Hope and Redemption: The Promise of Renewal (06/17/'24) -Passage

Hope and Redemption: The Promise of Renewal The phrase "AFTER THE STORM COMES THE RAINBOW!" is a metaphorical expression of hope and renewal after a period of difficulty or trial. It suggests that following a challenging time (the storm), there is a promise of peace and restoration (the rainbow). This concept is often linked to God's covenant and faithfulness, as illustrated in the story of Noah. The Bible has several verses that closely relate to the themes expressed in your statement: The Rainbow as a Sign of Covenant and Hope: Genesis 9:13-15 (NIV): "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life." Union with Jesus Christ: John 15:4-5 (NIV): "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." Christ as Savior and Reconciliation with God: 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 (NIV): "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation." 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (NIV): "It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: 'Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.'" Being Set Free and Becoming God's Holy People: Galatians 5:1 (NIV): "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV): "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." These verses collectively highlight the journey from hardship to divine promise (the rainbow), the significance of union with Christ, reconciliation and righteousness through Him, and the freedom and holiness bestowed upon believers. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 17, 2024)