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January 9, 2017
Hope: The Anchor of the Soul - Hebrews 6
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| Hope is a healthy attitude. Anticipating good brings comfort to the mind and heart. In contrast, a state of hopelessness is a terrible condition in which to find oneself. It's overwhelming and depressing to think that what you're facing cannot be changed or resolved. For the person who has lost all hope, life looks like a long dark tunnel going nowhere.
Included in Proverbs is a verse that describes the result of this oppressive feeling: "Hope deferred makes the heart sick" (Proverbs 13:12). Emotional, physical, and even mental illness haunt a person who feels trapped in a bleak situation. But I want to tell you, my friend, that as long as there is a God, no situation is hopeless. In Him, we have the promise of the second half of that proverb: "Desire fulfilled is a tree of life."
Believers have a hope that anchors their souls. Our relationship with Jesus Christ brings us close to the throne of heaven, where we can cast all our burdens before an omnipotent God. Moreover, we can cling to Him through whatever trials are facing us. Because of the Lord's great love, He provides strength for weary bodies, peace for anxious minds, and comfort for grieving hearts. In short, He lights that darkened tunnel and tenderly guides us through trying situations.
An anchor was a popular image in the ancient Mediterranean world. In an economy that depended on shipping, the anchor symbolized safety and steadiness. The writer of Hebrews used the word to remind believers that God has given a hope that holds firm in any storm.
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Current Sermon Series
Believe your big risks will be rewarded. Believe what you ask for is possible. If you’re ready to see a spark in your life, pray boldly. Pray daringly. Pray with fire. And remember God's listening to your Dangerous Prayers. This three-week series teaches us to pray bold prayers.
Last Week:
This prayer is one of the hardest prayers we could ever pray. In reality we probably will never pray, "Break me," but we will be more apt to say, "Lord, Your will be done." His will includes all that comes into our lives.
Sunday's message is available for streaming or for download on our
sermons page, or by visiting us on iTunes.
Next Week:
We will conclude our series Dangerous Prayer by finishing up with Send Me.
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Upcoming Events
January 18, 2017 - Annual Business Meeting at 7 PM
February 5, 2017 - Carry-in Fellowship Dinner following AM Service.
February 11, 2017 - Trustee Meeting at 8 AM
February 12, 2017 - Deacon Meeting at 8 AM
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