To Have The Best Expectation from The Lord

Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I totally agree with Brother Soo-inn that we as Christians are not of this world and thus we are always will be at logger heads with the powers of this world. However the bible did teach that
who that is in us is more powerful than the one who is in the world

• God has plans that are intended for our good (Jer 29:11)
• If God is for us who can then be against us? (Rom 8:31)
• We can do everything through Christ (Philippians 4:13)
• Lastly, Joh 16:33 these things I have spoken to you, that in me ye may have peace (eirene), in the world ye shall have tribulation, but take courage--I have overcome the world.'

e-irene: i-rah'-nay - means peace (literally or figuratively); by implication prosperity: - one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.

Brother Soo-inn wrote: "Jesus stated in no uncertain terms that those who choose to follow Him must expect to be persecuted (John 15:18-21). The apostle Paul stated it equally clearly (2 Timothy 3:12)."

I agree totally with him that we as Christians should not expect a life akin to a bed of roses but will be fully persecuted by others through words or actions and even to the point of death. However by God's undeserving provision of goodness to us all (the meaning of Grace), we are able to overcome through God's promises of His strength manifested through us who believed in him to overcome the evil of this world.

If that's the case, then we should have hope (elpis) since Christ has died for us on the cross, so believers should have a positive expectation of better things to come.

elpis

el-pece'

Fromἔλπω elpō which is a primary word (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: - faith, hope.

The word 'hope' usually should have the underlying meaning of positive outcome but because of our careless use of the word 'hope' in our daily conversations, the true meaning is thus lost, giving it a word of uncertainty.

Example: Are you sure that we are going to get a car park space here? Ans: I hope so.

But a close examination of the word 'hope' in the bible is more of a positive note and we who are of the people of the book, should understand what the word 'hope' should bring us, a positive expectation of good forthcoming from a good God.

Therefore, my email is to say that despite the prosecution, despite the problems in our lives, we are to hang on to hope and then faith in better things to happen