Adult Confirmation - Session 6: Salvation and the Solution of Hope

It would have been my preference to combine Session 5: Sin and the Problem of Evil with next week's session, but unfortunately, there are only so many hours on a Sunday evening...or any evening for that matter. It is almost impossible to talk about salvation without also talking about sin, and while it possible to talk about sin without talking about salvation, there isn't much point unless you want to simply depress someone. Our lesson and conversation this past week was difficult at times, and caused all of us to interact with and address some questions which we too often just prefer to ignore. But, as expected, we closed out our time already with our hearts and minds shifting towards to the promise of redemption, reconciliation, and our everlasting hope in Christ Jesus. In preparation for next Sunday evening, here is the handout for Session 6: Salvation and the Solution of Hope:

Prayer for the Week:
Holy Father, you have blessed us and given us dominion over all the earth. Increase our reverence for life and give us deeper insight into your purposes. Grant us the wisdom and determination to be agents of your grace, that through the workings of the Holy Spirit within us, the world may share in our hope - the eternal joy of salvation in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Opening Thoughts:
We have all hoped for things throughout our lives - toys, cars, test scores, relationships, etc. These are unique items that perhaps not everyone around us wishes they had, but which we have desired so that we may cherish, find delight in, and share (or not, depending on the toy). Yet when we place our hope in these things, we often find ourselves disappointed, frustrated, or confused. Toys break, cars age, test scores fail, and even our relationships can crumble.

The consequences of our sin cause turmoil in our lives and in the lives of others. These consequences are instability and hurt which we often cannot comprehend. But, we have been given hope; a hope upon which we can place the fullness of our expectations and it will not fail us. We have been offered redemption and salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ! The focus for this week of study, discussion, and exercise is to explore the atoning work of The Cross, God's reconciling action in the world, and how we begin to grow in this grace so that we may continue to spread and share in true hope.

Suggested Scripture Readings:

• Genesis 3:20-24 - "The First Sin and Its Punishment"
• Exodus 6:1-13 - "Israel's Deliverance Assured"
• Psalm 141 - "Prayer for Preservation from Evil"
• John 3 - "Nicodemus Visits Jesus"
• Romans 8:31-39 - "God's Love in Christ Jesus"
• 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 - "The Resurrection Body"
• 1 Peter 1:3-12 - "A Living Hope"

Reflection Questions:

• What does it mean to be in a right relationship with God?
• How is your life affected by Jesus' death and resurrection?
• Think of a time in your life when you have wished for something with all your might. think of how that wish/desire affected your relationships with others. How did you communicate this hope?
• What feelings do you have about sharing the hope of salvation in Christ Jesus with someone else - whether that person is a family member, friend or complete stranger?

Yours,

Michael C. Andres

Director of Discipleship