LISTENING GUIDES MAIN

“The Unstoppable Gospel” — “THE GREAT 8” - (The book of Romans)

Romans 8:28 - “Don’t Fix It, Stay Near”

(This message is online at: northwestchurch.church - Use this listening guide as you watch the video worship services online. This will also have questions you can use with your connect group.

 

John Piper said: “The greatest book in the world is the Bible; the greatest letter in that book is Romans; and the greatest chapter in that letter is chapter 8.

 

• What Romans 8:28 Really ______________________

He doesn’t say all things are _______________

Paul defines ___________________

God’s got ________________

--Don’t ____________ it. Stay near, because God’s ________ doesn’t let go.

• Jesus knew the ending and still _______________

God ___________ me when I couldn’t hold on.

Jesus _________________ how your story ends and still cries with you in the middle.

• We’re called to _________ with people, not _______ them.

You don’t need the ______________ words.

• Nothing can pull you out of God’s rip, He’s callin you to _____________ to Him.

 

Take-A-Ways to put in you’re heart and carry out the door....

• Don’t use Romans 8:28 as a quick fix. God is working, and He’s groaning with you.

• Jesus knew the ending and still wept. Your tears are welcome to Him.

• Say less, stay longer, and follow up after the crowd goes home.

Nothing in all creation can separate you from God’s love in Christ.

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CONNECT GROUP

ICEBREAKER -Think of a hard season in your life. What is one thing someone said or did, or chose not to say, that you still remember? Why did it stay with you? APPLY the Scripture: Read: Philippians 1:6 - "Compare the confidence you read here with the confidence you read in Romans 8:28.

 

Q #1 - Which of the four clichés ("Everything happens for a reason," "God needed another angel," "At least they're not suffering," "God won't give you more than you can handle") have you heard or said? How did it land on the person hearing it, or on you?

 

Q#2 -Read Romans 8:22-29 together. What changes about verse 28 when you read it inside the groaning passage? How does Paul's definition of "good" in verse 29 challenge what we usually hope for?

 

Q#3 Which scene would be hardest for you: the funeral hallway, the hospital waiting room, or the quiet doorstep the week after? What makes it hard, and what would staying near look like there?

 

Q#4 - Who is one hurting person God has brought to mind? Share one simple step of presence you will take this week, then pray for one another by name.

 

• During the week --- —

• —Weekly challenge: Reach out to one hurting person with no advice, only presence.

• Field test: Next time someone says "everything happens for a reason," notice how the conversation feels. Then consider what you could say or do instead.