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LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE Wednesday Night, October 8, 2003 "Grieving Together" Application Point: Jesus expresses extreme love in an extreme circumstance and He calls upon his followers to do the same. 5 Minutes Welcome & Prayer This study tonight will be from Chuck’s Sunday Morning Sermon from John 11.
10 Minutes OPEN
When did you first realize the “finality” of death? Was it after the death of a close friend or relative? What do you remember from this first experience with death?
15-20 Minutes DIG
What kind of relationship did Jesus have with Lazarus and his sisters?
Why is the shortest verse in the Bible (John 11:35) one of the most significant in describing the “heart of God?”
How is the atmosphere of caring in the village of Bethany different from the political maneuvering in the city of Jerusalem? What are the chief concerns of the Jewish leaders? Do the motivations of money, position, and power often fracture our sense of community today? In what ways do you see this? As we face the specter of death in our families, what are the things we must remember to properly deal with the loss and bereavement? 15 Minutes REFLECT
When have you been faced with a tough situation that ended up stretching your faith? What would have been different for you if that struggle had simply been avoided? Have you ever felt like God was nowhere to be seen or heard when you needed him most? Have you ever felt like God let you down? Read the poem “Footprints in the Sand” found below. 10 Minutes PRAYER TIME
Mention the empty chair. Be fishing!
Go around the room tonight and allow everyone to share someone who is heavy on your heart and the situation involved (as much as you want to share). Allow for discussion and encourage one another as to how God can use each of you respectively to make a difference in these people’s lives who have been mentioned? And then pray about these things! FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND One night I dreamed I was walking Along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky. In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints. Other times there was one set of footprints. This bothered me because I noticed that During the low periods of my life when I was Suffering from anguish, sorrow, or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints. So I said to the Lord, “You promised me, Lord, that if I followed you, You would walk with me always. But I noticed that during the most trying periods Of my life there have only been One set of prints in the sand. Why, When I have needed You most, You have not been there for me?” The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen Only one set of footprints is when I carried you.” - Mary Stevenson
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