Persecution Preparation Week 1 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea: Large gatherings is not the vision of Faith Promise. Advancing the cause of Christ is what matters. This is not a time of persecution, but we will use it as an opportunity for persecution and tribulation preparation.
Introduction: In preparation for the real thing, schools have fire drills, the military has war games, and we will use this time to prepare. The PDF below provides some resources and ideas for your group to continue to meet virtually.
Online Options for fpGroup Meetings
Discussion Starter: What do you remember from emergency drills from school?
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: Romans 13:1-2, Matthew 13:15, Matthew 24:9 & 21, John 16:33, Romans 5:3-5, Revelation 2:10 & 7:14, Mark 4:17, Acts 8:1, Acts 11:19, Romans 8:35-39, 1 John 2:8, Romans 5:8, John 1:12,
Discussion Questions:
- Read Romans 5:3-5 What other times in your life have you experienced suffering? How was God glorified during that time? How did you persevere, develop character, and remain or grow in hope during that time?
- If you have “extra” time on your hands during this season, such as time saved from not having to commute to your office or cancelled plans; what are some ways you can use that time to draw closer to God?
- Read John 16:33 Jesus is upfront in saying that we will have trouble in this world and if you’ve lived long enough, that’s no surprise. What are daily examples of ways you have the peace that Jesus’ brings?
- Commit to some ways your group will stay engaged with one another throughout the next week.
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read Esther 4:14 and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore how God’s revelation in the Bible doesn’t just tell us what to do, but why.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into twos or threes (virtually) for this section.
Getting to know you and them: Although embracing others typically requires being physically present with one another, discuss ways you and your group will be intentional to virtually meet or otherwise communicate.
Getting to know Him: Be intentional this week about tracking what God is teaching and showing you, then share it with the group.
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: Even though we can’t meet in person during this time, reach out to the people that you would normally see at the large gathering and see how you can be a blessing to them or let them know where you have a need.
Engaging in Community/the World: God has uniquely placed every Promisor in communities with the opportunity to be a light in the darkness and show those around us the peace and joy that only comes from a relationship with Him. Discuss ways that you could serve your community and the world during this unique time.
Expand God’s Kingdom
Christian leaders have never needed large or in-person gatherings to expand the Kingdom of God (especially considering that the majority of books in the New Testament are letters). Consider ways you can pour into someone over the next week and foreseeable future to disciple them. Send a text, email, phone or video call, use technology to glorify God.
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
