REAL HOPE

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Text : 1Corinthian 15:19.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

First,  let me point out here that the above verse did not say there is no hope in this life (life on earth) at all.  To blind your eyes and pretend that there's no hope here at all is to live in denial. 

The other extreme are those who build their hopes only on this earth. Note that our text above was not addressing unbelievers, as a matter of fact,  an unbeliever do not have options as far as 'hopes' are concerned. All their hopes, and aspirations are only in this passing,  dashling and vain world. 

This verse is addressing believers in Christ. It says if only in this life we have hope in Christ... So it is clear that this is talking to people who already have hope in Christ. 

Since the fall, man,  has  been cultured to live within the visible realm. That is the reason people do say-  "seeing is believing".  Man can only relate with what he can see. 

However,  this is contrary to God's desire and plan for man. His word says " believe and see...", (John 11:40). You must believe before you see, and that's hope.

With man, seeing precedes believing, but with God, believing comes before seeing. We do not look for things that can be seen but for things that cannot be seen. _For things that can be seen are temporary, but things that cannot be seen are eternal. 2 Cor. 4:18._ 

However,  man still thrives in the tangibles, and whenever anyone gives his life to Christ, he still carries with him the mentality of the "seen realm". This explains why people (Christians) tend to build their treasures on this earth. (Matthew.  6:19).

A number of people come to Christ basically because of what they can get from Him, in order to amass wealth for themselves here. These are people with misplaced hopes. *Real and tangible hope is beyond whatever this present earth can offer* . Real hope is in Christ and His reappearing. 

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13.
 
PRAYER FOCUS

1.) Father,  Please,  give me sight to be able to see beyond what this earth can offer.

2.) Lord,  increase my appetite for spiritual things. 

Bible Reading: 1 Cor. 15:1-34.

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