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Speaker Schedule: Apr 11 – Samuel Moore-Sobel Apr 18 – Dennis Zulu Apr 25 -- Nyke Gatlin

Freelance Writer & Business Consultant Today’s Speaker: samuel moore-sobel Freelance Writer & Business Consultant

Finding God Through Suffering samuel moore-sobel

Finding God Through Suffering by Samuel Moore-Sobel holdingontohopetoday@gmail.com 571 225 3563

Lon Solomon Me

May 2009 – Accepting AWANA Award

September 2009 – Days After Accident

How Many of You… How many of you have scars? How many of you have invisible scars? Is there a Biblical example of scars that can help inform the way we view our own?

Jesus Reveals His Scars Luke 24:36-40 36“As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!” 37 But they were startled and frightened and thought they saw a spirit. 38 And he said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself. Touch me, and see. For a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40 And when he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.”

Jesus Reveals His Scars John 20:26-28 26“After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you. 27 Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into my side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing. 28 Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’”

Why Does Jesus reveal His scars? Jesus showcases His scars as evidence of his identity. “Jesus did not rebuke Thomas for his failure, but instead compassionately offered him proof of His resurrection. Jesus lovingly met him at the point of his weakness.” – The MacArthur Study Bible Jesus is known, in this moment, by His scars. What would it look like if we were known for our scars?

How to Cultivate Hope in the Present By reminding ourselves of God’s grace experienced in the past. By relying on the wisdom of godly people. By using your pain and suffering to pour into others.

The Importance of Memory Joshua 3:7: “Now the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that just as I have been with Moses, I will be with you.” Joshua 4:6-7: 6 “Let this be a sign among you, so that when your children ask, later, saying, ‘What do all these stones mean to you? 7 Then you shall say to them, ‘Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off.’ So these stones shall become a memorial to the sons of Israel forever.”

Manfred Kory: 1931-2016 “This too shall pass.”

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Why Do Scars Matter? “Man’s search for meaning is the primary purpose in his life.” – Dr. Victor Frankl Ultimately, great meaning is derived from living a life in pursuit of Jesus. Share your scars with someone today.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1) How do you feel that scars are addressed in the culture at large? 2) What does it mean to you that Jesus was willing to share His scars with His disciples? 3) What lessons have you learned from experiencing suffering? 4) How can you share your scars, both visible and invisible, with someone else today? 

SECRET CHURCH Friday, April 20th. A Simulcast led by Pastor David Platt For more information, go to; www.mcleanbible.org/secretchurch