This past week we had a natural disaster come through right on our church's doorstep. It will be hard work to rebuild the affected neighborhoods. It will be tougher to rebuild the lives affected by this tragedy. How do you rebuild your life when you've lost everything? The Bible gives us seven steps to rebuilding your life.
Below our some discussion questions based on those steps from my message on May 4.
1. RELEASE YOUR GRIEF
Psalm 62:8b, "Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge." Psalm 62:8b
How do you "feel" comforted by God?
What role does Christ's body, the church, have in helping you feel loved by God?
2. RESIST BITTERNESS
Respond to this question, "Do I want to be better or bitter?" Why is choosing to be better so important?
"Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you... it causes deep trouble, hurting many others in thier spiritual lives." Hebrews 12:15b
How can bitterness casue deep trouble in your relationships? with God?
3. REEVALUATE YOUR LIFE
Which one of these items would affect you the most today in the event you lost it?
1. Stuff you've accumulated (heirlooms and the like)
2. House or neighborhood
3. Church building
4. God's love
How do you build security in your life?
Respond to this quote, "There is only one way to have real security: Build your life on that which cannot be taken away."
4. RECEIVE HELP FROM OTHERS
Why do we have this need to take on problems on our own?
"Each of us needs all the others." (Romans 12:5b) Why would the scripture teach that we need each other?
5. RELY ON THE LORD
How do you...
...lean on Jesus for peace?
...look to Jesus for hope?
...learn from Jesus to get courage?
...listen to Jesus for wisdom?
...live in Jesus for strength?
How can you practically claim this promise from scripture, "Come back to God almighty and he'll rebuild your life." Job 22:23
6. REFUSE TO BE DISCOURAGED
Luke 21:19 says, "By standing firm you will gain life." What are you standing on that will give life?
A. Friends
B. Family
C. God's Word
D. Small Group @ Church
E. Prayer
What are some shifting foundations we shouldn't stand firm on? (Example: Guilt, Shame)
7. REACH OUT TO OTHERS
The scriptures repeatedly teach the strongest action we can take is persistent prayer. How can prayer be powerful when we we've lost everything?
1 John 3:17 says, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?"
What material needs can you share?
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