Continued from page 1
If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of
sufferings, so shall ye be also of consolation.
Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech. Not boasting of things without our measure, that is, of other men's labours; but having hope, when your faith is increased, that we shall be enlarged by you according to our rule abundantly.
For we through Spirit wait for hope of righteousness by faith. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is hope of his calling, and what riches of glory of his inheritance in saints. That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in world.
There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. To whom God would make known what is riches of glory of this mystery among Gentiles; which is Christ in you, hope of glory.
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in sight of God and our Father. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. But let us, who are of day, be sober, putting on breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, hope of salvation.
Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us,and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by commandment of God our Saviour,and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope.
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before world began.
Looking for that blessed hope, and glorious appearing of great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to hope of eternal life.
But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast confidence and rejoicing of hope firm unto end. And we desire that every one of you do shew same diligence to full assurance of hope unto end.
That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within veil.
For law made nothing perfect, but bringing in of a better hope did; by which we draw nigh unto God.
Blessed be God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by resurrection of Jesus Christ from dead. Wherefore gird up loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to end for grace that is to be brought unto you at revelation of Jesus Christ. Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.
But sanctify Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of hope that is in you with meekness and fear. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.
Glimpses of God © by Joyce C. Lock http://our.homewithgod.com/heavenlyinspirations/ This writing may be used in its entirety, with credits in tact, for non-profit ministering purposes.
Joyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the e-mail ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations/ and "Share a Smile" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smilesharing/. Joyce's writings encourage us in our relationship with God and each other.
