Advent 2024: A Thrill of Hope
A Thrill of Hope
In a world often filled with uncertainty, darkness, and trials, the message of Christmas speaks to the deepest need of our hearts: hope. But not just any hope—a hope that transcends our circumstances. This is the kind of hope the prophet Isaiah foretold and the Apostle Paul spoke about in 2 Corinthians. It’s a hope that shines through the darkness and endures through every trial, because it is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 9:2-6, Matthew 1:18-23, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Corinthians 4:13-18
Sermon Outline
1. The Promise of Hope
2. The Fulfillment of Hope
3. Our Current Hope
4. Our Eternal Hope
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. Isaiah 9:2 speaks about people walking in darkness who have seen a great light. How does this imagery resonate with you in your current life situation? In what areas do you feel there is "darkness" in the world or in your personal life, and how does the hope of Christ bring light to that darkness?
2. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 speaks about not losing heart despite outward struggles, and how our "light and momentary troubles" are achieving for us "an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." How do these verses help you frame your own trials and difficulties?
3. Paul encourages us to focus on the unseen (eternal) rather than the seen (temporary). What does this perspective shift look like in everyday life? How can we cultivate this mindset, especially during challenging seasons?
4. The phrase "thrill of hope" is often used around Christmas to describe the excitement and joy of Jesus’ birth. How do you personally experience this "thrill" of hope during the Christmas season? How can we sustain that "thrill" year-round as we face both the joyful and difficult moments of life?
In a world often filled with uncertainty, darkness, and trials, the message of Christmas speaks to the deepest need of our hearts: hope. But not just any hope—a hope that transcends our circumstances. This is the kind of hope the prophet Isaiah foretold and the Apostle Paul spoke about in 2 Corinthians. It’s a hope that shines through the darkness and endures through every trial, because it is anchored in the person of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 9:2-6, Matthew 1:18-23, 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Corinthians 4:13-18
Sermon Outline
1. The Promise of Hope
2. The Fulfillment of Hope
3. Our Current Hope
4. Our Eternal Hope
Small Group Discussion Questions
1. Isaiah 9:2 speaks about people walking in darkness who have seen a great light. How does this imagery resonate with you in your current life situation? In what areas do you feel there is "darkness" in the world or in your personal life, and how does the hope of Christ bring light to that darkness?
2. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 speaks about not losing heart despite outward struggles, and how our "light and momentary troubles" are achieving for us "an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." How do these verses help you frame your own trials and difficulties?
3. Paul encourages us to focus on the unseen (eternal) rather than the seen (temporary). What does this perspective shift look like in everyday life? How can we cultivate this mindset, especially during challenging seasons?
4. The phrase "thrill of hope" is often used around Christmas to describe the excitement and joy of Jesus’ birth. How do you personally experience this "thrill" of hope during the Christmas season? How can we sustain that "thrill" year-round as we face both the joyful and difficult moments of life?