• God is more interested in what you’re becoming than in your current circumstances.

• The problem you’re experiencing right now is a test of your faith leading to greater faithfulness.

• Something is coming that is FAR better than this.

• Lean into our real future, as we struggle with the present.

• Wherever God has you in this season, stay engaged.

• The roles of trials and suffering are genuineness of our faith, and to build the quality of our faith.

• REAL hope comes from our new birth, and the resurrection we anticipate because Jesus rose from the dead.

• The resurrection of Jesus from the dead changed absolutely everything for those who love Him.

"I have a great need for Christ, I have a great Christ for my need."

-- Charles Spurgeon

• Our living hope results in a present joy!

• Faith turns sound doctrine into sound practice.

• Faith makes sound teaching our real experience.

• A living hope results from the PRESENT joy of walking in step with our resurrected Jesus.

1. Recall a time when you were so distracted or day-dreamy that you arrived at home but you don’t remember how you got there. Or, a time when you intended to go to the store, but were halfway to work before you noticed.

2. Discuss some of our many distractions in our walk with Jesus. Which are the most enticing and why?

3. Why is it so easy in the U.S.A. to have a shallow faith but be ok with it?

4. What does it mean to rededicate one’s life to Jesus?

• Have you read through the letter of 1 Peter yet?

• Have you memorized 1 Peter 1:13 yet?