MAIN POINTS YOU WILL TALK ABOUT

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Myles Ramsey
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Gathering #4 Eternal Optimism MAIN IDEA Hope is a confident expectation in God. MAIN POINTS YOU WILL TALK ABOUT 1. Hope is different from wishing or wanting 2. Hope must be placed in right things 3.

Watch DVD Lesson #4: Eternal Optimism Approximately 10 Minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1.

1 Gathering #4 Eternal Optimism MAIN IDEA Hope is a confident expectation in God. MAIN POINTS YOU WILL TALK ABOUT 1. Hope is different from wishing or wanting 2. Hope must be placed in right things 3. Hope is based on God's promises INTRO In today s discussion we are going to talk about Eternal Optimism. Let s listen in as Brandon talks about how we can have a confident expectation in God. Watch DVD Lesson #4: Eternal Optimism Approximately 10 Minutes DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Brandon mentioned the difference between hoping for something and wishing for something, what are the major differences between the two (hoping vs. wishing)? Brandon also mentioned that hope is a confident expectation in God. Let s look at what happens when we have hope that is misguided. Listen to what Proverbs 13:12 has to say Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life.

2 A famous poet during the Harlem Renaissance, Langston Hughes, seemed to build on this verse when he wrote one of his most famous poems on the topic of a dream (or hope) that has been deferred. "A Dream Deferred" by Langston Hughes What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode? How does this poem speak to you? 2. What happens when our hope is placed in the wrong things? a. Can someone share a personal example of when you hoped in the wrong things? What lessons did you learn? The best place for our hope is in God. Now let s look at the promise of hope in God. King David experienced many times when life was hard and it seemed outwardly that there was no hope. But David repeatedly placed his confidence in God and His ability to deliver him either out of or in the midst of his situation. (Ask group members who have the following references to read the aloud: Psalm 31:24; 33:20-22; 34:1-8, 34:17-18; and 62:5-6. You can also print out extra copies and cut out each verse to pass out to group members). As we read each passage, think about all the different things we learn about hope in God Psalm 31:24 So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD! Psalm 33: We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.

3 Psalm 34:1-8 1 I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. 2 I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. 3 Come, let us tell of the LORD s greatness; let us exalt his name together. 4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Psalm 34: The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 62:5-6 5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. 3. What kind of things do we learn about hope from these passages? 4. Have any of you found yourself in what seemed like a hopeless situation and God provided for you? Share it with us if you can. Hebrews 6: So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God s inner sanctuary. 5. How does hope make a hard time more bearable? 6. How can our hope in God impact others around us? a. Can you think of an example of someone whose hope in God has greatly impacted those around them? PRAYER TIME

4 SCRIPTURE REFERENCES Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. Psalm 31:24 So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the LORD! Psalm 33: We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. 21 In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. 22 Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone. Psalm 34:1-8 1 I will praise the LORD at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. 2 I will boast only in the LORD; let all who are helpless take heart. 3 Come, let us tell of the LORD s greatness; let us exalt his name together. 4 I prayed to the LORD, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. 6 In my desperation I prayed, and the LORD listened; he saved me from all my troubles. 7 For the angel of the LORD is a guard; he surrounds and defends all who fear him. 8 Taste and see that the LORD is good. Psalm 34: The LORD hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 62:5-6 5 Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. Hebrews 6: So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. 19 This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God s inner sanctuary.

5 ANNOUNCEMENTS Please briefly share the following announcements with your CG: THE WARRIOR (Tuesday Night Men s Study) BEGINS MAR. 27 In every man s life there is a battle worth fighting for and a victory worth claiming. Discover how to prepare for the battles that lie ahead, and more importantly, how to emerge victoriously. This 5-week study will meet on Tuesday nights at 7pm beginning on March 27. Register at keystonechurch.com. STARTING POINT MAR. 7:30pm and MAR 6:00pm If you are not yet a member of Keystone, we have something special planned for you. Join us at Starting Point if you're interested in discovering more about Keystone & want more info regarding membership. Starting Point meets in the Rev Room and we provide a meal and childcare. Register online. EASTER AT KEYSTONE 6 IDENTICAL SERVICES ON APRIL 6/7/8 FREE TICKETS Due to high attendance at our EASTER services, a FREE ticket will be required to attend & they're likely to go quickly. With 6 identical experiences, you have plenty of options to choose from. Reserve your seat at keystonechurch.com. Friday, April 6 at 7pm Saturday, April 7 at 4pm and 6pm Sunday, April 8 at 9am, 11am and 1pm EASTER SERVE 2 ATTEND 1 This Easter, do not miss an opportunity to be a part of what God does at Keystone Church as we celebrate HOW PEOPLE CHANGE. No matter how long you have been attending Keystone Church, there is an opportunity for you to serve for any of our 6 services this Easter. Take a look at all of our serving opportunities and SIGN-UP to SERVE 2 and ATTEND 1 on Easter weekend.

Sacraments. WEEk 5 SERIES INTRO:

Sacraments. WEEk 5 SERIES INTRO: Sacraments WEEk 5 SERIES INTRO: This eight-week study is based on a sermon series on worship and the psalms called Grace and Gratitude: Worshiping a Gracious God with a Grateful Heart. Worship is our response