In a world filled with uncertainty and fleeting promises, the message of hope found in Jesus Christ stands as a beacon of light. This hope is not a superficial assurance of an easy life but a profound promise rooted in the eternal truths of Scripture. As we delve into this promise, we are reminded of the enduring nature of God’s Word and the ultimate hope it provides.
The True Promise and Hope of Jesus
The topic of this lesson, finding hope in Jesus, contains a crucial reminder for us, that the hope that we’re to proclaim is not just, ‘Oh, believe in Jesus and he’ll give you a better life.’ That’s not always going to happen. In fact, often it is the opposite. It may give you a more difficult life at times as we grow in our faith as a follower of Jesus. This statement challenges the often-misunderstood notion that faith in Jesus guarantees a life free from hardship. Instead, it acknowledges that following Christ can sometimes lead to greater challenges. However, these challenges are not without purpose or hope. Every difficulty is an opportunity to mature in faith.
The promise we can confidently proclaim is that if we believe in Jesus and make Him the ruler of our lives, we will one day walk on the streets of gold with Him and only then will our troubles be gone. This eternal promise is far greater than any temporary comfort or success we might seek in this world. It is a promise that transcends our present circumstances and anchors us in the hope of eternal life with our Savior.
The Endurance Taught in Scripture
Romans 15:4 tells us: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.” This verse underscores the importance of Scripture in our journey of faith. The Bible is not just a historical document; it is a living testament that teaches us endurance and provides encouragement and hope.
Pastor Jim’s sermon emphasizes that this endurance is not something we can achieve on our own. It is cultivated through a deep and consistent engagement with God’s Word. “Through the endurance taught in the Scriptures,” we learn to persevere in our faith, even when faced with trials. This endurance is not passive but active, requiring us to immerse ourselves in the teachings of the Bible continually and putting into practice what we’ve learned.
Beyond the Sermon: Personal Engagement with Scripture
A poignant reminder from Jim is that our spiritual nourishment should not be limited to a 30-minute sermon each week. “If the only teaching you get every week is by coming and listening to me for 30 minutes, you’ve got some work to do. It’s not just what I say. It’s what God says.” This call to action encourages believers to take personal responsibility for their spiritual growth and knowledge of the Scriptures. It is up to us to study God’s Word personally.
Engaging with Scripture daily allows us to internalize its truths and apply them to our lives. It is through this personal engagement that we can truly understand and experience the hope that the Bible offers. Pastor Jim challenges us to move beyond passive listening and to actively seek God’s voice through His Word and through prayer.
One Lord, One Hope
The Bible also highlights the unity and singularity of our faith: “There is one Lord. We sing about this during our worship. The one God, one Father, one Savior, one Master, and a King to which every knee will bow.” This declaration of faith is a powerful reminder of the centrality of Jesus Christ in our lives. He is the one true source of hope, and it is in Him that we find our ultimate purpose and destiny.
This unity in Christ is not just a theological concept but a lived reality. As believers, we are called to reflect this unity in our relationships and communities. By recognizing Jesus as our one Lord and Savior, we align our lives with His will and purpose, fostering a sense of unity and hope that transcends our individual circumstances. It is the love and oneness we have with fellow believers that shows the world how the Church is unique.
Living Out the Promise
Living out the promise of hope in Jesus requires a daily commitment to follow Him, even when the path is difficult. It means trusting in His promises and relying on His strength to endure. The hope we have in Jesus is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast assurance rooted in the unchanging nature of God.
As we navigate the challenges of life, let’s hold firmly to the promise that one day we will be with our Savior and those that love the Lord. This eternal perspective transforms our present struggles into opportunities for growth and deepens our reliance on God’s grace.
A Call to Action
Let Jesus call you into a deeper engagement with Scripture, a personal commitment to spiritual growth, and a unified faith in the one true God.
Share this hope boldly with others, not as a guarantee of an easy life, but as the ultimate promise of eternal joy and peace in the presence of Jesus. In a world filled with uncertainty, this is the hope that anchors our souls and guides our steps each and every day.
Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes invites you to join us in this journey of grace and unity. Together, let’s embrace the unearned blessings of God and share His love with those around us.
