Date: 07/24/2023

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to Him be the Glory, Power, and Dominion forever and ever and to the Holy Ghost that is yet abiding in the body. This month’s key word is HOPE. This week’s message discusses: A Living Hope.

What is living hope? Living hope is a hope that is alive and present in our lives. It is a hope that is real, something that we can have faith and trust in as we navigate life’s unknowns. In 1 Peter 1:4, Peter describes hope as an inheritance that endures: “To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you”. We have an inheritance that is imperishable and secure. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have been given new life and a place in God’s Kingdom. This inheritance and promise are not things that will disappear, but things that will endure and remain with us always. In His great mercy, God has given us an inheritance that is eternal and secure, a gift that can never be taken away.

The Bible is filled with promises and blessings for those who believe with respect to their inheritance. These promises and blessings are powerful.  They are as follows: 

• It is described as a glorious and magnificent event. (Matthew 24:27) 
• It is the fulfillment of Bible prophecy. (Matthew 26:64)
• It is the resurrection of believers who have died. (1 Corinthians 15:20) 
• It is the rapture of living believers. (1 Thessalonians 4:17) 
• It is the judgment of the living and the dead. (2 Corinthians 5:10) 
• The establishment of God’s eternal kingdom. (Revelation 11:15) 
• The restoration and renewal of creation. (Romans 8:28) 
• Reunion with loved ones who have gone before us. (1 Thessalonians 4:17) 
• Eternal joy, celebration, and fellowship with God and believers. (Revelation 21:3) 
• Perfect and sinless state in heaven. (Revelation 21:27) 
• Eternal presence of God. (Revelation 21:3) 
• Absence of pain, sorrow, and suffering. (Revelation 21:4) 
• Devine reward for faithful believers. (Matthew 6:20) 
• Reigning with Christ in heaven. (2 Timothy 2:12) 
• Perfect communion with God. (1 Corinthians 13:12 and Revelation 22:4) 
• Fellowship with saints and angels. (Hebrews 12:22) 
• Complete and everlasting peace in heaven. (Isaiah 65:25)
  
  In closing, God has an infinite number of blessings in store for those who love Him. In 1 Corinthians 2:9. God reminds us that, “…, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him”.  Our living hope is found in the return of Jesus Christ. It is Friday. Peter is asleep. Judas has betrayed Him. Mary is crying. A soldier stands guard. A rock is rolled into place. But Sunday is coming! Sunday is here. He is risen! Until next week, remember, “… with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).”

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop