Series Description:
During difficult times, negativity can seem like the easy choice. But it's not the best choice. Change your perspective and find some encouragement to help you “Stay Positive!”

Message Description:
Tired of all the negativity? So are we.

From political rants to online outrage, it feels like the world is drowning in bad news—and even believers are getting swept up in the chaos. But what if there’s a better way to live?

This Sunday, we're throwing it back to an “oldie but goodie” message that series we last preached in the heart of the COVID lockdown—and it’s more relevant now than ever. We’ll discover why true optimism isn’t naive, and why we can live with unshakable hope, no matter what’s going on in the world around us.

🔹 Learn the difference between blind faith and bold confidence
🔹 Discover why your thoughts are shaping your future
🔹 Be reminded that God is working in ALL things for your good

If you search for good, you will find favor; but if you search for evil, it will find you!

“There is an answer to every human problem in the Scriptures. We, who are of God’s creation, are notorious for complaining about our problems. We want a source that spalls out in detail how to extract ourselves (Preferably painlessly) from our difficulties. Sometimes we complain that the Bible has no answers for our particulate problems. But it does. We just need the eyes to see them.”

~ Tom Albright, A Preacher Surveys the Scripture

TALK IT OVER

1. Open Up: Breaking the Cycle of Negativity
Q1. What are some examples of negativity you’ve noticed around you (online, news, conversations)?
Q2. When you feel overwhelmed by the bad news, how does it affect your attitude, speech, or faith?

2. Truth Check: Is Optimism Biblical?
Q3. The message said, “Optimism is not a denial of reality.” What does that mean to you? How is biblical optimism different from naïve positivity?
Q4. Read Romans 8:28. How does this verse help reshape the way we think about hardships or inconveniences?

3. Think About What You Think About
Q5. The pastor said, “What consumes your mind controls your life.” What are the thoughts you find yourself thinking most often?
Q6. What’s one area in your life where you tend to think negatively or assume the worst?

4. Faith vs. Fear for the Future
Q7. Do you tend to feed fear or feed faith? What are some things you’ve been “feeding” in your thought life lately?
Q8. What would it look like for you to starve fear and feed faith this week?

5. Redefining Suffering with Purpose
Q9. Read Romans 8:18. How does Paul’s example give you hope that your pain or hardship isn’t wasted?
Q10. What is a situation in your life right now where you need to start expecting God to bring good out of it?

6. Kingdom Eyes vs. World Eyes
Q11. What’s the difference between looking at life through “world eyes” and through “kingdom eyes”?
Q12. How would your daily mindset change if you truly believed this life is only a short part of eternity?