Bridging the Gap | Week Four
Seeing God’s Glory in the Chaos
Main Idea
Even in the face of tragedy, division, and cultural chaos, Jesus draws near, unites hearts, and reveals His glory. The death of Charlie Kirk—and the varied reactions it sparked—mirror the scene at Lazarus’ tomb: grief, confusion, hope, and ultimately, resurrection power. We are invited to move beyond emotion into Spirit-led witness and revival faith.
Scripture
John 11:40–44 (NIV)
“Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?’... When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’ The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go.’”
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but... against the powers of this dark world and... the spiritual forces of evil...”
1 Corinthians 15:55
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
Discuss
- What stood out to you from this week’s message? Share any part of the sermon that moved or challenged you.
- Which response best describes you right now? Inspired – moved to action by Charlie’s boldness; Idealizing – tempted to idolize a leader over Christ; Indignant – stirred by offense or judgment; Indifferent – unsure how to respond or emotionally detached. What do you think God might want to stir in you through this?
- Why do you think Jesus delayed coming to Lazarus, even though He loved him? Read John 11:32–44 aloud together. How do you see Jesus respond emotionally and spiritually? How does this encourage or challenge your view of God in times of tragedy?
- What does it mean to “see the glory of God” in a moment of death, loss, or cultural confusion? Have you ever experienced God revealing Himself through something painful or difficult?
- Jesus told the people to “take off the grave clothes” after Lazarus was raised. What are some “grave clothes” our generation may still be wrapped in—shame, division, fear, spiritual numbness? How can we help “unwrap” one another in this season?
Apply
This week’s challenge: Be a witness.
Don’t let this cultural moment fade into passive conversation. Take one step of faithful courage:
• Share your faith with someone.
• Have a Spirit-led conversation about Jesus.
• Pray publicly with someone in need.
• Repent from one way you’ve been indifferent or idealizing.
Which step is the Spirit prompting you to take?
Prayer
Spend time praying together:
• For unity in the Church during cultural chaos
• For clarity and courage in personal witness
• For revival to be birthed out of tragedy
• For your group to “see the glory of God” in this moment