Don’t ever forget that we Gentiles used to be outsiders, and ‘objects of wrath’. We were called “uncircumcised heathens” by the Jews, who are proud of their physical ‘circumcision’, even though it affects only their bodies and not their hearts. 

And to be fair, it was true: in those days we were living apart from Christ. We WERE excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and we had no idea about the covenant promises God had made to them. We actually lived in this world without knowing God, and therefore we lived without hope, even if we didn’t know it at the time.

But now we have been united with Christ Jesus, praise the Lord! Once we were far away from God, but now we have been brought near to Him through the blood of Christ.

So, it’s with the Lord’s authority that I say this: Live no longer as the other unbelieving Gentiles do, for they are all hopelessly confused. Don’t be conformed to this world and its ways, but let’s instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds unto holiness, so that our lives may speak of what is truly good, ‘boasting’ of what is acceptable and perfect by displaying the will of God!
With a godly mindset, we can actually rejoice when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. Then that endurance develops strength of character in us, and then our strengthened character fortifies our confident hope of salvation. Be assured that this hope will not lead to disappointment, for we know how dearly God loves us simply by looking at the cross, and also because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love.

Never be lazy, friends, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically! Our privilege is to rejoice in our confident hope in the Lord. So be patient in any troubles you may come across, and always keep on praying, praying, praying.
And I pray for you all that our almighty God, the source of all our precious hope in the face of the world’s looming death and destruction, will fill you all COMPLETELY with joy and peace because you TRUST in Him! Then you will overflow with this confident hope, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and then ‘spill’ it onto others around you, being infectious with it!
Be sure to remember that real love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. If any of us needs wisdom, simply ask our generous God, and He will give it to anyone who desires it. And don’t worry, He will not rebuke you for asking                                  😉

If our hope in Christ is only for this life, we are more to be pitied than anyone in the world… but we know better, for we know the Spirit, who sets our minds on heavenly things. 
I’m actually glad to boast about my weaknesses, because then the power of Christ can work through me as a testimony to others, and whilst I am humbled, He gets the glory He deserves.
I pray that all our hearts will be flooded with light so that we can understand the confident hope He has given to those He has called – all of His holy people who are His rich and glorious inheritance. I fully expect and hope that most of those reading this will never be ashamed of Him and His gospel, but instead that we will all continue to be as bold as lions for Christ, as many of us have been already. And I personally trust that my own life will bring honour to Christ, whether I live or die. In fact, I pray my death as well as the things I do in life will glorify Him as much as is possible.

So as I pray to our God and Father about you all, I’ll think of your faithful works, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you all have (like me) because of our Lord Jesus Christ. We must continue to worship Christ as Lord of our lives, come what may. And if someone ever asks about your hope as a believer, ALWAYS be ready to explain it gladly, for we defeat satan by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of our testimony.
And always remember that we must not love our lives so much that we are afraid to die for the TRUTH! That is the greatest honour the Lord can ever bestow upon one of His children, so be ready to pick up that cross and join the Master, serving Him at Calvary.