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New Testament ReadingHebrews 10:23-2523 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one anotherand all the more as you see the Day approaching.HopeHebrews 10:23-25December 1, 2013First Sunday of AdventCommunion SundayImmanuel Baptist ChurchRev. John W. Landis, DMin

What is Hope?Hope is expectation of something Good belief that things can change for the betterHope is an excitement about the futureHope is about deciding to liveInstead of succumbing to deathCombination of waiting and being ready to act!What is Hope?Hope is not a wishThe difference between a Wish and Hope is FAITHFormula for HOPEVision of What could be+Desire + Willingness to do the things you can control+Perseverance and Patience+Faith (that God has a purpose and is in control)

HOPEHeb 11:1

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.(NIV)

Hope carries Risk!That it becomes Idealization and therefore paralyzes (something that becomes a prerequisite for everything else)

You will be called a fool for hoping in the face of evidence to the contrary

That your Hope may not be fulfilled

That you have Hoped for the wrong thingHope, like trust, can be betrayed

But unless you Hope . . . Hope can never be fulfilled

People without hope are toxic!

They drain your energy and if you are not careful your hope! Hope can transform from despair to anticipation and even Joy!What are we to Hope for? For Ourselves: That we can do what is right and pleasing to GodThat we can find the other symbols of Advent

PeaceJoyLoveWhat are we to Hope for?For Others:That they find salvation through Christ

That they find the other symbols of AdventPeaceJoyLove

What are we to Hope for?For the Church: That it serve well

That it find unity in its diversity

That it remembers who its Head isWhat are we to Hope for?For the World:

That it come closer to the Kingdom of GodWhat do You Hope for? for Yourself? for Others? for the Church? for the World?

Pray for the things you Hope for! What will you do to prepare to make your hope come true?

What will you do to prepare to capitalize on it if your hope does come true?

What will you do to promote Hope in others?Hope is about deciding to live instead of succumbing to deathJesus brought HOPE!A Christians, we subscribe to and claim the Hope of life eternal with a God who loves us!

Heb 10:23

Let us hold unswervingly to the Hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.(NIV)