Gerry van der Wende: There is hope, through Jesus

There is hope, through Jesus

December 2, 2012

2 Thes 2:16-17

Introduction

Last week we took a look at world events, particularly in the Middle East, and how things could be shaping up for the prophecies of Revelation and Matthew 24 to go into fulfillment
This could make us scared
I remember one time when the church I used to attend thought that the Great Tribulation could be starting in a couple of months time
We may think, that's crazy, that's scare-mongering
But Jesus does tell us to watch for the events of prophecy that are being fulfilled, and he tells us to be awake and doing the task to which he has called us
I remember being scared that I would not be accounted worthy, and I tried to get my spiritual life in order
But we do not need to be scared, so long as we are walking in relationship with our heavenly Father
It is when we walk away from him, that we are in danger, and yes, then we would have reason to be scared
Today I want to share with you the hope that Jesus gives to all those who look forward to his appearing

Lamb slain from the foundation of the world

Rev 13:8 - the Lamb was slain from the foundation of the world
Some things were set in motion right at the beginning of time
Today we have a new courthouse here in Susanville.
It looks beautiful, especially when the lights are all turned on
When did that courthouse start its existence? When the construction company moved in its heavy equipment? When the mayor turned over a spadeful of soil? When the architect presented his plans to the committee?
It started when the first thought arose in some one's head, we need a new courthouse. A plan was set in motion that day, which resulted in a beautiful building on Riverside Drive
There was a day in heaven when Jesus and the Father and the Holy Spirit sat down together and thought about a plan
They thought about creating a race of beings who would have relationship with God
These beings would be created with some of God's own qualities inside of them, and through their relationship with God, he would open up the realm of the supernatural to them
They would have the power of choice, and could choose to have this relationship or not
God's intention and plan was that all men would have this relationship, and move into God's purpose for them - 2 Pet 3:9
But not all would make this choice

Predestination

Eph 1:11-14 We were chosen according to God's plan
By looking into the future, God knew who would choose for Him and who would choose against him
All men were offered this but not all accepted it
But those who accepted this relationship, are incredibly blessed
Eph 1:3-10
God has called us to be a part of his purpose to bring all things in heaven and earth together under one head, even Christ
But God does not throw his lambs before the wolves, unprotected and unprepared
He has given us power, the power that raised Jesus from the dead
Eph 1:18-23
So the church is the extent of his kingdom on earth today, but his intention is that all things come under the Lordship of Christ
This gives us hope for the future
Despair means we think there is no future for us
Hope says we do have a future
Jer 29:11 - for I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future
We may be facing hard times today, struggles that we don't know how we will get through them
But there is a future and a hope and a purpose for our being
We are part of God's plan to bring all things under Jesus dominion

We have been enabled, empowered and prepared for his purpose

In God's plan, put in motion at the foundation of the world, each of us was discussed by name
God knew what kind of home we would grow up in
He knew the events that would shape our lives
He knew how someone would tell us about the gospel, and we would be purchased for his kingdom by the blood of his precious Son
He knew we would receive the Holy Spirit of promise, guaranteeing our inheritance
He planned thousands of years ago, what gifts he was going to plant inside us
He knew the purpose he had for us and what gifts would be necessary for us top walk in this
So he gave us gifts, gifts of service for others
He gave us not just a future, not just a hope
He gave us the means to make that future and hope a reality
So that his kingdom could grow, for his glory and so that many sons and daughters could be harvested for him

So what if I feel hopeless?

First of all, we are not without hope
Eph 2:12 There was a time when we were without hope
But that picture changed when we accepted Jesus, and surrendered our lives to him
We now have a hope and a future
God desires us to work in partnership with him, in reconciling all thin gs and all people to Jesus
He came to dwell in us to make this possible
We now need to take steps of faith, one after the other as we walk this out
We live in hope, and in faith
And we will not be disappointed in this
Rom 5:5 Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts, by the Holy Spirit whom he has given us
The work he has started in us he will bring to a successful conclusion - Phil 1:6
Just as the Susanville Courthouse is now finished, a beautiful building, he will finish the task that started that day in heaven when Jesus and the Father and the Holy Spirit sat down and planned our future, way before the start of time
He is working in us today, and will do so till the day we meet him face to face
2 Thesssalonians 2:16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word

Gerry van der Wende