08-30-2020
Dr. E. Dale Locke and Pastor Efrain Silva
Sermon Series: Five Things to Grow Your Faith
Week 3: Providential Relationships
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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.
Our memory verse for this series is 2 Thessalonians 1:3: We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.
1. Last week we talked about how practical Christian teaching helps our faith grow. Share something you read in Scripture over this past week that grew your understanding of God and faith.
2. Read James 1:22 & 25: Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says…. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it — not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it — they will be blessed in what they do.
How have you lived out your trust in God over this past week? Talk about some ways that your trust in God has shown up in your daily life, decisions and attitudes.
3. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 2:14b-15 that God, “uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.”
What are some ways we can spread the aroma of Jesus Christ to people around us?
4. Why do some people respond to difficulty with cynicism, complaining and a hardening of their heart; while others respond to the same circumstances with hope and confidence in God?
5. When you take an honest look at how you generally respond to difficulties or hassles in your life, what do you see? Do you like who you’re becoming? If not, how could you do it better?
6. God uses providential relationships with other people to help us hear his voice and understand his purposes for our life. Share about some friendships that have helped you on your faith journey.
7. Read 1 Corinthians 15:33: Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Pastor Dale said: “Your faith can either be destroyed or strengthened by the relationships that you have, so choose well!” If you’ve ever been in a friendship that began to pull you away from Christ, share about that.
8. Especially in a challenging life season, relationships with other Christians are important to sustain and grow our faith in Jesus. Tell about a time when Christian friends helped you get through a difficult season.
9. Read Proverbs 13:20: Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
What Christian friendships do you currently have that you could leverage and lean into to help you become more wise and increase your faith?
10. If you don’t have a circle of Christian friends to help you grow spiritually through life’s challenges, let us help you find one by filling out the form at https://communityofhope.church/groups.
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:
· If you’re new to Community of Hope, text “Hello” to 561-264-6079 to let us know who you are.
· The Community of Hope App is serving as our Connect Folder in this time. Download it to watch our services, get sermon notes, register for events, and to stay connected with what’s going on in our church.
· Connections – Sundays, 10:30-11:45 a.m. on September 13, 20, 27 and October 4 - Online: This 4-week online class is a great way to grow in your understanding of how to live the Christian life and get more connected at COH. Register at: https://communityofhope.church/connections
· Fall Marriage Night - September 11th | 7:00-8:30pm | Online: Dale & Beth Locke and Trevor & Leah Johnston will host married couples in our first ever online marriage conference. You’ll get to connect with other COH couples from the comfort of your own home. This fun event is designed to strengthen your connection with your spouse during this crazy time. The $15/couple cost includes a gift bag with a journal for each of you and some fun surprises to help you make the most of your evening! Gift bags will be delivered to your homes prior to the event. Register at https://communityofhope.church/events/fall-marriage-night
· Drive-Through Communion - Sunday, September 6, 5-7pm at our East and West campuses: We invite you to come to our church parking lot to receive the elements of bread and juice in a safe and sanitary fashion to remember Jesus’ death for you, and also have the opportunity to see your pastors and receive prayer.
· 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.