This sermon asks a difficult but deeply pastoral question: is there hope in the midst of sin? Using the story of Phinehas in Numbers 25, the message wrestles honestly with judgment, covenant, zeal, and the seriousness of rebellion against God. Yet the sermon does not leave the congregation with a harsh or hopeless picture of God. Instead, it keeps widening the lens to show the preciousness of covenant, the long story of sin and consequence, and the one-sided renewed covenant that Jesus has established through his cross. The message is hopeful because it insists that the answer to sin is not denial, but covenant mercy received through belief and surrender. The burden of the sermon is that there is real hope in sin, but that hope is found only in rightly understanding covenant and receiving what Jesus has done. Do not treat sin lightly, but do not treat God as if he has no mercy either. Let the seriousness of covenant make you more grateful for the renewed covenant in Jesus. Bring your sin into the light and receive the hope God offers through repentance and belief. Learn to read difficult biblical passages inside the larger story of redemption. Lord, teach us to see both the seriousness of sin and the greatness of your covenant mercy. Keep us from confusion about your heart and bring us again to the cross of Jesus. Let your truth lead us into repentance, gratitude, and renewed hope.