Breaking In
Breaking in describes a new inward focus as we are transformed into Christ, moving through grief toward a renewed love for God and others, with special attention to the practice of lament.
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The vision of Ozark Christian College is to glorify God by evangelizing the lost and edifying Christians worldwide. The mission of Ozark Christian College is to train men and women for Christian service as a degree-granting institution of biblical higher education.
Classroom Instructions
Lesson
Discussion: 1.) “Breaking in” describes a new inward focus on what has happened within us as we look to be transformed into Christ. Oftentimes, this happens because the pain of our wall experience has us re-thinking our motivations to know and serve God. For those who resonate with this idea, spend some time sharing with one another what this season has been like for you. 2.) The end of this season should result in a renewed love for God and for others. How does that idea sit with you? What do you notice within yourself as you consider a season of grief resulting in a greater and deeper sense of God’s love? 3.) ACTIVITY: This lesson took a special focus on the practice of lament. Lamenting is a skill that is best mastered before it is needed, so your group should spend some time practicing it even if everyone doesn’t necessarily feel the need for it right now. There are three movements to lament, based on the Psalms and specifically Psalm 13. The three movements are: a.) Complain - honestly open up to God about the pain you are feeling b.) Petition - ask God for what you want and remind him of his promises c.) Resolution - return to what you know is true about God and his love for you Spend some time in your group allowing each person to craft a short lament. Give space for this to happen over a period of at least 15 minutes. Then spend some time debriefing this experience with each other. You could ask: 1.) What was that like for you? Have you done anything like this before? 2.) Did you notice any resistance in any of the three movements? 3.) What do you think might happen if you made this a regular practice in your life? 4.) PRAY: Spend some time praying for the inward journey as you learn to grieve with God in your pain.
Breaking In Instructions
Lesson
Discussion: 1.) “Breaking in” describes a new inward focus on what has happened within us as we look to be transformed into Christ. Oftentimes, this happens because the pain of our wall experience has us re-thinking our motivations to know and serve God. For those who resonate with this idea, spend some time sharing with one another what this season has been like for you. 2.) The end of this season should result in a renewed love for God and for others. How does that idea sit with you? What do you notice within yourself as you consider a season of grief resulting in a greater and deeper sense of God’s love? 3.) ACTIVITY: This lesson took a special focus on the practice of lament. Lamenting is a skill that is best mastered before it is needed, so your group should spend some time practicing it even if everyone doesn’t necessarily feel the need for it right now. There are three movements to lament, based on the Psalms and specifically Psalm 13. The three movements are: a.) Complain - honestly open up to God about the pain you are feeling b.) Petition - ask God for what you want and remind him of his promises c.) Resolution - return to what you know is true about God and his love for you Spend some time in your group allowing each person to craft a short lament. Give space for this to happen over a period of at least 15 minutes. Then spend some time debriefing this experience with each other. You could ask: 1.) What was that like for you? Have you done anything like this before? 2.) Did you notice any resistance in any of the three movements? 3.) What do you think might happen if you made this a regular practice in your life? 4.) PRAY: Spend some time praying for the inward journey as you learn to grieve with God in your pain.