April 21, 2017 FINDING HOPE
Romans 15:4-6: “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.”
It is a blessing to know that God is well aware of the plight of man on earth. Not only is He aware of all we face as human beings, He has made provision for those who believe in Him, for those whose faith and trust are in Him. God saw the depravity of man and the inability of man to keep the ways of God, and God had compassion on the world, and His compassion was expressed by sending His Son that all might be saved. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16. Not only does believing in Him ensure eternity in heaven, it also has the power to transform our life on earth. One blessing that accompanies believing in Jesus is that of having hope, even in difficult times. As we observe the world about us, it is difficult, if not impossible to find reason for hope. But God has intervened. Even though the world is in darkness, those who know Him can be, and should be filled with hope. Two gigantic events have taken place that make it possible for us to have hope. One is that Jesus has come that we might be saved and made a part of His kingdom, and the other is that God has given us His written word-the book of life. The scriptures were given to us as a way of learning who God is, what kind of God He is, and as a book that gives instructions on how to live in the kingdom of God. A sure anchor for our soul, mind and spirit, and a basis for hope, is knowing the God that is revealed in the written word. Reading and becoming familiar with the scriptures is not something we need to do in order to be a ‘good Christian,’ but rather we read the scriptures in order to know how we are to live and to learn the things that are pleasing to Him. The scriptures are like a plumb line by which we measure our live, or like a compass that always points us in the right direction. Another blessing that comes as a result of living according to the scriptures is that it produces unity among the believers. Finally, living out the scriptures has a way of simplifying life, and keeping pur focus on what really matters. If we are wise, we will seek after what God has said in His word in order that we might experience life as He designed. If we live on our own, or according to what we think, we will be living way beneath our privilege as a child of God.
Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Blessings,
Buddy
Romans 15:4-6: “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus.”
It is a blessing to know that God is well aware of the plight of man on earth. Not only is He aware of all we face as human beings, He has made provision for those who believe in Him, for those whose faith and trust are in Him. God saw the depravity of man and the inability of man to keep the ways of God, and God had compassion on the world, and His compassion was expressed by sending His Son that all might be saved. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” John 3:16. Not only does believing in Him ensure eternity in heaven, it also has the power to transform our life on earth. One blessing that accompanies believing in Jesus is that of having hope, even in difficult times. As we observe the world about us, it is difficult, if not impossible to find reason for hope. But God has intervened. Even though the world is in darkness, those who know Him can be, and should be filled with hope. Two gigantic events have taken place that make it possible for us to have hope. One is that Jesus has come that we might be saved and made a part of His kingdom, and the other is that God has given us His written word-the book of life. The scriptures were given to us as a way of learning who God is, what kind of God He is, and as a book that gives instructions on how to live in the kingdom of God. A sure anchor for our soul, mind and spirit, and a basis for hope, is knowing the God that is revealed in the written word. Reading and becoming familiar with the scriptures is not something we need to do in order to be a ‘good Christian,’ but rather we read the scriptures in order to know how we are to live and to learn the things that are pleasing to Him. The scriptures are like a plumb line by which we measure our live, or like a compass that always points us in the right direction. Another blessing that comes as a result of living according to the scriptures is that it produces unity among the believers. Finally, living out the scriptures has a way of simplifying life, and keeping pur focus on what really matters. If we are wise, we will seek after what God has said in His word in order that we might experience life as He designed. If we live on our own, or according to what we think, we will be living way beneath our privilege as a child of God.
Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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