Keep Hoping

Christmas at Bay Chapel | December 1, 2024

Pastor Wes Morris 

Advent - Adventus: “arrival” or “an appearing or coming into place.”

Romans 4:18-25 (NLT) Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.

Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. 

It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.

✓ Where you place your hope shapes how you experience joy. 

Romans 15:13 (NLT) May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

✓ Hope is confident and joyful expectation of what is to come.

Romans 12:12 (NLT) Rejoice in our confident hope...

Psalm 25:5 (NIV) Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.

KEEP HOPING

I. REMEMBER THE PROMISES OF GOD. 

Romans 4:18 (NLT) Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping...

Isaiah 43:2 (MSG) “Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name. You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end— Because I am God, your Savior. I paid a huge price for you. That’s how much you mean to me! That’s how much I love you!”

II. FIND STRENGTH IN THE WAITING.

Romans 4:20 (NLT) Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger...

If it’s not God’s time, you can’t force it.
If it is God’s time, you can’t stop it. 

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

III. PRAISE GOD FOR WHAT IS AHEAD.

Romans 4:21 (TLB) Because he was mighty in faith and convinced that God had all the power needed to fulfill his promises, Abraham glorified God!

I Peter 1:4-6 (TLB) We live in the hope of eternal life because Christ rose again from the dead. And God, in his mighty power, will make sure that you get there safely to receive it because you are trusting him. So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though the going is rough for a while down here.