There are two very different types of hope in this world:

One is hoping for something, and the other is hoping in someone.

Hebrews 6:17-20a

17 Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. 18 God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. 19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf…

The writer of Hebrews, speaks of this anchor, this Jesus, being the HOPE we have and we have been given!

We are to be a part of a hope-giving church, that impacts the world and shares this hope with a world that needs it – all because we’re a people given HOPE through Jesus!

The entire Bible declares the story of an unshakeable hope in the Living God. We see this declaration all throughout the pages of Scripture.

Quote:

“Human beings can live for forty days without food, four days without water, and four minutes without air. But we cannot live for four seconds without hope.” --Author: Andy Crouch

What oxygen is to the lungs, such is hope to the meaning of life.

—Emil Brunner, Swiss theologian

We all need hope, crave it and thus we search for it in people, in experiences, in resources and in the stuff we acquire. But a hope founded in things - is just a “faux hope” – a hope that can quickly fade and isn’t really real.

…in fact, sooner or later, we all sorta discover how fragile hope can be when it’s placed only in things of this world… that’s why when the Bible points to a HOPE that can meet us, change us, hold us secure – it doesn’t point to a worldly hope, but to “another world” kinda of hope.

= Not a hope found in things – but one founded in the person of Jesus.

-Jesus is the ultimate foundation of hope

1) God’s given us a Hope from our past (this is the wonder of the gospel)

Jesus did for you, what you couldn’t do for yourself.

His HOPE has taken care of our past.

2) God’s Hope is WITH US in our present

How wonderful is it to know: truly know – that we will never navigate a life stage, a difficult season or an unknown scenario ALONE again. Ever.

Matthew 28:20b

“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

John 14:26

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

God’s presence isn’t distant, distracted or disengaged – his promised presence is with you, with me in our here and now and every day reality. We can lean on him, depend on Him, look to his activity and presence WITH US – he is still EMMANUEL, the God who is WITH US!

3) Hope for our future (and our forever with Him)

your inheritance is kept for you AND you are being kept for your inheritance.

We have a Sharable hope – because our HOPE isn’t in a what, it’s a WHO

1 Peter 3:15

15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

Romans 15:13

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace, as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

We are to become PEZ PEOPLE, if you will…God’s HOPE dispensers to the world.

We are to be a HOPE-GIVING CHURCH – each member, being a PEZ PERSON (so to speak)…filled up by the HOPE of Jesus and dispensing it to others.

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, 20 where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf…

Have a blessed week everyone. We're right back here next Sunday at 5pm in person or online! Stay tuned for an email coming soon from our Board with an update and requests as we navigate this season of healing.