An Anchor for the Soul

The main speaker for our retreat was Cathy Dickinson. Saturday morning she taught from Hebrews 6:13-20. Her style was very straight-forward and I enjoyed her style of teaching.

In this passage we see that God's word is as good as He is. As we look at God's past record, we see God's character and that He has the ability to do what He says. 

As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in Him. -Psalm 18:30

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. -Jeremiah 32:17

Yet he (Abraham) did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. -Romans 4:20-21

Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear tot he heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. -Hebrews 6:16-17

Here we are shown that God's promises are unchangeable. 

But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. -Psalm 33:11

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails. -Proverbs 19:21

"I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob are not destroyed." -Malachi 3:6

God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouarged. -Hebrews 6:18.

This verse tells us that God cannot lie. 

We have this hope as an anchor for the sould, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtains, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of melchizedek. -Hebrews 6:19-20

In these verses we are reminded that a Christian is someone who clings to Christ for hope. This in not an "I hope so" hope, but a firm and secure hope.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory. -Ephesians 1:13-14

I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. -Luke 24:49

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In Romans 5:3-5 we read that trials lead to patience. Patience is quiet endurance. This leads to experience. The experience here is God's word at work. When we have this experience it leads to hope. Because we belong to Jesus (Rom. 5:1) we are justified; we have peace with God; We have access to God; we can stand in the grace of God and we can rejoice in hope. In addition to this, verses 3-4 tells us our "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."

When we have unrealistic expectations, something that is not promised in the Word of God, we can develop unresolved hurt. This hurt then leads to anger. Anger leads to depression which is hopelessness.

Cathy reminded us that is is only a sure hope if we "jump." Be bold and trust God's promises for your life!