Finding Hope | GUIDE

Guide 1: Finding Hope When Everything Is Confusing

Topic: The Bible

  1. Connection
  • Opening Prayer:Ask the Holy Spirit to guide our minds to the truth.
  • Icebreaker:“If you could know one thing about next year right now, what would you want to know?”
  1. Context
  • Recap:We live in confusing times. Millions of people look for answers on the internet or from psychics. But these sources are often wrong. The Bible is different. It has over 800 prophecies. The lesson showed us that the Bible predicted exactly where Jesus would be born (Bethlehem) and where He would be announced (the Tower of the Flock). We can trust the Bible.
  • Bible Verse:Luke 2:11 – “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”.
  1. Conversation
  • Question 1 (Head):The prophet Micah predicted Jesus would come from a small village called Bethlehem. This happened hundreds of years later. Does this help you trust the Bible more? Why?
  • Question 2 (Heart):Millions of people visit psychic websites to find answers. Why are people today so afraid of the future?
  • Question 3 (Heart):The speaker spoke about the “Tower of the Flock” (Migdal Eder). This is where they kept special lambs for the temple. How does it make you feel to know God planned every detail of Jesus’ birth?
  • Question 4 (Hands):We learned that God put His name on Jesus, “The Lamb,” for the whole world. This means He died for you. How should we thank God for this gift this week?
  • Question 5 (Hope):“This Christ will come again”. He will make a new earth. How does this promise give you peace when the news is bad?
  1. Commitment
  • Challenge:When you get home, read Luke chapter 2. When you read it, thank God that He always keeps His promises.

 

Guide 2: Finding Hope When You Feel Broken

Topic: Sin

  1. Connection
  • Opening Prayer:Ask God to help us understand the lesson.
  • Icebreaker:“Have you ever tried to fix something broken (like a toy or a phone), but you did not have the right tools? What happened?”
  1. Context
  • Recap:Our world has many problems. Relationships break. People make bad choices. The Bible calls this “sin”. The lesson taught us that God did not create a devil. He created a perfect angel. He gave this angel the power to choose. Sin brings pain and death. But God did not destroy us. He showed His great love at the Cross.
  • Bible Verse:Jeremiah 31:3 – “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love.”
  1. Conversation
  • Question 1 (Head):God gave angels and humans the “power to choose”. Why is the power to choose necessary for love?
  • Question 2 (Heart):Sin causes anxiety, fear, and suffering . Which of these feelings do you see most in your city or family?
  • Question 3 (Heart):Satan wants us to think God is unfair. Why do people today blame God for bad things in the world?.
  • Question 4 (Hands):The Cross shows us how big God’s love is. If God loves you this much, how will you treat other people who make mistakes this week?
  • Question 5 (Hope):God promised that Jesus (the Seed) would defeat the enemy. Does knowing that Jesus has already won the war give you hope? Why?
  1. Commitment
  • Challenge:Is there a worry in your life today? Tonight, give that worry to Jesus in prayer. Trust His love.

 

Guide 3: Finding Hope When Everything Changes

Topic: Signs

  1. Connection
  • Opening Prayer:Ask God to give us peace when we look at the world.
  • Icebreaker:“Do you like to watch the news, or do you prefer to avoid it? Why?”
  1. Context
  • Recap:Many people are worried about the future. They look for answers from psychics or the internet, but these are often wrong. Jesus told us exactly what would happen before He returns. He gave us “signs” in four areas: Religion (false teachers), Politics (wars), Nature (disasters), and Society (moral decay). But the best sign is that the Gospel will go to the whole world. We do not need to be afraid of what is coming; we look for Who is coming—Jesus.
  • Bible Verse:Matthew 24:14 – “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world… and then the end will come.”.
  1. Conversation
  • Question 1 (Head):Jesus gave signs in the world of nature (like earthquakes and strange diseases) and society (like broken families). Which of these signs do you see most clearly today?
  • Question 2 (Heart):“Don’t focus on the coming crisis, but on the coming Christ“. When you see bad news, is it hard for you to keep your eyes on Jesus?
  • Question 3 (Conflict):Many people try to guess the future using psychics or horoscopes. Why is the Bible a safer place to find answers about the future?
  • Question 4 (Hands):The final sign is that the Good News will go to “all the world”. How can you use your phone to share hope this week?
  • Question 5 (Hope):Jesus promised that when we see these things, “the end will come”. Why is the “end of the world” actually a happy beginning for a Christian?
  1. Commitment
  • Challenge:Today, instead of sharing bad news or a rumor, share one piece of “Good News” (a Bible verse or an encouraging story) with a friend.

 

Guide 4: Finding Hope While We Wait

Topic: The Second Coming

  1. Connection
  • Opening Prayer:Thank Jesus that He promised to return.
  • Icebreaker:“What is the longest time you have waited for something? Was it worth the wait?”
  1. Context
  • Recap:Many people are confused about the end of the world. Some think it will be secret. But the Bible says Jesus’ return will be real and visible. Everyone will see Him. Everyone will hear Him. It will be a glorious day. The dead will rise, and sickness will be healed.
  • Bible Verse:Revelation 1:7 – “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him.”29.
  1. Conversation
  • Question 1 (Head):Some people say Jesus comes secretly. The Bible says “every eye will see Him”. Why is it important to know Jesus will not be secret?
  • Question 2 (Heart):When Jesus comes, there will be no more sickness or heart disease. What are you most looking forward to on that day?
  • Question 3 (Conflict):Some people make fun of us. They say, “Jesus is not coming back”. Do you ever feel tired of waiting? How do we keep our faith strong?
  • Question 4 (Hands):Jesus said we must “be ready”. What does “being ready” look like at your work or in your home?
  • Question 5 (Hope):Jesus is preparing a place for you. How does this promise help you when you have a bad day?
  1. Commitment
  • Challenge:Is there a distraction in your life (like too much phone time) that makes you forget Jesus? Take a break from that distraction one day this week.

 

Guide 5: Finding Hope in Search of Happiness

Topic: The Law

  1. Connection
  • Opening Prayer:Ask for a heart that wants to obey God.
  • Icebreaker:“What was a rule in your house when you were a child? Did you like it? Was it a good rule?”
  1. Context
  • Recap:Our society is confused. We need a moral compass. The presentation showed two types of laws. One was written in a book by Moses. The other is the Ten Commandments. God wrote the Ten Commandments on stone. They last forever. We do not obey the law to earn We obey because we love Jesus.
  • Bible Verse:John 14:15 – “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”.
  1. Conversation
  • Question 1 (Head):God wrote the Ten Commandments on stone. Moses wrote other laws in a book. Why is the difference important?
  • Question 2 (Heart):The law is like a mirror. It shows us our dirt (sin). Can a mirror wash your face? Who can wash away our sin?
  • Question 3 (Conflict):Many people think God’s law takes away our freedom. But the speaker said the law gives us true How does a law like “Do not steal” give us freedom?
  • Question 4 (Hands):: “I obey God not to be saved, but because I am saved”. How does this change how you feel about obeying God this week?
  • Question 5 (Hope):Revelation says those who keep the commandments will have the right to the “tree of life”. How does it make you feel to know God wants you to live forever?
  1. Commitment
  • Challenge:Read Exodus 20:3-17 when you’re alone. Choose one commandment that is hard for you. Ask God to write that law on your heart, not just on stone.

 

Guide 6: Finding Hope When Feeling Tired

Topic: The Sabbath

  1. Connection
  • Opening Prayer:Thank God for giving us rest.
  • Icebreaker:“What is your favorite way to relax after a long week of work?”
  1. Context
  • Recap:Many people are sick because of stress. God gave us a special law to help with stress. It is the Sabbath11. This day is not just for Jewish people. It was given at Creation for all people. God blessed the seventh day. He made it holy. It reminds us that He is the Creator.
  • Bible Verse:Exodus 20:8 – “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”.
  1. Conversation
  • Question 1 (Head):The speaker called the Sabbath “Stress without Distress”. How is “Bible rest” different from just sleeping or watching TV?
  • Question 2 (Heart):God rested on the seventh day to give us an example. Why is it hard for us to stop working and just spend time with God?
  • Question 3 (Heart):The Sabbath is a sign of God’s love. If we forget the Sabbath, what might we forget about God?
  • Question 4 (Hands):Jesus kept the Sabbath when He was on earth. What is one thing you can do to make the Sabbath a happy day for your family?
  • Question 5 (Hope):The Bible says we will keep the Sabbath in the New Earth. How does the Sabbath give us a small taste of Heaven now?
  1. Commitment
  • Challenge:Plan your next Sabbath. Choose one work activity to stop doing. Choose one activity with God or family to start doing.

 

Guide 7: Finding Hope in the Face of Fear

Topic: Death

  1. Connection
  • Opening Prayer:Thank Jesus that He holds the keys to life and death.
  • Icebreaker:“When you were a child, were you afraid of the dark? What helped you feel safe?”
  1. Context
  • Recap:Death is a scary subject for many people. Movies and traditions often teach that the dead are wandering as ghosts. But the Bible gives a different picture. It teaches that a human is made of Dust + Breath. When we die, the breath returns to God, and we go to sleep. We do not go to heaven immediately. We rest peacefully until Jesus wakes us up.
  • Bible Verse:John 11:11 – “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.”.
  1. Conversation
  • Question 1 (Head):The Bible says God created man using this formula: Dust + Breath = Living Soul . This means we do not have a soul; we are a soul. Did this idea surprise you?
  • Question 2 (Heart):Jesus called death a “sleep”. When you sleep, you do not worry or feel pain. How does describing death as “sleep” make it less scary?
  • Question 3 (Conflict):Many movies and cultures teach that the dead are watching us or talking to us. The lesson said this is a dangerous deception . Why is it safer to trust the Bible than our feelings or ghost stories?
  • Question 4 (Hands):We learned that our loved ones who have died are resting. They are not watching our troubles or feeling our sadness . How does this truth bring comfort to you?
  • Question 5 (Hope):Jesus said, “I have the keys of Hades and of Death”. If Jesus holds the keys to the grave, do we need to be afraid of it?
  1. Commitment
  • Challenge:Next time you feel afraid or sad about death, read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Remind yourself that Jesus is coming to wake up His friends.

 

Guide 8: Finding Hope in a Fresh Start

Topic: Baptism

  1. Connection
  • Opening Prayer:Thank God for the chance to start a new life.
  • Icebreaker:“Have you ever wished you could hit a ‘reset’ button on a bad day and start over? Why?”
  1. Context
  • Recap:We all make mistakes. We all need a fresh start. The speaker shared that Baptism is like a “passport” for eternity. It is a public sign that we choose Jesus. The Bible shows that Jesus was baptized by immersion (going all the way under water). This represents three things: dying to our old life, burying our sins, and rising to walk a new life .
  • Bible Verse:Mark 16:16 – “He who believes and is baptized will be saved.”.
  1. Conversation
  • Question 1 (Head):The Greek word for baptism means “to plunge under water”. Why is it important to be baptized the same way Jesus was baptized?
  • Question 2 (Heart):Baptism is like a funeral for your old sinful life. How does it make you feel to know God wants to bury your past mistakes forever?
  • Question 3 (Conflict):Many people say, “I am not good enough to be baptized yet.” But the lesson said, “Baptism doesn’t mean you are perfect; it means you are committed”. Does this help you feel more ready?
  • Question 4 (Hands):Baptism is a public stand. It shows everyone whose side you are on. Why is it important to show our friends and family that we follow Jesus?
  • Question 5 (Hope):When Jesus was baptized, He received power from the Holy Spirit. Do you need spiritual power in your life today? How would that help you?
  1. Commitment
  • Challenge:
  • If you are not baptized:Pray this week about setting a date to be baptized.
  • If you are baptized:Remember the promise you made to God. Thank Him that your sins are buried.

 

Guide 9: Finding Hope When Looking for What is Real

Topic: The True Church

  1. Connection
  • Opening Prayer:Ask God to help us recognize His truth.
  • Icebreaker:“Have you ever bought something that looked real (like a watch, a bag, or a phone), but you later found out it was fake? How did you feel?”
  1. Context
  • Recap:There are hundreds of different churches, and this can be very confusing. Many people try to find happiness in money, pleasure, or technology, but they still feel empty. The Bible says God has a special group of people. The word “Church” means people who are “called out” by God. His true people keep His commandments and hold the testimony of Jesus.
  • Bible Verse:Revelation 12:17 – “And the dragon was enraged with the woman… and went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”.
  1. Conversation
  • Question 1 (Head):The word “Church” (Ekklesia) means to be “called out” . God called Abraham and Moses “out” of their old cultures. What does God call us “out” of today?
  • Question 2 (Heart):Money and technology cannot satisfy our hearts. Why do we often try to find happiness in “things” instead of God?
  • Question 3 (Conflict):Sometimes, what the Bible teaches is different from what popular churches teach. Why is it difficult to follow the Bible when it is different from our culture or tradition?
  • Question 4 (Hands):The Bible says God’s people “keep the commandments”. How does obeying God’s law change the way we live our daily lives?
  • Question 5 (Hope):Jesus promised, “I am with you always”. How does it make you feel to know that when you stand for the truth, Jesus is standing with you?
  1. Commitment
  • Challenge:Ask yourself: “Is there a tradition I follow that is not in the Bible?” This week, ask God to give you the courage to follow only His Word.