During this service we experienced a power outage, luckily Rob spoke on the same subject at our 8am Service. Listen to the recording bellow.

DISCUSSION NOTES

Read Acts 8:1-8, Matthew 5:10-12 and 2 Timothy 3:12.

The New Testament is written to a persecuted Church - today however the numbers of Christians persecuted is greater than any other time in history.

1. Persecution and Church Growth - Acts 8v1 & v4
What is the link between Church growth and persecution in this passage? Is there a principle that links Church growth and persecution? What contemporary examples are we aware of?

2. Persecution and prayer - Matthew 5v10-12 & v44
How much is prayer for persecuted believers part of our vocation as Christians? How can you find out about how to pray for the persecuted Church today? If you were persecuted what would you want prayer for from others, and how would you pray yourself? What is the link in your own life between ‘trouble’ and ‘prayer’?

3. Persecution and Godliness - 2Timothy 3 v12
Do you know any Christians who have experienced persecution for their faith? Often contemporary stories are very inspiring. What does Paul mean by this verse? Have you ever been persecuted? What does persecution look like if it exists in Britain today?

Action:
Check out Open Doors resources online and their monthly prayer guides. Consider praying regularly for the persecuted Church. Which global partners linked with Woodlands work in areas where Christians are persecuted? Can you write to them and find out their prayer needs?