Author: Pastor Page

The Greek word for “hope” in the New Testament is ἐλπίς (elpis). This term conveys a sense of confident expectation and trust in future good, often with a particular focus on the promises and faithfulness of God.

Key Aspects of ἐλπίς (elpis):

1. Confident Expectation: It denotes a strong and confident expectation, not merely a wishful thinking.
2. Future Good: The hope is directed toward something good that is expected to happen in the future.
3. Based on Trust in God: In a Christian context, this hope is often grounded in the character and promises of God.

Examples in Scripture:

• Romans 5:5: “And hope (elpis) does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
  • Meaning: This verse emphasizes that hope in God will not disappoint, as it is based on His love and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

• Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope (elpizomenon) for and assurance about what we do not see.”
  • Meaning: Here, hope is tied to faith, highlighting a confident expectation in what is not yet seen.

• 1 Peter 1:3: “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope (elpis) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
  • Meaning: This passage describes hope as living and active, made possible through the resurrection of Jesus.

Conclusion

The Greek word ἐλπίς (elpis) represents a profound and assured hope, rooted in faith and the reliability of God’s promises. It is an expectation that brings confidence and encourages believers, knowing that their trust in God is secure and will ultimately be fulfilled.

RETURN to Message

Hope in Gods Master Plan

The root word for “תקווה” (tikvah), which means “hope” in Hebrew, is “קוה” (qavah). This root conveys the idea of waiting or expecting, emphasizing a sense of anticipation or looking forward to something. It is often associated with waiting on or hoping in God in a biblical context, indicating a deep trust and patient expectation

.Romans 15:13 NIV

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

1. He is the God of Hope
   1. Expectation of a desired outcome 
   2. He can be counted on to fulfill what yet remains to be accomplished 
2. He will fill you with Joy
3. He will fill you with Peace
4. He desires you to overflow with hope
   1. By the power of the Holy Spirit 

A prayer for Mothers

Ephesians 1:18‭-‬21 NIV

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.

Always Remember

He will equip you with spiritual insight (not just intuition)

• 1 Corinthians 2:9‭-‬10 NIV However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” — the things God has prepared for those who love him—  these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.

• Romans‬ ‭12:12-13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ “Love must be sincere…” Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

‭

Always Demonstrates the Attributes of Christ

• ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-23‬ ‭NIV‬‬  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Never give way to worldly fears

• Romans 12:1-2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Never forget the Power of Love

• 1 Corinthians 13:4‭-‬8 NIV Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.

Always rely on the Power of Prayer!

• Romans 8:25‭-‬28 NIV But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.  In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.  And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

The Past Two Weeks::

• Identity and Purpose Ephesians 2:10 ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ‘
• Being a Living Sacrifice Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

How do we respond?

Galatians 6:9 NIV

‭‭Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

The “Therefore” in Ephesians 4:25:

Ephesians 4:2‭-‬3 NIV

2 ‬‬Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 

The Message

Ephesians‬ ‭4:25-32‬ ‭NIV

Ephesians 4:25 “Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.” 

Cross-references: 

• Zechariah 8:16: “These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts;” 
• Colossians 3:9: “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices.”

Ephesians 4:26  “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,” 

Cross-references: 

• Psalm 4:4: “Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” 
• James 1:19-20: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”

Ephesians 4:27 “and do not give the devil a foothold.” 

Note: The idea of a “foothold” implies that the devil seeks entry points into a person’s life through vulnerabilities or sins that may seem small or insignificant but can lead to greater spiritual harm. This concept is about recognizing and managing one’s spiritual state to prevent negative influences from gaining any ground.

Cross-references: 

• James 4:7: “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” 
• 1 Peter 5:8: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

Ephesians 4:28 “Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” 

Cross-references: 

• Acts 20:35: “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” 
• 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

Ephesians 4:29 “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” 

Cross-references: 

• Colossians 4:6: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” 
• Proverbs 15:4: “The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.”

Ephesians 4:30 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” 

Cross-references: 

• Isaiah 63:10: “Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.” 
• 2 Corinthians 1:22: “who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a deposit.”

Ephesians 4:31 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” 

Cross-references: 

• Colossians 3:8: “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.” 
• James 1:21: “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”

Ephesians 4:32  “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” 

Cross-references: 

• Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

These verses and their cross-references highlight principles essential for Christian community life, focusing on truth, temperance, productivity, and kindness as ways to live out one’s faith in daily

What not to do:

• Live like the Gentiles v 17
• Darkened Understanding v 18
• Harden Hearts v 18
• Loss of Sensitivity v 19
• Deceive Others v 25
• Don’t Live Angry  v 26
• Don’t Steal v 28
• Don’t Trash Talk (Unwholesome Talk) v 29
• Don’t Grieve the Holy Spirit v 30

What To Do:

• Live a Life Worthy of the Calling v 1
• Be Humble v 2
• Bear With Each Other v 2
• Be The Peacemaker v 3
• Speak The Truth in Love v 15
• Put Off the Old Put on the New Self v 22 – 23
• The New Attitude of the Mind v 24
• Speak the Truth v 25
• Take Out the Trash v 31
• Be Kind v 32
• Be Compassionate v 32
• Forgive as you have been Forgiven in Christ v 32

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

Dear Church Family,

Just a quick note to everyone that while we will be gathering for our in-person services this Sunday as normal, we will not be live streaming the service, as Margarette and I will be out of town attending Matthew’s wedding.

Deacon Jones will be presiding over the service and Paul Rideout will be our guest speaker for the day. Hope that you can make it to the in-person service this Sunday!

Blessings,

Pastor

Identity

• How God sees us (what matters most)
• How we see ourselves (self awareness)
• How others see us (community)

Purpose

• Life Roles (Who we are)  (Husband / Wife / Child / ?)
• Vocations (What we do) (Work / Student)
• Contribution (What we leave) (Serving others / what we leave behind /our Legacy)

‭2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV‬ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Identity and purpose are often deeply interconnected:

Identity Influences Purpose: Who you are often determines what you find important and what you decide to do with your life. For example, someone who identifies strongly with creativity may find purpose in artistic expression or innovation.

Purpose Shapes Identity: Conversely, the roles and objectives people take on can shape their identity. For instance, dedicating oneself to teaching can strengthen one’s identity as an educator and lifelong learner.

Purpose and Context of the Letter

Paul wrote the letter to the Ephesians to address several key themes and concerns for the early Christian community in Ephesus. This community was a mix of Jewish and Gentile believers, and one of Paul’s primary goals was to foster unity among them, emphasizing that both groups were equal in Christ.

Unity in Christ: Ephesians is well-known for its emphasis on unity. Paul wanted to stress that both Jews and Gentiles were reconciled to God through the death of Christ and are part of the same spiritual family. This is evident in Ephesians 2:14-16, where Paul discusses how Christ has broken down the dividing wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles.

Identity in Christ: Paul was concerned with helping believers understand their new identity in Christ. This includes themes of being chosen by God, redeemed, and sealed with the Holy Spirit. He elaborated on how this new identity should shape their behavior and relationships within the community.

Living as Christians: Another key aspect of Ephesians is the practical guidance on Christian living. Paul instructed the Ephesians on how to live out their faith in their daily lives, emphasizing moral purity, domestic harmony, and mutual submission among believers, as well as spiritual warfare.

Ephesians 2:10 Direct Context

In Ephesians 2:10, Paul is reinforcing:

• The message that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of human effort
  • Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”).
• By stating that believers are “created in Christ Jesus for good works,” Paul emphasizes that their salvation should result in a life transformed by and dedicated to God, which is a natural response to the grace they have received.

The Passage

Ephesians 2:10 ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. ‘

His Handiwork

The Greek word translated as “handiwork” is “poiēma,” from which we derive the English word “poem.” It suggests something artfully created and designed with purpose and care. In the context of this verse, it implies that believers are the result of God’s creative action and intentional design, much like a work of art.

To be God’s handiwork means to be created and fashioned by God with specific intent, reflecting His glory through one’s existence and actions, and living out a life of purpose that He has individually prepared. This concept is a cornerstone of Christian identity and purpose, grounding believers in the knowledge of their divine origin and destiny.

Created in Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This verse reinforces the idea that in Christ, believers undergo a profound transformation.

Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This expresses the notion of dying to one’s old self and living a new life through faith in Jesus.

To Do Good Works

James 2:17-18 – “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’

Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” James emphasizes that faith should manifest in actions, reinforcing the Ephesians passage about living out faith through good works.

Prepared in Advance To Do

Jeremiah 1:5 – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.

‭Psalms 139:16 NIV‬ Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Therefore

‭Hebrews 12:1 NIV‬ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 

‭1 Corinthians 9:24 NIV‬ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 

‭Philippians 3:14 NIV‬ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 

Note: Paul’s primary emphasis in Ephesians 2:10 is on the transformative power of God’s work in believers through Christ. His concern is that believers recognize:

We Must Remember That It Is:

God’s Initiative: Salvation and the ensuing good works are initiated by God, not by human merit or effort.

Purposeful Creation: Believers are created anew in Christ specifically to engage in good works, underscoring the idea that Christian faith is inherently active and practical.

Preordained Path: The good works that believers are to engage in have been prepared by God beforehand, suggesting that each believer has a God-given path to follow, which aligns with His will and purposes.

Through these teachings, Paul wanted to ensure that the Ephesians understood their faith as a dynamic and living response to God’s grace, aimed at uniting them in purpose and action under the lordship of Christ.

Key Takeaways

Identity in Christ: Believers are uniquely crafted by God, which affirms their worth and the intentionality behind their creation.

Purposeful Living: Being created for good works implies that Christian life is not passive but actively engaged in practices that reflect God’s goodness and love.

Divine Planning: The idea that these works are prepared in advance shows that God is intimately involved in the life of each believer, guiding and equipping them for the tasks He has set out.

In 1 Kings 19:5-21, we find Elijah at a pivotal point of personal crisis. After a victorious confrontation against the prophets of Baal, Elijah faces severe discouragement and flees from Queen Jezebel’s threats. This passage offers a profound look at how God meets His prophet in his moment of despair.

The Message

Verses 5-7: “Then he lay down under the bush and fell asleep. All at once an angel touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked around, and there by his head was some bread baked over hot coals, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and then lay down again. The angel of the LORD came back a second time and touched him and said, ‘Get up and eat, for the journey is too much for you.'”

Commentary: God’s provision of food and water for Elijah is reminiscent of His care for the Israelites in the wilderness, providing manna and quail (Exodus 16:35). This demonstrates God’s holistic care, acknowledging the physical basis needed for spiritual and emotional well-being.

Divine Intervention:God first addressed Elijah’s physical needs. While he slept under the broom tree, an angel touched him and provided food and water for him (1 Kings 19:5-7). This act of care shows the importance of attending to physical well-being as part of spiritual health.

Verses 8-9: “So he got up and ate and drank. Strengthened by that food, he traveled forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. There he went into a cave and spent the night.”

Commentary:Elijah’s journey mirrors the Israelites’ 40 years in the desert (Numbers 14:33) and Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-2), symbolizing a period of purification and preparation for a divine encounter.

Verses 11-13: “The LORD said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”

Commentary: This encounter emphasizes that God’s presence is not confined to dramatic displays. It parallels Moses’ experience on the same mountain, where God also used natural phenomena to reveal Himself (Exodus 19:18-20), but here emphasizes the still small voice, highlighting a personal and gentle communication.

God’s Gentle Presence: After his initial rest and nourishment, Elijah traveled to Mount Horeb and took shelter in a cave. Here, God revealed Himself not in dramatic displays as on Mount Carmel, but in a “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12). This encounter reminds Elijah (and readers) that God is not only found in extraordinary events but also in quiet, subtle ways.

Verses 15-18: “The LORD said to him, ‘Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet.”

Commentary: God’s instructions for Elijah to anoint new leaders and a prophetic successor not only provide direction but also show that Elijah’s mission must continue beyond his lifetime, similar to Jesus commissioning His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20.

Recommissioning:Following this gentle encounter, God gave Elijah new tasks, including anointing new kings and appointing Elisha as his prophetic successor (1 Kings 19:15-16). This recommissioning helped redirect Elijah’s focus from his fears and failures to purposeful action and reaffirmed that his life and mission were far from over.

Verse 21: “So Elisha left the oxen and ran after Elijah. Then he took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water with it.”

Commentary: Elisha’s immediate response signifies his readiness to embrace the prophetic call. The transfer of the cloak from Elijah to Elisha symbolizes passing the mantle of prophetic authority, reminiscent of Moses passing leadership to Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:7-8).

Community and Succession: By instructing Elijah to anoint Elisha as his successor, God addressed Elijah’s sense of isolation by providing him a companion and successor in his prophetic ministry (1 Kings 19:19-21). This partnership not only alleviated his loneliness but also ensured the continuity of his work.

Key Takeaways

• God’s Comprehensive Care: This passage illustrates that God cares for His servants’ physical and spiritual needs, ensuring they are fully equipped for their divine missions.
• God’s Presence in Subtlety: Elijah’s experience teaches that divine revelations are not limited to dramatic events but can also occur in quiet, subtle ways.
• Continuity of God’s Work: Through the commissioning of successors and new leaders, the story emphasizes that the work of God is larger than any single individual and is meant to continue across generations.
• Immediate Obedience: The readiness of Elisha to follow Elijah’s call underscores the importance of immediate and decisive action when responding to God’s purposes.