Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Context: The term "venture" generally refers to an undertaking that involves risk or uncertainty. In a biblical context, it often implies stepping out in faith, trusting in God's provision and guidance despite potential dangers or unknown outcomes. The concept of venture is closely related to themes of faith, courage, and divine providence. Biblical References and Examples: 1. Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 · This passage encourages taking risks in faith, as it speaks of casting bread upon the waters and sowing seed in the morning and evening. The writer of Ecclesiastes advises that one cannot predict which efforts will succeed, thus highlighting the importance of trusting in God's timing and provision. "Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again. Give portions to seven, yes to eight, for you do not know what disaster may come upon the land." (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2) 2. Matthew 25:14-30 · The Parable of the Talents illustrates the concept of venture through the actions of the servants entrusted with their master's wealth. The servants who invested and multiplied their talents were commended, while the one who hid his talent out of fear was rebuked. This parable underscores the importance of using God-given resources and opportunities wisely and courageously. "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance. But the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." (Matthew 25:29) 3. Acts 16:6-10 · The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys are prime examples of ventures in faith. In this passage, Paul and his companions are guided by the Holy Spirit to venture into Macedonia, despite initial plans to go elsewhere. This demonstrates the necessity of being open to divine direction and the willingness to venture into new territories for the sake of the Gospel. "During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, 'Come over to Macedonia and help us.' As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them." (Acts 16:9-10) Theological Implications: · Faith and Trust: Venturing in a biblical sense requires a deep trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. Believers are called to step out in faith, even when the path is uncertain, trusting that God will guide and provide. · Stewardship and Responsibility: The Parable of the Talents emphasizes the responsibility of believers to wisely steward the gifts and opportunities God provides. Ventures should be undertaken with a sense of accountability to God. · Courage and Obedience: Biblical ventures often require courage and a willingness to obey God's call, even when it leads into unknown or challenging situations. The examples of biblical figures like Paul highlight the importance of obedience to God's leading. Practical Application: · Decision-Making: Believers are encouraged to seek God's guidance in their ventures, whether in personal, professional, or ministry contexts. Prayer, wise counsel, and discernment are essential in making decisions that align with God's will. · Risk and Reward: While ventures involve risk, they also hold the potential for great reward, both spiritually and materially. The Bible encourages believers to weigh risks carefully but to not shy away from taking bold steps of faith. · Impact and Legacy: Ventures undertaken in faith can have lasting impacts, both in the lives of individuals and in the broader community. Believers are called to consider how their ventures can advance God's kingdom and leave a positive legacy. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) An undertaking of chance or danger; the risking of something upon an event which can not be foreseen with certainty; a hazard; a risk; a speculation.2. (n.) An event that is not, or can not be, foreseen; an accident; chance; hap; contingency; luck. 3. (n.) The thing put to hazard; a stake; a risk; especially, something sent to sea in trade. 4. (v. i.) To hazard one's self; to have the courage or presumption to do, undertake, or say something; to dare. 5. (v. i.) To make a venture; to run a hazard or risk; to take the chances. 6. (v. t.) To expose to hazard; to risk; to hazard; as, to venture one's person in a balloon. 7. (v. t.) To put or send on a venture or chance; as, to venture a horse to the West Indies. 8. (v. t.) To confide in; to rely on; to trust. Greek 5111. tolmao -- to have courage, to be bold ... 5111 (from , "bold courage") -- properly, to show daring courage necessary for a valid risk ("putting it all on the line"); courageously venture forward by ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5111.htm - 8k 662. apotolmao -- to be very bold 1438. heautou -- of himself, herself, itself 1325. didomi -- to give (in various senses lit. or fig.) Strong's Hebrew 8537. tom -- completeness, integrity, also part of the high ...... 1). full, integrity, perfection, simplicity, uprightly at a venture. From tamam; completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually ... /hebrew/8537.htm - 6k 5254. nasah -- to test, try Library Esther's Venture Would You Venture to Say That, in this Universe... A New Venture That the Unskilful Venture not to Approach an Office of Authority. The Pelagians Can Hardly Venture to Place Concupiscence in ... Augustin did not Venture to Define Anything About the Propagation ... How, Even if a Large Sum of Money is Amassed by the Labour of Each ... Paul's Longing Preface Li the Law of Increasing Returns Thesaurus Venture (10 Occurrences)... 5. (vi) To make a venture; to run a hazard or risk; to take the chances. 6. (vt) To expose to hazard; to risk; to hazard; as, to ... /v/venture.htm - 10k Adventure (3 Occurrences) Dare (19 Occurrences) Presume (10 Occurrences) Set (6715 Occurrences) Wheel (20 Occurrences) Samaritan (8 Occurrences) Vents (1 Occurrence) Ventured (5 Occurrences) Naaman (19 Occurrences) Resources In what ways is sin a slippery slope? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Dinah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about being a good parent? | GotQuestions.org Venture: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Venture (10 Occurrences)Matthew 22:46 Mark 12:34 Acts 7:32 Acts 19:31 Romans 15:18 Deuteronomy 28:56 2 Chronicles 18:33 Job 4:2 Ecclesiastes 5:14 Jeremiah 5:6 Subtopics Related Terms |