United Church, Atlanta, GA
Accessing Our God-Given Potential
In this sermon, we explore how we can access our full potential as God intends, through perseverance in trials and the support of community.
Locations & Times
United Church
1775 Water Pl SE, Atlanta, GA 30339, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Purpose of the Sermon: To explore how we can access our full potential as God intends, through perseverance in trials and the support of community.
UNDERSTANDING POTENTIAL
Scripture Reference: James 1:2-4
Scripture Reference: James 1:2-4
Key Point: Trials are not obstacles but opportunities for growth.
Reflection Question: How do you currently view challenges in your life? As obstacles or opportunities?
Reflection Question: How do you currently view challenges in your life? As obstacles or opportunities?
THE MODERN CHALLENGE
Key Point: Our world prioritizes comfort and distraction over potential and purpose.
Illustration: The conversation between Jerry Lorenzo and John Mayer about accessing 100% of potential.
Reflection Question: What are some distractions in your life that hinder your potential?
Key Point: Our world prioritizes comfort and distraction over potential and purpose.
Illustration: The conversation between Jerry Lorenzo and John Mayer about accessing 100% of potential.
Reflection Question: What are some distractions in your life that hinder your potential?
THE PATH OF PERSEVERANCE
Scripture Reference: James 1:2-4
Key Point: Perseverance through trials leads to maturity and completeness.
Reflection Question: Can you recall a time when perseverance through a difficult situation led to personal growth?
Scripture Reference: James 1:2-4
Key Point: Perseverance through trials leads to maturity and completeness.
Reflection Question: Can you recall a time when perseverance through a difficult situation led to personal growth?
EMBRACING JOY IN TRIALS
Key Point: Joy is the presence of hope in the midst of grief.
Illustration: Stephen Colbert's story of finding gratitude in loss.
Reflection Question: How can you find joy in your current trials?
Key Point: Joy is the presence of hope in the midst of grief.
Illustration: Stephen Colbert's story of finding gratitude in loss.
Reflection Question: How can you find joy in your current trials?
THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 12:1-2a
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 12:1-2a
Key Point: We are not meant to run the race of faith alone; community is essential.
Illustration: The concept of "Scenius" and the importance of collective intelligence.
Reflection Question: Who are the people in your life that support you in your faith journey?
Illustration: The concept of "Scenius" and the importance of collective intelligence.
Reflection Question: Who are the people in your life that support you in your faith journey?
CALL TO ACTION
Key Point: Engage with a community to support your journey of faith.
Action Step: Participate in the small group showcase to find a group that can help you run the race of faith.
Key Point: Engage with a community to support your journey of faith.
Action Step: Participate in the small group showcase to find a group that can help you run the race of faith.
CONCLUSION
Summary: Trials and perseverance are pathways to accessing our God-given potential, and community is essential in this journey.
Closing Prayer: Ask God for strength to persevere through trials and for guidance in finding a supportive community.
Summary: Trials and perseverance are pathways to accessing our God-given potential, and community is essential in this journey.
Closing Prayer: Ask God for strength to persevere through trials and for guidance in finding a supportive community.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Recommended Reading: "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt for further understanding of cultural challenges.
Small Group Information: Details on how to join a small group and the benefits of being part of a faith community.
Recommended Reading: "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt for further understanding of cultural challenges.
Small Group Information: Details on how to join a small group and the benefits of being part of a faith community.
REFLECTION AND DISCUSSION
Encourage congregants to discuss the sermon with their small groups or family, using the reflection questions as a guide for deeper conversation.
Encourage congregants to discuss the sermon with their small groups or family, using the reflection questions as a guide for deeper conversation.
Summer Small Groups Showcase
Looking for a group to join this Summer? Don’t miss our Small Groups Showcase TODAY after service! This is your opportunity to meet small group leaders, explore the different groups available, and find the right fit for you. If you can't make it today, stop by next Sunday, June 1st.
https://united.online/small-groups
Alpha Is Back!
Alpha is a 10-week journey beginning on June 8th designed to explore the big questions of life and faith in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment. Whether you're new to Christianity or simply curious, Alpha offers a safe space to ask questions, share your thoughts, and connect with others on a similar path.
https://united.online/alpha
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Need someone to talk to? We partner with Cumberland Counseling Centers to offer hope and healing through Christ-centered therapy right here at United Church.
https://united.online/cumberland-counseling
Your favorite series on the Book of Acts returns 6/1!
Growth Track Step One: Lunch With the Crumps
Join PL and Breanna for "Lunch With the Crumps." It's a relaxed way to connect, get to know our church family, and discover your next step in becoming a church member. *The next Lunch With the Crumps has been rescheduled to Sunday, June 8th*
https://united.online/growth-track
Join the Conversation
We have a Church Center group dedicated to discussing the Bible Reading Plan. Join us as we read the Bible together in 2025 using the Bible Project's "One Story That Leads to Jesus".
https://united.online/bibleplan
New Look, Same Heart
As we step into this new season with a new name, we're still the same church on mission to unite people to Jesus and each other. To learn more about the heart behind our rebrand and what’s ahead, visit our website.
https://united.online/visionConnect Card
New here? We'd love to connect with you! Fill out this quick form:
https://renovationchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/730779Need Prayer?
Our prayer team is here to support you with compassion and confidentiality, whatever your needs may be.
https://renovationchurch.churchcenter.com/people/forms/118409A Three-Year Discipleship Journey
See all that God has done at our church by exploring our Harvest Initiative.
https://united.online/harvestGive God Your First and Your Best
Your contributions make a difference in our community. Text to Give (84321) or click the link below to learn more about our giving options:
https://donate.overflow.co/therenovationchurch/cash?config=harvest-