“In the Name of the Father” was a film released in 1993.  It was nominated for Oscars for Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress.  It was a true story about Gerry Conlan, a petty thief in 1970s Ireland when the Irish were trying to overcome British rule.  Gerry was accused of blowing up a pub near London along with four others.  They were tortured into signing confessions, leading to sentences of prison for life.  This also led to imprisonment of family members, including his father.  The father, a man of great faith, never gave up hope.  After 15 years in prison, the four were released due to  evidence that had been covered up by the authorities.  Nevertheless, the father had died in prison of tuberculosis.  To me, the real hero of the movie, was the father, a man of faith who never lost hope.  Although he died, he passed on to his son a legacy of standing up for the right.

Things can seem incredibly bleak, but we must always show hope in a God who never fails us.  Even if we die, we shall reign with Christ forever, and God will wipe all tears from our eyes (Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 21:4).

Sunday I’m preaching on “Show Hope” from Hebrews 6:9-20.  We’ll look at “Show Hope through Work and Love,” verses 9-12; and “Show Hope through Patience,” verses 13-20. 

Hebrews was written when the church had evolved from primarily a Jewish sect to primarily a Gentile faith.  Under the banner of Judaism, Christianity was protected by the Roman government, but when it was seen as a new faith, it was liable for persecution by a government that believed its emperor was a god.  So, Christian Jews were tempted to go back to Judaism where they could be safe.  But the author of Hebrews insisted that these people stay faithful to Christ, no matter what the cost.  They must show hope, not matter what the challenge.

Please join us as we show public hope in our Savior this Sunday!

Love,

Jim Meek