WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.600 In the book of 1 Peter, we read, 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:41.439 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations, 00:00:41.939 --> 00:00:50.920 that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold, that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, 00:00:50.920 --> 00:00:58.159 might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ, 00:00:58.159 --> 00:01:15.319 whom having not seen, ye love, and whom though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy, unspeakable and full of glory, 00:01:16.319 --> 00:01:21.439 receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls, 00:01:21.439 --> 00:01:33.420 of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you. 00:01:33.500 --> 00:01:36.039 We live in a generation where hope is often lacking. 00:01:36.459 --> 00:01:40.739 You know, a Harvard study they did back in 2019 said this, 00:01:40.799 --> 00:01:45.340 that 45% of young adults report a general sense that things are falling apart. 00:01:45.340 --> 00:01:47.780 You know what that tells me? 00:01:47.840 --> 00:01:51.340 The idea of the world falling apart is the idea the world is hopeless. 00:01:52.159 --> 00:01:55.120 The world doesn't have hope in what they have. 00:01:55.520 --> 00:02:01.379 You know, it's important to understand that life may seem like it's crazy, but we serve a living Savior. 00:02:02.219 --> 00:02:08.180 We have a hope that's beyond the things and circumstances and situations of this world. 00:02:08.180 --> 00:02:13.620 You know, in 2023, the Newport Institute did a study also, 00:02:13.780 --> 00:02:19.140 and they came to this conclusion of this, that young adults are lacking hope. 00:02:19.700 --> 00:02:21.540 Matter of fact, they call it hope fatigue. 00:02:21.680 --> 00:02:24.819 Things that they hope or wish for didn't come to pass. 00:02:25.420 --> 00:02:26.420 And they said this, 00:02:26.500 --> 00:02:33.540 the constant influx of information keeps young adults glued to the devastating national and global events, 00:02:33.620 --> 00:02:37.340 from mass shootings and climate change to economic and political strife. 00:02:37.340 --> 00:02:42.099 It's no surprise they find it hard to feel optimistic about the future. 00:02:42.800 --> 00:02:47.599 As a result, young people are experiencing a phenomenon that's being called hope fatigue. 00:02:47.819 --> 00:02:53.340 And hope fatigue refers to being so worried and anxious about the issues beyond your control 00:02:53.340 --> 00:02:56.539 that you begin to feel apathetic and pessimistic. 00:02:57.480 --> 00:03:00.840 You know, I think we can relate with our world right now in that dynamic. 00:03:01.379 --> 00:03:05.680 That people are operating in a sense that there is no hope. 00:03:05.680 --> 00:03:09.200 You know, why would they be fatigued? 00:03:09.300 --> 00:03:15.020 Because part of the problem is, is when we desire, anticipate, and expect things to get better, 00:03:15.060 --> 00:03:18.659 and they don't, it wears upon us. 00:03:19.860 --> 00:03:24.439 They continue to feel overwhelmed by the challenges in their personal lives. 00:03:25.000 --> 00:03:28.800 You know, and in the world at large, you know, people feel anxious and depressed, 00:03:28.800 --> 00:03:32.300 withdrawing from social interactions and activities. 00:03:32.300 --> 00:03:36.219 They are worrying and obsessing over things they cannot control. 00:03:36.640 --> 00:03:44.439 You know, they feel powerless, resulting in people having despair and thinking that no one can help me, 00:03:44.680 --> 00:03:46.439 and there's no hope in the future. 00:03:47.700 --> 00:03:49.820 You know, this is where we find many today. 00:03:51.240 --> 00:03:53.060 This study is a reality. 00:03:53.060 --> 00:03:56.819 It's a snapshot of the reality of where many are today. 00:03:57.680 --> 00:04:02.680 Many are there because they miss what God has done for them. 00:04:03.300 --> 00:04:07.900 You know, the reality is they lack a real hope, a hope that has substance. 00:04:08.979 --> 00:04:13.360 Because the problem is there's a hope that has no substance, and there's hope that has substance. 00:04:13.360 --> 00:04:21.120 Because we can oftentimes be hopeful for something with no means that it might be true. 00:04:21.460 --> 00:04:27.400 Because true hope is built upon something that has something substantial behind it. 00:04:27.720 --> 00:04:30.840 And that substance, that substantial nature is God. 00:04:31.319 --> 00:04:34.900 He is the one that's substantial enough to base our hope upon. 00:04:35.780 --> 00:04:40.620 And when we put our hope upon God, it changes our perspective. 00:04:40.620 --> 00:04:44.639 Because hope is tied directly to how we think. 00:04:45.780 --> 00:04:48.019 How we process the world around us. 00:04:48.459 --> 00:04:50.000 How we engage people. 00:04:50.399 --> 00:04:52.060 How we think about other people. 00:04:52.399 --> 00:04:55.600 All those things are tied into this reality of hope. 00:04:56.360 --> 00:05:00.819 But we live in a world that oftentimes they miss the hope that is there. 00:05:00.819 --> 00:05:06.259 You know, we understand that hope is gone away from many. 00:05:06.259 --> 00:05:16.019 Because when one has no hope, what they believe in the possibility of a brighter future turns into negative life events. 00:05:16.139 --> 00:05:23.399 They also are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors resulting in greater life satisfaction. 00:05:23.779 --> 00:05:29.659 You know, one of the studies showed that hopeful individuals are less likely to develop mental disorders. 00:05:30.120 --> 00:05:35.339 In fact, hope builds resilience, the ability to endure and grow from hardship. 00:05:35.339 --> 00:05:38.599 It's also a protective factor against suicide. 00:05:39.719 --> 00:05:41.639 You know, suicide is on the rise in our nation. 00:05:42.879 --> 00:05:44.500 What's directly attached to it? 00:05:44.539 --> 00:05:44.759 Hope. 00:05:46.139 --> 00:05:48.819 When people have hope, it changes things. 00:05:49.879 --> 00:05:54.379 But the problem, as we've seen, we live in a world that oftentimes has no hope. 00:05:54.500 --> 00:05:58.639 Ephesians, the Bible tells us in Ephesians 2, in verse 12, it says, 00:05:58.639 --> 00:06:05.039 That at times ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenant of promise, 00:06:05.479 --> 00:06:08.199 having no hope and without God in the world. 00:06:08.839 --> 00:06:13.939 I want you to understand that last phrase describes it there, without hope, having no hope. 00:06:14.019 --> 00:06:15.519 Why? Because they're without God. 00:06:16.419 --> 00:06:18.959 They're without the one that hope is built upon. 00:06:18.959 --> 00:06:22.259 The one that can enforce those things. 00:06:22.439 --> 00:06:29.739 Because when we consider the dynamic of hope, you know, as a preacher, sometimes we have the sad duty of doing funerals. 00:06:31.579 --> 00:06:36.560 You know, and one thing I've learned is funerals is a place where you can see people's perspective of hope. 00:06:38.139 --> 00:06:41.339 Because it shows what do they rely upon? 00:06:41.439 --> 00:06:42.979 What are they looking to? 00:06:42.980 --> 00:06:48.220 Because when we consider in 1 Thessalonians 4, in verse 13, it says this, 00:06:48.620 --> 00:06:52.300 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep. 00:06:52.400 --> 00:06:55.900 That word asleep means those that have died, those that have gone on. 00:06:56.259 --> 00:07:00.259 He doesn't want them to be ignorant because he's talking specifically about believers. 00:07:00.379 --> 00:07:03.000 Because as a believer, we have a hope beyond this world. 00:07:04.140 --> 00:07:06.280 We have a hope of that which is to come. 00:07:07.160 --> 00:07:10.020 Because this world is not everything there is. 00:07:10.019 --> 00:07:13.859 That changes a perspective, but I want you to see this. 00:07:13.939 --> 00:07:16.560 It says, even as others which have no hope. 00:07:17.859 --> 00:07:20.759 You know, I've been in some funerals where you see people have no hope. 00:07:21.019 --> 00:07:27.379 One thing I do if I get a chance to do the message at a funeral is always to bring them something that's going to give them hope, 00:07:27.459 --> 00:07:29.019 to give them the substance of hope. 00:07:30.139 --> 00:07:33.379 The reality of hope, and that hope is in Jesus Christ. 00:07:33.379 --> 00:07:40.019 The one that we celebrate today, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 00:07:40.180 --> 00:07:42.360 The substance of our hope. 00:07:42.959 --> 00:07:45.259 Our hope is built on Christ. 00:07:45.339 --> 00:07:48.439 The one that gave himself as a payment for sin. 00:07:48.560 --> 00:07:50.560 Our debt was a death. 00:07:50.680 --> 00:07:52.480 We had a debt to pay. 00:07:54.159 --> 00:08:02.019 One that was going to lead to eternal separation from the one that offers joy and peace to all those that would call upon him. 00:08:02.019 --> 00:08:08.519 You know, the passage we read here just a little bit ago in 1 Peter, in chapter 1, 00:08:08.599 --> 00:08:12.799 we find that he talks here about a living hope, a lively hope. 00:08:13.299 --> 00:08:20.000 A hope that's alive, not a hope that's just inadequate, but a hope that has substance. 00:08:20.159 --> 00:08:22.439 A hope that we can look forward to. 00:08:22.519 --> 00:08:22.759 Why? 00:08:22.859 --> 00:08:25.579 Because he's already overcome that which is to come. 00:08:26.159 --> 00:08:28.079 He's already provided a way. 00:08:28.539 --> 00:08:31.339 The hope of the gospel is life. 00:08:31.339 --> 00:08:36.279 The Bible tells us that the hope is eternal life through Jesus Christ. 00:08:36.480 --> 00:08:37.980 We have a living hope. 00:08:38.079 --> 00:08:41.759 We have a bold hope because we have a living hope. 00:08:41.860 --> 00:08:43.439 Look there at our text here this morning. 00:08:43.779 --> 00:08:44.919 Look there at verse 3. 00:08:45.019 --> 00:08:45.799 What it tells us is, 00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:48.720 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 00:08:49.339 --> 00:08:53.699 which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope 00:08:53.699 --> 00:08:57.759 by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 00:08:58.100 --> 00:08:59.639 We have a living hope. 00:08:59.639 --> 00:09:05.500 Peter penned this epistle to the Gentiles that had heard and responded to the good news 00:09:05.500 --> 00:09:12.860 that Christ had overcome the curse of sin by shedding his own blood that day upon the cross. 00:09:13.279 --> 00:09:14.960 The sacrifice for sin. 00:09:15.360 --> 00:09:19.360 His death was the payment, but his resurrection was the victory. 00:09:19.360 --> 00:09:25.800 He's the reason that we can have a hope, a bold hope, that's built upon not a dead Savior, 00:09:26.320 --> 00:09:31.000 not one that we can just look at or examine from a distance, 00:09:31.120 --> 00:09:36.279 but one that we have seen and has been revealed to us that we can know that he is alive. 00:09:36.919 --> 00:09:43.240 You know, the Son of God, Jesus Christ, that died and was buried but rose again. 00:09:43.240 --> 00:09:50.320 You know, today we celebrate and look, but are also humbled by the reality of our hope. 00:09:51.100 --> 00:09:54.500 Because our hope is built in a living Savior. 00:09:55.259 --> 00:09:58.639 Because hope we're talking about here is not just wishful thinking, 00:09:59.200 --> 00:10:04.560 but is a desire accomplished by expectation and fulfillment. 00:10:04.559 --> 00:10:09.019 It involves something or someone on which that hope is centered. 00:10:09.459 --> 00:10:12.619 Because when we realize hope has to be outside ourselves. 00:10:13.739 --> 00:10:16.739 You know, one of the problems we have today is people look to ourselves. 00:10:16.859 --> 00:10:18.519 We're told, you can do it. 00:10:18.699 --> 00:10:19.859 You can overcome. 00:10:20.339 --> 00:10:22.579 You have the ability in you to do this. 00:10:22.859 --> 00:10:25.179 And then we're discouraged when we find out it's not so. 00:10:25.479 --> 00:10:29.079 Or they'll tell you somebody else is responsible to do it. 00:10:29.099 --> 00:10:30.979 Our hope is in all sorts of things today. 00:10:31.399 --> 00:10:32.979 We have hope in knowledge. 00:10:33.079 --> 00:10:34.059 We have hope in education. 00:10:34.059 --> 00:10:35.719 We have hope in government. 00:10:36.079 --> 00:10:38.899 We have hope in just the good nature of people. 00:10:40.399 --> 00:10:42.299 But you know, all those hopes are going to let you down. 00:10:42.519 --> 00:10:43.679 Because they don't have substance. 00:10:45.419 --> 00:10:47.019 They waver all the time. 00:10:48.139 --> 00:10:48.959 They're moody. 00:10:49.299 --> 00:10:53.959 But our hope is centered on something of substance. 00:10:55.479 --> 00:10:59.979 Our hope is centered on what took place in history. 00:11:01.059 --> 00:11:02.699 A solid foundation. 00:11:02.700 --> 00:11:05.920 Hope is not just that wishful thinking. 00:11:06.360 --> 00:11:10.680 It's hope because of His death and His victory over it. 00:11:10.720 --> 00:11:13.140 That we now have hope in being. 00:11:13.220 --> 00:11:15.080 Notice what it says in verse 3 here. 00:11:15.320 --> 00:11:16.120 Of what it tells us. 00:11:16.120 --> 00:11:17.620 But according to His abundant mercy, 00:11:17.960 --> 00:11:21.660 hath begotten us again unto a lively hope. 00:11:21.860 --> 00:11:23.080 Unto a living hope. 00:11:23.320 --> 00:11:24.960 By His abundant mercy. 00:11:24.960 --> 00:11:27.220 It means we're given a new life. 00:11:27.300 --> 00:11:28.620 We've been begotten again. 00:11:28.840 --> 00:11:31.340 That which was dead is now made alive. 00:11:31.340 --> 00:11:36.340 You know, the term here is one that's a gardening term. 00:11:36.680 --> 00:11:40.080 Because what it talks about is in the fall, you know, we're in that time of year. 00:11:40.320 --> 00:11:43.660 Now that we're getting some rain, you're going to see all sorts of things spring up, you know. 00:11:43.899 --> 00:11:47.040 But in the fall, you'll see a plant die and it'll wither. 00:11:47.300 --> 00:11:48.899 And it'll shrink down. 00:11:49.000 --> 00:11:50.720 And it'll look like there's nothing there. 00:11:50.720 --> 00:11:57.460 But in the spring, there's something that springs forth into new substance, new reality. 00:11:57.820 --> 00:12:00.399 That's the picture that it's giving us in Christ. 00:12:00.800 --> 00:12:01.740 That which is dead. 00:12:01.860 --> 00:12:03.420 That which is under the sentence of death. 00:12:03.680 --> 00:12:05.500 That which is under the curse of sin. 00:12:05.680 --> 00:12:07.960 Is now removed from that. 00:12:08.139 --> 00:12:09.180 And it's made alive. 00:12:09.540 --> 00:12:11.840 It's made alive in that new life. 00:12:12.379 --> 00:12:14.740 It's brought forth with a vibrancy. 00:12:16.700 --> 00:12:19.820 You know, think about what the Bible tells us in Ephesians chapter 2. 00:12:20.660 --> 00:12:22.560 Ephesians chapter 2 and verse 1. 00:12:22.660 --> 00:12:23.220 It says this. 00:12:23.560 --> 00:12:24.920 And you hath he quickened. 00:12:24.960 --> 00:12:26.900 That word quickened means made alive. 00:12:28.280 --> 00:12:30.480 He took you from that which was dead. 00:12:30.600 --> 00:12:34.100 Because we were dead in our trespasses and sins. 00:12:34.260 --> 00:12:35.879 But it tells us in verse 4. 00:12:35.960 --> 00:12:38.820 This is one of the great verse transitions you will find. 00:12:39.120 --> 00:12:41.460 Because the first part of this says the problem. 00:12:41.460 --> 00:12:43.960 And the next part says, but God. 00:12:47.300 --> 00:12:49.660 God says, hey, your problem is sin. 00:12:49.820 --> 00:12:51.140 But listen up. 00:12:51.180 --> 00:12:52.280 I got good news. 00:12:52.660 --> 00:12:54.060 Your sentence was death. 00:12:54.400 --> 00:12:56.660 You're dead in your trespasses and sins. 00:12:56.860 --> 00:13:00.040 But he says the good news is you can be made alive. 00:13:01.420 --> 00:13:04.920 But God who is rich in mercy for his great love. 00:13:05.040 --> 00:13:05.720 Wherewith he what? 00:13:05.780 --> 00:13:06.680 He loved us. 00:13:07.060 --> 00:13:09.300 Even when we were dead in sins. 00:13:09.660 --> 00:13:12.360 Hath quickened us together with Christ. 00:13:12.480 --> 00:13:14.960 By grace ye are saved. 00:13:15.280 --> 00:13:16.180 You're redeemed. 00:13:16.340 --> 00:13:16.980 You're rescued. 00:13:16.980 --> 00:13:18.159 You're brought forth. 00:13:18.420 --> 00:13:20.279 You're put into a place of safety. 00:13:20.879 --> 00:13:23.240 You see this living hope has substance. 00:13:23.659 --> 00:13:26.639 That substance is in the promise of God himself. 00:13:27.340 --> 00:13:28.820 You know, often we think of hope. 00:13:28.920 --> 00:13:32.920 We think of just that mere desire or want for something to happen. 00:13:33.440 --> 00:13:35.240 Without any other assurance. 00:13:36.000 --> 00:13:38.340 You know, we might put it this way. 00:13:38.420 --> 00:13:42.620 You know, we could say, you know, last night I was hoping it wouldn't rain this morning. 00:13:42.620 --> 00:13:45.000 Now, we might use that phraseology. 00:13:45.159 --> 00:13:46.440 We might use that thinking. 00:13:47.299 --> 00:13:50.460 But that hope wasn't based in anything of substance. 00:13:51.720 --> 00:13:54.600 Your salvation is based in something of substance. 00:13:56.200 --> 00:13:57.940 Because why is it substance? 00:13:58.299 --> 00:14:03.060 Because Christ came and he died for our sin according to the scripture. 00:14:03.759 --> 00:14:05.460 But you know, that's good. 00:14:05.519 --> 00:14:08.000 But the problem is, is he paid the penalty. 00:14:08.000 --> 00:14:11.480 But the victory is the substance because we have a risen Savior. 00:14:11.980 --> 00:14:13.039 We have one that's alive. 00:14:14.320 --> 00:14:19.820 All over the world you have individuals who worship gods, who cannot move, who cannot speak, 00:14:20.259 --> 00:14:21.159 who cannot do anything. 00:14:21.240 --> 00:14:24.539 Or they go someplace to worship somebody's tomb. 00:14:24.940 --> 00:14:28.139 You know, as a Christian, we don't go to the tomb anymore. 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:31.659 We don't have to take a trip to the tomb. 00:14:31.879 --> 00:14:33.080 It's already been determined. 00:14:33.220 --> 00:14:33.759 It's empty. 00:14:33.759 --> 00:14:38.139 There's no need to go. 00:14:39.500 --> 00:14:40.840 There's nothing there. 00:14:41.059 --> 00:14:42.580 Because we want to find our Savior. 00:14:42.720 --> 00:14:43.960 You don't find him in the tomb. 00:14:45.840 --> 00:14:47.200 Our Savior's alive. 00:14:48.639 --> 00:14:55.100 This substance that we have, this living hope is the assurance that we have. 00:14:55.159 --> 00:14:57.419 We know that he will fulfill his promise. 00:14:57.419 --> 00:15:05.259 He said, I'm going to be turned over to the authorities and the scribes and the Pharisees 00:15:05.259 --> 00:15:06.399 and the Roman government. 00:15:06.620 --> 00:15:09.179 And they're going to mock me and spit on me. 00:15:09.259 --> 00:15:10.019 They're going to beat me. 00:15:10.079 --> 00:15:10.959 They're going to abuse me. 00:15:11.039 --> 00:15:11.919 They're going to kill me. 00:15:12.159 --> 00:15:14.139 And then he looks at his disciples and he says, 00:15:14.779 --> 00:15:17.659 on the third day I'm going to rise again. 00:15:18.759 --> 00:15:20.839 There's a lot of people who can tell you good news. 00:15:20.959 --> 00:15:21.299 But you know what? 00:15:21.319 --> 00:15:23.259 Jesus said, I've got news for you. 00:15:23.519 --> 00:15:25.899 That's good news because your sin's going to be covered. 00:15:25.899 --> 00:15:30.220 And I'm going to validate that I did it because I'm going to be alive afterwards. 00:15:31.659 --> 00:15:34.480 A living Savior gives us hope. 00:15:35.379 --> 00:15:38.139 Our hope is built upon a Savior that's alive. 00:15:39.759 --> 00:15:42.959 A little later on, look down at verse 23 in this same chapter. 00:15:43.679 --> 00:15:44.539 It tells us this. 00:15:44.620 --> 00:15:47.100 It says, being born again, not of corruptible seed, 00:15:47.439 --> 00:15:49.840 but of incorruptible by the word of God, 00:15:50.079 --> 00:15:52.699 which liveth and abideth forever. 00:15:52.700 --> 00:15:56.860 The resurrection gives us a living hope. 00:15:57.660 --> 00:15:59.280 A hope that is beyond. 00:15:59.680 --> 00:16:02.280 But I want you to see here, it's not just a living hope, 00:16:02.500 --> 00:16:03.960 but it's a lasting hope. 00:16:04.980 --> 00:16:08.180 A bold hope we have in God is a lasting hope. 00:16:09.000 --> 00:16:13.220 It's a hope that has some longevity to it. 00:16:13.560 --> 00:16:15.720 Matter of fact, it says it will never fade. 00:16:16.540 --> 00:16:17.640 Look at verse 4. 00:16:18.040 --> 00:16:20.200 It tells us in our text there in 1 Peter, 00:16:20.200 --> 00:16:25.740 It says, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled that fadeth not away, 00:16:25.860 --> 00:16:29.300 reserved in heaven for you. 00:16:30.560 --> 00:16:35.300 This lasting hope, a bold hope that comes with an inheritance. 00:16:37.680 --> 00:16:41.920 You know, inheritance here gives us something of substance. 00:16:42.280 --> 00:16:44.220 You know, many people look forward to their inheritance. 00:16:44.220 --> 00:16:48.080 You know, people like inheriting things. 00:16:49.920 --> 00:16:52.040 You know, sometimes we don't have much to give. 00:16:52.960 --> 00:16:54.660 But we like inheritance. 00:16:55.639 --> 00:16:57.600 You know, today people inherit things. 00:16:57.700 --> 00:16:59.560 The problem with things you inherit here on earth, 00:17:00.300 --> 00:17:04.720 they decay, they degrade, they devalue. 00:17:05.039 --> 00:17:07.200 They're never quite what they once were. 00:17:07.200 --> 00:17:10.580 You know, no matter what it is, I mean, I enjoy. 00:17:10.700 --> 00:17:16.019 I still, we still use dressers in our bedroom from my grandmother. 00:17:16.440 --> 00:17:17.920 I'm glad we inherited them. 00:17:17.960 --> 00:17:19.980 But you know, they're not quite what they once were. 00:17:21.819 --> 00:17:24.580 You know, they start to degrade. 00:17:24.980 --> 00:17:27.039 But notice what it says about this inheritance. 00:17:28.160 --> 00:17:29.799 This inheritance is different. 00:17:31.500 --> 00:17:33.740 You know, oftentimes we look to the physical inheritance, 00:17:33.740 --> 00:17:35.039 but I want you to see here. 00:17:36.180 --> 00:17:39.359 This inheritance is laid up for the saints. 00:17:39.799 --> 00:17:41.839 Colossians chapter 1 and verse 12 says, 00:17:42.079 --> 00:17:43.279 Giving thanks unto the Father, 00:17:43.380 --> 00:17:50.000 which has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. 00:17:50.160 --> 00:17:54.000 Because this inheritance is a promise that He gives to anyone 00:17:54.000 --> 00:17:55.839 that turns to Him through faith. 00:17:56.160 --> 00:17:59.779 It is something that will not degrade, diminish, or devalue. 00:18:00.180 --> 00:18:02.859 Instead, it is reserved for you in heaven. 00:18:02.859 --> 00:18:05.459 And notice the terms that's used here in verse 4. 00:18:05.859 --> 00:18:07.819 To an inheritance, incorruptible. 00:18:09.659 --> 00:18:10.019 Incorruptible. 00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:12.599 In other words, it'll never decay or degrade. 00:18:13.000 --> 00:18:14.419 You never have to worry about it rusting. 00:18:14.839 --> 00:18:18.819 You know, you don't have to worry about it fading away. 00:18:19.119 --> 00:18:22.439 You don't have to worry about whether it gets sunlight on it or whether it gets wet. 00:18:22.699 --> 00:18:23.539 It's an inheritance. 00:18:23.839 --> 00:18:24.719 It's incorruptible. 00:18:24.859 --> 00:18:26.519 There's nothing can happen to it. 00:18:26.579 --> 00:18:27.539 It's undefiled. 00:18:27.699 --> 00:18:28.319 It's pure. 00:18:28.639 --> 00:18:29.839 It's a pure inheritance. 00:18:29.839 --> 00:18:31.519 It's not polluted in any way. 00:18:31.519 --> 00:18:33.259 It fadeth not away. 00:18:33.460 --> 00:18:34.619 It's perpetual. 00:18:35.099 --> 00:18:36.619 It lasts forever. 00:18:37.099 --> 00:18:38.839 That's an inheritance worth inheriting. 00:18:40.639 --> 00:18:42.220 It's something of substance. 00:18:43.799 --> 00:18:46.319 It's something that you can grab a hold of. 00:18:46.579 --> 00:18:47.859 Something that makes a difference. 00:18:48.000 --> 00:18:49.960 You know, part of that inheritance is a belonging. 00:18:51.960 --> 00:18:54.799 You know, one of the things you'll find today is people struggle 00:18:54.799 --> 00:18:58.400 when it comes to hope as an area of belonging. 00:18:58.680 --> 00:18:59.759 Where's my place? 00:18:59.759 --> 00:19:00.740 What's my part? 00:19:00.960 --> 00:19:01.500 But you know what? 00:19:01.559 --> 00:19:05.900 The gospel, the living hope, is something different because as a child of God, 00:19:06.000 --> 00:19:08.279 Jesus tells you you belong to Him. 00:19:09.779 --> 00:19:12.059 In Christ, you have a place of belonging. 00:19:12.400 --> 00:19:15.460 One that will never leave you or forsake you. 00:19:15.700 --> 00:19:18.480 One that wants you to know that you're wanted. 00:19:18.819 --> 00:19:21.039 That He wants to spend time with you. 00:19:21.379 --> 00:19:24.180 He tells us, you know, think about John chapter 14. 00:19:24.319 --> 00:19:26.299 Look over to John chapter 14 this morning. 00:19:26.299 --> 00:19:32.139 If you don't think He wants you and doesn't have a place for you and doesn't want you to belong, 00:19:32.460 --> 00:19:34.480 consider what He says here in John 14. 00:19:34.619 --> 00:19:34.859 He says, 00:19:35.039 --> 00:19:36.180 Let not your heart be troubled. 00:19:36.720 --> 00:19:38.720 Ye believe in God, believe also in me. 00:19:38.980 --> 00:19:41.000 In my Father's house are many mansions. 00:19:41.059 --> 00:19:43.200 If it would not so, I would have told you. 00:19:43.240 --> 00:19:44.619 Now notice, I go to do what? 00:19:44.899 --> 00:19:46.919 Prepare a place for you. 00:19:47.220 --> 00:19:50.220 You know, this morning, I want you to realize that God says, 00:19:50.220 --> 00:19:51.600 You belong. 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:53.259 You have a place. 00:19:53.360 --> 00:19:53.559 Why? 00:19:53.700 --> 00:19:54.259 Because He says, 00:19:54.319 --> 00:19:55.200 You're so important. 00:19:55.500 --> 00:20:00.140 And I consider you such a part that I've prepared a place for you. 00:20:00.339 --> 00:20:03.059 If you're important enough for Him to prepare a place, He says, 00:20:03.100 --> 00:20:03.600 You belong. 00:20:03.900 --> 00:20:05.640 Think about when you gather as a family. 00:20:05.779 --> 00:20:08.000 You know, we're in that different stage of life now. 00:20:08.039 --> 00:20:09.660 And you have family over. 00:20:09.860 --> 00:20:10.779 And you do what? 00:20:10.819 --> 00:20:13.200 You prepare a place for everyone that's coming. 00:20:13.200 --> 00:20:17.460 You know, we're going to enjoy a ham, I think, this afternoon together with some family. 00:20:17.460 --> 00:20:17.500 Right? 00:20:19.279 --> 00:20:19.640 You know? 00:20:20.440 --> 00:20:22.779 Now, traditions are good, and that's a good tradition. 00:20:25.640 --> 00:20:29.240 But I want you to understand, we prepare and make sure there's a place for everybody. 00:20:30.759 --> 00:20:31.240 Why? 00:20:31.340 --> 00:20:32.180 Because they belong. 00:20:34.100 --> 00:20:35.000 God says, 00:20:35.200 --> 00:20:38.420 Your inheritance is there because you belong. 00:20:38.420 --> 00:20:43.259 That when you're part of His family, you have a hope that's beyond a bold hope 00:20:43.259 --> 00:20:47.160 and the fact that you have a reserved place in heaven with Him. 00:20:48.140 --> 00:20:54.599 Hope in the living Savior that has come to establish a permanent place for all that would call upon Him. 00:20:55.940 --> 00:20:58.319 That's a hope of belonging, a hope in substance. 00:20:59.920 --> 00:21:04.259 This morning, we have a lasting hope, a hope that will never fade. 00:21:04.259 --> 00:21:07.200 But a bold hope is also a powerful hope. 00:21:08.339 --> 00:21:10.660 Because notice what it says in verse 5. 00:21:11.160 --> 00:21:12.200 It tells us this. 00:21:12.359 --> 00:21:12.579 It says, 00:21:12.720 --> 00:21:19.619 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. 00:21:20.220 --> 00:21:24.680 Now, I want you to see here, this hope is not in our power, our means to accomplish. 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:28.039 You know, you're not kept by your own power. 00:21:29.220 --> 00:21:31.740 You know, one of the problems you find today is people try to say, 00:21:31.740 --> 00:21:34.940 Well, I'm going to be good enough for God to accept me. 00:21:35.220 --> 00:21:38.200 God doesn't want you to be good enough for Him to accept you. 00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:41.039 Now, let me explain, because that can be misconstrued. 00:21:42.259 --> 00:21:43.559 Because some people take that, 00:21:43.620 --> 00:21:45.339 Well, God takes me just as I am. 00:21:45.559 --> 00:21:47.220 I want you to understand, yes, He does. 00:21:48.599 --> 00:21:53.220 But He also has an expectation as His child that something is different afterwards. 00:21:53.680 --> 00:21:58.460 He meets you where you are and gives you something else. 00:21:58.460 --> 00:22:04.799 He gives you a new life, a different life, a life filled with substance and hope. 00:22:05.019 --> 00:22:06.519 We've already talked about the reality. 00:22:06.640 --> 00:22:09.980 They understand psychologically that hope changes people. 00:22:10.319 --> 00:22:12.559 If we have a living hope, it ought to change us. 00:22:15.240 --> 00:22:20.460 It should change our perspective, change our attitude, change the way we process. 00:22:20.460 --> 00:22:23.880 Because this hope is only possible by His power. 00:22:24.460 --> 00:22:29.900 He keeps anyone that will come to Him, to come to Him trusting in His Word. 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:33.440 To trust His Word means that we agree with His assessment. 00:22:34.519 --> 00:22:36.640 You know, one of the problems today, when people come to God, 00:22:36.720 --> 00:22:38.440 they don't like God's assessment of them. 00:22:39.299 --> 00:22:42.539 They don't like the mirror of God's Word that it puts upon us. 00:22:42.740 --> 00:22:44.980 They say, God needs to accept me how I am. 00:22:45.039 --> 00:22:47.279 Now, I want you to understand, God will accept you how you are. 00:22:47.279 --> 00:22:55.180 But also, we have to humbly come to Him because we have to recognize who He has revealed you to be. 00:22:56.039 --> 00:23:00.000 Because we'll build our own goodness saying, hey, I'm not as bad as. 00:23:00.059 --> 00:23:01.700 You know, that's one of the biggest things you'll find. 00:23:01.940 --> 00:23:03.339 I'm not as bad as. 00:23:03.579 --> 00:23:05.160 Somebody else is always worse. 00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:07.119 Or did something that you deem worse. 00:23:07.379 --> 00:23:10.139 I want you to understand that God makes it very clear. 00:23:10.559 --> 00:23:11.740 Galatians chapter 3, 00:23:11.740 --> 00:23:19.779 But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ may be given to them that believe. 00:23:20.200 --> 00:23:22.339 It concluded all under sin. 00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:24.660 Now, sin covers a broad territory. 00:23:25.019 --> 00:23:27.420 You know, the Bible also tells us we like to see our own goodness. 00:23:27.799 --> 00:23:31.720 But God says, all your good things are as filthy rags as worthless. 00:23:32.900 --> 00:23:33.640 They're dirty. 00:23:33.759 --> 00:23:34.299 They're filthy. 00:23:34.420 --> 00:23:35.120 They're unpure. 00:23:35.119 --> 00:23:40.599 But He says, Jesus Christ came and died to cover the penalty of that. 00:23:40.799 --> 00:23:42.699 That's God's picture of who you are. 00:23:43.000 --> 00:23:44.059 You say, that's pretty bad. 00:23:44.139 --> 00:23:44.479 You know what? 00:23:44.500 --> 00:23:46.779 The Bible tells us that God knew who you are. 00:23:47.159 --> 00:23:48.319 He knew you were a sinner. 00:23:48.599 --> 00:23:50.819 And He still came and died for you. 00:23:52.939 --> 00:23:54.059 That's real love. 00:23:54.339 --> 00:23:56.299 And He says, not only did I die for you, 00:23:56.419 --> 00:24:00.459 I made a way for you to be different. 00:24:00.460 --> 00:24:02.500 To be born again. 00:24:02.579 --> 00:24:03.420 To be changed. 00:24:04.720 --> 00:24:05.980 To be transformed. 00:24:06.700 --> 00:24:08.220 A place where you can belong. 00:24:09.079 --> 00:24:10.400 It's a powerful hope. 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:11.920 It's resting in His power. 00:24:13.039 --> 00:24:16.779 You know, the Bible tells us in chapter 5 of the Gospel of John, 00:24:16.880 --> 00:24:17.900 And Jesus said unto this, 00:24:17.980 --> 00:24:19.100 Verily, verily, I say unto you, 00:24:19.140 --> 00:24:25.059 He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me hath everlasting life 00:24:25.059 --> 00:24:27.319 and shall not come into condemnation, 00:24:27.440 --> 00:24:30.919 but is passed from death to life. 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:35.700 In Christ, God's assessment that we're dead in our sins, 00:24:35.879 --> 00:24:37.899 as we humbly call upon Him, 00:24:38.059 --> 00:24:40.720 recognizing that, yes, God, I agree, I'm a sinner. 00:24:42.419 --> 00:24:43.919 You know, a lot of people stumble there. 00:24:45.539 --> 00:24:47.919 That's a holdup of coming to God oftentimes 00:24:47.919 --> 00:24:49.839 is getting a clear reflection of who we are. 00:24:51.659 --> 00:24:53.500 But when we understand I'm a sinner, 00:24:53.500 --> 00:24:58.619 that merits the wages of my sin, 00:24:58.700 --> 00:24:59.920 and the Bible says that's death, 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:01.339 but Jesus Christ, 00:25:02.200 --> 00:25:02.960 but God, 00:25:05.079 --> 00:25:08.039 stepped in because He's gracious and He's merciful. 00:25:09.880 --> 00:25:12.339 And said there's nothing you can do to change it, 00:25:12.380 --> 00:25:15.099 but there's something I did 00:25:15.099 --> 00:25:17.180 to make a difference. 00:25:17.180 --> 00:25:21.700 That you might be passed from death to life. 00:25:21.700 --> 00:25:25.400 Just as Jesus passed from death in the grave 00:25:25.400 --> 00:25:27.440 to life. 00:25:29.160 --> 00:25:31.460 It's our assurance of what He says. 00:25:31.920 --> 00:25:33.980 It's a hope that He has promised 00:25:33.980 --> 00:25:36.600 for you and to you. 00:25:37.059 --> 00:25:39.259 You know, Philippians chapter 1 and verse 6 00:25:39.259 --> 00:25:41.620 is being confident of this very thing, 00:25:42.039 --> 00:25:44.140 that He that hath begun a good work in you 00:25:44.140 --> 00:25:47.340 will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 00:25:47.339 --> 00:25:49.359 Our hope is built in a Savior 00:25:49.359 --> 00:25:52.679 that can accomplish what He said He's going to do. 00:25:52.879 --> 00:25:54.059 A hope of substance. 00:25:55.079 --> 00:25:56.819 A hope that makes a difference. 00:25:58.459 --> 00:26:00.579 A hope that is both present, 00:26:01.599 --> 00:26:03.279 helps us in this life, 00:26:03.519 --> 00:26:06.199 and a hope for the one to come. 00:26:06.200 --> 00:26:08.680 When you come to Christ, 00:26:08.799 --> 00:26:10.380 He saves you and you're secured 00:26:10.380 --> 00:26:11.900 by His power, 00:26:12.080 --> 00:26:14.000 not by anything that you do 00:26:14.000 --> 00:26:15.120 or that you did. 00:26:15.319 --> 00:26:16.759 It's by faith alone 00:26:16.759 --> 00:26:18.279 in what He has done for you. 00:26:18.620 --> 00:26:20.819 Edward Mott penned a famous hymn, 00:26:21.019 --> 00:26:21.120 it's, 00:26:21.480 --> 00:26:23.600 My hope is built on nothing less 00:26:23.600 --> 00:26:26.160 than Jesus' blood and righteousness. 00:26:27.440 --> 00:26:29.259 You know, think about those words right there. 00:26:29.299 --> 00:26:30.580 He had a proper understanding 00:26:30.580 --> 00:26:32.220 of who He is and who God is. 00:26:32.220 --> 00:26:33.960 He says, 00:26:34.120 --> 00:26:35.839 My hope is not built on me. 00:26:36.079 --> 00:26:38.059 It's not built on somebody else. 00:26:38.140 --> 00:26:40.700 It's built solely on Jesus Christ 00:26:40.700 --> 00:26:41.500 and what He's done. 00:26:42.339 --> 00:26:43.960 My focus is where it is. 00:26:44.000 --> 00:26:44.299 He says, 00:26:44.640 --> 00:26:47.400 I dare not trust the sweetest frame, 00:26:47.740 --> 00:26:50.420 but wholly lean on Jesus' name. 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:51.480 I encourage you to, 00:26:52.039 --> 00:26:53.460 we don't have time this morning 00:26:53.460 --> 00:26:54.100 to go through it, 00:26:54.140 --> 00:26:55.860 but you can just type that in. 00:26:55.900 --> 00:26:57.620 My hope is built on nothing less. 00:26:57.660 --> 00:26:58.900 And you can read all the words 00:26:58.900 --> 00:27:01.579 and all the verses of that song. 00:27:01.579 --> 00:27:02.720 It's a powerful song. 00:27:03.039 --> 00:27:05.079 And it describes exactly the hope too 00:27:05.079 --> 00:27:06.199 that we're talking about today. 00:27:07.960 --> 00:27:10.339 His hope was not in the things around Him, 00:27:10.379 --> 00:27:12.819 but was in the Savior that was to come. 00:27:12.899 --> 00:27:15.119 We see here in verse 5, 00:27:15.240 --> 00:27:18.539 notice that we are kept by the power of God 00:27:18.539 --> 00:27:20.319 through faith unto salvation. 00:27:21.639 --> 00:27:24.819 The point is the fact that this hope is present, 00:27:25.339 --> 00:27:27.199 but also future. 00:27:27.200 --> 00:27:30.220 Everyone that has called upon Him 00:27:30.220 --> 00:27:31.759 is now secure in Him. 00:27:32.039 --> 00:27:34.319 We are no longer under His judgment, 00:27:34.720 --> 00:27:35.519 His wrath, 00:27:35.620 --> 00:27:36.700 His condemnation. 00:27:38.120 --> 00:27:41.039 We've been passed from death to life. 00:27:42.100 --> 00:27:43.980 That's why that hope is different. 00:27:45.620 --> 00:27:49.120 Hope in this world constantly leads down one road, 00:27:49.240 --> 00:27:51.259 and that's ultimately to death, destruction, and decay. 00:27:51.259 --> 00:27:54.400 God says He gives life and liberty, 00:27:54.400 --> 00:27:56.539 and He gives us substance. 00:27:56.740 --> 00:27:57.619 He gives us hope. 00:27:57.980 --> 00:27:58.180 Why? 00:27:58.319 --> 00:28:00.879 Because we're sealed by the Holy Spirit 00:28:00.879 --> 00:28:04.339 until one day we're not only free from the penalty 00:28:04.339 --> 00:28:06.079 and the power of sin, 00:28:06.140 --> 00:28:07.680 but the very presence of sin. 00:28:09.059 --> 00:28:13.279 Look back over in Ephesians chapter 1 for a moment. 00:28:13.920 --> 00:28:15.299 Ephesians chapter 1. 00:28:17.039 --> 00:28:18.559 Notice what it tells us here. 00:28:18.559 --> 00:28:18.940 It says, 00:28:19.179 --> 00:28:21.319 In whom ye also trusted. 00:28:23.139 --> 00:28:25.599 That means believed, relied upon, 00:28:27.059 --> 00:28:29.899 agreed with the assessment. 00:28:31.819 --> 00:28:32.579 Because remember, 00:28:32.700 --> 00:28:34.259 what's God's assessment of us? 00:28:35.379 --> 00:28:36.659 We're all under sin. 00:28:37.500 --> 00:28:40.899 All of us have lied and cheated and stole. 00:28:41.419 --> 00:28:42.940 I mean, you go down the list, 00:28:43.019 --> 00:28:44.519 there's not a day goes by 00:28:44.519 --> 00:28:45.779 you probably don't in some form 00:28:45.779 --> 00:28:47.000 break every one of the commandments. 00:28:47.000 --> 00:28:48.799 It's pretty simple to see we're guilty. 00:28:49.119 --> 00:28:51.099 People try all sorts of things to get rid of it, 00:28:51.160 --> 00:28:52.539 but it's only in Jesus Christ. 00:28:53.960 --> 00:28:55.920 I want you to notice what the Bible says. 00:28:56.000 --> 00:28:56.980 It doesn't talk about 00:28:56.980 --> 00:29:00.640 being some water throwing on you. 00:29:02.259 --> 00:29:04.019 It doesn't talk about baptism. 00:29:04.140 --> 00:29:05.000 Baptism is important, 00:29:05.119 --> 00:29:06.200 but baptism will save you. 00:29:08.640 --> 00:29:10.900 Baptism identifies you with the Savior. 00:29:10.900 --> 00:29:16.220 It doesn't talk about somebody telling you you're okay. 00:29:16.580 --> 00:29:18.160 You know, sometimes people go to classes 00:29:18.160 --> 00:29:19.460 and they have somebody pronounce them, 00:29:19.519 --> 00:29:20.180 hey, you're okay. 00:29:20.340 --> 00:29:21.060 But you know what? 00:29:21.100 --> 00:29:22.460 I can't make anybody okay. 00:29:24.200 --> 00:29:25.640 I couldn't make myself okay. 00:29:25.700 --> 00:29:26.960 How can I make somebody else okay? 00:29:27.259 --> 00:29:28.360 I've got my own problems. 00:29:28.640 --> 00:29:29.680 But I can point you to the one 00:29:29.680 --> 00:29:30.820 who does solve the problem. 00:29:32.700 --> 00:29:33.480 Because notice, 00:29:33.580 --> 00:29:35.460 after you heard the word of truth, 00:29:35.940 --> 00:29:37.800 the truth is that you're a sinner, 00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:40.159 but the truth is also that we have a Savior 00:29:40.159 --> 00:29:42.819 who died and paid the price for that sin 00:29:42.819 --> 00:29:43.099 and says, 00:29:43.220 --> 00:29:45.460 whosoever shall call upon him shall be saved. 00:29:47.579 --> 00:29:48.500 Trusted the word, 00:29:48.599 --> 00:29:50.319 the gospel of your salvation. 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:51.539 Now notice this, 00:29:51.599 --> 00:29:52.539 when you trust him, 00:29:52.839 --> 00:29:55.259 in whom also after that ye believed 00:29:55.259 --> 00:29:58.779 that ye were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. 00:29:59.539 --> 00:30:02.019 The Holy Spirit that dwells within a believer 00:30:02.019 --> 00:30:03.319 is the promise. 00:30:03.659 --> 00:30:05.480 It's the earnest of our salvation. 00:30:05.639 --> 00:30:06.559 It's the down payment. 00:30:06.559 --> 00:30:08.359 It's not the full thing. 00:30:09.700 --> 00:30:11.000 I want you to keep in mind, 00:30:11.079 --> 00:30:12.339 what we have in this life 00:30:12.339 --> 00:30:15.399 is only partial to what God promises for eternity. 00:30:17.480 --> 00:30:19.559 Our hope is not in this world. 00:30:20.500 --> 00:30:22.839 Our hope is not what we can gain here. 00:30:23.319 --> 00:30:25.399 We're sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 00:30:25.579 --> 00:30:27.519 which is the earnest of our inheritance 00:30:27.519 --> 00:30:30.179 until the redemption of the purchased possession 00:30:30.179 --> 00:30:31.779 under the praise of his glory. 00:30:32.079 --> 00:30:33.779 You know, I want you to see here this morning 00:30:33.779 --> 00:30:36.379 that salvation is present tense, 00:30:36.420 --> 00:30:37.660 but it's also future. 00:30:39.160 --> 00:30:40.319 I want you to understand, 00:30:40.420 --> 00:30:42.559 it's going to demand you to trust him. 00:30:44.119 --> 00:30:46.599 But it changes how we walk through the trials 00:30:46.599 --> 00:30:47.980 and struggles of this life. 00:30:49.359 --> 00:30:50.700 Because you're going to have problems 00:30:50.700 --> 00:30:51.759 while you're still alive here. 00:30:52.000 --> 00:30:53.420 Anybody come today without problems? 00:30:53.420 --> 00:30:57.080 We're looking for somebody with no problems. 00:30:59.600 --> 00:31:00.500 You know, have you ever noticed 00:31:00.500 --> 00:31:01.100 there's everybody, 00:31:01.300 --> 00:31:02.860 everybody here, 00:31:02.920 --> 00:31:03.860 if I said, raise your hand 00:31:03.860 --> 00:31:05.080 if you have at least one problem, 00:31:05.300 --> 00:31:05.680 you know what, 00:31:05.720 --> 00:31:06.960 I think everybody's hand would have to go up, 00:31:07.039 --> 00:31:07.259 wouldn't it? 00:31:08.500 --> 00:31:09.840 We all got stuff going on. 00:31:10.560 --> 00:31:12.200 We all got problems in life. 00:31:12.200 --> 00:31:13.960 But you know, 00:31:14.000 --> 00:31:15.580 we can walk through those things 00:31:15.580 --> 00:31:16.600 because of our hope 00:31:16.600 --> 00:31:19.840 is outside of the circumstances, 00:31:20.600 --> 00:31:23.460 the situations of life. 00:31:23.940 --> 00:31:25.200 Because I want you to see here, 00:31:25.259 --> 00:31:26.559 it's a refreshing hope. 00:31:27.019 --> 00:31:28.980 A bold hope is a refreshing hope. 00:31:29.059 --> 00:31:29.960 Look at verse 6. 00:31:30.460 --> 00:31:30.799 It says, 00:31:30.920 --> 00:31:32.279 Wherein ye greatly rejoice, 00:31:32.440 --> 00:31:33.500 now though for a season, 00:31:33.640 --> 00:31:34.259 if need be, 00:31:34.620 --> 00:31:35.580 you are in heaviness 00:31:35.580 --> 00:31:38.120 through manifold temptations, 00:31:38.119 --> 00:31:41.019 that the trial of your faith 00:31:41.019 --> 00:31:42.239 being much more precious 00:31:42.239 --> 00:31:43.500 than gold that perishes, 00:31:43.899 --> 00:31:45.179 though it be tried with fire, 00:31:45.259 --> 00:31:46.739 might be found unto the praise 00:31:46.739 --> 00:31:47.899 and honor and glory 00:31:47.899 --> 00:31:49.579 at the appearing of Jesus Christ, 00:31:50.000 --> 00:31:51.319 whom having not seen, 00:31:51.399 --> 00:31:51.899 ye love, 00:31:51.959 --> 00:31:53.779 and whom now ye see him not, 00:31:53.839 --> 00:31:54.419 yet believing, 00:31:54.539 --> 00:31:56.639 ye rejoice with joy unspeakable 00:31:56.639 --> 00:31:58.959 and full of glory. 00:31:59.319 --> 00:32:01.599 It's a refreshing hope that we have. 00:32:02.039 --> 00:32:03.859 This hope is in a living Savior 00:32:03.859 --> 00:32:05.479 that guides us 00:32:05.479 --> 00:32:06.939 and sustains us, 00:32:06.940 --> 00:32:08.440 provides for us 00:32:08.440 --> 00:32:10.160 as we face the challenges 00:32:10.160 --> 00:32:12.320 of this season that we're under. 00:32:12.759 --> 00:32:13.240 This season, 00:32:13.320 --> 00:32:14.299 if you're saved today, 00:32:14.400 --> 00:32:15.519 if you've called upon the Lord 00:32:15.519 --> 00:32:16.279 to save you, 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:17.519 you're in a season 00:32:17.519 --> 00:32:18.360 where you're going to have 00:32:18.360 --> 00:32:19.340 trials and troubles. 00:32:19.640 --> 00:32:20.539 But you can rest assured 00:32:20.539 --> 00:32:21.900 that Jesus is still with you. 00:32:24.680 --> 00:32:25.960 He's never going to leave us. 00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:27.220 He's never going to forsake us. 00:32:28.420 --> 00:32:30.440 We can rejoice in the hope 00:32:30.440 --> 00:32:31.700 that we have knowing 00:32:31.700 --> 00:32:33.380 is but a season of time 00:32:33.380 --> 00:32:34.259 that we'll be faced 00:32:34.259 --> 00:32:35.620 with trials and tribulations. 00:32:35.619 --> 00:32:37.099 You know, as you go through life, 00:32:37.179 --> 00:32:38.000 you know, when you're younger, 00:32:38.699 --> 00:32:40.919 I've noticed that everything's 00:32:40.919 --> 00:32:41.599 the end of the world. 00:32:41.919 --> 00:32:43.639 I mean, I've got young grandkids now 00:32:43.639 --> 00:32:44.119 and it's like, 00:32:44.199 --> 00:32:44.379 you tell, 00:32:44.619 --> 00:32:45.299 no, and it's like, 00:32:45.500 --> 00:32:45.639 oh, 00:32:45.839 --> 00:32:49.459 life has ended, 00:32:49.759 --> 00:32:50.099 you know. 00:32:51.419 --> 00:32:52.359 Grandma didn't give me 00:32:52.359 --> 00:32:53.139 a cookie for dinner. 00:32:53.319 --> 00:32:55.139 Oh, life is over. 00:32:56.959 --> 00:32:58.099 Everything's an ending thing, 00:32:58.159 --> 00:32:58.459 you know. 00:32:58.659 --> 00:32:59.619 But I want you to understand 00:33:00.139 --> 00:33:01.199 what God is telling us, 00:33:01.219 --> 00:33:02.019 the hope we have, 00:33:02.079 --> 00:33:02.879 that living hope, 00:33:02.880 --> 00:33:04.280 a bold hope in Christ, 00:33:05.060 --> 00:33:05.340 says, 00:33:05.460 --> 00:33:07.260 I know this is but for a season 00:33:07.260 --> 00:33:09.180 because our hope goes beyond 00:33:09.180 --> 00:33:10.280 what's happening. 00:33:12.160 --> 00:33:13.400 We have hope in one 00:33:13.400 --> 00:33:15.140 that's beyond our circumstances, 00:33:15.800 --> 00:33:17.300 one that's passed through 00:33:17.300 --> 00:33:18.280 our circumstances, 00:33:18.280 --> 00:33:19.140 that has faced 00:33:19.140 --> 00:33:20.960 the trials and the struggles. 00:33:21.100 --> 00:33:21.480 And he says, 00:33:21.540 --> 00:33:22.300 I understand. 00:33:22.700 --> 00:33:23.720 He is our intercessor. 00:33:23.840 --> 00:33:25.120 He is the one that's there 00:33:25.120 --> 00:33:26.320 in our stead. 00:33:26.440 --> 00:33:27.500 He is the one that comes 00:33:27.500 --> 00:33:28.260 and encourages 00:33:28.259 --> 00:33:29.599 and strengthens 00:33:29.599 --> 00:33:30.299 and guides 00:33:30.299 --> 00:33:31.160 and directs. 00:33:31.359 --> 00:33:31.940 It's a hope 00:33:31.940 --> 00:33:33.039 and a living Savior 00:33:33.039 --> 00:33:35.099 that we can rejoice 00:33:35.099 --> 00:33:36.799 knowing that this is 00:33:36.799 --> 00:33:37.799 but for a season. 00:33:39.299 --> 00:33:39.440 You know, 00:33:39.440 --> 00:33:40.220 I want you to understand 00:33:40.220 --> 00:33:41.680 your faith is going to be tested. 00:33:41.779 --> 00:33:42.519 There's going to be problems 00:33:42.519 --> 00:33:43.240 in this life. 00:33:43.440 --> 00:33:44.640 But I want you to understand 00:33:44.640 --> 00:33:45.519 that the problems, 00:33:45.720 --> 00:33:46.460 we have a Savior 00:33:46.460 --> 00:33:47.720 that's bigger than your problems. 00:33:49.700 --> 00:33:50.680 Think about Job. 00:33:50.779 --> 00:33:50.940 You know, 00:33:50.980 --> 00:33:52.720 Job's probably one of the people 00:33:52.720 --> 00:33:53.379 that when you call 00:33:53.379 --> 00:33:54.119 the name of Job, 00:33:54.119 --> 00:33:54.980 he's probably one of the most 00:33:54.980 --> 00:33:56.319 famous people outside 00:33:56.319 --> 00:33:57.460 even Christian circles 00:33:57.460 --> 00:33:58.480 that people refer to. 00:33:59.279 --> 00:33:59.600 You know, 00:33:59.680 --> 00:34:01.279 they think about the life of Job. 00:34:01.380 --> 00:34:01.539 You know, 00:34:01.559 --> 00:34:02.740 all the things that happened 00:34:02.740 --> 00:34:03.600 in Job's life. 00:34:04.840 --> 00:34:05.299 You know, 00:34:05.400 --> 00:34:06.559 I might have problems 00:34:06.559 --> 00:34:08.039 but I don't have Job type problems. 00:34:09.240 --> 00:34:10.460 When you think about 00:34:10.460 --> 00:34:12.099 what he faced, 00:34:12.440 --> 00:34:13.000 finances, 00:34:13.679 --> 00:34:14.079 family, 00:34:14.420 --> 00:34:14.860 friends, 00:34:15.199 --> 00:34:16.500 all the devastation 00:34:16.500 --> 00:34:18.079 and Job in the midst. 00:34:18.800 --> 00:34:19.860 Not at the beginning, 00:34:20.039 --> 00:34:21.119 not before it happened, 00:34:21.539 --> 00:34:22.960 not after it happened. 00:34:23.740 --> 00:34:24.880 Because the end of Job 00:34:24.880 --> 00:34:26.400 says that God blessed Job 00:34:26.400 --> 00:34:28.119 and Job had twice as much 00:34:28.119 --> 00:34:28.920 as he had before. 00:34:30.960 --> 00:34:32.019 But in the middle, 00:34:32.180 --> 00:34:32.920 in Job 19, 00:34:33.079 --> 00:34:34.099 you know what Job says? 00:34:34.380 --> 00:34:35.680 He looks at his friends 00:34:35.680 --> 00:34:36.440 and he says this, 00:34:36.480 --> 00:34:38.539 For I know that my Redeemer liveth 00:34:38.539 --> 00:34:40.260 and that he shall stand 00:34:40.260 --> 00:34:41.099 in the latter day 00:34:41.099 --> 00:34:41.860 upon the earth. 00:34:42.480 --> 00:34:43.019 He says, 00:34:43.079 --> 00:34:44.619 I know my Redeemer liveth 00:34:44.619 --> 00:34:46.039 and though my skin, 00:34:46.460 --> 00:34:47.720 after my skin, 00:34:47.800 --> 00:34:49.220 worms destroy this body, 00:34:49.300 --> 00:34:50.079 yet in my flesh 00:34:50.079 --> 00:34:51.320 shall I see God. 00:34:51.619 --> 00:34:52.059 You know what? 00:34:52.320 --> 00:34:53.180 Job had a hope 00:34:53.179 --> 00:34:53.899 in a resurrection. 00:34:55.259 --> 00:34:56.719 God had revealed to him 00:34:56.719 --> 00:34:57.219 that there was going 00:34:57.219 --> 00:34:58.039 to be a resurrection. 00:35:00.000 --> 00:35:00.759 Very clearly, 00:35:00.899 --> 00:35:01.359 Job says, 00:35:01.440 --> 00:35:01.519 Hey, 00:35:01.599 --> 00:35:02.219 this life, 00:35:02.480 --> 00:35:03.679 I know that death 00:35:03.679 --> 00:35:04.480 is going to come. 00:35:05.699 --> 00:35:07.399 Misery is already upon me 00:35:07.399 --> 00:35:09.219 and death is going to come, 00:35:09.219 --> 00:35:09.899 but he says, 00:35:10.079 --> 00:35:11.119 I have a hope beyond. 00:35:11.119 --> 00:35:14.539 I have a refreshing hope 00:35:14.539 --> 00:35:15.880 that walks me through 00:35:15.880 --> 00:35:18.139 who I see for myself 00:35:18.139 --> 00:35:19.579 and mine eyes shall behold 00:35:19.579 --> 00:35:20.759 and not another 00:35:20.759 --> 00:35:22.119 that my reign 00:35:22.119 --> 00:35:23.079 shall be consumed 00:35:23.079 --> 00:35:23.940 within me. 00:35:24.019 --> 00:35:24.319 In other words, 00:35:24.359 --> 00:35:24.599 he says, 00:35:24.679 --> 00:35:26.920 My focus is on God 00:35:26.920 --> 00:35:28.239 no matter what happens. 00:35:28.559 --> 00:35:28.940 But you know, 00:35:28.980 --> 00:35:30.099 Job never saw 00:35:30.099 --> 00:35:31.779 his Savior in this life. 00:35:32.019 --> 00:35:33.139 You think about the apostles. 00:35:33.319 --> 00:35:34.239 They saw Jesus. 00:35:34.400 --> 00:35:35.119 They walked with him. 00:35:35.179 --> 00:35:36.000 They talked with him. 00:35:36.219 --> 00:35:37.159 Those that he touched, 00:35:37.299 --> 00:35:38.139 those that he healed, 00:35:38.420 --> 00:35:39.779 they saw face to face 00:35:39.779 --> 00:35:40.199 a Savior. 00:35:40.199 --> 00:35:41.559 They saw all the things. 00:35:41.659 --> 00:35:42.879 They saw Jesus suffer 00:35:42.879 --> 00:35:44.139 and die on the cross. 00:35:44.439 --> 00:35:44.679 Today, 00:35:44.779 --> 00:35:45.879 we have not seen, 00:35:47.139 --> 00:35:48.500 but we have heard 00:35:48.500 --> 00:35:49.579 and are assured of. 00:35:49.819 --> 00:35:50.519 But one day, 00:35:50.599 --> 00:35:51.480 if you call upon him, 00:35:51.539 --> 00:35:54.439 you will see him face to face. 00:35:54.619 --> 00:35:56.179 You'll see him as he is. 00:35:57.399 --> 00:35:58.439 Think about what Jesus 00:35:58.439 --> 00:35:59.460 said to Thomas 00:35:59.460 --> 00:36:01.119 in John 20. 00:36:01.219 --> 00:36:01.359 It says, 00:36:01.500 --> 00:36:02.579 Jesus saith unto him, 00:36:02.639 --> 00:36:02.980 Thomas, 00:36:03.379 --> 00:36:04.799 because thou hast seen me, 00:36:04.859 --> 00:36:05.839 thou hast believed. 00:36:06.319 --> 00:36:07.239 Blessed are they 00:36:07.239 --> 00:36:08.259 that have not seen 00:36:08.259 --> 00:36:10.119 yet have believed. 00:36:10.199 --> 00:36:11.699 We believe and rejoice 00:36:11.699 --> 00:36:12.879 that we have a Savior 00:36:12.879 --> 00:36:13.960 that gives joy 00:36:13.960 --> 00:36:15.179 and encouragement 00:36:15.179 --> 00:36:17.679 in the midst of life. 00:36:18.000 --> 00:36:18.179 You know, 00:36:18.219 --> 00:36:18.879 in the Old Testament, 00:36:19.019 --> 00:36:20.339 Habakkuk chapter 3 00:36:20.339 --> 00:36:21.719 says this. 00:36:21.799 --> 00:36:22.079 It says, 00:36:22.480 --> 00:36:23.439 although the fig tree 00:36:23.439 --> 00:36:24.439 shall not blossom, 00:36:24.599 --> 00:36:25.559 neither shall the fruit 00:36:25.559 --> 00:36:26.799 be in the vines, 00:36:26.899 --> 00:36:27.879 the labor of the olives 00:36:27.879 --> 00:36:28.519 shall fail, 00:36:29.019 --> 00:36:30.279 and the field 00:36:30.279 --> 00:36:31.480 shall yield no meat. 00:36:31.879 --> 00:36:33.379 The flock shall be cut off 00:36:33.379 --> 00:36:34.039 from the fold, 00:36:34.179 --> 00:36:35.539 and there shall be no herd 00:36:35.539 --> 00:36:36.339 in the stalls. 00:36:36.340 --> 00:36:38.079 I don't know about you, 00:36:38.120 --> 00:36:38.640 but that sounds like 00:36:38.640 --> 00:36:39.420 a pretty bad year. 00:36:42.360 --> 00:36:44.019 And look what the prophet says. 00:36:44.800 --> 00:36:46.200 Yet I will rejoice 00:36:46.200 --> 00:36:47.880 in the Lord. 00:36:48.640 --> 00:36:49.920 I will joy 00:36:49.920 --> 00:36:50.800 in the God 00:36:50.800 --> 00:36:53.039 of my salvation. 00:36:54.240 --> 00:36:55.480 How could he say that? 00:36:55.539 --> 00:36:56.460 Because his hope 00:36:56.460 --> 00:36:58.340 was in something greater. 00:36:58.700 --> 00:37:00.700 Hope in a living Savior. 00:37:00.699 --> 00:37:03.599 But I want you to see 00:37:03.599 --> 00:37:04.519 also this morning 00:37:04.519 --> 00:37:06.259 that it's a received hope. 00:37:06.980 --> 00:37:08.099 It's a hope one day 00:37:08.099 --> 00:37:08.719 you're going to get 00:37:08.719 --> 00:37:09.500 the full thing. 00:37:11.579 --> 00:37:13.199 Hope is looking forward 00:37:13.199 --> 00:37:14.460 with an expectation. 00:37:17.219 --> 00:37:18.659 One day that hope 00:37:18.659 --> 00:37:21.219 will no longer be hope. 00:37:21.460 --> 00:37:22.219 You know when hope 00:37:22.219 --> 00:37:23.379 no longer becomes hope 00:37:23.379 --> 00:37:24.379 is when the expectation 00:37:24.379 --> 00:37:25.159 is met. 00:37:25.339 --> 00:37:26.279 There's no need for hope. 00:37:26.339 --> 00:37:26.719 It's real. 00:37:28.500 --> 00:37:29.279 It's there. 00:37:29.280 --> 00:37:30.280 There's no need 00:37:30.280 --> 00:37:31.240 for hope anymore 00:37:31.240 --> 00:37:32.660 because it's already 00:37:32.660 --> 00:37:33.580 come to fruition. 00:37:33.820 --> 00:37:34.420 It's present. 00:37:34.780 --> 00:37:35.840 Your hope will lead 00:37:35.840 --> 00:37:37.120 to something that's received, 00:37:37.340 --> 00:37:38.360 something that's lasting. 00:37:38.860 --> 00:37:39.500 This living, 00:37:39.680 --> 00:37:40.040 lasting, 00:37:40.220 --> 00:37:40.620 powerful, 00:37:40.820 --> 00:37:41.780 refreshing hope 00:37:41.780 --> 00:37:43.260 is one that finally 00:37:43.260 --> 00:37:44.280 comes to fruition. 00:37:44.800 --> 00:37:45.820 The end is where 00:37:45.820 --> 00:37:46.840 our hope lies. 00:37:47.220 --> 00:37:48.019 Notice what it says 00:37:48.019 --> 00:37:48.720 in verse 9. 00:37:48.840 --> 00:37:50.019 Receiving the end 00:37:50.019 --> 00:37:50.780 of your faith, 00:37:50.880 --> 00:37:51.920 even the salvation 00:37:51.920 --> 00:37:52.740 of your souls. 00:37:53.140 --> 00:37:54.060 The end is where 00:37:54.060 --> 00:37:55.100 our hope lies. 00:37:55.220 --> 00:37:56.500 It's that one day 00:37:56.500 --> 00:37:57.580 we'll be in the presence 00:37:57.580 --> 00:37:58.260 of the one 00:37:58.260 --> 00:38:00.020 that died and rose again 00:38:00.020 --> 00:38:01.340 that might receive 00:38:01.340 --> 00:38:02.200 his complete 00:38:02.200 --> 00:38:04.160 and full salvation. 00:38:05.000 --> 00:38:06.140 We'll be removed 00:38:06.140 --> 00:38:07.400 from the very presence 00:38:07.400 --> 00:38:07.980 of sin. 00:38:09.020 --> 00:38:10.020 One day we won't 00:38:10.020 --> 00:38:10.940 have any more problems. 00:38:11.260 --> 00:38:12.000 Problems will be done 00:38:12.000 --> 00:38:13.160 because we're in the presence 00:38:13.160 --> 00:38:13.800 of the Savior. 00:38:14.140 --> 00:38:15.060 The end is where 00:38:15.060 --> 00:38:16.220 the hope is focused. 00:38:18.040 --> 00:38:19.180 It's that one day 00:38:19.180 --> 00:38:20.200 we'll be in the presence 00:38:20.200 --> 00:38:21.400 of the one who died 00:38:21.400 --> 00:38:22.340 and rose again 00:38:22.340 --> 00:38:24.020 and we understand 00:38:24.020 --> 00:38:25.020 completely 00:38:25.020 --> 00:38:27.080 what he's given to us. 00:38:27.079 --> 00:38:29.579 You know, 00:38:29.619 --> 00:38:30.860 this morning we need hope. 00:38:31.099 --> 00:38:32.079 We live in a generation 00:38:32.079 --> 00:38:32.759 that needs hope. 00:38:32.860 --> 00:38:34.099 We have an auditorium 00:38:34.099 --> 00:38:34.779 that needs hope. 00:38:36.199 --> 00:38:37.099 You have a preacher 00:38:37.099 --> 00:38:37.819 who needs hope. 00:38:38.079 --> 00:38:38.440 But you know, 00:38:38.480 --> 00:38:39.759 oftentimes we can become 00:38:39.759 --> 00:38:40.599 like we talked about 00:38:40.599 --> 00:38:41.099 at the beginning, 00:38:41.259 --> 00:38:42.259 hope that's fatigued. 00:38:42.420 --> 00:38:43.000 Because sometimes 00:38:43.000 --> 00:38:43.739 we get a hope 00:38:43.739 --> 00:38:44.559 in the wrong place, 00:38:44.799 --> 00:38:45.779 in the wrong focus. 00:38:46.019 --> 00:38:47.299 A hope that will falter 00:38:47.299 --> 00:38:47.920 and fails 00:38:47.920 --> 00:38:49.279 when tested by life. 00:38:50.819 --> 00:38:51.319 You know, 00:38:51.360 --> 00:38:52.440 people get fatigued 00:38:52.440 --> 00:38:52.819 in hope 00:38:52.819 --> 00:38:53.579 because it's built 00:38:53.579 --> 00:38:54.900 upon wishful thinking. 00:38:54.900 --> 00:38:55.820 But this morning 00:38:55.820 --> 00:38:56.559 I don't want your hope 00:38:56.559 --> 00:38:57.880 based on wishful thinking. 00:38:59.039 --> 00:39:01.059 I want you to understand 00:39:01.059 --> 00:39:02.039 there's a hope. 00:39:03.599 --> 00:39:05.039 There's a bold hope 00:39:05.039 --> 00:39:06.420 that's been given to us. 00:39:07.139 --> 00:39:08.440 A hope in the one 00:39:08.440 --> 00:39:09.180 that came 00:39:09.180 --> 00:39:11.160 to his creation. 00:39:11.539 --> 00:39:13.119 A fallen creation 00:39:13.119 --> 00:39:14.420 full of people 00:39:14.420 --> 00:39:15.340 who reject him. 00:39:15.599 --> 00:39:15.880 And said, 00:39:15.980 --> 00:39:16.880 I love you enough, 00:39:16.940 --> 00:39:17.860 I'm going to make a way 00:39:17.860 --> 00:39:19.820 to cover what separates us. 00:39:19.980 --> 00:39:21.200 That we might have hope. 00:39:21.199 --> 00:39:22.899 Because he took on himself 00:39:22.899 --> 00:39:25.000 the penalty of sin 00:39:25.000 --> 00:39:26.000 in our place. 00:39:26.319 --> 00:39:27.239 Paying the price 00:39:27.239 --> 00:39:28.079 of our sin 00:39:28.079 --> 00:39:29.219 but then displaying 00:39:29.219 --> 00:39:30.799 the victory 00:39:30.799 --> 00:39:33.119 that was revealed 00:39:33.119 --> 00:39:34.059 when he rose again 00:39:34.059 --> 00:39:34.719 the third day. 00:39:34.899 --> 00:39:35.719 He's promising 00:39:35.719 --> 00:39:37.539 to forgive 00:39:37.539 --> 00:39:39.059 your sin 00:39:39.059 --> 00:39:39.579 and give you 00:39:39.579 --> 00:39:40.039 a new, 00:39:40.179 --> 00:39:40.699 abundant, 00:39:40.960 --> 00:39:41.839 hopeful life 00:39:41.839 --> 00:39:43.899 as you walk with him. 00:39:44.039 --> 00:39:44.519 This morning, 00:39:44.599 --> 00:39:45.299 what's your hope 00:39:45.299 --> 00:39:46.500 built upon? 00:39:47.939 --> 00:39:49.379 Is it a bold hope? 00:39:49.380 --> 00:39:52.599 And the one who came 00:39:52.599 --> 00:39:53.360 and died 00:39:53.360 --> 00:39:54.660 and rose again for you? 00:39:54.800 --> 00:39:56.000 The one whose promise 00:39:56.000 --> 00:39:56.800 we have 00:39:56.800 --> 00:39:58.920 that's revealed 00:39:58.920 --> 00:39:59.980 he's always faithful? 00:40:00.300 --> 00:40:00.740 Or do you have 00:40:00.740 --> 00:40:01.680 a faltering hope? 00:40:01.920 --> 00:40:02.840 A fatigued hope 00:40:02.840 --> 00:40:04.160 because it's in things 00:40:04.160 --> 00:40:07.000 that God has not promised. 00:40:07.300 --> 00:40:08.200 Because your hope 00:40:08.200 --> 00:40:08.960 lies someplace. 00:40:09.460 --> 00:40:10.460 What's your hope in today? 00:40:10.680 --> 00:40:11.559 What is your hope 00:40:11.559 --> 00:40:12.160 built upon? 00:40:12.400 --> 00:40:13.240 If you're here today 00:40:13.240 --> 00:40:13.920 and don't know 00:40:13.920 --> 00:40:14.660 what it is 00:40:14.660 --> 00:40:16.039 to have this bold hope 00:40:16.039 --> 00:40:17.640 built upon Jesus Christ, 00:40:17.639 --> 00:40:20.619 in just a few moments 00:40:20.619 --> 00:40:21.259 I want to give you 00:40:21.259 --> 00:40:21.879 an opportunity 00:40:21.879 --> 00:40:23.019 to find out more 00:40:23.019 --> 00:40:24.259 about who Jesus is. 00:40:24.480 --> 00:40:25.819 An opportunity to come. 00:40:26.059 --> 00:40:26.699 If that's you, 00:40:26.759 --> 00:40:27.779 I'd encourage you to 00:40:27.779 --> 00:40:29.519 after I pray 00:40:29.519 --> 00:40:30.199 to just come 00:40:30.199 --> 00:40:30.679 and have somebody 00:40:30.679 --> 00:40:31.279 to show you 00:40:31.279 --> 00:40:32.079 from God's Word 00:40:32.079 --> 00:40:33.000 how you can know 00:40:33.000 --> 00:40:35.099 in this bold hope 00:40:35.099 --> 00:40:35.699 we have 00:40:35.699 --> 00:40:37.739 in a risen Savior. 00:40:38.099 --> 00:40:38.659 We can have someone 00:40:38.659 --> 00:40:40.139 share you from God's Word 00:40:40.139 --> 00:40:41.159 how you can know 00:40:41.159 --> 00:40:42.179 and experience 00:40:42.179 --> 00:40:42.980 the hope 00:40:42.980 --> 00:40:44.739 that is in Christ. 00:40:44.920 --> 00:40:46.039 If you have that need today, 00:40:46.039 --> 00:40:46.800 I encourage you 00:40:46.800 --> 00:40:47.559 not to leave here 00:40:47.559 --> 00:40:48.599 without taking care of it. 00:40:48.759 --> 00:40:50.039 But maybe you're here today 00:40:50.039 --> 00:40:52.500 and you know this hope 00:40:52.500 --> 00:40:53.380 but maybe you just need 00:40:53.380 --> 00:40:54.460 to take a few moments 00:40:54.460 --> 00:40:56.380 to just praise God 00:40:56.380 --> 00:40:57.559 for what He's done for you. 00:40:57.779 --> 00:40:58.420 Maybe you spend 00:40:58.420 --> 00:40:59.279 a few minutes with Him 00:40:59.279 --> 00:41:00.300 and say thank you Lord 00:41:00.300 --> 00:41:01.000 for a hope 00:41:01.000 --> 00:41:03.039 that's greater 00:41:03.039 --> 00:41:03.800 than this world. 00:41:04.119 --> 00:41:05.380 Whatever the need may be, 00:41:07.259 --> 00:41:08.019 after we pray 00:41:08.019 --> 00:41:08.619 we're going to have 00:41:08.619 --> 00:41:09.480 the pianist come, 00:41:09.860 --> 00:41:11.519 the piano will play. 00:41:11.639 --> 00:41:12.320 I encourage you 00:41:12.320 --> 00:41:14.420 to get before God. 00:41:14.420 --> 00:41:16.579 this morning 00:41:16.579 --> 00:41:17.440 of where are you 00:41:17.440 --> 00:41:19.820 with Him. 00:41:21.019 --> 00:41:21.840 Heavenly Father 00:41:21.840 --> 00:41:22.740 as we come before You 00:41:22.740 --> 00:41:23.320 this morning 00:41:23.320 --> 00:41:25.240 Lord we're so thankful 00:41:25.240 --> 00:41:26.960 for a living hope, 00:41:27.039 --> 00:41:27.940 a bold hope 00:41:27.940 --> 00:41:29.099 that we can have in You. 00:41:30.200 --> 00:41:31.680 Lord something far greater 00:41:31.680 --> 00:41:32.420 than ourselves 00:41:32.420 --> 00:41:33.680 or the world around us. 00:41:34.559 --> 00:41:35.180 Lord I pray 00:41:35.180 --> 00:41:35.940 that You just would 00:41:35.940 --> 00:41:37.619 work upon each heart, 00:41:37.720 --> 00:41:38.780 each life here today. 00:41:39.820 --> 00:41:41.000 Lord You know the need, 00:41:41.000 --> 00:41:44.019 You know the situation 00:41:44.019 --> 00:41:44.960 with each person. 00:41:45.739 --> 00:41:46.500 Lord You know 00:41:46.500 --> 00:41:47.619 where their hope lies. 00:41:47.960 --> 00:41:48.860 Lord I pray today 00:41:48.860 --> 00:41:49.880 if they don't know You 00:41:49.880 --> 00:41:50.360 as Savior 00:41:50.360 --> 00:41:51.719 that today would be the day 00:41:51.719 --> 00:41:53.920 they would call upon You. 00:41:54.219 --> 00:41:55.079 And Lord I hope 00:41:55.079 --> 00:41:55.599 and pray 00:41:55.599 --> 00:41:56.440 that today 00:41:56.440 --> 00:41:58.440 we would go away 00:41:58.440 --> 00:41:59.380 with a renewed 00:41:59.380 --> 00:42:01.760 and bold hope 00:42:01.760 --> 00:42:04.000 in a living Savior. 00:42:05.500 --> 00:42:06.980 And Lord we ask it all 00:42:06.980 --> 00:42:08.059 in Your precious name. 00:42:08.059 --> 00:42:10.340 Amen. 00:42:10.759 --> 00:42:11.519 As heads are bowed 00:42:11.519 --> 00:42:12.239 and eyes are closed 00:42:12.239 --> 00:42:12.719 this morning 00:42:12.719 --> 00:42:14.900 let's just take a moment 00:42:14.900 --> 00:42:16.039 as the piano plays 00:42:16.039 --> 00:42:17.320 to spend a few moments 00:42:17.320 --> 00:42:18.299 between You and the Lord. 00:42:18.559 --> 00:42:19.019 Maybe you'd like 00:42:19.019 --> 00:42:19.980 to find out more 00:42:19.980 --> 00:42:20.880 about this hope 00:42:20.880 --> 00:42:21.739 that we spoke of 00:42:21.739 --> 00:42:22.279 this morning. 00:42:23.739 --> 00:42:24.420 Maybe you have 00:42:24.420 --> 00:42:25.380 a fatigued hope 00:42:25.380 --> 00:42:26.400 that needs something 00:42:26.400 --> 00:42:27.559 of greater substance. 00:42:28.480 --> 00:42:29.179 What about you? 00:42:29.179 --> 00:42:29.859 That's all. 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:29.859 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:50.219 voy voy voy voy voy 00:42:50.219 --> 00:42:29.859 ! 00:42:29.859 --> 00:42:50.219 voy voy voy voy voy voy 00:42:50.219 --> 00:42:50.219 00:42:50.219 --> 00:42:52.219 voy voy voy voy 00:42:52.219 --> 00:42:52.219