Crossbridge Community Church of Ocean County

Angel Madera preached an inspiring and compelling message from Psalm 16:7-11. This message will bring you peace especially during dark and confusing times. [audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/06/2025_06_22.mp3"][/audio]

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/06/2025_06_15.mp3"][/audio] The Second Coming of Christ has been the subject of much speculation during the past 2000 years. Theologians, pastors, Bible teachers, and even false teachers have spent much time and energy trying to come up with the definitive times table concerning the Second Coming.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/06/2025_06_08.mp3"][/audio] Many people believe that after a person dies and is either buried or cremated, there is no afterlife. Many people believe there is no heaven or hell. I will tell you that people who thought this could not be more wrong. You might ask me how I can be so sure?  This is the question Paul answers in this morning's passage. Many Thessalonian believers were asking questions about those who had died in Christ.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/06/2025_06_01.mp3"][/audio] It is a fact of life that we all live to please someone. Think about that for a moment. Are we living to please our spouse or family? Are we living to please our employer? Are we living to please ourselves? This is a key question we all need to answer daily. In this passage, Paul answers this question and gives us guidelines for what it looks like to please God. You and I need to hear these guidelines and apply them to our lives with the help of the Holy Spirit.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/05/2025_05_25.mp3"][/audio] In this passage, Paul puts love in action, and that action is to pray for the believers in Thessalonica. This is a beautiful prayer that serves as a model for how we can encourage one another and be realistic encouragers.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/05/2025_05_11.mp3"][/audio] In every church, believers are at different stages of their spiritual journey, not based on age but on discipleship. When born again, we start as spiritual infants, and Jesus desires for us to grow and mature spiritually through studying the Word, the power of the Holy Spirit, and applying what we learn to our lives. This chapter provides valuable insights from Paul on discipleship that the church needs to relearn.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/05/2025_05_04.mp3"][/audio] Over my many years in ministry, I have heard people give opinions on what a church should be and do. Some were biblically accurate, and some were way off the mark. I want to provide you with some guidelines by which you can have a better biblical picture of what a church should be. The gospels and the whole New Testament give us a vivid picture of what a church should be and do.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/04/2025_04_27.mp3"][/audio] Over my many years in ministry, I have heard people give opinions on what a church should be and do. Some were biblically accurate, and some were way off the mark. I want to provide you with some guidelines by which you can have a better biblical picture of what a church should be. The gospels and the whole New Testament give us a vivid picture of what a church should be and do.

Intro: Can we agree that a lot could happen in eight days? Let's also agree that a lot could happen in three days. Life can change even in a moment. So on this Easter morning, I want to proclaim the hope of the resurrection of Christ and what that meant for His followers two thousand years ago, as well as what it means to His followers today. [audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/04/2025_04_20.mp3"][/audio] Let's look at Luke's account of Easter morning from the eyes of the women who took the burial spices to the tomb to finish the burial rites for their beloved Master.

The Person and Work of Jesus Christ. [audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/04/2025_04_18-1.mp3"][/audio]

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/04/2025_04_13.mp3"][/audio] Because there were religious leaders who wanted to do away with Jesus, He was in danger. He had just raised Lazarus from the dead, and many people followed Him.  There were several occasions when the crowd wanted to make Jesus their militant king, but Jesus would slip away because He didn't come to be that type of King. Now, Jesus does something visible to make a grand proclamation. He chooses to ride into Jerusalem and publicly declare Himself King. This was a very bold move from Jesus for several reasons.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/04/2025_04_06-1.mp3"][/audio] Authentic teachers, leaders, and born-again believers must learn and practice humble servanthood, born out of a love for the Perfect King-Servant, Jesus Christ. You see a wash basin and a towel before you, similar to the ones that Jesus used to illustrate how even the Creator of the universe leads by serving others. Last week, we talked about authentic giving, prayer, and fasting. This morning, we will let Jesus teach us how real leaders serve others for the glory of God and the furtherance of the gospel. This is contrary to the standards that our culture has established. Let's learn from the Master, Jesus, about the principles of servant leadership.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/03/2025_03_30.mp3"][/audio] I want to ask a question this morning. How would you define the characteristic of being authentic or genuine? Emotionally healthy spirituality is characterized by our ability to be authentic. The best definition of being authentic or genuine is not being fake or hypocritical. Jesus addressed this character trait right at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 6. Let's investigate this passage together and learn what it means to be truly authentic.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/03/2025_03_23.mp3"][/audio]  Most Bible Scholars consider Joel one of the earliest prophets of Judah, dating between 830 and 750 B.C. This is a book of God's coming judgment for a rebellious Israel. Joel's name in Hebrew means "The Lord, Yahweh, is God. God sent Joel to preach repentance and restoration to the rebellious Jews. God sent an invasion of locusts to devastate the land and offered an invitation for Israel to repent and be restored to fellowship with God individually. Joel's prophecy also points to the Lord's Second Coming and the armies that will invade Israel for the battle of Armageddon. Let's investigate the truths about prayer, fasting, repentance, and refreshment or restoration.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/03/2025_03_16.mp3"][/audio] We have come to the epilogue of Revelation, the Author's final conclusion and comments about the book. This epilogue contains commands from Christ about what the reader has just read. So, there are truths that every born-again believer ought to apply to their lives as we look forward to the Second Coming of Christ. Let's investigate this epilogue together!

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/03/2025_03_09.mp3"][/audio]  Some people spend time and money going to fortune tellers, looking to the zodiac, or some other superstition to know their future. Unfortunately, there have been professing Christians who have been caught up into this nonsense. Would you permit me to be theological about this issue? Only God knows what the future holds for any of us. We don't even know what will happen in the next five years, ten years, or one thousand years. Let me tell you what the Bible says about our future: If we are born-again Christians, when God calls us home, we will be with Christ in heaven. If we die rejecting Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, we will spend eternity in hell, isolated from God, suffering eternal punishment for sin which we deserve. Christ will physically come back to rule this earth for one thousand years. At the end of the thousand years, there will be a final battle between Satan and all the people who have rejected Christ as Lord and Savior. The Jesus will usher in the new heaven, earth, and eternal state. All born-again believers will be with Christ in the eternal state. All unbelievers will be in hell suffering eternal punishment and isolation because of sin. Reference the Person and work of Jesus. Let's investigate this passage and learn more about our future.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/03/2025_03_02.mp3"][/audio]  If you were in the market to buy or rent a new home or apartment, you would want to see if it would be worth the money. You should want to check out the neighborhood and the school system. You Should consider the crime rate, the taxes, and the convenience of shopping and commuting to work. This takes time, effort, and wisdom, but these steps are necessary. When making a decision such as this, you would want to know as much information as possible to make the best decision. Should born-again believers know as much as we can about where we will be living in the eternal state?

Let's take a fresh look at marriage as we celebrate the recommitment of wedding vows between one of our couples today. [audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/02/2025_02_16.mp3"][/audio]

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/02/2025_02_09.mp3"][/audio] Intro: Are we ready for a great wedding reception? Unfortunately, in this increasingly godless world system, more invitees will attend a wedding reception than the sacred church wedding service. For born-again believers in the Person and Work of Jesus, we must remember that Jesus proposed to us through the gospel. The moment we put our faith in Christ, He gave us an engagement ring: the Holy Spirit. You see, the Holy Spirit is Jesus' promise to us that we, through faith in Him, have entered an engagement period that will culminate when His bride, the church, is raptured before the Tribulation, which will pave the way for the Second Coming of Christ.    When He comes again as the King of kings and Lord of lords, He will bring His bride with Him for a great wedding reception and then rule with Him for a thousand years on this earth.   We can be encouraged about our future and the bride's (church) relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/01/2025_01_26.mp3"][/audio] We need to recap last week's discussion of Babylon as a city and a godless world system. In these two chapters, we see the downfall of both Babylonian concepts. This will be the most catastrophic and devastating event this world has ever seen. So, let's delve into both chapters and see what God has for us.

There is one thing for sure that will happen whether a person believes it or not. The world's system, which has been and continues to be anti-God, will be brought down and judged. This will be the prelude to the Second Coming of Christ. [audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/01/2025_01_19.mp3"][/audio]

 This difficult passage gives us insights into God's holy and just judgments. We need to establish a biblical truth that can be difficult for the human mind to understand fully. Any decrees, actions, and decisions that God does are always holy, right, and just because God cannot violate His holy character. Therefore, if we read something in the Bible that God does that may seem unfair from a human point of view, it is fair, just, and right. In our lives, God may allow something in our lives or someone else's lives that may seem unfair to us again; even if we don't understand how or why, God allows it for His just and holy purposes. Let's delve into this passage and see what we can learn about God's wrath-filled judgments during the Tribulation. [audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/01/2025_01_12.mp3"][/audio]

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2025/01/2025_01_05.mp3"][/audio] In this chapter of Revelation, John sees all the preparation that is going on before this incredible moment of the start of God's final and terrible judgments, which have been prophesized for many years. John sees God, seven angels, and the four living creatures around God's throne involved in these preparations. Let's see what we can learn from this chapter to help improve our relationship with Christ.

This is the last interlude before the Great Tribulation, the last 3 1/2 years of the Tribulation, during which God will pour out His most terrible judgments on unrepentant people. Jesus gives John some previews of what will be. Let's look at the consequences of embracing a false gospel. [audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/12/2024_12_29.mp3"][/audio]

Be blessed by our candlelight Christmas Eve service. [audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/12/2024_12_24.mp3"][/audio]

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/12/2024_12_15.mp3"][/audio] Only once in the world's history did a baby cause some people who recognized that they were sinners to kneel, bow, and worship because they recognized the baby as the Messiah who would bring salvation to mankind with forgiveness, new life, new purpose, and a new destination.

 Ever since God announced in Genesis 3 and then through the prophets, the world and Satan continue to do their best to try to silence God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit regarding the proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Revelation 11's message is clear: The gospel, the very heart of our faith, cannot be silenced! It will always have the last word, a word of love and redemption. [audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/12/2024_12_01.mp3"][/audio] Let's delve into this passage before we come to the Lord's table.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/11/2024_11_27.mp3"][/audio] Thank God for our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ! We have much to be grateful for.  Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/11/2024_11_24.mp3"][/audio] Jesus gives John this marvelous prophecy of the end times for the benefit of all people now and in the future. God is still willing to show grace and mercy to the people left on earth during the Tribulation so that they can come and put their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is crucial to remember that Jesus' love for us is holy, a love that necessitates dealing with sin on God's terms. This second interlude of the tribulation will be introduced by another mighty angel. It is through this angel that God will pause ?he Tribulation between the sounding of the sixth and seventh trumpets, offering a glimmer of hope and reassurance amid the trials.

ngWhat lessons can we learn from the Trumpet Judgments? How deep is our burden for people who don't have a personal relationship by faith in Christ? [audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/11/2024_11_10.mp3"][/audio]

Now, we have a brief but important interlude between breaking the sixth and seventh seals. Jesus gives us information about the 144,000 saved Jews in heaven and then focuses on the multitudes of Gentiles who come to Christ by faith during the Tribulation. This passage is a great assurance and reminder that God always does what He promises [audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/11/2024_11_03.mp3"][/audio]

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/10/2024_10_20.mp3"][/audio] The Apostle John is given a prophetic look into the end times and records it for us in Revelation 6:1-21. Before we investigate Revelation 6, we need to check our attitudes and motivations for our study. Wrong attitudes: Just wait. God is going to give you what you deserve. God is going to get you! Right attitudes: God is a holy and just God who loves us but doesn't overlook sin. Sin must be judged because God is holy God's judgment is always fair, holy, and just. God desires that no one perish, but all should repent and trust Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. These end-times prophecies should inspire and urgently ignite a growing passion in the church to share the gospel with unbelievers so that they will not have to endure God's just judgment for rejecting Jesus Christ. So, now we can come to this difficult chapter and learn more about God's holy love and justice that will climax with the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/10/2024_10_13.mp3"][/audio] Introduction: When we gather on Sundays to worship, we are partaking in something truly unique and special. These two chapters in Revelation give us a rare glimpse into the thrown-room worship service. The more we understand and embrace thrown-room worship, the less we view worship as dull and routine. Let's cherish this unique aspect of Sunday worship and learn how precious it can be. Worship Needs to Be Christ-centered. Worship Needs to Trinitarian. Worship Is Cosmic.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/10/2024_10_06.mp3"][/audio] What if today was Crossbridge Community Church's report card day? Jesus is the One who gives us our grades and then tells us how to correct and improve our deficiencies. The main question is whether we will hear and obey what Jesus tells us. The church in Ephesus receives a bad report card from Christ. Let's review it together, try to read it as the Ephesians would have read it, and then see if this report card applies to us today.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/09/2024_09_29.mp3"][/audio]

Many believers avoid the Book of Revelation because it is difficult to understand. However, grasping its significance can bring a profound sense of enlightenment and knowledge. It is often misunderstood and/or misinterpreted because apocalyptic literature has different rules of interpretation than the gospels or epistles. So, allow me to give you a brief introduction to the Book of Revelation. The author is the Apostle John when he was about 90. John was sentenced to a life sentence at the prison island of Patmos because of being convicted of preaching the gospel of Christ. Originally sentenced to be boiled alive in a vat of oil, John was untouched and thereby sentenced to life on Patmos. The reason for the letter was to encourage Christians during a severe time of persecution. Christ will return physically, usher in His kingdom, and set up the eternal state. He will right all the wrongs and hold sinners accountable. Christ addressed seven existing churches of John's time and gave each church a report card to correct its doctrine and practice. Jesus gave John a vision of heaven and end-times prophecy to encourage believers to persevere, This is why the men's study of the theology of heaven was so important. The saints of old and the present-day saints all lived each day looking forward to future victory and glory. The promised blessing of reading, hearing, and obeying the teaching of Revelation. Prophetic and apocryphal books in the Bible are necessary to develop a biblical worldview.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/09/2024_09_22.mp3"][/audio] Many believers avoid the Book of Revelation because it is difficult to understand. However, grasping its significance can bring a profound sense of enlightenment and knowledge. It is often misunderstood and/or misinterpreted because apocalyptic literature has different rules of interpretation than the gospels or epistles. So, allow me to give you a brief introduction to the Book of Revelation. The author is the Apostle John when he was about 90. John was sentenced to a life sentence at the prison island of Patmos because of being convicted of preaching the gospel of Christ. Originally sentenced to be boiled alive in a vat of oil, John was untouched and thereby sentenced to life on Patmos. The reason for the letter was to encourage Christians during a severe time of persecution. Christ will return physically, usher in His kingdom, and set up the eternal state. He will right all the wrongs and hold sinners accountable. Christ addressed seven existing churches of John's time and gave each church a report card to correct its doctrine and practice. Jesus gave John a vision of heaven and end-times prophecy to encourage believers to persevere, This is why the men's study of the theology of heaven was so important. The saints of old and the present-day saints all lived each day looking forward to future victory and glory. The promised blessing of reading, hearing, and obeying the teaching of Revelation. Prophetic and apocryphal books in the Bible are necessary to develop a biblical worldview.

Our  guest speaker, Angel Madera, brings a compelling message on God's magnificent grace, love, and holiness from 1 Timothy 1:12-17. Prior to Angel's message. the congregation praised Christ through song, prayer, and Scripture reading. Listen and be blessed!

Our  guest speaker, Angel Madera, brings a compelling message on God's magnificent grace, love, and holiness from 1 Timothy 1:12-17. Prior to Angel's message. the congregation praised Christ through song, prayer, and Scripture reading. Listen and be blessed! [audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/09/2024_09_15.mp3"][/audio]

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/09/2024_09_08.mp3"][/audio] Intro: There are two types of gossip: Sinful gossip. Holy gossip. Explain the difference. Paul wrote about some of the wonderful truths of God's grace in Christ's Person and work and the importance of the Great Commission in the lives of professing born-again Christians. I suggest that the American evangelical church has ignored the Great Commission given to every believer, which has resulted in a sinful silence of the gospel in our country. Let's examine a few key issues that Paul reveals in this passage concerning our worldview and the authority of the Great Commission.

Intro: There are two types of gossip: Sinful gossip. Holy gossip. Explain the difference. Paul wrote about some of the wonderful truths of God's grace in Christ's Person and work and the importance of the Great Commission in the lives of professing born-again Christians. I suggest that the American evangelical church has ignored the Great Commission given to every believer, which has resulted in a sinful silence of the gospel in our country. Let's examine a few key issues that Paul reveals in this passage concerning our worldview and the authority of the Great Commission.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/09/2024_09_01.mp3"][/audio] Let's delve into a thought-provoking question this morning. Why does the concept of grace often pose a challenge to our beliefs? Reasons: There is no such thing as getting something for nothing. What do you mean I am a sinner and a rebel against God? I have never cheated or lied or committed adultery, I never murdered anyone, etc. I am not as bad as that person. God has to take that into account. I am a church member, teach Bible study, work with youth, and am a leader in the church. Indeed, God weighs our works on His scale and will accept me. I observe all the religious laws of the church or synagogue; God must be pleased with me. These are just some examples of bad rational and bad theology that is common to both Jews and Gentiles alike.

Let's delve into a thought-provoking question this morning. Why does the concept of grace often pose a challenge to our beliefs? Reasons: There is no such thing as getting something for nothing. What do you mean I am a sinner and a rebel against God? I have never cheated or lied or committed adultery, I never murdered anyone, etc. I am not as bad as that person. God has to take that into account. I am a church member, teach Bible study, work with youth, and am a leader in the church. Indeed, God weighs our works on His scale and will accept me. I observe all the religious laws of the church or synagogue; God must be pleased with me. These are just some examples of bad rational and bad theology that is common to both Jews and Gentiles alike.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/08/2024_08_25.mp3"][/audio] Even on our best days, our concept of fairness is still tainted by self-interest because we still battle our sinful nature. Our culture has dismissed God and His Word. However, God's Word is not just a book; it's a guide that reveals to us that He sets the standard for fairness. Without God's Word as our guide and final authority, we cannot measure our fairness to others. This even taints how we view God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Let's look at just two examples. The first is in Matthew 20:1-16, The Parable of the Vineyard Workers. The second is found in Luke 23:39-43. Sometimes, God's sovereignty and grace don't seem fair to our finite, sinful human minds. Do you mean to say that if a horrible criminal in prison or on death row genuinely repents and trusts Christ as their Lord and Savior, they would be saved? The answer is a resounding yes.  Is that fair? Absolutely! In this passage, Paul wanted his readers to know that God is fair in all He does in His sovereignty.

Even on our best days, our concept of fairness is still tainted by self-interest because we still battle our sinful nature. Our culture has dismissed God and His Word. However, God's Word is not just a book; it's a guide that reveals to us that He sets the standard for fairness. Without God's Word as our guide and final authority, we cannot measure our fairness to others. This even taints how we view God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. Let's look at just two examples. The first is in Matthew 20:1-16, The Parable of the Vineyard Workers. The second is found in Luke 23:39-43. Sometimes, God's sovereignty and grace don't seem fair to our finite, sinful human minds. Do you mean to say that if a horrible criminal in prison or on death row genuinely repents and trusts Christ as their Lord and Savior, they would be saved? The answer is a resounding yes.  Is that fair? Absolutely! In this passage, Paul wanted his readers to know that God is fair in all He does in His sovereignty.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/08/2024_08_18.mp3"][/audio] In this passage, Paul is so burdened about the salvation of the Jews and the welfare of Israel that he feels it necessary to remind the believers about God's sovereignty. Paul addresses two concerns: the Word of God and God's sovereignty.

In this passage, Paul is so burdened about the salvation of the Jews and the welfare of Israel that he feels it necessary to remind the believers about God's sovereignty. Paul addresses two concerns: the Word of God and God's sovereignty.

Every day, born-again Christians are in an intense spiritual battle. We all know there will be good times and times of profound loss, trials, suffering, disappointment, and confusion in this life. In today's passage, Paul tells born-again believers that we are more than conquerors in Christ as we live in hope and the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul raises several key questions and answers them. Let's work through these questions and discover why it is possible for a believer to live in hope no matter what the circumstances.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/08/2024_08_11.mp3"][/audio] Every day, born-again Christians are in an intense spiritual battle. We all know there will be good times and times of profound loss, trials, suffering, disappointment, and confusion in this life. In today's passage, Paul tells born-again believers that we are more than conquerors in Christ as we live in hope and the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul raises several key questions and answers them. Let's work through these questions and discover why it is possible for a believer to live in hope no matter what the circumstances.

In this passage, Paul speaks of our sure hope in Christ in this life and the next.

[audio mp3="https://www.crossbridgeofocean.org/wp-content/uploads/sermons/2024/08/2024_08_04.mp3"][/audio] In this passage, Paul speaks of our sure hope in Christ in this life and the next.