Springville Road Community Church
"Knowing God... Making God Known"
 

I Thessalonians 4:13-18


Hope-What comes to mind when you think of the word hope?  The main message of hope in the Bible centers on the Lord Jesus Christ.  In fact in the New Testament the word hope appears about 75 times.  The word hope is vital to the message of Christianity and is linked to the person of Christ.  For our purposes our attention will be on Hope’s message.”  What is that Message and How does it impact our lives.

 

I. Hope’s Message in the Present (Centers on Grief) (vs.13)

    A. The Bible Says-don’t grieve like the unregenerate man.    

    B. The Bible Does Not Say-the author does not discourage grief.  In fact the Bible says there is an appointed time for everything.  And there is a time for everything under heaven which involves weeping and mourning.

II. Hope’s Message in the Past (Centers on the Gospel) (vs.14)    

   A. The Death of Christ-I Corinthians 15 says, “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures…”    

   B. The Resurrection of Christ-Paul also writes, “He was buried and He was raised the third day according to the Scriptures…”    

   C. The Promise of another Resurrection-His power to raise illustrated not only in the life of Lazarus but also...

III. Hope’s Message in the Future (Centers on Guarantees) Why is Hope’s Message in the Future Important?  Just listen to this verse from I Corinthians (vs.15)- “If we have hoped in Christ, in this life only we are of all men most to be pitied.”      

   A. The Return of the Lord –heaven is about the Lord.         

   B. The Reunion of all who are in Christ (those dead at Christ’s return and those alive when He returns).    

   C. The Realization of Eternity-we (the church) will always be with the Lord.    

IV. Hope’s Responsibility-Encouragement-that instruction is for the entire body of Christ - So What?  What Impact Does Hope Have in Our Lives?

   1. For some maybe nothing at all-Why? No relationship with the Lord.

   2. Gives perspective on grieving/we will see those in Christ for eternity.

   3. Grateful hearts/heart that are burdened for the lost.

Direct download: 04-04-10-am.mp3
Category:sermons -- posted at: 9:00am CDT