The Triumph of Hope

To Hope or Not To Hope?

The Roman Church in Paul's day was wracked by the divisions that the early church suffered in every region the Gospel was proclaimed. Ethnic divisions between Jews and Gentiles made is difficult for the one people of God to celebrate the one hope of their salvation. Ethical divisions between weak Christians and strong Christians made it difficult for the people to serve each other.  Of course, after enough time and failure, the church in Rome had to start wondering if the good news of Jesus really made any difference at all. Paul reminds us that our hope isn't based in our transitory grasp of hope but in God's faithfulness to ancient promises. By fulfilling those promises, hope has been confirmed and our attention is brought back to the great message of the gospel, that God in Christ has embraced us with love and mercy. From this strong foundation, we confidently face the future.