Romans 5:1-5 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
This hope that does not lead to disappointment means that you don’t skip class on God’s school of character development. It means you understand and believe by faith that God never wastes pain and suffering but has a pathway and a purpose for you to go through so you can experience a living hope that never disappoints. This “Hope” is truly an “Anchor” for our souls.
On the eve of the last Encounter service in California at the Sanctuary church, I am hope-filled and grateful for each and every one of you. Together we have created a ministry of “Hope.”
I hope you will join us for the finale tomorrow night. It will be the last opportunity for Carolynn and I to say thank you for your love and support of this ministry before we head off to Kentucky.
The worship will be amazing and we will close with some very special baptisms. There will be no dinner served so please arrive for the service at 7:00pm. I am looking forward to seeing you all at Encounter tomorrow night.
Be Blessed and Encouraged
Bill Rieser
Encounter Pastor
bill@thehopeencounter.org