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LIFE Group Lessons
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LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
Wednesday Night, April 11, 2007
“What Does the Resurrection Have to Do With Our Being a Missional Church?”
5 Minutes - Welcome / Prayer
5 Minutes - OPEN
This past Sunday Night, John Barton, one of our former missionaries to Jinja, Uganda, spoke to our church with words of gratitude and encouragement for our efforts to evangelize people on every continent with the message of Jesus Christ.
Why is it such a good thing to be a part of our church so committed to sending missionaries to evangelize people all across the globe?
What is our role as a “sending” congregation as it relates to our missionaries and the people to whom they are trying to serve?
When we commit to a particular mission work (like Jinja,Uganda), what is involved?
15 Minutes - DIG
In his message Sunday Night, John linked the subject of “resurrection” with our call to be “missional people” by reminding us of some points recorded by the Apostle John (chapter 11) surrounding Jesus’ response to the death of his friend, Lazarus.
As we become missional people, one of the lessons to be learned from Jesus is that we must pour ourselves into other people!
In practical terms, describe what it means to have deep, close friendships? With how many people have you invested at the level you would describe as “heart-to-heart?”
Like was true with Jesus, when we live life with people, our story will involve moments of tragedy, sickness, death, and loss.
The first part of John’s account of Lazarus and his family is not a “feel good” story. One of the intriguing things about this whole situation was the fact that Lazarus’ family had been a witness to all of the miracles that Jesus had performed and they knew this didn’t have to end in death. Ever wondered why Jesus let Lazarus die?
It is important you know that Lazarus and his sisters were close friends with Jesus. When Jesus finally arrives inBethany to minister to this family, it is no surprise that John records those famous words, “Jesus wept” (v. 35). Why is this so central to the Christian faith?
Though confusing it may be, one of the most important points John makes in his account of Lazarus death is the reference in v. 6 that though he knew Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two extra days. And then even more profound is v. 14 “So then he told them plainly, ‘ Lazarus is dead, and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.’”
When you reduce it down, the road to faith and our individual journey to a child-like trusting belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God is the link between this resurrection story with our being missional people.
Why is belief so important?
15 Minutes - REFLECT
Why must we invest in developing heart-to-heart relationships like Jesus had with Lazarus and his sisters?
Some of the best things in life will happen when we pour ourselves into others. Jesus taught us that in life, we must learn how to live and die together!
When we do, one of the convictions we will share with those in our circle of influence is that death will not have the final say. Faith, hope, love, and the power of resurrection will triumph over all and one day we’ll live victorious with the saved of all ages.
Why is that a comforting belief that will enable you to get through all the sorrow, struggles, and loss that we will experience in this life?
5 Minutes - CLOSING PRAYER
From this discussion, what are those things you feel compelled to pray about tonight?
Pray about these matters one by one and bring them before your Heavenly Father.
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