Getting Past the Past: Abortion

Series: Getting Past the Past

Abortion by John Burke, November 4, 2007

This must be one of the most difficult topics to discuss in any group. Because the issue is so emotionally charged, please start in prayer that your discussion be honest, but with a great measure of understand and grace from God and for each other. As John said, “people are never the enemy”, and our goal should always be healing. Also, it’s a good idea to emphasis that no one should feel pressure to share anything beyond what they are comfortable. And if someone desires to go further, next-steps are listed at the end of these notes.

1. Since healing IS the goal, maybe that’s a good place to start too. Certainly all Christ-followers, and likely many others, have experienced God’s healing in their lives. Spend 10 minutes or so for those who wish to share about some issue in their past, big or small, where they have experienced God’s healing. (Note that questions 4 might take some of these experiences further with HOW the healing happened – so you can be thinking of that to discuss later.).

2. John talked about some of the “lies” that told and believed about abortion. Take some time to identify these: What are the lies about what abortion is and what it’s impact is. (10 – 15 minutes)

3. If these are lies, what is the “truth”? Why is abortion wrong from God’s perspective? (5 – 10 minutes)

4. As John discussed in the message and with Cheryl Jakubowski, so often people who have an abortion (or “participate” with encouragement) find they think it’s unforgivable. How about this? Is abortion unforgivable? Is there anything that is unforgivable? (5 – 10 minutes)

5. Whether “true” or not, the feeling that you have done something that is “unforgiveable” by God and/or by yourself is not limited to abortion. Has there been something in your life that you thought was unforgivable (or was very had to accept forgiveness for) – but where you were later able to fully realize forgiveness? Take some time for anyone who has “been there”, to talk about the experience: What effect did feeling “unforgiving” have on your life? What helped you get that healing/forgiveness? (10 minutes)

6. Now let’s look at abortion in terms of being a healing community: What are some things that a loving community can do to help others in healing from abortion? Note any direct actions that could be relevant for someone to take if led by God to do so? (5 – 10 minutes)

7. Spend a few minutes for personal reflection: Is there some area where you are confused about a “lie”? Is there some area in your life, abortion or something else, where you have not been able to get the forgiveness, healing, and freedom that is God’s desire for you? Is there some way you feel motivated to be more a part of the healing community? Whatever direction you feel God leading you, write that down – and then write down one step you can take this week to respond. (5 minutes)

If you are in a group, it would be good to close by thanking God for what He did through Jesus’ death to give us forgiveness and to make an abundant life possible.

Bible verses from the message:

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the sins of us all...But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”
Isaiah 53:5-6

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”
Jeremiah 1:4-5

I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
John 10:9-10

I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned… Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me—now let me rejoice.
Psalm 51:3-4

When I refused to confess my sin, my body wasted away, and I groaned all day long…Finally, I confessed all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide my guilt. I said to myself, “I will confess my rebellion to the Lord.” And you forgave me! All my guilt is gone.
Psalm 32:3-5

I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”
2 Samuel 12:23

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus
Romans 8:1

Get more - go further:

• “Forgiven and Set Free” – a confidential group for post-abortion women. Introductory meeting is Thursday, November 29th at 7:15pm. The group starts on Thursday, January 3rd and will meet for 8 weeks from 7:30-9:00pm. E-mail SetFree@gatewaychurch.com to register or to get more info.
• For additional info on any of these programs, e-mail ComfortAndHope@gatewaychurch.com.
• If this series has struck a chord with you and you would like to become part of the solution by volunteering with any of the Support and Recovery ministries, please e-mail SupportAndRecovery@gatewaychurch.com.
  

Individual help: Biblically-based, professional counseling is available at Gateway. Counseling can be a great help if you are seeking healing, growth, understanding or encouragement. Contact Merry Fiske, MA, LPC if you have questions or to schedule an appointment at (512) 659-1256.

Want to read some on your own? Consider on of the following books available at the Gateway Bookstore on-line or look at books at the "Garage".

I'll Hold You In Heaven by Jack Hayford
A Solitary Sorrow, Teri Reisser, Paul Reisser
What's So Amazing About Grace, Philip Yancey (this has multiple formats...book and audio)

Also, check out other resources for personal growth at the Way of Christ resource website.

Remember - each Sunday's message is available by 5 PM on the day of the message. Past messages are also available for listening and download. Just go to Gateway's Sunday Messages. Free CD's of the messages will be available after the services at Gateway the following Sunday.