SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION

- Romans 12:14 says to bless those who persecute you. When did the persecution of God's people start? What are examples of persecution you can think of from the Bible? (Galatians 1:13; Acts 22:3-4; Matthew 5:11-12; Luke 6:22-23; 1 John 3:11-13; 1 Peter 4:12-16; John 15:18-21)

- When did the persecution of God's people stop? If someone tried to teach you that once a person started following Christ, God would protect them from sickness, harm or persecution, what would you say? What are examples of persecution in your own life?

- Why do you think followers of Christ in North America have experienced so little persecution over the last century? Do you think the persecution of God's people in our culture will increase or decrease over the next decade?

- What will you do if the persecution of you and your family increases over time? What are we supposed to do? (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:3-6)