What is SOAP?

SOAP is an acronym for: Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. As you prepare for participating in City Group this week, we invite you to write down your thoughts in a journal. Journaling is a great way to record and process your thoughts & what God is sharing with you.

Week of November 30th
Hope When It Feels Hopeless

OVERVIEW

Advent 2026 has started!! We are so excited for the Christmas season as we wait with great anticipation for the coming and return of our Saviour. Ever notice how Christmas amplifies everything? The good becomes great while the hard things feel harder. But Christmas doesn’t have to be either great or hard. There’s a hope that overcomes anything. On a silent night, a light broke through the darkness. The world watched in awe as love stepped in. Jesus changed everything—including the life that’s possible for us. We can experience the wonder of our Savior. Together lets reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love found in Him with our series, Focus.

KEY POINTS

This past Sunday we were reminded that our hope is not in a "what" but in a "who." Hope has a name and His name is Jesus. Hope deferred makes the heart sick but a fulfilled longing is like a tree of life.

3 Truths About God’s Hope That Never Fails

  • Hope has a name, Jesus!
    • Jesus is “our hope.” 1 Timothy 1:1
    • Jesus is our “blessed hope.” Titus 2:13
    • Jesus is our “living hope.” 1 Peter 1:3
  •  Hope has perfect timing. (Over 300 fulfilled prophecies in the OT about the coming of Jesus.)
    • Born of a woman: Genesis 3:15 (Fulfilled: Galatians 4:4)
    • Born of a virgin: Isaiah 7:14 (Fulfilled: Matthew 1:22-23)
    • Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 (Fulfilled: Matthew 2:1)
  • Hope is coming again.
    • That’s why you can always have hope. Hope has a name, hope has perfect timing, and hope is coming back for His church! 

SCRIPTURE

As we read aloud through these verses, let's pause, reflect, and listen for what Holy Spirit might be saying to you through the Word of God.

Key scriptures from Sunday.

  • Proverbs 13:12 NIV Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Additional scriptures:

  • Matthew 1:21 NIV
  • Philippians 2:9-11 NLT
  • Galatians 4:4 NLT
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 NIV

OBSERVATION

If you’re still waiting on God … and things are not working out the way you thought. Remember this. When it's not God’s time, you can’t force it and when it is God’s timing, You can’t stop it. Our hope can no longer be based on the outcome I want but instead our hope can wholehartedly be in God who we know is good and trustworthy.

Q. 1. What is your experience with Advent? What are you hoping for as you celebrate this tradition this year?

Q.2. What are some practical ways you can experience hope this season? What longings do you desire to see fulfilled?

Q.3. Look at the three truths about God’s hope. Which one feels the easiest to believe, and which one is the hardest to believe? Why do you think that is?

Personal Reflection Question:

  • Read Proverbs 13:12. Is there an area of your life where it feels difficult to have hope? How does knowing Jesus influence your trust in God?

APPLICATION

This week:

  • Find one way to experience hope every day this week. Share about your experience with your City Group in a group message throughout the week.
  • Start the Bible Plan Advent: A 25-Day Countdown to Christmas using Plans With Friends: Advent Plan
  • Consider how you could love others by serving on a team this Sunday at BeLoved

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for being our source of hope. As we prepare for the birth of Jesus through Advent, please draw us closer to You. Help us to experience You in new ways as we reflect on hope, peace, joy, and love. In Jesus’ name, amen.

WATCH THE MESSAGE LISTEN TO THE MESSAGE
Next Steps

Our heart for you in taking a "Next Step" is to help you grow in becoming more and more like Jesus.

  • Invite. Everyone is only one invitation away from coming to church with you. We are here to reach 1% of our city. Take a step, be bold, bring someone to church with you Sunday.
  • Invest. Investing financially at BeLoved helps us to stay on mission. You can find the best way to give at belovedchurch.ca/give Take a step, start your faithful practice of tithes and offering.
  • Discover. Embark on the journey at belovedchurch.ca/grow Take a step and invest into your discipleship journey at BeLoved.
  • Serve. Jesus came to serve rather than to be served. Love on others like Jesus by jumping on a team and serving on the weekend at BeLoved. Help move God's great Church forward.
  • Get baptized. Congratulations! Take a step to "Go ALL IN for Jesus." Register online at belovedchurch.ca/baptism