|
|
|
|
Did you know that the Earth completes its journey around the Sun in about 365.242189 days, equivalent to 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45 seconds. And to ensure our calendars align with this cosmic rhythm, we add an extra day on February 29 almost every four years. Without this adjustment, we would gradually lose almost six hours each year in our timekeeping precision. Isn't that kinda nuts?
|
|
Whelp, whether you think so or not, let's continue in Riverwood's One Thought series in Romans 12!
|
|
|
Rejoice in Hope
|
Today, when this post is published, the Wartburg wrestling team is taking their best wrestler at each of ten weight classes to “regionals” for the second biggest event of the season. The Lower Midwest region, where the Knights wrestle, has 21 other teams who have also sent their best wrestlers to compete. Any wrestler who finishes in the top 3 of their weight class will then go on to Nationals. This means 19 guys in each of the ten weight classes will end their season this week, while only the top 30 (out of 210) will get to move on to the final event of the year.
|
From watching previous regionals, I can tell you it’s a high-stress situation. If a guy loses more than once, he is done for the year. This results in an intense energy from the crowd, because the outcome of each match isn’t certain until the final whistle. You would probably say that each cheering fan “hopes” their wrestler wins as they yell until they are hoarse.
|
That’s how we typically use the word 'hope'. We use it as a synonym for wishful thinking, deep desire, or even blind faith mixed with a bit of uncertainty. Sports fans 'hope' their team wins. Girlfriends 'hope' their boyfriend will finally propose. Kids 'hope' they get permission from Mom or Dad to play their video game.
|
But that type of 'hope' is not found in Scripture.
|
Real Hope
As he prepares to launch into biblical examples of great faith, the author of Hebrews 11:1 defines faith for his readers. As he does so, he simultaneously defines hope:
|
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.
|
|
|
|
The type of hope (and faith) the author is talking about isn’t a “Gee, I sure 'hope' this will come about but I won't be surprised if it doesn't” type of thing. Rather, it is a "I know this will happen" type of belief. A Christ-follower doesn't wish for heaven with a doubt-twinged heart. A Jesus-follower knows they will get to spend eternity in heaven because of what Christ had done on the cross. That assured knowledge is biblical hope.
|
|
|
|
So when the Apostle Paul tells Jesus-followers in Romans 12:12 to "rejoice in hope," he isn't telling them to be happy that they might have a chance to live eternally with God. Rather, they should be bursting with joy that they will get to spend eternity with God.
|
|
So if you follow Jesus, rejoice in hope! Live in the knowledge that Christ died for your sins and rose from the grave, so you might get to live eternally with your Heavenly Father, which has already started.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pine Lake Camps
|
|
Pine Lake Camps will be hosting a variety of upcoming retreats during March and April! From women’s and men’s retreats to marriage camps, we invite you to explore your options here or on the Resource Table in the Riverwood Lobby.
|
|
|
Meal Train for Steggall's
|
Over the past 4 months, Sheila Steggall has started to experience some health problems as she has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome which has made most ordinary tasks difficult. If you would like to help the Steggall's as part of our church family and bring a meal over, please feel welcome to sign up on their Meal Train website here.
|
|
|
|
|
Holy Week 2024
|
|
We invite you to join us toward the end of March for our Good Friday (Mar 29) and Easter Sunday (Mar 31) Worship Gatherings! Though there are more details to come, we encourage you to invite your friends as we remember Christ’s crucifixion & celebrate His resurrection!
|
|
|
Just For Fun
|
|
Redeeming Rebels recently released a new collaborative song "Feel Your Love Again" with Brazillian worship artist Larissa Colliver, as well as a music video with filmography from Riverwood's own Kaden Badura! Enjoy this beautiful tune along with stunning cinematography! 🎶
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
