The discussion explores the power of hope amidst despair, particularly for today's youth grappling with mental health issues. By examining the disciples on the road to Emmaus, it emphasizes how Jesus reignites faith through truths from scripture. The importance of embodying hope in daily life is highlighted, showcasing how individual actions reflect God’s nature. There's a call to stick to the full gospel without dilution, and an initiative to support new believers is introduced, demonstrating the impact of generosity in faith.
Engaging with scripture and the teachings of Jesus helps believers renew their hope and strengthen their faith, even in despair.
Christians are called to embody hope in their actions while spreading the gospel, showcasing the transformative power of faith through mentorship and example.
Deep dives
The Importance of Hope in Faith
Followers of Jesus are admonished to be filled with hope, as outlined in the teachings of Romans. The text highlights that God, referred to as the 'God of hope,' offers joy and peace through belief, enabling individuals to abound in hope thanks to the Holy Spirit. Using the story of the disciples on the Emmaus Road, it is illustrated that hope can diminish when one strays from scripture, as their despair was turned to joy through Christ’s guidance. By engaging with the Word of God, believers can renew their hope and strengthen their faith, emphasizing that one's connection to scripture is crucial in times of hopelessness.
Sharing Hope with Others
Christians are encouraged to be messengers of hope, tasked with spreading the gospel and supporting others in their spiritual journeys. The example of Paul, who was called to bring the message to the Gentiles despite his Jewish background, showcases the mission of challenging personal comfort zones to reach those in need of hope and faith. His approach emphasizes the joy found in witnessing the transformation of lives and the importance of making disciples, which involves teaching and uplifting both young and mature believers. This mutual mentorship is essential for nurturing faith within the community, fostering both guidance and energy among believers of different generations.
Living as an Example of Hope
Believers are urged to embody the hope they advocate, serving as living examples of the gospel to those around them. The message teaches that one's actions and character can significantly impact others’ perceptions of God, as many may never read the Bible but will observe believers' lives. A comprehensive presentation of the gospel is necessary, including the concepts of repentance and salvation, to provide a complete understanding of faith. By actively practicing the gospel in everyday life, Christians can be effective heralds of hope, positively influencing those seeking answers and assurance in a world that often feels devoid of both.
If ever there was someone who had a reason to be hopeless, it was Jesus. He left the glory of heaven to come to earth. He was tempted like us, felt pain like us, felt betrayal like us. The world He created turned against Him, and He was sentenced to the death of a common criminal. How’s YOUR day going? Today on A NEW BEGINNING, Pastor Greg Laurie points to the hope found in Jesus’ sacrifice for us – a message Pastor Greg has been sharing in his Harvest Crusades for over 30 years.
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A New Beginning is the daily half-hour program hosted by Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Southern California. For over 30 years, Pastor Greg and Harvest Ministries have endeavored to know God and make Him known through media and large-scale evangelism. This podcast is supported by the generosity of our Harvest Partners.