The 2012 Northern Virginia Conference was on The Mountaintops of Scripture, giving a dispensational overview of the Bible.
The goals of this study are three-fold: first, to help the Bible student “think through” the Bible story along the lines of God’s promises and their fulfillment in the Person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. The second objective is for us to gain a sense of how to “rightly divide” the Word of God, according to its own inherent pattern. In so doing, we are able to see its unity and minimize supposed contradictions. Finally, this overall grasp of Scripture will enable us to “tell the story” to others, keeping the focus where it belongs—on Jesus Christ the Savior.

The Mountaintops of Scripture – Northern VA 2012

Gene Cunningham - May 23, 2000

Living Sacrifice 37

A believer who lives expectantly has hope; Blessed Hope (Tit 2:13), Living Hope (2Pe 1:3-4), Purifying Hope (1Jo 3:3). "hagnizo" - progressive growth and refining that we do not make happen, but by living in the hope. Hope has power to change our attitude (e.g. Mat 5); we'll live differently. We'll live as the man that found "the pearl of great price" (Mat 13:46). We're purified by focusing on the prize, not the things that entangle (i.e. expectation). Hope can purify us (2Pe1:2-4). God's grace is multiplied to a believer who goes beyond knowledge ("epignosis" -- 2Pe 1:2), namely, implements the life God offers. We don't have the discipline to overcome the things that distract us, but the power is available through expectation -- purifying hope. All hope in this life disappoints (money, sex, power) our hope needs fixing elsewhere. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick... (Pro 13:12) -- all hope in this life disappoints. "Everything pertaining to life and godliness..." (2Pe 1:3) is Christ living in a through us. We must reach out and claim a promise in the word of God (2Pe 1:4). You can't earn eternal rewards or blessings, but we can lose it (Rev 3:11, Eph 1:3). Criteria is " ... to all who have loved His appearing." (Tit 2:13). "...Glory and virtue ..." (2Pe 1:3, Joh 1:14) refers to God's essence. The promises are "great and excellent..". When we let Chist take His throne we are a witness -- giving a reason for our hope (1Pe 3:15). "...having escaped the corruption that is in this world through lust" (2Pet 1:4). We've already escaped -- it's not our struggle. In the life of those great are illustrations of the power of expectation. If we have hope our soul is secure (Heb 6:16-20, Heb 7:6). Real life begins in eternity. Faith is the foundation for hope (Heb 11:1, Heb 11:6). Hope is the one thing all those listed had in common (Heb 11:13); their faith instilled in them hope. Abraham, Joseph, Moses all illustrate hope. (Rom 8:23)

Scripture References: Proverbs 13:12, Hebrews 7:6, Matthew 13:46, Hebrews 6:16-20, John 3:3, John 1:14, Romans 8:23, Titus 2:13, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 11:13, Ephesians 1:3, Hebrews 11:6, Revelation 3:11, Hebrews 11:1

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From Series: "Living Sacrifice (1995)"

Romans 12 and specifically Rom 12:1-2 is a pivot point between the doctrinal section and application of the book. This series methodically uses this passage to outline aspects or doctrines of the christian life -- God's provision and our prospect. Our lives can be acceptable to God if we progress on the path He intends. Living Sacrifice presents 12 doctrines: (1) redeeming time; (2) standing (positional truth); (3) self-presentation - availability; (4) approval; (5) service; (6) provision; (7) spiritual warfare; (8) conformity; (9) spiritual advance; (10) renewal; (11) divine guidance; (12) abundant life.

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