This lecture, from the "Belong" core class, traces the meaning of hope from Genesis to the modern day, explaining what it means for the church to embody hope and be the hope of the world. The lecture defines Christian hope as a confident expectation rooted in the faithfulness of God. It contrasts this with worldly expectations, which are often based on past experiences. The lecture demonstrates how this type of hope has been present throughout the history of God's people, from Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promises to the people of Israel's confident expectation of a Messiah. This hope finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus and is now a "living hope" for the church, empowering us to become a safe refuge for the world.

I unpack:

• The distinction between worldly expectation and biblical hope, defining Christian hope as confidence in God's faithfulness.
• How God's people in the Old Testament expected hope, while those in the New Testament experienced it through Jesus.
• How the church today is called to embody a living hope and become a safe refuge for the weary and oppressed.

📖 Key Passage: Romans 4:17-21
🎧 Listen and reflect: The sermon challenges us to consider what we would do differently if we had radical hope in God's promises. What is one tangible action you can take tomorrow that demonstrates this kind of hope?