August 29, 2021 - Hope

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between (1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing? 
• What can you thank God for this week?
• When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
• Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes 

Sermon theme: Our Living Hope – Todd Madonna

• Read Isaiah 40:6-8

o   Why is disappointment inevitable when we place our hope in the things of this world?  What are some examples you have experienced in the past 1-2 years?

• Read Ecclesiastes 3:11

o   Why do our hearts long for a hope in something that will not fade?

o   What are some of the key differences between Webster’s definition of hope (“desire with anticipation; want something to be true”) and the spiritual, godly supernatural hope that Todd described?

• Read 1 Peter 1:3-9

o   Todd used the analogy of going through a tunnel, and the darkest middle section of the tunnel being a picture of when our hope is shaken.  How does Peter bring encouragement to his exiled readers (and us) who are in a dark place?

o   What evidence (to which Peter was a witness) is the foundation of our living hope as believers (v3)?

o   How does what we believe about our future impact the way we live in the present?  Any examples you can share?

• Read Romans 5:1-5

o   When our current circumstances include suffering, what does the pathway to hope look like?

o   Even when our circumstances don’t change, how does God change us so that our hope is not put to shame?

•       Read Revelation 21:1-4

• In light of God’s future promise that John was shown and then shared with the early church, consider how we will walk this out in our daily lives:
• Preach Living Hope to yourself daily
• Experience Living Hope in community
• Bring the Living Hope you have to others

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans 3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes 

• How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer? 
• What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin, make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes

• People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look like during this season? 
• Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them soon? 
• Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take next steps toward Jesus.