Storm Strong Families – Study #6
Storm Strong Families Ask for Answers
Asking honest questions, Applying helpful wisdom
The 4 gospel accounts reveal that Jesus was asked at least 183 questions (and probably many more which were not recorded), and Jesus himself asked people around him at least 307 questions. Martin Copenhaver suggests that Jesus only directly answered 3 of the 183 questions posed to him, but rather chose to respond by posing a question back. Pastor David suggests that this was to prod the questioner to discover, rather than simply be told.
This week’s study urges you to explore what answers you can find to some common questions posed by those seeking to help their families grow “storm strong.”
Let’s get STARTED – Discuss
· What questions about families, family life, parenting, grandparenting, marriage relations, etc. have come to your mind?
· What are the issues which are facing your family (your immediate family, your extended family)?
Let’s EXPLORE in the WORD
What follows are some of the questions that have arisen in the Storm-Strong Series. With your Bibles in your hands, how would you answer the following questions? What advice from God’s Word might you give? What wisdom would you offer? What questions might you have for those who have posed the questions below?
“A storm strong family has the humility and courage to listen to God, believe His revelation, and use His wisdom. In doing so, the Lord will build their house–to their joy and His glory.”
QUESTION: My spouse divorced me several years ago. How do you best deal with loss and loneliness, both physically and emotionally?
QUESTION: We have a “blended” marriage with each of us having 3 grown children. We pray for our children and grandchildren during our daily devotions. We each have a rebellious child that keeps us from feeling fulfilled with family gatherings. What can we do to influence them and bring them back to the family with love and caring relationships?
QUESTION: How long do you stay in an abusive relationship?
QUESTION: Given the incredibly strong, negative temptations and attacks that families face in our culture, can a valid case be made for families wanting to be storm-strong to “withdraw” from society as much as possible, and interact only with other families and believers with the same beliefs? That would protect, perhaps…but isn’t this withdrawing from the very people the Lord Jesus calls us to love and reach?
QUESTION: What practical ways learned from experience and scripture makes marriage work well?
Let’s Prioritize APPLICATION –
OK…having worked through some of the questions, what are 3 of the best insights you heard during your time together?
PRAY TOGETHER – Christ Community Church has a focus on “family enrichment.” As we plan for a Fall 2019 emphasis on this, please pray that the Holy Spirit will powerfully bring families together!