Discovering HOPE

Discovering HOPE

By Paul KnightReligion & SpiritualityChristianity
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Discovering HOPE episodes

  • Episode 98: Through Him We Have Access
    1. Through Him we have Access.

      2. Ephesians 2:18, 1 John 4:14-15

      1. Through Him we Belong.

        2. Ephesians 2:19

        1. On Him is laid the Foundation.

          2. Ephesians 2:20, Matthew 7:24-27, Isaiah 28:16

          1. In Him we are Connected.

            2. Ephesians 2:21-22

            “The presence of God is what constitutes a temple, not a structure.”

            DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER

            For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party

            Quick Review
            Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?
            Review the main idea behind each of the points below.
            Through Him we have Access.
            Through Him we Belong.
            On Him is laid the Foundation.
            In Him we are Connected
            How did Christ accomplish His reconciliation? Check out Ephesians 2:13, Ephesians 2:15, Ephesians 2:16, and Ephesians 2:18.
            What are the results/benefits of the reconciliation that Christ brought about?
            What does it mean to you to be a Citizen/Family member of God’s household?
            What in your life keeps you off kilter or out of alignment?
            How can you become more connected with those around and be The Church?

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            30 min
          2. Episode 96: Hope. . . by the Blood of Christ
            1. Separated

              2. Ephesians 2:11-12, Colossians 1:21-23, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

              Separated from. . .

              1. God

              2. One Another

                3. Notes:

                1. Blood

                  2. Ephesians 2:13, Hebrews 9:20-22, Hebrews 10:1-3, Hebrews 10:11-14, 10:18, Colossians 1:19-20

                  Notes:

                  1. Remember

                    2. Ephesians 2:11-12, Deuteronomy 6:4-12, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26

                    Notes:

                    DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER

                    For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party

                    Quick Review
                    Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?
                    Review the main idea behind each of the points below?
                    Separated
                    Blood
                    Remember
                    Ephesians 2:13 says, “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near . . . “
                    In what ways do you sense that you have been brought near to God?
                    How do you notice in your personal life the reality of you being “brought near” to others?
                    Where are you separated from others in ways that Christ would desire otherwise?
                    How do you understand the importance of the blood of Jesus Christ being shed?
                    Think about and describe how you have been “brought near” through the blood of Christ?
                    Is this practically true in your life?
                    When called on to remember your former life, what comes to mind?
                    How do you remember the wonderful things God has done for you?
                    What is the difference between remembering in a good way and remembering in a harmful way?
                    What comes to your memory during the Lord’s Supper?

                    Notes:

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                    35 min
                  2. Episode 95: You are a piece of work!
                    1. You are a piece of work!

                      2. Ephesians 2:10 NASB

                      For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

                      Genesis 2:7, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 1:31, Philippians 1:6

                      1. You are the best you, “in Christ.”

                        2. Ephesians 2:10 NIV

                        . . . created in Christ Jesus . . .

                        2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:16-25

                        1. You! Do good.

                          2. Ephesians 2:10 NASB

                          For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.

                          1 Corinthians 15:10, James 2:17-19, Matthew 5:14-16

                          Discussion Questions, Thoughts, and Things to Ponder

                          For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or a watch party

                          Quick Review
                          Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?
                          Review the main idea behind each of the points below?
                          You are a piece of work!
                          You are the best you, “in Christ.”
                          You! Do good.
                          How do you internally respond to the reality that you are a work of God, His masterpiece?
                          In what ways do you see the handiwork of God in your life?
                          Can you describe a time when you were “the best you” in your relationship with Jesus Christ?
                          If you look at your life like a piece of sculpture, who has been doing of the sculpting (God, Satan, Self)?
                          Can you identify an area where God is working in you currently?
                          How do you respond to the idea of doing good works as a lifestyle instead of a project?
                          Pastor Paul mentioned that a lot of Christians have been trained not to do wrong or not to do bad rather than trained to do good. How is this been true or not true in your life?
                          He also mentioned that sometimes we are more concerned with being right than being good. How do you react to that idea?
                          Imagine if all the Christ followers would be like streams of living water, doing good in the name of Jesus. What do you think could happen?

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                          33 min
                        2. Episode 94: Saved? No Room for Boasting

                          -- Main Scripture Reference --

                          Ephesians 2:1-10

                          As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh* and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

                          -- Serman Notes --

                          1. You didn't do it.

                          • Eph 2:1-3 NIV - 1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh* and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.

                          • Eph 2:8-9 NIV - 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

                            • 2. God did it.

                            • Eph 2:4-8 NIV - 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--

                            • Rom 5:6-8 NIV - 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

                              • 3. There is no room for boasting!

                              • Eph 2:9 NIV - 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.

                              • Col 3:12-13 NIV - 12 Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

                                • -- Discussion Questions, Thoughts and Things to Ponder --

                                For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party

                                1. Quick Review:
                                  2. * Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?
                                  * Review the main idea behind each of the points below:
                                  * Are you saved?
                                  * If you are saved... you didn't do it.
                                  * If you are saved... God did it.
                                  * If you are saved... Stop boasting

                                  1. Are you saved? Tell or rehearse your salvation story.

                                  2. If you are not saved, what is holding you back? Can you surrender that thing and take a step of faith?

                                  3. Who do you know that needs to hear what God has done for you??

                                  4. In what ways do you seem to be trying to earn your salvation?

                                  5. Why is God's grace so difficult to receive?

                                  6. Looking back, can you see the hand of God in your salvation?

                                  7. Are there areas of your life or relationships where you tned to boast about who you are in Christ or areas where you demonstrate an arrogance about being a Christ follower?

                                  8. Can you ask God to make you more humble?

                                    9. -- Get Connected --

                                    Contact Us!

                                    We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message with questions, prayer requests or any other comments you'd like to leave with the staff.

                                    -- Stay Connected --

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                                      • Support Discovering HOPE

                                      33 min
                                    • Episode 91: When Opportunity Knocks

                                      DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER

                                      For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party

                                      Quick Review:
                                      Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?
                                      Review the main idea points.
                                      1. Opportunities Lost
                                      2. Opportunities Seized
                                      What is the result of obedience to Jesus?
                                      What is the result of living a life of faithfulness to God?
                                      What is the result of living out the good works that Jesus created us to live by the power of God’s Holy Spirit?
                                      Well, jump back to verse 34! The reward is for us to, “. . . inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
                                      When seeing someone in need whether in person or through media, what is your first reaction? Is it a reaction of compassion or is it to look away and ignore the need?
                                      What are ways in which we can serve the community, our neighbors, our church, and those within other places of need that is outside our realm of touch?

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                                      38 min
                                    • Episode 85: Facing a Crazy World: Prayers

                                      Prayer of Thanks for Faith and Love (verses 15, 16)

                                      Ephesians 1:15-16, 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4, Matthew 5:14-16, John 13:34-35, Romans 1:16-17, Hebrews 10:22-24

                                      Prayer to Know God Better

                                      Ephesians 1:17, John 17:3, Mark 10:21-22, Philippians 3:7-11 NLT

                                      Prayer to Know Hope and Power

                                      Ephesians 1:18-23, Hebrews 11:1-2, 1 Peter 1:3-4, 1 Peter 3:14-16, Ephesians 3:14-19 NLT

                                      DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER

                                      For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party

                                      Quick Review:

                                      • Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?

                                      • Review the main idea behind each of the points below.

                                        • * Prayer of Thanks for Faith and Love (verses 15, 16)
                                        * Prayer to Know Jesus Christ
                                        * Prayer to know Hope and Power

                                      • Who have you or are you noticing whose faith and love is evident? Pause now and give thanks for them.

                                      • Do you think your faith and love is evident to others?

                                      • Are you in an active relationship with Jesus Christ?

                                      • Who could you ask to pray for you that God would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better? List a few people you will pray for today.

                                      • In what area of your life do you need an infusion of God’s hope?

                                      • In what area of your life do you need to be more aware of God’s incomparably great power?

                                      • Stop and pray about these things that God has revealed to us.

                                        • Support Discovering HOPE

                                        37 min
                                      • Episode 84: Paul’s Message of Unrestrained Praise

                                        Eph 1:1-14 NIV - 1

                                        Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God's holy people in Ephesus,* the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he* predestined us for adoption to sonship* through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will-- 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

                                        Eph 1:11-13 NIV - 11

                                        In him we were also chosen,* having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

                                        Luk 8:11-15 NIV - 11

                                        "This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

                                        Luk 8:21 NIV - 21

                                        He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."

                                        Jas 1:22-25 NIV - 22

                                        Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it--not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it--they will be blessed in what they do.

                                        Eph 1:7 NIV - 7

                                        In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

                                        Jhn 16:5-8 NIV - 5

                                        but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, 'Where are you going?' 6 Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. 7 But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. 8 When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment:

                                        Eph 4:29-32 NIV - 29

                                        Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

                                        Phl 1:6 NIV - 6

                                        being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

                                        1Pe 1:3-5 NIV - 3

                                        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, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.

                                        Eph 1:3 NIV - 3

                                        Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

                                        Eph 1:6 NIV - 6

                                        to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.

                                        Jhn 9:1-3 NIV - 1

                                        As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.

                                        DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER

                                        For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or your watch party

                                        Quick Review:

                                        • Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?
                                        • Review the main idea behind each of the points below?
                                        • Remember and describe when you first remembering “hearing the gospel.”
                                        • Remember and describe when you first believed.
                                        • How does hearing and believing affect your living today?
                                        • As a part of the message, you heard the parable of the Sower: What kind of soil are you currently?
                                        • How do you understand being sealed with the Holy Spirit?
                                        • The Spirits’ sealing serves as a guarantee of our inheritance: of receiving and being. How do you understand this reality?
                                        • In what ways are you living for the praise of His glory?
                                        • In what ways do you believe God would like His glory more evident in your life?

                                          • Support Discovering HOPE

                                          36 min

                                        About Discovering HOPE

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                                        Our mission is to encourage people to become fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ, who let God love them, love him in return, and who love others in Jesus' name. Our vision is to touch with the…