My Footprint of Hope
Series: The Footprints of Christmas
December 20, 2020
Frank Foreman
Kids everywhere put together Christmas lists; often these lists contain those wishes for presents they want to find under a tree on Christmas morning. Their hope is based on those lists as well as the generosity of parents/family. Biblical hope differs from the typical idea of hope we talk about in the Christmas season. Biblical hope is based on God's promises; an assurance of things that, through God's providence, will eventually be fulfilled. It is not a matter of if but when God will accomplish His plans and purpose.
Episode Notes
BIG IDEA:
Biblical hope is a future confidence based on past promises... Live with that confidence.
1. Biblical hope is an anchor.
Matthew 2:1-2, After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the One who has been born King of the Jews? We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.”
- Our hope is in the finished work of Jesus.
Hebrews 6:19, We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure ...
2. Biblical hope finds its source in God.
Matthew 2:3-6, When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written:
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
- Our hope finds peace in God’s Word.
Philippians 4:9, What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
3. Biblical hope dwells in a seeking heart.
Matthew 2:7-11, Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child. As soon as you find Him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship Him.”
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen, when it rose, went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the Child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
- Our hope is rewarded by finding truth.
Matthew 6:33, But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
NEXT STEP: Find your hope fulfilled in Jesus.
Content Copyright Belongs to New Horizons Christian Church
6607