Saturday, April 30, 2011

April 30, 2011

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time."  I Peter 1:1-5

Hope has been afloat this week.

Of course, the week began with Easter. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the source of all hope. There can be no hope without a Risen Savior. With a Risen Christ there is nothing that can defeat or destroy our hope! At least for as long as He lives!

Also, there was the hope that came from the wedding of the royal couple, William and Kate. New beginnings can be times of hopefulness. Certainly we hope that this lovely young couple will find great happiness together and everything they hope for will be realized.

There is the hope evidenced in the hearts and dreams of the dozens of young men involved in the NFL darft this week. After successful high school and college careers they are hoping to be drafted by an NFL team.

But true hope is rooted and grounded in Christ's mercy. Because of the sacrificial death of Jesus God extended His grace to us in mercy rather than treating us with the justice we deserved.

A second source of hope is in the new birth! This refers to a spiritual birth that is necessary due to the fact that we are born into this world with a sinful nature and that nature is dead, or non-responsive to God. So, in order to have a hopeful future there must be a new birth or a regeneration of the soul. The Spirit of God must be allowed to bring life to your soul through faith. You will be born again - born into hope!

The third source for hoping is highlighted here as well! And it is the living hope that results from the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The fact of His resurrection proves that Jesus has conquered death brings hope for all who receive Him by faith!

Fourth, this hope is secured in Heaven! And because it is secured in heaven it can never perish, spoil or fade!

Do you have that hope or are you just hoping that you catch a break? The difference between hoping and having hope is as wide as eternity. Hoping won't get you to Heaven. Having the hope that comes form a personal relationship with Jesus will!








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