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We Are Saved in This Hope
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsChristian hope, unlike human hope which is often vague and limited by personal experiences, is founded on the confidence in God's redemptive acts, culminating in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope enables the faithful, through faith, to anticipate God's blessings in the present and the promise of eternal life in God's Kingdom in the future. It is a sure and certain expectation, not mere wishful thinking, grounded in the unchanging Word of God, who cannot lie. The apostle Paul emphasizes this in Romans 8:24-25, stating that we were saved in this hope. This hope is not just a future expectation but a present sustenance, preserving and sustaining us through trials. It is an active, patient waiting, expressing itself in vigorous service for Christ while anticipating His return. Hope is not the instrument of salvation but a condition in which we await future glory, enabling us to bear trials patiently without complaining. This hope is powerful and bold, casting out fear and doubt, and is both positive and assured, looking ahead to the future while recognizing the present as a wonderful hope as well. It involves an earnest desire and expectation for something unseen, driving us to steadfastly endure the present and long earnestly for the future. True Christian hope transforms how we view the world, assuring us of our identity as God's children and leading us to a certain and blessed destiny.
The Audacity to Hope
'Ready Answer' by Mike FordHope, as it relates to salvation, carries a profound significance for those who trust in God. Dr. Jeremiah Wright, in his sermon, declares that hope is what saves us, urging to keep on hoping and praying, affirming that God does hear and answer prayer. This resonates with the scriptural insight from Romans 8:24, where Paul writes that we were saved in this hope, indicating that hope unseen remains true hope, for why would one hope for what is already visible? This hope is not a mere wish, but a deep expectation of good, rooted in trust and faith in God's promises. The original Greek word for hope, *elpis*, and its verb form *elpizo*, signify an expectation of good, often synonymous with faith and trust in a religious sense. Unlike the modern dilution of hope into wishing, its archaic meaning emphasizes confidence and trust. Hebrews 10:23 encourages holding fast to this hope without wavering, possible only because of faith in God's unbreakable Word. For the Body of Christ, hope is not based on audacity or boldness to request without assurance, but on the conviction that God is true and His promises are steadfast. This hope supports and sustains through trials, as Romans 8:24-25 suggests, for we eagerly wait with perseverance for what we do not see. It is a hope so strong that it carries us, distinguishing it from worldly hope tied to uncertainty or political promises. We are saved by this hope, not as a mere wish or dream, but as a response to the trust and faith God has instilled in us, enabling us to rise above the troubles of this world.
Hope and Faith
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaGod requires His people to put their faith in action, giving evidence of their hope, demonstrating godly behavior rather than abrasive carnal behavior.