“Building the Body Through Hope!” 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 Peter 3:13-16

When Alexander the Great set forth upon his mission to conquer the world, history records some amazing actions on his part. For instance…

“I have reserved for myself much more than I have given away “I have reserved for myself much more than I have given away. I have reserved for myself the hope of universal monarchy and when, by the valor and help of these my captains and nobles, I shall be monarch of the world. The gifts I have parted with will come back to me with an increase of a thousand fold.”

With this hope filled army, Alexander had no real challenge With this hope filled army, Alexander had no real challenge. Even Darius III (king of Persia) and his army of 1 million was no match for Alexander the Great!

to see the need to build up the Body of Christ through hope. Purpose: to see the need to build up the Body of Christ through hope.

I HOPE’S REASON A. He has Come

Hebrews 4:15 “For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.”

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

I HOPE’S REASON A. He has Come B. He has Died

2 Corinthians 5:21 “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

Suffering on our behalf, Jesus’ death is described as “atoning” and “redeeming.” In other words He paid the penalty for our sins to provide a means of reconciliation with God!

I HOPE’S REASON A. He has Come B. He has Died C. He has Risen

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 “…and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain… we are of all men most to be pitied.

I HOPE’S REASON A. He has Come B. He has Died C. He has Risen D. He Will Come Again

1 Thessalonians 4:17 “Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”

My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness My hope is built on nothing less, Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. On Christ the solid Rock I stand, All other ground is sinking sand, All other ground is sinking sand.

II HOPE’S MESSENGERS A. Who Should Give Hope’s Reason?

Newspaper several years ago had a story of a lawsuit brought against a doctor who had passed the scene of an accident without stopping to render medical assistance. The driver of one car…

II HOPE’S MESSENGERS A. Who Should Give Hope’s Reason? B. Why Should We be Ready? C. When Should We be Ready? D. To Whom Should We Give the Answer?

III HOPE’S EXAMPLES A. Jesus Must be Lord B. Resulting in a Pure Life

Acts 5:13 “But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem.”

Titus 2:7-8 “In all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.”

The Duke of Wellington sent two men on a dangerous mission The Duke of Wellington sent two men on a dangerous mission. As they rode to their rendezvous, one man noticed the other’s lips were quivering, his cheeks were pale, and beads of sweat stood out on his forehead…

Conclusion and Summary The Bible records for us similar “cowards.” Church history gives us several more “cowards” – those who knew the dangers and were afraid; yet, because they loved the Lord and the great hopes He alone gives, they willing laid their lives on the line!...