|
WELCOME ICEBREAKER What was your highlight over Christmas? WORSHIP I am overcome with joy because of your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul. Psalm 31:7 WORD In this lesson we will review how we as believers should respond when trouble strikes another country or our next door neighbour. Start by asking the group what impact the recent tsunami disaster had on those in your group. How did the images and stories affect you? The Bible makes it plain that we need to respond. Firstly, we need to have compassion on those who are hurting. - How would you describe the emotions you felt this last week hearing and watching the news on the disaster?
- Read and discuss the following verses: Rom. 12:15, Job 30:24-25, John 11:32-35
Secondly, we need to trust God and not enter into fear. - What fears do you think those in the disaster are facing?
- What fears do we face here in Canada as a result of this disaster?
Thirdly, we need to pray for those who are hurting. Fourthly, we need to help with financial assistance. Fifthly, we need to keep an eternal perspective and use this as an opportunity to tell others of the hope we have in Jesus Christ. - Do you feel people are more open to pray and talk about God after a disaster like this?
- Read Luke 21:10-13 (Leaders avoid getting side tracked on the topic of end time signs. Keep the discussion to responding to the needs of others. Leave this discussion for another lesson).
WORK Take time in your group to pray for the needs of those affected by the disaster. Pray for the church leaders, rescue workers, for the relief to reach the victims, for many to come to Christ through this and for all of us to have compassionate hearts. Pray for the needs in the group. Thanks again to all home group leaders for serving so faithfully in 2004 and we look for great things in 2005! Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Romans 8:35
|
