06-07-2020
06-07-2020
Dr. E. Dale Locke and Pastor Efrain Silva
“Be the Bridge”
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Each week, our Sermon Discussion Questions are here to help the sermon go deeper into your life. You can think these through on your own, or discuss them with your spouse, family, or small group.
1. Our nation is currently very divided. Being “red” or “blue” seems to take priority over all other loyalties and affects how people see everything. When we give our lives to Christ, we become citizens of another Kingdom, and our loyalties should change. How does it change a Christian’s thinking and behavior when they recognize that they are a citizen of God’s Kingdom first?
2. Describe some ways Christians sometimes get this wrong. And if you’re willing to be vulnerable, share how you’ve gotten it wrong at times.
3. Read Ephesians 4:1-5: “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
What insights or questions come to your mind when you read this passage?
4. When it comes to racial relations, what does it mean for a Christian to “live a life worthy of our calling”?
5. How would it impact the racial relations in our country, if each Christ-follower would be “completely humble, gentle, and patient”? Consider the meaning of each of these words. Why is each one so important?
6. What’s the difference between tolerating another person and “bearing with one another in love”? What does it mean to “bear with another person in love” and why is this often necessary in human relationships?
7. In Paul’s day, churches had to work against divisions between Jews and Gentiles, slaves and masters, and men and women; so Paul asked them to “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” What are some practical things we can do today to keep the unity of the Spirit in our church?
8. Read Galatians 3:26-28: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
When Paul wrote this, these ideas were radically different from the values of his culture. What are some ways that Jesus’ values clash with the values of our culture today?
9. Read James 1:19-20: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.”
How does it impact a hurting person, when someone listens to them and seeks to understand their situation?
10. How does it impact you when you’re hurting, and someone speaks about your situation without listening first?
11. When an injustice makes you feel angry, how can you deal with this anger in a godly way?
12. What insights did you gain from the panel discussion with Kat and Lens?
13. How have these past couple weeks impacted you personally?
14. Article 6 of Community of Hope’s statement of faith is, “God calls all Christians to show compassion to those in need and to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.”
How does this relate to current situations in our world?
15. Read 2 Corinthians 5:18 “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.”
Name some practical steps you could take to live out the ministry of reconciliation that God has given you.
Ready for your next step?
If you would like to take a next step in your faith journey, text the word “Next” to 561-264-6079 and follow the steps there, and we will contact you to help you do that.
News and Announcements:
· If you’re new to Community of Hope, text “Hello” to 561-264-6079 to let us know who you are.
· Be the Bridge is a 9-week study designed to help a diverse group of 3-12 people with a heart for racial reconciliation to learn from each other and grow in their love and understanding for all people. If you would like to attend an online informational meeting to learn more about Be the Bridge, register at communityofhope.church/bethebridge
· Hope University, June 2 - August 4 - Tuesdays at 7pm – Online
This summer we’re offering top-notch college-level teaching from some amazing Bible, Theology, and Ministry professors at no cost to you! This week we’ll learn about spiritual warfare from author and Professor Emeritus of Christian Doctrine at Asbury Theological Seminary, Dr. Steve Seamands. Space for each session is limited, so register soon at communityofhope.church/hopeuniversity
· Download our new Community of Hope App. It’s a great way to stay connected with everything at Community of Hope.
· Go to https://communityofhope.church/coronavirus for updates on how COH is responding to this crisis. This is also the place to let us know if you need help – like food or a face mask – or if you are available to offer help to others.
· 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.