04-24-2022
04-24-2022
Rev. Trevor Johnston, (LOX & Online), Rev. Jose Marrero (WPB), Pastor Brandon Weaver (Lake Worth), Rev. Efrain Silva (COH Español)
Sermon Series: Asking For A Friend
Week 1: How can I know God’s plan for me?
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español
1. Icebreaker: People have different personalities. Some are planners, while others prefer to let their daily life be spontaneous. Describe which kind of person you are when it comes to planning.
2. Some people think faith means you just have to believe, no questions asked. But God isn’t put off by your questions. Asking honest questions, can actually help your faith grow deeper. In this series, we will explore some common questions you may be wondering about, but were afraid to ask. Read the theme verse for this series – Matthew 22:37 - Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
What do you think it means to love God with your mind? How does a person do that?
3. Today’s question is - How can I know God’s plan for me? If you’re ever asked this question, share about that with your group.
4. Read Proverbs 3:5-6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
What do you notice in this passage?
5. The idea of God having a plan is not just a Christian thing. It’s all over our culture too. What do people in our culture today generally mean when they talk about God’s plan?
God is a planner
6. God has well-designed plans of what he is going to do in certain areas. From what you’ve read in Scripture, what are some areas that God has definite plans for?
God makes good plans
7. Read Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
What does this verse communicate to you about God’s plans?
God is flexible with His plans
8. Scripture indicates that God’s plans are often flexible. Why is it good news to know that God is flexible with regard to his plans, rather than just having one fixed plan for each person’s life?
9. The Old Testament prophet Jeremiah compares God to a potter at his potter’s wheel. Read Jeremiah 18:6 - “Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel.”
What is the point of Jeremiah’s illustration that God is like a potter and we are like clay in his hands?
10. If you feel like you’ve messed up your life (or like someone else has messed up your life), what are some reasons you can be confident that God isn’t done with you yet?
11. Read Proverbs 3:5-6 again – Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. What is our part in receiving God’s guidance for our lives?
The Bible indicates life is a path. Here are 3 practices to help you find the path for your life:
Get a verse, not just a voice. – Make a habit of regularly reading the Bible so you can get familiar with what God has already said concerning the way to live.
12. A recent study showed that 26 million Americans stopped reading their Bible regularly during COVID. Why do you think that is?
Pray for wisdom. – Read James 1:5 - If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
13. If you’ve ever experienced what James 1:5 is describing, share about that with your group.
Follow the Peace
14. Pastor Trevor clarified that he wasn’t saying just to “follow your heart” but rather to “follow the peace.” What’s the difference between following the peace and following your heart?
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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Outdoor Service: Next week is the first Sunday of the month, so join us for our monthly outdoor evening service at 5pm at our Loxahatchee Campus. Communion will be served. Kids are welcome. Service is held weather permitting. Bring your own chair or blanket.
Connections Class – This 4-week class is the best way to get more connected here and grow in your understanding of how to live the Christian life. You’ll learn about our church’s mission, values, and statement of faith, and what partnership involves. Our next Connections series will be on Sundays May 15 & 22, June 5 & 12 from 10:15 to 11:30am at our Loxahatchee Campus and simultaneously over Zoom. If interested, register at https://communityofhope.church/connections
Beach Baptism Sunday, 4:30pm June 5 at Carlin Park in Jupiter – We’ve rented a large pavilion so we can gather as a church family to celebrate baptisms and enjoy a fun picnic together at the beach! Wear a COH t-shirt and bring your own chairs and picnic supper. If you haven’t yet taken the step of baptism consider being baptized. Sign up for baptism at https://communityofhope.church/baptism
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