The Hope Laid Up + Ray Ortlund Tonight!
Good morning Immanuel. The hope laid up for us in heaven energizes our lives today.
“since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel…” (Colossians 1:4-5).
The gospel's message includes the truth of 'the hope laid up' for us in heaven. The good news of future hope was a key part of what energized the Colossians to present action. Notice, it was because of the hope laid up for them in heaven, that they were full of faith and love for all the saints (verse 4). It was the promise of future hope that filled them with the fruit of love in the present for all the saints. And just as the future gospel energized the church to active love then, so it does for us today. Hear this from Charles Spurgeon.—
Through the Spirit of God the hope of heaven is the most powerful force for producing virtue; it is a fountain of joyful endeavor; it is the cornerstone of cheerful holiness. Those who have this hope in them go about their work with vigor, for the joy of the Lord is their strength.
Amen!
October 3, 2023 - Midweek Updates
CELEBRATION - Did you miss Sunday’s service? Reverend Ray Ortlund walked us through what it means to “Walk in the light” from 1 John 1:7. Check it out here on Immanuel’s YouTube channel!
WED. NIGHT - TEACHING AND COMMUNITY (6:30pm - 7:30pm) - Join us tonight as the Reverend Ray Ortlund helps us think through the Good News at Rock Bottom. This is a great opportunity to invite a friend. Let’s make a discovery (or rediscovery) of Jesus together.
Students - Student Ministry City Groups (students 5th-12th grade) are held in the gymnasium. Doors open at 6 pm.
BAPTISM & DEDICATION SEMINAR - If you are interested in baptizing or dedicating your infant at Immanuel, our next Infant Baptism & Dedication parent seminar is TONIGHT, October 4th at 6:30pm! We are meeting in person and kids' classes will be open. RSVP here.
This hope has been on my heart recently. It also reminds me of Ephesians 1:3, which has stuck with me since the Ephesians sermons in January. Thank you for sharing Tony 🙏🏼
Ephesians 1:3
Spiritual Blessings in Christ
[3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, (ESV)