EDGE Spring 2007  - Persecution – Session 1

Welcome

Have a drink together. Why not simply have a time where you tell one another what you appreciate about meeting together!

Additional idea: Different pairs come up with a situation where someone has to make a decision. Especially where it is unsure what the ‘right’ decision is.

e.g. You’re at McDonalds and you’re absolutely famished. The girl behind the counter is getting pretty stressed in the rush. She serves you with your normal Big Mac Meal large sized, but she only charges you £2.99, even though you get the large fries and drink. Do you:

(a) Point out the error straight away and give her the correct money

(b) Wait until she’s realised her mistake and then hand over the extra cash

(c) Take the grub and run while you’ve got the chance

(d) Demand to see the manager straight away, about this careless waste of company funds

Can the group come up with other scenarios?

Worship

Thank God for the Church. The Church in Cosham and the worldwide church. Perhaps discuss what you could thank God for first.

Word

Read 1 Peter 3:8-17

(If necessary explain / talk about suffering and persecution)

What reasons does Peter suggest that suffering would come?

Then read Pastor Lalani’s story told in her own words… (on appendix page 1)

Then ask:  What were people doing to wreck Pastor Lalani’s faith?

  What can people do to wreck our lives?

  People can be pretty nasty, but can they really hurt us?

Out of the list (on appendix page 2) ask the group what are the top three worst persecutions THEY might face.

If they were in Pastor Lalani’s shoes what would they have done?

Mid Session Activity:

Invite three volunteers to the front who are prepared to endure pain. Give them each an elastic band to pull over their heads, like a headband, positioned about an inch above their eyebrows. On your signal have them use both hands to pull the elastic out in front of their forehead as far as they can.

Then, when you are satisfied that they are all pulling sufficiently hard, count down from three and tell them to let go. Practice this on yourself beforehand. It produces a sharp stinging sensation, but is otherwise harmless

Award a prize to the person who flinches least.

Is it cool to be able to handle pain?

Should we look forward to suffering and pain? Is this Peter’s suggestion in verses 14 and 17?

 

Read 1 Peter 4:12-19

· What shouldn’t suffering surprise us?

· Why should we rejoice in suffering?

· What kind of suffering is commended?

· What does this suffering show? (verses 14,16)

· Who controls our suffering?

· What should our painful experiences remind us of? (v13)

o Take a look at the list on appendix page 2 – how many of these things did Jesus suffer

 

Witness

If at all possible go to this page

http://www.releaseinternational.org/pages/downloads/world-update-webcast.php

and download the video file of the Burma Special Report – it’s a big file but amazingly challenging and encouraging. The video file can be downloaded directly by clicking below.

http://www.releaseinternational.org/media/Webcasts/webcast0806.wmv

 

· Then pray for Pastor Lalani in Sri Lanka and the Christians and people in Burma