05-23-2021

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05-23-2021 Dr. E. Dale Locke (West & Online), Rev. Trevor Johnston (East), Pastor Efrain Silva (Español) Sermon Series: Mistaken Identity Week 7: Anti-Ask god English PDF file for printing. Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español 1. Read our memory verse for this sermon series, which reminds us that to get the best picture of what God is like, we look at Jesus - Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.  After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” This week we’re looking at “Anti-Ask god.” 2. Some Christians think God doesn’t want us to ask questions, express doubt, or need evidence. If you’ve ever had any of these ideas about Christianity, tell why you thought that. Problematic Idea:  You’re not supposed to ask questions – to do so shows God disrespect.  Good Christians “just believe”. 3. Richard Dawkins, an atheist who wrote The God Delusion, said: “One of the truly bad effects of religion is that it teaches us that it is a virtue to be satisfied with not understanding.”  Where did he get this idea?  What’s wrong with it?   Disclaimer:  We’re NOT saying it doesn’t take faith! 4. Read Jesus’ words to Thomas in John 20:29 – “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”  Is Jesus indicating here that it’s wrong for people to ask questions or need evidence?  Explain.   5. Read Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” What is this verse saying?   6. Faith won’t be required in heaven, because when we get there, we will have certainty. Until then, we do live by faith. However, there’s a difference between living by faith and checking our minds at the door. Explain that difference.   7. Read Matthew 22:34-40 – “Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ 37 Jesus replied: ‘”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”  38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’” What do you notice about today’s topic in this passage?   8. How does a person love God with their mind? How do you personally seek to love God with your mind?   9. Tim Tennent, President of Asbury Seminary, says some Christians are “fools on fire” and others are “scholars on ice.” But at Asbury, their goal is for their graduates to be “scholars on fire.”  What did he mean by that?   10. At COH, we believe there doesn’t have to be a conflict between faith and science. Why do some people think there is a conflict between faith and science? 11. Nicolas Copernicus (1542) and Galileo Galilei (1632) were among the first scientists to suggest that the earth is a sphere and that it rotates around the sun. Christian leaders accused them of heresy because of their interpretation of Scriptures like:  ·      Psalm 104:5 – “He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.”·      Isaiah 45:6 –  “…the rising of the sun, to the place of its setting…” They felt these Scripture clearly taught the earth was flat and didn’t move. What can we learn from this true story that might help us today? 12. The Bible is true and timeless, but we need to remember that our interpretation of the Bible is not infallible. What do we mean by that statement, and why is this important?   13. What are some things Christians can do to help intellectual people find Christ?  14. While our mind is important, it’s not enough. The Christian faith also requires that we engage our heart and soul. Once a person has gathered evidence and asked their faith questions, what do they need to do to begin a relationship with Christ?   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. ·      Baby Bottle Boomerang:  We are partnering with First Care Women’s Clinic who have been helping women facing crisis pregnancies to choose life for their unborn babies for over 35 years. Last year 203 babies were saved!  First Care has clinic locations throughout Palm Beach County including a virtual Telehealth clinic. After the service on May 9 & 16, you can pick-up a bottle from Janet Ratty in the lobby.  Fill up the bottle with a check, cash, or coins. Please return your bottle on May 23 to support this wonderful ministry! ·      Our next Connections Class starts Monday, June 7 - Mondays 7:00-8:15pm in-person at the West Campus and simultaneously online. 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.  Register at https://communityofhope.church/connections ·      Milestone High School for parents – on Zoom: May 24th | 7pm - 8pmParents of current 8th graders who will be entering high school in the Fall, don’t forfeit your influence now! This one-time session will equip you to have important conversations with your student about technology, health, sexuality, and faith in a fun and significant way. Register at https://communityofhope.church/milestones  ·      Milestone Middle School West: June 2, 9, 16, 23 | 6:30-8:00pm East: June 1, 8, 15, 22 | 6:30-8:00pm A 4-week class for parents and your student who is going into 6th grade in the Fall. The students will learn about what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Christ and a partner at Community of Hope. This stepping stone in your child’s faith journey is our version of the traditional confirmation class and will help your student transition from children’s ministry to student ministry. Parents, you’ll be equipped and given resources to have important conversations with your pre-teen. This class will meet for parents and students during COH Students at each campus.  Register at https://communityofhope.church/milestones ·      Who Needs God? Summer Discussion Series West: Tuesday, June 29- August 3, 7-8:30pm – English only East: Wednesday, June 30-August 4, 7-8:30pm – Spanish and English A 6-week series where you can discuss faith questions, doubts and reasons why some don't believe. With video teaching from Andy Stanley and table discussion designed to provide a safe place to deepen your own faith foundation or to invite a friend who struggles with faith or doesn't attend church. ("Deeper" for 4th-6th graders will be offered simultaneously on the West Campus only.) Register at https://communityofhope.church/whoneedsgod­­­­­­·      Thank you for your financial support, which makes it possible for us to minister to our community!  As summer approaches, consider setting up automated giving to help you be consistent, even when you’re traveling.  To give to Community of Hope, go to https://communityofhope.church/give.

05-23-2021
Dr. E. Dale Locke (West & Online), Rev. Trevor Johnston (East), Pastor Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Mistaken Identity
Week 7: Anti-Ask god
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español

1. Read our memory verse for this sermon series, which reminds us that to get the best picture of what God is like, we look at Jesus - Hebrews 1:3: “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.  After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

 

This week we’re looking at “Anti-Ask god.”

2. Some Christians think God doesn’t want us to ask questions, express doubt, or need evidence. If you’ve ever had any of these ideas about Christianity, tell why you thought that.

 

Problematic Idea:  You’re not supposed to ask questions – to do so shows God disrespect.  Good Christians “just believe”.

 

3. Richard Dawkins, an atheist who wrote The God Delusion, said: “One of the truly bad effects of religion is that it teaches us that it is a virtue to be satisfied with not understanding.”  Where did he get this idea?  What’s wrong with it? 

 

Disclaimer:  We’re NOT saying it doesn’t take faith!

 

4. Read Jesus’ words to Thomas in John 20:29 – “Then Jesus told him, ‘Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”

 

Is Jesus indicating here that it’s wrong for people to ask questions or need evidence?  Explain. 

 

5. Read Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”

 

What is this verse saying? 

 

6. Faith won’t be required in heaven, because when we get there, we will have certainty. Until then, we do live by faith. However, there’s a difference between living by faith and checking our minds at the door. Explain that difference. 

 

7. Read Matthew 22:34-40 – “Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35 One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36 ‘Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?’ 37 Jesus replied: ‘”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”  38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’”

 

What do you notice about today’s topic in this passage? 

 

8. How does a person love God with their mind? How do you personally seek to love God with your mind? 

 

9. Tim Tennent, President of Asbury Seminary, says some Christians are “fools on fire” and others are “scholars on ice.” But at Asbury, their goal is for their graduates to be “scholars on fire.”  What did he mean by that? 

 

10. At COH, we believe there doesn’t have to be a conflict between faith and science. Why do some people think there is a conflict between faith and science?

 

11. Nicolas Copernicus (1542) and Galileo Galilei (1632) were among the first scientists to suggest that the earth is a sphere and that it rotates around the sun. Christian leaders accused them of heresy because of their interpretation of Scriptures like: 

·      Psalm 104:5 – “He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved.”

·      Isaiah 45:6 –  “…the rising of the sun, to the place of its setting…”

They felt these Scripture clearly taught the earth was flat and didn’t move. What can we learn from this true story that might help us today?

 

12. The Bible is true and timeless, but we need to remember that our interpretation of the Bible is not infallible. What do we mean by that statement, and why is this important? 

 

13. What are some things Christians can do to help intellectual people find Christ?

 

14. While our mind is important, it’s not enough. The Christian faith also requires that we engage our heart and soul. Once a person has gathered evidence and asked their faith questions, what do they need to do to begin a relationship with Christ? 

 

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.

 

·      Baby Bottle Boomerang:  We are partnering with First Care Women’s Clinic who have been helping women facing crisis pregnancies to choose life for their unborn babies for over 35 years. Last year 203 babies were saved!  First Care has clinic locations throughout Palm Beach County including a virtual Telehealth clinic. After the service on May 9 & 16, you can pick-up a bottle from Janet Ratty in the lobby.  Fill up the bottle with a check, cash, or coins. Please return your bottle on May 23 to support this wonderful ministry!

 

·      Our next Connections Class starts Monday, June 7 - Mondays 7:00-8:15pm in-person at the West Campus and simultaneously online. 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.  Register at https://communityofhope.church/connections

 

·      Milestone High School for parents – on Zoom: May 24th | 7pm - 8pm

Parents of current 8th graders who will be entering high school in the Fall, don’t forfeit your influence now! This one-time session will equip you to have important conversations with your student about technology, health, sexuality, and faith in a fun and significant way. Register at https://communityofhope.church/milestones

 

·      Milestone Middle School
West: June 2, 9, 16, 23 | 6:30-8:00pm
East: June 1, 8, 15, 22 | 6:30-8:00pm
A 4-week class for parents and your student who is going into 6th grade in the Fall. The students will learn about what it means to be a fully devoted follower of Christ and a partner at Community of Hope. This stepping stone in your child’s faith journey is our version of the traditional confirmation class and will help your student transition from children’s ministry to student ministry. Parents, you’ll be equipped and given resources to have important conversations with your pre-teen. This class will meet for parents and students during COH Students at each campus.  Register at https://communityofhope.church/milestones

 

·      Who Needs God? Summer Discussion Series
West: Tuesday, June 29- August 3, 7-8:30pm – English only
East: Wednesday, June 30-August 4, 7-8:30pm – Spanish and English
A 6-week series where you can discuss faith questions, doubts and reasons why some don't believe. With video teaching from Andy Stanley and table discussion designed to provide a safe place to deepen your own faith foundation or to invite a friend who struggles with faith or doesn't attend church. ("Deeper" for 4th-6th graders will be offered simultaneously on the West Campus only.) Register at https://communityofhope.church/whoneedsgod

­­­­­­

·      Thank you for your financial support, which makes it possible for us to minister to our community!  As summer approaches, consider setting up automated giving to help you be consistent, even when you’re traveling.  To give to Community of Hope, go to https://communityofhope.church/give.

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