Domestic Violence

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10 November, 2019Pastor Mark SchultzShhh...we don't talk about that

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Living Out Loud
LifeGroup Guide

Domestic or Family Violence is hidden behind many closed doors, in places that should be a sanctuary. The statistics are frightening, it's impact devastating. A survey of domestic violence in Australia shows that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men have experienced at least one incident of violence from a current or former partner since the age of 15. IOne woman is killed every week as a result of violence in the home. Police respond to a domestic violence incident every 2 minutes. It's not a problem that we can ignore, be ignorant of, or silent about especially in the Church. God created the church to continue his work on earth and to be the vehicle for bringing his love and life to the world. He gave his Word, not be used as a weapon against those who suffer or as a means to control, but so it could be a shield for everyone in need of refuge and strength. Join us as we continue to look at how we can be a place of grace where healing can begin.

 #2 in series: Shhh we don't talk about that


THEME VERSE:

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 4:6-8a


REMEMBER THIS WEEK

God cares about what has happened to you and is happening to you now. If you are being abused, we believe you. Jesus invites you to find comfort in his arms. If you are the abuser, know that this behaviour is unacceptable. Always. No asterisks. Jesus invites you to find forgiveness in him through repentance. For the home is a reflection of God's image, designed to be a sanctuary and safe place, characterized by tender strength, courageous protection, self-giving devotion, compassionate mercy, gentle nurture and unfailing love. May it be so in your home.


FAITH TALK

1.  What do you understand by the term 'Domestic Violence.

2.  Why do you think the Church has been silent for so long on the issue of domestic violence?

BIble Readings

1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.


8 For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,

    rise from the dead,

    and Christ will shine on you.”

15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

9 “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.

More from 'Shhh...we don't talk about that'

Mental Illness

17 November, 2019 Pastor Mark Schultz

Turn and look at the person next to you. Do you relize that according the statistics, one of you will experience mental health issues sometime within your life. Have you ever felt paralysed by anxiety or experienced the depths of despair? Or maybe you know someone else who has? Mental illness can be a very lonely, isolating experience, both for those who are going through it, and loved ones who see them suffering. Despite all the advances in treatment, despite all the ways in which our culture has become more enlightened and compassionate, somehow mental illness remains in a category of its own, regarded as some sort of peculiar affliction that is best dealt with by toughing it out, picking themselves up and getting out of it, or pretending that everything is ok. Many are embarrassed to speak about it, especially in the Church, where for too long we have been silent about mental illness. We have let people suffer in silence, and alone without the support of the community to get alongside, support and encourage them in the deep places of the soul. It's time for that to change. Today we will encounter a God who will never abandon us in suffering but love us with an everlasting love and draws us up out of a desolate pit.

#3 in series: Shhh, we don't talk about

THEME VERSE:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

REMEMBER THIS WEEK

The pain of mental illness is real.

But there is hope for the helpless

Rest for the weary

And love for the broken heart

There is grace and forgiveness

Mercy and healing in Jesus.

He will meet you, wherever you are.

FAITH TALK

1 Why do you think people don’t talk about mental illness?

2 Why do you think the Church has been silent on mental illness?

3 What’s the darkest time that you have ever experienced in your life and what did you think about God in that moment?

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The Church's Failures

3 November, 2019 Pastor Mark Simpfendorfer

The Church's failures’. We don't have to look far to find them. We’ve seen them. We've experienced them. The media have highlighted them for all the world to see. There's abuse from those in power, both physical and spiritual. There's the cover-ups and secrecy that have ensued. There's the failure to respond to people's needs, or minister effectively. The failure to speak the truth or show compassion when called for. How do we view the failures of the Church? Or when the people of God fail to live up to the standards they proclaim? How do you respond when the Church fails you, disappoints you, lets you down? What happens when people come to Church to find Jesus and sometimes all they find is us. Today, we are not going to be quiet but open up and talk honestly about 'The Church's failures.'

#1 in series: Shhh...we don't talk about that

THEME VERSE:

I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice. Ezekiel 34:15-16

REMEMBER THIS WEEK

When the Church fails, Christ does not.

When the Church hurts, Christ does not.

When the Church s unmoved, Christ is not.

When the Church is absent, Christ is not.

Scandal may rock the Church, bring the good news into disrepute, or even close the doors for Gospel work

but it will never frustrate Christ's unchanging purpose or his mighty power to build a people through whom he is at work to bring justice, love, mercy and healing to the world.

FAITH TALK

1. When you hear of the Church’s failure, how does it affect you as a Christian?

2. How does it affect the way you relate to God?

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