7/30/2019 Weekly HG Guide 12/2/2012
1/1
December 28
Welcome
This week marks the first Sunday of our Advent season.
Throughout this series we will be focusing on the ins and outs
of
our faith; specifically, our faith in practice. Our Core
Competency throughout this series will be Hope.
Opening Prayer
During the opening prayer, take a moment to emphasis the
greatness of true biblical hope; a hope firmly planted on the
security of our salvation, Gods promise to never leave us nor
forsake us, as well as our Saviors guarantee to return. Thesewill
ALWAYS be true regardless of our past, present or future
circumstances.
Family TimeA) Whats something that youve hoped for? (a certain
Christmas present, to win a game or competition, not have to get
a
cavity filled(!), etc.) Do you always get what you hope for?
(No...sometimes you dont, but you still hope for things,
right?)
If you have faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior, where will you
go when you die? (heaven) Why do you believe this?
(Because the Bible tells us.) Why should you believe (or have
hope) in what the Bible says? (Because God always keeps His
promises!) Thats where HOPE is found!
B) Divide into groups & memorize the Core Competencies creed
for Hope: I can cope with the hardships of life & with
death because of the hope I have in Jesus Christ.
Kids Time
A) Play the Trust Fall game: kids close their eyes, cross their
arms in front of them & fall straight back into the adults
waiting arms. Let everyone have a go & then talk about the
trust that it took to do that. You could do it because you had
confidence that the adult behind you would keep his promise to
catch you. Thats the kind of HOPE we have in God!
B) Read Matthew 16:21 to the kids. Jesus told His disciples what
was going to happen (EMPHASIS on His death & resurrec-
tion). Did these things happen to Jesus, just like He said they
would? (Yes). Now read John 14:1-4. What did Jesus tell His
disciples that He was going to do? (Go to His Fathers house,
make rooms for them, come and get them to take them to be
with Him). Has Jesus come back to take all Christians home to
heaven yet? (No) Do you have HOPE that He will?
Adult Time
A) What are you hoping for right now in your life? Are these
things that God has promised to fulfill in this life? Read Ro-
mans 5:3-5 & talk about the progression of this verse. (one
thing leads to another until you arrive at HOPE.) Describe what
makes this kind of hope so strong? (leader note: notice that our
sufferings (of which we are to REJOICE in!) actually serveto remind
us that our hope as Christians ultimately lies on the other side of
this life/Christs return. To confirm this,
read Hebrews 11:39).
B) Discuss some of the pitfalls one might encounter by placing
their hope/trust in God to resolve a situation or crisis ac-
cording to my timetable, my desires. (it will harm ones faith
and the faith of those around them, the character of God
might be misrepresented or impugned (his TRUE goodness,
faithfulness, keeper of ACTUAL promises, etc)).
Prayer Time
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to your heart and mind anything
you have been expecting God to do in a way counter to
the promises in his word. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to your
heart and mind, through Scripture, the places where my
hope should truly rest (regardless of my circumstances).
Community Calendar
PBC day at Mission Arlington Wednesday, December 12. Volunteers
are needed in the Christmas Store to help people shop,
stock toys and wrap gifts from 9:00 am-7:00 pm. Contact: Christi
Guion 817-307-1985, [email protected]
Church Calendar
The Oakcrest Family Church Angel Tree will begin this Sunday,
December 2. Stop by the Lobby to sponsor one of the 550
children and return wrapped gifts Sunday, December 16. Contact:
Fred Breese 817-478-1816, [email protected]
