The Church Should Step Up
#YouAskedForIt Week One
Pastor Kris Freeman
Revolution Church
Sunday, May 6, 2018
Scripture: Psalm 34:17-20 (NLT)
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. 19 The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time. 20 For the Lord protects the bones of the righteous; not one of them is broken!
Today’s question for You Asked For It addresses what the Bible says about mental illness, depression, stress and handling the prevention and awareness of our country’s epidemic of suicide.
The most important thing you need to know - the church MUST do a better job with this!
A survey by Lifeway Research in September of 2015 found that close to HALF of evangelical, fundamental and born-again Christians believe prayer and Bible study alone can solve mental illness. So if that’s true, why is this PARALYZING the modern church with seemingly no answers?
The facts about mental illness:
- Half of all adults will struggle with some type of mental illness, depression or suicide thoughts at least once in their lifetime.
- Chronic mental illness often begins by age 14
- One in five children struggle with mental illness prior to the age of 18
- Estimates say that 90 percent of suicide cases involve mental illness or depression.
For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7)
The horrific results of untreated mental illness, depression and PTSD result in a complete loss of self-control and TRAGEDY.
It’s time for the church to stop believing the WORST-CASE SCENARIOS only happen to those we don’t know or don’t NEED!!!!
Worst-case scenarios:
- Domestic violence
- Suicide
- Violent crime
- Institutionalization and Removal
- Mania/Unrealistic expectations
THREE REASONS the CHURCH must ADDRESS this issue:
1. It’s Biblical - the GOSPELS show Jesus caring for others.
So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them. (Matthew 4:24)
2. It’s Historical - the church was the originator of the hospital. The church has been CARING for the sick and the hurting longer than any government, agency or civil authority or organization.
This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him. (Psalm 91:2)
3. It’s Practical - This is a Crisis.
Before anyone will ever call a doctor, a law enforcement officer or a counselor, the first place they often turn is the church or a pastor. Why? Because we should help! But secondary, we often fear stigma, procedures and financial obligations.
The church cannot do this ALONE.
You - as a representative of Jesus - MUST INTERVENE.
- Set aside your fears and DO SOMETHING.
- Be hope. Be help. Be hard.
- Stay firm. Stay friends. Stay faithful.
A set of RESOURCES is provided for you to seek help.
The most common question asked by the church in regards to suicide is “Does someone who commits suicide go to Heaven?” Can I stir you up for a moment? Can I push your buttons? Stop asking that question! INSTEAD…let’s STEP UP so that the person battling those thoughts NEVER believes they have to give up.
The Hope Circle:
1. I hate myself - YOU ARE LOVED - 1 John 4:10
2. I don’t matter - YOU HAVE A PURPOSE - Jeremiah 29:11
3. I don’t fit in - YOU BELONG - Romans 12:4-5
4. I want to give up - YOU HAVE A CHOICE - 2 Corinthians 4:7
5. I feel useless - YOU ARE NEEDED - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Let our mourning for those who DID be a catalyst to help those who MIGHT to inspire them with hope to be those who DIDN’T because someone helped them! Someone helped you!
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
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