EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Living with Hope – Session 1

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NEW: Online Group Plan for Session 1

Date: June 7, 2020

The Basis for Our Hope

The Point: Only hope in Christ is sure and certain.

Get Into the Study

Use the following as you introduce the session.

Share images of the DOW Jones Industrial Average that show the changes in DOW values over the past six months, one year, and five years. (Simply click on these labels on the chart: “5 years,” “1 year,” and “6 months.”)

The DOW is a stock market index used to provide general insight into the performance of the US stock market. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing economic crisis, the DOW has been volatile, recording sharp drops as well as quick recoveries and more drops. One thing appears certain, the stock market is not certain. Furthermore, no financial investment is.

In this study, we focus on what truly is sure and certain—our hope in Christ, the source of our eternal and secure inheritance.

Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher

Get Into the Study [Additional Option for Adult Leader Guide]

In advance, prepare to show a video clip of someone who didn’t give up. Then ask Question #1.

Live It Out

Use the following as you conclude the session.

Ernie Andrus, a 96-year-old WWII veteran is running across the country, for the second time. His first cross-country trek began when he was 90. He was 93 by the time he finished, with the run reportedly lasting over 999 hours. He began his second trek across the country in March of 2019. As of May 2020, the coronavirus pandemic and social distancing have not prevented Andrus from continuing forward; however, the runs have become lonelier with fewer people joining him, cheering him on, and no meet-and-greets. “I have very few friends running with me,” Andrus said. “I miss those hugs and hand shakes.” When Andrus began his race in March 2019, he would not have predicted this uniquely challenging time to be impacting his race.

As Christians, we are called to persevere to the end, despite changing circumstances. What lessons of persistence and perseverance might we draw from Andrus’s example? How can our group encourage one another to not become weary or discouraged?

Direct group members to each choose one of the Live It Out applications for this week.

Additional Questions

Icebreakers

What’s an object or image that represents hope for you?
What’s a story of hope you enjoy?
Where do people tend to place their hopes?

1 Peter 1:1-3

How has Christ shown mercy to you this past year?
What are some of the differences between Christian hope and wishful thinking?
What do these verses teach us about God?

1 Peter 1:4-5

How are faith and hope connected?
When have you experienced God’s power at work in your life?
What do the descriptions found in verse 4 teach us about what God has planned for His people?

1 Peter 1:6-9

What are some ways we can express joy in suffering?
When has your faith turned a specific trial into a spiritual triumph?
How has your faith produced joy and hope even in difficult times?

Podcast

Click here for a 20-minute podcast for both the group member and the leader.

For Those in Your Group

Send the following link to your group members as either a teaser before the group meets or as a follow-up thought:

In a COVID-19 World, Is Our Hope Misplaced?

Magazine Article

This article complements the study. Share this link with your group members.

HomeLife – Eternal Creator of Life and Light

Tips for Leading Bible Study Groups

What Will Sunday School Be Like Post-COVID-19?

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