Here at Hope Gathering, we believe that there is hope—hope that comforts, hope that encourages, hope that helps us survive the loss of our husbands. That hope is Jesus Christ, as He revealed Himself through the Bible. God’s Love…“God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son so that whoever believes in Him will not be lost, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Our Sin…“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23). Sin costs! Its ultimate cost is death and an eternity apart from God. But God has provided a way for us to experience forgiveness of that sin, an abundant life on earth, and everlasting life in heaven. The Way… “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.’” (John 14:6). How It Was Done… He was delivered over to death on the cross for our sins. He paid the price for us. His resurrection from the dead is the promise of new life. (See Romans 4:25 & Romans 6:8-10). My Part… It is not enough just to know the facts about Jesus. We must establish a relationship with Him by receiving Him. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12, NAS) How to Receive Him… Pray the prayer below. “Lord, thank You for loving me and coming to earth to show me the way. I believe You died to pay for my sin and You were raised from the dead to give me life with You. I want to turn from my sin and my old life and place my trust in You right now. Please come into my life and be my Savior and the Master of my life. Show me how to live and help me to follow You always. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.” If you just prayed that prayer for the first time, we would love to hear from you and be able to share resources to help you as you begin to follow Christ. For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, at their death, they are rushed into the presence of the Lord in joyful fellowship in Heaven through Christ’s work on the cross where they too will await a resurrection body. (2 Corinthians 5:8) We believe that grief is a valid emotion and necessary response to loss in every believer’s life. Jesus Christ himself experienced grief, as did King David and many other persons recorded in Scripture. God promises to be near to the grieving and provides comfort and hope through His Spirit, His Word and fellow believers. We are to “weep with those weep.” (Ps. 34:17-19, 43:5, 88:8-9; Is. 53:3-4; John 11:1-46, 16: 5-9, 19-22; 2 Sam. 12:15-23; Jer. 8:18; Zec 12:10; Rom. 12:15) We believe that the hope of the believer lies solely in Christ and His promises towards us. Hope has a forward-looking aspect of greater things to come, which is ultimately fulfilled in heaven. Because of Christ, believers have hope while on earth in God’s goodness, faithfulness, nearness, provision, salvation, love, justice, mercy, grace, kindness, and sovereignty. (Ps. 121; Rom. 8:24-25; Col. 1:5, 26-27; 1 Tim. 1:1; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 6:19; 1 Peter 1:3, 13)
Our Separation…“For the wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23).
“For whoever will call upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13, NAS)
