Introduction

Jesus, what is your take on this unthinkable tragedy?

Jesus knows the intentions of our hearts.

Human tragedy is no index of immense human sinfulness.

Jesus negates four assumptions we make:

1) Suffering is proportional to sinfulness.
2) Tragedy is a sure sign of God’s judgment.
3) Bad things happen only to bad people.
4) We have the right to make such judgments.

If you could ask God any one question what would it be? - A scientific poll by Lee Strobel

Why does God allow pain and suffering in the world? – Theodicy
One who is looking for an intellectual answer.
One who is in the midst of suffering.

Jesus shifts the conversation, we are asking the wrong question.

Why am I still here?

We cannot determine the amount of years we spend on this earth but we can make a choice of where we spend eternity.

Perishing is a physical death without repentance.

What does an unrepentant heart look like?

Roots determine the fruit.

Repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action.

Salvation is changing your mind about who Jesus is therefore putting your faith in Him for salvation.

What does a repentant life look like?

Attrition - motivated by fear of punishment

Contrition - we are awakened to the fact that we have grievously offended God

Repentance and Faith are 2 sides of the same coin.

We are justified by faith alone, but not by faith that is alone. True faith always manifest itself in the fruits of repentance and good works

Good works are the fruit of repentance.

Man made tragedies and natural caused tragedies serve as eternal caution lights.

“God whispers to us in our pleasures and shouts to us in our pain.” C.S. Lewis

God has a purpose for you.

God can use your gifts, talents, life experiences and pain for His glory.

Your greatest ministry may come out of your deepest hurt.

Video - Discipleship in the middle east with Pastor “X”

Jesus the Philosopher: Answers for Life
Luke 13:1-9
March 31st and April 3
Prayer Requests:

Group Discussion: What is your natural reaction to tragic events? Do you think we have become numb as a society to tragedy?

Read out loud: Luke 13:1-9

1. Tragedy has a way of waking us up out of a spiritual coma. Do you remember what happened after 9/11? What other events have you seen in your lifetime that have caused a wave of repentance?

2. It can be difficult to trust in the providence and omnipotence of God. How do you cope with not having all the answers? Why do you think God does not allow us to see the big picture?

3. Why do you think in V6 that the owner was inspecting the tree? Do you think God inspects our lives for fruit? What is some fruit you have seen in your life from a repentant heart?

4. Ephesians 2:10 says that God has created us to do good works which he has prepared in advance for us to do. What do you think those good works are? Are they generic or specific to the individual? Does our purpose change with the different seasons of life?

5. How can we live our lives with urgency? We don’t know when our last day on earth is but we can make the most of our days here on earth. Will you pray for God to open up your heart to the purpose he has for you right now?

Family Time:
Take some time together as a family to do yard work, specifically pulling weeds. Talk about the importance of getting the root out so the weed does not come back. Discuss what roots we have in our lives that are transformed through repentance.