WEEK ONE
CORE VALUE:
HOPE FOR THE HEART
GROUP STUDY
Watch the introduction video together.
Break into gender-specific groups of 4-5 people. Take turns reading each section aloud.
We often place our hope in people or things without even realizing it. We spend money hoping it will bring contentment. We take a job hoping it will give us purpose. We enter relationships hoping they will fill what feels empty inside. None of these things are wrong. The problem is the weight we put on those things to deliver what only God can give. When we expect them to carry that weight, they eventually fail us.
Scripture warns us to be careful where we place our hope. Jeremiah 17:7 says, “But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence.” When our hope is rooted in God, it becomes steady and secure. It is not based on circumstances that change. It is grounded in the One who does not change. Only Jesus can carry the full weight of our hearts.
Our first Core Value is this: Hope for the heart is found in Jesus. This is not a “hope for the best” mindset. This is a confident hope rooted in the reality of who Jesus is and what He has done. He defeated sin, death, and the grave. Because of that, there is no situation beyond His power. No struggle is too far gone. No life is too broken. Jesus steps into what feels hopeless and brings resurrection, restoration, and renewal.
When situations do not change the way we want, we often try to take control. We force outcomes. And many times, we make things worse. When you come to God with your fears and frustrations, the situation around you may not change, but something changes within you. His presence meets you. His peace steadies you. His strength carries you. And His presence has the power to restore your confidence and renew your hope.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
How would you describe the difference between wishful thinking and confident hope in Jesus?
What is one practical step you can take this week to anchor your hope more fully in Jesus?
We find “Hope for the Heart” through the Core Practices of Daily Devotions and Sunday Worship.
CORE PRACTICE:
DAILY DEVOTIONS
Watch the Daily Devotions video together.
God wants to speak to each of us, and the primary way He does that is through the Scriptures. Daily Devotions are moments to walk with God, talk with God, sit with God, and worship with God as a Father and friend. God desires to give you direction, clarity, and vision for your life. Most of us are busy, and finding time can be difficult, but when we intentionally draw near to God, He will draw near to us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
What does your daily time with God currently look like? When, where, and how do you spend time with Him, and what has been helpful or challenging for you?
THIS WEEK’S ACTION STEP
What is one specific step you will take to grow in this practice?
Studying the Bible can feel intimidating or overwhelming at times. That’s why we’ve created helpful tools and resources, including a Lord’s Prayer guide. You can find these tools at corechurch.com/study.
CORE PRACTICE:
SUNDAY WORSHIP
Watch the Sunday Worship video together.
We gather as the people of God to experience the presence and power of God. Sunday Worship is a weekly declaration that nothing matters more than God. Sunday is an opportunity to grow in unity, strengthen our faith, and recenter our lives on Jesus. Every week, we are faced with a choice. We can live according to the rhythm of this world or the rhythm of God. The world’s rhythm is frantic, hectic, rushed, and chaotic.
God’s rhythm is different. It is intentional, steady, and life-giving. Sunday creates space to rest, to refocus, and to realign our hearts with Him. When we gather for Sunday Worship, we step out of the chaos of the week and into the presence of God. We reset our priorities, we renew our perspective, and we remind our souls that our hope is not found in this world, but in Jesus.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Why is it important to consistently gather and worship with the church every Sunday?
THIS WEEK’S ACTION STEP
What is one specific step you will take to grow in this practice?
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