Introduction (1/15)

Life is absolutely chalk-full of times that want to make us rip our hair out. There are times that make us weep with the sorrow of broken dreams and unrealized potential:

 Cancer

 bankruptcy

 death 

rent relationships

murder

divorce

There is the unspoken agreement through all creation that 

this was not the way it was supposed to be... 

 But what hope is there? 

What is the future for the people of God, and for the whole earth? 

When everything around us looks desolate and bleak, what do we tell ourselves?

Romans 8: 18-25 speaks to these questions: 

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."  (ESV)

I intend to spend the next fourteen posts to try and shed some light on what this passage was trying to tell the Roman church in the first century and what it has to do with 21st century Christians today.

Join me as I delve into the hope that the Lord has promised each and every one of  His children!