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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.
Perseverance and Hope
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIn Hebrews 3:6, we are reminded that we are part of the Father's house, over which Christ holds authority, if we maintain our courage and the hope we proudly proclaim. This hope is vital, as many falter by misplacing it or losing the courage to face life's narrow, difficult path. Life's pressures and trials test us, and frustration builds in a world of uncertainty, yet our hope must be rightly anchored to endure. Hope, alongside faith and love, forms a vital trio that sustains us endlessly through life. These qualities, derived from God, fuel our purpose and drive us to function as He designed, motivating us to overcome rather than merely wait out difficulties. This living hope, as Peter describes in his first epistle, is not fleeting but assured by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, providing a guarantee that our endurance is not in vain. Our race is a marathon, not a sprint, and God mercifully grants us time to grow, ensuring this hope remains imperishable, untainted, and reserved for us. This living hope must be rooted in the Person who promises it, not merely in the promises themselves. Our hope is in God, the source and author of it, who saved Israel from slavery, provided for them, and granted their inheritance. Without Him, there would be no hope. We cannot call ourselves out of spiritual bondage, forgive ourselves, or grant ourselves the Holy Spirit. Everything flows from this real, personal Being with whom we must build a relationship. Jesus Christ Himself is our hope, the foundation of our yearning and patient endurance for salvation, both as Source and Object of our faith, hope, and love. Our hope is not in the resurrection or the Kingdom of God alone, but in the One who guarantees these through His integrity and power. Christ in us, living His life through us, prepares us for the Kingdom and gives certainty beyond the grave. This hope permeates every aspect of life, providing guidance and motivation toward right goals, anchored in a mighty Being, our Almighty Father and Creator. As Hebrews 6:17 portrays, Jesus is our hope, the immovable Rock to which we are tethered like a ship in a storm, ensuring stability and security amidst a crashing world. This hope is our anchor, maintaining us steady on course as we strive for perfection, knowing much remains to be done. With anticipation of deliverance through God's constancy and a resolve to do our part, we can confidently expect to walk before God in the land of the living. Despite the world's decline, we must remain steadfast, enduring through pressure-packed times, keeping our hope firmly in the holy, powerful Person who makes all promises worthwhile, walking with Him in humble, submissive, and loving dependence.
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.
Trumpets and Hope
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur hope is founded on Jesus rising from the dead. If there is no resurrection, our faith is worthless; if Christ did not rise, we are still under condemnation.
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.
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.
Some Reasons for Hope
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)We have hope that our sins are forgiven, that the foolish things will be destroyed by Christ's second coming, and have the indwelling spirit of Jesus.
He Lives, We Live
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughRedemption is useless to mortal beings without God's gift of eternal life (I Corinthians 15:19), which God made possible through Christ's resurrection.
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.
Christian Optimism
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughPaul wrote some of his most optimistic letters from prison, under the possibility of execution, but absolutely convinced that ultimate victory was imminent.
The Resurrection: A Central Pillar
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's resurrection is of paramount importance to us, because Jesus alone has the keys to our own resurrection and eternal life as firstfruits.
Don't Be a Prudent Agnostic
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughSome of us, facing the stress of the times, may simply be going through the motions but losing every vestige of faith. We must strengthen our convictions.