07-18-2021
07-18-2021
Rev. Trevor Johnston
Sermon Series: Speak Lord
Week 3: Hurray a Test
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1.Tell about a test you have had to take - how did you feel about it? Why do you think you felt that way?
2. Read our theme verse for this series - 1 Samuel 3:9: “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.” Have you ever experienced God speaking to you? What were the circumstances? How did you know God was speaking?
3. Pastor Trevor is using his own journaling notes from this week’s Word of God Speak, Part 3 Bible reading plan and the S.O.A.P. method. If you have been journaling this past week, share something about your experience.
4. SCRIPTURE: Read James 1:2–4 – “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Talk about how you feel when facing trials – do you have ‘pure joy’? Why or why not?
5. OBSERVATION: Pastor Trevor shared some information about James, who was Jesus’ half-brother, and not a believer until after his brother Jesus was crucified and resurrected. When James wrote his letter that is now the book of James, there was intense persecution towards Jewish Christians. Why do you think these things are important to know as you read these passages from James?
6. “Perseverance is not giving up even when it’s a hard test. Because if you just give up you’ll fail the test.” – Cade Johnston (age 8)
APPLICATION: Talk about what perseverance means to you, and why it’s important to persevere through trials.
7. Share a current or recent trial you have had in your life. How do you tend to respond to trials?
8. Read James 1:13 – ‘When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;’
God is not the tempter, but he knows that the way of the world is atrophy. Everything gradually declines and wastes away if it is not put under strain. Testings are the trension & strain God uses to grow our faith and help us to grow. Share a time in your life when God has redeemed a test you have had.
9. Read 2 Corinthians 4:17 – “ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
How does this passage encourage you in times of trial and temptation?
10. Talk about ways you can persevere in the midst of a current trial, test or temptation, knowing that God uses them as opportunities to help you grow in your faith.
11. Read Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
12. PRAYER: Ask God how he wants to grow your faith through your current trial. Pray for each other to persevere through trials and for discernment in how God wants each person to grow in faith through trials.
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.
· KOH Fam Jams – Our next KOH Fam Jam is Thursday, July 29th from 5:00-7:30pm at both our East and West Campuses. Fam Jam includes dinner and fun activities to do together as a family. Be sure to register at https://communityofhope.church/summer
· Backpack & School Supplies Drive – We’re collecting backpacks filled with school supplies to give to foster children throughout our county, as well as to the families who visit COH campuses for our food distributions. This is a great serving project for families or small groups to do together! Bring the filled backpacks to church by July 23. Go to https://communityofhope.church/backpacks for the supply list. Learn more about the wonderful ministries that 4KIDS offers, at https://www.4kids.us/ Contact our Director of Missional Engagement, Stacey Willson at stacey@communityofhope.church if you have questions.
· Race to 164 – We need a total of 164 volunteers to step in or step back into service across our campuses on Sunday Mornings to launch into the next season strong as we are on mission to help people find hope. We’re believing this fall will be the best ever for COH as we emerge from COVID-19 with hearts and doors open to reach the community. We are also hoping to add a third service on our West Campus but can not do it without your help! Come join the mission in Children’s Ministry, Worship & Production, Coffee, 1st Impressions, and Prayer (and more ministries outside of weekend services)! Go to https://communityofhope.church/serve
· Thank you for your financial support, which makes it possible for us to minister to you and to our community! 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.
