Filter by Categories
The Elements of Motivation (Part Three): Hope
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHope, as a motivator, derives from the relationship with and revelation of God. It is listed among the great virtues of Christianity, providing energy by keeping us in anticipation of greater and better things to come. Hope conveys the absolute certainty of future good, remaining a constant even in the Kingdom of God as we eagerly look forward to blessings and accomplishments through endless ages. Our hope is uniquely Christian, stemming directly from God's calling, which summons us into His presence for a relationship that unites us into one body. This calling ends pessimism and despair, beginning a confident, bright, and optimistic life filled with endless possibilities both now and beyond the grave. Our hope is continuous, not fleeting or changeable like worldly hopes, and is of such value that it stands alongside faith and love. Before our calling, we were without God and without hope, but now, through the New Covenant, we have continuing, never-ending hopes due to a sustained relationship with Him. Our hope flows from an inexhaustible Source, ensuring that no trial should quench our optimism for future good. It is our response to His work in us, expressed through trust, patience, endurance, and eagerness to continue. Hope motivates us to endure and persevere, acting as a defense against losing sight of the glorious end of God's purpose. Only the hopeful will press forward, while the hopeless give up. It propels us to wait patiently for what we do not yet see, driving us to endure whatever it takes to receive what we anticipate. Our hope is anchored in Jesus Christ, who, as High Priest, intercedes for us and watches over our lives to bring us into the Father's Kingdom. This anchor keeps us safe, stabilizing our lives against spiritual destruction despite the tempests around us. Hope's primary function is to enable endurance, knowing our wonderful goal is sure because it rests in God, who is absolute and all-powerful.
Hope and Refuge (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FordHope serves as a powerful motivator, urging us to keep looking ahead and to continue moving forward on our path. Without hope, we risk giving up, losing the drive to persevere through life's challenges. As emphasized in Hebrews 6:11-12, we are encouraged to show diligence to the full assurance of hope, a confident expectancy, until the end, so that we do not become sluggish. Further, in Hebrews 6:17-18, we are reminded of the strong consolation we have in God's immutable promise and oath, which cannot be broken, encouraging us to lay hold of the hope set before us. This act of seizing hope means to cling to it firmly, as if reaching down to pick it up or grasping it from His outstretched hand, never letting it go. Hope, as the expectation of good, motivates us to obedience and faithfulness, rooted in the assurance that it comes from God and rests in Him.
Defining Hope for the Creation
'Ready Answer' by James BeaubelleIf our hope is in our great High Priest, Jesus Christ, we can have faith that our hope will be fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.
Why Is Hope Delayed?
CGG Weekly by John W. RitenbaughIt may sound impossible, but we can have hope in the face of the monumental problems facing, not just the United States, but also the entire world.
Motivation to Endure
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWe must develop patience, perseverance, and endurance for the times ahead, safe-guarding the precious calling God has given us and enduring to the end
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.
Jesus Christ, Our Anchor: Steadfast and Sure
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingThe anchor is perhaps the most important piece of equipment on a vessel, holding a ship in place as it is moored, keeping the craft from drifting.
Perseverance and Hope
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the turbulent and uncertain times ahead, we will need extraordinary fortitude and courage. Trials can improving perseverance or active endurance.
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.
Motivation to Endure
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidWithout daily contact with God in prayer and Bible study, and without continual contact with the brethren, we may lose the determination to persevere.
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.
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.
Trumpets Is a Day of Hope
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe are on the threshold of the greatest period of testing ever to come upon mankind. We need a sense of hope and faith to stay focused on our calling.
Hope to the End (Part Three)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Faith, hope and love are spiritual gifts which safeguard us from discouragement and depression, giving us a mature perspective that will last eternally.
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.
Hope to the End (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The church must forcefully deal with the overwhelming feeling of hopelessness or it too will succumb to the terrifying vortex of despair.
Pentecost and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSimeon's life serves as a precursor to that of God's called-out ones, demonstrating the elements necessary to bring a person to spiritual maturity.
'The LORD Is My Portion'
CGG Weekly by John ReissOur Christian hope is the redemption of our bodies in the resurrection and beyond that, a glorious, eternal reign with Him as kings and priests.
How Can We Develop True Patience?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPatience in the face of trying events is a clear indication that we are developing genuine godliness. We can learn to turn trials into positive growth opportunities.
The Resurrection From the Dead
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur lives revolve around the hope of a resurrection from the dead. Hope, deriving from Christ's resurrection, gives faith and love impetus and energy.
Hebrews (Part Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughJesus blazed a trail, giving a pattern for qualifying (through suffering and resisting sin) for our responsibility as priests, reconnecting man and God.