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We all need a little hope don’t we? I mean come on. Turn on the news. Listen to the radio. Read the paper and you’ll see it plain as day. There is fear, terror, sadness, death, disease and just plain old evil all around. When life falls apart where do you find hope?

If you identify as a Christian, then your hope probably comes from Jesus. You’re probably thinking something like my hope is found in nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. And this is very true, but what about when your loved one is diagnosed with cancer or you just can’t take the pressures of life anymore? What then? How does Jesus’ death and resurrection help you then?

I’m reminded of a bible story when the disciples just watched Jesus die. They knew he was buried and then were walking down a road talking. Jesus appeared to them on the road but they didn’t recognize him because they knew he was dead. Along the journey they chatted with Jesus and eventually discovered that it was him. It wasn’t until they found out that it was Jesus that their hope was restored.

Is that what it would take for you to have hope when life starts to fall apart? Would encountering the risen Jesus make a difference in your hope today?

If you answered yes to that question, then I have great news for you! Because you can encounter Jesus…the real Jesus right here…today. When you read the words of the bible you’re coming face to face with the real Jesus. When you hear his message preached to the world, you’re hearing Jesus’ very own words. When you take communion you’re bringing into yourself the very life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus is risen and yes he’s ascended into heaven. But that doesn’t mean he’s gone. He’s still here. He’s here in the words of the bible. He’s present in the bread and wine of communion. He’s equally here in the love we show for one another. Time and time again we get to experience the fullness of Jesus’ life in the here and now.

There is hope in front of you and me. His name is Jesus. And he’s found in the words of scripture, the bread and wine of communion and in the fellowship we share with one another.