Holding onto Hope - Audio

Bakersfield First Assembly

The Book of Job “The Question of the Ages—Why?” Holding onto Hope 1. Hope distinguishes us from those who don’t know God. 2. Hope requires us to wait patiently. 3. Hope is future, faith is now. 4. Against all hope, true hope still believes. 5. Hope is the result of perseverance in the midst of suffering. “Hope” (tiqVAH) literally means a cord, a rope, a line; figuratively, it means hope, expectation, anticipation. (The Complete Word Study Dictionary) Psalms 62:5-6 (NIV) – [5] Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my HOPE comes from him. [6] He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. Joshua 2:17-21 (NIV) – [17] The men said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us [18] unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet CORD in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. [19] If anyone goes outside your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head; we will not be responsible. As for anyone who is in the house with you, his blood will be on our head if a hand is laid on him. [20] But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear.” [21] “Agreed,” she replied. “Let it be as you say.” So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet CORD in the window. 6. Our hope is Jesus, our scarlet cord of salvation. Job 19:25-27 (NIV) – [25] I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. [26] And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; [27] I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! 7. Hope is found in knowing that our Redeemer lives and is coming again. Titus 2:11-14 (NIV) – [11] For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. [12] It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, [13] while we wait for the blessed HOPE—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.