Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I free?” You may think you are, based on your earthly citizenship, but consider instead the essence of the question. Have you chained yourself to a lifestyle or to beliefs that restrict you from a purer and more free existence? We live in the land of the free, but…
HEBREWS 11:1-3 For hope to exist, there must be some foundation assuring it (v.1). How does our faith provide proof for our hope (Acts 17:31) How does our faith connect us to our anchor? (Hebrews 6:19) How is your hope being strengthened by the assurance provided by faith? Our assuring faith remains unseen (v.1). What…
ROMANS 8:18-25 This life’s trials are incapable of being compared to our hope of glory (v.18). What weight of suffering could compare to the weight of the glory that is coming? Why would God want us to think about this comparison? (2 Cor. 4:17) This creation has become the very definition of hope for us…
LUKE 23:40-43 When life is as bad as it can get, with Jesus there is hope (Luke 23:40-43). What was the only hope for the thief on the cross? What is the greatest and the only hope for us? (I Peter 1:8-9) We have already been seated with Christ (Ephesians 2:6). How can a realization…
GENESIS 40 God personally gave Joseph reasons to have hope (37:5-11). Whatever would happen to him for the next 13 years, what assurance did he have? Whatever happens to you in your life, what assurances do you have? When rejected by his brothers and sold as a slave, he needed hope (37:23-28). In that cistern,…
ROMANS 5:1-5 Because we were justified by faith, we stand in grace and rejoice in hope (v.1-2). What all had to happen so sinful man could have peace and hope? How would you describe your levels of peace and hope? How would those closest to you describe your peace and your hope? We rejoice in…
MATTHEW 12:38-45 An evil generation asks for a miraculous sign (v.38-39). What is so wrong about asking for a miraculous sign? What should we be doing instead of asking for a sign? Jesus declared that Jonah was in a huge fish for three days (v.39-40). Why do people find it so hard to believe the…
ZECHARIAH 14 The primary context of these promises involves the church (9:9). What can we learn from these prophecies (9:9; 11:12-13; 12:10; 13:6, 7)? How do these specific prophecies affect your faith? From the Mt. of Olives He will make a way for His people (14:4-5). How did the One who stood on the Mt.…
JOB 19:25-27 In Joshua and soon in Ruth we read about a ‘kinsman-redeemer’ (Ruth 2:20). How did a kinsman redeemer bless those who were in need? What protection was possible because of a kinsman-redeemer? Job, in the midst of trials trusted in his redeemer (Job 19:25-27). In the face of such terrible trials, how could…
JOHN 12:37-46 As prophesied, many Jews chose not to believe in Jesus (v.37-40). How does ‘would not believe’ differ from ‘could not believe?’ What factors would lead to the choice of not believing in Christ? The prophets clearly declared a rejected Messiah (v.38; Isaiah 53:1). How does the context of Isaiah clearly declare Jesus as…