We would love to connect with you! You can fill out a connect card in the HOPE Church app or here:
https://www.gfhope.org/connect​

Giving is a way that we worship God with our tithes and offerings.
To give online, visit: www.gfhope.org/give
To give via text: text ‘GFHOPE’ to 77977
You can also give via the HOPE Church app.
Or, you can mail a check to: HOPE Church 1601 17th Ave. S Grand Forks, ND 58201

Want to take notes along with service? Sermon notes are available in the HOPE church app, or at:
https://www.gfhope.org/sermon-notes​

If you would like prayer today you can submit your prayer requests here:
https://www.gfhope.org/prayer​

Support Discovering HOPE

Listen along as Pastor Paul Knight, Pastor Patrick Severson, and Pastor Mason Peters, randomly draw your questions and answer them unfiltered.

Support Discovering HOPE

Acts 2:42-47 NIV
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
A ___________ People

Acts 2:22-24 NIV
“Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

Acts 2:38, 39 NIV
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

Romans 1:16 NIV
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
An ___________ people

The Source of their power
a. ___________

Acts 1:8 NIV
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
b. ___________

Acts 2:46, 47 NIV
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.
c. ___________

Acts 2:46 NIV
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
A ___________ people

Acts 2:42 NIV
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching . . .

Ephesians 6:17 NIV
Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

1 Corinthians 2:14 :NIV
The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.

John 1:14 NIV
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
A ___________ people

Acts 2:42 NIV
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 2:44 NIV
All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

1 Corinthians 6:19, 20 NIV
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Romans 12:4, 5 NIV
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.

Acts 20:35 NIV
“…remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
A ___________ people

Acts 2:47 NIV
. . . and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Matthew 28:16-20 NIV
Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

1 Peter 2:11, 12 NIV
Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
We are ___________!
The church is a people not a place.

DISCUSSION UESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER

For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or a watch party

1. Quick Review

a. Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?

1. Which characteristic of the early church struck a chord with you?

a. A Gospel People

b. An Empowered People

c. A God’s Word People

d. A Giving People

e. A Mission People

1. When you think of the above characteristics, where do you think the church is doing well?

2. Where do you think the church needs improvement?

3. What makes a person a part of the church? Are you a part of God’s family, the Church?

a. For more information about receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and becoming a part of His family, the Church, text: MadeNew to 474747

1. Thinking of the characteristics above, where do you contribute well to the church living the characteristics?

2. For the sake of the church, where do you think you need to improve?

3. What is your next step?

To connect in a lifegroup check out this link: https://www.gfhope.org/lifegroups

Support Discovering HOPE

“If your brother or sister sins (against you), go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Matthew 18:21-35 NIV

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”
22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded.
29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’
30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

1. One Anothering well is the ____________ of your ____________, be forgiving.

Matthew 18:15-20 NIV

“If your brother or sister sins (against you), go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.

Matthew 5:23, 24 NIV

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you,24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

John 17:20-22 NIV

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—

Ephesians 4:3 NIV

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

1 Corinthians 11:17, 18 NIV

In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. 18 In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.

Matthew 5:43-48 NIV

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Forgiveness:

I will live with the consequences of your sin and not seek vengeance or retribution, but rather your blessing.
One Anothering well affects ____________ ____________, be forgiving.

Matthew 18:21, 22 NIV

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Colossians 3:13 NIV

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Matthew 6:12 NIV

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Galatians 5:1 NIV

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

· Forgiveness doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter

· Forgiveness doesn’t mean there has to be trust

· Forgiveness doesn’t mean you forget.

· It does affect your relationship with God too

· The goal to God is always to heal your broken one another.

· Forgiveness reflects your love for God.

· Unforgiveness reflects your being forgiven.
When your “One Another” is ____________ choose a beautiful return, be forgiving!
a. Start by looking at ____________.

Matthew 18:21, 22 NIV

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

Romans 12:3 NIV

For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment,
b. Focus on what was done ____________ you, not ____________ you.

Matthew 18:32, 33 NIV

“Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’
c. Go to ridiculous ____________ with your forgiveness.

Matthew 18:22 NIV

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
d. Choose ____________ over judgement

Matthew 18:33 NIV

Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’

James 2:12, 13 NIV

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Mercy
When God chooses to not give you what you deserve.
e. Live with an “as God has forgiven you” heart or

Matthew 18:33-35 NIV

Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Matthew 6:14 NIV

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER

For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or a watch party

1. Quick Review

a. Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?

1. What stood out to you in the message?

One Anothering is the heart of your Father, be forgiving.

1. Did you know that the phrase ONE ANOTHER appears over 100 times in the New Testament?

2. Discuss or think about how important one anothering it to God.

3. How do you think your love for God affects your love for others?

4. How do you think your love for others affects your love for God?

5. When you don’t love someone, don’t forgive them, what do you think that says about your being forgiven?

6. One Anothering well affects your heart, be forgiving.

7. How do you see unforgiveness affecting your life?

8. If God were to give you forgiveness like you forgive others, what would that be like for you?

9. Think through and discuss why you are holding unforgiveness toward a person or persons.

10. Pastor Paul talked about drinking poison in hopes that it will hurt the other person, think about this statement and discuss it. How might you be doing that in your life?

When your “One Another” is broke choose a beautiful return, be forgiving!

1. Start with you: What does God desire from you?

2. Are you willing to consistently ask God for help so that you are forgiving? Pause now and do that.

3. What has been done for you: Rehearse the extent that you have been forgiven. Are you like more the unforgiving servant or Jesus?

4. God calls us to ridiculous extremes in our forgiveness. How does that make us more like Him?

5. Choose mercy: Are you willing to choose mercy? Why or Why Not?

6. As God has forgiven you: If God forgives like you do, what will that be like for you?

Support Discovering HOPE

Revelation 2:1-7 NIV

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Revelation 1-3 & 6 NIV

“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

Revelation 2:4 NIV

Yet I hold this against you. . .
“The cause of Christ, as important as it is, is not more important than your love for Christ.”

Revelation 2:4 NIV
|Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first.

Mark 12:28-31 NIV
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 NIV
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 NIV
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. Love is . . . 8 Love never fails.
“You know you have drifted when your doing for Jesus is more important than your devotion to Jesus.”

1. How to ____________ to first ____________ .

Revelation 2:4-5 NIV
Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.

Was there a time when you loved Christ more than you love him now?

If you do not have a relationship with Jesus and would like to speak to someone about that please text: madenew to 474747

“Lord God, I need to confess to you a huge sin in my life.
My love for you has grown weak, casual, and cold.
I have been so busy and doing that I have drifted in my devotion to you.
Please forgive me. Help me turn back to a first love devotion to you.
Amen.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, THOUGHTS and THINGS TO PONDER

For your personal discipleship, discussion with family, your Life-Group, or a watch party

1. Quick Review

a. Ask yourself: Was there a particular point or passage of Scripture that challenged, confused, or caught your attention?

1. What stood out to you in the message?

Good things can rob you of the best thing.

1. What good things compete with or threaten the best thing (Jesus Christ) in your life?

2. How or why do you think they compete or threaten your devotion to Jesus Christ?

3. We often have inner longings or thirsts that drive us in our “doing.” What thirsts are you seeking to satisfy in your work for Christ that are not being satisfied in your relationship with Jesus Christ? How can you address that?

First comes love.

1. Do you think Jesus would say that you have forsaken your first love?

2. In what ways do you think stepping away from first love for Jesus is affecting you?

How to return to first love.

1. Remember: What do you remember of your early devotion to Jesus Christ?

2. If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ, are you willing to speak to someone about your potential relationship with Him? If so, Text MadeNew to 474747

3. Repent: Are you willing to confess the loss of first love for Jesus as sin?

4. If you are in a great “love” spot with Jesus Christ, take a moment and thank Him.

5. If so, take a moment and do that. If not, ask yourself why you are not.

6. Return: As you think of your spiritual life and your love for Jesus Christ, what do you think God would say, “these are the first things you should return to doing?”

Bonus Material:
Crazy Love by Francis Chan

-- Get Connected --

Contact Us!

We'd love to hear from you! Send us a message with questions, prayer requests or any other comments you'd like to leave with the staff.

-- Stay Connected --

• Follow us on Twitter
• Like us on Facebook

Support Discovering HOPE