Current Blog Series : Biblical Vision Explanation
"Hope is like the sun,
which, as we journey toward it, it casts the shadow of our burden behind
us." – Samuel Smiles
As
we consider living out the Gospel in our churches we must see the gospel become
an emblem of Hope for the church and secondly for the community. If we do not
have our hopes correctly aligned we will share doubt, and disbelief in a Christ
who truly can save. I often times feel like our churches in America spread
doubt because of a misaligned understanding of what the Gospel is.
Paul
in Romans 5 taught that our
justification by faith in Christ alone is the Gospel in its fullest. This
breath of fresh air is what brings about a hope one straight from the Glory of
God. Therefore we can declare that our hope is a confident trust rather than
uncertain expectation. Our Hope is not only for the God to finish the work of
salvation, but also the mere opportunity to be in his presence is a hope of
every Christian. 1 Peter 1:4 “There is an inheritance that is imperishable,
undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” How we long for this glorious
occasion.
The
Psalmist said "I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait, and in His word do I hope.”
Psalm 130:5 It is rare for a church to be
known as one of the word (Book.) The First century church was wholly focused on
the Book, modern churches are fully ignorant of the Book. There is no hope
outside of Christ, and we remind ourselves and others of this hope through the
proclamation and study of the Word of God.
As
we preach God’s word we will lead our people to desiring his holiness more and
more. I love the old hymn that says “turn your eyes upon Jesus look full in his
wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of
his glory and grace.” Our Hope in the Lord will make our momentary terror seem
easier to handle (2 Cor. 4:17.)
I
love another song called “Better is one day” for it is my heart’s cry to be in
the presence of my Savior.
How
lovely Is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty. My soul longs and even faints
for you. (Ps. 84:1-2) For there my heart is
satisfied in your presence…Better
is one day in your courts, better is one day in your house, better
is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere (Ps.
27:4).
May we stir our congregations to rejoice in Hope for that glorious day
that we will be liberated from this age and delivered into the presence of
Holiness.
