Who Our Hope is In
1 Timothy 4:9-10
Pastor Jerry Koller

Biblical hope is something that will come true because it is a strong and confident expectation.

In simple terms, “trustworthy” is something (or someone) that is worthy of trust.

Notice the two groups of whom Jesus is their Savior: all men, and those who believe.
· While those who believe would be included in the group called all men, all men are not included in the group called those who believe.

The word for savior has to do with being a Preserver or Deliverer.
· You could say it is a person who rescues you from danger or harm.
· When used in regard to Jesus, this rescuing or delivering has to do with salvation.

In what way then is Jesus the Savior of all men?
· He is the Savior of all men in that His death and resurrection,
· His work in salvation is sufficient for all men.

Salvation is sufficient for all, but all will not make it sufficient for them.
~ Augustine

This is what the Gospel is all about. This is truly Good News. That is why Paul said, in 1 Timothy 4:10: and for this we labor and strive…
· “Labor” is working hard at something in order to achieve a goal to the point where one grows weary, tired, or exhausted – physically as well as mentally.
· “Strive” has to do with contending or struggling with difficulties or danger with strenuous effort and zeal in order to obtain something.

Make sure you have placed your faith and trust in Jesus.

If you have, may you live in light of the hope you have received.

May you keep in mind that this inheritance, the gift of salvation, the gift of hope that can never perish, spoil or fade for it is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until Jesus comes again.

If you are struggling, exchange your struggles for hope, hope in the living God who is your Savior.

Would you consider how you may labor and strive to share the Good News with others?
· Would you consider praying about how God may use you in this way?

Would you pray that you would Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have…(1 Peter 3:15)
· God will provide opportunities. He will open doors. Will you be prepared to share?

This holiday season express your thankfulness to God by giving Him the praise He deserves.

· ​Joe Collins (Kim Collins' father-in-law) has been released from the hospital and is doing much better following a COPD/emphysema flareup.
· Roberta Newton is doing much better and is recovering from a mild case of shingles and a severe illness at home.
· Judi Beckwith (Kim Collins' mom, Alice Avery’s sister) has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disease Bullous Pemphigoid, which causes skin to severely blister. Pray that: the steroid treatment will prevent new blisters from forming; wounds from current blisters heal properly and don’t get infected; her mood continues to stay manageable despite side effects from the steroids; and there will not be any other side effects from the steroids that cause her organs to weaken.
· ​Patrick Low had a successful procedure to break large kidney stones into smaller pieces; continued prayers are appreciated as he deals with this ongoing issue.
· Linda Newell · is recovering from surgery for a herniated disc in her lower back.
· Hannah Clouse (niece of Chet & Renee Goff) who lost her husband, Daren, in a car accident on 11/11. They have a 1-year-old son together and she has twins from a previous relationship.
· ​Dean & Linda Newell and their family upon the loss of Dean's mother, Marilyn Newell, on 11/8.
· Judy Jones (wife of Pastor Grady Jones/friend of Pastor Jerry) is recovering from a successful surgery and doctors believe they removed all of the cancer. She is waiting for biopsy results to decide how to proceed with treatment.
· John Randell (friend of Bruce Ferguson) has been diagnosed with stomach cancer.
· Bruce and Vasha Ferguson and their family who are mourning the loss of their 17 year-old great-grandson, Dontrell, following a car accident on 10/27. Dontrell was the son of Felicia who unexpectedly passed away in May.
· Bob & Camille Tate and their family, especially Bob's mother, Paula, in prayer as Bob's father passed away on 10/23.
· Tim Hendrix is recovering from successful shoulder replacement surgery.
· Vasha Ferguson is recovering from surgery for carpal tunnel.
· Mary Buchert broke her wrist after a fall and continues to heal.
· Lennon McKamey (son of Kyle & Sarah) needs surgery on his shoulder. Please pray that preparing for surgery goes smoothly.
· Check out our monthly prayer card on-line at southhavenfbc.com under “Weekly Bulletins” for a list of those with on-going needs.

First Baptist Church
1635 76th Street
South Haven, MI 49090
269-637-1291
southhavenfbc@gmail.com