01-02-2022

01-02-2022 - Online Service
Speaker:  Rev. Jose Marrero, Campus Pastor WPB
Sermon: Showing Up
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español

1. Do you have some goals (in any area) that you hope to start working on as you begin this new year?  If so, share about those. 

2. Are there any ways that you’ve been “getting comfy” with your faith?  If so, share what you sense God is telling you about that and how you could get back to a deeper and more committed faith. 

3. Read Luke 2:22-40: 

     When the time came for the purification rites required by the Law of Moses, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), 24 and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”

     25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. 27 Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, 28 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

     29 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. 30 For my eyes have seen your salvation, 31 which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: 32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

     33 The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, 35 so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

     36 There was also a prophet, Anna, the daughter of Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, 37 and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.  She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. 38 Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

     39 When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. 40 And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

What do you notice in this passage, and what questions do you have?

What does it mean to be part of a church home?

• We get to participate in God's Mission (Luke 2:25-26)

4. Note that Mary and Joseph were simply following the regular practices of their faith, and in the midst of that ordinary obedience they had this amazing experience. Share about a time when you were simply being faithful in your regular faith practices, and you ended up experiencing something powerful.

5. Based on this passage, what do you think Simeon’s regular faith life was like prior to this experience?

6. How are you currently participating in God’s mission for the world?  Are there some new ways you would like to start participating in His purposes in this new year? 

• We get to Connect with God's Family (Luke 2:36-38)

7.  Anna, an elderly widow, apparently lived at the temple and was cared for by the people there. What are some ways you have seen our church or other churches care for each other well?

8.  What do you enjoy about being part of a church family?  How have you personally benefitted from it?

• We get to be Shaped by God's People (Luke 2:39-40 and 42)

9. Joseph and Mary’s faithful ongoing practice of their faith (like taking their family to temple) were part of what helped Jesus grow and mature in his faith and develop spiritual wisdom. If you’re a parent or a grandparent, how are your faith practices impacting your kids and grandkids? 

10. What habits could you start practicing in this coming year that would help grow your faith? 

Ready for your next step? – If you would like to take a next step in your faith journey, such as trusting your life to Christ or getting baptized, text the word “Next” to 561-264-6079 and follow the steps there, and we’ll contact you to help you do that.

News and Announcements:

• New Here?  Let us know who you are by texting “connect” to 561-264-6079.
  

• Dads Group: Sundays 4:30-6:00pm | Loxahatchee Campus - Come join our new weekly group for dads, step-dads, foster dads & granddads to grow in our faith and as dads. Childcare can be provided for our regular meetings, and once a month we’ll do a fun activity with kids instead of the regular meeting. This group will be led by Omar Vega. To learn more, attend our Dads Group Kick-off BBQ Event on January 9th at 4:30. This event will include activities like axe throwing and corn hole, as well as a delicious BBQ dinner at no cost to you! Be sure to register for the Kick-off BBQ Event so we know how many to expect. Regular Dads Group meetings will start January 16th. Register at communityofhope.church/groups

• Groups Launch Season: We have lots of other small group available for you to join. Groups are a big part of what we offer here at Community of Hope, so if you’re not yet in a group, this is a great time to find one. Community Groups are a great place to build friendships and grow spiritually. Find a full list at communityofhope.church/groups. There you can see videos of each leader telling what their group is about, to give you a feel for each group, so you can choose the best fit for you.

• Support Groups: We also offer Support Groups for those going through a tough season, like grief, divorce or mental illness. These are open to anyone whether they attend our church or not, so we encourage you to invite someone you know who doesn’t have a church home. Sign up at communityofhope.church/care

• Connections Class - Sundays from 10:15 - 11:30 a.m. on January 9, 16, 23 & 30: Connections is a 4-week class on how to live the Christian life, and it’s also the best way to get more connected at Community of Hope. You’ll learn about our church’s mission, values, and statement of faith. At the end of the four weeks, you’ll have the opportunity to become a Community of Hope partner, if you wish, which opens more opportunities for leadership and service. The class will be offered in-person and also over Zoom, for those who can’t attend in-person.  Register at communityofhope.church/connections

• How Life Works – Join us next week as we start our new sermon series on Jesus’s Sermon on the Mount. Ever since Jesus first gave this counter-intuitive teaching on how life works best, it has impressed and impacted people all over the world, and it’s what made the church attractive to outsiders.    

• Thank you for your regular financial support, which makes it possible for us to minister to you and to our community!  If you haven’t already, consider setting up automated giving to help you be consistent even when you’re traveling. To give to Community of Hope go to communityofhope.church/give.