Patient Hope in a Broken World

Sermon Series: Truth or Trends | March 30, 2025 | Pastor Rich | New Faith Church

This Sunday, Pastor Rich continued our powerful series “Truth or Trends” with a message rooted in Romans 8:22–25, titled “Patient Hope in a Broken World.” In a world that feels increasingly chaotic and uncertain, Pastor Rich reminded us that our hope is not in what we see, but in what God has promised—and that hope is both eternal and secure in Jesus Christ.

🧭 Key Points from the Sermon:

1. Creation Groans—And So Do We

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth...” – Romans 8:22

Pastor Rich began by reflecting on the order and majesty of God’s creation—from galaxies and nebulae to our solar system and planet Earth. Despite the beauty, we are constantly reminded that something is off: sin broke the harmony God originally established. As a result, creation itself longs for restoration.

This groaning reflects the spiritual and emotional struggles we face: brokenness, injustice, pain, and disconnection. These are not signs of God's absence—but rather signs that the world is not yet fully redeemed.

2. Hope Anchored in Eternity

“For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all...” – Romans 8:24

Biblical hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s a confident expectation in God's promises. Pastor Rich challenged us to think about the difference between temporary fixes and the eternal restoration God offers through Christ.

He reminded us that our lives here are like a bowl of cereal: temporary and fleeting. But the hope of the believer is rooted in the eternal—in the promise of a new heaven, a new earth, and a glorified body. This is why we wait patiently, even when things feel painful or uncertain.

3. Forgiveness: The Gateway to Freedom

“If you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” – Matthew 6:15

One of the most heartfelt and Spirit-led moments of the message came when Pastor Rich addressed the power of forgiveness—not just towards others, but also toward ourselves. Many in the congregation were moved as he spoke vulnerably about the ways unforgiveness can hold us back spiritually, emotionally, and even physically.

Forgiveness is letting go of resentment, whether toward someone who hurt us or toward ourselves for past mistakes. He reminded us that holding onto bitterness will stunt our growth, but God invites us into freedom through forgiveness.

4. The Role of the Holy Spirit in the Waiting

“We wait for it patiently.” – Romans 8:25

Pastor Rich emphasized that we are not left alone in our waiting. The Holy Spirit dwells in us, comforting, convicting, and guiding us into peace even when our world feels broken. The Holy Spirit reminds us that God is at work, even in the silence or struggle.

Waiting isn't passive—it's an active, faith-filled posture of trust. And as Pastor Rich said, when you’re running out of patience, lean into God's strength, because “in your weakness, He is strong.”

5. Hope Is What Carries Us Through

“Life is a struggle when you have no hope.”

To wrap up, Pastor Rich shared a humorous story from his college days that drove home the point: without hope, even small struggles feel overwhelming. But with hope, we endure, we persevere, and we find strength to keep moving forward.

No matter how broken the world appears, hope in Jesus Christ transforms our perspective. We were never meant to carry the weight of the world on our own. Christ is our firm foundation. He won’t fail us.

🙌 Application for the Week:

• Let go of resentment. Who do you need to forgive—others or yourself?

• Refocus on eternity. What temporary stress is stealing your peace?

• Practice patient hope. How can you trust God more in your waiting?

• Lean on the Holy Spirit. Take time each day to ask the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance.

Looking for hope? Healing? A place to grow and belong? Join us at New Faith Church every Sunday at 10:30 AM, and experience community, worship, and the transforming truth of God's Word.

👉 Learn more and stay connected at www.newfaithcw.org

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About New Faith Church: At New Faith Church, we are committed to connect with people, helping them grow in grace, while they discover their purpose and a place to serve Him and Others. We believe in the power of God's Word to transform lives and are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can experience God's love. Visit our website, follow us on social media, and join us for our next service. For more information, visit our website, www.NewFaithCW.org.

About Pastor Rich Vinson: Pastor Rich Vinson is passionate about connecting with people from all walks of life and backgrounds. With a shepherd’s heart, he is dedicated to helping individuals grow in the truth and power of God’s Word. Rich’s mission is to lead, challenge, and inspire people of all generations to deepen their relationship with God.

Rich holds a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Evangel University. He has been married to his wife, Tracey, for over 25 years. Tracey is an accomplished educator with a Master of Arts in Teaching from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science from Evangel University. Together, they have two wonderful children, Lauren and Ethan.