Key PointsBiblical hope is a confident expectation rooted in God, not circumstances.Hope is often born in seasons of suffering, waiting, and endurance.Depression can coexist with faith, and hope is often forged in that tension.Hope is sustained through community and shared faith, not isolation.Endurance shapes character, and character produces hope.Hope is not what we see, but what we hold onto while we wait.Jesus Himself is the anchor and fulfillment of our hope.DiscussionHow does Scripture define hope differently than how our culture uses the word?Why do you think God allows hope to be formed through suffering rather than comfort?How does the imagery of light breaking into darkness shape your understanding of hope?How does shared suffering with others deepen or reshape hope?In what ways does this sermon challenge common assumptions about depression and faith?Why is endurance essential to hope rather than a detour from it?How does anchoring hope in Christ differ from anchoring hope in outcomes or relief?What does it reveal about God that hope is described as something He gives, not something we manufacture?Depression is not meant to be carried alone. Consider sharing your struggle with someone you trust. You are not alone.
Key PointsFaith begins when God speaks and we choose to trust what He says even when we cannot see what He is doing.Mary models true surrender by receiving an impossible assignment and responding with humility and obedience.Faith rejects fear and stands on the promises of God rather than emotions or circumstances.Faith is the means by which God empowers us to do what is humanly impossible through the Holy Spirit.Faith pleases God because it draws us near to Him and aligns our lives with His Word.Faith must be exercised in real areas of life such as forgiveness, reconciliation, obedience, and spiritual growth.Faith believes that God is present, active, and faithful even when our feelings, history, or habits say otherwise.Faith says yes to God without knowing the outcome and trusts Him with the results.Faith grows as we hear the Word of God, seek Him diligently, and rely on the Holy Spirit.Faith transforms us and the world around us when we submit to God with a servant’s heart.DiscussionWhat part of Mary’s response challenges you the most and why?Where do you feel God is asking you to walk by faith instead of relying on your own understanding?Which promise of God is hardest for you to believe right now and what makes it difficult?How do you usually respond when God asks you to do something that feels impossible?What habits, fears, or assumptions create barriers to exercising real faith in your daily life?When have you seen God meet you with strength or grace the moment you finally said yes?How would your relationships change if you applied faith to forgiveness, reconciliation, or love for difficult people?What is one step of faith you can take this week that aligns with God’s Word rather than your comfort?
Key PointsGod is the Author of the Greater Story and the Bible reveals His plan from beginning to end.Humanity fell into sin, but God promised a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15.Jesus fulfills every major foreshadow in Scripture and is the central point of the story.The atbash pattern in the Bible shows how God brings the story full circle from Genesis to Revelation.Believers are part of the story as sons and daughters of God.We are called to share the message of Jesus and shine His light in the world.God will restore all things and dwell with His people forever.DiscussionHow does understanding the whole Bible as one story help you follow Jesus more clearly?Which foreshadow or Old Testament connection to Jesus stood out to you?The sermon explained the atbash pattern that shows Scripture coming full circle. What part of that pattern made the biggest impact on you?Where do you see yourself in God’s story right now and why?How do you feel called to share God’s light with someone in your life this week?How does knowing the end of the story in Revelation give you confidence today?
Key PointsWe are God's masterpiece, created in Christ Jesus for good works that He has prepared beforehand.Five essential actions for mission: Go and pray, Go and forgive, Go and love, Go where you are, Go and make disciples.Prayer should begin early in the morning and continue without ceasing throughout the day.Forgiveness is essential before effective ministry. We cannot carry bitterness and minister mercy.Love must be demonstrated in deed and truth, not just words.The mission field is not somewhere distant but right where you already are.God is an ever-present help in times of trouble. He goes ahead of us.Making disciples begins with becoming a disciple yourself.We never go alone. God promises to be with us always.DiscussionWhat does your current prayer life look like? What obstacles keep you from prioritizing prayer?The message emphasizes praying 'without ceasing' as a mindset throughout the day. How would your daily routine and interactions change if you maintained constant awareness of God's presence and leading?How does unforgiveness hinder our ability to serve others effectively?Is there someone you need to forgive? What's holding you back? What would it look like to take a step toward forgiveness this week?How can we become more aware of the pain and needs around us? What distracts us from noticing?Where do you spend most of your time? How might God be calling you to be "on mission" in those everyday places?What does being a disciple look like in practical terms? How are you growing as a disciple right now?How does witnessing someone's decision to follow Christ impact your own commitment to share the gospel with those in your sphere of influence?
Key PointsWe are chosen and seen by God. Before we were born, God chose us and predestined us for adoption.We have been made holy and blameless through Christ's sacrifice, not our own efforts. Salvation is by grace through faith alone, not by works, so no one can boast.Our salvation is secure. We are sealed with the Holy Spirit and have a guaranteed eternal inheritance.We are not defined by our past. We are forgiven, redeemed, and made new in Christ.We are God's "workmanship" (ποίημα/poiéma/masterpiece), created for good works that He prepared beforehand.Understanding our secure position in Christ gives us confidence to serve without fear of rejection or inadequacy.Grace precedes mission. We must understand who we are in Christ before we can effectively serve Him.We are seated with Christ in heavenly places, fully accepted and beloved.The forgiveness we receive should free us from shame and empower us for mission.DiscussionPastor Bob outlined 12 things we have in Christ. Which is hardest to believe about yourself and why?Chosen before the foundation of the worldCalled to live holy and blamelessAdopted into God's familyAccepted and beloved in ChristRedeemed by His bloodForgiven of all trespassesLavishly covered by grace and wisdomGiven revelation of God's willMade heirs with ChristPredestined according to His purposeSealed with the Holy SpiritGuaranteed an eternal inheritanceWhat trials in your life have unexpectedly deepened your understanding of God's love or revealed new dimensions of faith?Do you struggle to truly believe you are forgiven and redeemed? What do you think is holding you in the 'swamp of shame' and keeping you from living in your new identity?The sermon contrasts being 'dead in trespasses' with being 'seated with Christ in heavenly places' - how should this radical transformation affect the way we treat others who are still walking in spiritual death?Why do you think that is important to know your position in Christ before being commissioned?
Key PointsCleansing Comes Before Commission. God always purifies us before He sends us. Isaiah's lips were cleansed with a burning coal before he received his mission.God Won't Fill What Isn't Empty. As Spurgeon said: "God will never fill you with himself until he has emptied you of your own self."Mission Starts at Home. Before we can care for God's church or community, we must learn to manage and love our own households well (1 Timothy 3:4-5).Consecration Precedes Breakthrough. Joshua 3:5 - "Consecrate yourselves for tomorrow, the Lord will do wonders among you."Discussion QuestionsShare about a time when you felt completely unprepared for something God called you to do. How did that experience change you?How have you experienced God's cleansing and forgiveness in your life? Share a specific example.What fears hold you back from serving God more fully?Why do you think God prioritizes how we care for our own households before sending us to serve elsewhere?Without sharing details that would dishonor anyone, where do you see opportunities for greater service and sacrifice within your own home or immediate family?Jesus says if someone has something against you (whether you intended harm or not), go make it right before offering your gift. Why is this so countercultural and difficult?What "dishonorable" things might God be asking you to cleanse yourself from?Paul says to "flee youthful passions" and "pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace." What's one thing you need to flee and one thing you need to pursue this week?
Key PointsGod is still on the throne even when everything around us feels uncertain.Seeing God’s holiness reveals our own sinfulness and need for grace.God’s mercy cleanses and restores what sin has made unclean.Forgiveness always comes before the call to serve.Every believer is sent to share what God has done.God often reveals Himself most clearly in seasons of loss or change.True worship begins with a right view of God’s holiness.God doesn’t just forgive. He invites us into His work.The same God who cleanses also empowers through His Spirit.Our mission starts where we already are: our home, family, and community.DiscussionWhat’s an area of your life where you’ve recently had to remember that God is still on the throne?How does seeing God’s holiness change the way you see yourself?Why do you think Isaiah’s response to God’s presence was “Woe is me”?How have you experienced God cleansing or forgiving you in a personal way?What do you think it means to say, “Here I am, send me”?Where might God be sending you right now?
Key PointsJesus watches our giving because He’s after our hearts, not our wallets.The widow’s two coins model trust-filled worship.The spiritual principle stands: we reap what we sow—including generosity.New-covenant giving is decided in the heart, not under compulsion.God multiplies seed for sowing, enriching us to be generous in every way.Firstfruits: honoring God first trains the heart and consecrates the rest.Cheerful giving leads to thanksgiving and glory to God.The Gospel is God’s firstfruits: the Father gave His Son—our model and motive.Discussion QuestionsDo you consider yourself to be a cheerful giver? Care to share?Which part of 2 Corinthians 9 most challenges your current habits, and why?How have you experienced “sow → reap” (good or bad) in the past year?What would it mean for you to practice “firstfruits” over the next month? Where could our church’s generosity spark thanksgiving to God this coming month?How does remembering Christ as the Father’s “firstfruits” reshape your giving?
Key PointsTrust begins with God’s character. Humanity broke trust in the garden, but God’s response was redemption, not rejection.Broken trust has consequences, but not abandonment. God set boundaries for restoration and pointed to Jesus, the Lamb who would restore what was lost.God entrusts broken people with sacred things. He gives His Spirit, His Word, and relationships to those who fail yet can grow by His grace.Love bears the weight of failure. Like Jesus bore our sin, love forgives, hopes, and endures through the Spirit’s power.Mistrust affects every relationship — even with God. Chronic mistrust hardens the heart and keeps us from community and grace.Faithfulness is a fruit, not a feeling. The Spirit forms it in us as we walk with integrity and obedience.When you can’t trust someone, trust God with them. Doing so frees your heart from bitterness and releases control to Him.Restoration begins with repentance and grace. Healing comes when truth meets mercy, just as Bob and Terry experienced.God’s faithfulness changes how we see others. Because He keeps believing in us, we can keep believing the best in others.Broken but trusted is the story of the Gospel. God still entrusts His Spirit, His mission, and His people to us — that’s grace in action.Discussion QuestionsWhat does it mean to you that God still entrusts us with His Spirit, even after we’ve failed Him?Why do you think trusting others can feel riskier than trusting God?How does “trusting God with someone” differ from trusting that person directly?What does 1 Corinthians 13:7 teach us about love’s role in rebuilding trust?Can you think of a time when someone showed you grace you didn’t deserve? How did it change you?How do we know when we’re walking in the Spirit’s faithfulness instead of human effort?What small steps can you take this week to rebuild trust — either in God, others, or yourself?
KEY POINTS· True trust in God produces good works. When we stop doing good, it reveals a lapse of trust.· Jesus modeled perfect trust. He obeyed the Father even to the cross, doing good to an undeserving world.· Doing good is an act of faith, not reciprocity. We bless others because of who God is, not because of what others deserve.· Trust unlocks God’s provision and purpose. When we trust Him, He shapes our desires and meets them according to His will.· Every believer is a branch in Christ’s vine. Fruitfulness—multiplying disciples—is the evidence of trust and life in Him.· God turns adversity into testimony. Pastor Daniel’s story shows that surrender and trust bring freedom, favor, and revival.· The mission is for everyone. Churches and believers must open their doors and hearts to the lost.DISCUSSION· Psalm 37:3 commands us to “trust in the Lord and do good.” Which part do you find easier, and why?· When have you heard the enemy whisper, “Why are you doing good?” How did you respond?· How does Jesus’ example of trusting the Father encourage you when life feels unfair or uncertain?· What “fruit” is God calling you to bear right now—in your family, workplace, or community?· How can our church better open its arms to those who are lost or hurting?· Pastor Daniel said, “God has an individual plan for your life.” What step of trust might He be asking you to take next?
Key PointsTrust is an expression of love.We may struggle to trust people, but trusting God is different—His promises never fail because His character never changes.God fulfills His Word through Jesus; we agree with Him by faith and glorify Him when we believe His promises.His power is made perfect in our weakness.Admitting our inability opens the door for divine strength; self-reliance blocks what grace wants to accomplish.The Spirit is God’s guarantee of our inheritance and the daily source of divine power for life and godliness.God’s power doesn’t merely remove hardship—it changes us through hardship so that we reflect His nature.Forgiveness, adoption, redemption, and eternal life are promises already granted—live from them, not toward them.Jesus promises that the Father will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask; divine power flows from continual dependence.Discussion QuestionsHow is trusting someone an expression of love? What makes trusting God different from trusting people?Which promise of God has been hardest for you to truly believe? Why?Pastor Bob said, “It is in your weakness that He is made strong.” What does this look like in your life right now?Ephesians 1 says we’ve been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. How can remembering that truth change your response to daily challenges?2 Peter 1 says God’s divine power gives us everything we need for life and godliness. What does “divine power” mean to you personally?How can we shift from asking God to simply remove our problems to asking Him to transform us through them?When’s the last time you intentionally asked God to fill you with the Holy Spirit? What changed—or what might change—if you began asking daily?Which of God’s promises do you most need to stand on this week?
Key Points:Trust in man or self leads to dryness and isolation.Trust in the Lord leads to life, stability, and fruitfulness.God tests our hearts in trials to reveal where we place our trust.Fear of man is a trap that keeps us bound.Confession and honesty before God bring freedom and healing.Waiting on the Lord is not wasted time—it grows faith and intimacy.Even in drought, those rooted in God remain green and fruitful.True blessedness is internal and comes from God, not circumstances.Discussion Questions:Jeremiah compares the one who trusts in man to a shrub in the desert. What does this imagery say about the results of misplaced trust?What does it mean to be a tree “planted by water” in your daily walk with God?In what areas of life are you tempted to lean on your own strength instead of trusting God?How has fear of what others think (“fear of man”) affected your ability to trust God?Share a time when waiting on the Lord produced growth in your faith.How can we encourage each other to stay rooted in God during “drought” seasons?
Key PointsTrusting God is essential not only for salvation, but in the ongoing trials of life.Stress and suffering expose the true condition of our hearts.Hannah’s story shows how surrender and prayer bring peace before circumstances change.God’s grace is present both in calm seasons and in overwhelming floods.“When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.”Trials can refine character, develop intimacy with God, and prepare us for His purposes.Pouring out our heart before God leads to peace that surpasses understanding.Humility and surrender open the way for God to lift us up in His timing.Don’t check out—stay where God has placed you and allow Him to work.DiscussionHow has God used trials in your life to reveal areas where you needed to grow in trust?What part of Hannah’s story resonates most with your own experiences of waiting or disappointment?Pastor Bob emphasized that “when you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.” What does that mean practically in your life right now?Have you ever experienced peace even before your circumstances changed? What did that look like?Why is it important not to “check out” of difficult situations too early, and what are some ways we can stay faithful in those times?How can you encourage someone in your life who is currently struggling to trust God through their trials?
Key PointsLike 9/11 or the Utah tragedy, some events stop us in our tracks. They force us to ask, What does this mean to me?The world is broken by sin that divides and destroys, but God’s Word reveals truth and grace that cut through lies.God’s Word reveals truth, even when the world resists it.Voices can be stopped, but truth only grows louder. Like Stephen and Hezekiah, faithful witness outlives opposition.Where sin increases, God’s grace abounds even more.Hezekiah trusted the Lord like no king before or after him. His turning point came when he spread the letter before the Lord.At first, Hezekiah tried to buy peace with Assyria. But when fear failed him, he spread the letter before the Lord.God delivered Judah. Idols and false gods cannot save or protect.Fear tempts us to compromise instead of trust.Trust means surrendering the outcome to God.God can do more in one night than we can do in a lifetime.We each face “letters” of fear (bad news, loss, false accusations). The question is: Will we shrink back, or trust God?DiscussionWhat are some “watershed moments” in your life where your faith was tested?Why do you think we often try to solve problems in our own strength before turning to God?What does it look like to “spread your letter before the Lord” in your context today?How does the story of Hezekiah encourage you to stand firm in trust when the odds are against you?Share about how you have experienced God turning a situation around when you trusted Him.How can we help one another resist fear and walk in trust?
Key PointsGod continually invites us to come to Him, offering living water without cost.Faith believes in who God is; trust acts on that belief.Trusting God means releasing control and resting in His ways, even when they don’t make sense.Our own understanding is limited; God’s thoughts and ways are higher than ours.When trust deepens, peace and joy replace anxiety and fear.Broken trust with people can wound deeply, but God’s covenant love is steadfast and sure.Trusting God glorifies Him and transforms our souls more than striving ever can.DiscussionWhat’s the difference between faith and trust in your own walk with God?Why do we often struggle to let go of control and rest in God’s promises?Which part of Isaiah 55 speaks most to your current season of life?How have you experienced peace or joy by trusting God in a difficult time?What practical steps can help you lean less on your own understanding this week?
Key PointsTo be a “loser” means to lose your life—deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow JESUS.Jesus repeated this teaching multiple times across the Gospels, showing its importance.The world sees disciples of Jesus as “losers,” but Heaven calls them champions.Our culture glorifies self-preservation, self-promotion, and compromise, but Christ calls us to surrender.Choosing to “lose” means giving up popularity, possessions, and approval to have a relationship with JESUS.Even with good intentions—compromising Biblical faith can open doors to corruption.The narrow way is lonely and difficult, but it leads to true life and joy in Christ.Persecution and tribulation are promised for the believer, but Jesus has already overcome.Jesus Himself modeled losing—resisting Satan’s temptations, and ultimately choosing the cross.The true prize of Heaven is not the place, but the presence of Jesus Himself.Discussion QuestionsHow do you personally wrestle with the tension between living for Jesus and seeking the world’s approval?Which part of Jesus’s call to “deny yourself and take up your cross daily” challenges you most?Pastor Marcus said, “The world’s losers are Heaven’s champions.” Where do you see that truth in your own life? Or someone’s life you know personally?What are some areas where you may be tempted to compromise your faith for acceptance, comfort, or success?How can remembering persecuted believers around the world (Hebrews 13:3) strengthen your faith and boldness?Jesus is the true prize of eternity. If Heaven were offered without Him, would you still want to go? Why or why not?
Key PointsScripture is the plumb line that equips us to live ready for the return of Christ.Our hearts are deceitful, but the Lord transforms and equips us to live holy lives.From Genesis to Revelation, the story of God centers on Jesus as Savior and King.Jesus fulfilled prophecies at His first coming and will fulfill the promises of His return.Signs of His coming are increasing: Israel restored, global unrest, the push for a Third Temple.The return of Christ will be unmistakable, and believers will be gathered to Him.God is calling His Church to repentance, awakening, and readiness.The last days will bring both great harvest and great tribulation.We are called to lay down comfort, fear, and distraction to live fully surrendered lives.Jesus is coming soon—our response must be obedience, faithfulness, and proclaiming the Gospel.Discussion QuestionsHow does knowing Jesus is coming again shape the way you live today?What “comforts” or distractions might be keeping you from full surrender to Christ?How can you live with readiness without falling into fear or speculation?Where do you see God calling you to join in the harvest of souls?How do the Scriptures in 1 & 2 Thessalonians and Matthew 24 give you confidence about the future?
KEY POINTS· Two kinds of fear: - Negative fear (false evidence appearing real): worry, anxiety, paralysis, cowardice, laziness - Positive fear (reverence of God): awe, respect, obedience, intimacy, boldness, holiness· False fear cripples faith – it causes spiritual laziness, paralysis, and doubt. Jesus calls us to seek first the kingdom of God rather than being consumed with worry (Matthew 6:33).· True fear of God empowers faith – we realize the depth of HIS love by the cost HE was willing to pay to draw us to HIMSELF causing HIS influence to strengthen our faith and faithfulness.· Salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–10), but true saving faith produces fruit and works. A faith without works is dead (James 2:17).· To fear God is to take Him seriously – His holiness, His judgments, His love, and His sovereignty. He is Savior and Judge.· Examples of God’s majesty and danger – like the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, or the Sun: beautiful yet powerful and dangerous if not respected.· Fear fuels faith – when we fear God rightly, we become bold as lions (Proverbs 28:1), knowing He is for us.· Practical start: Honor your parents – reverence begins with learning honor in the home, leading to deeper reverence for God.· Pastor Marcus’s testimony – losing the fear of God led to sin, mental breakdown, and despair, but the love of God restored him in the fear of GOD and taught him forgiveness toward his father.· Call to repentance – fear of God is essential in communion, repentance, and daily living. God’s mercy is available, but He must be approached with reverence.DISCUSSION· How do you personally distinguish between unhealthy fear and the healthy fear of God?· Why is it dangerous to confuse God’s grace with a “license to sin”?· In what ways does reverence for God fuel courage and obedience in your life?· Pastor Marcus said, “Fear fuels faith.” How have you experienced that truth?· How does honoring your parents (even imperfect ones) connect to learning to fear God?
Key PointsGaius – Walked in truth, was faithful, hospitable toward missionaries, and had a great testimony.Diotrephes – Put himself first, rejected authority, gossiped, refused hospitality, stopped others from serving, and removed people from the church who opposed him.Demetrius – Had a good testimony from everyone and from the truth itself.Walking in truth means living out what you believe—truth is not just known, but practiced.Hospitality begins with humility—putting others before self for the sake of God’s glory.Supporting God’s workers makes us fellow workers in the truth.Self-centeredness poisons the body of Christ; humility and service build it up.Discussion QuestionsWhich of the three men in 3 John do you most relate to in this season of life—Gaius, Diotrephes, or Demetrius? Why?How can we practically “walk in the truth” in daily life?What does hospitality look like for you—both in your home and in the church?Have you ever been tempted to put yourself first in ministry or relationships? How did you handle it?In what ways can you actively support God’s workers—locally and globally—this month?
✍️ Key Points:God’s grace, mercy, and peace are freely given through Jesus—and they are with us now.Walking in truth means living in alignment with God’s Word, not just knowing it.Real love shows up in obedience and action, not just emotion or words.We must guard against false teaching by holding fast to Christ’s truth.Grace, mercy, and peace are gifts that shape how we speak, forgive, and live.Mercy is not receiving what we do deserve (like not getting a speeding ticket).Grace is receiving what we don’t deserve (instead of a ticket, the cop buys you donuts).Peace is resting in what Christ has done. It’s being made right with God… complete wholeness, restoration, harmony, well-being. Shalom.Mercy comes running… it is God’s compassion coming toward us.Grace is how we are saved, not something we can work for or earn.Peace is a position, not a feeling. Peace with God, not just peace of mind.Grace, mercy, and peace are all given–none of them are earned.⸻💬 Discussion Questions:What does it mean to “walk in the truth” instead of just knowing the truth?How are grace, mercy, and peace different—and why do we need all three?How do you typically respond to spiritual deception or false teaching?What does real love look like in action in your daily life?In what area of your life do you need to rest in God’s peace right now?