
BRIDGE
Pastor Jeremy Helmuth
Nov 11-13, 2022
“Eternal Purpose” (John 9:1-46)
The PURPOSE of TRAGEDY
The greatest barrier to someone believing in God is the problem of suffering. Sadly, Jews during Jesus’ day believed that sin directly caused all suffering. But the healing of the blind man in this account teaches us otherwise.
Incorrect View #1
God
Incorrect View #2
God
Correct View
God
Seeing the LIGHT during a TRAGEDY
God uses times of tension in our life to lead us to Him. When we experience stress, discouragement, and loss, we have the choice to either walk towards Him or away from Him. Usually, we are most open to the light God has for us during times of trouble.
When we
God gives us
When we
God slowly
letting Him
Discussion Questions
Getting Started
- In what ways does God give us more light? Talk about seeing the light of salvation and how clear the truth becomes once you are saved. Discuss how the more mature we get as a Christian, the more we should be able to discern between what is right and wrong. Where are some of the darkest places on the planet today?
Digging Deeper
Can you think of anyone in the Bible who received more light the more they sought after the truth: The Magi (Matthew 2:1-12); Cornelius (Acts 10:1-48); Andrew (John 1:35-51); Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-38)?
Read about Jesus as the Creator of the heavens and the earth (John 1:10; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Colossians 1:16; John 1:3). The fact that Jesus is Creator points us towards living a life dedicated to give God glory in everything we do. Is there an area of your life that you are trying to be “god” and it has darkened your soul?
“God will turn your darkness into light” (Isaiah 42:16). Darkness in someone’s life is often portrayed as confusion, deception, anger, recklessness, and continual frustration. Does this describe you? Have you asked God enlighten you? What will you do so that you are standing in the light?
Applying the Word to Life
Why do you think some Christians who believed in the clear truths of the Bible have now changed and think that the verses mean something different? Work through these verses to shield yourself from foolishness (Prov 13:20; 15:5,14,21; 17:24).
During the midst of a tragedy, what can you do to focus your mind on God’s glory instead of getting sidetracked with worrying about why the trial happened in the first place?