March 27, 2016

Hope  Definition: An expectation of a desired, positive outcome  Something that we need to continue living and going forward

Hope Diminishing  Disappointment, setbacks, discouragement  Areas of life  Work – difficulties, demotion, loss of job  Relationships – strain, hurts, separation, divorce, death  Finances – bills, debt, bankruptcy  Children  Small can grow and infect whole  Worry -> Sadness -> Despair -> Hopelessness

Hopelessness  Feels like situation  Cannot get better  Cannot change  Work, Relationships, Finances, Children  Death of a vision, death of hope

Peter’s Hope Declines – Personal Failure  Mark 14: Peter declared, “Even if all fall away, I will not.” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice you yourself will disown me three times.” But Peter insisted emphatically, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the others said the same.  Jesus arrested, put on trial and falsely accused  Mark 14: one of the servant girls of the high priest came by. When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus,” she said. But he denied it. “I don’t know or understand what you’re talking about,” he said

Peter’s Hope Lost  Jesus crucified  Luke 24: The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.  Peter was not there

Resurrection: Hope Reborn  Hope was resurrected and brought back to life  Luke 24:32 - Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?  Luke 24:40-42 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence.  The impossible became possible

Resurrection Hope and Power  For our impossible, hopeless situations, we need resurrection hope and resurrection power  Resurrection hope  1 Peter 1:3 - he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead  Resurrection power  Romans 8:11 - And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.  Ephesians 1: and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms

How To Access New Hope  Recognize Need and areas where need new hope  Submit to God  Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.  Begins and ends in prayer – Pray and ask God for help  Romans 10:13 - Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.  Remember God’ goodness: Psalm 42:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.  Strengthening Hope – Next Week