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Hope and Faith
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaHopelessness is the worst feeling a person can experience, for it leaves one without any expectation of relief or improvement. Yet, for those in Christ, hopelessness is never a reality, even amidst fear, loneliness, or desperate situations. Hope, in the biblical sense, is not a mere wish or uncertain optimism, but a strong and confident expectation, a certainty rooted in trust. This hope is the assurance that what God has promised in His Word is true, such as the return of Jesus our Lord to gather us in resurrection and to rule with Him in His Kingdom. Faith serves as the support of this hope, acting as the evidence of what we hold in our hearts and minds. Faith is demonstrated in how we live our lives, showing through our actions that we trust in God's promises. Biblical hope does not lead to escapism or idleness; rather, it propels us into action, changing how we live, what we value, and how we use our talents, time, and resources. It shifts our focus from earthly to heavenly matters, aligning our hearts with where our true treasure lies. Our hope, sourced from God, the God of hope, must be fixed solely on Him, for He alone has the power to fulfill it. This hope, intertwined with faith, transforms who we are and what we do, proving through our lives that we believe in His truth. Hope resides in our hearts as the dream and belief in God's promises of resurrection and a better world, moving us toward action, while faith is the action itself, evidencing our trust in Him.
Faith, Hope, and the Worship of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFaith and hope are foundational to our relationship with God, shaping how we worship and live in deference to Him. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the assurance and evidence of what we do not see, and it is generated through hearing and receiving God's Word. This faith is essential, as it underpins everything developed in our connection with Him, guiding us in salvation, which is an ongoing process sustained by hope. We are being saved in hope, a necessary component that carries us through to the end. Hope evolves as we age, shifting from childhood desires to deeper concerns about life, mortality, and our relationship with God. We hope for peace, for cures to diseases, for safety from disasters, and ultimately for eternal life in God's Kingdom. Yet, for hope to have substance, it must be accompanied by conviction rooted in the reality of God's promises. Without solid evidence from His Word, hopes are mere wishes or daydreams, lacking the power to motivate action toward fulfillment. True faith and hope rest solely on God's Word, providing the only valid foundation for our aspirations concerning Him. If God has not spoken on a matter, there is no basis for belief or hope, only human imagination. Our hope for eternal life depends entirely on His faithfulness in keeping His promises, for His Word is always true. Without faith anchored in what He reveals, it is impossible to please Him, and our worship must be grounded in this faith to be acceptable. Thus, the essence of worship lies in believing and acting on what God has spoken, ensuring that our hopes and actions align with His truth. This faith, derived from His Word, gives us a legitimate basis for hope, motivating us to live in a way that reflects our trust in His sovereignty, providence, and faithfulness.
Jesus Christ Is Our Hope
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingRahab considered the red cord a symbol of her faith and hope that she and her family would be rescued from destruction. Her faith was not wasted but rewarded.
Saved By Our Attributes of Hope
Sermonette by Bill OnisickIn 2018, what is known as 'the ultimate storm,' whose 155 MPH winds generated waves 80 feet high, failed to scuttle a small boat out of New Zealand, Tonga.
Passover and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Passover is a beacon of hope in an otherwise hopeless milieu. Jesus provided hope at His last Passover, exuding confidence despite what lay ahead.

We Are Saved in This Hope
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Scriptures assure us that by combining God's redemptive acts from the past, we are to have an ardent hope in the future, anticipating eternal life.
Hope in a Turbulent World
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Greek and Roman myths have shaped the world view of Western culture, including our attitude toward hope, a concept which is often abused and distorted.
Hope to the End
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPeter, while warning about impending suffering, nevertheless distinguishes himself as the apostle of hope, keeping our minds on what is to be rather than what now is.
Unleavened Bread and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAfter we purge the corruption from our lives, we must replace it with the anti-leaven of truth and sincerity, or our last state will be worse than the first.
Our Hope
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Our hope is based on having a living Savior. At times we are discouraged and overwhelmed, but God has not left us—though unseen, He is in the trials with us.
Faith in the Healer
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must establish an iron clad trust in God for spiritual matters, including healing, rather than having a misguided trust in self or other human beings.

The Genuineness of Your Faith
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsIn the Bible, character is not affirmed until action takes place-namely obedience to God's commands in which faith or trust in God is the dominant ingredient.
Hope in Christ Purifies Us
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must remember that hope is sure, but we must wait patiently for God's plan for us to unfold. In the meantime, we purify ourselves of corruption.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Four)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod begins His spiritual creation by grace because the wages of sin is death. Consequently, God's people will exercise humility and faith in yielding to Him.
Joy in Our Time
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Attainment of calm joy does not come from anything earthly, but it comes from God, and is dependent upon inculcating godly love.
God's Workmanship (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSalvation is not a one time event, but a continuous process—not just immunity from death, but a total transformation of our nature into a new creation.
Elements of Motivation (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the familiar triumvirate (faith, hope, and love), faith serves as the foundation, love serves as the goal, and hope serves as the great motivator.