Conclusion:
- What, exactly, is “this hope” that tethers us inwardly, thrusts us outwardly and turns us upwardly?
- Your hope can't be just anything or anyone you decide – not if it is to produce the stability, testimony and worship I mentioned. No, your anchor must be Jesus.
- What happens when you omit Jesus?
- Quote: When a culture forgets Jesus, “Wealth is idolized, truth is minimized, life is trivialized, abortion is legalized, television's vulgarized, advertising is centralized, everything is sexualized and commercialized, our consciences have been desensitized and anesthetized, education is secularized, free markets are monopolized, races are polarized, politics are polarized, sports are scandalized, morals and ethics are liberalized; in entertainment crime is sensationalized, immorality is popularized, drugs are legitimized, sin is glamorized; the courts are paralyzed, the breakup of the family is rationalized, manners are uncivilized, Christians are demonized, and God is marginalized.”1 (Rick Warren)
- If you're going to have hope – real, lasting, life-changing hope for today and for eternity, it isn't going to happen without Jesus.
Lyrics: “In times like these you need a Savior,In times like these you need an anchorBe very sure, be very sure,Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!This Rock is Jesus, Yes, He's the One,This Rock is Jesus, the only One;Be very sure, be very sure,Your anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock!”2
- Since biblical hope tethers you inwardly, thrusts you outwardly and turns you upwardly, you must evaluate whether you have it or not.
- Do you have this hope?
- You aren't born with this hope.
- To choose biblical hope, you must choose Jesus Christ.
- Here is my prayer for you today: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 15:13)
2Jones,
Ruth C. “In Times Like These.” Hymns of Glorious Praise.
Springfield, MO: Gospel Publishing House, 1969. Hymn #296.
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