Category: Hope

The text of 1 Corinthians 13:13 is a famous one. However, Paul’s explanation of his intercessions for the Colossians (Colossians 1:3-7) gives interesting insight on how faith, hope and love work together for the Christian.

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The most potent weapon Christians have in combating life’s difficulties and the despair that accompanies them is the realization that our ultimate victory has already been secured through the work of our Lord. Paul acknowledged this reality in 1 Corinthians 15 as he wrote of the significance of Christ’s resurrection.

If Christ has not been raised from the dead after dying for our sins, Paul noted, “your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished” (17-18). But, because Christ has gained victory over death, the reality is far different! “But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (19). Our confidence lies in the fact of Christ’s accomplishment. Because Christ was raised from the dead, we know that the faithful will be as well, as He promised! Paul wrote, “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (57).

Continue reading “Superconquerors!” →

The wise man of Ecclesiastes had it right in despairing of a contemplated life without God’s presence. “‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher; ‘Vanity of vanities, all is vanity’” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Life only has meaning if God is in the picture. Otherwise, it is without any lasting value or purpose. Men everywhere live out their short existence on earth without hope beyond the grave. Such an existence is truly vain. “One generation passes away, and another generation comes; but the earth abides forever” (1:4).

Many of the problems we have with sorrow and despair come from this flawed perspective on life. Above all other things, we must recognize our purpose on earth is to serve God. If we do, we can with that realization have a happy and productive life, and after, a sure hope of eternal bliss. As the wise man concluded in his contemplation of life, “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14).

Continue reading “The Path to Joy” →

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Psalm 61:1-4 reveals in poetic terms the protection afforded us by the Almighty.

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Invitation delivered by: Brantley Gallman

What do the scriptures reveal concerning who you should trust with regard to spiritual matters. (God, our brethren, ourselves).

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In the midst of a changing world, there is a need for us to hold on to some things which do not change.

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Powerpoint Slides

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 2 Timothy 4:6-8, the apostle Paul refers to a better place which would follow his life on earth. His hope is the same hope enjoyed by all Christians!

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 1 Corinthians 15:50-53 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-4 the apostle eloquently describes the hope of the Christian in the resurrection.

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In 2 Peter 3:9, Peter wrote, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

It is interesting that Peter refers to the second coming of Christ as a promise, since when He comes again it will be “the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men” (vs. 7). Many would consider it more a threat than a promise.

But, for the child of God, that day holds great hope. If we have “come to repentance”, that day will be a day of glory! According to His promise, Christians “look for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (vs. 13).

“He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming quickly.” Amen, Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).

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“For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins”(2 Peter 1:9).

Peter wrote these words after exhorting his readers to spiritual maturity. It is important to add to your faith by incorporating characteristics such as: virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love (cf. vs.5-7).

Lacking these things brings about spiritual myopia. Short or near sightedness. The inability to see far away (spiritually speaking).

The Christian has the hope of heaven. The best way to keep that hope in view is through spiritual growth. If we grow spiritually, we will receive and abundant and everlasting reward! (cf. vs. 11).

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Sermon by Brantley Gallman.

We receive many blessings as the children of God, which give us joy and confidence as we trust in Him.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

The resurrection is the realization of the Christians hope! Because Christ was risen, we have the hope of life after death as well. (1 Corinthians 15)

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

The apostle Paul shows in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, that regardless of our affliction in this life, there is no need to lose heart.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 2 Corinthians 5:7-11 Paul expressed his desire to be with Christ after death. As such, he determined to be well pleasing to Him.

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Here’s a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don’t worry … be happy.
In every life we have some trouble
When you worry you make it double
Don’t worry … be happy.

Bobby McFerrin

The song has a catchy tune, and with certain caveats, properly expresses the attitude that Christians should exhibit toward their lives here on earth. Notice the following passages:

Continue reading “Don’t Worry … Be Happy!” →