Yesterday, our Pastor, Brother Andy, continued expounding on these verses. He asked the question, "Are you growing in your hope?"

Non-Christians see this word as a stumbling block. I would wager that some Christians would even stumble at this word- HOPE.

Paul makes the case that a Chrisian should be growing in Faith, Hope, and Love. Here he deals with this "hope." The key to getting what he is saying is the definition that you give to hope.

There is a wishful kind of hope. For instance, "I hope you feel better." This may be an empty sentiment when expressed by some. In fact, we tell people that all the time without giving one thought as to if they recover or not.

Then there is a certain expectation also known as hope. That is what Paul is speaking of hear and in other places where he mentions hope. It is believing God at his word with a  certain expectation of an outcome. It is praying with a certain expectation that God will hear and answer your prayers.

I will always remember the way that Brother Kevin Cuevas prayed at my former Church, Lighthouse Baptist. When Bro. Kevin prayed there was almost a demanding quality in his voice. Now, he was not being irreverant towards God, but simply "hoping." He had grown in his hope. There was a certain expectation in his walk. I tell you, if you want to find mature Christians, listen for their hope of the joy that is within them...

So I ask you, "Have you grown in hope?" We talk about growing in love and growing in our faith. But how many of us are growing in our hope? In our certain expectations?

Until Jesus Comes,

Brother Chris