What unites us? Families are united by blood relationships. Friends are often united by common interests and shared experiences. Coworkers are united by a common goal.
The Church is united by a shared hope. Ephesians 4 tells us “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” Ephesians 4:4-6. We were called to one hope; the hope that is only found in trusting Jesus for the forgiveness of sin.
All over the world, Christians are united by faith in Jesus and the hope of His return. Jesus instructed His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations…” Matthew 28:19, and for the last 2,000 years, the hope that is found in Jesus has spread around the world. The world has been forever changed. From Africa to Australia to Europe, and from Asia to the Americas, followers of Jesus gather under the banner of hope.
As we join in community and draw hope from one another, we grow stronger in Christ as individuals and as a global Church. Jesus is the hope for the world, and through the Church, He wants us to share that hope with everyone.
We were not created to do life alone. We find our purpose and our mission through the local church. Hope binds us all together as followers of Christ. Let’s be united today as one Church across the world, celebrating the hope that is only found in Jesus.
Pray:
Jesus, thank you that I don’t have to go through life alone. I pray that whenever I feel lonely or forgotten I would remember the hope that I have in the community of people around me.
Reflect:
Ask God to continue to allow the Church to share His Hope with the world. What part will you play in this? Is there anyone you should invite to church THIS Christmas Eve? OR should you get more connected to the church? Ask God to show you your next step.
Thanks to NewSpring Church for portions of this Hope Is… devotional.
I have a hope and my hope has a name…Jesus!
PK
Laura Stroup, former C3 CrossCurrent student youth leader passed away. Visitation will be TONIGHT (Tuesday) 6-8pm at Brock's North Hill Chapel.
Memorial Service at Celebration Community Church on Wednesday at 11am with her former youth minister Brant Rice presiding.
INVITE SOMEONE TO CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES
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