July 24/25 Peace & Persecution
July 24/25 Peace & Persecution

July 24/25 Peace & Persecution

July 24/25 Peace & Persecution


THREE THINGS TO KNOW

DON’T MISS THIS

Baptism is an outward expression of an inward change that has taken place in our lives after we have placed our faith and trust in Christ. Lowering into the water symbolizes dying to your old life without God. You are then raised to a new life living like the Christ. Talk with your small group about baptism and check out the upcoming baptism opportunities at adabible.org/baptism.

GROUP VALUES

This month we are focused on group growth. Throughout this month, we’ve asked your group to pray about who might need what your group has. Have a conversation about who came to mind and some ideas on inviting them to be a part of your group.

GROW AS A LEADER

We want to know about your group and how to best encourage and equip you as small group leaders! One of the best ways we do that is through our small group survey. Your responses help us build future modules and plan our small group leader huddles. Please help us stay up-to-date on your group by taking 3-5 minutes to fill out this survey about your group.


DISCUSSION GUIDE

Welcome to the final week of our July series, Backward Blessing. This week we will talk about reflecting Jesus to the world around us.

Is there someone people say you look just like (maybe a parent or celebrity)?

Have someone read all of Matthew 5:1-12 aloud. What stands out to you now that you didn’t notice before this series?

 

PEACEMAKERS

What are some things that come to mind when you think of a peacemaker?

Have you ever taken the active role of a peacemaker in a relationship? If so, share with the group.

Have someone read Romans 12:18 aloud. What is your first response to what Paul says? Why do you think peace and unity in the church community matter?

Praying for someone’s wellbeing helps to turn your heart toward them. Who do you need to be praying for to turn your heart toward?

 

REFLECTIONS

“Children of” is a Hebrew phrase that connects a person to a particular attribute or person. How are we reflecting God when we are peacemakers?

Have someone read Colossians 1:18-20 aloud. How did Jesus bring peace?

The most important peacemaking we can participate in requires that we share the message of Jesus with the people in our lives. What are some ways you can share the message of Jesus with the different people in your life like family, neighbors, co-workers or friends?

 

PERSECUTION

The first followers of Jesus experienced pain because of their allegiance to Jesus. Persecution looks different for us than it did for them. What are some of the different kinds of pain Christians in our community might encounter for following Jesus?

The early Jesus-followers were persecuted with many imprisoned or killed. Today, there are Christians around the world who are still persecuted. What do you know about how Christians are treated around the world?

 

PROMISE

Have someone read Matthew 5:12 aloud. What do you think it means to have a reward in heaven?

How does the promise of some kind of reward in the next life help Jesus-followers endure difficult things in this life?

 

WRAP UP

Read back through the beatitudes one more time (Matthew 5:1-12). Which one challenges you the most?

This series has been all about how Jesus’s life of blessing is different than our culture’s definition of blessing. What’s one takeaway you have from today’s conversation?

 

Download a printable PDF.