Hope Starts Here

Hope Starts Here

Sunday, April 11, 2021

Pastor Anthony J Shetley

Point of Life Church

How do we define hope?

Most likely, our definition of hope would involve some degree of chance, at least that would probably be the case in the world’s definition.

This morning, I want us to consider a biblical definition of hope.

Ephesians 2:12 (NASB95)

remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of

Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

The biblical perspective of hope centers around Jesus Christ.

To be separated from Christ is to be without God and without hope in the world.

There is no worst place to be in than a place where there seems to be no hope.

Hopelessness is the darkest state of existence.

It robs one’s life of joy, passion, and usefulness, much like the thief described by Jesus.

“The thief,” Jesus said, “comes to steal, kill, and destroy.”

However, Jesus (speaking of Himself) went on to say, “I have come so that you can have and live a full life.”

Knowing Jesus fills one's life with hope, and the hope that you have in Christ is not like the hope of the world.

The definition of hope in the world involves chance, but His promises are not subject to chance.

Hope in Jesus Christ means assurance. You can be sure of His promises!

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Hard to Believe.

Many may want to believe it.

But there is no way you can trust in something or someone that you know nothing about.

“How can they call on Him unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?” (Romans 10:14)

Nobody understood this more than Paul. He had strongly resisted believing in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God until the day Jesus revealed Himself to him.

Acts 26:14

14“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” (It is useless for you to fight against my will – NLT)

Paul came to life once he came to know the Christ, whose name is Jesus.

1 Timothy 1:13–16

1 Timothy 1:13–16 NASB95

even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.

The Dead who will hear, will come to life!

John 5:25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” - Jesus

Paul’s Commission is Our Commission

“How can they call on Him unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them?” (Romans 10:14)

Hope starts Here!

God has sent us – “To open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.” (Acts 26:18)

We must have the heart of Christ!

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Jesus, Christ)

Hope starts here with us. To lead one to learn of Christ, is to lead one to hope!