(Week of February 5-11)

“I Have Hope Toward God”

Theme Scripture

(1 Corinthians 15:45) So it is written: “The first man Adam became a living person.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

How Would You answer

(Psalm 118:1-29) Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; His loyal love endures forever. 2Let Israel now say: “His loyal love endures forever.” 3Let those of the house of Aaron now say: “His loyal love endures forever.” 4Let those fearing Jehovah now say: “His loyal love endures forever.” 5I called on Jah in my distress; Jah answered and brought me into a place of safety. 6Jehovah is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 7Jehovah is on my side as my helper; I will look in triumph on those who hate me. 8It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to trust in humans. 9It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to trust in princes. 10All the nations surrounded me, But in the name of Jehovah, I warded them off. 11They surrounded me, yes, I was completely surrounded, But in the name of Jehovah, I warded them off. 12They surrounded me like bees, But they were extinguished as quickly as a fire among thorns. In the name of Jehovah, I warded them off. 13I was pushed hard to make me fall, But Jehovah helped me. 14Jah is my shelter and my strength, And he has become my salvation. 15The sound of rejoicing and salvation Is in the tents of the righteous. The right hand of Jehovah is demonstrating its power. 16The right hand of Jehovah is exalting itself; The right hand of Jehovah is demonstrating its power. 17I will not die, no, I will live, In order to declare the works of Jah. 18Jah disciplined me severely, But he did not hand me over to death. 19Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them and praise Jah. 20This is the gate of Jehovah. The righteous will enter through it. 21I will praise you, for you answered me And you became my salvation. 22The stone that the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. 23This has come from Jehovah; It is wonderful in our eyes. 24This is the day that Jehovah has made; We will be joyful and rejoice in it. 25Jehovah, save us, please, we beg! Jehovah, grant us victory, please! 26Blessed is the one who comes in the name of Jehovah; We bless you from the house of Jehovah. 27Jehovah is God; He gives us light. Join in the festival procession with branches in hand, Up to the horns of the altar. 28You are my God, and I will praise you; My God, I will exalt you. 29Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; His loyal love endures forever.

(Psalm 16:10) For you will not leave me in the Grave. You will not allow your loyal one to see the pit.

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READ (1 Corinthians 15:12-19) Now if it is being preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how is it that some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead? 13If, indeed, there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised up. 14But if Christ has not been raised up, our preaching is certainly in vain, and your faith is also in vain. 15Moreover, we are also found to be false witnesses of God, because we have given witness against God by saying that he raised up the Christ, whom he did not raise up if the dead are really not to be raised up. 16For if the dead are not to be raised up, neither has Christ been raised up. 17Further, if Christ has not been raised up, your faith is useless; you remain in your sins. 18Then also those who have fallen asleep in death in union with Christ have perished. 19If in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are to be pitied more than anyone.

(Mark 12:18) Now the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came and asked him:

(Acts 4:2, 3) These were annoyed because the apostles were teaching the people and were openly declaring the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. 3So they seized them and took them into custody until the next day, for it was already evening.

(Acts 17:32) Now when they heard of a resurrection of the dead, some began to scoff, while others said: “We will hear you again about this.”

(Acts 23:6-8) Now Paul, knowing that the one part was made up of Sadducees but the other of Pharisees, cried out in the Sanʹhe·drin: “Men, brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Over the hope of the resurrection of the dead I am being judged.”7Because he said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was split. 8For the Sadducees say that there is neither resurrection nor angel nor spirit, but the Pharisees accept them all.

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(Hebrews 6:1, 2) Therefore, now that we have moved beyond the primary doctrine about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying a foundation again, namely, repentance from dead works and faith in God, 2the teaching on baptisms and the laying on of the hands, the resurrection of the dead and everlasting judgment.

(Acts 24:10) When the governor nodded to Paul to speak, he answered: “Knowing well that this nation has had you as judge for many years, I readily speak in my own defense.

(Acts 24:15) And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

(Acts 24:24, 25) Some days later Felix came with Dru·silʹla his wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and listened to him speak about the belief in Christ Jesus. 25But as Paul talked about righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and answered: “Go away for now, but when I have an opportunity I will send for you again.”

(Hebrews 5:12) For although by now you should be teachers, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God, and you have gone back to needing milk, not solid food.

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(John 11:11) After he said these things, he added: “Lazʹa·rus our friend has fallen asleep, but I am traveling there to awaken him.”

(Acts 20:9, 10) Seated at the window, a young man named Euʹty·chus sank into a deep sleep while Paul kept talking, and overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead. 10But Paul went downstairs, threw himself on him and embraced him, and said: “Stop making a commotion, for he is alive.”

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(Psalm 118:1-29) Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; His loyal love endures forever. 2Let Israel now say: “His loyal love endures forever.” 3Let those of the house of Aaron now say: “His loyal love endures forever.” 4Let those fearing Jehovah now say: “His loyal love endures forever.” 5I called on Jah in my distress; Jah answered and brought me into a place of safety. 6Jehovah is on my side; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? 7Jehovah is on my side as my helper; I will look in triumph on those who hate me. 8It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to trust in humans. 9It is better to take refuge in Jehovah Than to trust in princes. 10All the nations surrounded me, But in the name of Jehovah, I warded them off. 11They surrounded me, yes, I was completely surrounded, But in the name of Jehovah, I warded them off. 12They surrounded me like bees, But they were extinguished as quickly as a fire among thorns. In the name of Jehovah, I warded them off. 13I was pushed hard to make me fall, But Jehovah helped me. 14Jah is my shelter and my strength, And he has become my salvation. 15The sound of rejoicing and salvation Is in the tents of the righteous. The right hand of Jehovah is demonstrating its power. 16The right hand of Jehovah is exalting itself; The right hand of Jehovah is demonstrating its power. 17I will not die, no, I will live, In order to declare the works of Jah. 18Jah disciplined me severely, But he did not hand me over to death. 19Open to me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them and praise Jah. 20This is the gate of Jehovah. The righteous will enter through it. 21I will praise you, for you answered me And you became my salvation. 22The stone that the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. 23This has come from Jehovah; It is wonderful in our eyes. 24This is the day that Jehovah has made; We will be joyful and rejoice in it. 25Jehovah, save us, please, we beg! Jehovah, grant us victory, please! 26Blessed is the one who comes in the name of Jehovah; We bless you from the house of Jehovah. 27Jehovah is God; He gives us light. Join in the festival procession with branches in hand, Up to the horns of the altar. 28You are my God, and I will praise you; My God, I will exalt you. 29Give thanks to Jehovah, for he is good; His loyal love endures forever.

(Psalm 118:25, 26) Jehovah, save us, please, we beg! Jehovah, grant us victory, please! 26Blessed is the one who comes in the name of Jehovah; We bless you from the house of Jehovah.

(Matthew 21:7-9) They brought the donkey and its colt, and they put their outer garments on them, and he sat on them. 8Most of the crowd spread their outer garments on the road, while others were cutting down branches from the trees and spreading them on the road. 9Moreover, the crowds going ahead of him and those following him kept shouting: “Save, we pray, the Son of David! Blessed is the one who comes in Jehovah’s name! Save him, we pray, in the heights above!”

(Psalm 118:22) The stone that the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.

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(Luke 23:18-23) But the whole crowd shouted out: “Do away with this man, and release Bar·abʹbas to us!”19(This man had been thrown into prison for sedition that had occurred in the city and for murder.) 20Again Pilate called out to them, because he wanted to release Jesus. 21Then they began to yell, saying: “To the stake with him! To the stake with him!” 22The third time he said to them: “Why? What bad thing did this man do? I found in him nothing deserving of death; I will therefore punish him and release him.” 23At this they became insistent, demanding with loud voices that he be executed, and their voices prevailed.

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(Psalm 118:22) The stone that the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.

(Luke 20:9-17) Then he began to tell the people this illustration: “A man planted a vineyard and leased it to cultivators, and he traveled abroad for a considerable time. 10In due season he sent a slave to the cultivators so that they would give him some of the fruit of the vineyard. The cultivators, however, sent him away empty-handed, after beating him. 11But again he sent another slave. That one also they beat and humiliated and sent away empty-handed. 12Yet again he sent a third; this one also they wounded and threw out. 13At this the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What should I do? I will send my son, the beloved. They will likely respect this one.’ 14When the cultivators caught sight of him, they reasoned with one another, saying, ‘This is the heir. Let us kill him so that the inheritance may become ours.’ 15So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. What, then, will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and kill these cultivators and will give the vineyard to others.” On hearing this, they said: “Never may that happen!” 17But he looked straight at them and said: “What, then, does this mean where it is written: ‘The stone that the builders rejected, this has become the chief cornerstone’?

(Acts 3:15) whereas you killed the Chief Agent of life. But God raised him up from the dead, of which fact we are witnesses.

(Acts 4:5-11) The next day their rulers, elders, and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6along with Anʹnas the chief priest, Caʹia·phas, John, Alexander, and all who were relatives of the chief priest. 7They stood Peter and John in their midst and began to question them: “By what power or in whose name did you do this?” 8Then Peter, filled with holy spirit, said to them: “Rulers of the people and elders, 9if we are being examined today about a good deed to a crippled man, and you want to know who made this man well, 10let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that in the name of Jesus Christ the Naz·a·reneʹ, whom you executed on a stake but whom God raised up from the dead, by means of him this man stands here healthy in front of you. 11This is ‘the stone that was treated by you builders as of no account that has become the chief cornerstone.’

(1 Peter 2:5-7) you yourselves as living stones are being built up into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, in order to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For it says in Scripture: “Look! I am laying in Zion a chosen stone, a precious foundation cornerstone, and no one exercising faith in it will ever be disappointed.” 7It is to you, therefore, that he is precious, because you are believers; but to those not believing, “the stone that the builders rejected, this has become the chief cornerstone”

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(Psalm 118:22) The stone that the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.

(Acts 4:12) Furthermore, there is no salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must get saved.”

(Ephesians 1:20) which he exercised toward Christ when he raised him up from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

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(Psalm 16:10) For you will not leave me in the Grave. You will not allow your loyal one to see the pit.

(Psalm 16:superscription-11) A mikʹtam of David. 16 Protect me, O God, for I have taken refuge in you. 2I have said to Jehovah: “You are Jehovah, my Source of goodness. 3And the holy ones in the earth, The majestic ones, bring me great delight.” 4Those who pursue other gods multiply their sorrows. I will never pour out their drink offerings of blood, Nor will my lips mention their names. 5Jehovah is my portion, my allotted share, and my cup. You safeguard my inheritance. 6Pleasant places have been measured out to me. Yes, I am content with my inheritance. 7I will praise Jehovah, who has given me advice. Even during the night, my innermost thoughts correct me. 8I keep Jehovah before me constantly. Because he is at my right hand, I will never be shaken. 9So my heart rejoices, my whole being is joyful. And I reside in security. 10For you will not leave me in the Grave. You will not allow your loyal one to see the pit. 11You make known to me the path of life. In your presence is abundant joy; There is happiness at your right hand forever.

(1 Kings 2:1) When the time of David’s death drew near, he gave his son Solʹo·mon these instructions:

(1 Kings 2:10) Then David was laid to rest with his forefathers and was buried in the City of David.

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(Psalm 16:10) For you will not leave me in the Grave. You will not allow your loyal one to see the pit.

READ (Acts 2:29-32) “Men, brothers, it is permissible to speak with freeness of speech to you about the family head David, that he died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30Because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that he would seat one of his offspring on his throne, 31he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he forsaken in the Grave nor did his flesh see corruption. 32God resurrected this Jesus, and of this we are all witnesses.

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(Psalm 16:10) For you will not leave me in the Grave. You will not allow your loyal one to see the pit.

(Psalm 110:1) Jehovah declared to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand Until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”

READ (Acts 2:33-36) Therefore, because he was exalted to the right hand of God and received the promised holy spirit from the Father, he has poured out what you see and hear. 34For David did not ascend to the heavens, but he himself says, ‘Jehovah said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 35until I place your enemies as a stool for your feet.”’ 36Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for a certainty that God made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you executed on a stake.”

READ (Acts 13:32-37) “So we are declaring to you the good news about the promise made to the forefathers. 33God has completely fulfilled it to us, their children, by resurrecting Jesus; just as it is written in the second psalm: ‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’ 34And the fact that He resurrected him from the dead never again to return to corruption, He has stated in this way: ‘I will give you the expressions of loyal love promised to David, which are faithful.’ 35So it also says in another psalm: ‘You will not allow your loyal one to see corruption.’ 36David, on the one hand, rendered service to God in his own generation, fell asleep in death, was laid with his forefathers, and did see corruption. 37On the other hand, the one whom God raised up did not see corruption.

READ (Acts 13:42) Now when they were going out, the people pleaded with them to speak about these matters on the following Sabbath.