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Some Reasons for Hope
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The first reason for hope is that our sins are forgiven. This is crucial because without forgiveness, there is no future to hope for. We must remember that the wages of sin is death, and just one sin can keep us out of the Kingdom of God. Our hope is secured because Jesus Christ, our High Priest, continues to cover our sins with His blood. The second reason for hope is God's unbreakable promise to send Jesus Christ and establish the Kingdom of God on earth. Unlike current leaders who lack this hope and may be misguided by human nature, we have the assurance of God's promise. The final reason for hope is our belief in God's Word and the indwelling of His Holy Spirit. Jesus promised in John 14 that He would come to us and make His home with those who love Him. In John 16:33, He assured us that despite tribulations, we should be of good cheer because He has overcome the world. This hope is reinforced by the fact that Jesus will never leave nor forsake us, and our strength lies in Him.
Our Hope
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Jesus Christ is the foundation of our confident expectation, earnest yearning, and patient perseverance as we await the completion of our salvation. We have a living hope because He is alive. Our hope rests in Him, as He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega, the perfecter of our faith. Having already run the course and succeeded, He lives to assist us. This hope sustains us, preventing despondency and desperation, allowing us to steadily progress day by day without distraction. We must anchor our hope in Jesus Christ for spiritual matters directly connected to God's purpose. As long as our desires align with God's purpose to shape us into the image of His Son, He will faithfully follow through. Despite times of discouragement or complaint, God understands our misjudgments and patiently helps us adjust, urging us to persevere through the shaping and perfecting process for His Kingdom. Our hope is reinforced by the assurance that God and His Son work together for our salvation. The Father has charged Jesus Christ with ensuring we reach His Kingdom, and even through difficulties, He provides periods of rest and peace. This divine support confirms that we can make it, as He spares nothing to enable our success. Jesus Christ Himself is our hope, proven by His overcoming of the world and His unwavering loyalty to us, even when we falter. Despite our weaknesses and failures, He does not abandon us, continually offering strength to overcome. His promise to never leave nor forsake us assures our place in His Kingdom, as long as we do not turn away. This hope, intertwined with faith, empowers us to endure trials and tribulations. Without hope to support faith, perseverance falters, as seen in those who lost hope and failed to reach their goal. Yet, with our hope firmly in Jesus Christ, who guides and sustains us, we can endure and achieve the goal set before us.
Hope to the End
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn the midst of worsening living conditions and increasing persecution of Christianity, there are profound reasons for us to hold onto hope. Hope is defined as cherishing a desire for something with an expectation of receiving it, and for Christians, it is one of the three vital qualities alongside faith and love. As stated in Romans 8:24, we are saved in this hope, highlighting its essential role in our spiritual journey. Though salvation is by grace through faith, hope remains a major quality in the mix, rated highly by Paul in I Corinthians 13:13, where faith, hope, and love abide as enduring attributes, with love being the greatest. Hope is built upon faith, as described in Hebrews 11:1, where faith is the substance of things hoped for, providing a foundation that supports spiritual hope. This connection motivates us to put God's Word into practice, glorifying Him through our conduct. Even in challenging times, our hope is anchored in Jesus Christ, who is identified as our hope in I Timothy 1:1. This living hope, as expressed in I Peter 1:3-12, is active through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, promising an incorruptible inheritance reserved in heaven, sustained by God's power through faith, and bringing joy even amidst trials. Peter, often recognized for his emphasis on hope, instructs in I Peter 1:13-15 to gird up the loins of our mind and rest our hope fully on the grace to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Hope empowers us to keep our minds under control, focusing on the future rather than present sufferings, enabling us to remain holy in conduct through submission to God. Thus, the quality of our hope, determined by its foundation in Christ, has eternal ramifications, allowing us to persevere and maintain focus on the ultimate goal despite the surrounding chaos.
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.
Antidotes to Fear and Depression
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe key to overcoming the fear of loss of control is to admit that God is in control. If we have our priorities straight, God will take care of our anxieties.
We Can Make It!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)A disciple cannot escape the kind of persecution directed against his teacher. In the wake of this kind of abuse, people can succumb to depression.