Hope On!
“What is wrong with our world?” “What are we going to do?” “I have never seen anything like this before?”
The above questions have been asked many times a day during the Covid-19 Crisis and the unrest of Racial and Social tension that we are experiencing. Those questions or tension are not anything new in the chronicles of history. America and the world has been through many things that are far worse. Yes! It is a discouraging time right now. Yes! It does not seem to get better but worse.
Here is something that I rely on. It is Hope. It is Hope in Christ. A couple of years ago Jason G. Duesing wrote a book called, “Mere Hope.” In that book he gives the different faucets of Biblical Hope.
- “Hope” Lives. He says if we look down, we see “Hope’s Foundation.” “Hope does not put us to shame.” Romans 5:5
Lee Strobel, who wrote “The Case for Christ,” says that Hope is the inextinguishable flicker that God ignites in our souls to keep us believing in the prevailing power of His light even when we are surrounded by utter darkness.”
- Hope’s Foundation. “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.” (Hebrews 6:19) “He (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us.” John 1:14. The Foundation of Hope was: The Incarnation; The Crucifixion and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. What a foundation. Paul exclaimed “Christ in me the Hope of Glory.” 1:27 Hope Looks Down.
- Hope’s Focus. “We were born, not of blood nor by the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:13; “Confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus; Believe in your heart; You will be saved.” Romans 10:9. Hundreds of salvation verses included John 3:16. Hope’s Focus is an abundant life and eternal life. Hope Looks In.
- Hope Flourishing. “Look, I tell you, lift up eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.” John 4:35. Amid this pandemic is Harvest Time. In the OT it talks about cities of refuge. People in this pandemic are looking for a refuge. People that are confused and fed up with America need a refuge. Hope is like a Fountain. Hope Looks Out.
Let us Live Hope! “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope.” Lamentations 3:21
Love the Country Church Family!
Pastor Charles
229-9342
pastorcountrychurchfellowship@gmail.com
Webpage: www.mycountrychurchfellowship.com
Catch us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CountryFellowship/
Sunday Worship Times: 8:30 a.m. & 10:15 a.m.
Sunday School at 9:15 a.m. and on Church Facebook Page on Wednesday’s (Bible Study with Ross Hooks)
Discussion and Items from the Information Meeting on June 30, 2020
- June Receipts 9,380.55 + BGCT Gift of 2,000.00 = 11,380.55
- We will help with financial needs to the Pastors of Milican Baptist Church & Primera Iglesias of Bryan.
- We will have Yard signs made that will say, “How Can I Pray for You?” & “Our Hope Is in Christ.”
What would you like to do to help in the ministry of Country Church Fellowship? All of us are gifted to serve in some way. Visit with me sometime and let’s talk about how you can help in the ministry of the Country Fellowship Church Family.
Today’s Message is, what does it mean, “Thine is the Kingdom…” “What is the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven?
Matthew 13 is a very pivotal chapter when it comes to the public ministry of Christ.
It was a New Place:
It was a New Pattern:
It was a New Power:
Matthew 13 is very central in expanding the Kingdom of God. There are eight parables in this chapter. The first four we are told before the multitudes and the final four to the Disciples.
We must be Kingdom People. The Kingdom is taking the “Me” out of it. The Kingdom is not all about us. The Kingdom is all about Jesus.
SMILE:
Stay Young:
You can stay young indefinitely if you eat wisely, get plenty of sleep, work hard, have a positive outlook on life, and lie about your age.
We are going to be in a Big Mess
The little boy prayed the following prayer: “Dear God, please take care of Dad, Mom and my two sisters, my brother and our dog. Oh, please take care of yourself, God. If anything happens to you, we’re going to be in a big mess.”
Think:
“The kindest word ever said in the unkind word that was never said.”
“Speak kind words and you will hear kind echoes.”