From Spirit~to~Spirit

Pastor's Message

“Against All Hope”

In the Romans letter to the ancient church, chapter 4:13-25, as it gives witness to the power of the gospel in the Roman empire, the Apostle Paul embellishes the significance of faith in the life of those who believe in Jesus Christ. This extraordinary presentation of faith is set in the context of a discussion on the strength and victory of Abraham, the great patriarch. The text says that the strength exhibited by “the father of faith” came not through dependence on the law, but instead through the power of his intimate relationship with God and his trust in the promises of God.

It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.

This enlightening passage of scripture teaches us that when our natural hope gives way, for those who live by faith in God and God’s promises, there is another hope that emerges in the heart of the believer that sustains the servant of God through all the journey of life. This means that on the road of spiritual enlightenment the weary traveler can rest with the assurance which is a byproduct of faith. As Abraham “became the father of many nations,” you and I can achieve the goals set before us and accomplish the plans given to us by God. Even in the face of opposing facts, faith will guarantee our victory in Christ based upon the promises of God.

Let us follow the example of Abraham’s faith, who “… did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in faith and gave glory to God …”

Dumas A. Harshaw, Jr., Ph.D, Pastor

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