Seeing Isn't Believing. Believing Is Seeing.
Hebrews 11:1 NLT
11 Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.
Hebrews 11:6 NLT
6 And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
It's one thing to say you believe, and another to live like you believe.
James 2:17 NLT
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.
1 Peter 2:12 NLT
12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world.[a]
Your faith should be contagious.
1 Peter 3:15 NLT
15 Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it.
Talk It Over Questions
1. What stood out to you most about this message?
2. What has this year revealed about what you really believe?
3. Who in your life is “learning Jesus” by watching you—and what do you think they’re learning?
4. If someone watched your life this month, would they say you’re overflowing with hope? Why or why not?
5. Who around you needs the hope that you carry—and what’s one step you can take toward them this week?
6. What would it look like to take your faith more seriously heading into the new year?
Ask Your Kids
1. What made the Grinch have a “small heart”?
2. What kinds of things can hurt our hearts?
3. How can we guard our hearts with good things?
4. How does God help us when our hearts feel sad or angry?
5. What’s one thing you want Jesus to grow in your heart?
