Hope isn’t a feeling; hope is a foundation.

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

Hope is having a confident expectation. A confident expectation. And biblical hope is basing this confident expectation on the consistent character of God. You see, we don’t have to say, “I hope God comes through,” but instead we can say, “I know that God is going to come through.” And the reason we can know that, is because of His consistent character. Because of the way that He’s shown up in the past. Because of the way He’s been consistent throughout the pages of scripture. Because of the way He’s been consistent throughout the years of our lives. We have seen this, this constant character in the Lord. You see hope isn’t a feeling. Hope is a foundation. It’s a foundation that is firm and secure.”

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Message Notes

“Anchored in Christ: Our hope is secured in Him” Part 1
Mount of Olives | July 19, 2026 | Hebrews 6:17-20
Pastor Jim Reynen

Prayer of the Day
Almighty God, we spend our lives searching for contentment. In these brief moments on Sunday morning, we are reminded that it is only through abandonment of self and reliance on You that we find ultimate peace. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Thank You for Your amazing love and grace. Help us to keep You at the forefront of our perspectives on everything in our lives. In Jesus name, Amen.

Scripture Reading
Hebrews 6:17-20
In the same way, when God desired to show even more clearly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it by an oath, so that through two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible that God would prove false, we who have taken refuge might be strongly encouraged to seize the hope set before us. We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf, has entered, having become a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Message Notes
Hebrews 6:19-20a
We have this hope, a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters the inner shrine behind the curtain, where Jesus, a forerunner on our behalf…

Study Questions – Read Hebrews 6:17-20

ICEBREAKER – Getting started:

1. What is something you have waited a long time for, and how did you stay hopeful while waiting?
2. Who is someone in your life whose word you completely trust? Why?
3. Have you ever used an anchor before or seen one used? What makes an anchor important?
4. When life feels uncertain, what usually helps you feel steady and secure?

Based on Hebrews 6:17-20, answer the following questions:

OBSERVATION – What does the text say?

1. As you read Hebrews 6:17-20, what comes to mind? What stands out? What is interesting to you and why?
2. In one sentence, how would you summarize this text?
3. What lesson or message do you think the author is trying to convey?

INTERPRETATION – What does the text mean?

1. According to verse 17, what did God want to make clear to the heirs of the promise?
2. What two unchangeable things are mentioned in verse 18?
3. Why is it impossible for God to lie?
4. What does the passage say believers can do because of God’s promises?
5. What does the phrase “take hold of the hope set before us” mean?
6. In verse 19, how is hope described?
7. Why is the image of an anchor a powerful picture for the Christian life?
8. What does it mean that this hope “enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain”?
9. According to verse 20, what role does Jesus serve as forerunner?

APPLICATION – How can you apply the text?

1. What situations in your life right now require you to trust God’s promises more deeply?
2. How can remembering that God cannot lie strengthen your faith during difficult seasons?
3. What are some things that try to pull your “anchor” away from Christ?
4. How can you encourage someone else who feels discouraged or hopeless?
5. What practical steps can you take this week to stay anchored in Jesus rather than in circumstances?