06-21-2020
06-21-2020
Rev. Trevor Johnston and Pastor Efrain Silva
“Be the Bridge, Part 3”
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. Happy Father’s Day to all dads! Share a good memory that you have of your Dad.
2. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:18 that God has given Christ-followers “the ministry of reconciliation.” In this sermon series, we’re talking about how we can “Be the Bridge,” and we’re trying to learn biblical principles about how to live this ministry out. What does the word “reconciliation” mean, particularly in light of the current events going on in our world?
3. What are some practical things that you are doing to seek to live into this assignment that God has given you to be a reconciler?
4. Read Ephesians 4:25-32:
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold. 28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
What insights or questions come to your mind as you read this?
5. Anger itself isn’t a sin, but why does anger often lead to sin?
6. If you’ve ever written a social media post or told someone what was on your mind while you were feeling very angry, share how that worked out.
7. Why does Paul say not to “let the sun go down while you are still angry”? What is his point here?
8. What does Paul mean when he says that anger can “give the devil a foothold”?
9. Retired NFL coach Tony Dungy was the first African American coach to lead a team to win the Super Bowl. He is also a Christ follower. He recently said, “Today we have a divided country. We’re divided racially, politically and socio-economically. And Satan is laughing at us, because that is exactly what he wants. Disfunction, mistrust and hatred help his kingdom flourish. We have to come to the forefront and demonstrate the qualities of the one we claim to follow – Jesus Christ. In the words of the Apostle Paul, ‘Do not be overcome by evil. But overcome evil with good.’” Talk about what Tony Dungy was getting at here. What does it mean to “overcome evil with good”?
10. Have you ever been in a situation where whenever you thought about a particular person or heard their name, you found yourself feeling angry? What can you do to get that to stop happening?
11. 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.”
Why does “human anger” seldom produces what God desires?
12. Look again at Ephesians 4:32. What happens if a person chooses to respond with kindness, compassion and forgiveness when someone hurts them? Why is this type of response so powerful?
13. Talk about a time in history or in your own life when you saw the principles of Ephesians 4:32 have a powerful healing effect on a tense situation.
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
· Food Distributions: We’ve fed over 40,000 people over these past few months, but the demand on Thursdays at our West Campus has been decreasing, so next Thursday will be our last of these drive-through food distribution at our West Campus. Our Saturday Food Distributions at our East Campus will continue, so if you haven’t served yet, be sure to sign up to do that!
· Join us for Hope University, Tuesdays at 7pm – Online
All summer long, we’re offering top-notch college-level teaching from some amazing Bible, Theology, and Ministry professors at no cost to you! This Tuesday Dr. Nathan Maxwell, a professor at Palm Beach Atlantic University, will teach us how to understand and grow from the Psalms. Don’t miss it! Register at communityofhope.church/hopeuniversity
· 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
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