Where is Your Hope?

Central Presbyterian Church • July 10, 2025

Why real hope isn’t wishful thinking—it’s anchored in certainty.

We all need hope.
But have you ever stopped to ask—
what kind of hope do I actually have?

Most of the time, when people talk about “hope,” they mean something like this:

“I hope things get better.”
“I hope the market turns around.”
“I hope my kids are okay.”
“I hope something changes.”

It’s basically a wish.
A desire mixed with uncertainty.
A feeling that we might get the outcome we want—but no guarantees.

That kind of hope is fragile.
It wavers. It depends on circumstances. It often leads to disappointment.


Worldly Hope Is Based on Uncertainty

Our world encourages us to hope in:

  • Economic systems
  • Political leaders
  • Scientific progress
  • Personal drive
  • The vague idea that “things will work out”

But deep down, we know these things can let us down.
We’ve seen it happen. Over and over again.

That’s why the Bible speaks of a different kind of hope—one that isn’t based on uncertainty at all.


Biblical Hope Is the Absolute Certainty of Coming Good

Maybe you’ve heard the word gospel before—but didn’t know what it meant.
It simply means
“good news.” And the gospel is the best news the world has ever heard.

The Bible describes hope not as a feeling—but as an anchor.

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." —Hebrews 6:19

Biblical hope isn’t based on what we want to happen.
It’s based on what
God has promised will happen.

  • Jesus Christ has come.
  • He has died for sin.
  • He has risen in victory.
  • And He will come again to make all things new.

That’s not speculation—it’s certainty, guaranteed by the faithfulness of God.


Real Hope in a World That Feels Hopeless

You were made to live with hope—not just wishful thinking, but confident expectation.
The kind of hope that says:

“Even when I can’t see the outcome, I know how the story ends—because Jesus secured it.”

That kind of hope can hold you through sorrow, doubt, fear, and disappointment.
That kind of hope is found in Christ—and it’s offered to you today.


You're Invited to Discover That Hope

If you're tired of fragile hope, and ready for something real…
We’d love to welcome you.

Statue of Martin Luther, the catalyst for the Protestant Reformation.
By Central Presbyterian Church October 31, 2025
Discover the forgotten story of October 31. Learn how the Reformation changed history—and why grace, not performance, is still good news today.
image of a microphone, symbolic of speaking for Jesus
By Central Presbyterian Church October 10, 2025
When Peter and John are arrested for preaching Christ, persecution begins—but the gospel proves unstoppable. Acts 4 shows the offense, exclusivity, and boldness.
Two paths, signifying two ways to live- with God, or in rebellion against him.
By Central Presbyterian Church October 3, 2025
Psalm 1 shows us the way of the righteous, rooted in God’s Word, and the way of the wicked that perishes. Only in Jesus can we find true happiness and life.
A lame man, begging for help, which is a picture of our spiritual helplessness.
By Central Presbyterian Church October 2, 2025
Acts 3 shows us the healing of a lame beggar, a picture of the gospel: we are helpless in sin, guilty before God, yet offered forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
A broken heart, showing what evil does to human beings.
By Central Presbyterian Church September 18, 2025
Why does God allow evil if He is both good and all powerful? The Bible names evil honestly, shows God’s goodness, and points us to hope found in Jesus Christ.
A flame of fire
By Central Presbyterian Church September 15, 2025
Discover how Pentecost marks the birth of the New Tesatment Church, the outpouring of the Spirit, and the call to repent, believe, and follow Jesus today.
A flame of fire, pointing to the Holy Spirit.
By Central Presbyterian Church September 15, 2025
Discover the Spirit-filled church in Acts 2:42–47— they are devoted to Word, fellowship, sacraments, and prayer, marked by joy, generosity, and gospel witness.
A picture of a church building.
By Central Presbyterian Church September 14, 2025
Discover 7 biblical reasons why Christians should worship, join, and serve in the church every week. Come find an unshakable kingdom in Christ at Central Pres.
arrows pointing two directions- pointing to the different ideas constantly being held in our society
By Central Presbyterian Church September 13, 2025
In a world divided over good and evil, discover God’s clear Word, Christ’s saving work, and the unshakable refuge of His church at Central Presbyterian Irvine.
Love Your Neighbor sign, which is how we are to treat our neighbor.
By Central Presbyterian Church September 12, 2025
The greatest problem isn’t just in the world around us—it’s in our hearts. Discover the hope of Jesus, who gives forgiveness, renewal, and peace.