Service Video, Message Notes, & Community Group Guide

MESSAGE NOTES

Jeremiah 33:1-5; 14-16

3 Foundations for True Hope – Christmas Hope

I. Recognize counterfeit hope which is based on present circumstances and feelings - Jeremiah 33:1-3

• Key Concept: Counterfeit hope will always lead to disappointment.

• Key Verse: 1 Timothy 6:17 - Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.

• Community Group Application: Gathering together weekly in church and in a community group, and having a regular personal listening room time with God is essential to recognizing counterfeit hope.

II. A Hope Based on God’s Judgment - Jeremiah 33:4-5

• Key Concept: Evil and brokenness in our world can bring despair and destroy our hope.

• Key Verse: 2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

• Community Group Application: We leave judgment to God and work to reach as many friends, family, and other people as possible with the true hope that comes from Jesus alone before the time of judgment.

III. A Hope Based on the Birth of Jesus - Jeremiah 33:14-16

• Key Concept: God is faithful. When God says "I will" it happens.

• Key Verse: Titus 2:13-14 - while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

• Community Group Application: [Now] we have this [hope] as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul [it cannot slip and it cannot break down under whoever steps out upon it—a hope] that reaches farther and enters into [the very certainty of the Presence] within the veil, - Hebrews 6:19

Crossroads Community Group Guide

Click here to join a Community Group! (All groups meet online.)

A. Welcome

B. Purpose: Our purpose is to spread the Kingdom of God. We do this by multiplying groups of people who care for each as God's family. We begin by inviting new people to our group and building them to be followers of Jesus. Each person here has the potential to be empowered to start and be the leader of a new group and spread God's kingdom.

C. Worship Time: God So Loved

D. Announcements

• Resources in our weekly newsletter: Crossroads Connect

• Daily Devotional Video: The Encouraging Word with Pastor Willie

• Events: Crossroads Website

E. Review

1. How did you do with what you wanted to apply from last week?

2. Who did you invite to the group for this week?

F. Opening Question: Are you ready for Jesus' return? Are people you know ready?

G. Background Information:
These verses are part of Jesus teaching on when the world will end and when He will come back. The teaching begins at verse 5 of the chapter. Note that Jesus never gives a date but instead gives signs. The key issue is if you are ready - are people ready? Jesus notes that the day will come suddenly and like a trap. (Traps always surprise.) Note what He says to be careful of also. When Jesus says this generation will not pass away without this happening - generation is generally understood to mean our period of history not a 40 year generation.

Make these verses very specific and practical - have your group make commitments to apply what you learn. Have them say who they will invite to your group.

H. Word: Jeremiah 33:1-5; 14-16

Part 1: The signs of Jesus Coming verses 25-28 (you may want to read and included verses 5- 24 also)
Part 2: The parable (story to teach a point) verses 29-33
Part 3: What to Apply to our lives - verses 34-36

1. What key words do you see in these verses?

2. Tell in your own words what happens in these verses.

3. What are the details?

I. Discuss the following general questions together.

1. What catches your attention in these verses?

2. What new thing did you discover in the story or verses that you did not know before?

3. What did you learn about God (Father, Jesus, or Holy Spirit) from the story?

4. What do you learn about people from the story?

5. What important lessons for us do you see in this story?

J. Commitment - Obedience - Application: What specifically will you commit to apply in your life from this study?

K. Prayer Time:

1. Pray for new people by name who you want to join your group.

2. Pray for your group to multiply.

3. Pray for the needs of the members of the group. Divide into 2 groups, for male and female.

L. For Next time: Ask each person the name of a person they will invite to the group for next week.