Hope Dealers: Celebrating Redemption and Eternal Promise
Summary
In my sermon today, I began by addressing the state of the world and the pervasive sense of hopelessness that many people feel. Citing a study from the Wall Street Journal and the University of Chicago, I highlighted the grim outlook many have for future generations, with a record 78% of those surveyed believing their children's lives will not be better than their own. This sense of a world growing darker is something we, as a church, must confront with the light of hope and the promise of eternity with God.
I then moved on to discuss the stark contrast between funerals for believers and non-believers, drawing from 1 Thessalonians 4. As believers, we have a hope that transcends this life, knowing that our existence here is but a mist compared to eternity. This hope allows us to face death without fear, knowing that for believers, a funeral is not a goodbye but a "see you on the other side."
I emphasized our role as hope dealers, spreading hope like confetti, especially in a world that desperately needs it. We have the hope of Jesus, the promise of eternity, and the assurance that no matter how dark today may seem, there is always the light of eternity in God's presence.
I also spoke about our identity as party throwers, drawing from Luke 15, where Jesus tells three parables that all point to the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. Whether it's the lost sheep, the lost coin, or the lost son, each story culminates in a celebration. This is why we rejoice on days like baptism Sunday, throwing a party for every soul that turns to Jesus.
I shared the parable of the prodigal son, emphasizing the father's extravagant love and grace. I challenged the congregation to identify with the characters in the story, asking whether they are like the prodigal son returning home or the older brother standing outside the celebration. I urged them to remember that we were all once lost and in need of a savior, and we should never grow complacent or self-righteous.
I then discussed the concept of honor, referencing a moment in Jesus' life when He could not perform miracles in His hometown due to a lack of honor. Honor is about seeing and calling out the value in others, and as a church, we aim to be high honor people. This means looking past faults to find the gold in others, giving us the right to speak truth into their lives.
I concluded by reiterating our mission to do whatever it takes until our community looks like heaven. We are high honor, hope dealing, party throwers, and we will never stop seeking those who are lost from God.
Key Takeaways:
1. The world's pervasive hopelessness is a call to action for us to be beacons of hope, demonstrating through our lives that there is more beyond this temporary existence. We must live in such a way that reflects the eternal hope we have in Jesus, offering a contrast to the despair that many feel about the future. ([20:35])
2. The hope we possess as believers transforms how we approach life and death. We do not grieve as those without hope, for we know that life is a prelude to eternity. This perspective should infuse our interactions with compassion and understanding, especially during times of loss. ([22:12])
3. Our identity as party throwers is rooted in the joy of salvation. Just as there is rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents, we too should celebrate every act of redemption with genuine enthusiasm and love, reflecting the heart of God for His children. ([25:54])
4. Honor is a powerful force that can open doors to influence and change. By choosing to honor others, we look past their faults to see their potential, creating an environment where people are inspired to rise to their God-given calling. ([15:14])
5. Our mission is to relentlessly pursue those who are lost, just as the father in the parable of the prodigal son demonstrated wasteful extravagance in his love and forgiveness. We must never become complacent or self-focused, forgetting our own need for grace and the joy of welcoming others home. ([33:40])
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 (NIV)
> "Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him."
2. Luke 15:7 (NIV)
> "I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent."
3. Mark 6:4-5 (NIV)
> "Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.' He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 say about how believers should view death? How does this differ from the perspective of non-believers? ([22:12])
2. In Luke 15, what is the common theme in the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son? ([25:54])
3. According to Mark 6:4-5, why was Jesus unable to perform many miracles in His hometown? ([15:14])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of believers as "hope dealers"? ([23:21])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the hope of eternity with God, as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14, influence the way believers should live their daily lives? ([22:12])
2. What does the reaction of the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son teach us about self-righteousness and grace? ([31:11])
3. How can the concept of honor, as discussed in Mark 6:4-5, impact our relationships within the church and our community? ([15:14])
4. Why is it important for the church to celebrate moments of redemption and salvation, as illustrated in Luke 15? ([25:54])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt hopeless about the future. How can the hope of eternity with God change your perspective on that situation? ([20:35])
2. In what ways can you be a "hope dealer" in your daily interactions? Think of specific actions you can take this week to spread hope. ([23:21])
3. Identify someone in your life who you may have dishonored or taken for granted. What steps can you take to honor them and recognize their value? ([15:14])
4. How can you actively participate in celebrating the spiritual milestones of others, such as baptisms or conversions? ([25:54])
5. Consider the story of the prodigal son. Are there areas in your life where you need to extend grace and forgiveness, either to yourself or others? ([31:11])
6. How can you ensure that you do not become complacent or self-righteous, forgetting your own need for grace? ([33:40])
7. What practical steps can you take to create an environment of honor and respect within your small group or church community? ([15:14])
Devotional
Day 1: Beacon of Eternal Hope
In a world where hopelessness seems to be the prevailing sentiment, it is essential to remember that as individuals with faith, there is a responsibility to embody and share the hope that comes from a relationship with Jesus. This hope is not a fleeting emotion but a steadfast anchor that holds firm in the face of life's storms. It is the kind of hope that looks beyond the temporary struggles and sees a future that is secure in the promise of eternity. This hope is not just for oneself but is a gift to be shared with others, offering a contrast to the despair that many feel about the future. It is a call to live in such a way that reflects the eternal hope found in Jesus, to be a light in the darkness, and to encourage others to look beyond their current circumstances to the eternal joy that awaits them. [20:35]
"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." - Romans 15:4
Reflection: How can you demonstrate the hope you have in Christ to someone who is struggling with hopelessness today?
Day 2: Grieving with Hope
The way one approaches both life and death is transformed by the hope that is held as a believer. This hope is not a denial of grief or loss but rather a way to navigate through it with a different perspective. It is understanding that life on earth is a prelude to something far greater—an eternity with God. This hope allows for mourning that is not devoid of comfort or solace, for it is infused with the knowledge that separation by death is temporary for those who believe. It is a hope that should be evident in the way compassion is offered to those who are grieving, providing a sense of peace that surpasses all understanding. [22:12]
"But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope." - 1 Thessalonians 4:13
Reflection: When you encounter moments of loss, how can you use your hope in Christ to comfort others in their grief?
Day 3: Celebrating Redemption
The identity as party throwers is deeply rooted in the joy that comes from witnessing the transformation of a life redeemed by Christ. Just as there is a celebration in heaven over one sinner who repents, there should be an outpouring of joy and celebration on earth. This joy is not a mere formality but a genuine expression of love and excitement for the spiritual rebirth of an individual. It is a reflection of God's heart for His children, a heart that delights in restoration and reconciliation. This celebration is an integral part of the faith community, reminding everyone of the value of each soul and the beauty of salvation. [25:54]
"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents." - Luke 15:10
Reflection: How can you actively participate in celebrating the spiritual milestones of others in your community?
Day 4: The Power of Honor
Honor is a transformative force that has the potential to unlock the best in people. It is about recognizing and affirming the value in others, even when it is obscured by their faults. By choosing to honor others, a culture is created where individuals are encouraged to rise to their God-given potential. This environment fosters growth and allows for the kind of influence that can lead to significant change. Honor is not about flattery or insincerity; it is a sincere acknowledgment of the worth that every person carries. It is a powerful tool in building relationships and communities that reflect the love and respect that everyone deserves. [15:14]
"Outdo one another in showing honor." - Romans 12:10
Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you can show honor to today, and how can you do it?
Day 5: Pursuing the Lost with Extravagant Love
The mission to pursue those who are lost is inspired by the parable of the prodigal son, where the father's love and forgiveness are described as wastefully extravagant. This mission is a reminder to never become complacent or self-focused, forgetting the grace that has been received and the joy that comes from extending that grace to others. It is about actively seeking out those who are far from God and welcoming them with open arms, just as the father in the parable welcomed his lost son. This pursuit is relentless and fueled by a love that knows no bounds—a love that reflects the heart of God for His children. [33:40]
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 28:19
Reflection: What practical steps can you take this week to reach out to someone who is far from God?
Quotes
"hopeless and I think think the church should be the light to the world around us a study was done that came out two years ago was from the Wall Street Journal in the University of Chicago and this was one of the findings it said a record 78% of those surveyed didn't think their children's generation will live better than their own up from 67% in 2019 what does this mean it means people feel like the world is getting worse and worse and worse and what we're leaving behind for the next generation is somehow darker and more desolate than for us we live in a hopeless kind of world" [20:35]
"we have as a believer that this life isn't all that there is to this life that this life according to the Epistles is but a Mist a breath it's here for a moment and then it's gone it's like a vapor you see it and then it's over but this little breath is nothing more than the start of Eternity with God as a Christian we can live and we don't have to live in fear we can understand that every funeral service that we attend for a Believer isn't a goodbye it's say I'll see you on the other side we have a different kind of hope" [22:12]
"we are to pass out hope everywhere we go we should throw it around like confetti we should give it out like candy it should be one of the great gifts we give to the world that is so desperately in need of Hope what is the hope you have Jesus what is the hope we have in him eternity with God what is the hope we have that no matter how dark or desolate today feels there is always eternity in the presence of God where there is no more death no more mourning no more crying no more sadness no more weeping no more pain" [23:21]
"Jesus says there's a party thrown in heaven when a person makes a decision to follow Jesus then he tells another story says imagine that there's a woman who has 10 silver coins and these 10 silver coins are important because like in those days it is believed that the 10 silver coins represented the equivalent of like a modern-day engagement ring maybe it was used as a piece of jewelry or headwear and he says imagine a woman has 10 silver coins but she loses one will she just say it's no big deal of course not she will turn her house upside down sweeping every corner looking with the lamp until she finds it and when she finds it she'll gather her friends and say rejoice with me I found my missing coin" [26:23]
"the father said to his servants quick bring the best robe and put it on him put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet bring the fattened calf and kill it come on let's have a feast New York strips fets come on somebody prime rib for everybody up in this house and we're going to celebrate celebrate means there's going to be cheesecake Junior's Cheesecake at the end is going to be amazing he says for this son of mine was dead and is alive again he was lost and is found so they begin to they begin to party" [30:38]
"the story is called the story of the prodical son it's fascinating because I think if we were to do a poll in the room and I were to say what does the word prodigal mean we might come up with a lot of definitions and up until recently I thought prodigal meant Wayward or lost prodigal means wastefully extravagant the story is called the story of the prodical son I'd like to submit to you that maybe it should be called the prodal father because he's wastefully extravagant with his love his forgiveness and his grace when his son comes home" [33:40]
"we will never stop looking for people who were lost from God does it mean God doesn't care about you absolutely not he's crazy about you but what has his heart and his Focus are his children who are missing from him so here's the point at actess church this is what we do we're going to do whatever it takes whatever it costs we're going to do whatever it takes and whatever it costs until Lakeland looks like heaven we do whatever it takes" [34:50]
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