What is Persecution?

How bad was the persecution of Christians in the 1st century?

Why do you think the speaker feels so strongly about his statement: “When we belittle the word PERSECUTION down to annoyances, we diminish the sacrifice of those persecuted.”? Do you see a progression in magnitude in the words below?

How can persecution lead to maturity?

Whether in weakness, insult, hardship, persecution, or calamity, how does Christ ask Christians to respond? If you have experienced something in one of these verses, share your reaction with your Mathetis group.

What promises does Christ give us if we live faithfully in the face of persecution?

Write a prayer for the persecuted of the church. Pray this prayer with your Mathetis group.

Imagine a scenario when you might be called on to endure persecution. Share with your Mathetis group how you hope to respond.