What is a Hope·ism?

hope·ism: /hōp·sizəm/ (noun) — an expression Pastor Jason uses regularly (and should use more often) to encourage us to become the people God is calling us to be.  Hope·isms are not Bible passages and are not intended to replace scriptural authority.   They are simple expressions that help describe scriptural truths we try to live out during this season. Some expressions are original while others were so good they were “borrowed” from peers.  While the use of these Hope·isms may seem exhaustive, the list itself is not and the list continues to grow. 

“Vertical reconciliation leads to horizontal reconciliation.”  (Ephesians 2:1-11)

“It is ‘ok’ to be ‘not ok,’ but it is ‘not ok’ to stay ‘not ok.’” (Philippians 4:12-21)

“We ‘disadvantage ourselves’ when we are not willing to give up what we want so that someone else may have what they need. (Philippians 2:1-11)

“Those of us who have received grace from God extend grace to others.” (Matthew 18:21-35) 

“We can only play (and are responsible to play) the hand we are dealt.”  Excellence is doing the best we can with what we have. (Matthew 25:14-30)

“We are serving God when we are serving others.” (Matthew 5:31-40)

“Grace is treating people better than they seem to deserve.”  (Matthew 6:12, Romans 12:18, Luke 15:11-32).  “Grace is for those who don't deserve it.”

“There is no one who needs God’s redemption more than I do, yet there is no one who deserves it less than I do.”  (Romans 5:8, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23)

“We don't do good works in order to gain God's acceptance.  We do good works because we have received God's acceptance.” (Ephesians 2:4-10)

“Where the Bible has spoken, God has spoken.”  (2 Timothy 3:16, 1 Peter 1:21)

“Hope Church is striving to become the warmest and most friendly place in all of South Dayton.” (1 Timothy 5:10, 1 Pet. 4:9, Romans 12:13, Hebrews. 13:2).