01-03-2021

01-03-2021
Rev. Trevor Johnston (West and online) and Pastor Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Get Your Life Back
Week 1:  Get Yoked (A Life-Giving Invitation)
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español.

1.  Many of us feel like something was stolen from us in 2020.  If there was an area where you felt that way during this past year, share briefly about that.

2.  This sermon series is based on a book by John Eldredge called Get Your Life Back that addresses how the way we do life in today’s world can often suck the life out of our souls.  Bilbo Baggins in J.R.R. Tolkien’s book The Lord of the Rings said, “I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.”  In what ways, if any, can you identify with this? 

3.  Read Jesus’ words in our memory verse for this series, Matthew 11:28-30:  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

What do you notice in this passage?  What questions come to your mind? 

Jesus offers a lifestyle…

4.  A yoke is a lifestyle.  What is Jesus communicating here about the lifestyle He offers his followers? 

5.  Author Dallas Willard said:  “In this truth lies the secret of the easy yoke: the secret involves living as [Jesus] lived the entirety of his life – adopting his overall life-style….  Our mistake is to think that following Jesus consists in loving our enemies, going the “second mile,” turning the other cheek, suffering patiently and hopefully – while living the rest of our lives just as everyone else around us does...  It’s a strategy bound to fail.” 

What is Dallas Willard getting at here?  How do you feel about what he says? 

Jesus offers a lifestyle that leads to rest...

6.  Look again at Jesus’ words in verse 29.  When you see the word “rest” what comes to your mind?  What is restful for you personally?

Jesus offers a lifestyle that leads to rest because He is the God of restoration.

7.  John Eldredge differentiates between “relief” and “restoration.”  Sometimes when we’re stressed or tired, we crash and try to get “relief” rather than getting Jesus’ restorative rest for our souls.  Eldredge writes:  “Relief is momentary.  It’s checking out, numbing, sedating yourself.  Television is relief.  Eating a bag of cookies is relief.  Tequila is relief.  And let’s be honest – relief is what we reach for because it’s immediate and usually within our grasp.  Most of us turn there when what we really need is restoration.” 

Are there things you’ve sometimes tended to do for momentary relief when you’re feeling the stress of life?  If so, share about that. 

8.  Read the following passages:

·      Exodus 33:14:  “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

·      Jeremiah 6:16a:  “This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”

·      Psalm 23:1-3a:  “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he refreshes my soul.”

What do these passages tell you about what God is like? 

9.  If you previously had a picture of God that was different from the one in the Bible passages above, what was your picture of God like?

10.  The Message expresses Matthew 11:28-30 this way:  “Are you tired?  Worn out?  Burned out on religion?  Come to me.  Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.  I’ll show you how to take a real rest.  Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it.  Learn the unforced rhythms of grace.  I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.  Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

What does this add to your understanding of this passage?

11.  Get some time alone and answer this Soul Questionnaire for yourself: 

·      When was the last time you felt carefree?

·      Are you happy most of the time?

·      Do you feel deeply loved?

·      Are you excited about your future?

·      How often do you feel lighthearted?

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 “hello” to 561-264-6079.

·      COH App:  Be sure to download our app so you can stay connected with our church and get sermon notes, announcements and more!

·      Groups Launch Season:  If you’re not in a Community of Hope small group, but would like to find one, January is a perfect time to do that!  Lots of new groups are starting in the next few weeks.  Some will meet online, some outdoors, and some in person following CDC guidelines.  Go to communityofhope.church/groups to see a complete list of available groups and sign up for the one that fits you.  

·      Connections:  Our next Connections class series will be on Sundays, from 10:30-11:45 a.m. beginning January 17th.  This 4-week class is the best way to get more connected at COH and grow in your understanding of how to live the Christian life.  If you wish, at the end of the four weeks, you can become a Community of Hope partner, which opens more opportunities for leadership and service.  The class will take place in room 104 on our West campus with participants wearing face masks.  Or if you prefer, you can attend over Zoom.  Register at https://communityofhope.church/connections

·      Care Portal connects local churches and the Department of Children and Families.  Through this system, we can be a part of meeting the tangible needs of vulnerable families in our community, keeping kids out of foster care when possible.  Become a responder and you will be notified when there is a need for items like cribs, beds, car seats or more.  Get more information at https://communityofhope.church/foster.

·      Night to Shine – Shine Through:  Sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, this is an incredible event for our special needs friends ages 14 and older.  Each year, this has been an unforgettable prom experience, centered on God's love.  Due to COVID-19, Night to Shine will be a virtual experience this year.  On February 12, 2021, COH will host a choice of a Shine-Thru Experience or a Shine at Home Experience.  For more information or to register to attend go to https://communityofhope.church/specialfriends.  To volunteer, go here. 

·      Thank you for your financial support, which makes it possible for us to minister to our community!  To give to Community of Hope, go to https://communityofhope.church/give.