***TRANSCRIPT***
We’ve seen the despair and brokenness in the world… Humanitarian crises like the Syrian refugees fleeing their war-torn country, racial tension relentlessly confronting cities across our nation, and what certainly seems like hopeless political division in our country, and yet Christian HOPE declares to me that one day the lion to lay down with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6).
A HOPE that one day, there will be from EVERY tribe and tongue, a pure and spotless bride gathered around the throne, falling on our faces, praising aloud and casting crowns before Christ Jesus who reigns forever (Rev 7:9).
And He will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore for the former things have passed away. And he who is seated on the throne says, “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Rev 21:4-5).
A Christian Hope is CERTAIN of this because it is God who declares it and God who wills it, and God who accomplishes it! This is not a human achievement, but it is God.
Excerpt from the sermon, Courageous Hope, from John 11 by Dr. Joel W. Harder. Delivered at Southern Hills Baptist Church on August 5, 2018.