Hope Bursting Forth
(c) John M. Kingery 2015 All Rights Reserved
The Pilgrim Church and Hope
We, the Church, are journeying to the Kingdom of God and waiting for Christ’s return. The journey will not be easy, but we are not alone. The Holy Spirit is with us. We have a longing for Christ and Heaven.
“If …you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (Col 3:1)
That indeed may be difficult given recent events in our country. As People of God, we have been wounded and know those who have died or been injured, their families, friends, first responders and our whole country is suffering. I grew up near San Bernardino, took my niece and nephew to see the musical Camelot at the Redlands amphitheatre. I worked for the Riverside Press Enterprise newspaper.
“We know that all creation is groaning in labor pains even until now” Romans 8:22
On the Church’s pilgrim journey, we should not lose hope.
For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance. In the same way, the Spirit too comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit itself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. Romans 8:24-26
The Church is indeed a pilgrim church. We are a nation of pilgrims. Let’s work together and never lose hope! Sit down and address this issue of violence in whatever its form as brothers and sisters.
Blessings to you all this Advent season
John Kingery