APRIL
April 7—The
Lord Appears. (Luke 24:36-53)
The resurrected Lord
gave hope to the community of disciples, a hope that continued
after Jesus ascended into Heaven.
Jesus’ departure left
the core group of disciples in Jerusalem, waiting for what was
to come next. On the Day of Pentecost, they experienced the
powerful arrival of the Holy Spirit (Lesson 7)
April 14—The
Lord Sends the Spirit. 9Acts 2:1-16), one of
the most dramatic events recorded in the Bible! The gospel
message of hope was launched into the world on that day.
The first-century church
taught not only that Jesus was risen, but also that He would
come again. Many expected that that would happen within a few
days, months, or perhaps years. When that expectation went
unmet, the apostle Paul wrote two letters of reassurance to his
friends in Thessalonica (Lessons 8 and 9).
April 21—The
Lord Will Return. (1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11)
April 28—The
Lord Will Triumph. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, 8-17)
His reassurance included
warnings that some of the events preceding Jesus’ return would
be distressing. But when Christ comes again, those who have
placed faith in Him will forget all pain and hardship as evil is
finally and completely overthrown by Jesus.
MAY
Unit 3: A Call to Holy Living
We will
investigate the two letters written by the apostle Peter to wrap
up this quarter’s study of hope. Peter wrote nearly 40 years
after Christ ascended into Heaven, and some scoffed at the idea
that Jesus would return. Peter’s assurance is that though the
return of Jesus may seem to be delayed, He will surely come. The
church has held this assured hope for nearly two millennia.
May 5—Living
Hope. (1 Peter 1:3-16)
May 12—Sure
Hope . (2 Peter 1:2-15, 20, 21)
May 19—Active
Hope. (1 Peter 4:1-11)
May 26—Patient
Hope. (2 Peter 3:3-15a, 18)
Today’s Hope
Hope is essential to our
well-being. We need to believe that currently painful
circumstances will be better in the future. In Jesus they will
be! The Christian’s salvation is sure. We of all people have
cause for hope.
One day we will be with the
Lord forever!
Diligent study of these lessons will not only bless you
spiritually, but also aid you in discovering God's plan
for your own life.