Finding the Strength of Christ's Love in Crisis

In our youth group and Bible study, we celebrate the power of story. We tell the stories of God's resurrecting love that we find in Scripture, in the world, in our community and in our own very lives.  We hope to give youth and families the power, the resources and a safe place to share their stories and listen for how God is moving through each other's lives.

Our Scripture for this week youth group meetings is Romans 8:38-39 from NRSV translation:

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Our theme is:  Finding the Strength of Christ's Love in Crisis

In our small groups, our adult leaders shared a story of a time where they witnessed Christ's love, as friends and family drew closer together in a time of crisis.  

We asked our youth to think of a similar time when they witnessed the power of Christ's love when they themselves, family or friends were in a tough situation.  What did they look like?  

If they can't think of an example, we asked how would they like to be supported in crisis?

Here are some deeper reflection questions that your family can discuss together

TAKING THE WORD HOME: DEEPER REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• 1.       What spiritual practices are we doing, or could be doing as a family to nourish ourselves in the power of Christ’s love?
• 2.       The Apostle Paul who wrote the Book of Romans was imprisoned and endured many struggles so that people could hear the story of God’s love.  Can you find another passage in the New Testament that talks about Paul’s struggles and how God helped him to overcome?
• 3.    Who are the people in our lives have reminded us of the love of God? 
• 4.       What do these inspirational people do in their daily lives that testifies to the power of God’s love?
• 5.       How are you individually testifying to  God’s love in word and action?
• 6.       What are your favorite movies, books or songs that celebrate people rallying together in a time of trouble?

Gracious God, we pray your blessing upon this family.  Help them to be nourished by the love we find in your Word.  Open our eyes to see the wonders of your still moving Spirit among us.  Inspire again their hearts and minds to desire to grow deeper into your love and the community we find in this church family and in the family of all your creation.  To you, God, belong all our thanks and praise.  Amen. 

God Bless,

Ryan Bradney