Real Hope for Real Change

It seems there is precious little in the news today to give cause for optimism about the future. Indicators everywhere suggest that life could become a lot rougher. Many people look around and grow discouraged by what they see. For some, their personal lives have been or are becoming destitute of hope. But is there any real reason for hope?

Rather than face reality, many seek comfort in escapism. Does this describe you? Have you tried to put aside your apprehensions about the future by distracting yourself with violent or pornographic entertainment, or to obscure your personal misery under an alcohol or drug-induced fog?

There is a better path. There is a real living God who offers you and me an incredibly bright future, regardless of what we now face or what we may have done in the past.

Paul wrote about this in a letter to Christians in Corinth. “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

Whatever our background, no matter how dark, long, and low our situation has been, there is hope for your future and mine. At the point that we turn around and walk according to God’s law of love and outgoing concern, all of our past sins can be covered under the blood of Jesus Christ.

This is encouraging, since God’s purpose is to use people of divergent backgrounds for good as ruling kings and priests under Jesus Christ in His soon-to-be-established Kingdom upon this earth. The Apostle John wrote, “And they sang a new song, saying: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth’” (Revelation 5:9­–10).

Jesus started His Church for the purpose of training those whom He calls in order that they may serve under Him in the coming Kingdom and Family of God. As the Author and Finisher of our salvation, He helps us to make the changes necessary for a better future.

Do you wish the world was different, and better? You can have a part in making it so. John also wrote, “And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations—’he shall rule them with a rod of iron...’ as I also have received from My Father; and I will give him the morning star” (Revelation 2:26–28).

The Living Church of God, following in the footsteps of the original first century Christian church, has an obligation to preach as a witness the gospel—the good news—of the return of our Savior, Jesus Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords.

The news of that Kingdom is the only true hope now being proclaimed in a world of intensifying troubles. You do not need to be consumed by the present, or by your past—whatever it may have been. God offers you redemption and the opportunity to be happy and productive in His coming kingdom. To find out more about your future, order and read your free copy of the booklet The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like? and be sure to follow the good news in the Tomorrow’s World magazine, telecast, and commentaries.