01-17-2021
01-17-2021
Dr. E. Dale Locke (West and Online), Jeff MacIntosh (East), Pastor Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Get Your Life Back
Week 3: Living Life From Its Source
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español.
Icebreaker: Would you say that you have a “green thumb” or not? Share about your experience with gardening.
1. Read 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. 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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
If you tried out the one-minute pause during this past week, share how that went for you. Was it helpful? How did it impact your soul?
2. Jesus said in Mark 8:36-37: “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul. Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
What are some things in your own life that might be competing with Jesus for your soul?
3. Read John 15:1-8:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes[a] so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
This passage gives several insights into Jesus’ idea of how to live:
· Your Life is Your Choice.
4. Read John 15:1 again, noting that Jesus didn’t say He is the only vine, but rather, He said He is the true vine. What are some other “vines” that people might try to draw their life from?
5. What’s the problem with thinking any political leader could be our “savior”?
6. Read Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” What is the psalmist trying to communicate here?
· The Entire Christian Life Pre-Supposes an Orientation Around the Life of Jesus.
7. Look again at John 15:4-5. What did Jesus mean by the word “remain,” and what are some implications of what He said about remaining in Him?
8. How do we do this?
· Jesus’ life had a rhyme, a rhythm and a song!
9. Look again at John 15:8.
- The rhyme is that Jesus mirrored God. His life reflected God the Father.
- The rhythm is reflected in what author John Eldredge said: “Our blistering pace of life is harmful to the soul. This is because love and hurry are incompatible. Hurry can cause you to miss what you love and what you have. Jesus was never in a hurry. He never ran anywhere, he always walked. Jesus shows a lifestyle that had a pace without hurry – one that welcomed the holy interruptions into his day as graces from God.”
What do you think of what Eldredge says?
10. Author and speaker Ann Voskamp said: “We should watch out for being in a hurry and trying to get to the next thing without ever entering into the thing in front of us. I cannot think of a single advantage I have ever gained from being in a hurry. But a thousand broken and missed things, tens of thousands, lie in the wake of all the rushing…. Through all that haste I thought I was making up time. It turns out, I was throwing it away.”
What is Ann communicating here? Do you agree or disagree, and why?
11. Throughout this coming week, try adding the following practice to the spiritual discipline we learned last week. As you enter into a one-minute pause, repeat the words, “Jesus, I give everyone and everything to you.” Plan to share with your group next week how this impacted your soul.
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:
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· Groups Launch Season: If you’re not in a Community of Hope small group, but would like to find one, it’s not too late! Lots of new groups are starting - some 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.
· All-Church Family Picnic: Join us on Saturday, February 6th from 4-6pm at Commons Park for an afternoon of fun with other COHers. (Note the date change!!). Bring your own chairs, blankets, picnic, and outdoor games. Come prepared to enjoy a beautiful afternoon in the park. Invite your friends!!!
· Night to Shine: 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 what we’re calling a Shine at Home Experience where our volunteers will deliver gifts and celebrate our special friends at their homes. Go to https://communityofhope.church/specialfriends to be a guest. 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.