Crossroads Church
Screaming Bloody Murder :: Ryan Howell
Anchor Verse: The Lord’s acts of mercy are not exhausted; his compassion is not spent; They are renewed each morning— great is your faithfulness! Lamentations 3:22-23
What's the Issue Anyway?
God invites us to ______________ again and again.
We tend to ______________ the voices that convict and call us to ______________.
What wisdom might Scripture offer?
The Hebrew word for blood is ______________. (Genesis 4:9-10)
The crying out is ______________ and ______________. (Genesis 4:9-10)
Jesus equates the religious leaders’ actions with ______________ murderous actions. (Matthew 23:34-35)
All injustice and violence is __________________. (Matthew 23:34-35)
Abel’s blood still cries out for __________________. (Hebrews 11:4)
Jesus’ blood does not call for vengeance but _________________. (Hebrews 12:24)
Don’t Miss This: The ______________ of all those who have suffered and died _________________ is still crying out.
What about my everyday normal life?
Abel’s Blood is crying out in the experiences of others ______________.
Listening to Abel’s blood means having _________________ and ____________________ conversations.
Listening to Abel’s blood means understanding _______________ __________________.
Listening to Abel’s blood means moving past _________________ and _________________.
How does this make me and the world better?
We will develop ears that hear the ______________ that sets all of us free.
What is God inviting you into today?
1. Commit to listening to the stories we want to avoid.
2. Listen to the blood of Jesus calling us to forgive.
3. Being ok with messing up in middle of messy conversations.
Closing Song: Welcome to the Darkness by The Brilliance
Comfort, an illusion; Numb us to the pain
We cannot see our privilege; So we scapegoat and we blame
Thought Provoking Questions for Groups or Personal Reflection
1. Is there a voice of a friend or family member you hear in your head at certain times in your life, perhaps when you are feeling discouraged or maybe even mischievous? If so, whose voice is it and what do they say?
2. What do you think ancient Hebrew parents would teach their children through the story of Cain and Abel?
3. Why do you think the writer of the letter to the Hebrews wrote that the blood of Jesus speaks more eloquently than that of Abel?
4. Where do you hear the blood of victims crying out today?
5. What conversation would be difficult or uncomfortable for you to have today? Why is this conversation important?