The sign points down a lane to the right of the country road. Its faded letters say simply LITTLE HOPE CHURCH. I am amused and cannot help thinking of its implications. I know nothing about the church down that lane nor why it bears that name. I do know the LITTLE HOPE CHURCH. I have preached there several times. However they were not frank enough to put it on their sign.

Hope is essentially expectation—the anticipation of good things to come. It is deeply rooted in faith. Without faith there is no hope. Hope is the fruit of settled confidence and conviction. Promises assuredly accepted produce hope. The LITTLE HOPE CHURCH is also a little faith church.

The LITTLE HOPE CHURCH expects God to do little—if anything—for them in this world. "Seek ye first the kingdom...and all these things shall be added unto you" (Mt. 6:33). LITTLE HOPE BIBLE CLASS immediately responds that a man must care for himself. True, but they seem to say this to deny Jesus' promise. No one mentions God's part in "adding things." They do not believe the assurance; they expect nothing from Him. Notice them tugging at their own bootstraps?

LITTLE HOPE CHURCH is pessimistic about converting people. "No point in talking to these people—they are not interested." "No way to convert men like in times past." They quote but hardly believe Rom. 1:16—the gospel is God's power to save men. Nor do they have confidence in "I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" (1 Cor. 3:6). LITTLE HOPE folk think little of the general principle—as you sow, you reap. Farmers who expect a good harvest plow and plant a lot. I almost forgot—LITTLE HOPE'S gospel meeting has been cancelled. Also, the personal work group will no longer meet.

The LITTLE HOPE CHURCH confidently expects little in regard to eternity. They are embarrassed and shattered when a friend asks, "Are you going to heaven?" They stutter and stammer. "Well!!..." Blame some of this on modesty, but hope is still wanting. Paul was sure of a crown "laid up for me" and "all who love his appearing" (2 Tim. 4:8). Those who believe in the Lord should confidently expect the reward he promised. The preacher at LITTLE HOPE says brethren there will not sacrifice much to achieve spiritual goals. He is puzzled. He wants some help conducting funerals. He says they are the most dreadful he has ever seen (1 Thes. 4:13).

Joe Fitch 6326 Peacepipe, San Antonio, TX