From The Pastor’s Desk

Hope

From the Pastor’s Desk

Years ago, my friend Manuel and I were studying scripture and we came upon the word “Hope”. Manuel told me that his interpretation was different from mine. The English version of “Hope” carries with it a negative connotation that does not exist in either the Spanish or the Greek. When we say “I hope so” what we really mean is “I wish it were so”. Thus, the word in English conveys doubt. However, this is not the meaning of our Biblical “Hope”. Hope, in either the Hebrew or the Greek is filled with confidence, assurance and expectation. There is no doubt implied – It will be – It is and it has always been. Our Biblical “Hope” has its foundation in our faith and Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. Peter tells us that all believers are “called to give an answer to the ‘Hope’ that is within us” (1 Peter 3:15). Notice there is no inference of doubt. Our “Hope” is in the One who created the heavens and the earth. In fact, our “Hope” is the One who created the Heavens and the earth. We as Christians are daily looking for, with great expectation, “our blessed ‘Hope’ and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13).

What is Faith?

from the Pastor’s Desk

Today’s message is on “Faith”! We have discussed this subject many times in the past. The Apostle Paul lists faith as one of the top three characteristics of the Christian believer (1 Corinthians 13:13). In fact ,without faith, we are not even believers. We believe because we have “Faith” but as we all know, many times that “Faith” is misplaced by our own desire to see an anticipated result. True “Faith” must always be found in the promises of God. All of these promises are fulfilled in the coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus, the Messiah. Indeed, true “Faith” is only found through our total acceptance of Him who reconciled us back
into the presence of our Creator. He is the potter and we are the clay. Only He can shape our “Faith” into the mighty force that it can be. Jesus said of “Faith” “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain ‘move from here to there’ and it would move – Nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20). Thus, “Faith” poses a power greater than our minds could ever imagine. Today, we look to this power of “Faith” and apply it to our walk with Jesus Christ.