According to the book, Silenced in the Schoolhouse: How Biblical illiteracy in our schools is destroying America, the abandonment of Biblically based Christian education from the schools has had a marked change on the culture:

“With the removal of Biblically based Christian education from the schools, there has been a marked change in the culture. In 1910 only one marriage out of 100 ended in divorce. By the late 1960’s, that rate rose to three in ten. By the 1990’s, half of new marriages were ending in divorce. This figure fell to about 40% in the last 15 years, but does not take into account how many couples now live together without being legally married! It is estimated that when adding in second and third marriages, about 2/3 of all marriages end in divorce. The 1998 U.S. Census Bureau reports that between 1970 and 1996 the number of divorced people rose 40%.

Drilling down deeper as related to the removal of Christian education in the early 1960’s, the results are just as dismal.204 Before 1963, divorce had declined for 15 years. After 1963, it increased 300% in just over 15 years! From 1963 to 1995, unmarried people living together increased 353%, single parent families increased 160%. Today, married couples make up only 49.7% of all households in America, down from 51% five years ago.

In students, before 1963, pregnancies in girls 15-19 years had never been greater than 15 per thousand for 15 years. After 1963, this rate increased 187% in the next 15 years. For girls aged 10-14 years, the results were even more devastating; the pregnancy rates since 1963 have shot up 553%! Along with increased sexual activity, sexually transmitted disease rose from 400 per 100,000 before 1963 up to 904 per 100,000 in the next 12 years! At the time of this writing, it is estimated that half of the U.S. population lives with a sexually transmitted virus. We now know that sexually transmitted viruses cause cervical cancer.

In the public schools, SAT scores were slowly rising until 1963 with an average score of 980. This rate steadily declined over the 18 years after 1963 to a rate of 890 in 1980 and a slight rebound to 906 in 1985. A slight decrease in the rate of decline was seen in 1974-75 when there was an explosion of private religious schools. There were only about 1000 Christian schools in 1965, but between 1974 and 1984, they increased to over 32,000. On average, private school SAT scores are about 100 points higher than those in the public schools and continued to be about the same level as the public schools had been in 1963. Of the nation’s top academic scholars, three times as many come from private religious schools, which operate on a third of the funding as public schools.”

This change in the culture is the result of a change in attitudes about morality that was once part of Biblical teaching in the public schools. Silenced in the Schoolhouse documents the differences in attitudes about morality between those who are Biblically literate and have a Biblical world view and those who do not as follows:

“Christians who have a Biblical worldview are nine times more likely to avoid adult only material on the Internet, four times more likely to boycott objectionable companies or products, and four times more likely to pray for the President of the United States during the week than non-believers. They are also twice as likely not to view a movie with objectionable material and twice as likely to volunteer to help needy people.”

“Those with a Biblical worldview were 31 times less likely to accept cohabitation (2% versus 62%, respectively); 18 times less likely to endorse drunkenness (2% versus 36%); 15 times less likely to condone gay sex (2% versus 31%); 12 times less likely to accept profanity (3% versus 37%); and 11 times less likely to describe adultery as morally acceptable (4% versus 44%). In addition, less than one-half of one percent of those with a biblical worldview said voluntary exposure to pornography was morally acceptable (compared to 39% of other adults), and a similarly miniscule proportion endorsed abortion (compared to 46% of adults who lack a biblical worldview).”

“Among the more intriguing lifestyle differences were the lesser propensity for those with a biblical worldview to gamble (they were eight times less likely to buy lottery tickets and 17 times less likely to place bets); to get drunk (three times less likely); and to view pornography (two times less common). They were also twice as likely to have discussed spiritual matters with other people in the past month and twice as likely to have fasted for religious reasons during the preceding month. While one out of every eight adults who lack a biblical worldview had sexual relations with someone other than their spouse during the prior month, less than one out of every 100 individuals who have such a worldview had done so.”

When considering these numbers, America would certainly be a different place if the general public was Biblically literate and held a Biblical worldview. With this in mind, what does the Bible say about the righteousness of a nation? There are three main passages in the Bible that speak of this topic as follows:

(Proverbs 14:34 KJV)  “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”

(Isaiah 58:2 KJV)  “Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.”

(Acts 10:34-35 KJV)  “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (35) But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

These three passages tell us several things about a righteous nation. First, in Proverbs 14:34 we are told that righteousness exalts a nation. According to Webster’s 1828 dictionary, for a nation to be exalted means that the nation is raised high; elevated in power, wealth, rank, or dignity; elevated in joy, confidence, success, victory, and pride; and elevated in estimation or praise, diction or sentiment.

Likewise in Proverbs 14:34 we are also told that sin is a reproach to any people. As our nation has abandoned our moral foundations, all of those things that were once exalted in America have declined. We have lost power, wealth, and rank. We have lost joy, confidence, success, and victory. Because of our loss of dignity, we have lost praise, estimation of success in the future, and world sentiment. These have resulted in the diction, or things that are being said about America, being more critical, pessimistic, and hostile. Simply stated, America has lost it reputation in the world as a beacon of freedom and righteousness.

Second, in Isaiah 58:2, we are told that a righteous nation seeks God daily. Seeking God daily means we delight in learning what God wants for us as a nation. Since a nation is the term for a group of individuals, seeking God daily means we as a people delight in continually becoming disciples, or students, of God’s Word on a daily basis.

Jesus stated this in John 8:31-32 (KJV)  “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (32) And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Jesus went on to say that He was the source of freedom that would deliver people from their bondage to sin (John 8:33-47). More specifically He mentioned in John 8:43 that people in bondage to sin could not understand what He was telling them because they “cannot hear my Word.”

In a nation that has abandoned the Word of God, people do not want to hear the Words of Jesus so they have no idea what He says about this issues of life and righteousness. This is at the core of why the nation is becoming unrighteous, the nation does not know his ways as stated in Isaiah 58:2. The nation has forsaken the ordinances of God, the ordinances of His justice, and do not take delight in approaching Him. Instead, the nation has done everything it can to silence God in the schoolhouse, the statehouse, and the White House in addition to the houses of the people.

It is only when catastrophe strikes the nation that we sing God Bless America and call out for His help, expecting that He will come to our rescue. Once those times pass we return to the vomit that is our culture and find ourselves wallowing in sin again (2 Peter 2:20-22).

Thirdly, in Acts 10:34 Peter speaks under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God’s nature when it comes to dealing with humanity as follows: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: (35) But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”

Unfortunately, we have rejected God’s teaching on this as well. We have abandoned the idea of measuring someone by the content of their character (1 Peter 1:13-19) and created special classes of people that are treated differently or given privileges not afforded to other people based purely on factors such as gender, sexual orientation, skin color, or a whole host of other factors. In an effort to “level the playing field” we have codified politically correct discrimination that grants special privileges, often under the guise of correcting discrimination that granted special privileges to other special groups in the past.

No longer do we follow Biblical teachings of avoiding all appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22; Proverbs 19:6; Proverbs 29:26), protecting those who are most vulnerable (Matthew 18:1-14; Proverbs 22:22-23; Isaiah 10:1-2; Malachi 3:8-9; ), or maintaining purity inside and outside the confines of marriage (1 Corinthians 6:15-20; Hebrews 13:4). We no longer seek righteousness, instead we seek anything but righteousness (Romans 3:10-19).

Pastor Joe Wright spoke about the nation’s abandonment of righteousness when he asked that God to examine our hearts, take note of our wickedness, and cleanse us of our sins while offering the opening prayer for a session of the Kansas House of Representatives in 1996. His prayer, quoted along with what God says in His Word about the same, is listed as follows:

“Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and seek your direction and guidance. We know your Word says, “Woe to those who call evil good,” but that’s exactly what we’ve done (Isaiah 5:20). We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and inverted our values (Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 21:2; Isaiah 5:20-23; Jeremiah 4:22; Romans 12:21). We confess that we have ridiculed the absolute truth of your Word and called it moral pluralism (Psalms 33:4; Psalms 119:160; John17:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). We have worshipped other gods and called it multiculturalism (Exodus 20:3; Psalms 96:4-5; Acts 15:19-20, 28-29; 1 Corinthians 10:14, 19-21; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Colossians 3:5-6). We have endorsed perversion and called it an alternative lifestyle (Leviticus 20:13; Romans 1:24-28, 32; 2 Peter 2:6-14; 2 Peter 2:17-18; Jude 1:7-8; Jude 1:17-20 ). We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery (Psalms 10:2; Proverbs 14:31; Mark 14:7; ). We have neglected the needy and called it self-preservation (Psalms 82:3-4; Proverbs 31:9; James 2:5-6). We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare (Proverbs 20:4; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; ). We have killed our unborn and called it choice (Jeremiah 22:3). We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable (Romans 12:21). We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building esteem (Proverbs 13:24; Luke 16:15; Philippians 2:3; Hebrews 12:6; Revelation 3:19). We have abused power and called it political savvy (1 Kings 3:9; Psalms 43:1; Isaiah 1:4; Hosea 12:7). We have coveted our neighbors’ possessions and called it ambition (Psalms 10:3; Luke 12:15; 1 Corinthians 5:9-11). We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression (Habakkuk 2:15-16; 1 Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 4:29; Ephesians 5:11-12; James 3; 1 Timothy 2:9). We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment (Proverbs 1:8-9; Mark 7:9-13). Search us O God and know our hearts today; try us and see if there be some wicked way in us; cleanse us from every sin and set us free. Guide and bless these men and women who have been sent here by the people of Kansas, and who have been ordained by you, to govern this great state. Grant them your wisdom to rule and may their decisions direct us to the center of your will. I ask it in the name of your son, the living savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

One would expect that Pastor Wright’s message would have been received with accolades and agreement. Although it was well received by most people, some legislators walked out and later criticized the prayer as being a “message of intolerance” that “reflects the extreme, radical views that continue to dominate the House Republican agenda since right wing extremists seized control of the House Republican Caucus last year.” Others claimed that the prayer “made everyone mad.” Sadly, those that were critical of the truth do not realize that one day  if they continue in this way that God will show them what being mad is really about (Psalms 79).

Finally, if we want to answer the question whether or not America has become an unrighteous nation we must learn about righteousness. While we learned the things that a righteous nation does, what we have to know is what makes a nation righteous. According to Webster’s 1928 dictionary the word righteous is defined one who is just according to divine law. Also according to Webster’s, to be just, one must be innocent, blameless, or without guilt.

However, according to God’s Word,there is one requirement for righteousness:

(Genesis 15:6 KJV)  “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

(Romans 3:22 KJV)  “Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:”

(Romans 4:3-5 KJV)  “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (4) Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. (5) But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

(Romans 10:4 KJV)  “For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.”

(Romans 10:10-11 KJV)  “For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (11) For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

(Galatians 3:6-7 KJV)  “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. (7) Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.”

It is clear that according to these verses, righteousness comes by faith; by believing what God said in His Word. So, to be seen as righteous in the eyes of the Lord, the nation must believe what God has said in his Word. Anything or anyone who puts their trust and belief in anything that contradicts the Word of God cannot be considered righteous, because of unbelief in what God has said. When we believe what God has said in His Word, He declares us righteous, just as he did Abraham. When we are declared righteous as the people of this nation, then the nation is declared righteous.

Likewise, because of our belief, God also declares us to be just. As those whom God has justified, we also live our lives by faith (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38)  as a result of having a Biblical worldview as mentioned above. When this occurs, our behaviors reflect what is in our hearts (Matthew 12:35; Luke 6:45).

So, when asking the question has America become an unrighteous nation, the answer, based on the culture and attitudes of those who make up that nation, is yes, America has become an unrighteous nation. What can we do about it? The answer is humble ourselves and pray (2 Chronicles 7:14) and to seek the Lord and His righteousness (Zephaniah 2:3; Matthew 6:33) Then he will bless the nation, exalt her, and remember her sins no more.

Preaching: Galatians 4:1-20 Redeemed by the blood of the Lamb

Speaker: Dr. Michael L. Williams

Date presented: May 20, 2012

Bible References:

Galatians 4:1-20 ( KJV ) ¹Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; ²But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. ³Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: ⁴But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, ⁵To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. ⁶And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. ⁷Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. ⁸Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. ⁹But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? ¹⁰Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. ¹¹I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. ¹²Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. ¹³Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. ¹⁴And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. ¹⁵Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. ¹⁶Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? ¹⁷They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. ¹⁸But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. ¹⁹My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you, ²⁰I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 ( KJV ) ⁴Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: ⁵And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. ⁶And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: ⁷And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. ⁸And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. ⁹And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

1 John 2:15-17 ( KJV ) ¹⁵Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. ¹⁷And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

Exodus 6:6-8 ( KJV ) ⁶Wherefore say unto the children of Israel, I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with a stretched out arm, and with great judgments: ⁷And I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God: and ye shall know that I am the LORD your God, which bringeth you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. ⁸And I will bring you in unto the land, concerning the which I did swear to give it to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it you for an heritage: I am the LORD.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ( KJV ) ¹³But 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. ¹⁴For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. ¹⁵For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. ¹⁶For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: ¹⁷Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. ¹⁸Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Romans 6:18-21 ( KJV ) ¹⁸Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. ¹⁹I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. ²⁰For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. ²¹What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.

Romans 10:2-3 ( KJV ) ²For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. ³For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Preaching: Proverbs 31 What can the Church learn from mothers?

Bible References:

Ephesians 5:22-33 ( KJV ) ²²Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. ²³For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. ²⁴Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. ²⁵Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; ²⁶That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, ²⁷That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. ²⁸So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. ²⁹For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: ³⁰For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. ³¹For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. ³²This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church. ³³Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Proverbs 31:10-31 ( KJV ) ¹⁰Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. ¹¹The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. ¹²She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. ¹³She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. ¹⁴She is like the merchants’ ships; she bringeth her food from afar. ¹⁵She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. ¹⁶She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. ¹⁷She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. ¹⁸She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. ¹⁹She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. ²⁰She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. ²¹She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. ²²She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. ²³Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. ²⁴She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. ²⁵Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. ²⁶She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. ²⁷She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. ²⁸Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. ²⁹Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. ³⁰Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. ³¹Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

2 Peter 1:3 ( KJV ) ³According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

1 Corinthians 6:20 ( KJV ) ²⁰For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Ezekiel 18:5 ( KJV ) ⁵But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful and right,

Matthew 12:35 ( KJV ) ³⁵A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

Philippians 2:12-16 ( KJV ) ¹²Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. ¹³For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. ¹⁴Do all things without murmurings and disputings: ¹⁵That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; ¹⁶Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3 ( KJV ) ¹And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. ²I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. ³For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Mark 12:1-12 ( KJV ) ¹And he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted a vineyard, and set an hedge about it, and digged a place for the winefat, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country. ²And at the season he sent to the husbandmen a servant, that he might receive from the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. ³And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty. ⁴And again he sent unto them another servant; and at him they cast stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled. ⁵And again he sent another; and him they killed, and many others; beating some, and killing some. ⁶Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son. ⁷But those husbandmen said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours. ⁸And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. ⁹What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do? he will come and destroy the husbandmen, and will give the vineyard unto others. ¹⁰And have ye not read this scripture; The stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner: ¹¹This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes? ¹²And they sought to lay hold on him, but feared the people: for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them: and they left him, and went their way.

Ephesians 6:14 ( KJV ) ¹⁴Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

1 Corinthians 2:9-16 ( KJV ) ⁹But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. ¹⁰But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. ¹¹For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. ¹²Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. ¹³Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. ¹⁴But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ¹⁵But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. ¹⁶For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 ( KJV ) ¹Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. ²And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. ³And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Exodus 36:35-36 ( KJV ) ³⁵And he made a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubims made he it of cunning work. ³⁶And he made thereunto four pillars of shittim wood, and overlaid them with gold: their hooks were of gold; and he cast for them four sockets of silver.

Matthew 10:32 ( KJV ) ³²Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Proverbs 1:1-8 ( KJV ) ¹The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; ²To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; ³To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; ⁴To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. ⁵A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: ⁶To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. ⁷The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. ⁸My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:

Ephesians 4:28 ( KJV ) ²⁸Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Acts 2:46-47 ( KJV ) ⁴⁶And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, ⁴⁷Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 ( KJV ) ¹¹For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹²Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; ¹³Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. ¹⁴If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. ¹⁵If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Preaching: Galatians 3:22-29 Are you under the law or under grace? Part 1

Preaching: Galatians 3:22-29 Are you under the law or under grace? Part 2

Speaker: Dr. Michael L. Williams

Date presented: May 6, 2012

Bible Reference:

Galatians 3:22-29 ( KJV ) ²²But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. ²³But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. ²⁴Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. ²⁶For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Romans 3:9-11 ( KJV ) ⁹What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; ¹⁰As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: ¹¹There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

Romans 4:3 ( KJV ) ³For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Romans 3:19-31 ( KJV ) ¹⁹Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. ²⁰Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. ²¹But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; ²²Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: ²³For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: ²⁵Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; ²⁶To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. ²⁷Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. ²⁸Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. ²⁹Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: ³⁰Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. ³¹Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

1 John 1:10 ( KJV ) ¹⁰If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Acts 2:33 ( KJV ) ³³Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

Ephesians 1:12-14 ( KJV ) ¹²That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. ¹³In 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, ¹⁴Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 4:30 ( KJV ) ³⁰And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Ecclesiastes 8:8 ( KJV ) ⁸There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

1 John 2:22-23 ( KJV ) ²²Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. ²³Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also.

1 John 3:10 ( KJV ) ¹⁰In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

1 John 4:2-3 ( KJV ) ²Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: ³And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.

2 John 1:7 ( KJV ) ⁷For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.

1 Peter 3:21 ( KJV ) ²¹The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

1 Corinthians 10:31-32 ( KJV ) ³¹Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. ³²Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

Preaching: Galatians 3:1-21 Are you a child of God?

Speaker: Dr. Michael L. Williams

Date presented: April 29, 2012

Bible references:

Galatians 3:1-21 ( KJV ) ¹O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? ²This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? ³Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? ⁴Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. ⁵He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? ⁶Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. ⁷Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. ⁸And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. ⁹So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. ¹⁰For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. ¹¹But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. ¹²And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them. ¹³Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: ¹⁴That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. ¹⁵Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto. ¹⁶Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. ¹⁷And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect. ¹⁸For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. ¹⁹Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. ²⁰Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. ²¹Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

2 Peter 1:16-21 ( KJV ) ¹⁶For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. ¹⁷For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. ¹⁸And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. ¹⁹We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: ²⁰Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. ²¹For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Acts 1:4-6 ( KJV ) ⁴And, 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. ⁵For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. ⁶When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

Acts 2:33 ( KJV ) ³³Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.

1 John 5:7-8 ( KJV ) ⁷For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. ⁸And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

John 14:15-19 ( KJV ) ¹⁵If ye love me, keep my commandments. ¹⁶And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; ¹⁷Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. ¹⁸I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. ¹⁹Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

1 Peter 1:3-5 ( KJV ) ³Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, ⁵Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Ephesians 1:12-14 ( KJV ) ¹²That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. ¹³In 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, ¹⁴Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ecclesiastes 8:8 ( KJV ) ⁸There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.

Living fountains of water (Jeremiah 2:13)

In our everyday language, we pick up idioms, parts of speech, and phrases that become part of our everyday conversation. What many people do not realize is that many of these commonly used sayings actually come from the Bible. The following are 60 everyday expressions that are uses, which can be found in Scripture.

While these are only 60 common phrases, there are certainly more that can be found. The important thing to realize is that the Word of God permeates not only our language, but everything else from art, architecture, science, physics to even the customs we observe. If you can think of one not mentioned, submit it by commenting below. Blessings to you as you seek Him in and His influence in your life.

Image: Arvind Balaraman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Preaching: Galatians 2:6-21 Are you frustrating God’s grace?

Speaker: Dr. Michael L. Williams

Date presented: April 22, 2012

Bible References:

Galatians 2:6-21 ( KJV ) ⁶But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: ⁷But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; ⁸(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) ⁹And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. ¹⁰Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. ¹¹But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. ¹²For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. ¹³And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. ¹⁴But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? ¹⁵We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, ¹⁶Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. ¹⁷But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. ¹⁸For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. ¹⁹For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. ²⁰I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. ²¹I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Romans 16:17 ( KJV ) ¹⁷Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Ephesians 1:12-14 ( KJV ) ¹²That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. ¹³In 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, ¹⁴Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

Ephesians 4:30 ( KJV ) ³⁰And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

1 John 5:7-8 ( KJV ) ⁷For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. ⁸And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

Acts 2:44-45 ( KJV ) ⁴⁴And all that believed were together, and had all things common; ⁴⁵And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Romans 9:1-8 ( KJV ) ¹I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, ²That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. ³For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: ⁴Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; ⁵Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. ⁶Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: ⁷Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. ⁸That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Galatians 3:6-7 ( KJV ) ⁶Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. ⁷Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Galatians 3:26 ( KJV ) ²⁶For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 6:1-10 ( KJV ) ¹Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, ²Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. ³And this will we do, if God permit. ⁴For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, ⁵And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, ⁶If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. ⁷For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: ⁸But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned. ⁹But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak. ¹⁰For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have showed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 ( KJV ) ¹¹For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹²Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; ¹³Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. ¹⁴If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. ¹⁵If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV) ⁸For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:  ⁹Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Titus 3:5 (KJV) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Preaching: Galatians 2:1-5 Is your life being polluted or perfected? Part 1

Preaching: Galatians 2:1-5 Is your life being polluted or perfected? Part 2

Speaker: Dr. Michael L. Williams

Date presented: April 15, 2012

Bible References:

Galatians 2:1-5 ( KJV ) ¹Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. ²And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. ³But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: ⁴And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: ⁵To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Acts 15:1-20 ( KJV ) ¹And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. ²When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. ³And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. ⁴And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. ⁵But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. ⁶And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. ⁷And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. ⁸And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; ⁹And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. ¹⁰Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? ¹¹But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they. ¹²Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. ¹³And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: ¹⁴Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. ¹⁵And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, ¹⁶After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: ¹⁷That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. ¹⁸Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. ¹⁹Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: ²⁰But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

Acts 10:1-5 ( KJV ) ¹There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, ²A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. ³He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. ⁴And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. ⁵And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

Ezekiel 22:1-12 ( KJV ) ¹Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, ²Now, thou son of man, wilt thou judge, wilt thou judge the bloody city? yea, thou shalt show her all her abominations. ³Then say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD, The city sheddeth blood in the midst of it, that her time may come, and maketh idols against herself to defile herself. ⁴Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed; and hast defiled thyself in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the heathen, and a mocking to all countries. ⁵Those that be near, and those that be far from thee, shall mock thee, which art infamous and much vexed. ⁶Behold, the princes of Israel, every one were in thee to their power to shed blood. ⁷In thee have they set light by father and mother: in the midst of thee have they dealt by oppression with the stranger: in thee have they vexed the fatherless and the widow. ⁸Thou hast despised mine holy things, and hast profaned my sabbaths. ⁹In thee are men that carry tales to shed blood: and in thee they eat upon the mountains: in the midst of thee they commit lewdness. ¹⁰In thee have they discovered their fathers’ nakedness: in thee have they humbled her that was set apart for pollution. ¹¹And one hath committed abomination with his neighbour’s wife; and another hath lewdly defiled his daughter in law; and another in thee hath humbled his sister, his father’s daughter. ¹²In thee have they taken gifts to shed blood; thou hast taken usury and increase, and thou hast greedily gained of thy neighbours by extortion, and hast forgotten me, saith the Lord GOD.

1 Peter 4:1-6 ( KJV ) ¹Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; ²That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. ³For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: ⁴Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: ⁵Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. ⁶For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit.

Job 7:13-16 ( KJV ) ¹³When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint; ¹⁴Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions: ¹⁵So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life. ¹⁶I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity.

John 6:27-37 ( KJV ) ²⁷Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. ²⁸Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? ²⁹Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. ³⁰They said therefore unto him, What sign showest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? ³¹Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. ³²Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. ³³For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. ³⁴Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. ³⁵And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ³⁶But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. ³⁷All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 6:47-58 ( KJV ) ⁴⁷Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. ⁴⁸I am that bread of life. ⁴⁹Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. ⁵⁰This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. ⁵¹I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. ⁵²The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? ⁵³Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. ⁵⁴Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. ⁵⁵For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. ⁵⁶He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. ⁵⁷As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me. ⁵⁸This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

1 Corinthians 11:23-29 ( KJV ) ²³For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: ²⁴And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. ²⁵After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. ²⁶For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till he come. ²⁷Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. ²⁸But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. ²⁹For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body.

We live in a world that is moving so fast that we often cannot keep up. It seems like no matter what we do, we never have time for the things that really matter. We want stronger marriages, deeper friendships, and lives that are more meaningful. Meanwhile, talk show hosts, self-help books, Internet sites, friends, family, and even expensive counselors tell us they have the answers to our problems.

So, we invest the time, the effort, and the expense to try their answers only to discover that either they do not work or they work for a short while and we find ourselves right back where we started. Before long, we conclude that there are no answers for our life issues and we sink into despair.

Sadly, many people feel this way. The answers they so desperately need to solve their problems are never offered or found. This is because the answers that work have been abandoned in search for “better ways.” Unfortunately, these “better ways” have produced dismal results and the answers that work have been forgotten by nearly everyone.

The answers we are talking about come from the Bible. While many people think of the Bible as one of many “religious books,” what they do not realize is that the Bible is full of practical teaching that addresses all of life’s issues. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17:

(2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV)  “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” (Emphasis added)

Jesus spoke about this truth when he said in John 10:10, “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it abundantly.” By these words, Jesus spoke of the answers to life’s issues that produce real, lasting change to our lives.

With this in mind, many of us have heard ministers preach or teach about “finding peace” or “turning to God” for peace of mind. However, in that vast majority of cases, these same ministers never give specifics about what the Bible says about how to turn to God or find peace.

Likewise, just about all religions give the same piece of mind advice to their followers. Unfortunately most usually will tell their followers the path to peace is all about finding Nirvana, the emptying of their minds of all physical reality through meditation or they will tell them to practice Yoga. Taught to individuals and to children in government schools under the guise of healthy living, Yoga “is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on the Hindu concept of divinity or Brahman.” On a side note, considering the true nature of Yoga, it is amazing that there are not lawyers lined up around the block ready to sue when Yoga is taught to schoolchildren, but let one of those kids hand out Bible tracts and all Hell breaks loose.

For those practicing eastern meditation or Yoga everything works fine until the physical realities of life gets in the way. When that happens, another trip to the Yoga studio or meditation room is in order. Thankfully, the God of the Bible does not live in buildings or studios that we have to go to when we are struggling with mental health issues. He lives within the believer (John 14:17-20) and we can have His peace of mind no matter where we are, even after business hours.

So, what does the Bible say about mental health? In 2 Timothy 1:7 the Bible tells us four things about mental health: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” While it is the “sound mind” that some many people are lacking, we also know that that Bible does not have a Nike commercial, “Just do It” mentality when it comes to how to have victory in your life. The Bible has very specific things that it teaches about the causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention of mental illness.

The first thing mentioned in 2 Timothy 1:7 the that “God hath not given us the Spirit of fear.” If fear does not come from God, where does it come from? To answer that question, you first have to ask what is fear. According to Websters 1828 dictionary, fear is defined in the following excerpt:

FEAR, n. [See the Verb.]

1. A painful emotion or passion excited by an expectation of evil, or the apprehension of impending danger. Fear expresses less apprehension than dread, and dread less than terror and fright. The force of this passion, beginning with the most moderate degree, may be thus expressed, fear, dread, terror, fright. Fear is accompanied with a desire to avoid or ward off the expected evil. Fear is an uneasiness of mind, upon the thought of future evil likely to befall us. Fear is the passion of our nature which excites us to provide for our security, on the approach of evil.

2. Anxiety; solicitude.

FEAR, v.t. [L. vereor.]

1. To feel a painful apprehension of some impending evil; to be afraid of; to consider or expect with emotions of alarm or solicitude. We fear the approach of an enemy or of a storm. We have reason to fear the punishment of our sins.

FEAR, v.i. To be in apprehension of evil; to be afraid; to feel anxiety on account of some expected evil.

As we can see, fear is associated with evil, danger, uneasiness of mind, and anxiety amongst other things. When someone is not in right standing with God as unbelievers, they can fear both what their fate may be when they stand before God on judgement day at the Great White Throne of Judgement (Revelation 20:11-15; Psalms 33:8) and they can fear what can befall them as they live their lives (Psalms 31:12-13; Psalms 53:4-5; Proverbs 1:24-32).

As unbelievers, many people do not fear God while they are living their lives (Psalms 36:1-4; Romans 3:11-18). They fear other things such as loss of job, divorce, crime, health problems, etc.. This is because their thinking is occupied on things of the world, which is not of God (1 John 2:15-16). When there is an encounter with danger, life threatening illness, or anything else that brings to mind what will happen to them in eternity, then they experience the fear of death and the hereafter because they have no assurance of what will happen and if there is a God who will approve of how they lived their life. Unfortunately, if the have not trusted Christ as their Saviour the outcome will not be good (Proverbs 17:15; Matthew 12:36-37; John 3:16-21).

As believers, if God has not given us the Spirit of fear, then what do we do when we have fear? The first thing is to recognize that the solution for fear in the believer and the non-believer is to trust what God says to us in His Word (Exodus 14:13-14). The foundation is the promise of salvation to those who trust Jesus Christ as their Saviour (Psalms 27:1-3; Isaiah 35:4; Hebrews 11:7; Jude 1:21-24). Upon this foundation we then build our lives (1 Corinthians 3:11-14).

When we trust Christ as our Saviour and live our lives based on the knowledge of the foundation we have in Jesus Christ we have nothing to fear because He promises He will never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6), no one can pluck us out of His hands (John 10:27-29), and he watches over us and protects us (Psalms 37:39-40; Psalms 41:1-2; Galatians 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 4:18).

If we have fear as believers, it is because we are allowing our minds to be seduced into believing that what God has promised is not true (Titus 1:1-2; Hebrews 6:17-19; James 1:13-15) or we are trusting in things other than God (Deuteronomy 30:16-18; Psalms 56:4; Proverbs 29:25).

Therefore, if God has not given us the Spirit of fear, and we can overcome fear by trusting Christ as our Saviour; communicating with God and giving thanks without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18); and submitting our requests to Him and thinking on the things that He has promised us, then we will have peace as seen in Philippians 4:6-9 as follows:

(Philippians 4:6-9 KJV)  “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (7) And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (8) Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. (9) Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.” (Emphasis added)

Notice we are told be “careful” for nothing. This word careful means the same thing as our modern word anxious. In other words, God is telling us that not to be anxious about anything. If we are anxious, the solution to our anxiety is to let God know our concerns and to allow Him to mold our thinking in a way that will keep, or guard, our hearts and minds. In addition, He wants us to meditate on things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, etc., so that our minds are not empty, but filled with reassuring thoughts that are virtuous and praiseworthy.

In addition to changing our thinking, we are to follow the Biblical counsel of faithful teachers (2 Timothy 2:2) whom God has called to model and teach the example of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 2:21-23) in handling adversity. When we do what we have been taught by these teachers, then the “God of peace” will be with us.

The next thing we see in 2 Timothy 1:7 is that not only has God not given us the spirit of fear, he has given us power, love, and sound mind.

Power

Beginning with power, we get power to overcome the issues of life from the Holy Spirit that God puts in us when we trust Christ as our Saviour (Ephesians 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:30). It is the Holy Spirit that gives us eternal life (Romans 1:16; Romans 8:10-11) and the ability to do all the things that God has called us to do and to live a victorious life (Philippians 4:13). It is the power of the Holy Spirit that enables us to make Jesus the Lord of our life (1 Corinthians 12:3).

When we learn to depend on God’s Holy Spirit, we find the strength to overcome the issues in life because the Holy Spirit that lives in us is stronger than anything else there is (1 John 4:4). Likewise, the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin (John 16:7-9) and bears witness of the testimony of Jesus Christ (1 John 5:7-9; 1 Corinthians 1:18). He, the Holy Spirit, also gives us the ability to understand the deep things of God and the teachings of the Bible (John 16:13-14; 1 Corinthians 2:10-16).

Finally, when it comes to power, it is the power of the Holy Spirit that gives us hope (Romans 15:13) and empowers us to share the Gospel with others (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). It is His power that strengthens us and takes away our fears (Psalms 27:1).

Love

The next thing we see that God gives us in the ability to love unconditionally. In 1 Corinthians 13 the King James Bible uses the word charity for love. Charity is the word for love that is unconditional (Greek: agape) and comes from the Holy Spirit. This is reflected in the root “chari”, which is the same root for the word charismatic.

It is so appropriate that the King James translators used the word charity for love in 1 Corinthians 13 as well as Colossians 3:14 and 1 Timothy 1:5. Using the word charity denotes a type of love that motivates us to place the needs, or esteem, others above ourselves (Philippians 2:1-3). It is this love that the deeds listed in 1 Corinthians 13 are able to be accomplish and are worth anything in God’s eyes as follows:

(1 Corinthians 13:1-8 KJV)  “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (2) And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (3) And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. (4) Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, (5) Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; (6) Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; (7) Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (8) Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”

We are taught in 1 Corinthians 13 that charity, or unconditional, Holy Spirit, empowered love must be the motivation for all that we do or it means nothing. It also gives us the motivation to be patient, kind, not envy, not be prideful, behave properly, not be selfish, not be provoked, think of no evil, not rejoice in evil, and rejoice in the truth. In addition, charity enables us to bear things that are difficult, believe that God has our best intentions at heart, and endure all things.

Finally, like power, charity, or unconditional love, gives us hope that never fails. It never fails because God is love (1 John 4:7-8);  and God never fails (Psalms 73:26).  Since God is love and He never fails, he demonstrated His love for us by sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross (John 3:16). Because of His ultimate act of love that He did for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8), He enabled us to love Him out of appreciation for what He did (1 John 4:19). In doing so, then the love He gives us enables us to cast out fear from our minds (1 John 4:18).

Sound Mind

Last, we see in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God gives us a sound mind. As we learned, when we recognize that God protects us from fear, protects and guards our hearts and minds, casts out fear through His love, and through His power and love He gives us hope. We maintain our hope by keeping or staying our thoughts on Him (Isaiah 26:3-4). We overcome those things that trouble our minds by engrafting or inserting His Word into every situation (James 1:21-26) so that we are not drawn away of our own lusts into self defeating behaviors (James 1:12-15).

Having a sound mind means that God will protect us from all forms of mental unsoundness. Although the limited space of this article limits that ability to address specific mental health issues, it is easy to see mention of them in Scripture. The following are a few examples:

Bipolar

(James 1:2-8 KJV)  “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; (3) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. (4) But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (6) But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (7) For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. (8) A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

Grief

(Psalms 31:9-10 KJV)  “Have mercy upon me, O LORD, for I am in trouble: mine eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. (10) For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed.”

Anxiety

(1 Samuel 16:14-23 KJV)  “But the spirit of the LORD departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the LORD troubled him. (15) And Saul’s servants said unto him, Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubleth thee. (16) Let our lord now command thy servants, which are before thee, to seek out a man, who is a cunning player on an harp: and it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is upon thee, that he shall play with his hand, and thou shalt be well. (17) And Saul said unto his servants, Provide me now a man that can play well, and bring him to me. (18) Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the LORD is with him. (19) Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Jesse, and said, Send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. (20) And Jesse took an ass laden with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. (21) And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer. (22) And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight. (23) And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took an harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.”

Depression

(Psalms 102:1-11 KJV)  “A Prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD. Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. (2) Hide not thy face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline thine ear unto me: in the day when I call answer me speedily. (3) For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as an hearth. (4) My heart is smitten, and withered like grass; so that I forget to eat my bread. (5) By reason of the voice of my groaning my bones cleave to my skin. (6) I am like a pelican of the wilderness: I am like an owl of the desert. (7) I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. (8) Mine enemies reproach me all the day; and they that are mad against me are sworn against me. (9) For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mingled my drink with weeping, (10) Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. (11) My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.”

As we can see, not only does God protect our minds. He gives us examples of those who suffered from what we would call mental illnesses. He also gives us specific examples of how those who suffered the same were able to overcome their issues and he tells us in specific ways how to deal with the same.

In conclusion, does the Bible say anything about mental health? The answer is yes, and then some.

Can hope be found in the Bible?

In today’s times, many people are looking for something or someone to give them hope. When they cannot find hope, their lives become hopeless. Too often this hopelessness leads them to self defeating behaviors and habits, which wreak havoc upon their lives. Before long, desperation sets in most will seek the advice and counsel of anyone who well tell them something that makes them feel better. Unfortunately, most of the people in this situation never ask the question, can hope be found in the Bible? Worse yet, those offering help are usually just as blind to knowing the answer to this question and it is just a matter of time before they both end up in the ditch (Matthew 15:9-14).

The word hope is mentioned 129 times 121 verses in the Bible. In many verses where it is used it is used in the traditional sense in communicating a desire of some good as mentioned in Websters 1828 dictionary:

HOPE, n. [L. cupio.]

1. A desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired, or the possibility of possessing it. Hope therefore always gives pleasure or joy; whereas wish and desire may produce or be accompanied with pain and anxiety.2. Confidence in a future event; the highest degree of well founded expectation of good; as a hope founded on God”s gracious promises; a scriptural sense.

HOPE, v.i.1. To cherish a desire of food, with some expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable.
Hope for good success.

However, the Bible is more specific about its definition of the word hope. In the New Testament the vast majority of the verses link hope to salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:8; Romans 8:23-25). Of particular note is Hebrews 11:1 as follows:

(Hebrews 11:1 KJV)  “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

In this verse faith is defined two ways. First, as “the substance of things hoped for” and second, as “the evidence of things not seen.” In the first definition, faith is what creates our hope. However, to have faith, we must have something that we can trust. The Bible tells us how this works as follows:

(Romans 10:13-17 KJV)  “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.“

In these verses, we are told that when we call upon the Lord, Jesus Christ, we shall be saved. It does not say might be saved, it says shall be saved. To call upon the name of the Lord, we must be able to trust Him. We learn to trust Him by reading the Word of God, the Bible (Romans 15:4). This is because the Bible, the Word of God, is Jesus Christ (John 1:1, 14). For more on this truth, read the Wisdom4Today article: “Is the Bible subject to interpretation?“

After all, real hope is not like a lottery ticket that you scratch off and “hope” you win. With Jesus Christ, it is a sure thing. Something you can count on. The symbol for hope used by ancient Christians is an anchor. This is because hope in Jesus is a sure thing that holds fast and protects us as a refuge in the worst of storms (Isaiah 25:1-4; Hebrews 6:18-20).

Simply stated, when we trust the Word of God, we trust Jesus because the Word of God testifies of Him. When we hear His Word and believe it we will not come into condemnation, but have everlasting life (John 5:24). It is this truth then that is the substance of our faith in Hebrews 11:1. In addition to these references to Jesus as our hope, the Bible is more specific about the same in the following verses:

(Colossians 1:23-27 KJV)  “If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (24) Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: (25) Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; (26) Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: (27) To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

(1 Timothy 1:1 KJV)  “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;”

(Titus 2:11-14 KJV)  “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, (12) Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; (13) Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (14) Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

When we read the Word of God diligently seeking what God is trying to say to us, we learn to trust him, which results in faith. When we have faith, or trust what God says, we are able to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). When we have faith, God declares us righteous (Romans 4:3) and we become children of God (Galatians 3:26). When we become children of God, we also become children of Abraham’s family by faith (Galatians 3:6-7). As children of Abraham, we are then heirs to the promises God gave to Abraham (Galatians 3:8-14).

As heirs of the promises of Abraham, God gives us His Holy Spirit as a guarantee (earnest) of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:9-14). This Holy Spirit is what gives us eternal life (2 Corinthians 3:6), resurrects our mortal bodies (Romans 8:10-11), and enables us to overcome all the difficulties of life (Philippians 4:13). When we see the positive changes in our life that the Holy Spirit enables us to make, it is “the evidence of things not seen,” the second definition of faith (Hebrews 11:1). This evidence of God working in our lives then gives us more faith to trust God with control of our lives, which gives us more hope.

So, it is clear that Jesus Christ is our hope. Since Jesus is the Word of God, we can find hope, or Jesus Christ, in the Bible. We then can find hope for eternity, and hope that the teachings of Scripture will enable us to live an abundant and victorious life while we are living on this earth (John 10:10). So, the answer to the questions, “Can hope be found in the Bible?” The answer is yes, abundantly.