A Future and a Hope

Aim: To be fruitful now, as a result of a sure and bright eternity.

Doctrine: Because of Jesus, the church always has a future and a hope, which flows from God's unchangeable covenant; and which stands, despite our sin (and its consequences).

Exegesis: The amazing generosity of our gracious God: He has great love toward undeserving sinners (vv. 10-11); He gives Himself to undeserving sinners (vv. 12-13); He marvelously delivers undeserving sinners (v. 14).

Further application: How to realize a future and a hope: view life from a covenantal perspective, and live now (in Jesus) as one making progress toward heaven.

Key verse: v. 11 ''For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.''