It’s Complicated – Life and Death

(Message 5) “Thou shalt not kill.” That seems pretty straightforward, right? But, what does “kill” mean? Does it apply to self-defense or just murder? What about capital punishment, suicide, euthanasia, or abortion? Join us as we look at God’s perspective on human life… and death in our message, “It’s Complicated – Life and Death”. #GCItsComplicated

רָצַח“ratzach” = murder: The intentional taking of innocent life.

Murder Exclusions:

Judicial killing
Military killing
Police killing
Self defense

What is Considered Murder?

Homicide
Suicide
Euthanasia
Abortion

What has caused us to become murderers?

How do we fight for life?

Repent of sin and trust Jesus for salvation
Become a “Good Samaritan”

Related Links:

Life Line Pregnancy Center, Wilmington

Short Film: “180: 8 Minds Changed on Abortion in Seconds”

Video: Your Life Before Birth

Abortion Statistics

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Key Scripture:

Deuteronomy 5:17 (NLT)

17 “You must not murder.

Psalms 139:13-16 (NLT)

13 You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it. 15 You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion, as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. 16 You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.

Matthew 15:17-19 (NLT)

17 “Anything you eat passes through the stomach and then goes into the sewer. 18 But the words you speak come from the heart—that’s what defiles you. 19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander.

Start talking. Find a conversation starter for your group.

Have you ever witnessed someone dying? Have you ever witnessed someone being born? Describe your emotions in both situations.

Start thinking. Ask a question to get your group thinking.

Read Deuteronomy 5:17. In the 6th Commandment, why is “thou shalt not kill” a bad translation? Discuss the difference between murder and killing? Are some forms of killing justified? Is murder ever justified?
Read Psalms 139:13-16. According to this passage when does life begin? Is there ever a time when abortion is justified?
Read Matthew 15:17-19. Compare Jesus statement with the note from 2 Gun Crowley. “Under my coat is a weary heart, but a kind one, one that would do nobody any harm.” Where did Crowley get it wrong? Where does murder come from?

Start sharing. Choose a question to create openness.

1 in 4 Christian women have had an abortion. How can the church and GC in particular minister to those women who have had abortions and those women thinking about having one? What can you and your family do to protect the lives of unborn babies being aborted in America?
How does recognizing the evil in our heart bring about life change? How often do you need to renew this recognition?
What does it look like in your life to be a Good Samaritan? What are you doing to give life to others?

Start doing. Commit to a step and live it out this week.

This week, commit to being a Good Samaritan in at least one area or situation, bringing life and hope.

Start praying. Be bold and pray with power.

God, please give us the courage to be life givers, protecting the unborn and other helpless people. And equip us to be bold witnesses of the hope and life which can only be found in you. -Amen

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