(Luke 2:8-14) And there were shepherds living out in the fields
nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord
appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they
were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring
you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in
the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the
Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in
cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the
heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory
to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor
rests.”
(Job 17:13) “Where then is my hope? Who can see any hope for me?”
(1
Timothy 6:17) “Command those who are rich in this present world not to
be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but
to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for
our enjoyment.”
Title of message: The Source of Hope
(Romans 15:13 GWT)
“May God, the source of hope, fill you with joy and peace through your
faith in Him. Then you’ll overflow with hope…”
1. God’s presence.
(Psalm 62:5) “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him.”
(Isaiah 40:31) “…those who hope in the Lord will renew their
strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not
grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”
2. God’s promise.
(Psalm 119:81) “My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word.”
(Psalm 119:105) “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
(Lamentations
3:21-23) “Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because
of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never
fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
3. God’s process.
(Romans 5:2-4) “And we rejoice in the hope of
the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,
because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance,
character; and character, hope.”
(Romans 8:28) “And we know that in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
4. God’s purpose.
(Jeremiah
29:11) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future.”
5. God’s place.
(John 14:1-2) “Do not let your hearts be
troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are
many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there
to prepare a place for you.”
(1 Peter 1:4-6 LB) “God has reserved for His children the priceless
gift of eternal life; it is kept in heaven for you…And God, in His
mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it
because you are trusting Him…So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy
ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.”
For more information on the vision of Freedom Church, please visit our website at www.freedom-church.org.
