As we look at the year head of us, many may be wondering is there hope? The answer is a resounding YES! I truly believe that God has placed His church (those of us who are follower of Christ) here in this time, in our local setting to be sources of hope for a needy world. The theme for Newport First Baptist for this year it “Powered for Purpose … the Year of Hope.” You see, if God’s people will refocus on His purpose for His church, and we set out to obey and fulfill that purpose through His power, the only possible result is the everyone we meet will by flooded by the hope of God.
I have found a portion of the Bible that summarizes this
better than 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 where is says, “Remember
this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows
generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has
decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God
loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to
you, so that in all things at all times, having all that
you need, you will abound in every good work.”
In reading this passage I am reminded once more that
God’s grace is sufficient for life, period. Yet so many times we try to replace
His grace with something else we can attain. Yet here in verse 8 we see everything
is covered as the word “all” is repeated 4 times. Here God is stressing that
everything we will ever need is found in Him (in all things, at all times
having all you need). Do you need some of this grace today? Do you have this
grace today?
Remember the result of the all sufficient grace of God is
that we will always be overflowing in good works toward others, bringing hope
to where they are. This is not only the end result of God’s grace, it is also
the key to unlocking that grace in our lives. When we give generously to God it
unlocks God’s all sufficient grace in our lives. This in turn provides all we
need to that we can pour that grace out to others in generous giving. So are
you living in the grace of God today, bringing hope to others as God pours His
grace into you? Remember is starts with obediently and cheerfully giving to
God.
