"Keep Hope Alive"...

The most memorable part of Jackson's speech for many that evening came as he was nearing the end of his presentation. They are words that Jackson himself still uses as he continues to give speeches wherever his travels take him. They are three simple words, "Keep Hope Alive." Like any good preacher, Jackson ended his speech in Atlanta by repeating these words over and over again, as he solicited his audience to join in with him. Jackson's message in a nutshell was, "Today, tomorrow and beyond, we can win, if we keep hope alive!"

This too was the message of the Apostle Paul in his words to the church at Corinth as he encouraged them to place their confidence in the resurrection of Christ. Paul began by reminding the believers that there was no hope for them unless Christ had truly been raised from the dead. Paul says, "And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty." (1 Cor. 15:14). You see, Paul was simply presenting the "what if" argument. However, before one ounce of discouragement could take root in their hearts, he quickly assured them that indeed Christ had risen from the grave. (1 Cor. 15:20).

Although Paul may have begun with presenting the argument of the "what if," like Jesse, he too ends with a rainbow of hope. And because Paul's hope was in the knowledge of the risen Christ, then we as believers some two thousand years later; today, tomorrow and forever, can win, if we "keep this hope alive." May this hope be renewed in our hearts this weekend at Sligo as we celebrate the risen Lord.

Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive! Keep hope alive! Today, tomorrow and beyond, keep hope alive!