Discovering Hope In A World Of Despair

Sermon – Discovering Hope In A World of Despair

Scripture Lesson -Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace[a] with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. 3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

Introduction: Hymn writer Edward Mote penned these words, “My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare note trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.” This Methodist preacher captures the essence of the Christian hope in Jesus Christ and answers the need of the human spirit. The blessed assurance of Salvation through Jesus Christ brings peace, acceptance, access, and lasting hope for the believer’s life; past, present, and future. Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Romans captures that idea when he writes, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:1–2).

A recent report said that people in America are more dissatisfied with their lives than ever before with less than 18% being very satisfied with their lives. The recent suicide of so many young people amplify the same message. Depression and endless hopelessness plague our land. Hope in Christ stands as doorway to peace and as the answer of the need of the human spirit. Hope is what people need right now, and hope is so hard to find apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ. John 14:6 reads, “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

A Story is told that “a large, two-engine train was making its way across Colorado. While crossing the mountains, one of the engines broke down. “No problem, we can make it to Denver and get a replacement engine there,” the engineer thought, and carried on at half power. Farther on down the line of course, the other engine broke down, and the train came to a standstill in the middle of nowhere.

The engineer needed to inform the passengers about why the train had stopped, and always trying to look on the bright side of things, made the following announcement: “Ladies and Gentlemen, I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is that both engines have failed, and we will be stuck here for some time until the additional engines arrive. The good news is that you didn’t take this trip in a plane!”

Well in our scripture text today there is both good news and bad news. The good news is that we have hope no matter what happens. The bad news is that we can expect tribulation. But again, the good news is that even then, we can have hope. We need to discovery the Hope we have in Christ even in the midst of these demanding days.

Apostle Paul in his epistle to the Romans captures that idea when he writes, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Ro 5:1–2).

The theological concept of salvation, sanctification, justification, and glorification are summed in this single verse. Unearned gifts, undeserved favor, and total acceptance, all by grace through in our Lord Jesus Christ. The finished work of Jesus the Christ on the cross and His resurrection is the basis on which the believer is rendered or regarded as just, innocent, and blameless. The believer’s new position in Christ gives the assurance of freedom: justified, totally righteous and accepted in the beloved family of God. Also, the believer has a blessed hope and a favorable future, fully confident in the promises of God. Hope is what people need right now, and hope is so hard to find apart from a relationship with Jesus Christ. John 16:33 “I have spoken these things to you so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. I have overcome the world.”