08-15-2021

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08-15-2021 Dr. E. Dale Locke (West, East, and Online), Pastor Efrain Silva (Español) Sermon Series: Rooted Week 3: Seeds and Soil English PDF file for printing. Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español  1. In this sermon series we’re exploring what it looks like to grow up in our faith. For all who believe that this life isn’t all there is, it makes sense to build your life around this truth. Consider the challenges in our world today as you read the following two verses. Talk about how these truths help you get through difficult seasons with your faith healthy and growing. ·      Revelation 21:3-4: And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ ·      Philippians 3:20-21: But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.  2. Read our memory verse for this series: Colossians 2:6–7: So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Note that the Christians faith starts with a seed. Today we’ll focus on how spiritual seeds take root and grow in our lives, and what we can do to help this process. 3. Read Luke 8:4-15:      While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,“‘though seeing, they may not see;     though hearing, they may not understand.’11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop. Jesus’s parable reveals four spiritual practices that help God’s truths take root and grow in your life. ·      Cultivate an open mind – See Luke 8:5 and Luke 8:12 4. Note that the farmer is lavishly throwing seed everywhere. This represents how God seeks to generously and lovingly reveal himself to everyone wherever they’re at. As you look back on your life before you gave it to Christ, what are some ways God revealed himself to you?   5. The hardened soil is a closed mind.  The most important step toward spiritual growth is to open your mind and heart.  If you start your day saying, “God I’m going to open my mind to let you show me some new truth or do something fresh in my life,” you’ll be able to keep growing.  Share about an area where your understanding of God has changed or expanded in recent years.   ·      Allocate time to listen – See Luke 8:6 and Luke 8:13 6. The shallow soil is a superficial mind.  Richard Foster said, “Superficiality is the curse of our age, and if superficiality is our curse, then hurry pronounces the spell.  Depth always comes slowly.”  What did he mean by that?   7. We miss out on a lot that God has for us, when we don’t take time to stop and listen to what God wants to say to us through his Word, through prayer, through worship, through his creation, and through our church community. It’s worth it to build these things into our calendar. What ways and times have you found to be the most helpful for you to hear from God?   Our new “Rooted” Curriculum is designed to help our people develop deeper roots in our faith.  Consider doing this study with your small group!    ·      Eliminate distractions – See Luke 8:7 and Luke 8:14 8. The weedy soil is the preoccupied life.  Speaker and author Jim Collins in his book Good to Great writes about how “good” is often the enemy of “great”, and if we’re going to accomplish the most significant goals we have in life, we may have to put away lesser things for the one thing that’s most important.  Are there currently any good but less important things in your life that God might want you to clear away, so you can focus on the most important things?   ·      Cooperate with what God says – See Luke 8:8 and Luke 8:15 9. The good soil represents an open mind and a willing heart.  What does it feel like to talk to someone who has a closed mind? 10. Read Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart – for it is the well-spring of life.”   What are some ways to guard your heart?   11. What does it mean that our heart is the “well-spring of life”? 12. Consider trying this experiment. For the next 30 days, spend some time with God each day, and don’t leave that time without receiving an assignment from God. When you hear from God, make it a priority to complete that assignment.  See what happens.   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 “connect” to 561-264-6079. ·      Connections Wednesdays, 7pm: This 4-week class is the best way to get more connected at COH and grow in your understanding of how to live the Christian life. You’ll learn about our church’s mission, values, and statement of faith and what partnership involves. If you wish, at the end of the four weeks, you can become a Community of Hope partner, which opens more opportunities for leadership and service. The East Campus class starts on August 18. The next West Campus class starts in October. Both classes will be held in person, but you can also attend the class over Zoom. Register at: https://communityofhope.church/connections·      Groups Launch Season:  If you’re not in a small group, we want you to know that we offer three types of small groups at COH:o   Community Groups provide an opportunity to experience friendship, Bible discussion, prayer and spiritual growth. These groups stay together for at least one school year - often longer - doing various Bible studies. They are the foundation of our church’s support and care network.o   Support Groups help you get through a challenging season of life such as grief, divorce, mental illness, or recovery. These groups are open to anyone, whether you attend COH or not, so feel free to invite a friend! o   Topical Groups are short-term groups that offer practical teaching in a specific area. You can meet in person or virtually, whatever you feel comfortable with. To get connected to a group, just fill out the form at communityofhope.church/groups·      College Moms Prayer Group:  If you're the mom of a college student or have a young adult child serving in the military, you're invited to join one of our College Moms Prayer Groups. We meet once a month throughout the school year to make care packages and pray for our college-age kids. Register here or on the Groups page on our website.  ·      Moms Meet-up Group:  Wednesdays, 9:30am at our West Campus. This is a place where moms of preschoolers can connect with other moms and grow in their parenting skills. Childcare provided. Invite a friend!  Register at communityofhope.church/groups·      If Gathering – Women’s Weekend: Friday, Sept. 17, 6-9pm & Saturday, Sept. 18, 8:30am-3pm All women ages 14 and up are invited to join us at the West Campus in Loxahatchee as we tune in to this global conference, hear from some of our nation’s best Christian speakers, and grow in our faith together as women.  Cost is $25 and includes a continental breakfast, snacks, and all event costs.  No childcare. Register at communityofhope.church/if·      We need you!  Community of Hope needs more people serving, especially on Sundays. Whether you took a break due to the pandemic or you’re new to serving, we invite you to join a serving team that fits you. Go to https://communityofhope.church/serve·      COH Has Job Openings!  Learn more at https://communityofhope.church/employment ·      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.

08-15-2021
Dr. E. Dale Locke (West, East, and Online), Pastor Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Rooted
Week 3: Seeds and Soil
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español

 

1. In this sermon series we’re exploring what it looks like to grow up in our faith. For all who believe that this life isn’t all there is, it makes sense to build your life around this truth. Consider the challenges in our world today as you read the following two verses. Talk about how these truths help you get through difficult seasons with your faith healthy and growing.

 

·      Revelation 21:3-4: And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’

 

·      Philippians 3:20-21: But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

 

2. Read our memory verse for this series: Colossians 2:6–7: So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

 

Note that the Christians faith starts with a seed. Today we’ll focus on how spiritual seeds take root and grow in our lives, and what we can do to help this process.

 

3. Read Luke 8:4-15:
     While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable: 5 “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up. 6 Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants. 8 Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.”

When he said this, he called out, “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.”

9 His disciples asked him what this parable meant. 10 He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that,

“‘though seeing, they may not see;
    though hearing, they may not understand.’

11 “This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rocky ground are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away. 14 The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature. 15 But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

 

Jesus’s parable reveals four spiritual practices that help God’s truths take root and grow in your life.

 

·      Cultivate an open mind – See Luke 8:5 and Luke 8:12

 

4. Note that the farmer is lavishly throwing seed everywhere. This represents how God seeks to generously and lovingly reveal himself to everyone wherever they’re at. As you look back on your life before you gave it to Christ, what are some ways God revealed himself to you? 

 

5. The hardened soil is a closed mind.  The most important step toward spiritual growth is to open your mind and heart.  If you start your day saying, “God I’m going to open my mind to let you show me some new truth or do something fresh in my life,” you’ll be able to keep growing.  Share about an area where your understanding of God has changed or expanded in recent years. 

 

·      Allocate time to listen – See Luke 8:6 and Luke 8:13

 

6. The shallow soil is a superficial mind.  Richard Foster said, “Superficiality is the curse of our age, and if superficiality is our curse, then hurry pronounces the spell.  Depth always comes slowly.”  What did he mean by that? 

 

7. We miss out on a lot that God has for us, when we don’t take time to stop and listen to what God wants to say to us through his Word, through prayer, through worship, through his creation, and through our church community. It’s worth it to build these things into our calendar. What ways and times have you found to be the most helpful for you to hear from God? 

 

Our new “Rooted” Curriculum is designed to help our people develop deeper roots in our faith.  Consider doing this study with your small group!   

 

·      Eliminate distractions – See Luke 8:7 and Luke 8:14

 

8. The weedy soil is the preoccupied life.  Speaker and author Jim Collins in his book Good to Great writes about how “good” is often the enemy of “great”, and if we’re going to accomplish the most significant goals we have in life, we may have to put away lesser things for the one thing that’s most important.  Are there currently any good but less important things in your life that God might want you to clear away, so you can focus on the most important things? 

 

·      Cooperate with what God says – See Luke 8:8 and Luke 8:15

 

9. The good soil represents an open mind and a willing heart.  What does it feel like to talk to someone who has a closed mind?

 

10. Read Proverbs 4:23: “Above all else, guard your heart – for it is the well-spring of life.”

 

 What are some ways to guard your heart? 

 

11. What does it mean that our heart is the “well-spring of life”?

 

12. Consider trying this experiment. For the next 30 days, spend some time with God each day, and don’t leave that time without receiving an assignment from God. When you hear from God, make it a priority to complete that assignment.  See what happens. 

 

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 “connect” to 561-264-6079.

 

·      Connections Wednesdays, 7pm: This 4-week class is the best way to get more connected at COH and grow in your understanding of how to live the Christian life. You’ll learn about our church’s mission, values, and statement of faith and what partnership involves. If you wish, at the end of the four weeks, you can become a Community of Hope partner, which opens more opportunities for leadership and service. The East Campus class starts on August 18. The next West Campus class starts in October. Both classes will be held in person, but you can also attend the class over Zoom. Register at: https://communityofhope.church/connections

·      Groups Launch Season:  If you’re not in a small group, we want you to know that we offer three types of small groups at COH:

o   Community Groups provide an opportunity to experience friendship, Bible discussion, prayer and spiritual growth. These groups stay together for at least one school year - often longer - doing various Bible studies. They are the foundation of our church’s support and care network.

o   Support Groups help you get through a challenging season of life such as grief, divorce, mental illness, or recovery. These groups are open to anyone, whether you attend COH or not, so feel free to invite a friend!

o   Topical Groups are short-term groups that offer practical teaching in a specific area.

You can meet in person or virtually, whatever you feel comfortable with. To get connected to a group, just fill out the form at communityofhope.church/groups

·      College Moms Prayer Group:  If you're the mom of a college student or have a young adult child serving in the military, you're invited to join one of our College Moms Prayer Groups. We meet once a month throughout the school year to make care packages and pray for our college-age kids. Register here or on the Groups page on our website. 

·      Moms Meet-up Group:  Wednesdays, 9:30am at our West Campus. This is a place where moms of preschoolers can connect with other moms and grow in their parenting skills. Childcare provided. Invite a friend!  Register at communityofhope.church/groups

·      If Gathering – Women’s Weekend: Friday, Sept. 17, 6-9pm & Saturday, Sept. 18, 8:30am-3pm
All women ages 14 and up are invited to join us at the West Campus in Loxahatchee as we tune in to this global conference, hear from some of our nation’s best Christian speakers, and grow in our faith together as women.  Cost is $25 and includes a continental breakfast, snacks, and all event costs.  No childcare. Register at communityofhope.church/if

·      We need you!  Community of Hope needs more people serving, especially on Sundays. Whether you took a break due to the pandemic or you’re new to serving, we invite you to join a serving team that fits you. Go to https://communityofhope.church/serve

·      COH Has Job Openings!  Learn more at https://communityofhope.church/employment

 

·      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.

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