01-31-2021

01-31-2021
Rev. Trevor Johnston (West and Online), Dr. E. Dale Locke (East), Rev. Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Get Your Life Back
Week 5:  Simple Unplugging
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español.

Icebreaker:  Which type of screen activity do you generally spend the most time on?  (TV, computer games, Facebook, Twitter, Snap Chat, other social media, internet surfing, etc.).  

1.  Our memory verse for this series is, 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 the spiritual discipline we assigned last week – which was to get outside – share with your group what you did and how it impacted you. 

2.  Read Hebrews 12:1-3:  “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

The New Testament book of Hebrews frequently uses running as a metaphor for living a life of faith.  In what ways is running similar to our faith life? 

Tech sometimes helps:

3.  Name some ways that our technological devices make life better. 

Tech sometimes hinders:

4.  The word in Hebrews 12:1 for “hinder” refers to what would weigh a runner down.  Something that hinders isn’t necessarily evil, but it makes running harder.  Name a few ways modern technology can hinder us. 

5.  One issue of our technological devices is that they waste time that could be used for something more beneficial.  What is a goal you’ve had for yourself that you haven’t “had time” to accomplish? 

6.  Another problem with our phones is that they constantly distract us making it difficult to give focused attention to anything.  Pastor and author John Mark Comer wrote:  “Attention is the beginning of devotion.”  John Eldredge, author of the book Get Your Life Back wrote:  “Down through the ages, followers of Christ have believed that to be able to give God our attention as a regular practice was a very important thing…. I don’t think we realize how much our use of technology and its assault on our attention has made this difficult to do.  You can’t give God your attention when your attention is constantly being targeted and taken captive… and you’re cooperating.”

Have you noticed this tendency toward inability focus in your own life?  If so, share about that. 

Tech sometimes hurts:

7.  Some things just hinder, but other things can actually hurt.  Tim Cook, Apple CEO, said:  “A social dilemma cannot be allowed to become a social catastrophe.”  What are some ways that social media can hurt people and our society? 

8.  Technology can provide a wide open door for sins like judgment, slander, lying, affairs, lust, pornography, etc.  This isn’t meant to scold, but it’s important to be aware that these things can steal your life and actually harm you.  Consider your own habits on social media.  If there’s an area that you’ve been tempted in that you’re willing to share about, talk with your group about it.  How can you help each other in this area?

9. Read John 17:1:  “After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you.”

Why do you think Jesus looked up toward heaven when he prayed? 

Some life-giving steps we can take:

·      Reduce

10.  What are some things you could do to simply reduce your use of technology somewhat? 

·      Replace

11. Read Matthew 6:22-23:  “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.  But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

What can a person do to replace some of the darkness that comes into our lives through technology with light? 

·      Remove:

12.  Read Matthew 5:29:  “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”

Jesus says it’s worth it to radically remove anything that leads you to sin.  If you currently have an app or a game that you know is causing you to sin, get rid of it.  Why is it so important to take this seriously? 

13.  Your spiritual practice assignment for this week is to pick a “device-free zone” wherever you choose, whether it’s your dinner table, your bedroom, or somewhere else.  Send a photo of that “device-free zone” to:  info@communityofhope.church.

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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·      All-Church Family Picnic:  Join us on Saturday, February 6th from 4-6pm at Commons Park for an afternoon of fun with other COHers. Bring your own chairs, blankets, picnic, and outdoor games.  Come prepared to enjoy a beautiful afternoon in the park.  Invite friends and family!

·      Parenting Workshop:  February 25, 7:30pm on Zoom.  Parents are responsible to provide our children with healthy, value-centered sex education based on what God values.  Join us as we discuss how to teach healthy sexuality to our children.  The conversation starts in pre-school and continues through young adulthood. This event will provide practical teaching for parents of children and teens of all ages.  It’s never too early or too late to start!  Register here.

·      Men’s BBQ:  Saturday, February 27, 10am – 1pm.  Hey Guys!  Don’t miss this chance to experience a great BBQ lunch, axe throwing, horseshoes, corn hole and classic cars – all at no cost to you.  Invite your friends!!  Register here so we know how many to expect.

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