Embracing Living Hope: Transformation Through Christ

 

Summary

Summary:

Today, we explored the concept of a "living hope" as it pertains to eschatology, the study of end times. This hope is not rooted in fear or catastrophic predictions but in the transformative power of Jesus Christ, who declared, "I am making everything new" (Revelation 21:5). This statement is not just about restoring the old but creating something entirely fresh and unprecedented. The Greek word "kainos" used here signifies a new quality or kind, indicating a divine renewal that reflects God's ultimate plan for redemption.

Throughout history, there have been numerous predictions about the end times, many of which have proven false. These predictions often lead to fear and anxiety, but we are reminded that God's kingdom is an everlasting one, continuously unfolding. Jesus' victory on the cross has already defeated the enemy, and we are called to enforce that victory on earth. This ongoing action of making all things new involves us as active participants in God's redemptive work.

The birth of Jesus Christ marked the beginning of this new creation, bringing profound changes to society, culture, and morality. As believers, we are not to live in fear but to embrace the hope and purpose God has for us. We are called to be agents of transformation, bringing the kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. This hope is rooted in the assurance that Jesus is coming back to rule and reign with us, and we have a role to play in this divine plan.

Key Takeaways:

1. Living Hope in Eschatology: Our hope is not in fear or catastrophic predictions but in the transformative power of Jesus Christ, who is actively making all things new. This hope is rooted in the assurance of God's ultimate plan for redemption and renewal. [03:57]

2. False Predictions and Fear: Throughout history, many predictions about the end times have proven false, leading to fear and anxiety. We are reminded that God's kingdom is everlasting and continuously unfolding, and we are called to live in hope, not fear. [11:50]

3. Victory on the Cross: Jesus' victory on the cross has already defeated the enemy, and we are called to enforce that victory on earth. This involves us as active participants in God's redemptive work, bringing the kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. [24:02]

4. Transformation and Renewal: The phrase "I am making everything new" emphasizes God's active role in bringing about a new creation, not simply repairing the old but transforming it into something entirely fresh, free from sin, decay, and death. [20:55]

5. Purpose and Participation: As believers, we are called to be agents of transformation, bringing the kingdom of God to earth. This involves embracing the hope and purpose God has for us, knowing that Jesus is coming back to rule and reign with us. [19:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:39] - Opening Prayer
- [02:28] - A Lighthearted Joke
- [03:57] - Introduction to Eschatology
- [06:59] - Living Hope vs. Fearful Predictions
- [08:53] - Revelation 21:5 Explained
- [09:52] - False Predictions in History
- [11:50] - The Impact of Fearful Predictions
- [13:52] - Personal Experiences with Predictions
- [14:34] - The Role of the Church
- [19:43] - Jesus' Reign on Earth
- [20:55] - God's Active Role in Renewal
- [23:35] - Genesis 3:14-15 Prophecy
- [25:04] - Isaiah 9:6-7 Fulfillment
- [30:38] - The Silent Years and God's Plan
- [33:16] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Revelation 21:5
2. Genesis 3:14-15
3. Isaiah 9:6-7

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the phrase "I am making everything new" in Revelation 21:5 signify about God's plan for creation? [08:53]

2. How does the sermon describe the impact of false predictions about the end times on believers? [11:50]

3. According to the sermon, what role do believers play in God's ongoing work of renewal and transformation? [19:43]

4. What historical examples were given in the sermon to illustrate the failure of end-time predictions? [13:52]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of "living hope" differ from the fear associated with end-time predictions, according to the sermon? [06:59]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Jesus' victory on the cross impacts our current role as believers? [24:02]

3. How does the sermon interpret the prophecy in Genesis 3:14-15 in relation to Jesus' mission and victory? [23:35]

4. What does the sermon imply about the significance of Jesus' birth in relation to societal and cultural transformation? [30:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt anxious about the future. How can the concept of "living hope" help you shift your perspective from fear to faith? [06:59]

2. The sermon emphasizes our role as active participants in God's redemptive work. What specific actions can you take this week to contribute to God's kingdom on earth? [19:43]

3. Consider the false predictions about the end times mentioned in the sermon. How can you discern between fear-based teachings and those rooted in biblical truth? [11:50]

4. How does understanding Jesus' ongoing work of making all things new influence your daily life and decisions? [20:55]

5. The sermon highlights the transformative impact of Jesus' birth. In what ways can you be an agent of transformation in your community or workplace? [30:38]

6. Reflect on the assurance that Jesus is coming back to rule and reign with us. How does this promise affect your long-term goals and aspirations? [19:43]

7. How can you encourage others in your faith community to embrace hope and purpose rather than fear and anxiety about the future? [06:59]

Devotional

Day 1: Living Hope in the Face of Uncertainty
Our hope is not in fear or catastrophic predictions but in the transformative power of Jesus Christ, who is actively making all things new. This hope is rooted in the assurance of God's ultimate plan for redemption and renewal. The concept of a "living hope" is central to understanding eschatology, the study of end times. Unlike the fear-driven narratives often associated with the end times, this hope is grounded in the transformative power of Jesus Christ. Revelation 21:5 declares, "I am making everything new," emphasizing a divine renewal that is not merely a restoration of the old but the creation of something entirely fresh and unprecedented. The Greek word "kainos" used in this context signifies a new quality or kind, reflecting God's ultimate plan for redemption. This living hope assures us that God's kingdom is everlasting and continuously unfolding, inviting us to participate in His redemptive work. [03:57]

1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find yourself succumbing to fear or anxiety about the future? How can you actively replace that fear with the living hope found in Christ today?


Day 2: Overcoming Fear with Everlasting Hope
Throughout history, many predictions about the end times have proven false, leading to fear and anxiety. We are reminded that God's kingdom is everlasting and continuously unfolding, and we are called to live in hope, not fear. The history of eschatological predictions is filled with instances that have led to fear and anxiety. Many of these predictions have been proven false, yet they often leave a lingering sense of dread. However, the message of the gospel is one of hope, not fear. God's kingdom is not a fleeting or temporary reality but an everlasting one that is continuously unfolding. As believers, we are called to live in this hope, trusting in God's ultimate plan and purpose. This perspective shifts our focus from fear of the unknown to confidence in God's eternal promises. [11:50]

Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Reflection: Identify a specific fear or anxiety you have about the future. How can you actively choose to trust in God's everlasting kingdom and promises today?


Day 3: Enforcing Victory on Earth
Jesus' victory on the cross has already defeated the enemy, and we are called to enforce that victory on earth. This involves us as active participants in God's redemptive work, bringing the kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. The victory of Jesus on the cross is a pivotal moment in history, marking the defeat of the enemy. This victory is not just a past event but a present reality that we are called to enforce on earth. As believers, we are active participants in God's redemptive work, tasked with bringing the kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. This involves living out the values of the kingdom, embodying love, justice, and mercy in our daily lives. By doing so, we become agents of transformation, reflecting the victory of Christ in a world that desperately needs hope and renewal. [24:02]

Colossians 2:14-15 (ESV): "By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can actively participate in God's redemptive work in your community this week?


Day 4: Embracing Divine Transformation
The phrase "I am making everything new" emphasizes God's active role in bringing about a new creation, not simply repairing the old but transforming it into something entirely fresh, free from sin, decay, and death. God's promise to make everything new is a profound declaration of His active role in transforming creation. This transformation is not merely a repair of the old but the creation of something entirely fresh and unprecedented. It is a divine renewal that reflects God's ultimate plan for redemption, free from sin, decay, and death. As believers, we are invited to embrace this transformation, allowing God to work in and through us to bring about His kingdom on earth. This involves a willingness to let go of the old and embrace the new, trusting in God's perfect plan and purpose. [20:55]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to let go of the old and embrace God's transformative work? How can you take a step towards that transformation today?


Day 5: Participating in God's Divine Plan
As believers, we are called to be agents of transformation, bringing the kingdom of God to earth. This involves embracing the hope and purpose God has for us, knowing that Jesus is coming back to rule and reign with us. The call to be agents of transformation is a significant aspect of the Christian life. As believers, we are invited to participate in God's divine plan, bringing the kingdom of God to earth as it is in heaven. This involves embracing the hope and purpose that God has for us, living out our faith in tangible ways that reflect His love and grace. We are assured that Jesus is coming back to rule and reign with us, and we have a role to play in this divine plan. By living with purpose and intentionality, we can make a meaningful impact in the world around us, pointing others to the hope and redemption found in Christ. [19:43]

Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Reflection: How can you intentionally live out your role as an agent of transformation in your daily life? What specific actions can you take to bring the kingdom of God to earth in your sphere of influence?

Quotes

"Living hope. Not a dead, fearful, catastrophic. A living hope. That God has a living hope. And Jesus said something here in Revelation 21:5, but really what stirred a lot of this. This isn't just something just recently, but just over the years, probably the last 15, 20 years of my life, growing up under certain teaching, that this really stirred my heart." [00:04:03] (30 seconds)


"If you live in constant fear, that will be translated to your children. I can guarantee you that. If you live in constant doom and destruction, that will affect your life. And anyhow, moving right along. So, Revelation 21:5, Revelation 21:5, Jesus has been crucified, born, crucified, buried, rose from the grave victorious, amen, has the scars to prove it, and he's sitting on his throne in heaven." [00:07:55] (37 seconds)


"The word behold or look is an emphatic word used to draw attention to something significant or remarkable. It's like a divine announcement saying, pay close attention, excuse me, pay close attention. The word new is derived from the Greek word, kainos, which actually means new in quality or kind, as opposed to which focused on something new in time or age." [00:09:13] (23 seconds)


"The words I make or I am making this is a verb in the present active indicative signifying an ongoing action so just because jesus died rose again and left that's the end no no no there's an ongoing action and he says this prophetically written in revelation that he said i've come to make all things known it conveys that god is actively continuously and personally engaged in the work of the church." [00:20:04] (27 seconds)


"Jesus, the Lamb, was slain. But Jesus, even though He is the Lamb of God, He is also the Great Shepherd. He is the King. He is coming back to restore everything Satan stole. And you have a part to play in that in this period in your life. You're here this morning as a pastor. I'm not right with the Lord." [00:37:29] (28 seconds)


"Invite Christ into your life to be Lord and Savior of your life. If that's you, as we all pray in unison, pray this out to commit your life to Christ. Lord, Lord Jesus, I believe You died on the cross for my sin. Jesus, You came to save us. You came to bring us freedom. You came to restore all things." [00:38:41] (29 seconds)


"Thank You for saving me. Thank You for coming into my life. For giving me of my sin. Jesus, of an act of obedience, I give You my life. Now take it. In Jesus' name." [00:39:03] (17 seconds)


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Transcript
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