Milestones: Part 3 - 'Moments of Crisis'

This Sunday, Rob Lea 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.
 
Here are some questions to consider:

Readings:

Matthew chapter 7 verses 13 - 14
‘Enter through the narrow gate.
For wide is the gate and broad is the
road that leads to destruction, and
many enter through it. But small
is the gate and narrow the road that
leads to life, and only a few find it.’

Daniel chapter 4 verses 2, 29 - 31, 37

2 ‘It is my pleasure to tell you about the
miraculous signs and wonders that the
Most High God has performed for me.’

29-31 ‘Twelve months later, as the king was walking
on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he
said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built
as the royal residence, by my mighty power
and for the glory of my majesty?’

‘Even as the words were on his lips,
a voice came from heaven, “This is what
is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar:
Your royal authority has been taken
from you.’

37 ‘Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt 
and glorify the King of heaven, because
everything he does is right, and all his ways
are just. And those who walk in pride he
 is able to humble.’

Prayer and Reflection:

Loving God, thank you that you have promised never to forsake us or leave us. We are especially grateful for your presence in times of crisis when we feel anxious, afraid and helpless.

We confess that there are times when we have left the narrow road, when we have not been vigilant and when we have lacked faith. Times when we have taken our eyes off Jesus.  Please forgive us.

Holy Spirit please fill us with your power. Enable us to resist the enticements and temptations that are there waiting on the wide road. And help us to resist that most lethal of traps which is pride.

This coming week, may we be filled with joy and peace as we trust in Jesus, so that we overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

AMEN


Questions to Consider

1. How would you define the word ‘crises’, and is your definition based on personal experience?
2. What were the circumstances when/if you faced a crisis in your life?
3. How did you react and cope during the crisis? Did you pray or/and get help from the church, your friends and family?
4. There is an old saying, ‘Pride comes before a fall.’ Has this ever been your experience? If yes, what were the circumstances?
5. Read Matthew 7:13-14 (The broad and narrow road). What did Jesus mean exactly?
6. Do you think that living your life on the ‘broad road’ or wandering off the ‘narrow road’ will, eventually, lead to a crisis? Can you give an example?
7. Which road are you travelling right now? Would your friends and family agree with you answer?