Message Series: For Our Neighbors
Week 3 | Everyone needs hope!
Scripture:
Group Check in:
How is it with your soul?
Prayer Request? Praises?
How has God shown up in your life this week?
Overview:
What’s this message about? Everyone needs hope! The mission of the Church is not to win the culture wars. Giving a reason for the hope that we have isn't about winning arguments or proving someone wrong. A faithful witness of Christ cares about people and approaches them with humility, kindness, gentleness and with respect. We must be a witness of Jesus in our actions and in our responses. Someone around you needs the hope that only Christ can give, and you are the one that Christ is counting on.
Biblical hope goes beyond that. Biblical hope is based on the past evidence of God’s faithfulness; the present experience of God’s presence; and the future promise of God’s ultimate victory. Hope begins at Jesus Christ is Lord. Our hope is in Christ - and nothing or no one else. Biblical hope is focused on Jesus: who He is, what He’s done, and what He’s promised to do as Lord. Because of Jesus, we know that God is for us, not against us. And if God is for us, who or what CAN be against us?
Always be prepared! Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But also, be ready to explain the hope that we have as followers of Jesus is NOT about having all the answers to all the questions.
It’s about revering Christ as Lord in our hearts every moment of every day, even when life isn’t going just right. It’s about remembering that hope is given to us not just for our encouragement, but for the redemption of those around us.
So how can you be ready to give a reason for Christian hope?
Reflect on God’s promises.
Study the Scriptures. Don’t read from start to finish at first. Get acquainted with Jesus first. Start by reading the Gospels first.
Always be on the lookout for those around you who are discouraged. Even if they have no hope, they can be encouraged by the hope that you have. Small steps matter. Encourage people in love. It will build your faith AND theirs. God made us to make a difference, and sharing hope increases our own.
Step outside your comfort zone and consider ways to serve in hospitality. There are lots of ways to serve on Sunday morning: greeters, ushers, information desk, coffee & donuts. Every Sunday morning, people come through our doors looking for hope. Be a part of meeting them during their very first minutes here to make sure they know that they matter, and that hope can be found in Christ and among Christ’s people.
Discussion Questions:
Have you been in a situation where you felt all hope was lost? To get through it, who do you find yourself relying on most? Why?
When life is going well, is it easy to find hope in God, but what about when you are going through something hard and painful?
If someone asked you today where does your hope come from, how would you respond? Would you be prepared to answer this question?
Do your actions represent your hope in Jesus? Do you represent Christ in a way that others see it and want to be part of it?
What does it take to keep Jesus as the priority in your life? How can you keep Him as the top priority in your life and in your family's life?
Read 1 Peter 3:15-17. In this passage, what would lead someone to "ask you to give the reason for hope that you have."? How would responding with other than respect and gentleness be counterproductive and harmful?
Someone around you needs the hope that only Christ can give, and you are the one that Christ is counting on. How can your pride get in the way of reaching others? When you provide your reason for the hope that you found in Jesus, how can you make sure it isn't lost in pride and being right about something you maybe passionate about?
Share with your Groups:
Save the Date: GROUPS BLOCK PARTY
Rediscover Together. If you're curious about the groups we offer adults come and join us on August 27TH after the 11AM service for the Groups Block Party! While you can't do life with everyone, groups provide a space where you can do life with someone. Come celebrate and enjoy lunch with us! There will be fun for all, so invite your family and neighbors. This is a great opportunity for you to meet group members and their leaders. You can even register while you're there. Come rediscover together with us!
REGISTRATION FOR ALL GROUPS OPENS AUG 20TH - SEPT 3RD
