Hot Topics: Part 2 - 'No Visible Scar'
This Sunday, Simon Lace brings us the talk in the latest of our EBC services. We encourage you to reflect on the bible text and join us in the prayer that follows below.
The talk will be available via live stream at 9.30am on Sunday 11th September, on our YouTube channel.
Once you have listened, here are some questions to consider:
Reading:
Romans 8:1-2 (NLT)
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.
2 Corinthians 5:1-5 (NLT)
For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.
Prayer and Reflection:
Loving God, grow us in our trust for you. We know you are faithful and good and that you totally love us. Strengthen us and give us wisdom and help. Help us to find meaning in our losses and to honour the people we have lost in the way we live from now on. Help us help others, help us by your Spirit to honour you, Father. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Questions to consider:
1) What has been your most profound experience of loss and grief?
2) If you are currently grieving, which stages do you recognise –
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Denial: shock and disbelief that the loss has occurred
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Anger: that someone we love is no longer here
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Bargaining: all the what-ifs, regrets and even guilt
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Depression: Profound sadness from the loss
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Acceptance: acknowledging the reality of the loss
3) Have you explored the sixth stage – Meaning – and have you been able to find some solace and growth from doing so?
4) Do you have someone to talk to openly and honestly about your loss?
5) Do you spend time alone with God talking openly and honestly about your loss?
6) In those conversations, what do you say? Is there more you need to say?
7) Do you trust God?
Resources
Books
No Visible Scar (Richard Littledale)
On Death (Tim Keller)
The Stature of Waiting (W.H. Vanstone)
Finding Meaning (David Kessler)
Video
How to find meaning after loss (David Kessler) -
https://www.ted.com/talks/david_kessler_how_to_find_meaning_after_loss/transcript?language=en
Simon Lace, 11/09/2022