A Living Hope “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead...” 1Peter 1:3
Hope. We use this word so casually: I hope it’s sunny tomorrow… I hope we have ice cream for dessert… I hope my team wins… But what does it mean to have a “living hope?” The answer is in the resurrection of Christ from the dead. Are you aware of the difference the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ has made in your life? We are a people with hope. This is one of our defining characteristics as Christians. Many people wander through life wondering if this is all there is. There is no shortage of communities, families, and neighborhoods that are longing for hope. “Where there is no vision, the people perish,” so the saying goes. The same is true for hope. Without it we are dead. There is a profound hope found in the story of a changed life. We are the only tangible sign of hope to some people in this community. So…What is our hope for St. John’s? Well it’s certainly more than maintenance and survival! Our hope is more than simply wanting to grow. No, we actually believe that we have hope that we can offer to our friends and neighbors here in Grand County! The hope “to know Christ and the power of his resurrection.” Philippians 3:10 As we live out our mission, "Bringing Jesus Christ to the heart of our community," the invitation is there in our stories…our lives. We are a people with a story to tell – the story of our redemption as we live it out in everyday life. “Always be ready to make your defense to anyone who demands from you an accounting for the hope that is in you…” 1 Peter 3:15 What is the hope within you? “... Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27 Our hope is not just wishful thinking, or some cleverly devised myth. Our hope as Christians is not found in the false promises and empty rewards that our world holds up as “the good life.” Our hope is not lived out in a world of fantasy, but right here in the reality of this present life. Our hope is seen in the witness of changed lives and healed relationships. Our hope is in Christ alone! In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand Stewart Townend (© Copyright 2001 Thankyou Music)
Blessings, Matthew+ O God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as surpass our understanding: Pour into our hearts such love towards you, that we, loving you in all things and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP p. 225) | 
