24 min
EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Living with Hope – Session 5 Bible Studies for Life | Adults Leader Training
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- Christianity
Looking for digital teaching plans and helps? Check out Lifeway’s Church Assistance Package.
NEW: Online Group Plan for Session 5
Date: July 5, 2020
The Joy Arising from Our Hope
The Point: Suffering for Christ can deepen our walk with Him.
Get Into the Study
Use the following as you introduce the session.
Reverend Timothy Keller, the retired pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He shared the information publicly on Twitter, asking for prayers as he begins chemotherapy. Keller’s post is an example of how hope in Christ can carry us through times of suffering. Keller wrote, “It was what doctors call an ‘incidental pickup,’ otherwise known as providential intervention. I have terrific human doctors, but most importantly I have the Great Physician himself caring for me. Though we have had times of shock and fear, God has been remarkably present with me through all the many tests, biopsies, and surgery of the past few weeks.”
Keller concluded his Twitter post with a reference to Hebrews 12:1-2, “Running the race set before me with joy, because Jesus ran an infinitely harder race, with joy, for me.”
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Live It Out
Use the following as you conclude the session.
Around the world, Christians face suffering and persecution because of their faith. According to the Open Doors 2020 World Watch List, 260 million Christians live in areas where they face high levels of persecution. In recognition of this persecution, the Southern Baptist Convention has designated the first Sunday in June as “Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.”
With regard to the need for prayer, Paul Chitwood, president of the International Missions Board of the SBC said, “Prayer is our greatest resource in the Great Commission, and it is also the greatest act of compassion we could perform for our brothers and sisters around the globe who are enduring persecution.” Chitwood added, “We ask God to give them courage and hope. We know that their temporary suffering will be rewarded in eternity and pray that it will result in many being saved from among the nations.”
Ask: Do you agree or disagree with Chitwood? Why or why not?
Invite your group to spend time praying for brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering persecution around the world. Share the Pray for the Persecuted prayer app with your group as a way for members to continue personal prayer time throughout the week.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer,
Looking for digital teaching plans and helps? Check out Lifeway’s Church Assistance Package.
NEW: Online Group Plan for Session 5
Date: July 5, 2020
The Joy Arising from Our Hope
The Point: Suffering for Christ can deepen our walk with Him.
Get Into the Study
Use the following as you introduce the session.
Reverend Timothy Keller, the retired pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He shared the information publicly on Twitter, asking for prayers as he begins chemotherapy. Keller’s post is an example of how hope in Christ can carry us through times of suffering. Keller wrote, “It was what doctors call an ‘incidental pickup,’ otherwise known as providential intervention. I have terrific human doctors, but most importantly I have the Great Physician himself caring for me. Though we have had times of shock and fear, God has been remarkably present with me through all the many tests, biopsies, and surgery of the past few weeks.”
Keller concluded his Twitter post with a reference to Hebrews 12:1-2, “Running the race set before me with joy, because Jesus ran an infinitely harder race, with joy, for me.”
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer, and Bible study teacher.
Live It Out
Use the following as you conclude the session.
Around the world, Christians face suffering and persecution because of their faith. According to the Open Doors 2020 World Watch List, 260 million Christians live in areas where they face high levels of persecution. In recognition of this persecution, the Southern Baptist Convention has designated the first Sunday in June as “Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church.”
With regard to the need for prayer, Paul Chitwood, president of the International Missions Board of the SBC said, “Prayer is our greatest resource in the Great Commission, and it is also the greatest act of compassion we could perform for our brothers and sisters around the globe who are enduring persecution.” Chitwood added, “We ask God to give them courage and hope. We know that their temporary suffering will be rewarded in eternity and pray that it will result in many being saved from among the nations.”
Ask: Do you agree or disagree with Chitwood? Why or why not?
Invite your group to spend time praying for brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering persecution around the world. Share the Pray for the Persecuted prayer app with your group as a way for members to continue personal prayer time throughout the week.
Nikki Wilbanks grew up in Tennessee before heading to California to study literature at Pepperdine University. After graduation, she enjoyed a decade-long career as a commercial real estate appraiser and investor. Having returned to Tennessee with her husband, she is now thrilled to be a stay-at-home mom, writer,
24 min