Category: Hope

Man is different than the animals. He was created by God in His image. His purpose on earth is to serve God, and do His will. In doing this, he secures for himself a place in eternity in the presence of God.

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2 Corinthians 1:3-6

In the beginning of his second epistle to the church in Corinth, Paul begins by praising God the Father. Specifically, he praises God for the comfort He supplies, calling Him the Father of mercies.

Paul was comforted by God throughout all the trials of his life. He gives a list of these in chapter 11 of the letter. It must be noted that the consolation is supplied “through Christ” (vs. 5).

This is the wonderful promise we receive, if we suffer with Christ, we will also receive comfort through Him. As always, our standing with God and the privileges therein enjoyed are tied to our relationship with His Son, and the Grace that God delivered through Him.

It is equally wonderful that our consolation in Christ equips us to comfort each other during tribulation or difficulty. We can raise the focus of the downtrodden above the present distress to the eternal hope that we together enjoy as brethren and children of God.

In Israel’s covenant with God, cities of refuge were established, that allowed one who had taken a life accidentally to flee and escape the wrath of any avenger until such time as the congregation could rule on his fate. Hebrews 6:13-ff reveals that Christ is our refuge, and those who flee to Him reside in hope.

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The phrase “hold fast” is used numerous times in the New Testament, teaching us the necessity to be steadfast in our pursuit of God’s Word, and the hope of Heaven.

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The hope the Christian has in Christ is sure and steadfast. In contrast, the world is without hope, leading to despair in this life, and eternal condemnation.

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AOTS Number 37

Because the hope we have in Christ does not depend upon self, there is no reason for the Christian to be a pessimist.

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In his epistle to the Philippians, the apostle Paul expressed his attitude toward his service to Christ. Simply put, he wasn’t about to “count his chickens before they hatched.” In his own words, “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).

The reason for this single-minded approach in his service to the Lord is stated in the preceding verses, “that I may gain Christ, and be found in him” (vs. 8b-9a). Further, he longed for the result of such a fellowship with his Lord, “if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection of the dead” (vs. 11).

Continue reading ““I Press Toward the Goal”” →

(Gospel Meeting: Mark Mayberry) Seventh in a series of nine lessons based on 1 John 2:15-17. Where the world passes away, those who live according to God’s will have the hope of eternal blessings through their relationship with the Son of God.

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There are certain aspects of the Christian life and demeanor that, when seen by the unbeliever or the true seeker, serve to indicate the true Christian, and the right way to God.

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Sometimes Christians need to contemplate some basic truths about the Christian faith, hope, love, peace and joy, which will allow us to rejuvinate our Christian walk. We need to get back to the basics.

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Hope is listed by the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:13 as one of three things which “abide.” “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Because of the great sacrifice of our Lord on the cross at Calvary, mankind will always have hope. Until the world ends, hope will continue. But, the concept of the Christian’s hope is one that may be unfamiliar to many.

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