06-14-2020
06-14-2020
Dr. E. Dale Locke and Pastor Efrain Silva
“Be the Bridge, Part 2”
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español.
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. Why is it important for our church to talk about racial relations?
2. As followers of Jesus, we believe black lives matter and systemic racism needs to be dealt with; and we also believe that the lives of law enforcement officers matter and we should seek to understand what they’re dealing with. How can you avoid polarization on this – taking just one side or the other, as many in our culture are doing?
3. Read Ephesians 4:1-6: “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; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
What insights about this week’s topic come to your mind when you read this passage?
4. Read James 1:19-21: “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. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
What strikes you from this passage, written by Jesus’ half-brother?
5. In the last week of John Wesley’s life, he wrote the following in a letter to William Wilberforce, who worked for decades to get England to pass a law against slavery: “O be not weary of well-doing! Go on, in the name of God and in the power of His might, till even American slavery (the vilest that ever saw the sun) shall vanish away before it. Reading this morning a tract wrote by a poor African, I was particularly struck by the circumstance, that a man who has a black skin being wronged or outraged by a white man, can have no redress; it being a LAW in all of our Colonies that the OATH of a black man against a white goes for nothing. What villainy is this! That He who has guided you from youth up may continue to strengthen you in this and all things is the prayer of, dear sir, Your affectionate servant, John Wesley.”
This was written in 1791. Wesley recognized the vileness of racial inequality at a time when most people didn’t. Why has it taken many white Christians so long to see this?
6. Read Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
What is Paul trying to communicate here?
7. Why is the truth of Ephesians 6:12 so important to keep in mind when we’re dealing with racial tensions and other human conflicts?
8. What insights did you gain from the panel discussion with Chad and Jeff?
9. Name some sacrifices that law enforcement officers and their families make for others.
10. Share a positive story about a time when a police officer helped you in some way.
11. How has your thinking has been changing in recent weeks?
12. What can you do to better understand the feelings and experiences of people on all sides of these issues? Why is it important for Christians to do this?
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
· We’re excited to announce that St. Luke’s UMC in Lake Worth Beach will soon become a campus of Community of Hope! We believe this will open more doors for us to interest disinterested people in Jesus Christ in Palm Beach County. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be answering your questions. Please pray with us about this about this opportunity. More information at communityofhope.church/lakeworth
· If you’re not yet a COH partner, or if you just want to learn more about how to live the Christian life, sign up for our 4-week Connections Class. Our next Connections series will be Wednesdays, 7:00-8:30 p.m. starting July 22. It will be online, so you can participate from the comfort of your own home! Register at communityofhope.church/connections
· Join us for Hope University, 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 Tuesday we’ll learn from Dr. Kathy Maxwell, a professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, about the Biblical Basis for Women in Ministry. At COH, we believe all Christians should be free to use their spiritual gifts, regardless of gender. Be sure to invite young women to attend this session, so they can be encouraged to serve wherever God leads them! 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 communityofhope.church/coronavirus if you need help – like food or a face mask – or if you are available to offer help to others, like serving at our food distribution or delivering food 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 communityofhope.church/give.