The concept of Christianity is spreading across the globe. While a few of those who hear the message will try to live Godly lives, most of them will never pursue a relationship with Jesus. Others will focus on the blessings and make it their purpose in life to claim them all. The message is changing to suit itching ears, and yet, for those who love God, the message is the same and that is the essence of our hope.
Blessings are wonderful, but sometimes we confuse the gift with the Giver. The blessings we get from God are the benefits or perks that He gives us to make our lives here more tolerable, more comfortable, and more testimonial of His love for us. But we don’t chase after them because they are not the essence of our hope—we do not live for these gifts.
We realize the essence of our hope when we study the Bible and spend time in prayer and worship because then we develop a relationship with Jesus. This is very personal and we must be careful that we don’t get caught up with a Christian crowd that prefers to know God for what He can give rather than for what He has already given. The essence of our hope gets candy-coated with deception when we take our eyes off of God and allow them to rest on people and on the things of this world.
What is the essence of our hope?
Jesus is the essence of our hope!
THIS is what we live for! THIS is our hope! Jesus is coming again to take us out of this world, to spare us from God’s judgment that is about to fall upon the people who refuse His grace. Jesus IS our glorious hope!
The world has become a very sinful and dangerous place to live. Many Christians live in their own secluded bubble, afraid to take notice of what is really going on in the world. But the time has come for this to stop. We need to know what’s going on around us so we can be prepared for what’s coming. We are Christ’s Ambassadors in this sinful world and we must help others to see the truth. We can’t do that if we compromise the cross to seek after blessings, or if we hide in our safe place because of our own fears.
We are Christians. We are followers of Jesus, the Son of God who, through His death and resurrection, has become our Lord and Savior. We can’t appreciate Jesus as being our only hope if we don’t make ourselves aware of the sinful mess that this world is in. It’s time to take our heads out of the sand, take notice of what’s going on around us, and stand up for the truth. We don’t have a lot of time left to work. We must equip ourselves through prayer and worship, and through the Scriptures, so we can march forth like soldiers in battle (because we are in a spiritual battle). We must tell people about the salvation of Christ and warn them of God’s judgment that is coming.
This world is filled with sin, and it’s being ruled by governments that are swayed by corruption. God’s laws have been compromised and His ways are being mocked. The signs Jesus warned about in Matthew 24 are all coming to pass right before our eyes. Our redemption is near! Jesus is getting ready to return to earth to take us out of here so that God can pour His judgment out upon this sinful world. This is our blessed hope! This is what we live for! Jesus is coming back for us so we can be with Him forever—and this is the essence of our hope!
- For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.—Titus 2:11-14
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