Hope Sabbath School: Recent Episodes
Pastor Derek Morris
This week's lesson will explore the age-old question, "If God is so good, why is there evil?" We will look to the book of Job for insight. Why did God give us free will? What is His plan to end evil?
God is just. What is the relationship between God's love and his passion for justice? This lesson will explore the perfect balance of love, justice and mercy in God's unchanging character.
In this week's lesson we will examine how God's wrath is different than human anger. Jesus experienced righteous indignation. So, when is wrath an appropriate response?
Old Testament prophets revealed God's passion and even jealousy for us. How did God demonstrate this love through the ministry of Jesus?
God rejoices over us! Accepting a loving relationship with Him brings Him joy. But, rejections brings an equal measure of sadness. In this lesson we will study examples of the relationships that bring God joy.
Love is meant to be reciprocated! This lesson continues to look at God's everlasting love, and what our response should be. How does our positive response benefit our lives? What is the impact if we reject His love?
We begin the new quarter by examining God's legacy of love through the Old Testament. We will look at how He loves us with an everlasting love whether we appreciate it or not. Will you choose to accept or reject this gift?
What lessons can we learn from the restoration of Peter as one of the Twelve? As John brings his epistle to a close, what is his prayer for all who read his Gospel account?
The Gospels are known for their retelling of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. In John's gospel, 10 of the 20 chapters are on His death and resurrection. What should we learn from this emphasis?
What special work of each member of the Godhead is highlighted in the Gospel of John? We will answer this question and explore how we are to relate to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
What did Jesus mean by this bold claim? What example did Jesus set to show us the "way"? Why is it essential to go beyond knowing truth and know the Truth? This week's lesson will explore how Jesus is a full revelation of God the Father.
"I am ...the life." What happens to us when we accept Jesus as our personal Savior and receive the gift of His "zo" life? This lesson looks at the source, and the gift of life that we are offered. How do we accept this gift? How do we lead others to acceptance?
This week's lesson will focus on the Old Testament prophecies pointing to the Messiah, and how Jesus fulfilled them. Why do many refuse to accept these signs? How can we help them?
This lesson will explore the witness of other believers including Abraham, Mary, the reluctant Pontius Pilate, and the hesitant Thomas. What can we learn from the struggles of each of these believers?
There would be many witnesses to the miracles and words of Jesus through his ministry. This lesson will focus on reactions from John the Baptist, the crowd of 5,000, and Jesus himself. What did the Father have to say? Why is divine revelation important to understand the truth about God and His plan for our lives?
Who were the Samaritans, and what was their relationship to the Jews? In this lesson we will learn through Jesus' interaction with a Samaritan woman, and her testimony to her people. What did Jesus mean by "living water"?
John the Baptist, the disciples, and Nicodemus all bore witness that Jesus was the Messiah. What lessons can we learn from these various relationships? How was faith developed?
The Gospel of John has a unique prologue. John was inspired to write these words, so what is being said when Jesus is referred to as the Word? Why the call-back to creation? How have we "seen His glory?"
How are the miracles performed by Jesus signs of divinity? In this week's lesson we will look at 3 miracles, feeding the 5,000, healing the blind man, and raising Lazarus, and Jesus' related I AM statements to learn what each miraculous event was intended to communicate.
In this first lesson, we will look at the early "signs" Jesus performed in his ministry. We will explore why Jesus performed signs.
Who was the first to evangelize the Gospel of a risen Savior? Why were the disciples so slow to believe in His resurrection? Why is the resurrection of Jesus from the dead such an important truth for Christians? This lesson will answer these questions and discuss our role in the Great Commission.
This lesson looks at the trial before Pilate, and the abuse that Jesus endured prior to the cross, and on the cross. What events took place after the death of Jesus? Why did it take courage for Joseph of Arimathea to ask Pilate for the body of Jesus? How do we prepare to have such courage?
In this lesson we will discuss the Last Supper, the events of Gethsemane, the "trial" before the Sanhedrin, and Peter's denial of Christ. What can we learn from Jesus' conduct during these interactions? How can we avoid dangerous self-confidence?
"What lessons can be learned about personal sacrifice from the widow's offering? This lesson will also explore the dual prophetic message of Jesus in Mark 13. What counsel did Jesus provide that will help us toprepare for His return?"
This lesson will discuss the Triumphal Entry, and the rising hatred of the religious leaders against Jesus. How did the leaders react to the cleansing of the temple, and to their failed attempts to trap Jesus with baited questions?
Mark records Jesus' teachings on marriage, children, and wealth. What principles are still applicable to our families? What can we learn from the Rich Young Ruler? What lessons are there for us in the disciples' reactions to Jesus' telling of his suffering and death?
Jesus sought to help the religious leaders see how they put tradition over God's commands, and correct their backwards understanding of defilement. How did meeting the physical needs of the people have an impact on meeting their spiritual needs?
Mark continues his action packed account of Jesus' ministry in chapters 5-6. What lessons can we learn from his work? From his rejection in Nazareth? From sending the 12 on their first mission? What can we learn from the feeding of the 5,000?
Why did Jesus teach using parables? What truth was Jesus sharing through the parables recorded in Mark 4? This lesson endeavors to draw out the principles from the parables of The Sower, The Lamp, The Measuring Basket, and The Seeds.
The ministry of Jesus was controversial for the religious leaders of the time. How was healing controversial? Fasting? How did Jesus view Sabbath observance differently? Why would the religious leaders try to restrict the ministry of Jesus?
Mark jumps right into the active ministry of Jesus. We will explore the lessons Mark has packed into this first chapter.
We begin this quarter's lessons by looking at who John Mark was and the circumstances of his relationship with other disciples. The book of Acts gives us some context.
How do we prepare ourselves for the time of trouble? What will take place during the 1000 years after Jesus' return? How is the unfailing love of God for everyone revealed at the conclusion of the great controversy?
This lesson will revisit truth vs error as it relates to the Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast. We will also study the empowerment of the Holy Spirit through the Latter Rain.
What is the key issue in the final conflict? How will this conflict lead to Christ's followers being persecuted in the last days? This study will answer these questions and identify the Beast from the Sea and from the Earth in Revelation 13.
How has the false teaching on the immortality of the soul infiltrated the church, and why is the idea so dangerous? What does the Bible teach about life and death? We will study the rise of spiritualism in the last days, and how to protect ourselves from this deception.
What is the foundation of God's government? This lesson will discuss God's justice and mercy and the role of the 10 Commandments. Why is keeping the commandments of God an identifying characteristic of the “saints”?
This lesson will look at the message of hope found in the sanctuary service. What does it reveal about the ministry of Jesus as our Great High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary? Can we share hope through the Day of Atonement and judgment?
Why is the Second Coming of Jesus so important for every Christian? What did Jesus say about his return? What lessons can be learned from William Miller and the Great Disappointment?
This lesson will identify the characteristics of the Two Witnesses of Revelation, and related prophetic time periods. How are the Two Witnesses "killed" and "resurrected"? What special mission is given to the Two Witnesses today?
What bold declaration did the prophet Isaiah give regarding the Word of God? Why was the apostle Paul so passionate about sharing the Word with others? What is the relationship of the Holy Spirit to scripture? This lesson will answer these questions and look at the central truth of God's Word.
This lesson will look at the persecution and apostasy prophesied in the Little Horn power of Daniel. Using the apostles as and example, how can we stand firm for the truth as followers of Jesus?
How does the Word of God set us free from Satan’s deceptions? In this lesson we will dig into how to discern God's truth from Satan's lies. This study will discuss practical steps in separating the "sheep" from the "wolves". When facing the darkness of persecution and false doctrines, what light will guide us?
This lesson will explore the love of God revealed in scripture through Jesus. What can we learn about God's love from the hardships of the apostles? This lesson will also look at practical ways we can reflect God's love to those around us.
A cosmic conflict has taken place between God and Satan. How did war break out in heaven, a perfect place? What was Lucifer's strategy? When did Earth become a focal point in the conflict? This lesson will look into these questions and help you find hope on the battlefield.
Waiting is hard. Waiting on the wonderful promises of heaven that are described in the Bible make it harder! What do the Psalms say about what we should be doing while we wait? Can there be peace in the anticipation?
What do the Psalms say about how we worship God here on Earth? What do they say about what worship will be like in heaven?
The psalmists wrote many beautiful prose of longing for God, as well as of their intimate worship experiences. How can these examples help us as we wait for heavenly Zion?
The Psalms often refer to historical examples of how God has saved His people in the past. What lessons can we learn from salvation history?
This lesson will look at some of the key biblical themes found in the imagery of The Good Shepherd, The Suffering Messiah, The Eternal King, and Eternal Priest.
The Psalms are a source of wise counsel. In this lesson we will look at some examples of this wisdom and the blessings found in applying this wisdom to our lives.
God's mercy is boundless! We will look at what the Psalms have to say about resting and rejoicing in His mercy.
Does God hear the cry of the oppressed? What should we do when it seems that He is slow to act on our behalf? In this lesson we will look at God's promises to arise.
When were the Psalms written? Does this context give us inssights? Why was Israel in a foreign land? How can we sing the Lord's Song?
This lesson continues our look at God's character. The Psalms tell us that God is near to us, cares, is our refuge, deliverer, and help in times of need.
The Bible reveals the character of our awesome God! In this lesson we will look at the psalmists' description of God as Creator, Sovereign, Judge, and worthy of our trust.
This lesson will look at the examples of prayer in the Psalms, and how we can use them as a model for our own prayers.
Is there a method to reading the Psalms that will help us get the most out of this beautifully written scripture? In this lesson we will look at who the psalmist were, how Israel used the songs in worship, and the unique features of the Psalms.
In this last lesson, we will look at God’s mission in the end times. How will God's mission finally be accomplished?
What lessons can we learn from Esther and Mordecai? How does their example inform us on how we should conduct ourselves as witnesses?
Are there people who remain unreached because of the prejudice of believers? In part two of this lesson, we see how Jesus opens the eyes of His followers to see groups that are neglected.
There are still groups of people who have yet to hear the Gospel. In part one of this two-part lesson, we will explore how to reach out to those in need of the Good News.
How do we reach those that seem to have no needs for Christ? There are several examples in the Bible to consider.
How do we connect with the people in our sphere of influence? How did Jesus handle resistance?
Do you ever hesitate to share the Gospel? In this lesson we will look to scripture to help motivate us and prepare us for the Mission.
In this lesson we will look at some of the common excuses we use to avoid our part in the Mission, and how God will help us move past them.
Are there other ways to participate in the Mission outside of giving a testimony? Were all of Jesus' efforts a success?
God has called us to help others learn the Good News as part of the mission. But what does that mean in practical terms for our daily lives?
In this second part of a two-part lesson, we explore the details God has shared with us about how He has accomplished His mission, and continues to work His plan of salvation..
When sin ruined God's original plan for humanity, He set out on a mission to save us. In the first of a two-part lesson, we look at how God planned to accomplish His mission of redemption.
How do we move past knowing about grace to experiencing it personally? How can a new life in Christ unite us as a church?
Imagine if every believer put on the full armor of God! What would that look like individually and as a church?
We are in the middle of a battle between good and evil. Paul reminds us to seek strength and protection in the Lord.
In this lesson Paul extends counsel to children, parents, workers and employers. How can we apply this counsel today?
What does it mean to submit to one another? What counsel does Paul have for husbands and wives? How does the marriage relationship reflect the relationship Christ has with His church?
What does it mean to be imitators of God? Why is it important to remember that we are “dear children” as we continue to grow in grace?
How does Paul describe the human experience before we become a "new creation"? What miracle occurs when we accept grace? What practical counsel does Paul give us to grow in grace?
In this week's lesson we will discuss the gifts from Jesus Christ to His church, as well as the unifying work of the Holy Spirit.
What did Paul mean when he said he was “a prisoner of Christ Jesus”? What was the “mystery” that was revealed to Paul to share with the Gentiles?
How has Christ's sacrifice changed how we relate to God? How does it change the way we live our lives and relate to others?
We will discuss the sinful condition of humanity, and God's plan to rescue us from being "dead in our tresspasses."
In this lesson we will discuss the power of praying in Jesus' name, as well as the gift of wisdom brought by the Holy Spirit.
How does Paul communicate the good news of Jesus to the Ephesians? How does Paul's message apply to your life?
In this week's lesson we take a big-picture view of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, exploring the historical context, how Paul was received, and the primary focus of the letter.