10-18-2020
10-18-2020
Dr. E. Dale Locke (Online and West), Rev. Trevor Johnston (East) and Pastor Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Come Alive!
Week 4: 20/20 Vision
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español.
Our memory verse for this series is
Ephesians 5:14: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”
1. In this series, we’re talking about the deeper work God wants to do in our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we grow in Christ, we become more fully ourselves – the best version of ourselves. We begin to look more like Jesus. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Talk about some ways you’ve been changing since the time you gave your life to Christ.
2. Paul wrote in Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” The Greek word for “handiwork” or “workmanship” is poiema, which means “a work of art.” You were created to be God’s masterpiece. How do you see God’s handiwork in you?
3. Read Philippians 3:7-16:
But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
What comments or questions come to your mind as you read this passage?
4. Jesus promises to restore the broken pieces of our past. Paul (previously called Saul) changed drastically after he gave his life to Jesus. His past is described in Acts 8:1 and Acts 9:1-31. Look at those passages, and talk about some ways Paul had changed by the time he wrote Philippians.
5. Our culture tempts us to think that speed is the most important factor in life. Talk about some situations in life, where you tend to get frustrated if things don’t go fast enough for you.
6. For Paul, our faith life is not about speed, it’s about focus. Christian author Dallas Willard said that one of the most important factors in our spiritual growth is that we “ruthlessly eliminate hurry from our lives.” Do you agree or disagree, and why?
To Come Alive in my Faith, I Need to:
Re-orient My Priorities:
7. To say “yes” to what’s great, we have to be willing to say “no” to some things that are just good. What are some “good” things that you’ve said “no” to in your life in order to focus on what’s really most important?
Consider Eternity:
8. Paul had the ability to sift through what is temporary and focus on what is eternal. What are some temporary things that you find yourself tempted to get distracted by?
9. What are some things you do to keep your focus on eternal things so that you don’t get pulled into focusing on temporary things?
Run the Long Race:
10. God is determined to overcome the defacing of his image in us. He wants to make us new creatures, like Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17 above. But this doesn’t happen overnight. Pastor and author Eugene Peterson said that the Christian life requires “a long obedience in the same direction.” What did he mean by that?
11. What was the most helpful idea from this sermon for you personally?
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:
· Thanksgiving Food Drive: Community of Hope has the exciting goal to provide Thanksgiving meals for 1,000 families in our community this year! If you'd like to help, donate any of these items Sunday – Thursday, 8pm – 4pm. before November 15. Thank you!
o $10 Publix Gift Card
o Stuffing Mix
o Cranberry Sauce
o Gravy
o Canned Vegetables
o Boxed Mashed Potatoes
o Cornbread Mix
o Boxed Cake or Brownie Mix
· Connections is a 4-week class we offer to help people understand how to live the Christian life and grow spiritually, and how to get more connected at Community of Hope. Our next Connections class series will be on Wednesdays, from 7:00-8:15 p.m. on October 21, 28, and November 4 and 11 – all online, so you can take part from the comfort of your own home. Register at https://communityofhope.church/connections
· Marriage Date Night: Friday, October 23, 7:00-8:30 p.m. at our East Campus, 2341 S. Military Trail. Enjoy an evening with your spouse strengthening your marriage. Comedians Amberly Neese, Leland Klassen, and recording artist Johny Diaz will engage your hearts and make you laugh. Get more information and tickets at http://marriagedatenight.com/west-palm-beach-fl/
· Celebrate Recovery Anniversary: Join us in celebrating 8 years of helping people have victory over hurts, habits and hang-ups on Monday, October 26th at 7pm. Larry and Diane Mohr will share how C.R. has helped them overcome addiction and embrace freedom. Childcare will be provided and wearing a mask will be required.
· Pumpkin Patch: Support our Student Ministry by purchasing pumpkins and baked goods. It’s also a great place to take some fall pictures! Open from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. each day.
· 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.