Welcome

Have you ever been lost? In your car? On foot? Or lost a child somewhere? How did you feel? Did you dare ask for directions?! (Don’t let this question side track you all evening!!)

Word

There are many types of loss.

· Significant change.

· Loss of control.

· Disasters.

· Redundancy.

· Retirement.

· Amputation.

· Departure of someone significant – eg child to school or university, minister to another church, friends moving to another town.

· Moving house.

· Death of a pet.

· Loss of youth or looks.

· Miscarriage, abortion or still birth.

· Disablement.

· Separation.

· Serious illness.

· Victim of crime.

· Divorce or break up of a relationship.

· Death.

Do cell members feel able to talk about any of these types of loss that they have experienced? Some are more serious and significant than others. Ask people to share how they got through their time of loss and what helped them.

We are going to look at some of the many Bible references to death and heaven.

Leaders may want to write these references on cards and hand them round so that everyone has a turn to read.

John 16 vs 20-22 John 5 vs 24-27

Romans 6 vs 5-10 1 Thessalonians 4 vs 13-18

Revelation 21 vs 4 Philippians 3 vs 20

1 Corinthians 2 vs 9 1 Corinthians 15 vs 16-20

1 Corinthians 15 vs 54-57 John 14 vs 1-3

Matthew 5 vs 4 Ecclesiastes 3 vs 1-4

In what ways is grieving the same for everyone regardless of their beliefs and in what ways is it different for a Christian?

Woody Allen said, ‘I’m not frightened of dying, I just don’t want to be there when it happens!’

Wesley said ‘A Christian should be ready to preach, pray or die at a moment’s notice.’

What are your feelings on death? How do you feel about spending eternity in heaven? Who are you most looking forward to meeting? What questions do you think you would like to ask God?

Witness

Is there anyone you know who has recently been bereaved? How could you help them to get through this difficult time?

Often when someone dies we think of things we wish we had said to them. Is there anything you need to say to someone who is still living or a relationship you need to put right? Do we tell those we love that we love them? Do we forgive easily and quickly? Is there anyone you feel an urgency to tell about Jesus? Reflect privately on these questions if you prefer.

Worship

If appropriate, sing or listen a song which declares the victory of Jesus over death eg. Thine be the glory.

Read Psalm 23 together as a prayer.

Pray for each other, especially any in the group who are grieving at the moment. Also, pray for others you know who may be suffering loss of any kind at this time. Try to end on a positive note giving thanks for all that Jesus has made available to us and the hope he brings.

If anyone is upset by this week’s material, take special care to follow them up and don’t just desert them until next week!

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