God of Hope, God of Peace

The sermon opens with a question about hope in dark circumstances. Through the 1927 S-4 submarine story, the pastor emphasizes that hope is essential when facing life's great challenges. Prophet Isaiah wrote about a Wonderful One who would be born and called by special names in a context where the kingdom of Judah faced threats of invasion from enemy nations. This was not a reference to a military leader or historical figure, but to Jesus Christ who would reign forever.

Hope in the present life is only temporary and limited in scope. Although religious leaders protected Judah from certain threats, ultimately the kingdom fell to Babylon. All changes in this present life have time limits: health becomes sickness, joy becomes sorrow, success becomes failure. The cycle of human life always ends in death. Therefore, true hope must be directed toward eternal life in heaven, even while living responsibly on earth.

Hope in God is not escape from present reality but a foundation for living a purposeful life. Those who follow Christ consistently became the greatest contributors to society, such as William Wilberforce fighting against slavery, or pastors establishing schools and hospitals. Biblical figures like Naomi, Jeremiah, and Moses all experienced periods of despair and spoke bitter words, yet they never lost hope in God. Their hope was not based on denying difficulties or claiming to be unbeatable, but on faith in God and the strength He provides daily.

Christian believers hope because they know they never walk life's path alone. Jesus Christ promised He would be with us forever. Moreover, God has a good plan for our lives, as prophet Jeremiah wrote. Most importantly, we know for certain God's love for us. Paul writes to Romans with deeply moving and profound words that nothing—not death, not life, not any power—can separate us from God's love in Jesus Christ. This hope is the true Gospel, an absolutely firm foundation for all who trust in Christ.