Surprised By Hope-Small Group Study (A Second Group is Being Formed)

Is our hope one in the future?  Or should hope be in the present?  How does this make us think about how we are to live in the world?  Would you like to join a small group that enters into many of the questions of the mysteries of faith.  This will be a six week study where we will read N.T. Wright’s, Surprised By Hope. (Click link to order book, or let me know with a few days notice and I will place an order). *please note–only need to purchase the book-I have purchased the DVD/Study Guide.

*Our first study will begin on Thursday, June 12th, from 7:00 AM until 8:30 AM at Dunn Bros in Apple Valley.  If you would like to join the study, but this time does not work for you–I will work with you to make this work.

***Please note, a second study is being planned.  Reverend Tony Winter, our Parish Associate and chaplain at Woodwinds Hospital wants to hear from you.  Would you prefer Thursday nights?  Or Sunday following worship?  Based on your response, we will begin a second group soon.  Stay tuned.

Here is the introduction provided by the publisher:

“Many Christians believe our future in heaven is all that really matters. But that’s not what the Bible teaches. Through this small group bible study, Surprised by Hope, premier Bible scholar N. T. Wright brings you inside the Scriptures to grasp the full, breathtaking hope Jesus offers the world, and its implications for your life today. Gain an exciting new vision for your life on earth in light of your future in heaven. Wonderful as is the promise of heaven, a glorious hereafter is just part of what salvation is about. What about today? Jesus called his followers the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Your life here and now is of tremendous consequence, and what you believe about the future has a direct impact on how you live in the present. In six transforming, faith-inspiring DVD sessions, premier biblical scholar N. T. Wright opens your eyes to the amazing full scope of what God’s Word has to say about the world to come and the world that is. This DVD will help you get the most out of each session as you explore such questions as What is heaven really like? Is our main duty as Christians simply to help non-Christians get there? What hope does the gospel hold for this present life? In what ways does God intend for us to experience that hope personally and spread its healing power to the world around us? This DVD is designed for use with the companion Surprised by Hope Participant Guide (both are included in this pack). Surprised by Hope provides a clearer vision both of the future and of God’s kingdom at hand today. Sessions include: 1. Hope for the World2. The Hope of the Resurrection 3. The Hope of Heaven 4. The Hope of Jesus’ Second Coming5. The Hope of Salvation 6. The Hope of the Church”