Acts 2:17
" 'In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
Amazing Grace
Divo
"Amazing Grace" is a Christian hymn written by the English poet and clergyman John Newton (1725–1807), and published in 1779. With a message that forgiveness and redemption is possible regardless of the sins people commit and that the soul can be delivered from despair through the mercy of God, "Amazing Grace" is one of the most recognized songs in the English-speaking world.
John Newton's Tribute
Amazing Grace Lyrics
"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.
The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.
When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.
"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
Who is our God
“AMAZING GRACE”
AMAZING: suprising; astonishing; overwhelming with wonder.
GRACE: unmerited favor and love; kindness; mercy
AMAZING GRACE:
For you know the grace of our lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his povery might become rich. 2 Corinthians 8:9
AMAZING LOVE:
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5: 8
AMAZING LIFE:
I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10: 10
AMAZING POSITION:
Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. John1:12
AMAZING PEACE:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do no let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14: 27
AMAZING GIFTS:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2: 8He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things! Romans 8: 32
AMAZING SALVATION:No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2: 9
AMAZING FUTURE:
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. Romans 8: 18-19
AMAZING CONCERN:
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11: 28
AMAZING KINDNESS: ….In order that in the coming ages, he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Ken Pritchard
Thy way, not mine, O Lord
However dark it be;
Lead me by Thine own hand,
Choose out the path for me.
Smooth let it be or rough,
It will be still the best;
Winding or straight, it leads
Right onward to Thy rest.
I dare not choose my lot;
I would not, if I might;
Choose Thou for me, my God,
So I shall walk aright.
Choose Thou for me my friends,
My sickness or my health;
Choose Thou my cares for me
My poverty or wealth.
The kingdom that I seek
Is Thine: so let the way
That leads to it be Thine,
Else I must surely stray.
Not mine, not mine the choice
In things or great or small;
Be Thou my Guide, my Strength
My Wisdom, and my All.
Fill Thou my life, O Lord my God,
In every part with praise,
That my whole being may proclaim
Thy being and Thy ways.
Not for the lip of praise alone,
Nor e’en the praising heart
I ask, but for a life made up
Of praise in every part!
So shall each fear, each fret, each care
Be turned into a song,
And every winding of the way
The echo shall prolong;
So shall no part of day or night
From sacredness be free;
But all my life, in every step
Be fellowship with Thee.
Letting Go
Gary Valenciano
A Watchman
"...if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet, and the people are not warned, and the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’ ... I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear a word from My mouth and warn them for Me." Eze 33:6-7
Lead me Lord
"Some one, then, must undertake the ungracious task of probing and laying bare the evils of the age; for men must not be allowed to congratulate themselves that all is well. If others will not, I will.
If others shrink from the obloquy of such a work, I will not.... I love my fellow-men too well. They may upbraid me; they may call me a misanthropist, or a prophet of evil; they may ascribe my warnings to the worst of motives, such as pride, or arrogance, or self-esteem, or malice, or envy; but I will give no heed to these unjust insinuations.
I will prefer being thus misunderstood and maligned, to allowing men to precipitate themselves upon a ruin which they see not. Rather than that they should perish, I will allow my own good name to be spoken against. I will risk every thing, even the hatred of brethren, rather than withhold the warning. If they give no heed to it, I have, at least, saved my own soul. If they do, I have saved both my own soul and theirs.
I would rather take up the glad tidings of peace, and tell men of Him who came the first time for shame and death, and who is coming the second time for glory and dominion; but I feel as one who has a special and personal message to deliver, which cannot be postponed.
I must remember that I am a watchman; and, having seen danger pressing on, I must not hesitate to make it known. I must speak his message of forewarning and rebuke, sparing no arrows, and neither smoothing down nor hiding any form of sin, but laying my finger upon every sore, and beseeching men to turn from their ungodliness. The evils around me press upon me sadly; the coming evils are foreshadowed upon his spirit, and, therefore, I lift up my voice like a trumpet.
Satan has many snares which need to be detected; the world has many spells and lures which must be disenchanted; religion has many guises which must be unmasked, many devious paths of inconsistency which must be pointed out, many cherished errors which must be condemned, many carnal taints which must be abhorred and shunned. All these Our Savior and myself must protest against without fear or favour."
Lord I Offer you my Life
Proverbs 29:18 (New King James Version)
18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint;
But happy is he who keeps the law.
About the Founder
To all the posts and video's posted that we used, send me your links and will add it on the links page. God had his plan in this for a along time hand in building this site, I say, God bless you very much and Let's Enjoy the Revival across our Great Nation and Put God Back in Charge of our Nation with God Fearing Leaders for our Nation and Turn Back to God!
When Faith Books start you will be able posts with your ministries!
He is real and living in us!!!
Show him Love and he will give it back to you!!!
Now we all have a job to do!!
Let’s put “In God We Trust” back in our Government!!!
Let’s witness for Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!!
Be nice to everyone!!!!
Treat others as you would have them treat you!!!!
Let’s make our nation a better place to live!!!
Always have joy in your heart!!!!
A Brother in Christ serving the Lord 24/7 in Praise in Glory with a humble heart until he comes for me!
My daughter sent this to me when she got a new puppy
Giving your life to God is sometimes hard to do, but if you open up your heart to him, trust in him, have faith in him and believe in him, all you need to do is take the first step and he will help you take the rest of them. We are a baby in Christ eyes and it is never to late to take that first step. Look at this puppy taking his first step, putting his trust in the big dog(Our Lord)
OUR PRECIOUS HOPE
It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (Lam 3:26)
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS
Hope is eagerly waiting, with perseverance, for the redemption of our bodies, even though we do not see them now.
... even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Rom 8:23-26
Our hope is laid up for us in heaven.
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel. Col 1:3-4
Hope of eternal life is based on God's promise. And God cannot lie.
Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began, but has in due time manifested His word through preaching, which was committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior; . Titus 1:1-3
The Bible is to give us hope.
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 15:4-6
Jesus' resurrection gave us a new birth into this living hope, to obtain an inheritance that will never perish. 1 Pet 1:3-6
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials. 1 Pet 1:3-6
Jesus is our hope.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, To Timothy... 1 Tim 1:1,
the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col 1:26-27,
And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.”
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. , Rom 15:12-13
Our confidence of a better and enduring possession in heaven will be richly rewarded. We must wait and rest in this hope until Jesus comes.
For you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: “For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
Faith is being sure of what we hope for, the conviction of what we do not see.
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the men of old gained approval. Heb 11:1-2 (Remember, we are saved through faith
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Eph 2:8-9,
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:26,
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom 5:1-2).
Faith not only means believing that God exists but also that He will reward those that seek Him.
And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Heb 11:7
Suffering leads to true hope which will not disappoint.
We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Rom 5:3-5
God takes pleasure in those who hope in His mercy.
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy. Ps 147:10-11
Earthly things are a vain hope for safety. God watches over those who hope in His mercy.
A horse is a vain hope for safety; neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You. Ps 33:17-22
God is good to those whose hope is in Him.
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young.
WHAT HOPE DOES FOR US
Hope purifies us. Specifically the hope that we will be like Jesus and will see Jesus.
Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure. 1 Jn 3:2-3
Hope produces joy and true happiness.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Rom 5:1-2,
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. Rom 12:10-13,
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked He turns upside down. The Lord shall reign forever - Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!
And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. Heb 3:5
The one whose hope is in the Lord will not fear when danger comes nor be anxious during hard times.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. Je 17:7-8
Hope makes us bold.
And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts! Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
Hope is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Heb 6:17-20
God will strengthen the hearts of those that hope in Him.
Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Those that hope in and wait on the Lord will renew their strength and not grow weary.
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Is 40:31
Hope renders patience.
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 1 Thes 1:2-4
Our eager waiting for Jesus and our new bodies helps us stand firm in the Lord.
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I long to see, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. Phil 3:20- 4:1
OUR PROPER RESPONSE
We should put on the hope of salvation as a helmet.
But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thes 5:8-11
(To understand how, see The Armor Of God).
We should prepare our minds. Our hope should be fully on the grace to be given when Christ is revealed.
Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 1 Pet 1:13
We should be looking for the new heavens and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, on account of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless.
Our fixed hope on God should motivate us to live godly lives.
...for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers. Prescribe and teach these things.
We should live godly lives, focused on the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our Jesus.
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you. Titus 2:11-15
We should be ready to talk about our hope, even to those who persecute us.
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 1 Pet 3:13-17
Like Paul, we should strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men.
"I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. - Paul Ac 24:14-16
By faith, we should eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.
For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love. Gal 5:5-6
We should wait for and hope in God rather than in earthly things.
Surely every man walks about like a shadow; surely they busy themselves in vain; he heaps up riches, and does not know who will gather them. And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.
We should wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. La 3:22-27
We must not be moved away from the hope of the gospel.
And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight - if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. Col 1:21-23
We should keep the full assurance of hope until the end and imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promise.
For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Heb 6:10-11
We must hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.
And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. Heb 3:5
EXAMPLES
Micah saw that there was no person he could trust. Therefore, he looked to the Lord and waited for the God of his salvation.
The judge seeks a bribe, and the great man utters his evil desire; so they scheme together. The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge; the day of your watchman and your punishment comes; now shall be their perplexity. Do not trust in a friend; do not put your confidence in a companion; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom. For son dishonors father, daughter rises against her mother, daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own household. Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Micah 7:3-7
Job knew that after "his skin is destroyed," he would see God. This hope made his heart yearn within him.
"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" - Job
David's greatest desire was to dwell in the house of the Lord.
One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock
David's soul longed for the courts of the Lord.
How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
As a deer pants for water, David eagerly desired to appear before God. This hope in God made his despair insignificant.
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, with the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. Ps 42:1-5
Despite being severely chastened, David knew he would go through the "gates of righteousness." This hope gave him joy.
The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death. Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord, through which the righteous shall enter. I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation. The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Amidst enemies, David said he would hope continually and praise God.
For my enemies speak against me; and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together, saying, “God has forsaken him; pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him.” O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! Let them be confounded and consumed who are adversaries of my life; let them be covered with reproach and dishonor who seek my hurt. But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits. Ps 71:10-15
When David was in despair, He knew that he should put his hope in God and that he would praise again.
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God. Ps 43:5
Paul knew he would be raised up with Jesus. Therefore, he did not lose heart during afflictions because he was looking toward things unseen.
... knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Paul had hope in God that there would be a resurrection of the dead.
"I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men. - Paul Ac 24:14-16,
"They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?" - Paul Ac 26:5-8
Paul's hope, which was Israel's hope
"I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men." - Paul
"They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?" - Paul Ac 26:5-8 ),
was the reason for Paul's imprisonment.
“For this reason therefore I have called for you, to see you and speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.” - Paul
NEW TESTAMENT PERSPECTIVE ON OLD TESTAMENT
Paul knew that the Old Testament Prophets had a similar hope to his: that there will be a resurrection of the dead.
"I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets. I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men." - Paul
"They knew me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers. To this promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead?" - Paul Ac 26:5-8 (see The dead will be raised)
Jesus is our hope.
And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse; And He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, In Him the Gentiles shall hope.” Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rom 15:12-13
Since there is a "hereafter," our hope will not be cut off.
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be zealous for the fear of the Lord all the day; for surely there is a hereafter, and your hope will not be cut off.
God takes pleasure in those who hope in His mercy.
He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He takes no pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy. Ps 147:10-11
Earthly things are a vain hope for safety. God watches over those who hope in His mercy.
A horse is a vain hope for safety; neither shall it deliver any by its great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us, just as we hope in You. Ps 33:17-22
God is good to those whose hope is in Him.
Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD. It is good for a man to bear the yoke while he is young. La 3:25-26
Hope produces joy and true happiness.
Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever, Who executes justice for the oppressed, Who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow; but the way of the wicked He turns upside down. The Lord shall reign forever - Your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord!
The one whose hope is in the Lord will not fear when danger comes nor be anxious during hard times.
Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit. Jer 17:7-8
God will strengthen the hearts of those that hope in Him.
Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
Those that hope in and wait on the Lord will renew their strength and not grow weary.
But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Is 40:31
We should wait for and hope in God rather than in earthly things.
Surely every man walks about like a shadow; surely they busy themselves in vain; he heaps up riches, and does not know who will gather them. And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.
Micah saw that there was no person he could trust. Therefore, he looked to the Lord and waited for the God of his salvation.
The judge seeks a bribe, and the great man utters his evil desire; so they scheme together. The best of them is like a brier; the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge; the day of your watchman and your punishment comes; now shall be their perplexity. Do not trust in a friend; do not put your confidence in a companion; guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom. For son dishonors father, daughter rises against her mother, daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own household. Therefore I will look to the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me. Micah 7:3-7
Job knew that after "his skin is destroyed," he would see God. This hope made his heart yearn within him.
"For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God, Whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!" - Job Job 19:25-27
David's greatest desire was to dwell in the house of the Lord.
One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.
David's soul longed for the courts of the Lord.
How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
As a deer pants for water, David eagerly desired to appear before God. This hope in God made his despair insignificant.
As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, while they say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember, and I pour out my soul within me. For I used to go along with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God, with the voice of joy and thanksgiving, a multitude keeping festival. Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence. Ps 42:1-5
Despite being severely chastened, David knew he would go through the "gates of righteousness." This hope gave him joy.
The Lord has chastened me severely, but He has not given me over to death. Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will go through them, and I will praise the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord, through which the righteous shall enter. I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have become my salvation. The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Ps 118:18-24
Amidst enemies, David said he would hope continually and praise God.
For my enemies speak against me; and those who lie in wait for my life take counsel together, saying, “God has forsaken him; pursue and take him, for there is none to deliver him.” O God, do not be far from me; O my God, make haste to help me! Let them be confounded and consumed who are adversaries of my life; let them be covered with reproach and dishonor who seek my hurt. But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and Your salvation all the day, for I do not know their limits. Ps 71:10-15
When David was in despair, He knew that he should put his hope in God and that he would praise again.
Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, the help of my countenance, and my God. Ps 43:5
GOD WANTS YOU TO KNOW!
4 THINGS
God Wants You To Know That…..
You are a sinner and cannot save yourself.
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy He saved us. Titus 3:5
God Wants You To Know That……
Jesus Christ has already provided the way of salvation.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.
1 Peter 3:18
God Wants You To Know That….
You must repent of your sins, confess them and forsake them.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
Whoso confesseth and forsakerth them (there sins) shall obtain mercy. Proverbs 28:13
God Wants You To Know That…..
Acceptance or refusal determines your destiny.
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wraft of God abideth on him. John 3:36
How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? Hebrews 2:3
THE ROMAN ROAD
SIN
I had a pretty good opinion of myself until a friend invited me to take a walk down the Roman Road. He used just a single book in the bible to open my eyes to my relationship with God, and I haven’t been the same since.
He warned me that the trip might hurt, and he was right because he started revealing my real status before God.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God….. Romans 3:23
DIE
Then I learned of sin’s penalty.
For the wages of sin is death….. Romans 6:23a
GIFT
He went on to tell me that God loves me so much he offers an alternative called ‘ eternal life’……
But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 6:23b
CROSS
Then he showed me how God provided his son Jesus an atoning sacrifice for my sin. Jesus took my penalty!
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8