1. Hope - When Faced with Problems March 27, 2011 Third Sunday in Lent Romans 5:1-8

2. MSNBC interview with Rob Bell After the devastation in Japan Which is true?… God is all powerful and doesn’t care or God cares but is not all powerful

3. The truth… God both cares and is all powerful But humanity is in a state of rebellion with its Creator and so God has allowed creation to fall into decay so that we will come to Him.

4. God brings peace, grace, and glory

5. Romans 5:1-8 “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this special relationship, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.”

6. Justified by faith We have peace “Peace first with God brings peace to our lives”

7. Peace brings us into God’s presence “When we get what we deserve – do we want what we should get? So God give us His grace”

8. God’s presence Gives us strength “We have both a future hope in heaven and hope for our future here on earth”

9. Issues, problems and troubles in our lives now produce endurance, character, and confidence

10. Romans 5:1-8 “We can even rejoice when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they are good for us— because troubles bring about perseverance; and perseverance develops strength of character; and character gives hope; and hope does not disappoint us, because the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

11. We have strength to face life's challengers and deal with our problems

12. Suffering brings endurance “When the going gets tough – the tough get going”

13. Endurance builds character “When we shake off all the dirt that life throws in our face we will rise above our situations”

14. Character produces confidence “Experience brings confidence”

15. Hope never disappoints for it renews our strength

16. Because of God’s love and the power and presence of the Holy Spirit

17. When experiencing problems and facing troubles we can have hope Because God both cares and is all powerful

18. The peace of God which surpasses all human understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Jesus Christ unto eternal life. AMEN...