Hope in a Climate of Fear

Hope in a Climate of Fear

There are plenty of reasons to worry in our bleak world. How could Jesus expect us not to?

Overview

Each generation born into the world has a new set of worries thrust upon it. Though Jesus has told us in the Bible that we don't need to worry, it's hard to believe him when we are surrounded by personal problems and worldwide troubles. Carl Henry used the occasion of a baby's baptism to reflect on a Christian view of a bleak world. Why do we worry?

Table of Contents

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 23, 37:1–5; Matthew 6:25–34, 11:28–30; Mark 4:35–41; John 13:36–14:1, 27, 15:4–5; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 12:9–10; 1 Peter 5:7

LEADER'S GUIDE

• The Issue

Sample questions:

Do we really have more to worry about today than in past centuries? In what ways (and for what reasons) might we handle problems differently today than did people in the past?

Is it ever okay to worry? What might be some positive outcomes of worry?

• The Scriptures

Sample Scriptures:

Mark 4:35–41: What made the disciples panic? How much control did they have over this situation? What did Jesus do with their fear?

Read Psalm 23 and 37:1–5. How does this comfort you? Does God understand the dangers we face? How does he want us to respond to fear?

• The Application

Sample application questions:

Do you tend to worry too much or too little? Do you internalize your anxiety or do you talk about it with others?

What kinds of things do you worry about most?

ARTICLE FROM CHRISTIANITY TODAY

An Eye on the Cradle, by Carl F. H. Henry (November 1987, 9 printed pages)

Total number of pages

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  • Word Document
  • SMG-CLBS08-D