Скачать или смотреть Young Adult Bible Study John 11 Lesson 1 --Jesus Hears about Lazarus

Exploring Faith and Suffering
The group discussed the story of Jesus and Lazarus, focusing on themes of faith, trust, and suffering. They explored why believers sometimes struggle to trust Jesus despite knowing his power, with Sharina suggesting that faith can wane when people are not consistently engaged with Christ. The group also discussed how God allows people to suffer, with Ash proposing that suffering can lead to personal growth and understanding. Reverend Chris emphasized that God's ultimate purpose in allowing suffering is for His glory, though the reasons may not always be clear to us. The discussion prepared the group to explore the scripture further, with Reverend Chris promising to address their questions as they delved into the story.

Unique Ways to Glorify God
The Reverend discussed the importance of understanding that each life situation is unique and serves to glorify God in different ways, helping individuals better understand His character. He explained a biblical story from John 11 about Jesus' friends Mary, Martha, and Lazarus, emphasizing the sisters' intimate and respectful relationship with Jesus, who they addressed as "Lord." The Reverend stressed the significance of treating Jesus as holy and worshiping Him as God, regardless of personal feelings or circumstances.

Understanding God's Purpose in Suffering
The discussion focused on understanding why Mary and Martha sought Jesus for Lazarus's healing, emphasizing that they knew only Jesus could address the situation. Rev explained that sometimes God allows suffering to draw people closer to Him and to demonstrate His power and glory. JD raised questions about why God allows certain tragedies, such as the death of a friend in a drunk driving accident, and Rev responded by highlighting the sovereignty of God and the role of human decisions in shaping life's outcomes. The conversation concluded with a reminder that despite life's challenges, God's ultimate goal is to save people and bring them to eternity with Him.

God's Sovereignty and Purpose in Suffering
The group discussed the sovereignty of God and His purpose in allowing suffering, using scripture to explore how God can use any situation to bring glory to His Son and draw people to faith. They examined how God's desire for His Son to be glorified surpasses even salvation, and discussed how all things work together for those who love the Lord. The conversation concluded with a reflection on the ultimate purpose of glorifying God in every aspect of life, both in this world and in heaven.

Glory, Love, and Creation
Rev discussed the concept of giving glory to God, explaining that everything was created for and through Him. He used the analogy of a movie to illustrate how often the main character's efforts go unrecognized, emphasizing that we should not steal God's glory. Rev also addressed Kila's question about the term "invisible" in Colossians 1:15, clarifying that while God cannot be seen, His existence is evident through creation. Rev then explained that Jesus' love for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus was evident in his decision to stay two more days before going to Lazarus, demonstrating that true love involves being present and patient in difficult times.

God's Sovereignty and Service
The group discussed the biblical story of Lazarus and Jesus' knowledge of God's plan. They explored themes of time, control, and purpose, using scriptures from Job, Acts, and John to highlight God's sovereignty over all things, including life and death. The discussion emphasized the importance of using one's gifts and serving God while able, as rewards in heaven and on earth are available for those who serve God faithfully.

Faith, Service, and Community Engagement
The group discussed the importance of serving God and the rewards that come from it, emphasizing that serving is not just about attending church but actively engaging in ministry. They explored the biblical story of Lazarus to highlight Jesus' purposeful delay in healing, which was to deepen the disciples' faith. The participants shared personal prayer requests, including patience, spiritual growth, and family needs, and concluded with a prayer for guidance and strength. They also announced an upcoming fall festival as a safe alternative to Halloween, inviting everyone to attend with their families.