Sermon Notes: 04 Dec 2022
No matter who it is, what people would like to receive more than anything is … HOPE.
Psychologists tell us that HOPE is not a luxury, in fact, for mental health, it’s a necessity.
Psalm 30:5 (nlt) Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning..
This can be “The Best Christmas Ever” when we realize …
1. Our Hope Is Christ
Isaiah 9:2 (nlt)The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.
2. Our Hope Sees Light In the Midst of Darkness
Romans 15:12-13 (nlt) And in another place Isaiah said, “The heir to David’s throne will come, and he will rule over the Gentiles. They will place their hope on him.” 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Galatians 2:20 (nlt) My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
3. Our Purpose of Being Filled with Hope
Romans 15:13 (nlt) I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 3:15b (nlt), “…if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.
Matthew 5:14-16 (nlt) 14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
