We'd love to hear from you. Without hope, they could not live.1 Frankl concluded, “It is a peculiarity of man that he can only live by looking to the future.”2. Before we examine the main points as they relate to hope, allow me to point out some essential things to notice about the passage. “This crisis is an opportunity. (Most would probably call these the main points.) Hope in Troubled Times Jeremiah 29: 11-13 Have you ever known a time more desperate than this? These articles focus mostly on natural disasters, but the points apply to what we’re experiencing right now. Corporations that have been American icons for over a hundred years are declaring bankruptcy. Become an anchor of hope and an island of security for a world seeking help in a crisis. Before we get moving in the flow of the passage, let's use entrance ramps to get started. This was a repeated theme from the apostle Paul. We have all known someone who has walked through a time of crisis responding in ways we can’t imagine. He wrote that when Jesus returns, He “will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself” (Phil. When the fish were shipped live, they arrived flavorless and would not sell because they were soft and mushy. We will be there in our glorified bodies when His foot touches the Mount of Olives and that mountain is split in half (Zechariah 14:1-9). Normally people face the stress of life and just keep plowing through, day after day. I wish that I could erase that from my Bible at times. * Indicated Required Field See our Privacy Policy. He elaborated on the meaning of this statement by adding that his desire was “to depart and be with Christ” (Philippians 1:23). Put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love and with him is full … Please see below for details. Though it appears to be tragic, I can trust Him. We will be there to witness the supernatural opening of that gate as it welcomes Jesus to the holy city of Jerusalem (Psalm 24:7-8): Lift up your heads, O gates, “The tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them” (Revelation 21:3). An example of it is found in 1 Samuel 28 where we are told that King Saul, in his rebellion against God, sought the counsel of a witch. In the twinkling of an eye, He will reunite their spirits with their resurrected bodies and will then glorify their bodies (1 Thessalonians 4:15-16). Storms will confront us many times in our lives, expected and unexpected. Yet, Jesus was speaking the truth. This is good news for all who have a relationship to Jesus. But we do believe it is possible to know the season of the Lord's return, and it is our conviction that we are living in that season... © 2020 Lamb and Lion Ministries. The men and women we remember most did not live easy and comfortable lives, but faced great moments of crisis with hope in God. Home / Sermons and Messages / Hope In Crisis. This was when His disciples were given a glimpse of His coming glory. David, in his glorified body, will reign as king of Israel (Ezekiel 37:24). A good counselor will help you discover the hope in the midst of the crisis. As he continued to write, he'd occasionally glance at that stack and remember how much he believed in what he had written. That is a beautiful phrase. I want to be found praising Jesus Christ in this time of great trouble. Motivation makes all the difference. However, he was a person of great wealth and influence, so he demanded to join. Many would say, "I don't want to find hope. It takes broken clouds to give rain. Where is God in the Midst of Crisis?, Jen Booth - Read more Christian women spiritual life, faith, and growth. Our works will be judged as to quantity, quality, and motive (1 Corinthians 3:13-15 and 4:5). Jesus was very clear when speaking of heaven, and He was just as clear when He spoke about hell. Sermon by Pastor Mark Finley. Then, when Christmas would come and go without a release, hundreds of prisoners would just lie down and die. Jesus is pictured eating with His disciples several times, including a meal of fish on the shore of the Sea of Galilee (Luke 24:30-31, 41-42, and John 21:10-13). Your trusted source of Christian resources since 1891, Sermon: Hope in the Midst of Pressure - 2 Thessalonians 1. (That should be sufficient to prompt many of you to shout, “Maranatha!”). He will resurrect their bodies in a great miracle of re-creation (whether their bodies are preserved, rotted, cremated, or dissolved in the ocean). We continue to have a body — first, an intermediate spirit body, and then a glorified body. He is infinite, and no matter how much we come to know Him, there will be just that much more for us to experience. That story is where we get the expression "face the music" today. The Bible calls it the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). I can talk about Him as my hope and my help, or I can conduct myself in such a way as to dishonor His name. The original version of this release was posted by the Euro-Asia Division. The reason: the catfish is the natural enemy of the codfish. Coping With the Coronavirus Sermon. When we are under pressure we are able to see the way God provides and cares for us, and that brings hope. It's at this point that we must strive to discover how the pressure of life can help us find hope instead of despair. They're left hurting and hopeless. In other words, our glorified bodies are going to be like Jesus’ resurrected body. What is a glorified body? People have reacted to the crisis in a number of ways. If He was wrong about one, He was wrong about the other. Psalm 46 offers us a foundation for trusting God in times of crisis. So, Jesus had a body similar to the ones we have now. If you have driven down an interstate highway, you realize that to get moving into the flow of traffic, you use the entrance ramp. I certainly could not get excited about playing a harp forever. Anything that is important in life is worth the effort, and the important things usually take a lot of effort. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us," (2 Cor 1:10). I learned, instead, that our eternal home is going to be on a new earth. In the first 12 verses of Paul's letter we can learn volumes about how hope bubbles in the pressure cooker. The “big bang” scared me to death. The emphasis is on knowing the God who is the source of protection and rest in the midst of the storms. The One who created us, and loves us, will be with us through every situation. Rather, it will be a body yielded completely to the control of the Holy Spirit. 3:20-21). He said our glorified bodies will be imperishable, gloriously pure, powerful, and spiritual (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). Because Jesus has risen, there is hope. It could also be that this will be a time of rest, preparing us for the time of vigorous service that will follow, when the Lord returns to earth. He will not leave us alone; He will not forget we need Him. An “imperishable wreath” will be given to those who exercise self-control (1 Corinthians 9:25). Jesus clearly taught this in His story about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). Sermon - Hope: The Anchor of The Soul. Others will serve as judges (1 Corinthians 6:3). I refocus my attitudes when life is tough when I recognize that the Father is molding me into something more than I already am during the tough times. I listened as the man voiced a common concern: "Everyone is worried about the economy this year. The two compartments were separated by a “great chasm” which could not be crossed. The Lord strong and mighty, Reigning with the Lord forever implies that we will be reigning over someone. That’s the reason the High Priest in Old Testament times sprinkled the blood not only on the mercy seat of the Ark, but also on the ground in front of the Ark (Leviticus 16:15). God does some of His greatest work in the pressure cooker. In Romans 15:13 Paul wrote: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Our God is a God of Hope who desires to fill us with hope. Here are five simple ways we can do just that: Be kind online. In verse 10 we find these words: "on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. There will be no abomination known as the Texas Legislature or the United States Congress. Some knew of this deception, but in the large sound of the entire orchestra the plan seemed to work. Beyond that, we might just see that pressure can motivate us to hold on to hope in ways we've never considered. My hairline is in recession; my waistline is in inflation; and altogether I am in depression!" But I can't; no one can. You can't tamper with truth. Most of us will serve as “shepherds,” or teachers, trying to bring those who are born during the Millennium to faith in Jesus (Isaiah 66:18-21 and Jeremiah 3:15). If we can get a grasp on the same lessons, we can discover ways in the midst of pressure to find hope. It takes broken grain to give bread. A Study … As Coronavirus (Covid-19) continues to spread and fear consumes the world, what can we do? Think of it — every person on earth who is in a position of governing authority will be a glorified saint. I have to call this entrance ramp, non-negotiable consequences. When the pressure of life is on, I'm more motivated than at any other time to want hope surging through my spirit. Hope may be the most vital resource people need to come through this pandemic. Much of that, undoubtedly will be in the form of worship. I knew instantly why that is true. I believe the promise of seeing God’s face means we are going to enjoy intimacy with Him forever. If you would have asked me to define my hope, I would have given you a pathetic answer, based more on Greek philosophy than Hebrew theology. From that perspective, the things that bother us become His problem, not ours. The gospels record a major famine crisis that occurred among the populace. They shipped the fish alive across the country, but put catfish in the bins where these live fish were stored. Admittedly, the Bible does not get specific about our worship and service, but we can be assured that we will find both to be fulfilling and edifying. As Paul writes this he points out some interesting things that are taking place. Verse 5 says, "All this is evidence that God's judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering." Earlier in the same passage he referred to the original earth as having been “destroyed” by water, speaking of the Noahic flood. Our economy has collapsed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you." The comments were made in fun, but they reminded me that people face pressure, problems, and pain as a part of their everyday existence. DAVID – “How to Live Through a Crisis” 1 How to Live Through a Crisis 2 Samuel 15:13-37 INTRODUCTION: A. Horatio G. Spafford, a successful Chicago lawyer, lost most of his wealth in the financial crisis of 1873. After many possible solutions, finally one was tried that worked. They are fully conscious as they sing, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb” (Revelation 7:10). Don’t hoard. We can relax at being mistreated when we remember that one day God will balance the books. We will be there to shout “Hosanna to the Son of David! He wrote to infuse them with hope by helping them understand the purpose of pressure. Those who are mentally impaired will have their minds healed (Isaiah 29:18-19, 32:3-4, and 35:5-6). On that day it is gone forever; we will never be faced with pressure again. God will never fail to give you that gift. Many people are feeling a sense of desperation for the first time in their lives. This brings me to the fourth and final discovery I made when the Holy Spirit led me into an in-depth study of Bible prophecy. When we place our faith in God and the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we then trust Him to take us to Heaven. The new conductor had a reputation for excellence, and the wealthy fraud was not going to be able to influence the new leader as he had the previous one. The blood on the ground was a reminder that the sacrifice of the Messiah would make it possible for the curse to be lifted and for the animal and plant kingdoms to be returned to their original perfection (Isaiah 11:6-9 and Romans 8:18-23). Questions and answers with John Piper. There was an old preacher who was reflecting to a friend one day. Many people are afraid of Bible prophecy. Habakkuk Hope in Crisis – Part 9 Sep 06, 2020 / Pastor Darrell Owens Today Pastor Darrell Owens preached on rejoicing in every situation, our salvation and the strength God gives us to conclude the Habakkuk: Hope in Crisis Series. John kept each and every one of them. He warned that his standards were high, and if they could not meet his standards then they were going to be out. A whole generation of believers will avoid death — the generation living when the Lord returns for His Church. For me, it was a grim picture. Select an option and chat directly with a member of our support team. In fact, I found that idea downright hilarious. People from every nation will bow down before Him”, “The tabernacle of God is among men, and He shall dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be among them”, “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze”, “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves released from the stall”, “No eye has seen, no ear heard, nor the heart of man conceived, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us”, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”, Take the Lamb & Lion Ministries App with you, Join our Facebook private group for members only, Traveling Down the Rapture Road in 2 Peter (Part 12), Traveling Down the Rapture Road in 2 Peter (Part 11), Get a daily dose of Bible Prophecy from our blog, Save big on special bundles while supplies last. All Rights Reserved. I must admit that I get excited when I read these accounts of Jesus eating, and also when I read about our eating with Him in Heaven at the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:7-9). But the promise of God is that in that moment, He does what needs to be done. Responding to a crisis pastorally in the pulpit requires the preacher to exercise discernment drawn from their knowledge of the congregation and the crisis itself. Contributed by Brian Bill, pastor of Edgewood Baptist Church … Immediately after death both the saved and the lost receive a body that I am going to call an “intermediate spirit body.” I have given it that name because it is a body that is intermediate between our current fleshly body and the ultimate, glorified body that saints will receive at the time of their resurrection. “The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to Him. I had no one to blame but myself because I did not study God’s Word as I should have. At some point, the pressure really does end. I feel certain that one aspect of this will be the eternal study of His Word. He sees “a great multitude… from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues,” standing before the throne of God “clothed in white robes” and waving palm branches in worship (Revelation 7:9). That hope is a precious gift, given to us because Jesus lives. There will be no homeless people or hungry people (Isaiah 65:21-22 and Micah 4:4). If you buried your best friend one day, and he knocked on your door the next, would you recognize him? We do not believe it is possible to know the date when Jesus will return. I love the way the psalmists wrestle and fight and struggle to maintain their hope in God. When Jesus returns, the Bible says He will bring with Him the spirits of the saved (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14). Never forget, it takes broken soil to produce a crop. Often in our lives, we find ourselves in situations where we do not know what to do. He certainly gives us something to think about. Sermons and Messages Topics Worship 8; Church Unity 8; Sabbath 3; Baptism 1; Covenant 1; Evangelism 3; Sovereignty 10; Faith 28; Suffering 16; Culture 3; Character 7; Holiness 10; Love 10; Grace 9; Worry 1; Soul winners will be given a “crown of rejoicing” (Philippians 4:1 and 1 Thessalonians 2:19). It was then that a new conductor came to direct the Imperial Orchestra. The only form of escape he could see was a tree, but the nearest limb was 10 feet off the ground. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of his power" (NIV). | 4,206 views. We can be hope and light in the darkness of coronavirus. No, I had just discovered God’s marvelous promises for the future that are designed to give us hope in the present. We will be given the blessing of seeing this old sin-sick world flooded with peace, righteousness and justice, “as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9). The Lord will rule with “a rod of iron” (Psalm 2:9 and Revelation 2:27). It was cancelled as the false flutist feigned sickness. 21 But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: My first discovery was that there is no such thing as “soul sleep.” We remain conscious after death. Hope In Crisis. I think it also means we will grow in our knowledge of the Lord forever. Lord of lords and begins His glorious millennial reign. When a change strikes you as bad, even unbearable, pray for the virtue of hope, and accept it. People had difficulty recognizing Him at first, but that is understandable. As the pressure starts to build, it's important to trust God for peace in the pressure, and that gives us hope. This article is an edited excerpt from Dr. Reagan’s book, Living for Christ in the End Times. Ask Pastor John. The Crisis. The government of the world will be a theocracy, with Jesus serving as both the spiritual and political leader. Then, those saints who are alive will be caught up (raptured) to meet the Lord in the sky, and they will be transformed on the way up (1 Thessalonians 4:17). You see, I grew up in a church that believed it is a terrible sin to play a musical instrument in a worship service. The only thing we cannot avoid is taxes and more taxes. While that is a library full of books, it should be noted that the first book was not published until he had received 774 rejection slips. In other words there are eternal consequences that occur when we reject Jesus. He will refresh it and restore it to its original perfection (Acts 3:21). During the Lord’s reign, the Redeemed are going to be doing anything but floating around on clouds playing harps. We are in the midst of a crisis here in America. It’s no wonder that Paul concluded this great passage in 1 Thessalonians by saying, “Therefore, comfort one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Retirement funds have been wiped out. In 2 Corinthians 5:8 he wrote that he would prefer to be “absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.” He repeated this sentiment in his Philippian letter where he wrote, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). That the King of glory may come in! We do not have to face problems, pain, or pressure alone! At the end of this time of judgment, we, the Bride of Christ, will sit down at a banquet table in Heaven to celebrate our union with our Bridegroom, Jesus. CSB Holy Land Illustrated Bible (Hardcover), by Jeff Dixon on Wednesday, January 01, 2014 at 7:00 AM. A crisis is an enduring situation that require outside resources of help. Can Bible prophecy give us hope? Instead, the Lord sent Samuel who had died some time before. During the first 30 years of my life I received almost no teaching about Bible prophecy, and I lived with little hope. When the new earth is supplied, Heaven will descend to earth as God takes up residence on this new earth. Some will experience embarrassment as all their works are burned up as worthless (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). Customer Service Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. CT Monday - Friday Phone: (800) 458-2772. In the midst of turbulent times, we find a power that we never knew we could have. Therefore, among God's churches we boast about your perseverance and faith in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring." Faithful elders and pastors will receive a “crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4). Although the man knew nothing about music, he would raise the flute, pucker his lips, and move his fingers, but he never made a sound. Jeff Dixon is pastor of Covenant Community Church, Lake Mary, Florida. “He will be a priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace will be between the two offices” (Zechariah 6:13). I. They reveal. But the very next verse contains incredibly good news for believers: “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves released from the stall” (Malachi 4:2). The earth of Noah’s day did not cease to exist, but the flood “destroyed” it in the sense that it radically changed the nature of the earth — tilting it on its axis, splitting the continents apart, laying down the fossil record, depositing the marine organisms that would become petroleum deposits, and creating the ocean depths and the mountain heights. It made no sense to me, so I wrote it off as a bunch of silly nonsense. These are notes on the sermon, How To Be Unshakable In Times Of Crisis, preached by Pastor Joseph Prince on Sunday, 5 April 2020, at The Star Performing Arts Centre, Singapore.We hope these sermon notes will be an encouragement to you! He observed that every year as Christmas approached, hope would sweep the camp that the prisoners would be released on Christmas day. Fifth, discover the critical message in the crisis. At that moment the Lord impressed upon my heart that hope is the most ignored of the Christian virtues. Some of the rewards will relate to the degree of ruling authority we will be granted during the Lord’s millennial reign (Luke 19:11-27). At the time of the Rapture (most likely before the Tribulation), both the living and dead in Christ will receive their glorified bodies. Hope is easier to find when you make communication with the Father a priority. But the very next verse says that the Holy Spirit has revealed those blessings to us in God’s Word (1 Corinthians 2:10). High, and the pressure is overwhelming individuality or personality later he 'd say ``. Shipping on books, Bibles, gifts, VBS and Church Supplies of 50... 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Keep those things in mind and let 's use entrance ramps to started! Not meet his standards then they were soft and mushy people need pray! Country, but it will in some way reflect “ the righteous acts of the entrance ramp I call the! The Euro-Asia Division what had been taking place times, we can learn volumes about how bubbles...