LHBC Community Groups



At Living Hope online, we hope this resource of study guide files will be of great blessing to you. Check back often as we continue to add to this portion of the website. Please feel free to download the PDF to view on your computer, mobile device or tablet. To download the PDF file simply "right click" over the "download pdf file" link and "save as" to your computer. Do not forget to visit the Sermon Audio page to listen or download the sermon audio for each series!

Community Group Purpose Statement:
We, as smaller gatherings of one family, will practice with our lives the gospel truths that we confess with our mouths. Together, we will allow our lives to be challenged by the gospel and one another; we will live lives of boldness and purpose. As we walk in the light of the gospel, we will point to the grace of God and its power to set lives free from sin and death. We will continue praying, teaching, making disciples, and bearing one another’s burdens. Following the pattern set before us by Jesus, we will bring joy to our family (the church) and glory to his name.

Deeper
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Fall 2023 Community Group


Job-Eye of the Storm
Lesson 1 - 10/13/2022
Lesson 2 - 10/20/2022
Lesson 3 - 10/27/2022
Lesson 4 - 11/03/2022
Lesson 5 - 11/10/2022
Lesson 6 - 11/17/2022
Fall 2022 Community Group


Anxiety and Me
Lesson 1 - 5/5/2022
Lesson 2 - 5/12/2022
Lesson 3 - 5/19/2022
Lesson 4 - 5/26/2022


"But I Say..." The Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount

Jesus Sermon on the Mount is delivered to His disciples against the backdrop of his coming kingdom. John the Baptist had already declared, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. (Matt. 3:2) Jesus also declared that same message in Matt. 4:17. Jesus is the king and the kingdom belongs to Him. Throughout this sermon Jesus exposes the darkness of the religion of men, contrasts their teachings with His own, and digs down deep into the human heart exposing the fallacy of outward religion as compared to a supernatural change of the heart. The truths that Jesus teaches will challenge the heart of every believer as the reality sets in of the impossibility of obeying completely His commands without His divine help. However, even in our imperfect state, a life lived by these principles will prove to be the blessed life These truths when lived out under the grace of God should cause the child of God to shine in a dark world desperate for the light of God’s salvation. The Sermon on the Mount portrays for us Jesus Himself as well as how a child of the King will live in every generation shining God’s kingdom in his or her own heart.

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Micah: Our Generation's Only Hope
Micah: Our Generation's Only Hope

Micah prophesied during a period of intense social injustice in Judah. False prophets preached for riches, not for righteousness. Princes thrived on cruelty, violence, and corruption. Priests ministered more for greed than for God. Landlords stole from the poor and evicted widows. Judges lusted after bribes. Businessmen used deceitful scales and weights. Sin had infiltrated every segment of society. A word from God was mandatory.

Micah enumerates the sins of the nation, sins which will ultimately lead to destruction and captivity. But in the midst of blackness there is hope. A Divine Deliverer will appear and righteousness will prevail. Though justice is now trampled underfoot, it will one day triumph.

(Taken from Talk Thru the Bible. Wilkerson and Boa, P.261; Nelson Publishers)

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2 Peter: A Stable Faith in a Sensual World
2 Peter: A Stable Faith in a Sensual World

The Apostle Peter wrote this second epistle from Rome as he awaited his soon martyrdom. His first letter focused on the trials the church would go through from outside of the church and now he turns his attention to the trials that will come from within. Peter is deeply burdened that after his death false teachers will come in an attempt to draw many away from the faith by their appeals to the flesh which is directly opposed to the message of Jesus which is to put to death the flesh. Peter’s desire is for true believers to grow in the faith and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus therefore protecting themselves from the false teachers and their destructive effects. It is also clear from this letter that Peter is also concerned that those who claim to Jesus truly belong to Jesus. His message can be summed up in 3:17; “You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your stability.” Peter was deeply concerned that his readers not depart from being established in the truth (1:12). True stability only comes from Jesus and His gospel.

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Habakkuk: God, Why Won't You Fix This?
Habakkuk: God, why won't You fix this?

Habakkuk is a prophet of God who is being shaken deep in his soul by the silence of God and then the promised actions of God. Habakkuk is having his theology and framework of who he believes God is, challenged by God Himself. The book begins with Habakkuk being under great distress and experiencing that unsettling feeling of God’s silence. He is struggling with God’s apparent lack of concern and interest in the times in which he lived. Finally God answers him and now Habakkuk does not like God’s answer at all. The Lord informs him that the Babylonian army is being raised up to come and bring judgment upon His people. This is inconsistent with Habakkuk’s understanding of who God is and he presents to God his case that this is simply the wrong thing to do. God will come again to Habakkuk and inform him that the righteous must live by faith and that He is in His holy temple and that all the earth is to remain silent before Him. God will use the evil nation to judge His sinning people but He will not let justice go unserved as He promised to bring Judgment on Babylon. The promise is that the earth will be filled with God’s glory. Habakkuk experiences a heart change and prays this wonderful prayer in chapter 3 ending with this great declaration that he will quietly wait for the day of trouble and while waiting he will rejoice in the Lord for he realizes that salvation always comes through judgment . Someone put it this way; “God brought him from whining to worship. Nothing had changed, except the prophet’s heart.”

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The Gospel of Mark: Following Jesus on the Path to the Cross.
The Gospel of Mark: Following Jesus on the Path of the Cross

Mark begins his fast paced gospel account, bypassing Jesus birth and childhood, and going immediately to the testimonies that prove that this Jesus is truly the long awaited Messiah. Jesus is The Messiah that is the Good News, the Messiah that changes lives, the Messiah who is the authoritative One, the Messiah that is sent by the Father, and the Messiah who demands authority over the lives of those who follow Him. Mark’s gospel informs his readers that following Jesus will include something that the crowds and even His close disciples will struggle with, and what is rarely talked about even today – following Jesus on the path to the cross. We will see that instead of running to Him and embracing Him, they concluded that this was not the Messiah they wanted at all, and they killed Him. Mark’s gospel presents Jesus as the One who has the right to have authority over our lives and the one who follows Jesus must follow Him, even if it takes him to a “cross”.

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Questions from the Congregation.
Questions from the Congregation

The congregation of Living Hope was asked to turn in questions concerning areas of the Bible that they would like to hear what God’s Word said on that particular subject. That is why this series is being called, “Questions from the Congregation.”

The goal is not to just supply content to answer a question, but as always, to see and hear and feel the heart of God from His Word. As we will see each week, the answer to each particular question is really related to a much bigger issue which should concern every follower of Christ. We hope you are encouraged and look forward to studying God’s Word through each topic and the deeper subject that lies behind it.

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Philippians: The Believer's Progress and Joy in the Faith.
Philippians

Paul wrote the letter to the church at Philippi while in prison at Rome. “First, he wanted to express in writing his thanks for the Philippians’ gift (4:10-18). Second, he wanted the Philippians to know why he decided to return Epaphroditus to them, so they would not think his service to Paul had been unsatisfactory (2:25-26). Third, he wanted to inform them about his circumstances at Rome (1:12-26). Fourth, he wrote to exhort them to unity (2:1-2; 4:2). Finally, he wrote to warn them against false teachers (3:1-4:1)” [Taken from the Introduction to Philippians from the John MacArthur Study Bible]

Acts 16 records for us the beginning of this church at Philippi which occurred on Paul’s second missionary journey.

Paul enjoyed a sweet and deep loving relationship with this church as is evident in this letter. The church was not without its problems and dangers, but it was a source of great joy to Paul’s heart.

These themes are highlighted in this letter: Joy, Service, Jesus Christ, The Gospel, Growing in the faith, serving side by side with other believers, and serving others over self.

Click Here to Listen to the Sermon Audio.

 

Jonah: It's Not About a Fish. Possessing God's Heart as My Own.
Jonah

For many people, when they recall Sunday School lessons in times past of the character, Jonah, they immediately think about the large fish that swallowed him. There is nothing wrong, perhaps, with knowing the facts about the Biblical account of Jonah, but often the true message of the book gets overlooked. That message, in short, is knowing God’s heart towards those that need Him most and aligning our heart with His. In this study, you will journey through the book of Jonah, all the while seeing the contrasts between the prophet’s heart and God’s heart.

Jonah’s day and time would certainly pass as our own. Man’s heart had drifted from knowing and worshiping God, to worshiping self and self ascribed idols of wealth and other luxuries. The oppression of the poor and needy, murders, strifes, lying and cheating were not lacking in any way. A true concern for the spiritually needy was absent.

Now, as you study through this material, you will see how God used his reluctant prophet, Jonah, to send the message God had in store for the people of Nineveh and how God reveals His heart of mercy, grace and compassion for those we often despise and reject.

Jonah; it’s not about a fish!

Click Here to Listen to the Sermon Audio.


Sent From Heaven.
Sent From Heaven

For many people, the Christmas season is their favorite. The uplifting music, the lights that begin to show up all over town, the family gatherings, the memories of Christmas past, the joy of giving, the appreciation of receiving gifts, the Christmas programs in churches and schools, and the general overall spirit of joy and hope.

Christmas is also a great opportunity to reflect on the One who was sent from Heaven. In the Gospel of John alone, Jesus mentioned that He was sent from heaven some 40 different times. It seems that Jesus wanted us to know the significance of the truth that He came from His Father. Because He came from His Father, He alone is the hope of mankind.

This Christmas season we will be examining the One sent from heaven. It is the most beautiful story of all time and it is the most needed story of all time. While Christmas is the favorite season of many, there are many who don’t know the One sent from heaven. They enjoy the lights, the music, the festive spirit, the family gatherings, and the giving and receiving of gifts, yet they are in the dark with no real hope and no real joy.

May this study draw those of us who have received God’s grace to a closer walk and love for Jesus and a deeper burden for those who remain in darkness. May the Sent One change us and use us to be a part of seeing others change for God’s glory. Have a blessed Christmas season as we focus on the One sent from heaven.

Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but he sent me.” John 8:42

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Out of the Prison of Bitterness.
Out of the Prison of Bitterness

The dictionary says that the word “prison” means a place of confinement and restraint. The freedoms that were once enjoyed are now gone. The work that was once bringing in income is now gone. Relationships are greatly hindered as separation from loved ones is a hard fact of prison. They cannot leave, choose their own favorite foods, have privacy, hug their children, kiss their wife, and are forced to live with others whether they like them or not. Doors are locked and time outside is limited. It truly is a horrible place to be.

There is another prison that many people, even believers in Jesus Christ, are living in on a daily basis. It is the prison of bitterness. We live in a cursed and fallen world and everyone is sinned against and everyone deals with the failures of others. Oh, and by the way, we sin against others and fail others also! Sometimes this sin against us is fairly minor, but at other times it may truly be a life changing and heart breaking event in our lives. We are tempted to say, “If only they had not _____________, then I wouldn’t be here today.” Bitterness and hardness can then make a home in our heart and soon we find ourselves trapped in prison. We are consumed with the hurt and pain and our heart can turn ugly with a desire to attack and fight back and sin against God in so many ways. Our joy is quickly gone and we begin to believe that our lives are in the hands of the one who sinned against us rather than in the hands of our loving God who is sovereign over all.

You are about to embark on a journey into the depths of your heart – a journey that may reveal to you some things about yourself that you do not want to see. This study will examine bitterness from God’s point of view which always brings hope, joy, and a release from prison to the freedom of joy and peace. May God release us all as we humbly set out on this journey “Out of the Prison of Bitterness.”

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:31,32

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Mirror Mirror on the Wall: A Real Faith in a Rebellious World.
Mirror Mirror on the Wall

James is considered to be the first epistle written in the New Testament. James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote his epistle to the Jewish Christians scattered throughout the pagan world. It is clear to see that James was heavily influenced by the teachings of Jesus. James expresses similar themes in his own unique way that draw the reader back to the Savior, or to the Savior for the first time.
Douglas J. Moo gives these three characteristics to help summarize James approach to his letter:

• James is intensely practical
• James is concise in his teaching
• James uses many metaphors and illustrations that make
his teaching easy to understand and to remember.

James goal is to promote a life consistent with faith in Christ the Lord. Even at this early stage in the life of the church, James sensed a need to call people to genuine faith. While many who read his letter were genuine believers, it is sure that many were not, or many who thought they were but were not. Because of this, James brings out the gospel of grace within his letter. The gospel of grace gives birth through the word and the gospel of grace continues to enable genuine believers to live a real faith in a rebellious world even as they see themselves falling short time and time again.

As we look into the mirror of God’s Word through this in depth study of the Letter of James, may each of us see ourselves as God sees us, embrace the truth that we hear, and humble ourselves before the Lord as we seek a real faith in a rebellious world.

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How Will They Hear.
How Will They Hear?

The thought of telling another person about Jesus can be very intimidating. Most of us know we should be doing this, but most of us know we fail time and time again. Fear takes over and we rarely share the Gospel to an unbeliever. This study is so important because we are dealing with real people, a real Savior, a real heaven, and a real hell. We are talking about people who are destined to face the wrath of God as a result of their sin for an eternity without end.

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The Potter and the Clay.
The Potter and the Clay

One image in the Bible that vividly portrays God and His people comes from the life of a potter and his use of the clay. The making of pottery begins with the potter choosing clay that is suitable. The potter examines the clay and makes his choice based on the good and acceptable qualities of the clay. God, as the Master Potter, also chooses the clay, but He chooses clay that is unsuitable and not based on any acceptable qualities the clay possesses.

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What We Believe: Truth That Changes Lives.
What We Believe: Truth That Changes Lives

The Word of God in written form is the only book God ever wrote for faith and practice. This supernatural book, written and preserved by God, is the only authority for every aspect of our lives. The words contained in the 66 books of the Bible are God’s message of redemption and sanctification to a people in great need of rescuing and remaking. Apart from God’s revelation we are a hopeless people in a hopeless world. “The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed, and obeyed, depends not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself) the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.” - Westminster Confession of Faith, 1646

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Moses: An Enduring Faith. Seeing the Invisible One.
Moses; An Enduring Faith. Seeing the Invisible One

Any study of the character Moses will necessarily spend much time in Exodus. There are several reasons for that. First, we find the birth of our subject here. Second, two thirds of his life is narrated in this book. Finally, the three books that describe the end of his life make much more sense with an understanding of what occurred in the early years. However, before we would dive into this book, we must be prepared to answer some glaring questions that will be prompted very early in the text. For example, the opening chapter of Exodus speaks of the people of Israel as if we should know who they are, why they are in Egypt, and why they are being afflicted. The content that explains all of that is found in Genesis, so a short review of that book is very helpful...