Introduction Many “negatives” in this world and many aspects of the gospel are negative (Acts 20:29- 31; Gal. 1:6; Rev. 20:15). But there are many, many overwhelmingly “positives” in the gospel message! Knowledge of the “negatives” is critical, but over emphasis on them can be depressing. Our teaching and preaching must be balanced (Prov. 12:25).

Encouraging Words Proverbs 12:25

Psalm 46:10 “Be still, and know that I am God.” Life is not always a “bowl of cherries”! Ever felt like throwing your arms up and shouting “I give up!”? In such times we must “Be still, and know that I am God.” God is alive! He is in control! He will win! Doesn’t always seem so, but God and His people will ultimately vanquish all of their enemies! Psalm 46

Hebrews 6:18 “…it is impossible for God to lie…” Truth is a scarce commodity in today’s world. But we can place our complete trust in God with confidence (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8). We can take comfort that God’s will for us never changes (Psa. 119:89). We have access to “all truth” (Jn. 16:13), it has been written down and divinely preserved (Eph. 3:1-5; 1 Pet. 1:23) so that with confidence and certainty we can come to know all there is about “the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3; cf. 2 Pet. 1:3; Jn. 6:68).

2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is…longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish…” Why did the sun come up this morning? Only one reason! (2 Pet. 3:9). God’s desire is for no one to be eternally lost! 1 Tim. 2:4 God has proven this is true by giving us the ultimate gift! Jn. 3:16; Rom. 5:6-10

1 Corinthians 10:13 “God…will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able…” What wonderful news! No temptation too big! Always a “way to escape”! Hebrews 4:14-16; Eph. 3:12 Jesus lived in our skin; He is sympathetic! When tempted we don’t have to crawl on our knees!

2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment…” Suffering is common to all men (Job 5:7). Christians alone are able to put suffering into the proper perspective (2 Cor. 4:16-5:1). Others… World doesn’t have hope as an anchor of the soul (Heb. 6:19). Therefore, impossible to view suffering in the proper perspective (Jas. 1:2-3). We need to meditate on the glories of heaven (Rev. 21 & 22).

Romans 8:31 “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Life has many formidable foes! Vicissitudes of life. Wiles/schemes of Satan (Eph. 6:11; 2 Cor. 11:14; 2 Thess. 2:9-11; 1 Pet. 5:8). Romans 8:31-39 The only possible thing that can defeat us is ourselves!

2 Peter 1:10 “…for if you do these things you will never stumble…” Life has no guarantees except death and taxes. Peter says differently! 2 Pet. 1:10-11 But, what are the “things” we must “do” to “never stumble”? 2 Pet. 1:3-11

John 14:3 “I will come again and receive you to Myself…” Living in a world full of sin can be distressing and discouraging (2 Pet. 2:7; Acts 17:16; Gen. 18:16-33). John 14:1-4 Regardless of the distractions, disappointments and depravity: We must fight the good fight! 2 Tim. 4:6-8 Be faithful even unto death! Rev. 2:10 “…think on these things…”: Phil. 4:8

Conclusion Don’t be discouraged! Be encouraged! “Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort” 2 Corinthians 1:3