Messages
Keeping Hope Alive - Pastor Stuart Price
Keeping Hope Alive
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Christian hope isn’t just a wish or a desire, but is a settled confidence in God and in His promises. Christian hope is a continuing reliance upon Gods wisdom, and love, and power. What distinguishes our hope from those without faith is that, instead of just hoping for something. ‘Our Hope is in someone.’
Someone who loves and cares for use, someone whose wisdom and understanding is far beyond ours.
The Bible contains so much, about Hope and Faith.
Psalms 119:74 Because I have hope in Your word
Psalms 130:5 In His Word I do hope.
1 Corinthians' 13:13 and now abide faith, hope and love.
Colossians 1:5 Hope laid up for you in Heaven.
Romans 5:5 Hope does not disappoint.
1 Peter 1:21 So your faith and hope are in God.
1 Timothy 1:1 Jesus our hope.
We at Spirit Life, take God’s word seriously, we do believe it to be inerrant and the authoritative Word of God. I read a story about a young man, who loved and studied the word. He felt a strong call into the ministry and went to a liberal theological college where his view of the scriptures as Gods Authoritative Word was challenged. Gradually, he changed his view and came to look at the bible as nothing more than inspired literature. Within a year, he gave up all thought of the Christian ministry and instead took up another profession. Our view of scripture is crucial to the extension of our spiritual growth and energy.
Romans 15:13-14 is such a rich verse!! Paul is persuaded about 7 things.
1. That God will fill them with Joy
2. That God will fill them with Peace
3. That faith would abound in Hope
4. That they had Spiritual Power. Acts 1:8
5. That they be filled with Goodness
6. That they were filled with knowledge.
7. That they were capable of ministering (Admonish)
‘So the God of Hope fill you....’ The devil fills people with all death & takes our joy, peace, hope, power, goodness etc.
‘Keep your Hope Alive’
The opposite of Hope is Hopelessness
1. When we lose Hope, we cease trying. It’s hopeless I can’t do it, it’s too hard
2. When we lose Hope, we make bad choices. When hope is dashed we look for lesser things. Sex instead of love, a job instead of purpose, control instead of companionship.
3. We become weak, Hope is a powerful force in our lives. It motivates us to get up everyday. Stimulates our minds and our emotions which give us energy to face challenges and overcome obstacles. Hopelessness is a source of energy draining emotions like sadness, bitterness, anger and many more.
‘May the God of Hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit’ Romans 15:13
Speak God’s promises over your life out loud so your ears can hear what you are saying. Your hope and your faith will rise.
Have a wonderful week, as the God of Hope holds you in His hands. See Psalms 31:24
Awesome Blessing.,
Pastor Stuart & Colleen.