Sermon: Waiting with Great Hope

The Seven Mile Melrose staff get you updated on whats happening in the life of the church this month. 

In this episode the Melrose staff talk about the vision of Seven Mile in the coming season, and some ways we are supporting the big goal of helping others to know Jesus; in our Sunday preaching, prayer, tracks, classes, 

Has your world ever flipped upside down in a moment? Have your hopes and dreams that seemed so close seemingly come crashing down unexpectedly?_If so, you’ll understand the predicament of Jesus’ disciples on the Sunday after his crucifixion. They expected so much, but now are left with an empty tomb they can’t explain ... until a man they don’t recognize walks alongside them on a road out of Jerusalem before breaking bread with them. Then, they ran, and they told what happened to the other disciples.Join us this Sunday as we spend time in one of our favorite stories as a church: the Seven Mile Road story.

What do we do when our hopes and dreams die? How should we respond when the projects or the home or the family we wanted we don’t get?Everything around us tells us that if we work hard, if we apply the right methods or know the right processes or make the right connections, then all of our dreams, all of our ways, will come true.But the scriptures tell us something different. Unless the Lord builds, protects, and sustains all of these things then all of our work will be in vain. But if we belong to Jesus then the work done in his name will not be in vain.Psalm 127

This Sunday we’ll look at Psalm 146 and see how the text teaches us to continually bring our praises to the Lord, for he alone is worthy of them and able to deliver us from whatever life throws our way.

Our world is increasingly moving toward providing a life that allows and instructs us to get what we want, when we want it. We are subtly and not-so-subtly taught that waiting is something to be avoided at all costs. But what happens when there is no option other than to wait for something we can't control? What does it look like to live a life filled with hope while we wait for God? This Sunday, we will see that Psalm 130 shows us a way of life that points us and trains us toward living with great hope in our waiting. Ps 130

Have you ever wondered what God is doing right now and how your life might be connected to His greater mission? Psalm 110, the most-quoted psalm in the New Testament, is cited by Jesus and His apostles and prophetically foretold that God the Father would place His Son at His right hand and then actively extend His kingdom by overcoming His enemies. This missional psalm is a call for us to reflect: Are we helping to expand the kingdom of Jesus, or are we focused on building our own? In the end, what will stand the test of time—our own pursuits or God’s purposes in Christ?

When we feel crushed by life, faint, and alone, who do we run to? What does our soul thirst for when we are in despair? Do we run from God, hide from Him, or ignore Him? Psalm 143 was written by David in a time of great despair. David recognizes that he cannot stand before God and earn His favor. Instead, he pleads with God according to His steadfast love. David's soul thirsts for God because the LORD is his true refuge — and this Sunday, we'll see how He is ours as well.

Give thanks to the Lord. We’ve heard it said. We know it’s a good idea. We’ve read it in the scriptures. We may not even object, but pressure mounts, business overwhelms, and discontent can rise up. But only so long as we don’t remember who God is and only so long as we don’t remember what he’s done.  This Sunday, we’ll be reminded to give thanks to the Lord and why our Creator, our Redeemer, our protector, our God, whose steadfast love endures and who remembers us, is so worthy of our thanks

Listen to an update to stay informed and involved in the life of the church as you grow in your love for Jesus. Hear about:Our thoughts on the World CupWhat to expect from the pulpit on SundaysWomen's and Men's Summer StudiesInaugural Worship Night on August 8The Annual Teacher Training for SMR Kids teachersPlans for the Elder Retreat