Weekly Sermon Recap - 6.15.25

Hope in the Midst of Uncertainty: Embracing God's Unchanging Love

In a world that seems to be spiraling into chaos, where headlines scream of wars, natural disasters, and societal upheaval, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged. But amidst this tumult, there's a powerful truth that we must hold onto: there is hope, and that hope is anchored in the unchanging love of our Heavenly Father.

Let's start by reflecting on a profound passage from 1 John 3:1-2: "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are... Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is."

This scripture reminds us of our true identity - we are children of God. Not just in name, but in reality. We've been adopted into His family through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This relationship with God as our Father isn't just a nice metaphor; it's a life-changing reality that should shape how we view ourselves and the world around us.

But what does it mean for God to be our Father? The Strong's Concordance offers a beautiful definition: a father is "the originator and transmitter of anything... one who has infused his own spirit into others, who actuates and governs their minds." Our Heavenly Father has given us His very Spirit, infusing us with His character and nature. He's not a distant, uninvolved deity, but an intimate, loving Father who is actively involved in our lives.

This brings us to a crucial point: God, as our Father, is the source of everything good in our lives. James 1:17 tells us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." In a world of constant flux and uncertainty, God remains steadfast and unchanging. His love for us doesn't waver based on circumstances or our performance.

It's vital that we grasp this truth because it directly counters a pervasive lie in our culture - the idea that God is the source of both good and bad in our lives. You might have heard the phrase, "God gives and God takes away." But this isn't an accurate representation of God's character. Jesus clearly stated that it's the enemy who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, while He came that we might have life abundantly (John 10:10).

Understanding this truth about God's nature as our loving Father who gives good gifts is crucial, especially in times of hardship. When we face challenges or witness the turmoil in the world, it's easy to question God's goodness or wonder if He's punishing us. But the reality is that God's method of teaching isn't through punishment or hardship - it's through His relentless love and goodness.

This brings us to a critical point: there is hope for the future, regardless of how bleak things may appear. The world may seem to be getting worse, but God's provision and protection for His children remain constant. Just as He protected the Israelites in Goshen during the plagues of Egypt, He continues to care for His people today.

For those who might be hesitant about bringing children into this seemingly chaotic world or for young people worried about their future, take heart! God's plan is to bless and prosper you. The future, despite appearances, is bright because God is in control and His love never fails.

However, it's crucial to remember that not every voice or spirit we encounter is from God. 1 John 4:1 warns us, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God." In a world full of conflicting messages and deception, we must be discerning. Lies are prevalent, whether they come from news sources, politicians, or even our own negative self-talk. The key to discerning truth from lies is to measure everything against the unchanging Word of God.

So how do we live in light of these truths? Here are a few practical steps:

1. Embrace your identity as a child of God. Let this truth shape your self-perception and your interactions with others.

2. Trust in God's goodness. When facing challenges, remind yourself that God is not the source of evil or hardship, but of every good and perfect gift.

3. Hold onto hope. No matter how dire circumstances may seem, remember that God is still in control and working for your good.

4. Be discerning. Test everything you hear against the truth of God's Word.

5. Share the hope. In a world desperately in need of good news, be a bearer of hope and joy to those around you.

6. Live with purpose. Recognize that as long as we're here, God has a mission for us to be salt and light in the world.

In conclusion, let's return to the powerful truth we started with: we are children of God, loved beyond measure by our Heavenly Father. This love is not distant or theoretical, but practical and life-changing. It's a love that provides everything we need for life and godliness. It's a love that remains constant even when the world around us is in chaos.

As we navigate the uncertainties of life, let's hold fast to this unchanging love. Let's allow it to fill us with hope, joy, and peace that surpass understanding. And let's share this love liberally with a world in desperate need of good news. For in the end, it's not about surviving until the end times or escaping tribulation - it's about living fully in the love of our Father and sharing that love with others. That's a future worth looking forward to, no matter what tomorrow may bring.