RESOURCE HIGHLIGHT – The Stand

The world is constantly changing, there’s no denying it.

One of the most significant changes is the ability to connect across the country, across continents, across the world. We can share our thoughts, opinion and faith across the world with ease. But with this incredible technology comes the pressures to be constantly connected as we have the ability to access and interact with the news of the world at the press of a button 24/7, however, this can result in decreased physical activity and perpetual attentiveness. ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­And in an increasingly critical and politically correct society taking a stand or sharing an opinion that may not be mainstream is challenging. Our words must be carefully guarded – or public shaming can rapidly tear us down.

We don’t always have the opportunity to discuss questions that make us ponder the deeper realities of life. When we look up from the phone, or the iPad, or the video game, or even the book that has been capturing our attention, we recognise something deeply transcendent. There are many more people in this boat than we realised.

We all fear being lonely. We all need encouragement. We all need to know that there is at least one person who thinks we are valuable. We all need to know that life has meaning. We all need a tall glass of hope.

The proposition that we grow through pain and learn more from failure than success are both so obviously and inarguably true that you have to wonder why, when emotions like disappointment and sadness visit us, we want to banish them as quickly as possible…  The truth is that we will learn nothing from our sadness, our suffering, our disappointments, or our failures unless we give ourselves time to experience them to the full… | Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

During the Lenten season consider using this Bible study to encourage you, your small group or whole congregation on their faith journey. Based on the following verse from Romans 5 you will delve into the meaning of grace, the purpose of suffering, the reality of hope and ponder those deeper questions that living in a relationship with Jesus Christ can bring.

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2

The STAND Bible study includes:

• Session one – How do we stand in grace?
• Session two – Do we understand suffering?
• Session three – Am I disciplined?
• Session four – How are we to live?
• Session five – Where does our hope come from?

We pray this study provides wonderful opportunities to share and discuss life and faith together with others and help you take a Stand!