Exploring God’s Word with Brad Thurston

Raising Hope

Episode Summary

Luke 21:25-38 When all looks like it is going well, Jesus knows what is about to happen. He prepares his disciples for what is to come. The hope he gives them with these prophecies inspires courage and confidence for the start and growth of the church.

Episode Notes

When these things happen: stand up and lift your heads: A message of courage and hope!

A threefold message here:

1. The Son of Man will return
2. Lift up your heads
3. Guard your hearts

The conditions surrounding the return of the Christ – Repetition of things learned!

1. The devil’s plot to steal, kill and destroy
2. The power of Christ
3. The overwhelming glory of Christ dispels the darkness
4. The preparation for what is to come since they didn’t understand when he said he would die and rise again.
5. The importance of the immediate fulfillment of this prophecy and the long term fulfillment of this prophecy yet to take place

The importance of hope in our lives!

1. Hope inspires confidence
2. Hope builds courage to conquers our fears
3. Hope strengthens our faith in God’s ability and God’s presence in our lives – stand up!

The result:

The necessity of protecting our hearts from the attacks of the enemy – note: there is no time-table and the focus is on moral exhortation 

1. Protect yourself from falling in the deceitful traps of the devil – cares of the world, lust, abandonment of clarity in obeying God.
2. Be alert in prayer – listen to what Father says, grow in your communication with him, your worship of him, and your waiting on him.
3. Escape, run from what is a trap.