Castle's Keep

Expectation vs. Desire

The word from the New Testament most commonly translated as “hope” in English is the Greek word elpis. In that original language the word carried with it more an idea of expectation rather than desire (for which there is a different word). Understanding this difference is key to understanding the original intention of the New Testament writers. In modern usage, “hope” has become a somewhat flippant term used for wish lists or for dreams which seldom are connected with expected reality.

We Are Blessed

We truly live in a blessed age. This statement does not focus upon the modern age (although our conveniences and technology are great wonders), but instead on the Messianic age. We live in the time the Hebrews of the Old Testament would call the “Last Days”. We live in the age of the church – the time when all has been revealed. When we look at Biblical characters, especially those who lived in the Old Testament times, it is important to remember how blessed we truly are.

A Powerful Promise

In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he described a powerful promise. This promise is meant to provide great comfort for Christians in the security that is found when one obeys the Gospel.

“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 8:37-39 (NASU)

A Risky World

The world is a place full of risk, be it financial risk, emotional risk, or physical risk. There is no guarantee that the world will remain the same for everyone tomorrow or the next day. The unforeseeable can cause concern and worry, leading to the need for a form of protection of the future.