Redemption Ministries Bible Study Outline 20th July 2021 – Living Out of Hope 3
Redemption Ministries
CHURCH OF THE FIRSTBORN
WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY
July 20, 2021
TOPIC: LIVING OUT OF HOPE (3)
CONFRONTING CONTEMPORARY CRISIS WITH HOPE (1)
TEXT: ISAIAH 43:18-19; ACTS 27:27-44.
And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but of the ship. Acts 27:22
Redemption Ministries Bible Study Outline 20th July 2021 – Living Out of Hope 3
The worthlessness of life is seen when it is measured solely from the human perspective which in most instances is devoid of God’s promises, purposes and plans.
Hope in God that prompts bold action during critical times emerges from the dynamic power of a personal relationship the individual has cultivated with God over time. It is this confidence that equips him with all spiritual arsenals to contend, confront and conquer contemporary issues with uncommon boldness and conviction. God’s thoughts for us transcends the present crisis which ordinarily can neither write nor determine our future (Jer. 29:11).
We shall examine a few of such bible characters who exhibited such hope in the face of bedeviling crisis and how they bounced back with a bright future.
1. JEREMIAH 36; 37 & 38: Charged and sentenced to prison for allegedly being a prophet of doom to the nation, one would have concluded that Jeremiah will certainly bow to pressure. Unfortunately, he found himself in a religious cycle that was characterized by compromise and yet he stood his grounds, refused to shift the line that divides compromise and conviction, stepped on the toes of many but at last God’s word through him was fulfilled to the tittle. Amazingly, in the midst of these persisting crisis, Jeremiah took advantage of it and bought a parcel of land at Anathoth. Jer. 32:7-15.
Verse 15 gives overwhelming assurance of hope after the crisis. “For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land. Jer. 32:15. In other words, despite the trying times that will wreck the land, houses and vineyards shall be possessed AGAIN. Surely, there is hope for those who are guided by the Lord.
2. THE WOMAN WITH THE ISSUE OF BLOOD: Mark 5:25-34. Bitter experiences of life can be very demanding, disturbing and devastating and require tender care and love else suicidal tendencies may appeal to the conscience of the individual as the best option.
Twelve years of continual flow of blood must have deprived her of many opportunities in life. “And had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse” It is not doubtful that she must have become a subject of ridicule, a sample specimen in the hands medical laboratory scientist and a practical tool for prospective medical doctors.
Rather than get better, the condition degenerated to the point that she lost her surname and was simply being referred to as the woman with the issue of blood thereby stigmatizing her. Sometimes we are forced to ask Where is God when it pains?
Rather than give up, this regular blood stained woman determined against hope and public opinion that she will break through the crowd with the intention just to touch His garment. True to her desperate desire, her hope was transformed to joy unspeakable as she returned home that day with a new song, new name and a change of garment. Her former detractors now had to find another vocabulary to address her (that former issue of blood woman).
Hope in God in the face of hopelessness can never be squashed no matter how critical it may appear.
May your adversaries be put to shame as your hope in God brings you to your desired position in Jesus name. Pray!
HYMN – WHEN THE STORMS OF LIFE ARE RAGGING. STAND BY ME
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