“3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. 5 And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.” Romans 5:3-5 NLT
Jesus is different. Jesus changes everything. The words and things Jesus shared in His conversations and messages with people in Bible times introduced a new kind of hope for their world. Jesus words bring us new hope today. Only Jesus hope is promised to NEVER EVER disappoint! Let this begin to sink in wherever you are right now. Next time your car breaks down and let’s you down; The next time a friend promises to always be on your team, but then walks away. Our world will always disappoint, eventually. Jesus' words are different.
Maybe you are like me? I was thinking our winter weather was over. I put the snow shovel in the shed. Now the local forecast looks like more snow (3-5 inches) next week? Winter 2025 is not over. This feels like quite a let down. After extreme January weather, February began a few days ago with Florida like temperatures, near 70 degrees. We all felt a little bummed out today as cold wind and 30’s returned again. Just saying.
If you are ready for a little “bump” with winter blues, check this out. This weekend at Journey Church Cynthiana we explore a new series, Irresistible. Over the next four weekends we’ll dive into… Jesus words, Matthew 5-7… a counter-cultural guide to kingdom living. Together we’ll explore how Jesus' conversations with people often were counter cultural, counter-intuitive, and upside down from most people’s way of thinking. Jesus brought a new Way; the Jesus Way (John 14:6). Things Jesus said in the Bible continue to impact our world today.
My sports team lets me down; My mid-term grades disappointment; My long-awaited vacation doesn’t pan-out and the expensive meal I just ate wasn’t worth it. Everything in this world, sooner or later, disappoints. We put our hope in so many things, which can never deliver 100% all the time.
From the Bible in Romans 5:5 (text above) we have a promise: God’s hope will deliver every time and will never let us down. If this seems relevant and helpful for you, circle the next four weekends and plan to join us, in-person and online. This is the boost we all need.
Bring a seat buddy. Tell them about your latest disappointment in life. Then say this: Nothing except Jesus' hope can consistently produce positive results, no matter what! When they see your HOPE… they’ll want to know more.
Let’s do this…. Let’s help make Jesus' hope irresistible.
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