Abundant Life - Hope

ByRobert C. Archer

Theabundantlifeincludes:

Freedomfromguilt- forgivenessCommunicationwithonewholovesus– GodAhumbleattitudetowardGodandman– meeknessApurposeinlife– to glorifyGodApassionforliving– serveGodandmanAndinthisfinallesson,hope!

Many “Hopes” in ReligionThe Muslim HopeThe Hindu HopeThe Premillennial HopeThe Atheist Hope

The Christian’s hope - Christ

The Christian’s hope - Christ1 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV) 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

Without Christ there is no hope

Ephesians 2:12 (NKJV) 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

Hope in Christ meansHope in His return– John 14:1-3 (NKJV)

1 "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 In My Father's house are many mansions; if it werenot so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, thereyou may be also.

Hope in Christ meansHope that we will live with Him forevermore– Heirs of eternal life

Titus 3:7 (NKJV) 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Hope in Christ meansThat we’ll have a new body like Christ – 1 John 3:2 (NKJV)

2 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.

Hope in Christ meansFreedom from the problems of life – Revelation 21:4 (NKJV)

4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

Hope in Christ meansFreedom from evil– Revelation 21:27 (NKJV)

27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life.

What should this hope do?

This hope shouldCause us to trust God’s grace– 1 Peter 1:13 (NKJV)

13 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;

This hope shouldGive us courage– 2 Corinthians 3:12 (NKJV)

12 Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech

This hope shouldGround us– Hebrews 6:19 (NKJV)

19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil,

This hope shouldMake us ready to answer– 1 Peter 3:15 (NKJV)

15 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;

This hope shouldMake us holy– 1 John 3:3 (NKJV)

3 And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure.

When will this hope be turned into reality?

We do not know!

Matthew 24:36 (NKJV) 36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

Conclusion But be warned– Colossians 1:23 (NKJV)

23 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.