An Enduring Hope

Open: The year 2019 is rapidly drawing to a close - 3 days left until we begin 2020. Not only a new year, but a new decade as well! As we begin this 3rd decade of the 21st century, what outlooks and attitudes will we carry with us? Will we timidly creep into 2020 with a growing sense of dread that things will just grow worse and worse? Or will we enter 2020 with a sense of adventure knowing that God is calling us to live boldly and unashamedly for the Gospel in this new decade?

Transition: God would have His children face the future with excitement and hope, realizing that the opportunities for Kingdom Advance surround us, and knowing that light shines brighter in the darkness. We are hearing many voices that speak to despair and doom, but for the Child of God the future is hopeful.

This Hope is a quality that God gives, not something we try to “work up” on our own. Knowing that Hope exists and actually living in that Hope are two different things. We aren’t going to remain hopeful and walk in victory with simple slogans and statements. We MUST remain dependent upon the God of Hope and entreat Him for His empowerment.

English Standard Version Chapter 15

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy! AND PEACE in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in Hope” (Romans 15:13)

READ: Romans 15:13

God gives His children an Enduring Hope to face all future challenges

God gives His children an Enduring Hope to face all future challenges

This past year has been challenging to our Church family in the area of health, especially the growing number of those fighting cancer. (Glenn, James, Wilma) In addition we have those with chronic illness: Tona and Dylan and others. Dealing with sickness over long periods of time can lead to discouragement, and hope seems far away.

READ Call on Deacon to lead in prayer for physical healing and hope for the duration

Because of the Hope God gives, believers are to live with joy, not despair

The calendar year of 2020 is sure to present issues that will tempt believers to give into despair. Our country is not growing into a kinder and more gentle nation. America is faced with the potential to become even more divided this year as we endure an impeachment trial, a presidential election, increasing attacks of freedom of worship, and the growing acceptance of the godless lifestyles of the moral revolutionaries.

While we are called to engage the culture with the power of the Gospel, and not to retreat into our sanctuaries, we need to be reminded that this world is not our home. Our true citizenship resides in Heaven, and that is our forever home. In this Hope we stand firm while continuing to pray for those who are still trapped in the world system

Sherrill girls to sing: “I Need a Savior”

READ: Call on Deacon to lead in prayer for opportunities to minister to those who oppose God

Because of the Hope God gives, believers are to live in peace, not fear

Voices in our culture are continuing to ramp up their rhetoric concerning climate change and the destruction of our planet. Some are telling us that we have already passed the point of no return, while others claim we only have 10-12 years left before we are doomed. Such voices can lead us to greater anxiety and fear of the future, causing even some to give up on having babies.

Climate change is occuring at some level, but it is not as extreme as the doom-sayers are claiming. And, the believer can be confident that the God of the Universe is very much aware of the situation. He is the Creator AND the Sustainer of the Universe, and He is the One who will decide when and how things get wrapped up.

READ Call on Deacon to lead in prayer for believers to live in the Hope of His promise, and to prayer for opportunities to share the Gospel with those who despair

As believer’s rely on the Holy Spirit, the Hope of God will abound

God was in control of the events of 2019, and He will remain in control of His Creation in 2020 and on into Eternity. We will most assuredly not understand all of the ways God allows the future to unfold. Unfortunately, we will experience more shootings in 2020, some businesses will fail, some families will end up homeless, and some children will be abused; sadly many will be murdered through the national sin of abortion. God did not originate these terrible things, but He does allow them. I don’t understand His reasons why, but I trust that in His plan He is working all things for His glory and the good of His children.

We will founder in our faith and give in to despair if we take our eyes off Him. When we focus on the circumstances around us, we will lose hope. The Redeemed are called to focus on things above, not on this world. This does not mean we ignore the injustice around us. My prayer is that we as individuals and as a church we will minister to the broken around us, and never grow comfortable with the way things are. BUT, as we encounter the darkness and engage the forces of evil we require the constant empowering of the Spirit.

READ Call on all who so desire to come to the altar as individuals or families to pray for God’s consecration of blessing for a new year of ministry