Philippians 4:4

 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ~ Philippians 4:4


We seem to be living in a hope-less world. I am thankful to live in the country that I do, but even here people are beginning to protest the safeguards put in place to protect us from covid-19, and I am sure it is because they have lost hope in where they find truth. Truth is distorted in our day and age. Lies become truth and truth become lies. People are lost because they have no grounding in a foundation that is stable. Finding hope in the midst of hope-lessness is a challenging question. Hope cannot be found in world views, or in other religious options. Karma does not bring hope, a Buddists hope is to see things and face them as they are, Islam rejects excessive hope or fear and the two seem tightly interwoven through three elements: emotional, cognitive, and behavioural. In this they are considered “praiseworthy” hope or fear. Our hope is placed in a God who became a man who took on suffering for our sake. This God-Man died for our sins to cleanse us from our shame. If this was the end of the story, he would not be a God-Man, but just a man, but His story does not end there! He was the temple which was destroyed and three days later was raised again. His hope for us is found in His resurrection! We have concrete foundational hope in Him, for His promises are our promises – there is life after this life, there is new life in this life! No matter what happens to us whether that be because of covid-19, cancer, ALS. Suicide, or any other “ailment” we can think of, we are safe in Jesus Christ when we receive Him into our heart! We can rejoice in the Lord, Always!! Amen!  

Pastor Julia

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