Filter by Categories
Defining Hope for the Creation
'Ready Answer' by James BeaubelleEveryone alive is or soon will become damaged goods, physically and spiritually impaired by the forces that control and corrupt our environment. We are subjected to frailties with a hope for the repair of our defects and the renewal of our damaged bodies upon adoption and redemption. The whole creation, including the rocks, vegetation, and animals, shares this same hope. Our living hope finds its goal and object in Jesus Christ, for because He is alive, we have a sure anchor for our hope. Having been figuratively raised from the dead at baptism, we place our hope in Him with complete confidence through faith. Our hope is laid up in heaven, and we are admonished to seek those things above, where Christ sits at the right hand of God. Christ is both the goal of our hope and the One we depend upon to realize it, fulfilling it through His role as High Priest and His atoning work. Because God has called us and possesses the power to bring us into eternal life with Him, we can have a sure hope in the gospel and the ongoing work of Jesus Christ on our behalf. By faith, we trust that the hope He has given us is true and will be realized in the future. Our hope remains strong as long as it is based on the works and love of Jesus Christ, who suffered for us and now intercedes for us at the right hand of God the Father. Our faith and hope are interlocking virtues, strengthening each other, with Christ as their ultimate focus. Godly hope looks toward a future good, motivating us to strengthen our relationship with God and develop patience and resolve to stand fast in faith. This hope, placed in us by God, makes its object not ourselves, but Jesus Christ and His work. For us, the children of God, along with the earth that groans under sin, the hope we have draws closer to fulfillment each day, sustained by the abiding hope God provides through the good works of Jesus Christ, making us heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
The Audacity to Hope
'Ready Answer' by Mike Ford'Hope' means different things to different people. The political hope held out by politicians does not compare with the hope found in Scripture.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Elements of Motivation (Part Three): Hope
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHope conveys the idea of absolute certainty of future good, and that is exactly what the Bible tells us we have upon our calling and acceptance of God's way.
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.
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.
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.
A Cure for News Depression
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The overwhelmingly depressing news must be counterbalanced by edifying news, namely God's Word. The Scripture, with its life-giving words, provides hope.
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.
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.
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.
Knowing God: Formality and Customs (Part One)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFormality and decorum (in terms of dress and behavior) are part of godly standards and sanctity. We must always look for the spirit and intent of what God commands.
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.
Lamentations (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe people suffering under the Babylonians had basked in the privilege of being God's chosen people while also trashing the terms of the Covenant.