My personal notes from Pastor Jeff Park's sermon
March 16, 2008 (evening service)
Frogs and the power of Hope.
Two sets of frogs were tested and the test demonstrates the power of hope. The first set of grogs were placed in a tank of water and forced to swim to stay alive. They swam for about 5 hours before giving up and drowning. The second group of frogs was left to swim until just before they gave up. They were then removed from the tank, fed, cared for and given a chance to rest and recupperate. Then, they were placed again in the tank. They held out for 30 hours before giving up. Holding out on the hope that they would be saved as they had been before. That is the power of HOPE.
The word hope as used in scripture is translated from the greek elpis which means "confident expectation."
For we were saved in this hope (in God),
but hope that is seen is not hope;
for why does one still hope for what he sees?
Romans 8:24
When we begin to hope, we see a destination, then we have hope that enables us to see the PROCESS, the PATH, to get to that destination and we can then begin to take steps to make it happen. This is a living hope in which you can see the destination and the steps you need to take (action). But sometimes, circumstances beyond our control intervene.
Hope Empowers, Failed Hope Deflates
Hope deferred makes the heart sick."
Proverbs 13:12
The Enemy focuses our attention on the negative, stirring in us worry and anxiety, using FEAR to take away our hope . . . "the thing I feared came upon me." Job ??:?? verify
Four Principles for Making Hope Happen
1. Realize hope is a CHOICE, an act of will
Why are you cast down, O my soul, hope in God.
Psalm 42:5
They set their hope in God
and forgot not the works of God.
Psalm 78:7
David told himself to hope in God, to stop worrying and being depressed, to exercise hope in God. David also encouraged all people of God to hope in God and not forget what God has done.
2. Do not base hope in circumstances
Circumstances change . . . . this is akin to building on sand!
You have moved my soul far from peace,
I have forgotten prosperity . . .
My sould still remembers . . .
. . . therefore I have hope.
Lamentations 3:17:21
3. Our Hope is based on God's Character and Presence
I am persuaded that God is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that day.
2 Timothy 1:12
May the eyes of your understanding be enlightened to know the hope of His calling.
Ephesians 1:18
Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Colossians 1:27
Ask God to show you His purpose.
4. Receive the hope of those who care for you
Our hope for you is steadfast
2 Corinthians 1:7
Without counsel, purposes are disappointed.
Proverbs 15:22
