Sunday Words of Encouragement September 22, 2019

We shared praises and prayers. Then we watched a video interview with Jonathan Cahn sharing how he came to be a Christian and sharing on his newest book release, The Oracle.

Church service was ushered in with praise and worship music. Then we celebrated a baptism of one of our youth. Hallelujah!

Pastor continued his sermon series, Culture Shift. He reminded us of last week’s message that God wants us to be an Acts 2:42 church. This is focused on relationships; loving one another.

This week he started with the question: How often is doubt part of your decision making or future plan? Positive thinking is more likely to see your plan succeed. Doubt defeats more athletes than lack of skill.

Some people are challenged to complete what they are told they can't do. We are meant to live with the opposite of doubt: Hope; the absence of doubt. The final shred of any possibility is hope.

In the Bible, Hebrew and Greek the word Hope (Bataj and elpis) had no doubt. It is sure and certain.

Jesus says: “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life.” John 6:47.
Believing in Jesus - Believing who He is, that He has the power to save. As soon as you believe, you have eternal life. This is Hope for a future. No doubt.

As one well known song says: My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus name. On Christ the solid rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand

Once we believe in Christ, we should always be ready to explain our hope. 1 Peter 3:15.

The Point: the world grasps for hope as a last chance. The church offers Hope as a certainty and His name is Jesus.

This world needs to know Jesus. Our community needs Jesus. People need a life with no doubt, no fear. Hope is Jesus. The world needs us to bring the message of Hope for the desperate, depressed lost.

If you have this Hope; give this Hope.

I’ve had this video in my Song List for a long time.

I think it fits today. It's a longer video but I think it is worth listening to the end.

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,...

Lord I give thanks that You gave Your live for my salvation. Thank You for the Hope of eternal life!