Pastor Jerry Rahm shares a very personal message that includes his personal history and how the Gospel has impacted him and how God his planned his and Linda's life and their experience with Linda's illness.



Scripture

Ephesians 5:25-27 (New International Version)
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing[a] her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.


WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God,and to enjoy him forever.

Proof Notes
Psalm 86. Bow down thine ear, O LORD, hear me: for I am poor and needy. Preserve my soul; for I am holy: O thou my God, save thy servant that trusteth in thee. Be merciful unto me, O Lord: for I cry unto thee daily. Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. Give ear, O LORD, unto my prayer; and attend to the voice of my supplications. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me. Among the gods there is none like unto thee, O Lord; neither are there any works like unto thy works. All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou art God alone. Teach me thy way, O LORD; I will walk in thy truth: unite my heart to fear thy name. I will praise thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: and I will glorify thy name for evermore. For great is thy mercy toward me: and thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell. O God, the proud are risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul; and have not set thee before them. But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth. O turn unto me, and have mercy upon me; give thy strength unto thy servant, and save the son of thine handmaid. Show me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed: because thou, LORD, hast holpen me, and comforted me. Isaiah 60:21. Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified. Romans 11:36. For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. 1 Corinthians 6:20, 31. For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.... Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Revelation 4:11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

[2] Psalm 16:5-11. The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons. I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalm 144:15. Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD. Isaiah 12:2. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Luke 2:10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. Philippians 4:4. Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Revelation 21:3-4. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

[3] Matthew 19:4-5. And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? With Genesis 2:24. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh. Luke 24:27, 44. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.... And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 1 Corinthians 2:13. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 14:37. If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. 2 Peter 1:20-21. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 3:2, 15-16. That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour.... And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

[4] Deuteronomy 4:2. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Psalm 19:7-11. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Isaiah 8:20. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. John 15:11. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 20:30-31. And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Acts 17:11. These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. 2 Timothy 3:15-17. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 1 John 1:4. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

[5] Genesis 1:1. In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. John 5:39. Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 20:31. But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. Romans 10:17. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 2 Timothy 3:15. And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Played: 141 | Download | Duration: 00:23:20

Jesus is God, don't be deceived.

The Apostle John wrote 3 letters which are preserved for us in the New Testament.  This morning we look at the second of those letters, a very short book we call “2nd John.” While this letter is only 13 verses long (245 words) it contains some very profound Biblical truths, and a warning to all of us that we hold fast to those truths.

Digging Deeper

1.  Read the letter of 2nd John again, and as you are reading answer these questions: “Does this epistle (letter) declare Jesus to be God, and if so, in what ways or how many ways?”  “What is the relationship of Jesus to the Father?” “How is God mentioned and in what ways is that term used with respect to Jesus and to the Father?”  “Could anyone reading this letter think that John is referring to Jesus simply as a man?  Why or why not?”

2.  Does John mention the Holy Spirit or refer to Him in this letter?  Does that mean that John does not believe in the Holy Spirit or the Trinity (Father, Son AND Holy Spirit)?  Read the following passages (all written by the Apostle John) and see if you can state what John believes about the trinity:  1 John 3:24 (compare John 14:16-17, 26,  and 15:26); 1 John 4:13-16 and 1 John 5:6-10.

3.  Why is an understanding of who Jesus is, the trinity, and their role in our salvation important?  How does this truth (or should this truth) impact our lives (see 2 John 3, 4-6 and 10-11).  What would it look like to stand up for the truth in our culture?  To reject the “antichrist” (verses 7-11)? What kind of deception was happening in John’s day?  Is that happening today?  In what ways?

Scripture

(2 John NIV)  "The elder, To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the truth--and not I only, but also all who know the truth-- 2 because of the truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father's Son, will be with us in truth and love.

4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.

7 Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully. 9 Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take him into your house or welcome him. 11 Anyone who welcomes him shares in his wicked work.

12 I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete. 13 The children of your chosen sister send their greetings."

2 John 9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. (English Standard Version)

(2 Thessalonians 2:1-4 NIV)  "Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by some prophecy, report or letter supposed to have come from us, saying that the day of the Lord has already come. 3 Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. 4 He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God."

(John 13:34-35 NIV)  ""A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.""
 

Played: 65 | Download | Duration: 00:33:17

Today we will have a meal together.  We will hear about opportunities to engage in relationships and community. Why would we do that? Why would we take the risk to know and be known?  Is it worth it?  Or as our culture might say, “What’s in it for me?”  Today we consider the joy and the pain, the gain and the challenge of living in genuine community.

 (Luke 6:37-42 NIV)  "Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." 39 He also told them this parable: "Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A student is not above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

(Mark 11:25 NIV)  And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins."

(Colossians 3:12-13 NIV)  Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and ...<< MORE >>

We have talked about hope for several weeks, and as we bring our discussion to a close, we must consider our ultimate hope – our joy with Christ for all eternity.  Jesus will return. We will be with Him forever. The wrongs of this world will be made right.  The pain of this world will finally be removed. Did I mention that Jesus is coming back and we will be with Him forever?  Take hope!

Digging Deeper

1.  What did the writers of the New Testament believe about how close they were to the return of Jesus Christ? See 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 4:17; 2 Peter 9-13; 1 Corinthians 7:29; Philippians 4:5 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5.  What did Jesus say about His return? (Note: “Son of Man” is Jesus’ name for Himself – see Mark 8:31).  Matthew 24:36-44; Luke 12:35-40.  Why do you think we don’t talk about His return much in the church today?  Should we talk more about it?  Why or why not?

2.  What will happen at the return of Christ? Read the following passages and see if you can list the events in order (note that these passages are not necessarily in order). 1 Thessalonians 13-17; Matthew 16:27; Revelation 20-22.; Matthew 24:1-51.

3.  What should our response be to the future reality of His return?  ! Thessalonians 4:18; 5:8-11; Matthew 24:43-44; 1 John 3:1-3; Hebrews 10:23-25; 2 Peter 3:10-14; Philippians 3:20-4:1; Luke 12:35-48.  Are you ready?  Are those response you just listed evident in your life?  Are you willing for them to be?

Scripture

(Titus 2:11-14 NIV)  For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. 12 It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope--the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

(Matthew 24:29-31 NIV)  "Immediately after the distress of those days "'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' 30 "At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

 (1 Thessalonians 4:14-18 NIV)  We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. 15 According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. 18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.

(Acts 1:9-11 NIV)  After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

 (1 John 2:28 NIV)  And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.

(1 John 3:2-3 NIV)  Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure.

(Revelation 20:11-15 NIV)  Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done. 14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. 15 If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

All Things Made New

(Revelation 21:1-6 NIV)  Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." 5 He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.
 

Played: 44 | Download | Duration: 00:30:59

For several weeks we have been considering hope and how we can live hopeful lives.  Until now we have spent most of our time considering hope in light of the Person and promises of God. We have seen that our hope is found in God, built on God, and fueled by the promises of God.  This morning we consider another source of hope: each other. The community of God is critical in keeping hope alive. We need especially need each other when our hope is fading.

Digging Deeper

1.  At least 8 times in the Bible the words “hope” and “encourage” occur within five verses of each other.  Read the following passages, and see if there is a connection between those two words in each context.   If they are connected, state a principle or two from each passage that explains the connection:  For example:  “Because we have hope we should encourage each other.”  (Jeremiah 29:8-13; Romans 12:8-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-3:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-21; Titus 2:13-18; and Hebrews 10:24-29).

2.  Read 1 Corinthians 13:13.  Why does Paul connect these three great words?  As you consider the answer, skim over the entire chapter (13).  Now re-read Hebrews 10:19-26.  See how many life principles you can list, which are based on the connection of those three words/truths.  Does your life reflect this kind of faith, hope and love?  In what ways does your life reflect those life principles?  In what ways does it not reflect them?  

3.  Bonus question:  This connection occurs most often in 1 and 2 Thessalonians.  Why do you think that is true?  How might this truth change the way you live your life, or view the events of your life?

(Hebrews 10:19-26 NIV)  Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, 21 and since we have a great priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Third Letter of  John
 The elder, To my dear friend Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well. 3 It gave me great joy to have some brothers come and tell about your faithfulness to the truth and how you continue to walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

 5 Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. 8 We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.

 9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first, will have nothing to do with us. 10 So if I come, I will call attention to what he is doing, gossiping maliciously about us. Not satisfied with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers. He also stops those who want to do so and puts them out of the church. 11 Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius is well spoken of by everyone--and even by the truth itself. We also speak well of him, and you know that our testimony is true.

 13 I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.

Played: 34 | Download | Duration: 00:34:05

Have you ever been asked to do something that you thought was below your pay scale?

In today’s text the disciples were horrified that Jesus would wash their feet because it was perceived to be a task that was reserved for the lowest of the low. Jesus was their Lord and teacher, not their servant, or so they thought.  As usual, Jesus turned things upside down and challenged us to rethink his role and ours. In so doing, he set the bar very high and called us to love and serve one another in the same way.

Scripture

John 13:1-17
1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. 2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus. 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

 6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"
 7 Jesus replied, "You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand."
 8 "No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me." 9 "Then, Lord," Simon Peter replied, "not ...<< MORE >>

Why do so many people lose hope?  Why does it seem so hard to keep hope alive? And if we have lost hope how do we regain it?  What is the secret of hopeful people? As we take up these questions this morning we will discover that how we see life is a huge part of keeping or regaining hope.  Actually it’s not so much how we see life; it’s more a matter of what we are choosing to look at.

(2 Kings 6:8-17 NIV)  "Now the king of Aram was at war with Israel. After conferring with his officers, he said, "I will set up my camp in such and such a place." 9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel: "Beware of passing that place, because the Arameans are going down there." 10 So the king of Israel checked on the place indicated by the man of God. Time and again Elisha warned the king, so that he was on his guard in such places. 11 This enraged the king of Aram. He summoned his officers and demanded of them, "Will you not tell me which of us is on the side of the king of Israel?" 12 "None of us, my lord the king," said one of his officers, "but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the very words you speak in your bedroom." 13 "Go, find out where he is," the king ordered, "so I can send men and capture him." The report came back: "He is in Dothan." 14 Then he sent horses and chariots and a strong force there. They went by night and surrounded the city. 15 When the servant of the man of God got up and went out early the next morning, an army with horses and chariots had surrounded the city. "Oh, my lord, what shall we do?" the servant asked. 16 "Don't be afraid," the prophet answered. "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17 And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."

Digging Deeper

1.  In each of the following passages the people were discouraged or afraid – they had lost hope. See if you can discover why they lost hope, and what helped (or would help) them to regain it. Numbers 13:26-14:9; 1 Samuel 8:1-22 (note verse7-8 for remedy); 2 Chronicles 32:6-8 and 16-22; Luke 24:24-35; 1 Peter 4:12-19.

2.  Read Philippians 4:8-9.  Now make a list of 10 things that meet the criteria listed in those verses.  Now list the opposite of those 10 things.  For example: I am “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) is true and right; OR “I am not pretty, too short, not smart enough, etc.” is probably not true and right.  It certainly is not praiseworthy.  Now consider your list: which side do you think about most often?

3.  The “power of positive thinking” has been and is a very popular concept.  Is Philippians 4:6-7 the same as positive thinking?  Why or why not?  How might Philippians 4:4-7 change or impact your answer to that question? How might asking God to change the way you think impact your life?

Scripture

(2 Chronicles 32:7-8 NIV)  ""Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. 8 With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles." And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said."

(Psalms 39:6-7 NIV)  "Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it. 7 "But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you."

 (Philippians 4:8 NIV)  "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

(Ephesians 1:15-19 NIV)  "For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. 

Played: 604 | Download | Duration: 00:32:12

One of the reasons we lose hope is that we often hold on to and trust in the things we can see.  As we learned last week we live our lives as if we can control them.  We try to manufacture outcomes through our own strength and wisdom, and yet we know in our hearts that the idea that we are in control is just a myth. The truth is that when we forget that God is in control it is easy for us to lose hope.  And we can really lose hope when we forget that the God who is in control loves us more than we can imagine.

Digging Deeper

1.  According to the following passages what do Christ’s people hope for?  Psalm 130:7-8; 2 Peter 1:2-4; John 14:1-4; Titus 2:12-14; 2: Corinthians 1:20-22; Deuteronomy 31:6 (see also Hebrews 13:5); Ephesians 5:25-27.

2.  What do you hope for?  Write an honest list about the things you spend time thinking about, hoping for, trying to make happen.  Things like a better job, that certain boyfriend/girlfriend, a nicer house, etc.  Be honest!  When you think about those things do they increase your hope or decrease your hope? Do they increase your zeal for living or decrease it?

3.  Read Ephesians 2:19-22.  How does our being citizens relate to having hope? (Hint: see Ephesians 2:11-13). How does the image of our being built into a house give us hope? (Hint who is doing the building, and on what foundation – see Matthew 7:24-27).  Now ask yourself who is building your “house.”  What foundation does your “house” have?  How do the answers to those questions either give you hope or weaken your hope?  What needs to change to give you more hope?

Scriptures

(Psalms 33 NIV)  Sing joyfully to the LORD, you ...<< MORE >>

Last week we begin a discussion about how important it is for us to have hope.  Yet when we look around we see lots of people living their lives without hope. And even God’s people sometimes seem to lose hope!  Where does hope go? Why does it go away? Why is it so hard to hold on to? This week we look at the things that would steal away our hope, and more importantly, how we can take hope back.

Digging Deeper

1.  Read Romans 8:23-25.  How many facts can you discern about hope from these verses?  See if you can list at least ten observations about hope from those three verses. Now, based on what you have learned about hope from these verses finish this sentence:  “Hope is __________ .”

2.  Read the following verses and list a principle about hope from each one:  Proverbs 13:12; Job 27:8; Proverbs 11:7; Psalm 62:5; Romans 15:4-6.

3.  We as believers have some very specific things we hope for.  See if you can list some of those from the following verses.  Ephesians 1:18-21; Romans 8:20-25; Colossians 1:27; Titus 2:12-14; Titus 3:4-7 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-58.

4.  How could the things you listed in questions 2 and 3 help you today?  Or tomorrow when you go to work?  See if you can take each of those and apply it to your daily living.  For example:  if you suffer with a physical illness 1 Corinthians 15 promises you a new body – that can become your hope. Ask God to give you hope in an area of your life that feels hopeless, and claim one of God’s promises for that hope as you pray.

Scripture

(Numbers 13: NIV)  "Send some men to explore the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites. From each ancestral tribe send one of its leaders."

17  When Moses sent them to explore Canaan, he said, "Go up through the Negev and on into the hill country. 18 See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. 19 What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? 20 How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees on it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land." (It was the season for the first ripe grapes.) 21 So they went up and explored the land from the Desert of Zin as far as Rehob, toward Lebo Hamath.

27  They gave Moses this account: "We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. 28 But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites live in the Negev; the Hittites, Jebusites and Amorites live in the hill country; and the Canaanites live near the sea and along the Jordan." 30 Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." 31 But the men who had gone up with him said, "We can't attack those people; they are stronger than we are." 32 And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, "The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size.

(Numbers 14:1-8 NIV)  That night all the people of the community raised their voices and wept aloud. 2 All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole assembly said to them, "If only we had died in Egypt! Or in this desert! 3 Why is the LORD bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Our wives and children will be taken as plunder. Wouldn't it be better for us to go back to Egypt?" 4 And they said to each other, "We should choose a leader and go back to Egypt." 5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. 6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us.

(Ezekiel 37:11-14 NIV)  Then he said to me: "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.' 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: O my people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the LORD, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.'"

 (Genesis 3:1-4 NIV)  Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"  . . .   4 "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman.

(Romans 8:18-25 NIV)  I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

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Sermon title: Digging Deeper

1.  Read the following passages:  1 Corinthians 13:13; Hebrews 11:1; Colossians 1:3-6; Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Peter 1:21.  These passages seem to demonstrate that faith and hope are connected, but different.  What do you think the difference is between faith and hope?  Which is more important and why do you think so?  How are they related?  Does faith come before hope, or after hope or are they unconnected?

2.  Where does hope come from?  Consider unbelievers in your answer.  We know that God is the ultimate source of hope, but does that mean that unbelievers have no hope in anything?  What are the sources of hope for the believer? See Romans 15:4 &13; Psalm 62:5-6; Ephesians 2:11-13; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20; Psalm 33:20-22.

3.  How would you describe your life at this moment with respect to both faith and hope?  Where is your faith – in other words what do you believe in?  Does the way you live your life demonstrate what you said you believe in?  Now consider hope - what are you hoping for?  Would you say you are mostly hopeful or that you have lost hope?  Why do you think that is the case?  If you have lost hope, does anyone else know that?  Would you tell someone, and ask them to pray for you that your hope might be restored?

This morning we start a new series, “Living with Hope in a Hopeless World”. Throughout history there have been ups and downs in terms of hope.  There are times when it appears that all is right with the world, and people have great hope in the future.  There are times when things seem to be spiraling downward and people have little hope in the future.  This same cycle is true of our lives.  Some ...<< MORE >>