In the first week of our Advent series, we explore Zechariah's question in response to God's promise: how can I be sure?

Luke 1:5-20

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Consider the view that faith is not about how 'sure' you are of God, but about how willing you are to trust in God even when you aren't sure. How does that view challenge or comfort you?

2. When you think about your own faith, what kinds of obstacles do you experience in trusting in God? Are they more external (e.g. questions about God’s character or ability) or more internal (e.g. fear of disappointment, fear of being wrong, fear of hoping again.)

3. Read Zechariah's song: Luke 1: 67-79. What stands out to you?

4. Fabs talked about three ways of avoiding hope: reducing desire, defensive pessimism, blind optimism. Which one(s) do you relate to? How does that show up in your life and relationships?

5. What’s one area where you feel like Zechariah: wanting to believe, but terrified of hoping? What might it look like to hold hope in that place rather than trying to escape, numb, or control it?