For Reflection
1. First Impressions
What details stand out in the opening setup about New Hope Fulton, the “Story Time” series, and Pastor Mike Spiegel’s unlikely faith journey?
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[ONLINE EXP] You don't have to grow up in church to find faith | STORYtime pt. 1 | NEWHOPEfulton
Mike Spiegel
•May 2, 2026
Before You Press Play
Watch for how Pastor Mike Spiegel moves from Stockton and Lodi to the judgment-and-grace language of the gospel, showing that the real hope is not avoiding a guilty verdict but trusting Jesus' sentencing to life.
For Reflection
2. The Gospel Tension
How does he describe the courtroom image of the gospel, and why does he say the verdict is guilty for everyone?
For Reflection
3. Holding On
What does he mean when he keeps repeating, “hold on for the sentencing,” and how does that reshape the way he wants people to hear bad news and good news together?
Hold on for the sentencing. Hold on for the sentencing.
— Key Line
For Reflection
4. Jesus Enduring It All
As he prays through Jesus’ suffering, what parts of the cross and resurrection does he emphasize, and how does that connect to grace and hope?
The climax of the gospel wasn't the cross. The climax was the resurrection, and we thank you for enduring it all for us, Lord.
— Key Line
For Reflection
5. Early Life in Stockton
What do you notice about Pastor Mike’s family background in Stockton, his father as a police officer, his mother as a nurse, and his very limited church exposure?
For Reflection
6. Favor and the Butcher Job
Why does he treat the job at Gary and Meat Company as a sign of God’s favor, and how does the contrast with Big John help him see grace differently?
God's favor isn't fair because he really is he does what he wants, and it doesn't always level the playing field, but his love is always the same.
— Key Line
For Reflection
7. From Religion to Real Faith
How does his story with Jill, the Adventist church, the Methodist church, and Neil begin to move him from knowing about religion to actually wrestling with faith?
For Reflection
8. Grace and Growth
He says he understood truth and right-or-wrong before he understood grace; what does that reveal about the difference between rule-keeping and being changed by God’s mercy?
For Reflection
9. Why Pastoring?
What reasons does he give for sensing a call to ministry, and how do service, adoption into God’s family, and practical compassion seem to shape his view of pastoring?
you're never too ordinary.
— Key Line
For Reflection
10. Your Story Matters
How does the conversation about New Hope’s multicolored community and everyone’s story challenge the idea that only dramatic testimonies matter, and how might that speak to your own life?
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Prayer
After the Sermon Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that the gospel ends in life, not condemnation. Help us receive your grace, rest in your forgiveness, and trust that we are adopted into your family and given peace even when our lives feel uncertain. Amen.