Which other Bible verses emphasize the importance of believing God's promises? Foundation Verse: Luke 1:45 “Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord’s word to her will be fulfilled.” Mary’s simple, trusting “Yes” to God sets the tone: blessing flows wherever God’s promises are taken at face value. Promise-Keeping God in the Old Testament • Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” • Numbers 23:19 – “God is not a man, that He should lie… Does He promise and not fulfill?” • Joshua 21:45 – “Not one of all the LORD’s good promises… failed; everything was fulfilled.” • 2 Chronicles 20:20 – “Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be upheld. Believe His prophets, and you will succeed.” • Psalm 119:140 – “Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and Your servant loves them.” • Isaiah 55:11 – “So My word… will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please…” • Habakkuk 2:3 – “Though it lingers, wait for it, since it will surely come and not delay.” Faith Celebrated in the New Testament • Mark 11:22-24 – “Have faith in God… believe that it will happen, and it will be done for you.” • John 3:16 – “Everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” • John 20:29 – “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” • Romans 4:20-21 – Abraham “was fully persuaded that God was able to do what He had promised.” • 2 Corinthians 1:20 – “All the promises of God are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” • Hebrews 6:18 – “It is impossible for God to lie… we… take hold of the hope set before us.” • Hebrews 10:23 – “He who promised is faithful.” • Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith is the assurance of what we hope for…” • Hebrews 11:6 – “Without faith it is impossible to please God…” • James 1:6 – “He must ask in faith, without doubting.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:24 – “The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.” • 2 Peter 1:4 – “He has given us His precious and magnificent promises…” Key Threads That Tie the Verses Together • God never lies; His character undergirds every promise. • Faith is counted as righteousness and brings blessing. • Delay never equals denial; fulfillment comes in God’s perfect timing. • The ultimate “Yes” to every promise is found in Christ. • Holding fast to promises fuels endurance, worship, and bold prayer. Living in the Reality of His Promises Because Scripture is accurate and literal, every promise listed above is rock-solid. Take them personally, rehearse them daily, and let Mary’s example in Luke 1:45 shape a lifestyle that expects God to do exactly what He said. |