Point of Grace Online Worship 9.20.20

Sermon Notes - “STRONGER TOGETHER – In Hope”

1 Corinthians 13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

We are STRONGER TOGETHER in Love,

STRONGER TOGETHER in Hope,

STRONGER TOGETHER in Faith,

As we do the MISSION Jesus has given us!

HOPE? ……………. It’s about the future! Is it any more than wishful thinking? Are we a people of hope? How do I deal with dashed hopes and deep disappointments?

Isaiah 40 “but 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.”

The key to having life giving HOPE is that little word “in”! It makes a big difference to start with “hoping in” before I “hope for”.

We are STRONGER TOGETHER when helping each other “HOPE in the Lord” especially when hopes are dashed!

HOPE that “hopes in” before it “hopes for”!

Romans 5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

1 Peter 1 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

HOPE that “hopes in” Jesus –

- Moves us from “survive” to “thrive” no matter the circumstance,

- Gives us an eternal perspective for how we live today. (I don’t have to have it all now – the best is yet to come.)

- Greatly relieves anxiety and disappointment! (I can only go so low before I hit my solid “hope in” foundation.)

- Means I have constant access to the God who loves me and gave Himself for me! Jesus, Today my hope is in You! With my whole heart I hope in You! I call forth hope in You to reign in me in every situation throughout this day! Amen!

What is the possible impact of a church that is STRONGER TOGHETHER in HOPE? (Hope that “hopes in”!)

Join in on “After Thoughts” Thursday at 7 pm – Go to www.pog.church/live to view or through Facebook or Youtube.

Afterthoughts is a live interactive internet conversation about the topic of this week’s sermon. We would love for you to join in to make your contribution to the conversation, share your thoughts and ask your question.

Resources for this Week

Here are some suggested readings for each day of the week which help dive deeper into the theme for this week “Stronger Together in Hope”. The Meditation Hints below may help you listen and receive all God has for you.

Mon – Romans 5:1-5 Tue – 1 Peter 1:3-9 Wed – Romans 8:22-27 Thu – Isaiah 40:28-31 Fri – 1 Peter 3:13-18 Sat - Titus 2:11-14

Meditation Hints:

Solitude – Spend TWO minutes quietly alone. Take some deep breaths… Just be… “Holy Spirit, speak to me through Your Word! I rest in You!”

Scripture – Read the scripture slowly, out loud if possible, listen, reread, dwell, notice words & phrases you are drawn to & return there! Reflect on what you are noticing and where He is leading your thoughts.

Prayer – Have a conversation with God, “What are You saying to me, God?” Talk about what you notice is on your heart. Begin to own the “word of God” being revealed to you.

Finish - Spend TWO minutes again with God, resting and listening and being loved.

Recommended Titles and Resources

The “One Minute Pause” App by Wild at Heart – Look in your app store. (use is multiple times every day)

“Get Your Life Back” by John Eldredge

Restoration Year by John Eldredge – A 365 Day Devotional - These daily devotions are excellent encouragement to live by the Spirit each day.

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young (Devotional Book)