"Hope" // Deep Dive - Week 3

"Hope" // Deep Dive - Week 3

1 Peter 1:3-4 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you.  HOPE IS ANCHORED IN THE PAST 1 Peter 1:3 In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead Hebrews 6:19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure HOPE IS FOCUSED ON THE FUTURE 1 Corinthians 15:19 If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.  1 Thessalonians 4:13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 1 Peter 3:15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

"Happiness" // Deep Dive - Week 2

Psalm 68: 3-4 But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God;  may they be happy and joyful. Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him - his name is the Lord. GOD IS NOT ONLY INTERESTED IN YOUR HAPPINESS Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control DON'T PUT YOUR HAPPINESS ABOVE GOD Hebrews 11:24-26 By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be known as the son of Pharaoh's daughter. He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward. HAPPINESS IS ONLY FOUND GOD'S WAY John 15:9-11 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. Psalm 37:4 Take delight in the Lord,  and he will give you the desires of your heart.

"The Old Testament" // Deep Dive - Week 1

THE STORY OF INDIVIDUALS Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. 1 Corinthians 10:6 Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.  THE STORY OF A NATION Their Laws: * Civil * Ceremonial * Dietary * Moral THE STORY OF THE GOD Luke 24:25-27 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. John 5:39-40 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

"Rebuilding Family" // Beautiful. Messy. Family. - Week 7

LIVING IN FEAR OF PAST MISTAKES Genesis 50:15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?”  Genesis 50:16-18 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. REFRAME YOUR STORY Genesis 50:19-20 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  CHOOSE HEALING OVER REVENGE Genesis 50:21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

"Blended Families" // Beautiful. Messy. Family. - Week 6

THE JOURNEY INTO MESSINESS Genesis 35:23-26 The sons of Leah: Reuben the firstborn of Jacob, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. The sons of Rachel's servant Bilhah: Dan and Naphtali. The sons of Leah's servant Zilpah: Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan Aram. Colossians 3:12-13 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. HOPE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MESS Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.