-
Hope Is Certain, Not Uncertain
Contributed by John Boquist on Jul 25, 2008 (message contributor)
HOPE IS CERTAIN, NOT UNCERTAIN
Our use of the word "hope" is usually based on uncertainty. Suppose an engaged couple says, "We have an outdoor wedding planned for Saturday; we hope it doesn't rain." In saying this, they are saying that the possibility of rain is there, but their preference is for no rain.
But when the New Testament uses the word "hope", it is based on certainty. It's stating an absolute fact, but that fact hasn't occurred just yet. Let's go back to that engaged couple. Suppose it's Friday night, and one of them "I hope tomorrow is going to be Saturday," we'd think that a little strange. Of course tomorrow's going to be Saturday! It might rain, it might not. It could be cold, it could be hot. But no matter what, the day after Friday is Saturday, and nothing can change that. When Paul uses the word hope, he is doing something like that. He is stating a certainty that has not yet occurred.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
Every Time A Boy Went To His Playmates House He ... PRO
Contributed by Charles R. Swindoll on Nov 1, 2004
Every time a boy went to his playmates house he saw his grandmother studying her Bible. Finally, he asked his friend about it. Why is you Grandmother always reading that Bible? He ...read more
Related Sermons
-
The Immeasurable Worth Of God's Word Series
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Dec 5, 2013
A sermon examining the importance and profit of God's Word in the life of a Christian.
-
Hey Jude Don't Be Afraid Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Sep 3, 2017
Jude speaks of people who "infiltrate" the church to damage it. Who are they and why do they do that? And how can we "contend for the Faith" when faced with these kinds of folks?
-
The Truth Of The Trinity Series
Contributed by Scott Kircher on Apr 13, 2015
Recognizing the Truth of the Trinity - The Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit - is imperative to knowing God and living a life that glorifies Him and experiences His great love.
-
Timeless Truths That Must Be Taught Series
Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 13, 2017
A sermon examining some of the fundamentals of the faith that must be taught in the church.
-
The King And Lord Of All Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 20, 2017
What does it mean that Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords? It's not just a title. It's a powerful description of Who Jesus is and what He means to us.