Print

I PETER 1:3 -5

"THE LIVING HOPE"

I. THE BELIEVERS HOPE, ETERNAL LIFE WITH CHRIST.
        A. An inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, that fadedth not away reserved  in heaven
           for you.
        B. We do not look at death as the cessation of our existence.
                1. Only the end of the restriction of this physical body.
                2. This body is a marvelous instrument.
                        a. Built from the earth, for the earth.

(Il Cor. 3. At death our spirits move into the new bodies God has prepared for us.
                4. Jesus said: "Be faithful unto death and I will give you a crown of life."
        C. "So shall we ever be with our Lord."

II. WHO GAVE US THIS HOPE? "GOD THE FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST."
        A. God is so misunderstood.
                1. Here speaks of His abundant mercy.
                2. We seem to so often think in terms of  judgment and wrath.
                        a. The cheribims with flaming swords.
        B. "Blessed be God."

Ill. THE BASIS OF THE LIVING HOPE. "THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST FROM THE DEAD."
        A. Paul speaks of the gentile world apart from Christ, without hope in this world.
                1. So many older people cynical.
                        a. Cynicism not so much a trait of youth.
                        b. We start out hoping in man.
                                1. Government will solve our problems.
                                2. Science will give us the key to life.
        B. The apostles had a unique experience, a dead hope.
                1. "They that sat in darkness saw a great light."
                        a. They walked in that light.
                        b. They felt its love and warmth.
                        c. They felt the long night of sin was over and the day of 
                           righteousness had dawned.
        2. But that light was nailed to the cross and when He submitted to death their light
           went out.
                a. Their hopes and dreams were dashed.
                b. How tragic when you hope and dream so Iong, just when you feel the moment
                   has come for fulfillment the tide changes.
        C. With the resurrection of Jesus Christ came the resurrection of the hope.
                1. The light still shines even brighter.

IV. THE STRENGTH OF THE HOPE "WHO ARE KEPT BY THE POWER OF GOD."
        A. The keeping power of, God.
                1. "Now unto Him who is able to keep."
                2. I do no? rest in my own strength His strength.
                3. I do not trust in my resolves. His resolves.