How do we “continue in the faith”, and what does that mean? Paul reminds us that reconciliation gives us hope. But what is the Biblical view of hope? It is a conviction of reality, an expectation of our destiny.

In this lesson we again are reminded that as believers we are “future oriented”, living for the future.

Hope is the end product of a series of choices and the upward momentum of spiritual growth. Making these choices isn’t always easy. But growth is the result of choices. Maturity and consequent happiness is a choice. We must make grown-up decisions in a world of less than positive circumstances. The spiritual life isn't effortless. Growth and maturity are often the result of facing difficult decisions. This runs contrary to the self-absorbed focus of our narcissistic culture which has rejected adult values for the immediate gratification of adolescent fantasies built on utopian dreams. In contrast, biblical hope or confidence in our certain future provides strength for facing present trials. A tough mental attitude in facing trials isn’t developed through the exercise of “no pain, no gain” mantras, but is based on understanding reality as God defines it. We face life in light of God's promises with a focus on the One who made the promise. Giving up on God’s promise of hope and endurance in order to cave into pressure may result in repeated worldly perversion that declines to a point of no return, the loss of eternal, spiritual rewards and the loss of all the blessings God has made available now and in eternity. For the believer, Grace is never diminished and salvation never lost, but a measure of rewards in time and in eternity may be surrendered permanently. So how do we develop the mental attitude strength to face today's challenges in light of eternity's promise?

Is human history "just one damn thing after another" as historian Arnold Toynbee noted? Or, is there a master plan at work behind the scenes? Listen to this lesson to learn how God put into action a plan with a glorious future that will be fulfilled to the smallest degree, taking into account man's free will. Find out the four categories of fulfillment of prophecies concerning this plan. See how God protected and preserved the infant Jesus and how He protects us through all the troubles in our lives.