Hope Christian Fellowship

In the series Cobra Kai, the iconic characters from the original Karate Kid come to life again. There is still a contrast in fighting techniques. And there are still bullies and those who need to stand up and fight back. But one of the subthemes of the story is that those who were powerless can become powerful by learning a different way to approach an unavoidable fight. The kids who get bullied at the start learn how to defend themselves. They also learn that their new skill can be used to bully back, creating some big questions about the nature of power and morality. As we head back into 2 Corinthians, we pick up at a big transition. Most scholars believe that this section was written after some news had arrived from Corinth and Paul is now directly interacting with the words of the false leaders who have tried to supplant Paul. Paul starts his part of the battle by noting that we do not fight like the world does. What does that mean and how does it apply to our lives? Let’s see!

The last word of our church's name seems to point directly to small groups. It certainly is our goal that everyone experiences and knows the joy and peace that come from deep and healthy community within our spiritual family. We've given away how high of a priority this is for us by putting it in our name. Is this unique to us? Are we being extreme? Or is this the God-designed way for a church to function. Let's go back to the start of the church and then read some words from someone who was very close to Jesus. We will see that our war on loneliness and isolation is the dead center of the target for our church because fellowship is God's prescription for every single believer.

The second word in our church’s name is “Christian.” In American culture, many people call themselves a Christian without really meaning what we mean. So what is the difference between someone who chooses a label and someone who is what the Bible describes as a Christian? We’re going to focus on one word today that describes real salvation: Grace. It is the grace of God that saves someone and makes them a Christian. This is more than just a label we choose or we wear. It actually influences our connection and relationships deeply. If we are going to war with loneliness and isolation, we have to understand the grace we’ve received and the grace we are called to pour out.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2h9mGrNcTNQdDYRphlfSqR?si=sTsXI0PGQn6shFNk23Y7sA

It probably comes as no surprise to you that people in our country and culture are struggling more than ever with the feeling of loneliness. Some long for connection with others but cannot seem to find it. Others wall themselves off from connection after experiencing some of the harsh wounds that can come from connection. But what may not seem as obvious are the spiritual implications of loneliness and isolation. They are being used to great effect to stop the Gospel from spreading as the Good News that it is. The Gospel has lost none of its power, but without lost people connecting with believers, it does not reach where it should. And disconnected believers are more vulnerable than ever to the tactics of the enemy to destroy and overwhelm with despair. We’re proposing that we undertake together a war on loneliness and isolation. This will mean that we will all be ready to do the work in the battle against these forces in our church. We will be on high alert for the discouraged, the isolated, and the broken. Instead of leaving them to try to survive on their own, we will build connection intentionally and relentlessly so that the power of God will be fully unleashed in us and through us. Join us in this war and let’s see God do miracles.

Guest Speaker

Psalm 120, 109:1-5; 1 Peter 3:9, 15-17; Matt 5:10-12

People often give to church because of guilt. And churches often use emotional manipulation to motivate people to give. But this is not the way Paul describes the motivation behind a believer’s giving. Instead, he points to the reality that we see the value in what God is doing, so we naturally want to give to His work. That enables us to be faithful and not give up. Not everyone gives the same amount, but everyone sees what they have as coming from the Lord. So we give in gratitude and worship, bringing our hearts and lives into a practice that honors God as the source of all that we have.

Some churches talk way too much about money. Our church tends not to talk about it enough. But we’re walking through the second letter to the Corinthians in the New Testament, and Paul takes a significant amount of space to teach them about giving. What Paul tells us in these verses is how giving is a key part of growing in our faith and living as mature believers. If those connections are hard for you to see, Paul will explain. We give sacrificially and we give like Jesus. In fact, we’ll start by looking at Jesus’ words on the topic. Every person at Hope needs to understand this important concept. It is essential to our spiritual health. And it is essential to our ability to maximize the glory we bring to Jesus as we serve His kingdom.

We’ve had an amazing week together as a church during this year’s Vacation Bible School. This morning, we celebrate together all of the fun, the people, and the lessons. Our kids will take the stage to share their songs and the truth they’ve learned. Then, we’ll talk about how what seems so simple can be so life-giving and powerful. No matter what our age is, we all are looking for answers in this life. Some of us think we’ve found them in places like talent, accomplishment, or some other philosophy of life. We’re going to take the last moments of the service to talk about Jesus’ claim to be THE answer for our lives. Then, we’ll all come back for an amazing afternoon and evening at out totally free and over-the-top church picnic!