Finding True Peace

                                                                FINDING TRUE PEACE

            The Christmas season is supposed to bring joy to our hearts, but for many people, it can be a gloomy and dark time filled with loneliness, depression, and heartache. This Christmas season is tough for a lot of people around the world. Think about the thousands of families that have lost their loved ones in the war-torn Middle East and Europe. Or people living in famine-stricken countries like Somalia, Ethiopia, and Kenya, where millions face hunger.

            There is so much pain in our world. That is because we live in a broken world that needs fixing. But who can heal our wounded hearts, restore broken lives, and bring true Shalom? In the past three Sundays of Advent, as we lit the candles, we relived the ancient prophecies and their fulfillment. On this 4^th Sunday, as we light the (Angel’s) or Peace candle, we will listen to the message proclaimed by angels over two thousand years ago and how that impacts our lives.

I. God’s Promise of Peace (Luke 2:8-14)

            Luke gives the fullest account of Christ’s birth, connecting the ancient promises. Let’s pay attention to specific details as we unfold one of God’s promises of peace. It has been over 400 years since the last prophecy by Malachi 4:5-6:  “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers.”

            Traditionally, these  400 years were called the “Silent Years,” between the Old Testament and New Testament, during which, so far as we know, God did not speak, and no Scripture was written. You can only imagine how God’s people lived without any revelation from God.

            But all that silence was coming to an end. Suddenly, the angels in heaven became very busy and started revisiting the earth with messages from God to specific individuals. An angel visited Zechariah and announced the birth of John the Baptist, who fulfilled Malachi’s prophecy and said that God would send Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrived.

            The angel Gabriel visited a virgin Mary in a village in Nazareth and told her that she would give birth to a baby and name him Jesus. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, assured him of God’s plan for Mary, and encouraged him to take her as his wife.

            In the same region of Nazareth, a group of shepherds had the visitation of a host of angels. The brilliance of these angelic hosts might have brightened up the skyline of the hills of Palestine and the surrounding regions. Fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy, “People who walk in darkness will see a great light.” (Isaiah 9:2). The angel assured the frightened shepherds, saying,             Lk 2:10-12, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Thus fulfilling the prophecies of Isaiah 9:6-7 and Micah 5:2

            You might be wondering what happened to God’s promised peace. Here it comes! After delivering this joy-filled news, this angel was suddenly joined by a host of other angels. They all began praising God, saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased. In some manuscripts, it is said, “peace, goodwill among men.”

            Is this promised Peace of God for all people or those he is pleased with? It is not a random promise for everyone but to everyone who finds favor with God. In other words, not everyone will experience this Peace of God, but those who diligently seek Him will receive it.

             The world needs peace, and the people need peace more than anything these days of restlessness and trouble. The question we must ask is, where can we find True Peace? I deliberately used True Peace because the world offers only external and temporary peace. God offers True Peace that is both external and internal, and permanent. No matter what happens, God’s Peace cannot be taken away from us. Therefore, we must seek True Peace.

II. Finding True Peace.

            There are three parts to the angel’s chorus. First, “Glory to God in the highest.” This indicates that God is the one who brings True Peace, and He should only get all the glory—secondly, peace on earth refers to universal peace. During this Christmas season, the whole world is looking for peace, especially the Israelis, Palestinians, and the hostages in Gaza.

            When we look at the heart-wrenching images of the suffering of the wounded civilians (children, men, and women) and over 20,000 people killed in this war so far, let’s not harden our hearts. Let’s pray to God to end this war quickly and establish peace in the Middle East.

            Thirdly, “Peace among those with whom he is pleased, (peace, goodwill among men).” This refers to those with whom God is pleased. Who are these favored ones, you may wonder? This could be anyone God draws to himself as the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sin.

            When I first came under the conviction of the Holy Spirit, I repented my sins by asking Jesus’ forgiveness. Immediately, I noticed my heart was filled with Joy and Peace. Some of you today might be wondering, I need that Peace that God offers, the True Peace. If you have never experienced this overwhelming peace, this is how and where to Find True Peace today.

A. You can find True Peace in God.

            One of the names of God is Jehovah Shalom, which means the Lord Is Peace. God brings True Peace by defeating both our physical and spiritual enemies. God granted Peace during King Solomon’s reign, I Kings 4:24, “For he had dominion over all the region west of the Euphrates from Tiphsah to Gaza, over all the kings west of the Euphrates. And he had peace on all sides around him.” I am sure every country in this world would want such territorial peace. How about spiritual peace? God can bring that internal peace by defeating Satan, the arch-enemy of every human soul. Defeating Satan is not an afterthought for God but was in the planning all along.

B. You can find True Peace through Christ

            When God pronounced curses on Adam and Eve for their sin of disobedience, he began with the serpent that deceived Eve in the first place. Genesis 3:15, “I will put enmity between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” The war with Satan began in the Garden of Eden.

            Who was the seed of the woman in this verse? That was what Isaiah prophesied: Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will ultimately completely defeat our arch-enemy Satan and establish His Kingdom on earth, where there will be never-ending peace.

            Many things could rob us of our peace of mind and heart. The baby born in Bethlehem grew up to be a man, and this was how he tackled situations and circumstances that were frightening and dangerous. Once, the disciples were caught in a great windstorm. The wind and the ways threatened to drown them. Jesus woke up from his sleep and “rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.” Mark 4:39

            Jesus displayed his inner peace despite knowing He would be crucified. Jesus comforted his disheartened disciples by saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27 What storms of life threaten to sink the ship of your life? Cry out like the disciples did.        Jesus will rebuke those storms and say, Peace! Be still! Those who are anxious hear these words, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:6-7 Amen!

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joy To The World

                                                                    JOY TO THE WORLD

            For some, it is the Holiday season, but for Christians, it is the beautiful season of Advent. During my driving, as I tune in to Boston Christmas channel, I hear America's favorite Christmas songs like, 'You Better Watch Out, You Better Watch Out, You Better Not Cry, Santa Claus is Coming to Town, Or Rudolph the Red-nosed reindeer, Or Frosty the Snowman.

            However, I don't hear Christian favorite Christmas Carols. What is one of the all-time favorite Christmas Carols for Christians? It is "Joy To The World." It is one of my favorite Christmas Carols that I sing on the day of Christmas, full of Joy. But did you know Isaac Watts, one of the greatest hymn writers ever, never intended "Joy to the World" to be a song and certainly not a Christmas song? In 1719, Watts published a book of poems in which each poem was based on a psalm. In his poems, he wanted to show how the Psalms related to how Jesus was revealed as the Savior of the World in the New Testament.

            "Joy to the World" was one of those poems based on Psalm 98 as Watts interpreted this psalm to celebrate Jesus's role as King of both his church and the whole World. He intended his poem's words to show Christ's return rather than His birth. Watts never knew that his poem would become one of his most famous hymns until, more than a century later, a Boston music teacher named Lowell Mason discovered his poem and set it to music. Because it was released at Christmas, it quickly became a favorite and America's most published Christmas carol.

            Don't let Issac Watt's intended purpose in writing this beautiful hymn take our Joy away. Let's sing and shout wholeheartedly Joy To the World because that is what God wanted to bring to this World full of sorrow and suffering. Let's reflect on this phrase Joy To The World this morning. Who needs it? Who gives Joy? How can we remain Joyful and spread Joy in this World of pain and suffering? When will this promise of Joy to the World be fulfilled? 

I. The absence of Joy during the first Christmas.

            We celebrate Christmas now with cheer and excitement by giving gifts and spending quality time with family and friends. The World during the first Christmas was anything but joyful. It was dark and gloomy. People were fearful and oppressed, living under the tyranny of the Roman Empire. This was what Isaiah predicted. "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. ( Isaiah 9:2).

            When the fullness of time came, Mary gave birth to her firstborn Child and named him Jesus. Has the birth of Christ changed the gloom and doom right away? No! When Herod knew the wise men tricked him, he became furious and ordered to kill all the boys ages two or under in and around Bethlehem. That brutal action of Herod fulfilled Jeremiah's prophecy. "A cry was heard in Ramah weeping and great mourning. Rachel weeps for her children, refusing to be comforted, for they are dead." Mat 2:18 Imagine the pain of the parents who lost their children.

            When Jesus was eight days old, he was circumcised. After 40 days, his parents took him to the temple to be dedicated to the Lord. Holding the Child in his arms, Simeon prophesied, "I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people, Israel!" He said to Mary, the baby's mother,

            "This Child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, but he will be a joy to many others. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul." Luke 2:25-35

            As if that wasn't enough agony for the mother because of the threat to her Child, Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt. Considering all these troubling situations, we can conclude the first Christmas was anything but celebratory and Joyful. Amid such unpleasant circumstances, God promised to bring Joy to the World, beginning with those who would believe in His Son.

II. God Promised Joy To The World (Luke 2:8-12)

            Let's pick up the story from our reading, "That night, there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them.

            They were terrified, but the Angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!" he said. "I bring you good news that will bring great Joy to all people. The Savior, yes, the Messiah, the Lord, has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger."

            Though the gloomy circumstances didn't change immediately, the birth of Christ made way for the fulfillment of God's promise of Joy to the whole World. Psalm 98 gives us a preview of this Joy that will unfold. Here is a paraphrased version of how God will bring forth this Joy.           God will reveal his righteousness to every nation. He will remember his promise of love to Israel, and his right hand will win a mighty victory. As a result, the sea, everything in it, the earth and all that lives in it, the rivers, and the hills will sing out their songs of Joy before the Lord. He will judge the World with Justice and the nations with fairness.

             To fulfill this promise of Joy, God sent his only Son. The Savior, the Messiah, the Lord, was born on the first Christmas Day. Mary's Child grew up and became a man. He talked about the Kingdom of God, performed miracles, fed the hungry, healed the sick, and raised the dead.

            In the end, He died on the cross to set the prisoners off sin-free and grant them eternal life. He rose from the dead after three days and ascended to heaven after 40 Days. He promised to return to the earth from where he was taken to establish His Kingdom, where there will be never-ending Love, Peace, and Joy. In the meantime, we all can experience God's promised Joy regardless of our circumstances. That is the message of Advent and Christmas.

III. Experiencing Outrageous Joy

            Like the days of the First Christmas, we live in harsh and challenging days. Listen to one of my favorite Bible Teachers, Chuck Swindoll's observation of our need for Joy. "I know of no greater need today than the need of Joy. Unexplainable, contagious, and outrageous Joy. When that kind of Joy comes aboard our ship of life, it brings good things with it.

            Like enthusiasm for life, a determination to hang in there, and a strong desire to encourage others. Such qualities make our voyage bearable when we hit the open seas and encounter high waves of hardship that tend to demoralize and paralyze us. Nothing is better than a joyful attitude when facing challenges that life throws at us."

            Do you want to experience that Outrageous Joy? By turning away from your sins and asking Jesus to forgive your sins and make you his Child, you become God's Child. Once you become God's Child, all that God has becomes yours: His Love, Peace, and Joy.

            Listen to the words of the one who can give you Joy. John 15:9-11, "I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father's commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my Joy. Yes, your Joy will overflow!"

            Are you missing this abundant Joy that God promised to give you? Are you unable to face the challenges of life? You need strength! How and where will you get the strength from? Nehemiah 8:10, "The Joy of the Lord is your strength." Where will you find the Joy of the Lord?          Not in parties, shopping, giving and receiving gifts, not even in relationships, will you find true Joy, but in only one place: God. Acts 2:28, "You have shown me the way of life, and you will me with the Joy of your presence." The Holy Spirit will produce the fruit of Joy, and then you will not only experience outrageous Joy but also can spread Joy to others. Amen!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bethlehem Prophecy

                                               BETHLEHEM PROPHECY

            Since October 7^th, most of the World has been focused on a small strip of land called Gaza due to the war between Israel & Hamas. Gaza is tucked among Israel, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Sea. The strip is 25 miles long and 7 miles wide. It has 2.3 million people living in an area of 139 square miles. It is approximately twice the size of Washington, D.C. It shares a border with Israel to the north and East and Egypt to the south.

            Compared with other areas, Gaza has a vast young population. In contrast, only 22% of the U.S. population is under 18. Two-thirds of the Palestinians living in Gaza are refugees. Most of the population is Muslim. There is also a tiny native Palestinian Christian population.

            Many innocent people have been killed and wounded, and many more have been displaced on both sides of the conflict. What is happening in Gaza is heart-wrenching. We pray for God's intervention in the provision and protection of Gaza's innocent civilians. While the rest of the World focused on Gaza, many Christians during the Christmas season either think about or even make a pilgrimage to another tiny place in the Holy Land.

            What might that place be? By lighting one candle each week of Advent, we help ourselves prepare for Jesus's birth. Last week, we lit a candle that signified our hope and waiting for our Messiah. Today, we light the second candle, the Bethlehem candle (Love). It represents the journey of Joesph and Mary to their hometown, Bethlehem. We will look at the significance of Bethlehem. And the prophecy about Bethlehem and its impact on us as we live and wait between the two Advents of Christ's first and second coming. Luke 2:1-7

I. The Ancient Town of Bethlehem.

            Bethlehem is a little town with a rich biblical history. In Hebrew,  it is pronounced "Beit-lehem." "Beit" means house, and "Lechem" means bread. Together, it is the "House of Bread."

            The Bible first mentions Bethlehem as the town nearest to where Jacob's wife Rachel died and was buried (Gen 35:19; 48:7). Bethlehem was where the romantic love story between a foreigner(Moabite) named Ruth, and an influential man Boaz a relative of Naomi's husband flourished and ended in their wedding. Bethlehem is where they also had their son, Obed, who was the grandfather of King David (Ruth 4:13,17).

            David was anointed to be the King of Israel in Bethlehem. (I Sam 16). There is something to be said about the waters of Bethlehem. While David camped at the cave of Adullam, three of his war heroes risked their lives breaking through a Philistine garrison that occupied Bethlehem to bring David water to drink from the well at the city's gate (2 Sam23:13–17).

            As the City of David, Bethlehem became a symbol of the king's dynasty. Under Solomon and later Rehoboam, Bethlehem became a strategic fortress. Much later, after the murder of Gedaliah in the days of Babylonian occupation, some Jewish refugees stayed near Bethlehem on their way to Egypt (Jeremiah 41:17). Later, more than a hundred people from Bethlehem were among those who returned to their homeland from exile in Babylon (Ezra 2:21; Nehemiah 7:26).
II Bethlehem Prophecy

            This little obscured town played a huge role in changing the history of the World with the prophecies of two southern prophets. Instead of caring for God's sheep, some prophets and leaders of Israel have destroyed and scattered them. Jeremiah prophesied in 586 B.C. how God would raise a righteous descendant from King David's line who would care for his people.

            Jeremiah 23: 4-6 "For the time is coming," says the Lord, "when I will raise up a righteous descendant from King David's line. He will be a King who rules with wisdom. He will do what is just and right throughout the land. And this will be his name: 'The Lord Is Our Righteousness. 'In that day, Judah will be saved, and Israel will live in safety."

In 800 B.C, Micah prophesied where this descendant of David would be born. Micah 5:2-5, "But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf.

The people of Israel will be abandoned to their enemies until the woman in labor gives birth…And he will stand to lead his flock with the Lord's strength, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. Then his people will live there undisturbed, for he will be highly honored around the World. And he will be the source of Peace." How was this prophecy fulfilled?

III. The Journey of Joseph & Mary to Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-7)

            Several hundred years after Micah's prophecy, as per the decree of the Roman emperor, Augustus, Joseph, and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to be registered in the census. The distance they traveled is not specified in the Bible, but it is estimated to be approximately 70-90 miles.    The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem would have been a challenging one. The terrain was hilly, and the journey likely would have taken several days, perhaps up to a week. Joseph and Mary would have had to navigate rugged terrain, find food and water, and face other challenges, such as bandits or wild animals. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger because there was no lodging available for them."

            This little town of Bethlehem drew the attention of the wise men of the East. They went straight to the palace of King Herod, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we came to worship him." Herod was deeply disturbed and asked his wise men where the Messiah would be born. They referred to Micah's prophecy. He told the wise men to go to Bethlehem, carefully search for the child, and report back to him. But the wise men, after worshiping the newborn king, went back to their country in another way, as warned by God.

IV. A Baby became the Bread and the Water of Spiritual Life.

            The prophecy of Bethlehem was not just about Mary's baby but about a ruler of Israel. How does Bethlehem Prophecy impact us today? Bethlehem means "House of Bread," probably suggesting a broader context of "food" because of its nearness to bountiful fields within the Judean desert. The town of Bethlehem is about five miles southwest of Jerusalem in the hill country of Judah, about 2,500 feet above sea level. The climate is mild, and rainfall is plentiful. Fertile fields, orchards, and vineyards surround the city.

            Bethlehem's food satisfied many people's hunger, and its waters quenched their thirst. But the spiritual hunger and thirst can not be filled and quenched by just physical food and water. How could we meet those insatiable needs of the human soul? God chose Bethlehem as the strategic place to meet those needs. Out of His great love, God sent his only Son, Jesus Christ, to be born of the virgin Mary. Mary's baby became the bread and the water of spiritual life. 

            The crowds said our ancestors ate Manna; the Scriptures say, "Moses gave them bread from heaven." What can you do that we might believe in you? Jesus replied, "Moses did not give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now He offers you the true bread from heaven.

            The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the World. Sir, they said, "Give us that bread every day. Jesus replied, "I am the bread of life." Whoever comes to me will never go hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But you haven't believed in me even though you have seen me. However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them." (John 6: 28-37)

            On this second Sunday of Advent, perhaps like the people in Jesus's time, you have seen many miracles in your life yet remain unbelieving. Are you spiritually hungry and thirsty? Come to Jesus, the bread of life, and let Him satisfy your spiritual hunger and thirst.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Hope Of The World

                                                             The Hope of the World!

We have just come through the Thanksgiving season. Families and kids eagerly await the next big holiday, Christmas. The commercial World kicks into high gear, alluring customers with early Christmas gifts. Doing so makes it easy to bypass another critical season in our lives. In recent years, many Christians have discovered a 5th-century tradition called Advent.

What is Advent? Advent is the season of the year leading up to Christmas. It is observed with various traditions and rituals by Catholics and other liturgical groups such as Lutherans, Anglicans, Methodists, and Episcopalians. Advent means "arrival" or "an appearing or coming into place." Christians often speak of Christ's "first advent" and "second advent"; His first and second comings to earth. His first Advent would be the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a celebration that is both a commemoration of Christ's first coming and an anticipation of His second coming. As Israel longed for their Messiah to come, we Christians long for our Savior to come again.

Karl Barth, the Swiss theologian, exclaimed, "What other time or season can or will the Church ever have but that of Advent!"?[1] Instead of living between these two beautiful realities of Jesus' first and second coming, we get caught up with the culture and cultural wars around us. Rediscovering and celebrating the Advent season is critical for our Christian Faith and purpose.

For the next four Sundays at Hope Church, we slow down and observe this beautiful tradition of keeping the advent wreath, symbolizing the eternal life that Jesus brings. The lighting of four candles represents the four enduring promises of God to humanity. We sing classic advent hymns and reflect on hope-giving scriptures about Christ's first and second Advent. On this first Sunday of Advent, we light the Purple Candle, Prophecy, or Hope Candle. I title this sermon: The Hope Of The World. Isaiah 9:1-7

1. What is Biblical Hope?

            When we want to describe the feeling of an anticipated future that will be better than the present, we might get giddy, anxious, or unsure, but most of us know that feeling. That is called Hope. Hope is essential for a healthy human existence. It is a critical concept in the Bible. As long as humanity lasts, Hope will last. (I Corinthians 13:13). Perhaps based on this Biblical concept, we have the proverb "Hope Springs Eternal." It came from a line from Alexander Pope's 1732 poem An Essay on Man. He wrote: "Hope springs eternal in every human breast."

            Biblical Hope is based on a person, which makes it different from optimism. Optimism is about choosing to see, in any situation, how circumstances could work out for the best. But biblical Hope isn't focused on circumstances. In fact, hopeful people in the Bible often recognize there's no evidence things will get better, but you choose Hope anyway.[2]

            In the O.T., two Hebrew words were used for Hope. The first is yakhal, which means simply "to wait for." Like in the story of Noah and the ark waiting for 190 days for flood waters to recede. The other is qavah, which also means to wait, with the feeling of tension and expectation while you wait for something to happen. So, in Biblical Hebrew, Hope is waiting, but waiting for what? Isaiah 9:1-7 explains what the nation of Israel was waiting for.

At the time of Isaiah's prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-7, Israel went through a dark period of hopelessness. The nation was sinking into self-destruction. People were worshipping idols, consulting mediums, and spirits of the dead. They were hungry, weary, and angry, cursing their king and God. It felt as though God had abandoned them. Amid such depressing circumstances, Isaiah said, "I will wait for the LORD who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my Hope in Him." Isaiah 8:17 calls the nation to wait on God, the Hope of Israel.

II. Five Promises of Hope. (Isaiah 9:1-5)

The first five verses in Isaiah chapter nine offer five promises of Hope for Israel and all those who wait on the Lord. First, the times of darkness and despair will not go on forever. It has been over fifty days since Hamas committed gruesome atrocities against Israel. We sense the collective grief over the lost lives of innocent children, men, and women.

The plight of the hostages and the agony of their loved ones is incomprehensible. Amidst such horrifying circumstances, we pray that this time of darkness and despair will soon end. That is the promise of Hope for Israel then and now and for all those going through a period of darkness and suffering. If you are depressed and discouraged, put your Hope in God.

Secondly, people who walk in darkness will see a great light. A light will shine for those who live in a land where death casts its shadow. God becomes the light for those who walk in darkness (sin) and brings life and healing to those experiencing physical and spiritual death.

Thirdly, God will increase resources and enlarge the impact of those who hope in Him. Fourthly, God will break the bondage of sin and set His people free by removing those who oppress them. Fifthly, God will put all wars to an end by finally destroying Satan, the arch-enemy of God's people, which will happen at the end of the age. These promises of Hope were first made for Israel and applied to us. Who can fulfill these promises of Hope?

III. The Hope Of The World:(Isaiah 9:6-7)

Isaiah prophesied that God would give the nation of Israel a son who would become the Hope of the World. Vs. 6-7, "For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders." All answers to the despair of the people of Judah were found in a son who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace." Discovering the Hope of the World is the ongoing theme of Advent.

Isaiah gave four names to the Hope of the World. He said He would be called: "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. He explained how he would bring peace to this troubled World by establishing His righteous government on earth.

Fast forward to the New Testament Era to discover who this Hope of the World is. In the Christmas story, we will read these words of the angel Gabriel to the virgin Mary. "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus." Luke 1:31. The English name Jesus comes from the unique Hebrew name for God Yeshua, which means salvation.

The Hope of the World is Jesus, Yeshua. Jesus declared that he was the Hope of the whole World, referring to Isaiah's prophecy. "I will put my Spirit upon Him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations… and his name will be the hope of all the world." Matthew 12:21." Only to those who believe in Christ will He give them this eternal Hope

"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now, we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay." I Peter 1:3-4

 There are two kinds of Hope: Earthly and heavenly Hope. Earthly one is unreliable, while heavenly one is reliable because God gives Hope. Jeremiah 29:11. When we put our Hope on people and things, they disappoint us. The blessed Hope of salvation developed through enduring hardship will never disappoint us. Romans 5:5 We grow weary when we wait for our leaders to deliver things. "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." Isaiah 40:31 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. Romans 15:13

 

 

 

  

 

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[1] Karl Barth, Church Dogmatics IV3.1(Edinburgh. & T. Clark, 1961), 322

[2] Bible Project

What is the Church? (Part 2 of 3)

 CHURCH IS GOD'S HOUSE

 

            Three weeks ago, I started a three-part series on What is The Church? The basis of our study was the apostle Paul's advice to the Ephesian Church on how they should live as believers. He defined the Church in three different ways. Ephesians 2:19-22. Understanding these definitions informs us about how we live and relate to one another at Hope Church.

            We learned that we are members of God's family worldwide. Today, we will explore the second definition of what the Church is like. The Church is "God's House" in a spiritual sense. What is the first step involved in building a house? To search for a suitable property, find out if any criminal litigations are on that property, and then buy it and get it deeded to you. You then become the property owner and can build your dream house.

            God's House is not a physical structure, yet similar building principles are involved. However, the only difference is that a house is built with inanimate objects such as stones, wood, and bricks with no will. The Church, God's House, is a living organism built with messy and imperfect people, which makes the building process and the outcome more complicated. 

I. The Church is God's House.

            Ephesians 2:20, "Together, we are his House, built on the foundations of the apostles and the prophets. And the Chief Cornerstone Jesus Himself. In verse 19, the Apostle Paul puts the Jewish and Gentile believers at ease with each other by saying that they are one in God's family. He further emphasized that they were not just disjointed entities separate from each other, but they were being built together. Let's see how the Church is built together into God's House. There are three steps involved in Christian believers becoming a beautiful house of God.

A. We are not our own but bought at a high price and belonged to God.

            Someone who wants to build a physical house looks for litigation and corruption-free property before even offering to buy that property. Right!

            When Jesus wanted to build His Church, He did not look for a particular geographical location or a favorite destination; instead, He looked for people who would remain loyal to Him.

In his search, he bypassed the self-righteous people and instead picked rugged and uneducated fishermen. Some were even considered traitors and treated like the world's garbage and trash.

            People discarded them, yet Jesus saw them as precious gems of great value. He saw how receptive their hearts were to God's purposes. He thought He could redeem and build His Church by using them as "living stones." (I Peter 2:5). What price can you put on the human soul? What amount of sacrifices can you offer to redeem humans that are lost due to sin?

            There is nothing that can restore the broken relationship of humanity with God. So, Jesus had a plan! He offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice on the cross to bring back lost women and men to God. He restored their dignity and freed them from their bondage to sin and death.

            Several scriptures indicate that we were bought at a high price. Therefore, we are not our own but belong to God and for His purposes. Consider these scriptures: I Corinthians 6:20, "You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So, you must honor God with your body." When Paul said, "You were bought with a price," he meant believers were purchased and paid for with the sinless, spotless perfection of Jesus Christ's blood. "Bought at a price alludes to someone purchasing a slave at a slave auction. With His death, Jesus Christ paid the cost to redeem us from our slavery to sin:" Since God paid a high price for us, everything we do should be to the glory of God because we belong to Him. 

            Though unworthy, the apostle Peter was bought at a high price. Later, this was what he said to the scattered believers, I Pet 1:18-19, "For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God."

B. We are being built on the foundations of the Apostles and the Prophets

            What was the foundation of God's House like? Let me take you to the Gospel of Matthew, written by a tax collector, where Jesus made this powerful proclamation. Matthew 16:18, "Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means 'rock'), and upon this Rock, I will build my Church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it."

            This is the first time the ekklesia, frequently translated as "church," is mentioned in the entire N.T. The words Petros and Petra were translated as Rock, which had confused many. There was a wordplay in this verse. "You are "Peter" (Petros) means a small stone. (John 1:42).     Upon this Rock, "Petra," which means ("on this rock,") which means a foundation boulder, as in Matthew 7:24, 25. Peter uses the same imagery in his first epistle: the Church is built of numerous small petros "living stones" (1 Peter 2:5) who, like Peter, confess that Jesus is the Messiah and Son of the Living God—those confessions are the foundations of the Church.

            The builder of the Church is Jesus Christ, and His Church, God's House, will endure forever. It was built "on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets." The apostles here were referred to the first twelve whom Jesus called out. They were not perfect but were sold out for God. To them, Jesus commanded them to "go and make disciples of all the nations. Teach the new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you." Matthew 28:18-20

            Jesus chose the early apostles, and Paul was added to the list afterward. Their job was to lay the foundation of the Church, to receive, declare, and write God's word (Acts 11:28), and to confirm God's word through signs and wonders. The prophets were the gifted men in the early Church to equip the saints for ministry. (Eph 4:12). The early church believers devoted themselves to the "apostles" teachings. Subsequently, every established local Church has been built or ought to have been built upon the foundations of the apostles and the prophets.

C. Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone

            In a structural building, a cornerstone (foundation stone) is the first one placed. The rest will be set in reference to this stone, determining the position of the entire structure. Buildings were laid out with astronomical precision in relation to points of the compass, with emphasis on corners. Cornerstones symbolized "seeds" from which buildings would germinate and rise. It is the Rock upon which the weight of the entire structure rests, thus signifies its utmost importance.

            Various religious rituals and Bible references spread and perpetuated the cornerstone custom. When Jesus wanted to build His Church, He didn't entrust that tremendous responsibility to anyone. He took it upon Himself and became the Chief Cornerstone. Thus fulfilling the prophecy, "Psalm 118:22-23, "The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord's doing, and it is wonderful to see."

            No other religious leaders like Budha, Krishna, Muhamad, Confucious, etc, have ever said, "I will build this religion upon myself." Therefore, these manufactured religions may last a lifetime but only for a while. On the other hand, the Church, God's House, is far more superior than any religious or human establishment. It lasts and outshines any existing movement to eternity. No power of hell, no human scheme will ever be able to destroy the Church, God's House.

            What does this mean to us today? If you are born again Christians, you and other brothers and sisters joined by faith to the Chief Corner store Jesus Christ Himself. We are being built on the teachings of the apostles and prophets recorded in God's Word, the Bible. The strength of the building lies in the cornerstone, which is rightly joined with the other structural elements.

            Similarly, the Church's strength and impact, God's House, lies on Jesus Christ, our Chief cornerstone, and the household members are joined by following the teachings of the Apostles and Prophets. Therefore, we learn, worship, and work together at Hope Church.