Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
2 Peter 3:4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and [secretly] keep back for yourself some of the proceeds [from the sale] of the land?
Acts 1:4 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me.
James 1:12 Happy the man who doth endure temptation, because, becoming approved, he shall receive the crown of the life, which the Lord did promise to those loving Him.
2 Peter 1:4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.
2 Corinthians 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.
Galatians 3:18 (NIV) For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.
Psalms 106:12 (NIV) Then they believed his promises and sang his praise.
Joshua 21:45 (NIV) Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God (Elohim) created [by forming from nothing] the heavens and the earth.
Genesis 1:27 And God prepareth the man in His image; in the image of God He prepared him, a male and a female He prepared them.
1 Peter 3:15 Instead, exalt the Messiah" as Lord in your lives. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you to explain the hope you have.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.
Acts 1:1 The first account I made, Theophilus, was [a continuous report] about all the things that Jesus began to do and to teach
Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Isaiah 36:5 HCSB I say that your strategy and military preparedness are mere words. What are you now relying on that you have rebelled against me?
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
2 Timothy 4:2 ESV Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Philippians 2:3Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.
Philippians 2:6who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage.
1 Samuel 12:24 Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.
Romans 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Job 1:8 And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?”
James 1:2 (NLT) Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.
Proverbs 26:16 (NLT) Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors.
Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Devotional Thoughts and Teaching Illustrations About Hope
Devotional Thoughts
W.I.P. (Work in Progress)
I talk to many people who are looking for hope. Hopelessness about financial, educational, career, or relational factors. Those especially relating to children, marriage and those they love. And hope deals with the future.
Read Philippians 1:6 ... confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Remember God is working on you and them. We are all "Works In Progress."
Divine love finds a way of being optimistic. God isn't finished with you either.
Death isn't the end of life, but a glorious beginning for the Christian. 2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
God is directing history toward a climatic day. A purging moment. This earth will be changed, refined, and cleansed of all moral imperfections.
What kind of people should we be... 2 Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives
==== Fall 2001 - National poll in Michigan. Only 1 in 5 Americans feel hopeful about the future. (80%)
1 Corinthians 13:13 (MSG) But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.
1 John 3:3 - And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
1 Peter 1:9 The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
1 Peter 3:15 - but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
2 John 12 - Though I have much to write to you, I would rather not use paper and ink. Instead I hope to come to you and talk face to face, so that our joy may be complete.
3 John 14 - I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.
Ephesians 1:18 NLT - 18 I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called--his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
Ephesians 2:12 NLT - 12 In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope.
Ephesians 4:4 NLT - 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance that what we hope for will come about and the certainty that what we cannot see exists.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Job 13:15 God might kill me, but I have no other hope. I am going to argue my case with him.
Proverbs 13:12 (MSG) Unrelenting disappointment leaves you heartsick, but a sudden good break can turn life around.
Proverbs 3:5 Put all your hope in God, not looking to your reason for support.
Psalms 25:21 (MSG) Use all your skill to put me together; I wait to see your finished product.
Psalms 31:24 (MSG) Be brave. Be strong. Don’t give up. Expect God to get here soon.
Psalms 42:5 (MSG) Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul? Why are you crying the blues? Fix my eyes on God— soon I’ll be praising again. He puts a smile on my face. He’s my God.
Romans 15:13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 5:4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
Part 1
We in churches of Christ are a very unique group of people. Our beliefs and practices seem very strange to some. This sermon is the beginning of a new sermon series entitled, “Churches in the Shape of Scripture.” It is our hope that these lessons will help us have a renewed conviction that being a New Testament-shaped church is a goal worth pursing, and that doing things God’s way really does matter. These lessons will be a great opportunity to invite others who might have questions surrounding what churches of Christ teach.
Part 2
Last week we began a new sermon series titled, “Churches in the Shape of Scripture.” We introduced the principle that churches of Christ are all about restoration. We looked at this notion from the Old Testament. In this second sermon in the series, we’ll take this idea of restoration over to the New Testament and focus our attention on the church.
Part 3
This is the third sermon in the series titled, “Churches in the Shape of Scripture.” We’re talking about who we are in churches of Christ. We’ve introduced the series talking about how we are a people concerned about restoring the beliefs and practices of the New Testament church. This sermon will be on “Salvation in the Shape of the New Testament” This is one of the most important differences you’ll find between churches of Christ and most other religious groups.
Part 4
Last week we started looking at “Salvation in the Shape of the New Testament.” This sermon continues looking at this issue by noting how our belief that baptism is necessary for salvation was actually the unanimous belief of Christianity for its first 1,500 years. We’ll also see the connection in the New Testament between salvation and baptism.
Click here for the Francis Chan video that Robert showed in his sermon.
Part 5
This is a continuation of our special sermon series titled “Churches in the Shape of Scripture.” This sermon discusses some of our beliefs and practices that distinguish us in churches of Christ from most other churches, particularly at our belief that baptism is a necessary condition for receiving salvation.
Part 6
This sermon is about “The Lord’s Day and the Lord’s Supper in the Shape of the New Testament.” This is another distinction we have in churches of Christ: we believe eating the Lord’s Supper every Sunday is an important part of God’s plan for the church.
Part 7
This is the second part of last week’s sermon about “The Lord’s Day and the Lord’s Supper in the Shape of the New Testament.” In this lesson, we’ll explore and contemplate what this weekly activity is all about. We’ll look at some of the terms which are associated with it in the New Testament.
Part 8
In this sermon, we’ll begin looking at “Church Organization & Leadership in the Shape of the New Testament.” This is another difference between churches of Christ and most other church groups. That difference is how the church is organized and governed. And we believe this is an important part of God’s plan for His church.
Part 9
This sermon is the second part of the previous sermon in our “Churches in the Shape of Scripture” series. We’ll continue to look at “Church Organization & Leadership in the Shape of the New Testament.” This is another difference between churches of Christ and most other church groups. That difference is how the church is organized and governed. And we believe this is an important part of God’s plan for His church.
Part 10
This sermon titled “Musical Praise in the Assembly” looks at what is probably the most obvious difference between us and many of our Bible believing friends. We’re talking about why we in churches of Christ in our worship assemblies practice vocal only praise. We’ll begin by walking through the Bible to see how we and most Christians throughout history, came to the conclusion that Christian worship was instrument-free for most of its history.
Part 11
This is the second part of last week’s sermon called “Musical Praise in the Assembly”, which looks at what is probably the most obvious difference between us and many of our Bible believing friends. We’re talking about why we in churches of Christ in our worship assemblies practice vocal only praise. We’ll begin by walking through the Bible to see how we and most Christians throughout history, came to the conclusion that Christian worship was instrument-free for most of its history.
Part 12
This sermon is a continuation of our special sermon series titled “Churches in the Shape of Scripture.” Is our practice of male leadership in our assemblies an out-of-date, sexist, chauvinistic mindset? Does the New Testament really teach what we practice? In this lesson we’ll look at the bigger picture of what the Bible says about men and women.
Part 13
This is the final sermon in the “Churches in the Shape of Scripture” series. In the last lesson we left off stating that we believe God has called men to lead in the worship assembly to serve as a visual expression of His will for male spiritual leadership in the church. This lesson focuses on Paul’s instructions regarding the roles in the assembly found in 1 Timothy 2:8-15.
Proverbs 1:2, 7, 20 NLT - 2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. ... 7 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline. ... 20 Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square.
Proverbs 2:2, 6, 10, 12, 16 NLT - 2 Tune your ears to wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. ... 6 For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. ... 10 For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. ... 12 Wisdom will save you from evil people, from those whose words are twisted. ... 16 Wisdom will save you from the immoral woman, from the seductive words of the promiscuous woman.
Proverbs 3:7, 13-15, 18-19 NLT - 7 Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. ... 13 Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. 14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. ... 18 Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. 19 By wisdom the LORD founded the earth; by understanding he created the heavens.
Proverbs 4:5-8 NLT - 5 Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don't forget my words or turn away from them. 6 Don't turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. 7 Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. 8 If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you.
Proverbs 5:1 NLT - 1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom; listen carefully to my wise counsel.
Proverbs 7:4 NLT - 4 Love wisdom like a sister; make insight a beloved member of your family.
Proverbs 8:1, 11-12 NLT - 1 Listen as Wisdom calls out! Hear as understanding raises her voice! ... 11 For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it. 12 "I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment.
Proverbs 9:1, 10-12 NLT - 1 Wisdom has built her house; she has carved its seven columns. ... 10 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgment. 11 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. 12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Proverbs 11:2 NLT - 2 Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.
Proverbs 14:6, 33 NLT - 6 A mocker seeks wisdom and never finds it, but knowledge comes easily to those with understanding. ... 33 Wisdom is enshrined in an understanding heart; wisdom is not found among fools.
Proverbs 15:33 NLT - 33 Fear of the LORD teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor.
Proverbs 16:10, 16 NLT - 10 The king speaks with divine wisdom; he must never judge unfairly. ... 16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, and good judgment than silver!
Proverbs 17:24 NLT - 24 Sensible people keep their eyes glued on wisdom, but a fool's eyes wander to the ends of the earth.
Proverbs 18:4 NLT - 4 Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
Proverbs 19:8 NLT - 8 To acquire wisdom is to love oneself; people who cherish understanding will prosper.
Proverbs 21:30 NLT - 30 No human wisdom or understanding or plan can stand against the LORD.
Proverbs 23:23 NLT - 23 Get the truth and never sell it; also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
Proverbs 24:3, 7, 14 NLT - 3 A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. ... 7 Wisdom is too lofty for fools. Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say. ... 14 In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.
Proverbs 28:26 NLT - 26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.
Proverbs 29:3, 15 NLT - 3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted. ... 15 To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.
Proverbs 30:3 NLT - 3 I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.
Wisdom
The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7)
To find wisdom, first, find God (Proverbs 2:6–12)
Wise people accept advice (Proverbs 13:10)
Wise people boast not in their wisdom but in knowing God (Jeremiah 9:23–24)
The wise understand God’s ways and follow his guidance (Hosea 14:9)
Wise people build on the solid foundation of God and his Word (Matthew 7:24–27)
God’s wisdom is different from the world’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:1–16)
God will give us wisdom if we ask for it (James 1:5)
Logos Dictionary Themes
God, wisdom of
Scripture declares that God alone is wise and discerning, and that human wisdom is often unable or unwilling to understand his ways. God’s wisdom is expressed in both creation and redemption.
God’s wisdom described. Isa 28:29 See also 1Sa 2:3; Ro 16:27
God’s wisdom is beyond measure. Ps 147:5 See also Isa 44:7; Jer 10:7; Ro 11:33
God’s wisdom is profound. Isa 40:28 See also Job 9:4; 28:12-24; Ps 92:5; Ecc 8:17
God’s wisdom is superior to human wisdom. Isa 55:9 See also Job 21:22
God’s wisdom exhibited. God’s wisdom in creation Jer 10:12 See also Job 28:25-27; 37:14-16; Ps 104:24; 136:5; Pr 3:19-20; Isa 40:12-14
God’s wisdom as an agent in creation. Pr 8:22-31 Wisdom here is given personality, and may refer to the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ.
God’s wisdom in historical events. Isa 31:2 See also Job 12:13-25; Da 2:20-22
God’s wisdom in knowing the human mind. 1Ch 28:9 See also Ps 139:2,4,6
Jesus Christ the wisdom of God. 1Co 1:30 See also Isa 9:6; 11:2; 1Co 1:24; Col 2:2-3
God’s wisdom in the gospel. 1Co 1:25 See also 1Co 1:18-21; Eph 3:10
God gives his wisdom to human beings. Eph 1:17 See also 2Ch 1:11-12; Ezr 7:25; Pr 2:6; Ecc 12:11; Da 2:23; 1Co 2:6-16; Jas 1:5
Examples of God’s wisdom.
1Sa 16:7; 1Ki 3:28; Isa 28:24-29; Lk 11:49
Manser, M. H. (2009). Dictionary of Bible Themes: The Accessible and Comprehensive Tool for Topical Studies. Martin Manser.
