Hope is something that we all want to have. Hope for the world, for our relationships, and for ourselves. Yet, the hope that we often rely on is weak and fading when compared to the hope we see in the biblical narrative. The hope we see in the Bible is so much more.

We take a whole book look at Job. We allow his experience and engagement with God to help us to know how we need to live. God is creator and Savior. We are created and need to be saved.

Psalm 133 is a short song, extolling the goodness of unity. It was sung by pilgrims from many different backgrounds on their way up to Jerusalem. Contemporary churches are made of people who have disparate backgrounds and preferences. In fact, many of us outside the church, would be natural enemies. Instead, we are united in the Spirit, and our allegiance is to Christ.

The Teacher in Ecclesiastes describes life as a “breath” or as “smoke.” It’s uncontrollable, unpredictable, and an enigma. The only way to provide meaning to life is to live it out in relationship with your creator, by letting go of your need to control, and by holding onto the fact that God is sovereign.

Psalm 90 begins Book IV with a reminder of God’s eternal nature and our insignificance. For the Israelites, it was a reminder of God’s work and power before the Davidic dynasty existed. For us today, it’s a reminder to live our lives wisely, as workers in God’s Kingdom.

Song of Songs seems scandalous, and is definitely risqué. Christians for generations have struggled with what to do with this book. When we avoid the more difficult parts of Scripture, we end up missing out on the full story. God can use the offensive and strange parts of the Bible to grow our faith.

The book of Proverbs is a grouping of Wisdom sayings to help us to walk in the way of the Lord. Solomon in his wisdom, challenges us to Fear the Lord and allow wisdom to push us forward--always digging into the book to gain more wisdom to grow in our knowledge of God and to live faithfully.

“The destruction of Jerusalem and the exile were the most horrendous catastrophe imaginable” to the Jewish people (The Bible Project). In reflecting upon this catastrophe, an unknown author produced the Book of Lamentations. It gives voice to the pain and the questions we all face in the presence of tragedy, and it reminds us that we do not suffer alone.

We begin to journey through Immerse Poets. Walter helps us dig in in Psalm 1.

Ron Otto challenges those attending our 70th Anniversary Sunday to be the Light!