Living Hope
Series: Songs of Praise
April 18, 2025
Pastor Mike
This episode explores the themes of Jesus' resurrection and atoning sacrifice as presented in Phil Wickham's song "Living Hope." It emphasizes how these concepts provide Christians with a living hope, offering forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life. The episode connects biblical passages with the song lyrics to reinforce the transformative power of Christ's death and resurrection, encouraging believers to find strength and hope in the face of life's challenges. Key Points: Christ's resurrection offers believers forgiveness and hope beyond earthly troubles Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies as the sacrificial lamb defeating sin and death God's mercy enables a new, living hope through Christ's resurrection The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live as overcomers in the world The triune nature of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is essential to understanding the full impact of Christ's work Christ's victory over death gives believers assurance of eternal life Christians are called to align their lifestyles with the eternal hope found in Christ
Episode Notes
Here is a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the Episode
Day 1: Living Hope
Reading: 1 Peter 1:3-9
Devotional: Peter reminds us that through Christ's resurrection, we have a "living hope." Reflect on what this means in your life. How does the promise of an imperishable inheritance impact your daily walk?
Consider ways you can cultivate this hope, especially during challenging times. Pray for a renewed sense of God's presence and the assurance of His promises.
Consider ways you can cultivate this hope, especially during challenging times. Pray for a renewed sense of God's presence and the assurance of His promises.
Day 2: God's Great Mercy
Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
Devotional: Paul describes the great chasm between us and God, bridged by His mercy. Meditate on the depth of God's love that reached out to us "even when we were dead in our transgressions." How does this transform your understanding of grace?
Take time to express gratitude for God's undeserved favor and consider how you can extend mercy to others today.
Take time to express gratitude for God's undeserved favor and consider how you can extend mercy to others today.
Day 3: The Power of the Resurrection
Reading: Romans 8:10-17
Devotional: The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in believers. Contemplate this profound truth. How does the resurrection power of Christ manifest in your life?
Are there areas where you need to more fully rely on the Spirit's strength?
Ask God to help you live as an overcomer, empowered by His indwelling presence.
Are there areas where you need to more fully rely on the Spirit's strength?
Ask God to help you live as an overcomer, empowered by His indwelling presence.
Day 4: Victory Over Death
Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Devotional: Paul proclaims Christ's victory over death. Reflect on how this ultimate triumph affects your perspective on life's challenges and your own mortality. How can you live today in light of eternity?
Thank God for the assurance of final victory and ask for courage to face life's struggles with an eternal mindset.
Thank God for the assurance of final victory and ask for courage to face life's struggles with an eternal mindset.
Day 5: Setting Your Mind on Things Above
Reading: Colossians 3:1-4
Devotional: We are called to set our minds on heavenly realities. In practical terms, what does this look like in your daily life? Examine your priorities and thought patterns. Are they aligned with your identity in Christ?
Pray for discernment to recognize earthly distractions and for discipline to focus on eternal values.
Ask God to help you live out your resurrected life in Christ.
Pray for discernment to recognize earthly distractions and for discipline to focus on eternal values.
Ask God to help you live out your resurrected life in Christ.
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