Eternal Hope
Eternal Hope11
Rev. 20:6. the First Resurrection
By Horatius Bonar0DAN 7:9LUK 20:36JHN 5:29JHN 11:25ACT 2:411CO 15:231TH 4:16REV 2:11REV 20:6REV 20:13Horatius Bonar emphasizes the hope of resurrection as central to the Christian faith, contrasting it with the finality of death. He explains that the first resurrection, as described in Revelation 20:6, is a promise of blessedness and holiness for those who have suffered for Christ, allowing them to reign with Him for a thousand years. Bonar highlights the significance of this resurrection, which brings eternal life and preservation from the second death, while also warning of the dire consequences for those who do not embrace this hope. He urges listeners to reflect on their spiritual state and the eternal choices before them, encouraging a life aligned with the promise of resurrection. The sermon concludes with a call to look to the cross for salvation, emphasizing that even the most lost can find hope in Christ.
"By the Fear of the Lord Men Depart From evil." – Proverbs 16:6
By Horatius Bonar0PRO 16:6SNG 2:10Horatius Bonar emphasizes the loving and authoritative call of the Lord Jesus Christ to His church, depicted as His bride. He describes how Christ's voice, filled with love and admiration, beckons His beloved to arise and depart from the evils of the world, promising a glorious future together. Bonar illustrates this call as not only a present invitation to holiness but also a future promise of eternal union and glory at Christ's second coming. The sermon encourages believers to heed this call, leaving behind sin and worldly distractions to embrace their identity as joint heirs with Christ. Ultimately, Bonar reminds the church that their true home and rest lie beyond this world, in the eternal presence of their Bridegroom.
Strangers and Pilgrims
By Thomas Brooks0HEB 11:10HEB 11:131PE 1:1Thomas Brooks emphasizes that believers are merely strangers and pilgrims in this world, destined for a heavenly home rather than an earthly one. He draws from Scripture to illustrate that this life is a temporary journey through a wilderness, urging Christians to focus their hopes and affections on their eternal city, which is heaven. Brooks encourages believers to live with a sense of reverence and longing for their true home, where they will ultimately be united with Christ in glory. The sermon serves as a reminder that earthly attachments are fleeting and that true fulfillment lies in the eternal promises of God.
Hymn: The Call
By John Nelson Darby0PSA 16:11ISA 40:31MAT 11:28JHN 10:27ROM 8:182CO 5:1PHP 3:201TH 4:16HEB 4:9REV 21:4John Nelson Darby emphasizes the powerful and loving call of God that draws believers away from earthly concerns towards a deeper relationship with Him. He reflects on the soothing yet solemn nature of this divine voice, which offers peace and hope amidst life's struggles. The sermon highlights the joy of knowing God and the anticipation of eternal life with Him, encouraging believers to serve faithfully while awaiting His return. Darby expresses a longing for the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate rest found in His presence. The message is a reminder of the grace that binds the heart to God and the eternal joy that awaits those who follow His call.
Without a Rag on His Back, or a Penny in His Purse!
By Thomas Brooks0LAM 3:24LUK 16:19Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound truth that having God as our portion is far more valuable than earthly riches. He illustrates this by contrasting Lazarus, who, despite his poverty, found eternal hope in God, with Dives, who, despite his wealth, faced eternal damnation. The sermon highlights that true wealth lies in our relationship with God, and it is better to enter heaven in humility than to face hell with worldly glory. Brooks encourages believers to place their hope in God above all material possessions.
The Unending Chapter
By A.W. Tozer01PE 3:18A.W. Tozer emphasizes that the hope of Christians lies in the unending chapter that follows death, which is made possible by Christ's resurrection. He explains that death does not signify the end of life or purpose, as Jesus' own death was followed by a triumphant resurrection that assures believers of their eternal life. Tozer reassures that just as Christ overcame death, so too will all who believe in Him experience a new chapter filled with hope and everlasting freedom. The sermon highlights the contrast between the despair of death and the joy of resurrection, affirming that for true believers, life continues beyond the grave.
The Altar of Abraham
By Andrew Bonar0GEN 21:33PSA 90:2ISA 40:28DAN 12:2JHN 3:16ROM 6:232CO 5:1HEB 11:10HEB 13:8REV 21:4Andrew Bonar preaches on 'The Altar of Abraham', emphasizing the significance of Abraham's altar as a symbol of faith and communion with the everlasting God. He illustrates how Abraham, amidst his wanderings and losses, found solace and strength in the presence of Jehovah, the everlasting God, who remains constant through life's trials. Bonar encourages believers to view their lives as pilgrimages, looking forward to the eternal city promised by God, while also warning the unsaved of the eternal consequences of rejecting this everlasting God. The sermon invites reflection on the nature of true worship and the importance of recognizing God as the source of eternal hope and joy.
1 Peter 1:4
By John Gill0MAT 6:20ROM 8:172CO 5:1EPH 1:141PE 1:4John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 1:4, emphasizing the nature of the inheritance that believers receive through Christ. This inheritance is described as incorruptible, undefiled, and unfading, highlighting its eternal and pure qualities that stand in stark contrast to earthly possessions. Gill explains that this inheritance is a gift from God, reserved in heaven for the elect, and secured by Christ, ensuring its safety from corruption and decay. He encourages believers to recognize the value of this heavenly inheritance, which is free from sin and eternal in nature, as they are co-heirs with Christ.
The Beatific Vision
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 17:15MAT 5:8JHN 14:3ROM 8:182CO 5:8PHP 3:20COL 3:4HEB 12:21JN 3:2REV 22:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the deep human desire to see Jesus Christ, the ultimate benefactor and source of hope for believers. He reflects on the longing to behold Christ not as he was in his earthly suffering, but as he is now in glory, exalted and radiant. Spurgeon reassures that this vision will be a personal encounter, where believers will recognize Christ by his wounds and experience joy without sorrow, awe without fear, and love without pity. He encourages the congregation to strive for this vision, reminding them that it is a promise for those who believe. Ultimately, he concludes with the hope that all who have faith will see Him as He is, united with loved ones in eternal glory.
Real Estate in Heaven
By C.H. Spurgeon0JHN 14:2HEB 10:34C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the assurance of our eternal inheritance in heaven, contrasting the fleeting nature of earthly possessions with the enduring substance promised by God. He reassures believers that they possess a title deed to heaven, experiencing its reality through faith even in the present. Spurgeon encourages the faithful to find comfort in the promise of a better land, which should help reconcile them to any losses faced in this life. He reminds us that while we may lose material things, our true treasure remains secure in Christ, who has prepared a place for us. Therefore, we should maintain a spirit of gratitude and praise for the hope we have in the eternal covenant.
Rev. 22:4. the Vision of God
By Horatius Bonar02KI 25:19EST 1:14PSA 41:12MAT 17:2LUK 19:17REV 2:26REV 22:4Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 22:4, emphasizing the profound joy and honor of seeing God's face in the new Jerusalem, a place devoid of sin, sorrow, and death. He describes the face of God as revealed in Jesus Christ, highlighting that only His servants, who are also His sons and heirs, will experience this divine vision. Bonar explains that seeing God's face signifies nearness, blessedness, honor, and power, and this eternal vision will remain unchangeable and uninterrupted. He encourages believers to live joyfully, work diligently, and find comfort in trials, as the promise of seeing God's face brings hope and strength. The sermon concludes with the anticipation of the imminent return of Christ and the glory that awaits.