07-26-2020
07-26-2020
Dr. E. Dale Locke and Pastor Efrain Silva
Week 2 of the Sermon Series: Too-gether Time: Staying Friends While Staying Home
English PDF file for printing.
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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. Share something that you love about your family.
2. What has been one of the most challenging aspects of your living situation during this time of social isolation?
3. Read the theme verse for this series - Psalm 127:1a: “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.”
What is the Psalmist’s point in this verse? How have you experienced this in your own life?
4. Last week, Pastor Dale shared four things that a family should be. Family is a place where credibility is established, where faith is formed, where we have refuge from life’s storms, and where life starts over. Which of these resonate with you most, and why?
5. Read what James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote in James 3:1-12:
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, 8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.”
What insights or questions come to your mind as you read this passage?
6. Note James’ warning in verse 1 about aspiring to be a teacher. It’s tempting to think we know more than we do, but it’s wise to first be a humble learner. Name an area where you’re currently seeking to learn more.
My Mouth Directs Where I Go
7. Why is our mouth so powerful in impacting the direction of our lives?
8. Share an example from your own life – positive or negative - where something you said had a big impact on your life.
My Mouth Can Destroy What I Have
9. What guidelines or guardrails have you set up for yourself with regard to what you say or don’t say on social media?
10. Why is it important to restrain ourselves, when it comes to what we say on social media?
11. What does the expression “cancel culture” mean? What’s the danger of this?
My Mouth Can Define Who I Am
12. What did Pastor Dale mean when he said that our mouths can define who we are?
13. Look at verses 10-12 again. What does it say about a person if they have both praise and cursing coming out of their mouth?
14. Pastor Dale said, “Over time, we can train ourselves to be negative.” If you’ve ever caught yourself getting into a pattern of negativity, how did you get out if it?
15. Read what Paul wrote in Philippians 4:8-9: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
What strikes you from this passage?
Ready for your next step?
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News and Announcements:
· If you’re new to Community of Hope, text “Hello” to 561-264-6079 to let us know who you are.
· Drive-through Communion: Join us today, Sunday, July 26, at our East Campus on Military Trail any time between 10am & 12pm to receive Holy Communion and connect with your pastors and church staff. We miss you!
· Date Night Challenge, Saturday, August 1st. Grow your relationship with your spouse by taking part in our Summer Date Night Challenge! Pick up a fun free Date Pack on either campus from 4:30-6:30pm with all the instructions you need for a fun night out, plus some surprises! Be sure to register at https://communityofhope.church/events/summerdatenightchallenge2020
· Join us for Hope University Online on any Tuesday at 7pm. All summer, we’ve been offering top-notch college-level teaching from some amazing Bible, Theology, and Ministry professors at no cost to you! This Tuesday, you can grow in your understanding of the Old Testament with Dr. Brittany Melton, Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Be sure to register in advance at https://communityofhope.church/hopeuniversity
· The Community of Hope App is serving as our Connect Folder in this time. Download it to watch our services, register for events, and to stay connected with what’s going on in our church.
· 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.