Prisoners of Hope

In today’s world, it can be challenging to maintain a sense of hope amidst various trials and tribulations. However, the message of hope is not only relevant but also essential for our spiritual well-being. This blog post explores the concept of being “Prisoners of Hope,” drawing insights from the Bible and the transformative power of faith.

The God of Hope

Romans 15:13 introduces us to the “God of Hope.” This title emphasizes that God is not a source of discouragement or despair, but rather a wellspring of hope, joy, and peace. The verse serves as a prayer, asking for God to fill believers with joy and peace as they trust in Him. It reminds us that hope is not merely a wish but a confident expectation rooted in faith.

In believing, we are empowered to abound in hope through the Holy Spirit. This highlights the importance of being a Holy Spirit-filled church. Without the Holy Spirit, we may find ourselves devoid of hope and power. The presence of the Holy Spirit brings righteousness, peace, and joy, creating an atmosphere where hope can flourish.

Photo by Jared Erondu on Unsplash

Facing Fears and Challenges

Many people today are grappling with fears, especially concerning societal issues such as the LGBTQ+ agenda. These fears can lead to a sense of hopelessness and despair. However, as believers, we are called to walk boldly in faith, trusting in God’s plan and purpose. We must not allow fear to dictate our lives, but rather embrace the hope found in Jesus Christ.

It is essential to understand that love and acceptance do not equate to approval of every lifestyle. The church’s success lies in showing love to all, regardless of their choices, while also upholding the truth of God’s Word. This balance allows us to be a light in a dark world, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel through our actions and words.

Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

The Power of Hope

Hope is a powerful force that can change lives. As Thomas Fuller said, “Great Hopes make great men.” When we hope for something great, we are compelled to pursue it. Hope enlarges our vision and encourages us to strive for more. Samuel Johnson also noted that “whatever enlarges hope will also exalt courage.” Therefore, cultivating hope in ourselves and others is crucial for building courage and resilience.

Hope is not just an abstract concept; it is a tangible reality that can be experienced in our lives. As A.W. Tozer remarked, hope is the music of the whole Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, we see God’s promises of hope woven throughout Scripture. Even in the darkest moments, God offers hope and the assurance that He is in control.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez ???????? on Unsplash

Hope in Times of Pain

Pain, whether physical or emotional, can rob us of hope. It is crucial to recognize that during times of suffering, we need the support and encouragement of our community. The church should be a place where individuals can find hope and healing, not judgment and condemnation. We must create an environment where people feel safe to express their doubts and struggles while being uplifted in faith.

In marriage and relationships, communication is key. If one partner is struggling, it is essential to share those struggles openly. The same principle applies to the church community. We must be willing to reach out to one another in times of need and extend grace and understanding. Building strong, supportive relationships is vital for fostering hope and resilience.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez ???????? on Unsplash

The Role of Prayer

Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us to the God of Hope. In Romans 4:16-18, we see how Abraham believed in hope against hope, trusting in God’s promises despite seemingly impossible circumstances. This kind of faith is vital for us today. We must pray boldly, asking God to intervene in our lives and the lives of those around us.

Hope is also intricately linked to perseverance. Romans 8:25 tells us to wait eagerly for what we hope for. This waiting requires patience and trust in God’s timing. The Holy Spirit assists us in our weaknesses, interceding on our behalf when we do not know how to pray. This divine support strengthens our hope and helps us remain steadfast in our faith.

Photo by Ziph on Unsplash

Creating a Culture of Hope

As a church and community, we must actively cultivate an atmosphere of hope. This involves encouraging one another, sharing stories of transformation, and celebrating God’s faithfulness. We should strive to be a community that embodies hope, extending love and support to those who are struggling.

Furthermore, we must challenge ourselves to believe in the power of the Gospel. The same God who raised Jesus from the dead can bring hope and healing to any situation. Our faith must be rooted in the reality that there is no bondage too strong for God to break. As we share this message of hope, we can help others experience the transformative power of Christ in their lives.

Photo by Vonecia Carswell on Unsplash

Conclusion: Living as Prisoners of Hope

Being a “Prisoner of Hope” means being bound to hope in every circumstance. It is a commitment to trust in God’s promises, even when faced with challenges and uncertainties. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us hold on to the hope that comes from knowing Christ. We are called to be ambassadors of hope, sharing the message of salvation and transformation with those around us.

Let us pray for a move of God in our generation, seeking His guidance and intervention in our lives and the lives of others. Together, we can be a community that embodies hope, love, and faith, making a lasting impact in a world that desperately needs it.

Remember, hope is not just a feeling; it is a choice we make every day. Let us choose to be prisoners of hope, trusting in the God who is faithful and true.

Prisoners of Hope

(Sermon Outline)

1. Romans 15:13 (NKJV) —13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
   1. Items in dream – implications personal, national and international.
   1. HOPE FOR CHANGE
2. What hope has meant to people in the past:
   1. Great hopes make great men. – Thomas Fuller^[1]
   1. Whatever enlarges hope will also exalt courage. – Samuel Johnson^[2]
   1. If you do not hope you will never discover what is beyond your hopes. – Clement of Alexandria^[3]
   1. He that lives in hope dances without music. – George Herbert^[4]
   1. There is no better or more blessed bondage than to be a prisoner of hope. – Roy Z. Kemp^[5]
   1. Hope is a word which has taken on a new and deeper meaning for us because the Savior took it into His mouth. Loving Him and obeying Him, we suddenly discover that hope is really the direction taken by the whole Bible. Hope is the music of the whole Bible, the heartbeat, the pulse and the atmosphere of the whole Bible.^[6] – A.W. Tozer
3. Hope carries us victoriously through the dark of night
   1. Context of Scriptures locate hope in the atmosphere of the whole bible – Romans 5:1–5 (NKJV) — 1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
   1. The Balance of Eternal Hope and Temporal Hope
   1. Why do we often have more faith in the power of evil and evil men?
   1. Colossians 1:26–29 (NKJV) — 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
4. The need for Hope
   1. The cultural crisis
   1. LGBTQ+ and LSCC
   1. The Puritan and liberal evolutionary hope
   1. The challenge of hope in the midst of pain.
      1. Personal life situations
      1. Family members and friends who are in darkness.
   1. A community of hope – the importance of church
   1. My journey of hope
   1. A move of God in this generation
5. Hope and Prayer
   1. Romans 4:16–18 (NKJV) — 16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”
   1. Pregnant with Hope
   1. Romans 8:25–30 (NKJV) —25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He  might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
6. Prisoners of Hope
   1. Zechariah 9:11–14 (NKJV) — 11 “As for you also, Because of the blood of your covenant, I will set your prisoners free from the waterless pit. 12 Return to the stronghold, You prisoners of hope. Even today I declare That I will restore double to you. 13 For I have bent Judah, My bow, Fitted the bow with Ephraim, And raised up your sons, O Zion, Against your sons, O Greece, And made you like the sword of a mighty man.” 14 Then the Lord will be seen over them, And His arrow will go forth like lightning. The Lord God will blow the trumpet, And go with whirlwinds from the south.

---

^[1] Mark Water, The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations (Alresford, Hampshire: John Hunt Publishers Ltd, 2000), 493.

^[2] Mark Water, The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations (Alresford, Hampshire: John Hunt Publishers Ltd, 2000), 493.

^[3] Mark Water, The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations (Alresford, Hampshire: John Hunt Publishers Ltd, 2000), 493.

^[4] Mark Water, The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations (Alresford, Hampshire: John Hunt Publishers Ltd, 2000), 493.

^[5] Mark Water, The New Encyclopedia of Christian Quotations (Alresford, Hampshire: John Hunt Publishers Ltd, 2000), 494.

^[6] A. W. Tozer and Harry Verploegh, The Quotable Tozer II: More Wise Words with a Prophetic Edge (Camp Hill, PA: WingSpread, 1997), 118.