Do You Have A Doctrine of Hope?

Hope is a way of viewing the present and the future with God's perspective in mind.  Hope creates an optimistic perspective, which in turn builds a healthier mind and body.  When hope is replaced by pessimism and fatalism, stress and anxiety begin to erode mental and physical health. Modern science says that a negative mindset can shorten your life and cause major physical problems. "People with high levels of negativity are more likely to suffer from degenerative brain diseases, cardiovascular problems, digestive issues, and recover from sickness much slower than those with a positive mindset." (https://marquemedical.com/effects-of-negativity/)

Discipleship is a combination of building a Biblical worldview and coaching a Spirit-filled lifestyle. With the Biblical foundation, the disciple is equipped to live in the abundance of Christ's life. But, what if some of the key doctrines are mission? What if grace is missing? Then, legalism creates a cold Christian. When a key doctrine is missing, the void is often filled by a false doctrine. When the doctrine of hope is absent, fatalism and negativity permeate the soul.

Biblically, God is always ready to listen and come to your assistance. He also has a good plan for you, which is available to take you into the good times and through the difficult times. God has promised to provide and protect you, if you seek His kingdom and live in the shadow of His wings. Jesus has promised an abundant life, as you abide in Him.

A believer's doctrine of hope is based on the fact that God defines Himself as hope. "Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13

The Holy Spirit can fill you with hope, as you live life through the lens of Scripture. In trials, the Holy Spirit pours God's love into your heart, as you experience His presence, provisions, and trustingly obey Him. (Romans 5:5). No matter how desperate your circumstances, the promise of Matthew 6:33 rings true: Walk in God's wisdom and He will provide for your needs today, tomorrow and forever.

The goodness of God and His myriad of promises create the matrix for hope, as you rely on His Word and experience His goodness. Hope springs up like a morning sun that dispels the darkness. Most of God's attributes nurture hope in your heart, including His omnipotence and sovereignty. Jesus Christ trusted in God's sovereign goodness when He went to the cross. He knew that He would be victorious through the traumas, execution, and horrors of death because He knew God's promise to bring Him back into His presence with joy. "But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip… My body rests in hope. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence." Acts 2:24, 26b-28 .

As you walk beside other believers, guiding their footsteps and informing their doctrines, teach them to live in a perspective of hope. Demons, the world, and their flesh will attack them with condemnation, negativity and fatalism. This is why you must teach them how to protect their minds with the helmet of hope. "But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.” 1 Thessalonians 5:8.