"Sermon Snapshots" are brief, impactful summaries of recent messages shared at Living Hope Church. Designed to provide a quick yet meaningful reflection on key themes, these snapshots help you revisit the powerful truths from each sermon. Whether you missed the service or want to dive deeper into the message, these summaries offer an opportunity to reflect on and apply biblical insights to your daily walk.

Here is the snapshot from "The Lamb -
Revelation 5.1-14" on December 8, 2024.

Who is Jesus? This question is more than just philosophical—your answer carries eternal weight. Some see Jesus as a great teacher, others as one of many paths to God, and still others as merely a prophet. But Revelation 5 paints a very clear and real picture of who Jesus is. This passage reveals the uniqueness of Jesus: the Lion of Judah, the Lamb who was slain, the Lord of all history, victory, and glory. There is nothing more important than what you believe about Him. Jesus is the only one worthy to fulfill God's plans and receive all glory.

1. Jesus is the Lord of History
In John’s vision, God holds a scroll in His right hand—a scroll containing His promises and plans for judgment and salvation. But there’s a problem: it’s sealed, and no one is found worthy to open it. John weeps at the thought that God’s plans might fail, but then comes the announcement: “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered!” This Lion, prophesied in Genesis 49 and Isaiah 11, is the King who fulfills every promise and accomplishes God’s purposes.

2. Jesus is the Lord of Victory
When John turns to look, he doesn’t see a conquering Lion. He sees a Lamb—slain, yet standing. This paradox reveals the heart of God’s plan: Jesus conquers not by domination but through sacrifice. The Lion is the Lamb, and through His death and resurrection, He has secured victory.

The Lamb is praised as worthy to take the scroll because He was slain. It’s His blood that ransomed people for God—a global family from every tribe, language, and nation.

This is the gospel: That Jesus gave His life to redeem us from sin and death, creating a diverse, united people who will reign with Him forever. Revelation reminds us that the way of Jesus is sacrifice before glory, suffering before victory, death before resurrection.

And to follow Jesus is to follow this pattern. As His disciples, we’re called to live lives of faithfulness, love, and self-sacrifice, trusting that glory will come in His perfect timing.

3. Jesus is the Lord of Glory
When the Lamb takes the scroll, worship erupts in heaven. The 24 elders and four living creatures fall down before the Lamb, singing a new song of praise. Then countless angels—myriads upon myriads—join in. Finally, every creature in heaven, on earth, and under the sea lifts its voice:
“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever!”

Jesus is worshipped as God. The Lamb is praised alongside the One on the throne, receiving the same glory and honour. This scene leaves no doubt—Jesus is fully divine, worthy of all worship.

One day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Whether joyfully or begrudgingly, all creation will acknowledge His worthiness.

Who is Jesus? Revelation 5 leaves no room for ambiguity. Jesus is the Lord of History, Victory, and Glory.

Do you believe that Jesus is the Lamb who was slain for your sins?
Are you living as part of God’s global family, united by faith in Christ?
Is your life a reflection of heaven’s worship, proclaiming the worthiness of Jesus?

Everything hinges on your response to Him. Heaven is singing—will you join this song?

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!”

Let this truth shape your worship, your life, and your eternity.

To listen to the audio and video Sermon Snapshot click here.
To watch the full message click here.

"Sermon Snapshots" are brief, impactful summaries of recent messages shared at Living Hope Church. Designed to provide a quick yet meaningful reflection on key themes, these snapshots help you revisit the powerful truths from each sermon. Whether you missed the service or want to dive deeper into the message, these summaries offer an opportunity to reflect on and apply biblical insights to your daily walk.

Here is the snapshot from "The Throne -
Revelation 4.1-11" on December 1, 2024.

Why do our hearts long for awe and wonder? From sold-out concerts to breathtaking landscapes, we continually seek something transcendent. This week, we explored Revelation 4—a passage that reveals the ultimate source of awe: the glory of God.

John’s vision is an invitation to reorient our lives, not around fleeting pursuits, but around the One who reigns supreme, holy, and is worthy of all praise. The cure for idolatry lies in beholding the glory of God. When we truly see Him, we cannot help but respond with awe, praise, and worship.

1.Praise God, for He Is King
John’s vision begins with a door standing open in heaven. Through this door, he is invited into a breathtaking glimpse of the throne of God.

The throne, central to the message of Revelation, symbolizes God’s sovereignty. In the chaos of life, we may question if anyone is truly in charge. But Revelation assures us: there is a throne in heaven, and it is occupied by the One who rules over all.

I know it often feels like no one is in charge. But Jesus shows us that there is a throne in heaven, and there is One seated on it. This is good news!

The imagery surrounding the throne is awe-inspiring. A brilliant emerald rainbow, symbolizing God’s mercy and faithfulness, encircles the throne. Flashes of lightning and thunder reflect His unmatched power.

When life feels overwhelming, the throne reminds us that God reigns. His presence is the unshakable anchor in every storm.

2. Praise God, for He Is Holy
Around the throne, four living creatures declare day and night:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”

These heavenly creatures, representing the greatness of God’s creation—lion, ox, man, and eagle—join together to proclaim His holiness.

Holiness means that God is altogether different, transcendent, and pure. While we often emphasize His nearness, we must also marvel at His greatness.

God’s holiness calls us to awe, reverence, and humility. It is a reminder to realign our lives with His greatness.

3. Praise God, for He Is Worthy
In this vision, the 24 elders, these heavenly creatures who represent God’s people, cast their crowns before the throne and sing:
“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for You created all things, and by Your will they existed and were created.”

God is worthy of all praise because He is the Creator and sustainer of all things. Every aspect of creation, from majestic mountain ranges to the intricate design of the human body, reflects His glory.

You cannot overpraise Him, you can never go too far, give too much, or exalt too highly. No matter the extent of our praise, God will always be underrated, never overrated.

In light of this, worship God with abandon. Your life, your possessions, and your talents are best spent glorifying Him.

How can we do this? Spend time in Scripture, worship, and prayer to deepen your understanding of God’s greatness. Identify distractions and idols in your life and replace them with practices that stir your love for Him.

Join the song of creation and heaven, declaring His worth and living for His glory.

We are built for awe and wonder, but we often elevate lesser things to the place of God in our lives. Revelation 4 calls us to lift our gaze to the One who reigns on the throne.

God is King. God is holy. God is worthy.

How will beholding the throne of God change the way you live?

To listen to the audio and video Sermon Snapshot click here.
To watch the full message click here.

"Sermon Snapshots" are brief, impactful summaries of recent messages shared at Living Hope Church. Designed to provide a quick yet meaningful reflection on key themes, these snapshots help you revisit the powerful truths from each sermon. Whether you missed the service or want to dive deeper into the message, these summaries offer an opportunity to reflect on and apply biblical insights to your daily walk.

Here is the snapshot from "To The Complacent -
Revelation 3.14-22" on November 24, 2024.

Have you ever felt your faith grow lukewarm—prayers that feel empty, worship that’s routine, and a heart distracted from Christ? That was the spiritual condition of the church in Laodicea. Wealthy, self-reliant, and blind to their true need, they had become complacent in their faith. Jesus’ message to them in Revelation 3 is a loving yet urgent wake-up call: recognize the danger of complacency, return to Him, and rekindle your passion for His glory.

Jesus calls us to turn from spiritual apathy, embrace His grace, and make Him the centre of our lives.

1. See the Danger of Complacency
Jesus describes the Laodiceans as “wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked.” Despite their material wealth, they were spiritually bankrupt. Their self-reliance had blinded them to their deep need for Him.

Using the image of lukewarm water, Jesus says their faith was neither hot nor cold but useless—neither healing like hot water nor refreshing like cold water. Their apathy had made them ineffective for His kingdom and distasteful to Him.

Signs of lukewarm faith include:

• Contentment without growth: A lack of hunger for God’s Word or prayer.
• Loving possessions more than Christ: A life focused on material things.
• Prayerlessness: A heart that doesn’t sense its dependence on God.

Jesus warns us that complacency is not harmless—it’s dangerous and leads to rejection.

2. Make Jesus Your Supreme Passion
Jesus doesn’t expose our need to condemn us but to invite us into His grace. He offers:

• Refined gold: True spiritual riches that come from salvation.
• White garments: His righteousness to cover our sin and shame.
• Eye salve: Clarity to see our spiritual condition and His abundant grace.

How do we respond?

• Be zealous: Reignite your passion for Christ. Pursue Him with intentionality and desire.
• Repent: Turn away from distractions and replace them with practices that stir your love for Him.

Jesus reminds us of the danger of chasing after material success and comfort, which can blind us to our spiritual poverty. Wealth isn’t inherently sinful, but it’s risky. It deceives us into thinking we don’t need God.

3. Put Relationship with Christ First
Jesus says, “I stand at the door and knock.” This isn’t a message for unbelievers—it’s for believers who have excluded Him from their lives with half-hearted faith.

He’s not calling for empty ritual; He’s calling for relationship. Dining with Him represents intimacy and connection. Jesus promises that those who respond to His call will share in His eternal reign and glory.

No matter how far you’ve drifted, Jesus hasn’t given up on you. He’s knocking—open the door.

Ask yourself:

• What stirs your love for Jesus? Do more of that.
• What distracts you from Him? Cut it out.

Jesus invites us to stop chasing cheap imitations and come to Him for true joy and fulfillment. He offers the best—and it’s all grace.

The call to the Laodiceans is a call to us: See the danger of complacency, repent, and return to passionate faith.

Jesus ends with these words: “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

Are you listening? What needs to change in your life today to hold fast to Jesus? There’s nothing you can give up that will compare to the joy of knowing Him fully. Let’s not settle for lukewarm faith—let’s open the door and let Him in.

To listen to the audio and video Sermon Snapshot click here.
To watch the full message click here.

"Sermon Snapshots" are brief, impactful summaries of recent messages shared at Living Hope Church. Designed to provide a quick yet meaningful reflection on key themes, these snapshots help you revisit the powerful truths from each sermon. Whether you missed the service or want to dive deeper into the message, these summaries offer an opportunity to reflect on and apply biblical insights to your daily walk.

Here is the snapshot from "To The Weak -
Revelation 3.7-13" on November 10, 2024.

Life can feel like a constant pursuit of strength, success, and control. We celebrate achievements and admire those who seem to have it all together. But what happens when life feels heavy—when challenges leave us feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or even inferior?

The world says to strive harder, but Jesus offers a different message. In our moments of weakness, what does He say?

The church in Philadelphia faced its own challenges: it was small, unimpressive by worldly standards, and burdened with opposition from the local Jewish synagogue. Yet, Jesus speaks to them—not with criticism, but with comfort and encouragement. His message reveals a profound truth: our weakness isn’t a problem when we depend on His strength.

He says, you don’t have to be strong—Jesus is strong enough for you.

1. In Weakness, Hold Fast to Christ
Jesus introduces Himself as the Holy One, the True One, and the One who holds the key of David. This imagery from Isaiah 22 underscores Jesus’ divine authority and sovereignty. He alone opens doors no one can shut and shuts doors no one can open.

For the weak, this is incredible news. Jesus, the King who holds the keys to heaven, promises the church in Philadelphia an open door—access to His kingdom that no one can close. While the world sees them as insignificant, Jesus commends their faithfulness.

They are weak, but they have kept His word and not denied His name. This reminds us that Christian maturity isn’t about growing in personal strength but in dependence on Christ. His grace is sufficient, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).

2. In Suffering, Know That You Are Loved
The Christians in Philadelphia faced opposition from what Jesus calls the synagogue of Satan. They were ostracized, slandered, and excluded from the community. But Jesus reassures them of His love.

He promises a future day when their persecutors will bow before them and recognize that Jesus loves them. Though their present circumstances are difficult, they are not forgotten. Jesus also promises to keep them from the hour of trial. This doesn’t mean they’ll avoid hardship but that He will sustain them through it, preserving them in His love.

When life feels chaotic and painful, it’s easy to doubt God’s love. Yet Jesus reminds us that even in suffering, we are deeply loved, and His purposes for us are always good.

3. In Uncertainty, Look to What Is Promised
Jesus assures the church in Philadelphia: “I am coming soon.” This promise of His return brings hope amidst brokenness and weakness. Jesus encourages them to hold fast to what they have, reminding them that perseverance leads to eternal rewards.

To the one who overcomes, Jesus promises:

• To make them a pillar in the temple of God—symbolizing permanence, stability, and eternal belonging.
• To write on them the name of God, the city of God (the New Jerusalem), and His own new name—signifying their identity as God’s children, citizens of heaven, and followers of Christ forever.

These promises remind us that our ultimate hope isn’t in worldly strength or success but in the eternal security and joy found in Jesus.

The church in Philadelphia was unimpressive by worldly standards but unstoppable in Jesus’ power. Their weakness became a platform for Christ’s strength, their suffering a testimony of His love, and their uncertainty an opportunity to trust His promises.

Like the Philadelphians, we are called to embrace our weakness, depend on Jesus, and hold fast to His truth. For when we are weak, He is strong—and His strength is more than enough.

To listen to the audio and video Sermon Snapshot click here.
To watch the full message click here.

"Sermon Snapshots" are brief, impactful summaries of recent messages shared at Living Hope Church. Designed to provide a quick yet meaningful reflection on key themes, these snapshots help you revisit the powerful truths from each sermon. Whether you missed the service or want to dive deeper into the message, these summaries offer an opportunity to reflect on and apply biblical insights to your daily walk.

Here is the snapshot from "To The Slumbering -
Revelation 3.1-6" on November 3, 2024.

In Revelation 3, Jesus addresses the church in Sardis, a church with a strong reputation but hollow at its core—a church that appears alive but is spiritually dead. This letter serves as both a warning and a call to those tempted to settle for appearances and reputation rather than genuine faith. It’s a call to be real, to pursue authentic discipleship, and to turn from complacency. Sardis, though esteemed by others, lacks any commendation from Jesus—a striking contrast to the other churches in Revelation.

How do we avoid the trap Sardis fell into? Jesus shows us the way forward, urging us to embrace authenticity, wake up from spiritual slumber, and lean entirely on the gospel.

We can be tempted to seek reputation over substance, prioritizing the image we project rather than cultivating genuine faith. In Sardis, Jesus sees a church that looks impressive but has no life. This message challenges us to examine our own hearts: Are we pursuing true discipleship, or are we content with an image of faith?

1. Focus on Substance Over Reputation
Jesus introduces Himself as the one who holds “the seven spirits of God” and “the seven stars,” emphasizing His complete authority over the church and His penetrating insight into their true state. Though Sardis is known for its impressive reputation and has the appearance of being alive, Jesus sees beneath the surface to find a church that is spiritually dead. This message challenges us to prioritize substance over reputation, urging us to focus on cultivating a heart-level relationship with Jesus rather than hiding behind external appearances. Instead of merely performing religious duties or seeking to impress others, we are invited into an authentic relationship where we can be honest with God and others, fostering true spiritual growth.

2. Fight Slumber with Watchfulness
In His urgent message, Jesus calls Sardis to “wake up!” and delivers five swift commands to this dead church: wake up, strengthen what remains, remember the gospel, keep it, and repent. The urgency reflects their desperate spiritual state, as if Jesus is performing emergency CPR on a church at death’s door. He warns them to wake up and be watchful, drawing on Sardis’ own history as a city repeatedly conquered due to its lack of vigilance. This reminder challenges us not to drift into complacency or apathy, but instead to actively guard our lives and pursue intentional faithfulness. Just as Sardis’ unguarded walls led to its downfall, we too must stay spiritually alert, attentive to our walk with Christ, and willing to make whatever changes are needed to remain faithful.

3. Don't Build an Image, But Gospel Dependance
Despite Sardis’ deadness, Jesus notes that a “few” faithful individuals have not “soiled their garments.” These believers will walk with Him in white, symbolizing purity and righteousness. Jesus promises that those who conquer will be clothed in white garments, their names will be secure in the Book of Life, and He will confess their names before the Father and His angels. This powerful promise reveals that true worthiness doesn’t come from our achievements or how others perceive us but from Christ’s righteousness alone. This righteousness is a gift we receive through faith in Him, covering us and transforming us from within. Rather than pursuing image-building, Jesus calls us to rest fully in His gospel and His grace, confident that His love covers our sins and shortcomings. In Him, we find our true identity and belonging, freeing us to live humbly and sincerely as His people.

The message to Sardis is a powerful reminder that God sees beyond our public image. True faith is not about projecting an image of spirituality but about pursuing a sincere, humble relationship with Jesus. Let’s examine our hearts and ask: Are we alive in Christ, or are we coasting on an empty reputation?

Jesus offers us hope: if we repent and turn to Him, He will forgive us, cleanse us, and affirm us before the Father. We are called not to build reputations that impress others but to anchor ourselves in the gospel and live with a genuine love for God. Today is the day to abandon hollow faith and to embrace the abundant life Jesus offers to those who are fully His.

To listen to the audio and video Sermon Snapshot click here.
To watch the full message click here.

"Sermon Snapshots" are brief, impactful summaries of recent messages shared at Living Hope Church. Designed to provide a quick yet meaningful reflection on key themes, these snapshots help you revisit the powerful truths from each sermon. Whether you missed the service or want to dive deeper into the message, these summaries offer an opportunity to reflect on and apply biblical insights to your daily walk.

Here is the snapshot from "Faithful Intolerance -
Revelation 2.18-29" on October 27, 2024.

How does a church become vulnerable to destruction? Often, we think of threats like physical harm, persecution, or even heresy. Yet, as Pastor [Name] shared, one of the most insidious ways is through the gradual tolerance of evil. In today’s passage from Revelation, we encounter the church in Thyatira—a congregation with notable strengths but plagued by its willingness to overlook sin within its community. Jesus’ message here is one of urgency, calling us to examine whether we tolerate behaviours and teachings that are contrary to His word. This passage challenges us to consider how devoted we truly are to Christ’s call for purity in His church.

In a world where tolerance is often celebrated, we may find ourselves excusing or ignoring behaviour that contradicts God’s word. However, Jesus’ message to Thyatira confronts this head-on: “There is no allegiance to Jesus where there is tolerance of evil.” This raises a question for us today: are we committed to living out our faith without compromise?

#1 Heed the Son of God’s Words and Condemnation (Revelation 2:18-21):
Jesus introduces Himself as the Son of God with “eyes like a flame of fire” and “feet like burnished bronze,” symbolizing His purity and strength, contrasting starkly with the false idols worshipped in Thyatira. Known for its trade guilds and devotion to the Greco-Roman god Apollo, Thyatira had allowed this cultural influence to seep into the church. Jesus commends the church’s love, faith, service, and patience, acknowledging that they have shown growth. However, He condemns their tolerance of “Jezebel,” a false prophetess leading believers into sexual immorality and idolatry. Like the Old Testament Jezebel who introduced idol worship in Israel, this false teacher corrupted the community by normalizing sinful practices. Jesus calls the church to recognize and reject these deceptions within their ranks.

#2 Contemplate the Son of God’s Judgement and Warning (Revelation 2:22-23):
Despite Jezebel’s blatant sinfulness, Jesus extended a period of mercy, giving her time to repent. However, as she and her followers have continued in rebellion, judgment is imminent. Jesus warns that He will cast Jezebel onto a “sickbed” and bring tribulation upon her followers, a punishment that underscores His intolerance of sin in His church. This passage is a sobering reminder that the church has a responsibility to confront unrepentant sin within its own ranks. Jesus’ warning is clear: failure to address sin invites His judgment, and tolerance of evil within the body of Christ compromises the church’s purity and witness to the world.

#3 Rejoice in the Son of God’s Promise and Reward (Revelation 2:24-29):
For those in Thyatira who remained faithful and resisted Jezebel’s influence, Jesus offers words of encouragement. They are not called to take on any additional burden beyond holding fast to their commitment to truth and purity. Jesus promises that those who “conquer” will share in His authority, ruling with Him as He exercises His judgment on the nations, fulfilling the prophecy in Psalm 2. Additionally, Jesus promises to give them “the morning star,” a symbol of His presence and ultimate reward. This promise highlights that faithfulness to Jesus brings an eternal inheritance far greater than any earthly reward.

Jesus’ message to Thyatira is a reminder that true allegiance to Him means rejecting evil and upholding purity within the church. While Jesus extends mercy and the opportunity for repentance, He also warns that tolerance of sin has no place among His people. The faithful are encouraged to persevere, looking forward to the promise of reigning with Him and receiving His eternal reward. May we heed this call to faithfulness, recognizing that our loyalty to Jesus requires us to confront sin and uphold His standards of holiness.

To listen to the audio and video Sermon Snapshot click here.
To watch the full message click here.

"Sermon Snapshots" are brief, impactful summaries of recent messages shared at Living Hope Church. Designed to provide a quick yet meaningful reflection on key themes, these snapshots help you revisit the powerful truths from each sermon. Whether you missed the service or want to dive deeper into the message, these summaries offer an opportunity to reflect on and apply biblical insights to your daily walk.

Here is the snapshot from "The Revelation of Jesus Christ -
Revelation 1.1-3" on September 8, 2024.

Revelation is a glorious book with an urgent message for the church: The Lamb wins. However, many miss this message by treating it as a roadmap for the future or by being confused by its imagery and symbolism. Some Christians read it with one hand on the Bible and the other on the newspaper, trying to connect it to current events. Others find the vivid language too foreign, and thus miss its message.

Revelation has an author and an audience. It was written for the first-century church, and we must read it from their perspective to understand its message. John tells us right away how to approach it.

#1 Revelation is Apocalyptic:
Revelation is Apocalyptic meaning it unveils divine truth through symbolic imagery. It's not a literal or chronological map but rather its a picture book filled with visual, symbolic language to help us see unseen realities.

#2 Revelation is About Jesus:
The book begins with “The revelation of Jesus Christ,” which is both from Jesus and it is about Jesus. If you read Revelation and miss Jesus, you've missed the entire message. Throughout the book, Jesus is the central figure—from the Lamb who conquers to the rider on the white horse.

#3 Revelation is a Letter:
Revelation is a letter to seven actual historical churches in Asia Minor. To understand it, we must read it with their historical and cultural context in mind. This is why John insists that it shows “the things that must soon take place”— it is relevant to the first-century church and then holding truths for us today.

#4 Revelation is Authoritative Prophecy:
The opening verses declare Revelation's divine origin. It is authoritative prophecy, meaning it is God's Word given through Jesus to the church. This book culminates all biblical prophecy and speaks to our present discipleship and faithfulness, not just depicting future events.

#5 Revelation Must Be Heard and Kept:
Revelation promises a blessing to those who hear and keep its message. It calls us to faithful discipleship and courage as we align our hearts and lives with God's glory, resist compromise, and live for Christ alone.

We need Revelation because things are not as they seem. The book gives us a new perspective: Jesus is Lord, the church is secure, evil will be vanquished, and all wrongs will be made right.

The Lamb Wins.

To listen to the audio and video Sermon Snapshot click here.
To watch the full message click here.

"Sermon Snapshots" are brief, impactful summaries of recent messages shared at Living Hope Church. Designed to provide a quick yet meaningful reflection on key themes, these snapshots help you revisit the powerful truths from each sermon. Whether you missed the service or want to dive deeper into the message, these summaries offer an opportunity to reflect on and apply biblical insights to your daily walk.

Here is the snapshot from "BEHOLD -
Revelation 1.4-8" on September 15, 2024.

In life, perspective is crucial. When we are discouraged, we often need a fresh vantage point. With our eyes on our problems, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. What we need is to see with fresh eyes, to get a heavenly perspective.

Revelation was written to churches facing suffering, temptation, and complacency. The book provided them a new vantage point, calling them to see their situation from God’s perspective and urging them to hold fast.

#1 Behold our Triune God:
This letter opens like many Greco-Roman letters, but John directs our attention to behold the Triune God. He describes God as "him who is and who was and who is to come," referencing God's eternal, self-existent nature. The Spirit is depicted symbolically as the "seven spirits," reflecting the Spirit’s completeness. And Jesus is the faithful witness, firstborn of the dead, and ruler of Kings on earth. John calls us to behold God’s sovereignty, reign, and victory over death.

#2 Behold The Gospel:
John reminds us that Jesus loves us, freed us from our sins by his blood, and made us a kingdom of priests. This gospel truth reshapes our understanding of life. We are free from sin’s penalty, power, and fear, and we now belong to a new kingdom, serving God and making Him known.

#3 Behold He is Coming:
In verse 7, John declares that Jesus is coming again. Drawing from Daniel 7 and Zechariah 12, John proclaims that all will see Him and those who rejected Him will mourn. This is a sober warning for those who are resisting Christ now, and a call for Christians to live with hope, knowing Jesus will return.

#4 Behold His Eternal Reign:
God is the Alpha and Omega, sovereign over all things, past, present, and future. His eternal reign means we can have confidence, peace, and hope, even in the darkest times. This perspective frees us from worry and despair.

Revelation reminds us that there is always hope, even in what seems like the darkest times. When we adjust our perspective to see what God sees, we find renewed strength and purpose.

To listen to the audio and video Sermon Snapshot click here.
To watch the full message click here.

"Sermon Snapshots" are brief, impactful summaries of recent messages shared at Living Hope Church. Designed to provide a quick yet meaningful reflection on key themes, these snapshots help you revisit the powerful truths from each sermon. Whether you missed the service or want to dive deeper into the message, these summaries offer an opportunity to reflect on and apply biblical insights to your daily walk.

Here is the snapshot from "Jesus Among His Churches -
Revelation 1.9-20" on September 22, 2024.

John and the seven churches were in desperate need of a renewed vision of the Risen Jesus. Faced with persecution, false teachings, and overwhelming cultural pressures, it felt as though hope was fading. Yet, in the midst of these challenges, the vision of Jesus' glory and power was the encouragement they needed to press on. They needed to be reminded that Jesus reigns victorious over all circumstances, and that His resurrection power gives them strength to endure. Just as John and the early churches needed this assurance, so do we today. We too must look to the Risen Christ to strengthen our faith and help us face challenges and resist compromise.

#1 We must listen to Jesus in Scripture:
John, the Apostle, was in exile on the island of Patmos, facing persecution "on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus." While in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, John hears the voice of Jesus, commissioning him to write what he sees and send it to the seven churches. Today, Jesus speaks to his church through Scripture, the apostles teaching, and just as he gave John a message for the churches, we are called to listen, study, and obey the word of God.

#2 We must behold and worship the risen Jesus:
When John turns to see the voice speaking to him, he witnesses a powerful vision of the risen Christ. This vision is filled with symbolic imagery: Jesus is described with white hair, symbolizing wisdom, eyes like flames of fire, representing penetrating insight, and a voice like the roar of many waters, portraying His power. Jesus’ presence among the lampstands signifies that he walks among his churches, He knows them and tends to them as a priest tends to the temple’s lamps. These symbols don’t just tell us what Jesus looks like, but reveal who He is: the reigning and powerful king.

#3 We must not fear for Jesus is with us:
John’s immediate response is to fall at Jesus’ feet as though dead. But Jesus lays his hand on him and says, “Fear not,” affirming him that He is "the first and the last," "the living one," who died and is now alive forever. Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades, declaring his authority over life and death itself. This powerful truth should drive out fear from his followers. Jesus knows his churches, walks among them, and he holds them securely in his hand.

Jesus is not dead. He is risen, reigning in glory. Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we can persevere with courage, hope, and conviction. We serve a living King, who holds all authority, and we can be confident, even in suffering, that we too will rise with him. We must keep our eyes on the risen Jesus, whose glory assures us of ultimate victory.

To listen to the audio and video Sermon Snapshot click here.
To watch the full message click here.

"Sermon Snapshots" are brief, impactful summaries of recent messages shared at Living Hope Church. Designed to provide a quick yet meaningful reflection on key themes, these snapshots help you revisit the powerful truths from each sermon. Whether you missed the service or want to dive deeper into the message, these summaries offer an opportunity to reflect on and apply biblical insights to your daily walk.

Here is the snapshot from "To The Unloving -
Revelation 2.1-7" on September 29, 2024.

There are countless books and resources on how to grow, lead, and structure the church, but nothing compares to hearing from Jesus Himself. In Revelation, Jesus has a direct word for His church, and it’s powerful, surprising, and relevant—not just for Ephesus, but for all churches today. Will we listen to what He has to say?

The church in Ephesus faced immense cultural pressures, false teachings, and idolatry. Despite their hard work, sound doctrine, and perseverance, Jesus saw a deeper problem: they had abandoned the love they had at first. This warning is not just for them—it’s for us as well. We can be doctrinally sound but spiritually cold.

#1 Jesus' Authority Over the Church:
Jesus introduces Himself as the one who holds the seven stars who holds the seven stars, which represent the church's heavenly existence, and he walks among the seven golden lampstands, representing the church's earthly existence. This reveals that Jesus is sovereign over His church, and He is not distant. He is actively present, watching over His people with intimate knowledge of their strengths and struggles. Jesus holds the church in His powerful hand—we are secure in Him, no matter the challenges that we face.

#2 Jesus Commends the Church’s Strengths:
Jesus commends the Ephesians for their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to sound doctrine. They were a church that knew how to test false apostles and stand firm in their theological convictions. They didn’t tolerate evil, and they were vigilant in their defense of the truth. But is that enough?

#3 Jesus Criticizes Their Lack of Love:
Despite their strengths, Jesus identifies a serious problem: they had abandoned the love they had at first. While their doctrine was correct, their love for God and for one another had grown cold. This serves as a powerful reminder that truth without love is incomplete. Right theology must be paired with genuine love for Jesus and for each other.

#4 Jesus Calls Them to Repent and Return:
Jesus offers a three-step path for their restoration:

• Remember the love they once had—their early passion and devotion to Christ.
• Repent of how they had drifted from that love, turning back to God with sincerity. Radical action must be taken.
• Do the works they did at first, reigniting their love by living out their faith with renewed passion and action.

If they fail to repent, Jesus warns that He will remove their lampstand, signifying their loss of their spiritual influence and identity as a true church. This is a sobering call to action for any church that has become focused on right beliefs but has lost its love for Christ.

Jesus’ message to the church in Ephesus is clear: we need both truth and love. It’s not enough to be theologically correct if our hearts are distant from Jesus. We must remember, repent, and return to the love we had at first. The promise for those who overcome is eternal life—eating from the tree of life in the paradise of God. Jesus offers us something far greater than any earthly award or accomplishment: life with Him forever.

In reflecting on this, ask yourself:

• What is getting in the way of your love for Jesus?
• What steps can you take today to rekindle your passion for Christ and align your heart with His?

To listen to the audio and video Sermon Snapshot click here.
To watch the full message click here.

"Sermon Snapshots" are brief, impactful summaries of recent messages shared at Living Hope Church. Designed to provide a quick yet meaningful reflection on key themes, these snapshots help you revisit the powerful truths from each sermon. Whether you missed the service or want to dive deeper into the message, these summaries offer an opportunity to reflect on and apply biblical insights to your daily walk.

Here is the snapshot from "To The Suffering -
Revelation 2.8-11" on October 6, 2024.

In life’s trials, having a clear vision of the destination gives us hope and endurance. In the book of Revelation, Jesus provides a vision of the eternal "shore" — the promise of life beyond suffering. Do we see that hope, or are we lost in the fog of life's hardships?

Life is full of overwhelming challenges, but Jesus shows us the shore — our eternal hope. The letter to the church in Smyrna helps us to see this hope through the lens of suffering and faithfulness, showing us how to persevere.

Smyrna was a loyal Roman city, it was known for its devotion to emperor worship and had a large Jewish population that seemed to be persecuting the Christians there. The church there was poor and oppressed, yet Jesus calls them rich in spiritual terms. The letter offers encouragement and a call to faithfulness amidst suffering.

#1 Jesus is Bigger than Death:
Jesus introduces Himself as “the First and the Last,” a title that the Old Testament reserves for God alone. He is sovereign over history, from beginning to end. He also is identified as the One who “died and came to life,” declaring His victory over death. Jesus reassures the church in Smyrna that He holds the keys to life and death, reminding them not to fear. He has conquered suffering and death.

Do you feel overwhelmed? Anxious? Fearful of the future? The way to faithfully persevere through what you are facing is by looking to Jesus, the First and the Last. He is the God whom you can trust today and tomorrow. We can’t control the future. You can’t know what will happen. But you can put your future into the hands of the One who is the First and the Last.

#2 Jesus Knows Our Suffering:
Jesus is intimately aware of the church’s suffering, poverty, and the slander they face from the synagogue. Despite their trials, He calls them rich, showing that their true wealth lies in their spiritual inheritance, not in worldly prosperity. Jesus walks with them in their tribulation and encourages them to endure, knowing that He understands their pain.

#3 Jesus Calls Us to Faithfulness:
Jesus tells the church that more suffering is ahead, and some will be thrown into prison. However, this trial is a test of their faith, and He calls them to remain faithful even unto death. The reward for their endurance is the "crown of life" — eternal life with Christ.

#4 Jesus Promises Us Life:
The letter concludes with the promise that those who will conquer will not be harmed by the second death — referring to eternal separation from God. Though they may face death in this life, they are secure in Christ and will not face ultimate eternal death.

The church in Smyrna, and specifically its leader Polycarp, serve as a powerful example of faithfulness. Polycarp, was martyred for refusing to deny Christ, He remained faithful unto death, receiving the "crown of life."

While we may not face the same persecution, we are still called to be faithful in the small, daily sacrifices we make for Jesus. Whether in big moments or small acts of obedience, Jesus calls us to hold fast to Him and promises the reward of eternal life.

To listen to the audio and video Sermon Snapshot click here.
To watch the full message click here.

"Sermon Snapshots" are brief, impactful summaries of recent messages shared at Living Hope Church. Designed to provide a quick yet meaningful reflection on key themes, these snapshots help you revisit the powerful truths from each sermon. Whether you missed the service or want to dive deeper into the message, these summaries offer an opportunity to reflect on and apply biblical insights to your daily walk.

Here is the snapshot from "To The Compromising -
Revelation 2.12-17" on October 13, 2024.

The New Testament frequently warns us of two threats against the church. We are often attentive to the external threat of persecution, opposition, and violence. But we often miss the second, the internal threat—the greatest danger against the church is not persecution or violence but compromise, false teaching, and sin within the church. This is the problem that the Pergamum church just didn’t see coming.

Pergamum was a strongly pagan city. It was the centre of the imperial cult and the political capital of that Roman province. Jesus addressed them as the one who holds the sharp two-edged sword, representing the power of His word - He stands as judge.

#1 HOLD FAST TO JESUS:
Jesus says, “I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is.” Pergamum was deep in enemy territory, yet they held fast to Jesus’ name and they did not deny Him, even when Antipas was martyred for his faith. Jesus called him a "faithful witness," just as Jesus himself is identified as a “faithful witness” in Revelation 1.

#2 IDENTIFY AND RESIST COMPROMISE:
Some in the church, however, held to the teaching of Balaam, leading to compromise through idolatry and immorality. This teaching encouraged believers to participate in pagan feasts and sexual immorality, much like how Balaam’s seduction of Israel into sin happened in Numbers 22-25.

Then Jesus calls the entire church to repent—some for their compromise while others need to repent for tolerating it. If they do not repent, He will come against them with the sword of His mouth, representing His word of judgment.

#3 LOOK TO WHAT ONLY JESUS CAN GIVE:
For those who conquer, Jesus promises the hidden manna, symbolizing His provision, and a white stone with a new name, symbolizing acceptance, justification, and belonging to Christ. The name represents a new identity in Jesus.

Satan’s first attempt against the church in Pergamum was a frontal attack through violence, but it failed. The subtle and dangerous lure of compromise was the second and real threat. Jesus calls the church to hold fast, resist compromise, and find satisfaction in Him alone.

He’s calling you to be a “faithful witness”. To hold fast. To grab hold of Jesus, put him first, and never let go.

• To trust him completely with everything.
• To look to him for spiritual nourishment, for justification and identity, and for your hope and future.
• He wants to be our everything.
• We need to open our hands up, let go of the idols we cling to, and grab hold of Christ alone.
• He is the only one that can satisfy us.

To listen to the audio and video Sermon Snapshot click here.
For full messages click here.

Our new small group books are now available in pdf format. You can download them here. Printed books are available 24/7 in the rear vestibule of the church building.

Biblical Soul-care training is happening at Living Hope Church!
One of our main priorities here at Living Hope is to care for our church family. This happens in many ways, but we’re excited to share one way we’re doing this through the Living Hope Centre for Care and Counselling, and invite you to pray for us as we move forward.

One of the plans for the LHCCC is to build up a team of counsellors who are able to serve the spiritual and emotional needs within the church.  At the moment, our team has been working together on certification training with the Association of Biblical Counselling.  This involves learning basic counselling skills and principles with the key being the application of the Gospel to our struggles and pain.  Our goal is to have more counsellors available at the LHCCC as we continue to meet the needs of our congregation and community.

Your growing Biblical Soul-Care team is:
John and Karen Hoornweg
Anita Huggins
Brian Russell

Please pray for us.
That the Word of God would dwell richly in us as we study and grow together.
That we would learn to apply the principles of Scripture to the issues in our own lives and in the lives of other people.
For courage as we begin to practice and meet with people as part of our training.
For stamina in staying on top of assignments and readings.

We won’t be ready to begin serving in this capacity until sometime in 2021.  In the meantime, Brian continues to provide counselling and psychotherapy services at the LHCCC.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Brian.
brian@livinghopechurch.ca

We are so excited to be starting up Sunday School once again!

Check out the video below to see safety protocols, pick up and drop off procedures and more!

A few things to highlight:
- Both Sunday school and the nursery will be available at the 9am service.
- A sanitized, but unstaffed nursery will be available for the 11am service.
- Ages 0-3 will be in the nursery (there is no 2/3 class at this time)
- Age 4-grade 5 will be together in the open session room
- All children 4+ will be required to wear a face covering
- Children are more than welcome to stay in the sanctuary as well. Supplies and activities will be provided to those who wish to remain in the service.

Questions? Feel free to contact our Kids Ministry Director, Kim, at kim@livinghopechurch.ca.

Our new SCC books are now available in pdf format. You can download them here. Printed books are available 24/7 in the rear vestibule of the church building.

Our new SCC books are now available in pdf format. You can download them here. This book takes us up until the end of Nehemiah on August 30. Printed books are available in the vestibule of the church building.

- In order to meet at 30% building capacity, we will be holding two services: Sunday morning at 9am and 11am. 

- Due to limited capacity, we are asking everyone to register in advance for the service they plan to attend. Registration will open by Wednesday every week via Eventbrite. As the nursery and Kids Ministry is only available at the 9am service (more below), we encourage those without children to serve our church's families by attending the 11am service whenever possible.

- The 9am service will be live-streamed, and the recorded video will be available on our website as soon as possible on Sunday for those who cannot attend in person.

- Both Sunday school and the nursery will be available exclusively at the 9am service. For more details, including a walk-through video of what Kids Ministry will look like, click here.


Protective Measures

- Self-Screening: Worshippers are advised to stay at home and join us online if:
• they are immunocompromised or vulnerable
• they have travelled outside Ontario in the last 14 days
• they have COVID-19 or its symptoms
• they have had close contact with a probable or confirmed case of COVID-19

- Sanitizing/Physical Contact: A volunteer crew will frequently clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces and common areas including door handles, counters, cabinet doors, seats, light switches, faucets, toilet handles, and hand rails. There will be no intentional passing of items from one person to another (e.g. offering plate, communion plate, bulletins, coffee/tea service, etc.). Hand sanitizer will be available at each entrance.

- Flow of People: Entry will be through the front doors only, which will be held open to minimize touching. Markers on the floor will indicate where to line up outside as well as the path into the sanctuary. Exit will be through the doors at the front of the sanctuary.  Seniors and those with mobility concerns will be will be ushered out using the crash doors located in the foyer after the rest of the congregation has exited.

- Seating:  In order to maintain a minimum of 2 metres between members of different households, every other row of chairs has been removed from the sanctuary. Ushers will direct people to specific clusters of seats. There will be a minimum of 3 chairs (or equivalent space) between each household.

- Masks: The Town of Halton Hills has passed a bylaw requiring masks to be worn in enclosed public spaces. Masks are therefore now required to attend services unless you are exempt.
Current exemptions under the provincial regulations are:
you are under 2 years of age;
you have a medical condition that inhibits your ability to wear a face covering;
you are unable to put on or remove your face covering without help from someone else or;
you are receiving accommodations according to the Accessibility for Ontarians with
Disabilities Act
(medical documentation is not required to support the exemptions)

-Singing: Singing is encouraged, as long as you are wearing a mask.

Unity remains of utmost importance to us. While we are excited to gather once again as a church family, we understand and recognize not all of our family will be able to or comfortable with assembling in person. Please continue to join us for services online if you choose to remain at home!  

Service is defined as “The action of helping or doing work for someone.”¹ In church lingo, we use it to mean a celebration of public worship, as in “Sunday Service begins at 9:30 am”. But in these times of social distancing, how much helping is really going on at our Sunday “Service”?

Sure, Pastors Paul, Steve, and Rob are working hard to serve the rest of us. But perhaps you were a parking lot attendant, a greeter, or a Sunday School assistant in the pre-Covid days. Sunday morning was your time to serve the body of Christ. In today’s world as you direct your kids to their seats in the living room and press play on the video recording, you think, “This maybe isn’t what the Bible means when it talks about serving one another.”

When the church gathered, it was easy to be in a mind-set that said by serving Sunday morning we were fulfilling God’s call in 1 Peter 4:10: “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace”. Now, with the Sunday Service changed by a pandemic, I’d like to encourage a change to our thinking too. Serving one another should be a part of our everyday life.

Philippians 2:4-8 gives us a picture of what serving one another in everyday life looks like:
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

It’s the same idea as we see in John 13, when Jesus washes the disciples’ feet. He tells them he has given them an example to follow - the example of humility, doing an unpleasant task, and not considering it below himself. Later that same evening, he says, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

This pandemic may have taken away our opportunities to show each other love during Sunday Service time, but we can use the gifts God gives us to help one another throughout the week, and through acts of love, show the world that we are Christ’s disciples.

Let’s start at home. My kids have become quite creative ever since this lockdown started and we challenged them to find at least a couple of ways each day that they could serve the family. They started with the obvious chores like vacuuming, cleaning bathrooms, and doing dishes. But as time went on, we noticed homemade treats served as we worked in our separate rooms, our son playing guitar for Sunday worship, and our daughter playing video games with her brother (not something she normally enjoys). I think my favourite was when my son announced to everyone, “I’m serving my family by taking my sister for a bike ride to give you some peace and quiet.” (Confession… the Lord is still working on us and we’re not the perfect family yet!)

Serving one another can also extend beyond the home and into the community. Who do you see that you can do some work for? Maybe you can help someone with their yard work. Perhaps you could pick up a gift for a child who isn’t having a birthday party because of the lockdown. It could be calling someone to pray together. God has made us all different, and because of our various gifts and perspectives, we will see needs differently and be able to steward God’s grace to meet the needs we each see. When God shows us a need, there’s a joy that comes with using what He gives us to meet the need. We have been blessed by God to be a blessing to others. So whether using your gift of leadership for on-line small groups or your gift of teaching for on-line VBS, your gift of generosity in giving to the food bank, or your gift of helps to mow a neighbour’s lawn, there are ways God has gifted you uniquely to serve during these times.

Finally, let me encourage you not to lose touch with those you used to serve in your ministry during Sunday Service. Think about how to use your gifts to continue helping those people in this new context of separation in our homes. And remember that as we serve one another in love, Christ is made known. A Ligonier article says it well, “Serving Christ means using our gospel freedom to serve that which Christ loved enough to purchase with His blood. That is why the church is beautiful and why serving her is a glorious privilege.”²

________
¹ https://www.lexico.com/definition/service
² https://www.ligonier.org/learn/articles/serve-one-another/

Join us LIVE !
We are so looking forward to our second Wednesday Night Live - our live-streamed evening of worship and prayer!

Our pastors will be leading us once again as we gather online as a family to pray and worship the Lord together. This meeting is more than a response to the pandemic - our vision is bigger. We hope that this is the beginning of building a culture of prayer at Living Hope.

Mark your calendars and be sure to tune in this Wednesday, as early as 7pm, to greet one another online and connect with your church family. The evening officially begins at 7:30pm.

Livestream link is here: https://youtu.be/VTTDWIfmZMY

As the weather has been warming up, I’ve been thinking back to last June and the “Family Farm Day” at  the Vetros. We enjoyed a meal together, were treated to guided tours of the dairy barn, played games and met other families, friends, and neighbours. A goal of the event was to spur one another on to show hospitality to others as it had been shown to us that day. We all left with the “Summer Hospitality Challenge”: to pick someone that we could show hospitality to and then make an invitation.

Well, this year things look a little different with Covid-19, and I don’t expect that most of us will do more than virtually tour a farm this spring. What does hospitality look like in a time when we’re advised not to have guests in our homes?

In order to answer that question, I’d like to start by looking into what the Bible says about hospitality and let that shape our understanding of the meaning of the word. Then we can think about why to be hospitable and how to show hospitality to others even while keeping our distance.

In the New Testament, the word translated as hospitality is the Greek word philoxenos: philos means “friendship love” and xenos means "a stranger”. The biblical usage shows hospitality to mean loving strangers and being generous to guests.¹ We see it used in three clear commands:

“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”  Romans 12:13

“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9

“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13:2

It’s this last verse that I’d like to focus on a little more. It is cross-referenced to the story in Genesis 18 and 19 where first Abraham, and then Lot, welcomed angels. They loved these strangers, giving generously by feeding them, refreshing them, and caring for their needs. This can serve as an example of hospitality to us.

Hebrew 13:2 also makes me think of Matthew 25:37-41 “‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” This passage provides a reason to be hospitable: As we show hospitality to people God puts in our path, it is Jesus we are showing hospitality to!

Do you need more motivation? Are you still wondering why to be hospitable? Well, in addition to hospitality being commanded and being a way to serve Christ, think about this too: Christ gave up his comforts and rights to love people who were estranged because of their sin. Christ didn’t have a home where he hosted people, but as he lived on earth he loved strangers and gave generously to those who came to him. He ultimately gave his life, expecting nothing in return from us. We should be hospitable because it’s the posture Christ takes towards us and it’s a way to imitate Him.

Rosaria Butterfield, author of The Gospel Comes with a Housekey gives a helpful explanation to distinguish between true hospitality and a current cultural understanding of entertainment:

“Hospitality is about meeting the stranger and welcoming that stranger to become a neighbor—and then knowing that neighbor well enough that, if by God’s power he allows for this, that neighbor becomes part of the family of God through repentance and belief. It has absolutely nothing to do with entertainment.
Entertainment is about impressing people and keeping them at arm’s length. Hospitality is about opening up your heart and your home, just as you are, and being willing to invite Jesus into the conversation, not to stop the conversation but to deepen it.”²

John Piper warns us that, “The most natural thing in the world is to neglect hospitality. That’s the path of least resistance. All we have to do is yield to the natural gravity of our self-centered life, and the result will be a life so full of self that there is no room for hospitality. We will forget about it. And we will neglect it. So the Bible bluntly says, "Stop that!”³

If we want to be hospitable, we must open our hearts and lives to others, give up our selfish priorities, share the blessings God has given us, and consider strangers and neighbours more important than ourselves. And the good news is that these are all things we can be doing from a distance.

So leave margin in your calendar to make a phone call to someone who might be lonely. Share an on-line sermon, devotional, or blog post with a neighbour and then intentionally follow-up to hear what they thought about it. Take a delivery of groceries to someone you know isn’t likely to reciprocate your love. Help your kids draw pictures and write letters to a senior in your neighbourhood. Host an on-line games night for your small group, but be intentional about inviting someone new to join you. And always make it personal. Get to know the one you are serving, keep them in your heart and prayers, and let them get to know you so they can see Christ in your life.

Does being able to invite people into your home as guests for a meal make it easier to be hospitable? I think so. But we can’t use social distancing as an excuse to neglect hospitality. Let’s make those sacrifices, welcome others into our lives, and give without looking for something in return. There are many ways to love strangers and neighbours and show them generosity while we’re apart from one another.

__________
¹ www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G5382&t=ESV
² www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2018/april-web-only/rosaria-butterfield-gospel-comes-house-key.html
³ www.desiringgod.org/messages/strategic-hospitality

by Diana Lamothe

Have you ever wondered about the “greet one another with a holy kiss,” command that’s found in Scripture? Why aren’t we all kissing each other when we walk through the doors of the church? The first time I gave thought to the idea of greeting people with a kiss was when a strange girl ran over to my boyfriend (who is now my husband) and enthusiastically kissed him on both cheeks. Not understanding French-Canadian culture, I was jealous of his old friend from school who was simply behaving how most people in Quebec behave when they greet someone they know.

Recently, with social distancing, I’ve been giving thought again to the “One Another’s” found in scripture, and today I’d like to share some ideas with you about what it means to “greet one another with a holy kiss” and how this applies in a time when the church is not gathering together.

Several New Testament letters conclude by urging believers to “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26, 1 Peter 5:14). Kissing was a common form of greeting in the Middle East at the time these letters were written. As I think about the command given in the various contexts, a kiss might represent unity between Jew and Gentile, humility between rich and poor, acceptance to believers who were rejected by their families, and love that welcomes and desires to serve the one being greeted.

In our culture, the hand-shake might be considered an equivalent greeting instead of a kiss. And sometimes when someone we know enters the church foyer we go beyond the handshake to pull them into a hug. But now imagine someone comes into our gathering from the streets, dirty and with a distinctive odour. Would you reach out for a handshake? What about a hug?  Perhaps this is what the Bible is talking about - warmly greeting all those who come into our midst as beloved family members.

Some of you may ask about the literal interpretation of the holy kiss. Aren’t we required to kiss as a greeting since that’s what the Bible says? If you choose to ignore this command, what other commands will you also ignore? Well, I would look at three things: first, the command is not rooted in creation; second, it’s not found throughout Scripture; and third, it’s not a gospel issue. It seems to fall into the same category as foot-washing or head-covering. In these things we look at the intention behind the command, and instead of washing someone’s feet, we serve them with humility, instead of a woman covering her head, she submits to her husband’s headship. Still, if a brother or sister feels they must interpret the holy kiss literally, I would respond in love by accepting that form of greeting.

In his book, Side By Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love, Ed Welch says, “Greetings are not a form of politeness from a bygone era. They are skills that imitate the Lord, they show respect and kindness to others and we are meant to grow in them. Listen to one of Paul's greetings: "All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss (1 Cor. 16:20). We don't have to kiss someone when we greet them, but when we move toward others, we are to greet them with familial warmth. Since we have been invited, welcomed, and greeted by the Lord, we have the opportunity to reciprocate. By welcoming the least, we welcome Jesus (Mark 9:37).”²

OK. So I think I understand what the Bible is saying. But there’s currently no church gathering where I can practice greeting. And if I happen to run into a fellow believer in the line-up outside the grocery store, I could be fined $1000 if I try giving a hug. Does the greeting of love and familial warmth necessarily require physical gathering and close contact?

Well, the fact that greetings are sent by letter in the early church tells me they don’t necessarily need to be physical. There are ways to greet even in times of social distancing. Whether chatting in the live-stream prayer and worship time, giving an encouraging smile on a Zoom call with your small group, or reaching out by phone to that elderly neighbour, there are still ways to move towards other people with love. But I also believe that we are created by God to give and receive love physically, and that’s why the apostle Paul commands it of the church, and that’s why I long for the day we can gather again and hug one another.

Our culture won’t be the same after this pandemic. And I think it’s clear that greeting will be one thing that will change, whether just for the short-term or in a long-term kind of way. So let me encourage you to look for new ways to “greet one another with a holy kiss” by imitating the welcome the Lord gives to you.  And for those of you who do have family members you can hug and kiss at home, make sure to hold them close and thank God! I know physical greeting is something I won’t take for granted anymore.

__________
¹ On April 7th, our Prime Minister coined the unfortunate phrase, “Speaking Moistly” in his speech about wearing masks during the Coronavirus pandemic. A viral musical version of Justin’s speech has already reached over 2 million viewers on YouTube.
² “Move toward and Greet One Another.” Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love, by Edward T. Welch, Crossway, 2015.

This Sunday (April 19) we begin our new sermon series in the book of Ruth. This short story is rich with themes relevant to our situation these 3000 years later. Where is God when the economy collapses? Where is God at the loss of a loved one? Where is God in poverty, racism, exclusion and a bleak future? Through the story of Naomi and Ruth we see the unexpected working of God's gracious providence leading his people to his good purposes.

John Piper writes of the book of Ruth:
“Life is not a straight line leading from one blessing to the next and then finally to heaven. Life is a winding and troubled road. Switchback after switchback. And the point of biblical stories like Joseph and Job and Esther and Ruth is to help us feel in our bones (not just know in our heads) that God is for us in all these strange turns. God is not just showing up after the trouble and cleaning it up. He is plotting the course and managing the troubles with far-reaching purposes for our good and for the glory of Jesus Christ.”  (A Sweet & Bitter Providence, p. 101).

Schedule:
April 19 : Shortcuts to Nowhere (Ruth 1:1-5)
April 26 : Returning (Ruth 1:6-22)
May 3 : Under the Wings of God (Ruth 2:1-17)
May 10 : From Famine to Fullness (Ruth 2:17-23)
May 17 : A Late Night Proposal (Ruth 3:1-18)
May 24 : Redeeming Ruth (Ruth 4:1-12)
May 31 : A Legacy of Grace (Ruth 4:13-22)

For Further Study:
John Piper, A Sweet & Bitter Providence
Sinclair Ferguson, Faithful God
Bible Project video on the book of Ruth (below)

Join us this Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30pm as our pastors lead us in a live-streamed worship and prayer night. We want to make prayer a priority at Living Hope and so we hope all will joins us as we gather online and pray together. The livestream will take place on Youtube. Anyone will be able to watch, but if you have a google account you will be able to join the live chat.

CLICK HERE to join in!

Our new SCC books are now available in pdf format. You can download them here. This new book begins right after Easter. On Sunday April 19 we will begin our new series in the book of Ruth. Printed books will be available for pickup at a later date.