We share hope. As people of Christ, we speak hope. As Lutherans For Life, we show hope. Our faith does not just consist of prescriptions. Our message does not condense to merely principles. Our identity amounts to more than only prohibitions. We proclaim promises. We perform promises.
In fact, “Hope For Life” sets our theme for the coming year. Our 2017 LFL Regional Conferences examined “Hope For Life.” Our 2018 Life Sunday resources explore “Hope For Life.” And this issue of LifeDate enjoys “Hope For Life.” As our Heavenly Father encourages us, “[I]n your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15). So we’ve put together ten of our favorite hope reasons for you as follows:
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Jesus is Lord. He realizes our circumstances and reigns over them. “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses … therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified” (Acts 2:32, 36).
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God is with us. He abides alongside in the womb (Psalm 139:7-13), in our suffering (John 11:35), and in the very valley of the shadow of death itself (Psalm 23:4).
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Our Savior gives us victory over the devil and death. Temptations, fears, and failures may bark, but they cannot bite, because Christ’s ways prevail (Romans 8:37-39).
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Forgiveness heals even the flesh. “[H]e who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you” (Romans 8:11).
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The Redeemer protects and provides for body and soul. We have become heirs of His entire kingdom (Romans 8:32).
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God works all things together for our good. Even pain and persecution have holy purpose (Matthew 10:29-31).
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His family accompanies and assists us. “If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:26-27).
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We will be raised again to live and reign forever. The Lord wills and works life for us: “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25).
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A new heaven and earth await us. Our Almighty Maker is restoring what sinfulness has ruined (Revelation 21:1-5).
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We will behold and be held by God Himself. Heaven is going to envelop everything about us and our earth (1 Corinthians 13:12).
What would you add?