Hope for the World (Remastered)

A Sermon on Ephesians 3.9-11 https://www.mljtrust.org/sermons/book-of-ephesians/hope-for-the-world/ "This is surely the most consoling thing that one can ever discover at a time like this, that God's plan was made perfect and complete before the world was made... God doesn't have to improvise. God doesn't have to modify his policy because of what somebody else has done. No, it was all planned before the beginning of the ages, before time itself was created." - Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Sermon Description Is there hope for the world? Is there a purpose and plan for the Christian? In this sermon on Ephesians 3.9–11 titled “Hope for the World,” Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones addresses the question of hope amidst the seeming chaos and pointlessness of life on earth. The only hope is in the gospel of Jesus Christ. In the darkness of the world and in the minds of men and women, Christ is the light of the world. The world is God’s creation and He has had a plan and purpose for His creation since before the foundations of the earth were formed. This plan is revealed in God’s word, the Bible. The ultimate hope that is found in Christ does not, however, mean that the end of war, evil, and darkness will end in this age. The end of these things will come with the return of Christ. Rather, the Christian’s hope is the hope of salvation in Christ that points to the eternal home and reward, not a temporary peace in the circumstances of humanity. Sermon Breakdown * The sermon is focused on Ephesians 3.9-11 which discusses God's eternal purpose and plan. * The world is currently in a state of darkness and confusion regarding life and current events. There is no clarity from secular sources. * The only source of light and understanding is the Gospel. The Christian church has the only message that can provide insight. * God has had a perfect plan and purpose for the world since before the beginning of time. This plan has been hidden from both man and angels until now. * God's plan is to restore the world to perfection through Jesus Christ and the church. This will culminate in the return of Christ. * God's plan cannot be stopped by any being or force. He will accomplish His purpose as the creator of all things. * God's plan does not provide details about specific world events and nations. It is focused on the big picture. * There is no hope for permanent world peace until Christ returns. As long as sin exists, there will be conflict. * The message of God's sovereign plan may not seem comforting but it is the only truth. All other messages are false comfort. * Those who reject God's plan because it does not suit them will face judgment. God's plan includes all and cannot be opted out of. * We can find hope knowing God is in control and His plan is unfolding, even through us as members of the body of Christ.