06-19-2022
06-19-2022
Dr. E. Dale Locke (LOX & Online), Rev. Jose Marrero (WPB), Mitch Nazario (Español), Pastor Brandon Weaver (LW),
Sermon Series: Re-assembly Required
Week 3: The Plan
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español
1. Read the theme verse for this series. Matthew 16:18b: “…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
In this series, we’re talking about what Church was meant to be, because – as Pastor Dale said - vision leaks. What did Pastor Dale mean by the phrase “vision leaks” with regard to what Church was meant to be?
2. In week 1, Pastor Dale spoke about the mystery that, despite persecution and the rag-tag nature of Jesus’s followers who were commissioned to start the church, the church has not only survived but has even thrived. 2,000 years later, Christianity has become the largest faith in the world. Andy Stanley said: “Something happened in the first century that resulted in Christianity spreading like an airborne disease.”
Read Acts 2:47b “And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” What was it about the early church that caused new people to join the church daily?
3. In week 2, we looked at a problem in our current day that so many Christians in the West live a half-hearted version of the Christian faith, rather than living as fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ. Pastor Dale mentioned several reasons why some people in the West are deconstructing their faith. Look at these one by one, and discuss what you might say to someone struggling with each one:
Suffering in the world
Contradictions in the Bible
Hypocrisy in the church
4. Read Ephesians 4:11-16:
So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
What do you notice here about how the church was intended to work?
5. Pastor Dale said that the big difference between churches that reach their full potential and churches that are weak and stagnant is that growing churches know that everyone has a role to play.
On July 8, 2017 in Panama City Beach, a random group of people formed a human chain to save someone from a rip current. With that in mind, what’s the significance of the word “everyone” in the sentence: “Everyone has a role to play”?
6. Read Ephesians 2:10a – “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works….” The word “handiwork” here means “masterpiece” - we are God’s masterpiece. Some people feel unqualified or disqualified to serve in God’s mission. Why can we be confident that every single Christ-follower can serve in God’s mission, regardless of their past?
7. In Leroy Anderson’s song Sleighride, there are just a few moments where an orchestra player makes the sound of a cracking whip, so this may seem like an unimportant role. But for many people, this is actually what makes the song especially great. What are some roles in the church that might not get a lot of recognition, but are very important?
8. The “80% Rule” is: In most organizations 20% of the people do 80% of the work of the mission. But the church won’t work that way. According to God’s plan for the church, every single person needs to be willing not just to sit in the bleachers, but to get on the field. Look at Ephesians 4:11-16 again and discuss what Paul says will happen if everyone plays their God-given role in a church community.
9. When a Christ-follower plugs in to serve at their local church, they begin to grow spiritually. Share how you have grown through serving at Community of Hope.
10. If you’re not sure what your spiritual gifts are or what specific role God might want you to serve in our church, our SHAPE Profile is a tool designed to help you discern that. You can take this online assessment at: https://cohgroups.church/shape/.
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.
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Fam Jams – June 21 & July 19 | 5:30pm - 8:00pm at all our campuses - Fam Jams are fun, high-energy evenings for our families with pre-school and elementary-age children! Come and spend time as a family and enjoy dinner, activities and bible teachings! We will have lots of outdoor games and activities set up for the kids to run around, too. Dinner will be served for $3 and if you invite a friend, their meal will be FREE!
Kids of Hope Around Town – Watch for the fun events we’re planning around Palm Beach County for kids and families all summer long. More information at https://communityofhope.church/kohsummer
Kids of Hope Volunteer Luncheon – WPB – Sunday, June 26 at 11:15am - 12:30pm – For those who currently serve in KOH WPB and for those who are interested in learning more about it.
Summer Suppers are an opportunity to get to know some new people over a meal! Sign up, and we’ll connect you to a group of 8 people who will simply share a meal and enjoy some conversation! Get more information specific to your campus at https://communityofhope.church/groups/
Thank you for your regular financial support, which makes it possible for us to minister to you and to our community! To give to Community of Hope go to https://communityofhope.church/give.