Video Illustration and transition: Hope
Hope has Come! Part 2
Thesis: Jesus was the promised hope of the world – He was anticipated by the Jewish people for 1,000’s of years and for most Gentiles – He was an unexpected blessing of Deliverance, Healing, Hope and Love. But yet today many people are still looking for Hope in this hopeless world! We as finders of Hope need to help them discover the “Living Hope!” It will make a difference in their life and change the way we view our life and the afterlife! Christmas is all about this “Hope!”
Scripture Main Texts: Let’s lay the foundation from Scripture for today’s message and read our two main passages!
Isaiah promised thru the Holy Spirit 700 years earlier: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” – Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
I Peter 1:3-6: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), 1 Pe 1:3–6.
Our verse address two different time frames and 2 different comings of Jesus – His 1st coming is addressed in Isa and the His 2nd Coming addressed in 1 Peter 1.
We don’t have to look far to find hopeless situations in this world – We can look far too and see hopeless situation within our country and world - like what is happening in Kiev – Ukraine!
Illustration – Story: HOPE IN THE SEWER
In a cramped space around a Kiev sewer in Ukraine, 15 children ragged and stinky have spent the night crowded together for warmth. They rouse now only because they have a chance to eat. They are rejected and hungry, in danger but not without hope. Two American women, Jane Hyatt and Barbara Laiber, kindly called the “aunties” have come with milk and bread for the hiding children.
These ladies are joined in a mission to reach out to children who live in the streets because of poverty, war, alcoholism or violence in their families. There are almost 100,000 of them in Kiev alone. These Ukrainian orphans muddle along by begging or stealing. Sometimes they work as porters or prostitutes. But they are not without hope (truth is no one is without hope) — these children are not without a chance for a future, because Auntie Jane and Auntie Barbara have chosen to introduce these children to a “Living Hope” – These auntie’s choose to be doers of the Word of God and show how loving and compassionate Jesus is – The Lord:
“Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is to visit orphans and widows in their distress." (James 1:27).
SOURCE: SermonCentral Staff. Citation: Arie Farnnam, "Help for Ukraine’s street kids, from two US women, April 08, 2002.”
T.S. – We live in a world which needs to discover or re-discover the “Living Hope!” The world can look very hopeless if your lens is blurred or blocked. The same can be said for the USA because we have moved to become a post-Christian nation and in the process of this exit from Biblical teaching, we have lost sight of a Biblical World View and life has changed in the USA. Without a Biblical Worldview there is little hope able to be discovered in this world. Why? Hope – is not wishful thinking or living in a fantasy world but true Hope – A living Hope - is only found through the Lens of the Bible and in a relationship with Jesus.
Introduction:
I shared at the Christmas program last week how I first heard of a recent Survey which was done in the Usa asking the question who are the – “Top Ten Christmas Characters of all time?” I was surprised by what the radio announcers revealed from this survey!
Who are the top 10 most popular Christmas characters of all time:
Anyone want to take a guess who was number 1?
1. Santa Claus: The quintessential symbol of Christmas is Santa Claus – the survey says he embodies the spirit of giving and joy. He is known for his red suit, white beard, and the tradition of delivering gifts to children around the world on Christmas Eve. Note - Saint Nicholas who this legend evolved from would be appalled that his life story has distorted and that it took the focus off of Jesus birth and replaced it with a mythological character based off his own life!
Who do you think made 2nd place?
2. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Famous for his shiny red nose, Rudolph is celebrated for his story of overcoming adversity and leading Santa's sleigh through foggy weather. His tale teaches the importance of embracing differences says the survey – so he is a good choice for a character of Christmas.
3. The Grinch: Created by Dr. Seuss, the Grinch is known for his initial disdain for Christmas, but he ultimately learns the true meaning of the holiday through his interactions with the Whos of Whoville. In the process his heart grows!
4. Frosty the Snowman: This beloved character comes to life with a magical hat and embodies the joy of winter and the holiday spirit. His adventures are a staple of Christmas lore. Having fun in the snow and enjoying the winter bliss!
5. Ebenezer Scrooge: From Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," Scrooge's transformation from a miser to a generous man serves as a powerful reminder of the holiday's true meaning and it’s power to transform lives. It highlights the power of the Christmas Spirit!
6. Buddy the Elf: From the movie "Elf," Buddy is a human raised by elves at the North Pole. His innocent and joyful nature brings laughter and warmth to the holiday season. His character sought to get people to believe – in Santa!
7. Kevin McCallister: The young protagonist of "Home Alone," Kevin's adventures while defending his home from burglars have made him a relatable and beloved character during the holidays. The movie is a classic and filled with slap stick comedy! But is it really a great Christmas theme?
8. George Bailey: The lead character in "It's A Wonderful Life," George's journey highlights the importance of community and the impact one person can have on the lives of others. George is ripped off and the community rallies BEHIND HIM TO SAVE HIM!
9. Jack Skellington: The Pumpkin King’s Christmas Caper – not sure how this movie even makes the top 100? Christmas and horror in my view do not go together but it made the survey!
10. Clark Griswold: From "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," Clark Griswold is known for his over-the-top Christmas decorations and family antics, embodying the humorous side of holiday celebrations.
11. The Nutcracker: A Magical Toy Soldier story – he was a close tie for 10th place with Clark!
These characters, according to the pollsters, not only entertain us but also convey important messages about Christmas – which are love, generosity, and the joy of the holiday season, making them timeless favorite Characters during Christmas celebrations! It seems these choices were celebrated by the pollsters and great choices.
I thought really Jesus did not make the top 10 – Yes – JESUS (The reason for the season) did not make top 10 – But the truth is He is the personification of Love in the flesh, The personification of Hope in the flesh – And Jesus was so generous He gave His life so we could be set free from sin, delivered from bondage, gain entrance into Heaven. Jesus is the true dispenser of joy through the Holy Spirit. He is also the Living Hope for this hopeless world. How did he get slighted – ignored - forgotten?
I researched more after initially hearing this survey on the radio – it really bothered me - and I discovered that Jesus does not even make the top 100 most notable Christmas characters of all time!
Can I hear a “sigh” from all of you who believe? I was like what – no way – it cannot be because 80% of Americans claim to be Christian.
My first thought is that this survey is fraudulent, “This is rigged – this so-called poll is fixed against Jesus – against truth and hope and love – to say that the bulk of the people in the USA do not acknowledge that Jesus is the reason for the season!” I say, “Bah Humbug!”
What do you say? ____________________________________________________________________________________?
I think something evil is at play here – The enemy of Jesus (even baby Jesus) is Satan, and he is always seeking to erase the memory of Jesus from this season – Why?
He wants people to forget about Jesus – not remember him – blur their vision of the truth of Christmas – He does with business at this season – materialism – He wants people to deny what Jesus represented in the manger – That Hope has come – That A living Hope is Here – That The Savior of the World was born and the promise of God is fulfilled – Yes – Jesus who is Love personified in the flesh did come – The Devil seeks thru his demons to erase the miraculous birth of Jesus and His entrance into this hopeless world – But we need to remember what He did come – Scripture tells us to remember Him – Jesus brought to this world Love, Hope and Faith (In the flesh – in person – it’s available to all who believe in Him)!
Video Illustration: Christmas with Jesus!
Remember the Bible declares that Jesus when He was born fulfilled 300 prophecies of the Messiah! The Messiah Jesus is the Savior of the world – His 1st return was set in motion when Adam and Eve fell to the lies of the Serpent “Satan” Jesus came to crush the serpents head and to deliver this world from sin and bondage and hopelessness – He came to set the captives free see Isaiah 9 – when He came, Heaven revealed who He was – The Star – The appearance to the Shepherds and the journey of the wise men – He came as bright star in a dark world – He shone as the eternal light of the world! He came to lead people out of darkness! That is why He is called “The Living Hope!” “The Light of the World” – “The Wonderful Counselor, The Prince of Peace, The Mighty God and The Everlasting Father.”
So why is Jesus not in the top 100 Christmas Characters of all Time – Why? Here is my answer to that question.
T.S. – I think that it all boils down to worldviews – A worldview is how people see the world and the events within this world which occur around them. This includes things like - The events of this world – History of the world – the other views in this world - the lies promoted in this world – the truth found in this world – All these views challenge us to choose a side. But it shows the importance of having a Biblical Worldview to make right choices and really attain Hope in a Hopeless World!
I. Question what is a Biblical Worldview?
a. Important point to note of why we need – or why we must have “A Biblical Worldview” – The answer is because this helps us discover “The Living Hope” of the World.” It enables us to see the hand of God at work in this world! It enables us to see the light of the world in world filled with darkness!
b. I want to explain what a worldview is!
i. Yes, we all have one whether we know it or not – but we need to evaluate and discern what our worldview is – We need to “Know how we view the world.”.
1. Your worldview is the Lens your eyes look through daily at the world you are in and the world around you!
2. It’s the filter of how we look at world events.
3. It’s the filter of we look at history.
4. Take a moment – to pause and think – Now look around at society today – all the tension and propaganda, fights, arguments on the news and talk shows – the programing of your TV channels and the themes of many movies and sitcoms!
a. What do you see? Conflict – Arguments – Violence?
b. The conflict you see is the collision of good and evil fighting for the souls of the people of this world!
i. By the way - This is what happens when worldviews collide!
ii. We need to understand that the different worldviews in this society are fighting for control of your soul and spirit - so yes, the questions and different views are charging at you to take a side.
1. What is your reaction – your choice?
a. What do we do when confronted?
i. Do compromise with others’ view of the world?
ii. Do we choose to be tolerant?
iii. Do we remain silent in the battle?
iv. Do we not take a side in the fight?
1. Please remember what the Bible says- "It's a sin not to do good" is a powerful statement rooted in James 4:17 in the Bible, emphasizing that omitting good actions when you know you should perform them is itself a sin, highlighting that inaction, selfishness, fear, or laziness in the face of knowing the right thing to do (like helping the needy or speaking up against injustice) constitutes moral failure and falling short of God's will. This concept, known as a sin of omission, stresses active righteousness, not just avoiding evil.
iii. What are the major worldviews we battle with today in our society? Here are the key Worldview Categories – including what I believe to be the main worldviews in this area where we live.
1. Biblical Theism: Belief in a personal God, often associated with conservative Christianity, focusing on divine revelation and moral absolutes found in the Bible.
a. But Christianity is very diverse: The dizzying number of expressions of Christian belief (Protestant, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Pentecostals, et. al.) give us a better understanding of the difficulty involved in addressing Christianity as a single phenomenon.
b. Chuck Colson stated: ““Christianity is not just a relationship with Jesus. Christianity is a worldview. It’s the way we see life. A relationship with Christ is an understanding of all reality.”
2. Secular Humanism/Naturalism: Focuses on human reason, ethics, and potential without supernatural belief, emphasizing human control and progress.
3. Islam: Monotheism (Tawhid – the belief in Allah), Shariah Law, Islamic Theocracy, Shariah Economics and pan Islam. All professors of Islamic faith summarize their worldview with the following straightforward statement: “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is Allah’s Apostle.” The Arabic root for the word Islam means “submission.” Islam means total submission to the will of God as revealed through the Muslim holy book, the Qu’ran. In Islam, idolatry is the worst possible offense to Allah.
a. As diverse is various sects of Christianity so the same could be said for Islam.
4. Eastern Mysticism/Pantheism: Belief in an impersonal divine force, interconnectedness (All-in-One), and spiritual insights through meditation.
a. Hinduism – Common in this area especially in Lemont - Hinduism's worldview centers on the unity of existence, seeing the universe as God (Brahman) and everything in it as divine manifestations, with the goal of realizing one's inner divinity (Atman) through practices like yoga, leading to liberation (Moksha) from the cycle of rebirth (samsara). Key concepts include Dharma (duty/righteous living), Karma (action-consequence), reincarnation, and pluralism, acknowledging many paths to truth, with a strong ethical focus on ahimsa (non-injury).
i. They believe in many gods- plural – by the way Jesus can be one of them!
b. Transcendental meditation – Buddhists – New Age movements
5. Postmodernism: Skeptical of grand narratives, emphasizing subjective truth, cultural relativism, and diverse perspectives.
6. Moralistic Therapeutic Deism (MTD): A blend where God exists to make people happy and fix problems but isn't involved in daily life; morality is about being a good person.
a. People here believe in separation of Church and State in their own personal life!
7. Nihilism: Belief that life is without objective meaning, purpose, or intrinsic value.
8. Marxism: Focuses on class struggle, economic equality, and societal structures.
c. What happens to a society or a culture when conflicting worldviews fight for power and influence? What happens to a society where the Biblical Worldview is dismissed as ancient or out of date and irrelevant?
i. Answer: Just look around at our own society today – watch talk shows and the news – but change channels and you see different worldviews – this is what happens – fights, arguments, violence, rhetoric, and even assassination’s.
ii. Charles Colson stated, “How do we redeem a culture? ...The answer is simple: from the inside out. From the Individual to the family to the community, and then outward in ever widening ripples. We must begin by understanding what it means to live by a (Biblical) Christian worldview principles in our own behavior and choices. Unless we do, we will interpret the biblical commands according to the spirit of the age and will therefore be conformed to the world rather than to God’s Word (Colson, How Shall We Live page 307)
1. Charles Colson also goes on to add insight into what is wrong with our culture today – “…Polls consistently show that Americans worry most about social and moral decay-crime, family breakdown, drug abuse, sex and violence in the entertainment media -all results of moral choices made ultimately by individuals. Given these facts, one might expect the nation’s bully pulpits would be devoted to encouraging people to take responsibility for their lives, to exert the self-discipline needed to change behavior. Instead, for the past few decades, the dominant (non-biblical) cultural voices have argued that individuals have a right to live in any way they choose and that society has a responsibility to pick up the tab for any negative consequences that result…The attitude is not confined to the government. It’s amazing how many ordinary Americans have fallen into the trap of expecting someone else to pick up the costs of their own irresponsibility…Where did this idea of value-free lifestyles come from? What are its worldview roots? How do the categories of creation, fall and redemption help us to diagnose what’s wrong with the predominant secular view – and see how a (Biblical) Christian worldview leads to better, healthier, and more rational way of living? (Colson, page 308-309)
T.S. – Having a Biblical Worldview is essential if we want to live with Love, Hope and Faith as our focus!
II. To attain or develop a true Biblical worldview so as to be able to embrace “The Living Hope” requires repentance and a renewing of our minds.
a. Repentance – admitting I am wrong and that I have sinner is crucial to discovering “The Living Hope.” To repent means - to turn from sin and embrace a new way of living.
i. In the Bible, repentance means a fundamental change of mind and heart, turning from sin and towards God, leading to new actions and a transformed life, not just feeling sorry; it's essential for forgiveness and entering God's Kingdom, involving confession, faith in Jesus, and bearing fruit through changed behavior. Key examples include John the Baptist's call to "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2) and Jesus's parable of the Prodigal Son, showing God's joy over a returning sinner.
b. I want to challenge you also to “Renew your minds!”
i. Romans 12: 1-2 (CEV) “Dear friends, God is good. So, I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That’s the most sensible way to serve God. Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.
1. Most Christians fall away from the faith because they fail to renew their minds with God’s Word!
ii. Renewing your mind is a biblical concept (Romans 12:2) about transforming your thinking from worldly patterns to God's truth, moving from negative to Christ-centered thoughts, and involves actively replacing lies with scripture, prayer, meditation, and discipline to gain a Godly perspective. It's a conscious, ongoing process of spiritual renovation, not just positive thinking, leading to inner transformation, discernment, and living out God's will.
1. In other word’s open your minds to doing your life differently: We do this by being willing to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit, by praying differently, by learning to hear the voice of the Lord, by studying His Word – all for the purpose to minister to people in need and crisis in a fallen culture. Why do this? So, we can impact a fallen culture with the Kingdom of God and see lives changed! So, we can see society changed from the inside out - one life at a time! One divine encounter at a time!
iii. You will either choose to renew your mind with the Word of God or allow the secular society around you rewrite your mind – therefore redefining right from wrong!
c. So, I wanted to dig deeper into your mindset today and help you see how other mindsets around you each day are influencing you!
i. Application: The truth is every one of us know it or not – have a worldview. There are no exceptions here, everyone has one whether you admit it or not. The question is – Is it Biblical?
1. The authors of biblicalworldview.com state, “Our worldview is the set of presuppositions and beliefs that we use to interpret and form opinions and values concerning life, humanity, family, authority, justice, truth, duty, etc. Our worldview is the “big picture” and culmination of all our beliefs. It is the way we understand reality. It is the basis from which we make daily decisions.”
2. So, our worldview makes a huge difference in the way we approach and live our life! We see through politics and elections how different people’s worldviews are – and many of us say “They are so blind – how can they think that way!” The truth is that person has a different starting point than you do as a Christian. We always start with the foundation of the Bible but others do not, and this is why they think differently than we do about serious societal and political issues.
3. Application continued: But we need to understand that worldviews do matter in the entire scope of any society – it determines culture – it determines right and wrong – it determines policy – it determines belief systems – family systems – political systems and many more systems in society. It will also determine the health of a society. Opposing worldviews will always collide in bringing turmoil, arguments, war, fights, tensions, political dissension and disunity.
a. This is Why the arguments at Holiday dinners?
i. Do you recall the holiday gatherings when family members with different worldviews clashed over mashed potatoes and Turkey dinner? Do you recall the tension and heated arguments – the family members who left early that night or day! They were most likely clashing over opposing worldviews.
ii. This is why some family members will not even come over for holidays!
d. So, what happened to America – why do so many Christians lack a true Biblical Worldview?
i. Answer – Our views have been distorted - Question: How does a biblical worldview get diluted?
1. Ken Ham believes the breakdown of the Biblical Worldview in America started with Christians buying into Evolution, Darwinism and a Million-year-old earth theory. When they changed their view of the Bible, they undermined the authority and truth of Genesis 1-11 and people started thinking the Bible was filled with errors or myths. He notes one of the arguments he gets the most today is “Does not science disprove the Bible?” Truth is no it does not - by the way! But many mistakenly think the Bible is filled with errors and myths! This is a lie promoted by the evil one.
a. For more reading on this read Ken Ham’s book Divided Nation - cultures in conflict and a conflicted church.
2. Nonbiblical worldview ideas don’t just sit in a book somewhere waiting for people to examine them. They bombard us constantly with television, film, music, newspapers, magazines, books and academia. Many people today have dismissed the Bible as irrelevant and created their own worldview – or bought into someone else’s distorted worldview or even blended some together.
3. Today we live in a selfish, fallen world, these nonbiblical ideas seductively appeal to the desires of our flesh, and we often end up incorporating them into our personal worldview.
4. Sadly, we often do this without even knowing it. Some would say they are Christian but do not have a Biblical Worldview. Sadly, I know many people just like this!
5. But we must reconnect with the Biblical view of the world if we ever want Hope!
T.S. - The story this season of Jesus 1st coming should birth - Hope into the people of God – Yes Christmas is a time to celebrate and be reminded that Hope has Come to a hopeless world! This Hope is called a Living Hope by an old wise fisherman named Peter!
III. Listen to what an old wise fisherman had to say about “Living Hope!”
a. Scripture verse: I Peter 1:3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984), 1 Pe 1:3–6.
i. Wow - Peter nails it on the head – It’s not just hope that’s come to this dysfunctional world – But it’s a living hope – a hope that will literally touch your heart and your life – it’s alive – The key to experience this “Living Hope” is you must believe and embrace it! When you do you will feel His presence, His touch, you will Hear His Words and See Him! Here is a reality check – Embracing the Living Hope is not just a feeling or a fantasy idea it’s real!
ii. 1 Peter is a book about Hope – a encouraging book telling us were we find “Living Hope!”
b. Christmas is a celebration of Hope personified! Hope has come in the flesh – the promise of God came in the flesh for all to see-hear and touch!
i. Mary and her Baby: Mary had more than the usual maternal pride to justify having great hope for her son. The previous year, she had been visited by an angel, Gabriel, who gave her this promise: “You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." – Luke 1:31-33 (NIV)
ii. This promise to Mary echoed the prophecy of Isaiah, given seven centuries earlier:
1. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.” – Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
c. Alan Perkins stated “If you think about it, it’s entirely appropriate for Jesus Christ, who is the hope of the world, to have come in the form of an infant, because babies are hope personified. They are pure potential. Their lives are all in the future. Is there a mother or father who hasn’t looked into the face of their newborn baby and wondered, “What will this little child accomplish, what will he become? A doctor saving lives, a lawyer pursuing justice, an engineer; painter, ballerina, astronaut, college professor, athlete, research scientist. . . anything is possible.” https://sermoncentral.com/sermons/the-hope-of-christmas-alan-perkins-sermon-on-christmas-34969
i. The song” Mary did you know” does ask an important question – did she know - my answer is “Yes” she did!
ii. How is Hope personified through the story of Jesus and a baby?
1. In Christianity, hope isn't a separate figure but is personified in Jesus Christ, who embodies the "living hope" through His resurrection, promising eternal life and defeating death, while also symbolized by the Morning Star, the anchor of the soul, and the promise of Christ's return. Christian hope is a confident, anchored certainty in God's faithfulness, not mere optimism, sustained by the Holy Spirit.
2. Jesus as the Personification of Hope: Living Hope: Peter calls it a "living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:3), giving assurance of eternal life.
a. Fulfillment: Jesus is the source and fulfillment of Christian hope, offering life and conquering the finality of death.
b. The Morning Star: Jesus refers to Himself as the "bright Morning Star," symbolizing His role as light, dispelling darkness, and heralding the new dawn of God's kingdom.
iii. Symbols & Concepts of Hope – A Living Hope:
1. Anchor of the Soul: Hope is described as an anchor, providing stability and assurance against spiritual uncertainty (Hebrews 6:19).
2. Promise of Return: The expectation of Christ's return is a core aspect of Christian hope, bringing comfort and a future perspective.
3. Eager Expectation: In Hebrew, the word for hope (qavah) implies a strong, expectant waiting, like an eagle soaring, drawing strength from God (Isaiah 40:31).
iv. The Nature of Christian Hope:
1. It is Not Wishful Thinking: It's a firm assurance, a confident expectation based on God's promises and Christ's faithfulness.
2. This Hope is Transformative: It leads to perseverance, good works, and self-purification as believers await Christ's return.
d. Here’s the question from Alan Perkins:” When you’re in a situation where your hope is running low, what do you do first? Do you rack your brain to think of all the ways you can solve the problem? Do you try to think of people, resources, and organizations, and plans, and strategies? And then, if nothing else works, do you finally turn to the Lord?
i. What your worldview and who is your Hope?
1. Question: Where in the process does prayer enter the picture? First? Last? Never?
2. Here’s what to do. When your situation starts to seem hopeless, just stop. Say, “Lord, I don’t know what to do. I’m not sure how to handle this. But my trust and my hope are in you. I’m relying on You to resolve this situation. Please show me what you would have me do. Amen.”
a. “Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in me will not be disappointed.” – Isaiah 49:23 (NIV)
b. “The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” – Lamentations 3:25 (NIV)
c. “The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” – Psalm 147:11 (NIV)
e. Hope isn’t merely a nice option that helps us temporarily clear a hurdle. It’s essential to our survival (in this hopeless world filled with pain and suffering.)” There is nothing like Hope to fuel our passion for life.
i. Hope is as essential as water is to fish, as grass is to cattle, as vital as electricity is to the light bulb, as important as gas is to heat, as important as you fill in the blank. Hope (A living hope) is that basic to life and hope is alive today to those looking for it in their heart and lives – it’s not dead but alive and it wants to infuse you with its power.
ii. Peter in this letter is encouraging God’s people who are scattered throughout the middle east from the persecution for being believers in Jesus. He is there Living Hope – not a dead lifeless hope but a living hope!
1. He says in 1 Peter 1:1-2: Peter an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, strangers in the world, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance… The Holy Bible: New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1984).
2. Peter reminds them and us today that Hope has come and Hope has established itself in this world for all who believe!
a. This Hope is not dead, but it is a Living Hope – it’s not a kind of hope spoken of by one secularist bitter writer.
b. Swindoll highlighted this person, “One cynical writer, H. L. Mencken, an American newspaperman during the early half of this century, referred to hope as “a pathological belief in the occurrence of the impossible.” Wow- it sounds like he needs a dose of “Living Hope!”
c. To the unsaved, hope is nothing more than a mental fantasy, like wishing upon a star. It’s the kind of Disneyland hope of a fantasy world. Or it’s like the one who says, “I sure hope I win the lottery.” (You have a better chance of getting struck by lightning or bitten by a shark by the way) or it says, “I hope my boy comes home someday.” . . . “I hope everything works out OK.” That’s not a living hope. That’s wishful thinking.” (Adapted from Swindoll page 15)
Conclusion:
Jesus came about 2025 years ago to bring “Hope” not a fantasy hope, a wishful hope but a “Living Hope” It’s there waiting for people to believe. Christmas reminds us of the power of a belief in that “Living Hope!”
Our writing from Peter promises us that those who are “Born Again” are promised a relationship with this “Living Hope” – So if you want to smile this Christmas, if you want to have joy this Christmas, if you desire peace this Christmas Season, if you desire to see light at the end of the dark tunnel, then believe – and embrace the “Living Hope” Jesus!
Hope has come – It’s real – So, I challenge you to give “Living Hope” a try – to give Him your heart and fears and hurt? He will not disappoint you or let you down because He is a “Living Hope!”
Illustration of this truth: HOPE AND A PRAYER: 50 Christian truckers got together to pray to pray that somehow the sniper terrorizing the Washington, DC area would be caught. Ron Lantz would be retiring as a driver in a few days and didn’t even live in the area, but he felt sure that God would answer their prayers. In fact, he told the others there that God was going to use him to catch the sniper. A few days later he was listening to the radio as he was driving again through the region and felt compelled to pull off the highway to a rest stop. It was just a couple of miles from where the prayer meeting had taken place. As he pulled in, he was shocked to see a car like what was being described on the radio right there before his eyes. Carefully trying to read the license plate, a chill went up his back as the numbers matched. He quickly called 911 and remained there for what he said were the longest 15 minutes of his life until the police arrived. He even pulled his truck across the exit, there would now be no escape for these elusive murderers. The rest is now history-the snipers were taken into custody without incident. Ron’s testimony is beaming around the world today. It shows the power of prayer. And in a class act, showing his true character, when asked what he would do with the award money, he said the half million dollars would simply be given to the victims’ families. The snipers killed 10 and wounded 3 around our nation’s capital over the past three weeks, leaving the entire region in a state of terror. Yet out of the great darkness a great beam of light has also come as the world has heard a clear testimony of the power of prayer. SOURCE: www.presidentialprayerteam.org. Kids can join at http://www.presidentialprayerkids.org. It’s free!
What do we need to know from this teaching?
Answer: We as Christians need to have a true Biblical Worldview to impact a fallen culture with the truth, presence and power of God’s Word. We also need to know that all of us have a worldview which is influenced and formed by all the voices and ideas around us. Understanding different worldviews helps us empathize with why people believe the way they do – most have a faulty foundation, and our mission is to introduce them to the right foundation Jesus Christ (God’s Word).
Why do we need to know this from this teaching?
Answer: We need to search our hearts and minds and make sure we have a genuine Biblical Worldview because this leads to the Living Hope. If we don’t have this view, then we need to renew our minds asap - so we can grow spiritually. If we want to impact our culture and society it starts with us being rooted in God’s Word and truth. It starts with us being connected to God and the Holy Spirit in an intimate and life changing way. It is all connected to the Living Hope!
What do we need to do from this teaching?
Answer: Be committed to a Biblical Worldview and continue to develop it as you search and study God’s Word. Share your Biblical Worldview through the ministry of the Kingdom of God to people. But make sure you share it in a Christlike way! Use your gifts – be in tune to the voice of the Lord when you share with others and pray with others! Be in tune and in step with the Living Hope!
Why do we need to do this?
Answer: Because this is what will bring change to our culture and our society. This is what will change one person at a time and unleash the power and the presence of the Lord into a fallen society. This foundation will impact individuals, families, communities, culture and nations! This is what will change our nation!
Altar Call:
Biblical hope is a matter of trusting that God’s promise is greater than my predicament says one preacher from sermoncentral.com:
“It’s easy to believe in God and have hope when I can see an answer to whatever situation I might be experiencing:
• If I go to the doctor and he or she prescribes some medicine and assures me that medication will take care of whatever health issue I’m experiencing, it’s easy to believe that God will heal me.
• If my finances are a little tight, but I know that I have a large bonus coming at the end of the month that will cover my expenses, it’s easy to believe that God will provide for my needs.
• If I’m having some difficulties in my marriage but my spouse and I have been seeing a marriage counselor together and we’re starting to see some positive changes in our relationship, I can have hope that God is going to restore and strengthen that relationship.
On the other hand, when I can’t see an answer, it’s not nearly as easy to have hope:
• If I go to my doctor and he or she tells runs all kinds of tests, but still can’t figure out what is causing my health issues, it’s not easy to believe that God will heal me.
• If my bank account is just about to be overdrawn and I’m unemployed and there just aren’t a lot of job possibilities out there, it’s hard to believe that God will take care of my needs.
• If my spouse just decides that he or she no longer wants to be married and is unwilling to even go see a counselor, it’s pretty hard to trust that God is going to bring something good out of that situation.
My guess is that most of us here this morning are facing at least one situation right now that looks hopeless because we just can’t see any answers to that situation anywhere on the horizon.”
