't come from routine, ritual, or performance—it flows from deep hope rooted in Him.

Pastor Ben invites listeners to challenge their comfort zones and assess the voices influencing their faith. Who is shaping your theology? Is it tradition, trends, or truth? This episode is both a warning and an invitation—to rise, to hope, and to walk again in the power of renewed strength.

If you’ve been caught in the exhaustion of religion without the renewal of relationship, this is your moment to realign. Let go of man-made systems and place your full hope in the One who never grows tired or weary.

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, or Buzzsprout.

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