GenesisSample

Blessed Hope

Whether you like it or not, we are built for connection. God created us with five senses that allow us to connect with the world around us. Creation is intricately woven together in a beautiful tapestry of connection. In fact, from the very beginning, God created the world in community, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and when He put Adam in the garden, it wasn’t good until He created Eve. Something was missing until there was connection.

Make no mistake; God is all about connection, and in today’s modern world, we see the outworking of that value in none other than the local church. The beauty of the local church is it isn’t a social club or an exclusive party. It’s not something you tick off your to-do list every Christmas and Easter. It’s the hub of connection with other believers as we pursue our common purpose– Jesus.

Titus 2:11-14 says, For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Oh, the hope and joy these verses bring! Jesus Christ is our present-day confidence that we’ve been saved and that we have victory over all things. He gave himself for US; He is working on US, His people; He redeemed US; He is OUR blessed hope... we’re on this beautiful journey together, Church.

Takeaway challenge: As you listen to the chorus of "Blessed Hope," be encouraged that the song was written with the intention of ‘Our.’ Praise Jesus for His salvation and hope not only for yourself but also for your church family.