Praxis: Rendezvous for Worship

Even if we all face trials and persecutions God still cares for us.

Biblical Reference: Heb 11:32-12:3, I Peter 4:12-19, Rom 8:28-39

Location A Tunnel

Background / Setup
People through the ages have suffered for their faith, especially Christians. Stephen, Paul, Silas, etc. in Bible times and now we hear more and more of what had gone on in Communist countries. Christians in other countries face more persecution then we do by far. We should be able to face some of the less threatening pressures form those around us and learn to take a stand for what we believe. We should not let the pressures conform us to the world but allow it to refine us into stronger Christians.

Warm-up
Go to a secret place. Each person gets there on their own. Bring flashlights and a portion of scripture (above). As you meet in secret talk about the persecuted Christians from the past and now. Talk about how there have been times we all hide our faith (school, work, even in family). Why do we hide? How can we change? Were we ever persecuted for it? If so, how?

Study
READ: Heb 11:32-40
ASK: "So you think you could handle that pressure" "What do you think you would have done? How does this relate to situations in the world today?"
READ: I Peter 4:12-19 What does it tell you? How does that apply today?
READ: Rom 8:28-39 Discuss
READ: Heb 12:1-3 Discuss the Hope God provides for us.
Application
If we can see the BIGGER picture of what God wants for us, we will be to handle more of the pressure we face now.

Reflection
ASK: What will you do the next time you feel pressured to hide our faith? How will you show your faith to others this next week?

Let’s pray and express our thanks to God for our freedoms to express our faith publicly, and ask Him to provide the words to say and the boldness to speak up when He gives the opportunity.