The Hope of His Calling
“Embracing the Hope Found in Christ: A Journey from Faith to Fulfilment”
Introduction
This sermon explores the concept of hope as a fundamental aspect of Christian faith, emphasising that true hope can only be found in Jesus Christ. The speaker argues that hope is not automatic for Christians but requires divine revelation and intentional pursuit. He connects hope to the power of God, suggesting that understanding the hope of our calling precedes accessing God’s power in our lives. The sermon culminates in a vivid description of the second coming of Christ and the ultimate fulfilment of Christian hope in heaven.
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Key Points:
- Hope is central to human nature and Christian faith
- Understanding hope requires divine revelation and is not automatic for Christians
- Hope enables our faith to access the power of God
- The love of God poured into our hearts is the foundation of unshakeable hope
- The great controversy aims to extinguish our hope in God
- Jesus offers hope even in our failures and weaknesses
- The ultimate fulfilment of Christian hope is in Christ’s return and eternal life
Scripture Reference:
- Ephesians 1:15-20
- Romans 5:1-5
- John 14:1-3
📖 Daily Reading Plan
Day 1: The God of Love
Reading: 1 John 4:7-21
Devotional: As we begin this journey, let’s reflect on the fundamental truth that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). This isn’t just a characteristic of God, but His very essence. In a world that often feels cold and uncaring, we worship a God whose core nature is love. How does this change your perspective on your daily life? Consider how God’s love has been “poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5). Today, seek to recognize and respond to God’s love in your interactions with others, allowing His love to flow through you.
Day 2: Faith That Accesses God’s Power
Reading: Mark 5:25-34
Devotional: The story of the woman with the issue of blood teaches us about faith that accesses God’s power. Like her, we’re called to approach Jesus with expectation and hope. She believed that “if I just touch his clothes, I will be healed” (Mark 5:28). This isn’t about casual encounters with God, but intentional, hope-filled approaches to His presence. Today, consider what specific need or expectation you’re bringing to God. How can you cultivate a faith that, like this woman’s, reaches out to touch Jesus, fully expecting His power to work in your life?
Day 3: Salvation: More Than Just Being Good
Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
Devotional: Paul reminds us that salvation is “by grace… through faith” (Ephesians 2:8), not by our own efforts. While character development is important, it’s not the end goal of our faith. We’re saved to experience and share God’s love, not just to become “good people.” Reflect on how this truth impacts your view of salvation. Are you relying on your own goodness, or resting in God’s grace? Today, celebrate the freedom that comes from knowing your salvation is secure in Christ, not in your own efforts.
Day 4: Unshakeable Hope
Reading: Romans 5:1-5
Devotional: Paul presents hope as the pinnacle of Christian experience. This hope “does not put us to shame” (Romans 5:5) because it’s grounded in God’s demonstrated love for us. In your current circumstances, what challenges your hope? Remember, our hope isn’t wishful thinking, but a confident expectation based on God’s character and promises. Today, identify one area where you need to renew your hope in God. How can you anchor that hope in God’s love and faithfulness?
Day 5: Divine Presence in Suffering
Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Devotional: Paul speaks of being “hard pressed on every side, but not crushed” (2 Corinthians 4:8). Our faith doesn’t exempt us from trials, but it does promise us God’s presence in them. Like Jesus reassuring Peter despite his impending denial, God affirms His love and presence even in our weakest moments. How have you experienced God’s presence in your struggles? Today, if you’re facing difficulties, invite God’s comforting presence into your situation. If you’re in a season of ease, consider how you can be God’s presence to someone who is suffering.
💬 Discussion Question
What does it mean to you that hope is described as the ‘zenith of the Christian experience’, and how might this change your perspective on spiritual growth?
How does Jesus’ interaction with Peter about his upcoming denial demonstrate God’s grace and the nature of true faith?
How might the image of Adam kneeling before Jesus in heaven impact our understanding of redemption and worship?
📣Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the time we’ve had together in Your Word. We are grateful for the hope that we find in Jesus Christ, a hope that sustains us through trials and lifts us towards Your promises. Open our eyes each day to the richness of Your love and power, and guide us to share this hope with those around us. As we move forward, may we be filled with Your peace and strengthened by the assurance of Your presence.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
📣 Call to Action
✅ Think about or write down: What stood out to you?
✅ Share: Invite someone to join this devotional!
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🔔 See you next week for another powerful devotional!
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📚 Small Group Guide
Our Bunbury Church Small Group Guide extends the weekly devotional into focused discussions, offering practical support and deeper exploration of God’s word for those eager to grow in Christ.
