11-21-2021
11-21-2021
Dr. E. Dale Locke (Loxahatchee & Online), Rev. José Marrero (WPB), Rev. Efrain Silva (Español)
Sermon Series: Deep Peace
Week 4: Quit!
English PDF file for printing.
Para imprimir el archivo PDF en Español Read our memory verse - Isaiah 26:3 - You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
1. In this series we’ve been exploring what it looks like to have greater peace in our lives, even in this season of exponential fear, worry and anxiety in our culture. Share some ‘take-aways’ you’ve gleaned from the past few weeks in this Deep Peace series.
2. Pastor Dale mentioned that the unprecedented rise in levels of anxiety in our culture seems to be the same for those who don’t identify as Christ-followers as for those who do. Why would professed believers struggle with anxiety just as much as non-believers? What’s missing?
3. G.K Chesterson, an influential Christian philosopher and lay-theologian, when looking at his surrounding Christian culture of his day in the 19th century observed: “Christianity has not so much been tried and found wanting as it has been found difficult, and left untried.” What do you think he meant by that?
4. Read John 14:27 - “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.” Have you experienced this gift of peace in your life as a Christ-follower? If so, how would you explain your experience of this gift to someone who asks you about it?
5. Read Philippians 4:4-13 - Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 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. I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
6. Pastor Dale talked about how the Christian life isn’t something we try hard to do, it’s something we train around. Talk about the various areas of training this Philippians scripture instructs us to do.
7. Paul shares in his letter to the Philippians how he had previously defined himself as a devout Jew. Read Philippians 3:4-6 - “though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless.” He goes on to state how his identity is no longer in those credentials, but are now in Christ. Philippians 3:7-8 – “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 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.”
Talk about some ways you have identified yourself in the past. Share how you are identified in Christ.
8. Re-read Philippians 4:12-13 – “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength”
What is Paul saying about what he has learned since he has placed his identity in Christ?
9. Why do you think Paul refers to what he’s learned as ‘the secret’?
10. Author John Mark Comer writes in his book Live No Lies: “Our deepest desires are not ever our loudest desires…they are the ones that meet us when life slows down, and they whisper to us…” Share your thoughts on what the author wrote.
11. Talk about contentment – When have you experienced it? Is it fleeting or is it in your being? What do you do to regain contentment when it’s been lost? Pray together as a group for contentment in each of your lives.
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· Blue Christmas - Christmas can be a time of great love and joy, but it can also be a season of loneliness and loss. Our Blue Christmas service will focus on lament, loss, and the Hope that we find in Jesus. Invite your friends who’ve walked through loss to join you in this journey.
December 12 from 5 – 6pm at both our West Palm Beach and Loxahatchee campuses
https://communityofhope.church/events
· Angel Tree – Here are two great opportunities to bless people this Christmas:
1. Support 4Kids’ ministry to foster children in Palm Beach County by donating $25 Amazon, Target, or Walmart gift cards so that every foster child has a present to open on Christmas Day.
2. We’re also collecting $15 gift cards to fast food restaurants like Dunkin Donuts, McDonalds, and Taco Bell for our homeless neighbors.
Bring your gift cards to the Welcome Desk (on Sundays) or to the Church Office (during the week) before December 5th.
· Kids of Hope Christmas Movie Night – Friday, December 3 at LOX Campus
Kids can come dressed in their favorite Christmas pajamas to enjoy a kick-off to the Christmas season watching the movie The Star together. Popcorn and candy canes will be provided.
· 12 Days of Christmas Family Devotional - Enjoy this 12 day family devotional plan to see how the story of the Bible all leads up to Jesus
Download the devotional at https://communityofhope.church/events
· 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.