Introduction

Good morning, dear friends. It is a joy to gather with you all today, in this sacred space where we come together as a family of believers, united in our shared love for our Lord Jesus Christ.

Today, we are going to focus our hearts and minds on the powerful words of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospel of John. But before we do that, let me share a quote from Charles Spurgeon, a man of God who was often referred to as the "Prince of Preachers." He once said, “Hope itself is like a star- not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.”

In the face of adversity, where do we find our hope? How do we navigate the stormy seas of life? Spurgeon's words remind us that the answer lies in our faith and in the promises of Jesus Christ.

Our Scripture for today comes from the Gospel of John. In John 11:20-26, we read:

"When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet him, but Mary stayed at home. 'Lord,' Martha said to Jesus, 'if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.' Jesus said to her, 'Your brother will rise again.' Martha answered, 'I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.' Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?'"

And in John 1:4-5 and John 14:19, we read:

"In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

"Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live."

These passages, my dear friends, contain profound truths that can anchor us in the midst of life's storms. They offer us the hope we so desperately need, the hope that is found only in Jesus Christ.

Let us begin with a word of prayer.

Harnessing Hope in Christ's Promise

In the face of adversity, we often find ourselves grappling with fear, uncertainty, and doubt. It's in these moments that we need to remember the promise of Jesus Christ. He assures us of a hope that is steadfast and unchanging, a hope that can anchor us amidst the stormy seas of life.

This promise is not just any promise. It's a promise made by the One who has power over life and death. When Jesus told Martha, "I am the resurrection and the life," He was making a profound declaration about His divine nature and His power to give eternal life. He was also offering a promise of hope - hope that transcends the grave, hope that is rooted in His victory over death.

This hope is not just for the future but a hope that we can hold onto here and now, in the midst of our daily struggles and trials. It's a hope that can sustain us, strengthen us, and give us the courage to face whatever comes our way.

But how do we harness this hope? How do we make it a reality in our lives?

First, we need to believe in Jesus and His promise. When Jesus asked Martha, "Do you believe this?" He was inviting her to put her faith in Him and His promise of eternal life. Similarly, Jesus invites us to believe in Him and His promise. Belief is not just intellectual assent. It's a matter of the heart. It's a decision to trust in Jesus and His promise, even when our circumstances seem to suggest otherwise.

Secondly, we need to live in the light of this promise. Jesus said, "The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." This is a promise of eternal life, but it's also a call to a certain way of living. It's a call to live with the awareness of Jesus' presence and power in our lives. It's a call to live with the assurance of His promise, allowing it to shape our attitudes, our actions, and our responses to the challenges we face.

Thirdly, we need to share this promise with others. The hope that Jesus offers is not just for us. It's for everyone. It's for the lost, the broken, the hurting, the hopeless. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be bearers of this hope. We are called to share the good news of Jesus' promise with those around us, inviting them to experience the hope that we have found in Him.

Lastly, we need to hold onto this promise, especially in times of adversity. The storms of life may rage around us, but we can find solace in the promise of Jesus. His promise is like a beacon of light in the darkness, guiding us, comforting us, and giving us the strength to persevere.

The promise of Jesus is a powerful source of hope. It's a hope that is rooted in His divine nature and His victory over death. It's a hope that we can harness through belief, through living in the light of His promise, through sharing His promise with others, and through holding onto His promise in times of adversity. As we embrace this hope, we can navigate the stormy seas of life with confidence and courage, knowing that our hope is anchored in the One who has conquered death and promised us eternal life.

Highlighting Jesus' Power Over Life and Death

As we continue to reflect on the words of Jesus in the Gospel of John, we read a remarkable declaration: "I am the resurrection and the life ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO