Heart Connex Parents Page - January 16-18, 2011 - Loyalty ...
Truth Flowing from One Generation to the Next—Through Strong Heart Connections
PA R ENTS PAGE January 16-18, 2011 Loyalty During Persecution—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a teenager goes first): When it’s your turn, say: You also do things to help this family. I especially appreciate it when you . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Acts 4:19-20 and John 16:33. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these passages. Truth • Christians under persecution find their courage in Christ. Untruths • The best way to get along in the world is to go along with the world. • Religion that costs you something isn’t very interesting. • God is like a big Santa Claus and would never ask us to suffer. 3. Explore Scripture: Say: Persecution means being treated badly by people who are angry with you. Read aloud Acts 4:19-20. Say: Christians simply have to decide if they will follow the voice of Christ or the voice of the world. They have to decide if they will remain loyal to God despite the persecution. Read aloud John 16:33. Tell your family that the risen Christ gives us the courage we need to stay loyal to God during persecution. Point out that the forces of evil did their worst to Christ, yet He was and is victorious. Say: In His power, the same will be true when godly family members are persecuted. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this activity. 5. Nail It Down: Move a chair in front of the TV and sit in it. Say: Some preachers on TV say the real goal of Christian living is ease and prosperity. Jesus taught that true believers will experience persecution. I challenge you to believe Christ and to turn to Him for strength when you face whatever the world brings against you. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead today’s prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: As for our house, we will serve the Lord—come what may. Parent Tip: Talk with your teenagers about how they might experience persecution in their world. Ask how they see their friends suffer for their faith and what fears they may have about being persecuted. Pray with them and for them as they struggle to live an authentic life of faith among their peers.
Copyright © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
PA R ENTS PAGE January 16-18, 2011 Loyalty During Persecution—Richard Ross, Ph.D. 1. Heart Surprise (Today a teenager goes first): When it’s your turn, say: You also do things to help this family. I especially appreciate it when you . . . 2. Read Scripture: Invite a family member to pray. Ask family members to read Acts 4:19-20 and John 16:33. Discuss the Truth and Untruths in light of these passages. Truth • Christians under persecution find their courage in Christ. Untruths • The best way to get along in the world is to go along with the world. • Religion that costs you something isn’t very interesting. • God is like a big Santa Claus and would never ask us to suffer. 3. Explore Scripture: Say: Persecution means being treated badly by people who are angry with you. Read aloud Acts 4:19-20. Say: Christians simply have to decide if they will follow the voice of Christ or the voice of the world. They have to decide if they will remain loyal to God despite the persecution. Read aloud John 16:33. Tell your family that the risen Christ gives us the courage we need to stay loyal to God during persecution. Point out that the forces of evil did their worst to Christ, yet He was and is victorious. Say: In His power, the same will be true when godly family members are persecuted. 4. Think It Through: A teenager will lead this activity. 5. Nail It Down: Move a chair in front of the TV and sit in it. Say: Some preachers on TV say the real goal of Christian living is ease and prosperity. Jesus taught that true believers will experience persecution. I challenge you to believe Christ and to turn to Him for strength when you face whatever the world brings against you. 6. Pray: A teenager will lead today’s prayer. 7. Blessing: Say: As for our house, we will serve the Lord—come what may. Parent Tip: Talk with your teenagers about how they might experience persecution in their world. Ask how they see their friends suffer for their faith and what fears they may have about being persecuted. Pray with them and for them as they struggle to live an authentic life of faith among their peers.
Copyright © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention
