Advent Is A Time Of Hope.

Romans 15:11-14

Tonight is the Second Sunday of Advent, a time of preparation, a time of great expectation and great anticipation. But what is it exactly that we anticipate? What are we getting ready for? What do we expect to happen? Do we anticipate the end of the world? Are we preparing our hearts and spirits to receive again the coming the coming of the Christ child into the world?

Advent is a time of Hope

The Hope of Gifts and giving

The hope of Family coming together

The anticipation of the Hope of Majestic-ness

The Hope of Messiah coming that part of Advent

1. Our God is a God of Hope

A. God claims everything that was written inspired Hope 4For everything that was written in the past was written in the Scriptures it was written that we might have hope.

B. Paul; writes Hope Springs from Steadfastness like the servant Job

• Job No Matter what happens Job says15Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him;

• Job believes though he has numerous sins yet he is steadfast because Job 14: 15You will call and I will answer you; you will long for the creature your hands have made. 16Surely then you will count my steps but not keep track of my sin. 17My offenses will be

sealed up in a bag; you will cover over my sin.

• Job is so steadfast because I Know 25I know that my RedeemerC I know He lives, and I Know that in the end he will stand upon the earth.D 26And after my skin has been destroyed, I Know yetE inF my flesh I will see God; 27I Know I myself will see him with my own eyes--I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!

2. Paul explains that the Object of Hope is God

A. The object of Hope is The Root of Jesse

• 12And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him."

3. Paul also insists that the Trickle down benefits of the God of Hope is Joy and Peace

13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him,

A. Noah hoped in God who7By faith, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.

This brought forth Joy and peace because his family was saved.

B. Abraham hoped in God even though he was past age--and Sarah herself was barren--was enabled to become a father because heA considered him faithful who had made the promise. 12And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. This brought Joy and peace because Abrahams God was able to deliver the Promise

C. Enoch hoped in God and was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. 6And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Can you imagine when God takes you away

4. Paul concludes by saying the redeemed abound in Hope Note those who trust in him abound

A. 13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

B. The redeemed ABOUND in the Hopes found in Scriptures

C. The redeemed abound in Hope which results in Endurance and Encouragement

D. The redeemed Abound in Hope because of the Root Of Jesse

E. The Redeemed Abound in Hope because of the trickledown theory of Hope that results in peace and joy