This morning, as we gathered on this Fourth of July weekend, we were reminded of the freedoms we enjoy, not only as citizens of this nation but, more importantly, as recipients of God’s grace. Our time together began with gratitude for the arms of Jesus—arms that are everlasting, strong enough to hold us through every season of life. We sang of the blessed assurance that comes from leaning on Him, and reflected on how, just as Moses needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his arms, we too are called to lean on one another in times of need. This fellowship is a gift, and it points us back to Christ, whose sufficiency and sacrifice are the foundation of our hope.
We spent time in prayer, lifting up those in our community who are suffering, grieving, or in need of healing. We acknowledged the reality that life is filled with both mountaintop moments and valleys, and that God is present in all of them. The book of Job served as our guide, reminding us that repetition is often necessary for us to truly grasp the lessons God is teaching. Job’s story is one of enduring hardship, wrestling with questions of suffering, and seeking hope when circumstances seem hopeless.
Job’s cry—“Where then is my hope?”—echoes the longing of every heart that has faced loss or pain. Yet, even in his despair, Job clings to the conviction that “my Redeemer lives.” We explored how, as followers of Christ, we are called to be people of hope, always ready to give an answer for the hope within us, and to do so with gentleness and respect. The world is often harsh and quick to judge, but we are commanded to embody the fruit of the Spirit, especially gentleness, in our interactions with others.
Right living, or righteousness, is not about earning God’s favor but about responding to His grace. Job’s integrity was not transactional; he did what was right because it was right, not for the rewards it might bring. We are invited to pray bold prayers, asking God to reveal our own faults, and to be careful with our words—both to others and to ourselves—knowing that words can heal or destroy.
Ultimately, our hope is anchored not in our own goodness but in the finished work of Christ. Jesus is our Redeemer and Advocate, the one who pleads our case not by pointing to our righteousness, but by offering His own. As we celebrated communion, we remembered that our belonging to Jesus is not based on our efforts, but on His sacrifice. We are sent out as people of hope, love, gentleness, and respect, empowered by the Holy Spirit to point others to the living Redeemer.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Leaning on Christ and Each Other: True strength is found in leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus, but also in the fellowship of believers. Just as Moses needed others to hold up his arms, we are not meant to walk this journey alone. When we support one another, we reflect the sufficiency and love of Christ to the world. [17:32]
- 2. Hope in the Midst of Suffering: Life is a cycle of highs and lows, and God is present in every season. Job’s honest wrestling with despair teaches us that it’s okay to ask hard questions and to seek hope even when circumstances seem bleak. Our hope is not rooted in our situation, but in the living Redeemer who stands with us. [41:19]
- 3. Gentleness and Respect as Witness: We are called to be people who embody gentleness and respect, especially when the world is harsh or judgmental. The fruit of the Spirit is not optional; it is essential to our witness. Gentleness opens doors for hope and healing, both for ourselves and for those around us. [43:47]
- 4. Right Living Flows from Grace, Not Transaction: Righteousness is not a bargaining chip with God, but a response to His grace. Job’s integrity was not about earning blessings, but about living rightly because it honors God. We are invited to pray for God to reveal our faults, not to justify ourselves, but to grow in humility and dependence on Him. [48:15]
- 5. Christ, Our Redeemer and Advocate: Our ultimate hope is not in our own goodness, but in Jesus, who redeems and advocates for us. When accusations come—whether from others, ourselves, or the enemy—Jesus points to His own finished work on our behalf. This assurance frees us to live with hope, to extend grace to others, and to keep our eyes fixed on the living Redeemer. [57:10]
** [57:10]
Youtube Chapters
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:38] - Opening and Announcements
- [09:50] - Fourth of July Reflections and Freedom
- [11:07] - Upcoming Events and Baptism
- [13:48] - Beginning Worship: Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
- [16:47] - The Importance of Fellowship and Support
- [18:09] - Communion Preparation: All-Sufficient Merit
- [23:13] - Prayer Requests and Community Updates
- [30:25] - Congregational Prayer
- [37:15] - Introduction to Job: Repetition and Life’s Seasons
- [41:19] - Job’s Question: Where is My Hope?
- [43:47] - Gentleness and Respect in Suffering
- [48:15] - The Value of Right Living
- [52:34] - Job’s Redeemer and the Hope of Resurrection
- [57:10] - Christ as Redeemer and Advocate
- [62:14] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
- [70:08] - Deacon’s Offering and Caring for One Another
- [72:29] - Benediction: Sent as People of Hope
