2. For our encouragement Acts 28:12-15 And the brethren, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

3. For our encouragement We are given the word of the Lord Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

4. For our encouragement We are given the word of the Lord Isaiah 44:28 “It is I who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd! And he will perform all My desire.’ And he declares of Jerusalem, ‘She will be built,’ and of the temple, ‘Your foundation will be laid.’”

5. For our encouragement We are given the word of the Lord Job 26:7 He stretches out the north over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing.

6. For our encouragement We are given the word of the Lord Psalm 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction, that your word has revived me.

7. For our encouragement We have examples from the Old Testament Joshua 14:6-12 “Nevertheless my brethren who went up with me made the heart of the people melt with fear; but I followed the Lord my God fully.”

8. For our encouragement We have examples from the Old Testament 1 Samuel 12:1-2, 20-23 “Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you; but I will instruct you in the good and right way.”

9. For our encouragement We have examples from Paul’s life 2 Corinthians 7:4-7 But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

10. For our encouragement We have examples from Paul’s life 2 Timothy 4:16-18 But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion’s mouth.

11. For our encouragement We have brothers and sisters in Christ Matthew 25:34-40 “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.”

12. For our encouragement We have brothers and sisters in Christ Philippians 2:1-2 Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,

13. For our encouragement 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace,