z Finding Hope in an Age of Despair

z Finding Hope in an Age of Despair silent killers

Simcoe Muskoka opioid deaths Jan – Oct 2017 63 confirmed, 5 probable Jan – Oct 2016 38

Mental health Addictions Despair

Good These things are real They don’t have to be hidden There are diagnoses & treatments available Bad So self-aware that everything is a mental health issue Labels No spiritual component

despair

despair …is a feeling that life will get worse for you, not better. …is a narcotic. It lulls the mind into indifference.

z Finding Hope in an Age of Despair silent killers

1 Peter 1: 3 -4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,

1 Peter 1: 5 -6 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.

endure & persevere

How does Peter encourage § those who are living under tremendous pressure § who could easily give way to despair about their futures § to keep holding on to their Christian faith § to not throw in the towel § to not give way to despair

1 Peter 1: 3, 13 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

expectations of the future

1 Peter 1: 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

false hope

immature religion nurtures false hope

“I hope…”

1 Peter 1: 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

Edmond Clowney Our hope is anchored in the past: Jesus rose! Our hope remains in the present: Jesus lives! Our hope is completed in the future: Jesus is coming!

Life is difficult.

John 16: 33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Matthew 6: 19 -20 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.

1 Peter 1: 4 -5 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

Romans 8: 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8: 35 -36 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered. ”

Romans 8: 37 -39 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 5: 2 b-4 And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Romans 12: 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.