“The Gift of … Blessed Hope”

“‘Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a Son, and they shall name Him Immanuel,’ which translated means, ‘God with us.’” (Matt. 1:23)

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

(John 10:9-11)

1. Death has now become the . 

“‘Where, O death, is your victory?  Where, O death, is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(1 Cor. 15:55-57)

“Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for My sake will find it.” (Matt. 10:39)

1. Knowledge has now become a doorway to  

“…so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,…” (Col. 1:10-11)

“Now about food sacrificed to idols: We know that ‘We all possess knowledge.’ But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.” (1 Cor. 8:1)

“And He said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’” (Matt. 18:3)

1. Suffering has now become a doorway to.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” (Jas. 1:12)