Embracing Hope: God's Promise of New Beginnings

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we explored the profound truth that God is the eternal source of new beginnings, fresh starts, and clean slates. We are invited to let go of the past, whatever it may hold, and embrace the present with faith and hope. This is especially important when life feels difficult, when we are suffering, grieving, or experiencing loss. The choice between pessimism and optimism is not about being naively cheerful but about understanding the deeper meaning of life and existence.

We examined a prevalent narrative in our culture that leans towards pessimism, suggesting that life and intelligence are ultimately doomed to vanish into nothingness. This view, often seen as sophisticated, posits that existence is temporary and meaningless. However, this perspective fails to nurture the soul because it denies the moral arc of the universe and the significance of living nobly or lovingly.

In contrast, we are reminded of the biblical narrative that begins with God creating the heavens and the earth. This story affirms that our existence is not an accident but part of a meaningful journey with a beginning and an end. The book of Genesis introduces us to this story, and Revelation concludes it with a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where chaos is defeated, and beauty and life abound.

The invitation today is to embrace this story of hope and meaning, to hold on and not give up. We are encouraged by the example of Tim Keller, who found joy and strength in the belief that the shadow of suffering is only a small and passing thing, unable to touch the eternal light and beauty that God promises. In Christ's death and resurrection, we find the assurance that even the darkness will one day be overcome, and we will dwell in a universe of joy and glory.

Key Takeaways:

1. God is the eternal source of new beginnings, inviting us to let go of the past and embrace the present with faith and hope, especially in times of difficulty and loss. [00:42]

2. The choice between pessimism and optimism is about understanding the deeper meaning of life, not just a superficial outlook on circumstances. Pessimism, often seen as sophisticated, denies the moral arc of the universe and the significance of living nobly. [01:36]

3. The biblical narrative affirms that our existence is not an accident but part of a meaningful journey with a beginning and an end, as seen in Genesis and Revelation. This story offers hope and purpose, contrasting with the view that life is ultimately meaningless. [06:55]

4. Revelation's vision of a new heaven and earth assures us that chaos will be defeated, and beauty and life will abound. This promise encourages us to hold on and not give up, knowing that our story is headed somewhere meaningful. [07:57]

5. Tim Keller's example reminds us that the shadow of suffering is only a small and passing thing, unable to touch the eternal light and beauty that God promises. In Christ's resurrection, we find the assurance that darkness will one day be overcome. [11:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:42] - Embracing New Beginnings
- [01:21] - Pessimism vs. Optimism
- [02:06] - The Pessimistic Narrative
- [03:03] - The End of Time
- [04:25] - The Last Sentient Being
- [05:36] - The Meaningless Universe
- [06:55] - The Biblical Narrative
- [07:57] - Revelation's Vision
- [09:35] - Embracing the Story
- [10:08] - Tim Keller's Joyful Example
- [11:06] - The Passing Shadow
- [12:10] - Light and High Beauty

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:1 - "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
2. Revelation 21:1 - "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea."
3. Revelation 22:1-2 - "Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Genesis 1:1 reveal about the nature of our existence and its beginning?
2. How does Revelation 21:1 describe the future transformation of heaven and earth? What significance does the absence of the sea hold? [07:57]
3. In Revelation 22:1-2, what are the characteristics of the new creation, and what do they symbolize for humanity? [08:40]
4. How does the sermon describe the cultural narrative of pessimism, and what impact does it have on our understanding of life and existence? [02:06]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the biblical narrative of creation and new creation contrast with the pessimistic view of life as temporary and meaningless? [06:55]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the moral arc of the universe, and how does this relate to living a life of nobility and love? [06:24]
3. How does the vision of a new heaven and earth in Revelation provide hope and purpose for believers today? [07:57]
4. In what ways does Tim Keller's perspective on suffering and joy challenge common views on hardship and faith? [11:06]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a past experience where you felt stuck in pessimism. How can embracing the biblical narrative of hope change your perspective on that situation? [01:21]
2. Consider a current challenge you are facing. How can the promise of new beginnings in God encourage you to approach it with faith and hope? [00:42]
3. How can you actively choose to live in the story of hope and meaning that the Bible offers, rather than the narrative of meaninglessness? [06:55]
4. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to let go of the past. What steps can you take this week to embrace the present with faith? [00:42]
5. How can the vision of a new heaven and earth inspire you to live a life that reflects God's beauty and purpose? [07:57]
6. Think of someone who is currently suffering or grieving. How can you share the message of hope and new beginnings with them in a meaningful way? [01:07]
7. Reflect on Tim Keller's example of finding joy in the midst of suffering. How can you apply this mindset to your own life challenges? [11:06]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing New Beginnings
God invites us to release the burdens of our past and step into the present with renewed faith and hope. This invitation is especially poignant during times of hardship, grief, or loss. It is a call to trust in God's eternal promise of new beginnings, where each day offers a fresh start. By letting go of past regrets and sorrows, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love and grace, which can heal and restore us. This perspective encourages us to live with a hopeful outlook, knowing that God is continually working to bring about renewal in our lives. [00:42]

"Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: What is one past burden you need to release today to embrace the new beginning God offers you?


Day 2: The Deeper Meaning of Life
Choosing between pessimism and optimism is not merely about adopting a cheerful disposition but involves a profound understanding of life's deeper meaning. Pessimism, often regarded as sophisticated, suggests that life is ultimately meaningless and temporary. However, this view neglects the moral arc of the universe and the importance of living with nobility and love. Embracing optimism rooted in faith allows us to see beyond the superficial and recognize the significance of our existence, encouraging us to live with purpose and intentionality. [01:36]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you shift your perspective from pessimism to a deeper, faith-filled optimism today?


Day 3: Our Meaningful Journey
The biblical narrative assures us that our existence is not a mere accident but part of a meaningful journey with a defined beginning and end. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible tells a story of creation, fall, redemption, and restoration, affirming that life is purposeful and directed by God's sovereign hand. This narrative stands in stark contrast to the view that life is ultimately meaningless, offering us hope and a sense of direction. By embracing this story, we find encouragement to live with intention and trust in God's plan for our lives. [06:55]

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters." (Genesis 1:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: How does understanding your life as part of God's meaningful journey change the way you approach your daily decisions?


Day 4: The Promise of Revelation
Revelation offers a vision of a new heaven and a new earth, where chaos is defeated, and beauty and life flourish. This promise assures us that our story is headed toward a meaningful conclusion, encouraging us to persevere in faith. In a world often marked by uncertainty and turmoil, this vision provides hope and strength, reminding us that God's ultimate plan is one of restoration and renewal. By holding onto this promise, we can face challenges with courage, knowing that God's purpose will ultimately prevail. [07:57]

"Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more." (Revelation 21:1, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to hold onto the promise of God's ultimate restoration today?


Day 5: Overcoming the Shadow of Suffering
Tim Keller's example illustrates that the shadow of suffering is temporary and cannot overshadow the eternal light and beauty that God promises. In Christ's death and resurrection, we find the assurance that darkness will one day be overcome, and we will dwell in a universe of joy and glory. This perspective encourages us to view suffering as a passing shadow, unable to diminish the hope and joy found in God's eternal promises. By focusing on the resurrection, we can find strength and joy even in the midst of trials. [11:06]

"For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal." (2 Corinthians 4:17-18, ESV)

Reflection: How can you find joy and strength in the promise of Christ's resurrection amidst your current challenges?

Quotes


The Bible teaches that there is a God, and he is perpetually, eternally the god of new beginnings, of Fresh Starts and clean slates, and so we are invited by faith to let go of yesterday whatever it is that happened whatever you lost whatever you got wrong, to embrace this day. [00:28:16]

I want to think with you today about whether you will Embrace pessimism or optimism, and I don't mean in a chirpy way about some particular set of outcomes or circumstances. I mean how do you understand life in existence and meaning and ultimate destiny? Is that a good story or is it not a story at all? [00:89:93]

Modern science suggests that we and all are achievements and memories are destined to vanish like a dream. Is that sad or good? Well, I actually think that would not be a difficult question, and I think it is worth asking does modern science actually suggest that it goes on. The end is coming maybe 100 billion years. [00:149:04]

There will be a last sentient being, there will be a last thought, declare Jana Levine a cosmologist at Barnard College near the end of a trip to Infinity a new Netflix documentary. When I heard that statement during a showing of the film recently it broke my heart. It was the saddest loneliest idea I had ever contemplated. [00:175:01]

The great tragedy of this, I think, and the reason that it can't nurture the soul is not simply that existence is temporary, it's that it's meaningless, that that is one day that one day when the last sentient being has passed away and life has ceased to exist it will not have mattered at all. [00:352:44]

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth, that the one who will have the last word on the universe is the one who had the first word on the universe. In the beginning was the word, that idea and meaning and sense are in fact what constructed existence as we know it. [00:417:53]

Revelation 22 that I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth, for the first Heaven and the first Earth had passed away and there was no longer any sea. Remember the sea was an image in the ancient world of chaos and that which could be destructive and and now chaos will have been utterly defeated. [00:473:40]

The invitation to you today is embrace the story that your existence and this universe is not an accident and it will not wink out into Bleak nothingness but it has meaning so you hold on don't you give up. [00:575:58]

Tim Keller, I mentioned recently his passing. A friend of mine Bill vogie who's a real big part of the Fellowship of the withered hand was on a board with Tim and he talked about what a joyful person Tim was and the one time he told Tim that he was going bankrupt. [00:594:66]

When Sam Ganges faces the greatest Danger, and he suddenly realizes that the shadow is only a small and passing thing, and it is unable to touch the light and High Beauty that will last forever. The Shadow is only a small and passing thing. [00:672:83]

If the Bible is true, the whole universe is a universe of Joy, Of Glory, of life. On Earth we're stuck in this tiny little speck of Darkness, but because of Christ's death and Resurrection, even that Darkness someday is going to be taken away in the end. [00:705:18]

The shadow is only a small and passing thing. There is light and High Beauty forever Beyond its reach. [00:727:26]

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Transcript
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