Facing Persecution

Harris Creek

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Facing Persecution

Harris Creek Baptist Church

October 29, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda

As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that Christians must lean closer to God in times of suffering because He is sanctifying us. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us five things we should not do in suffering. As we seek to become more like Christ, we must rejoice in suffering because our Savior suffered for us on our behalf.

1 Peter 4:12-19

1) Do not be surprised in suffering

2) Do not be discouraged in suffering

3) Do not be guilty in suffering

4) Do not be ashamed in suffering

5) Do not suffer outside of God’s will because our Savior suffered for us on our behalf.

Life Group Questions:

1. JP shared that approximately 13 Christians are killed each day for sharing their faith. How can you be diligent to pray for those who are being persecuted for their faith? How can you grow in sharing your faith with others?

2. What is a spiritual discipline that you have seen growth in after experiencing a time of suffering?

3. Has there been a time when you suffered because of sin? How have you experienced God’s grace as you’ve fully surrendered your sufferings to the Lord?

When the Enemy Prowls

November 12, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda

As we wrap up our series, “Forged,” JP shows us three unavoidable obstacles that are found in Scripture and how to combat them. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us how anxiety, temptation and suffering can be combated with a Kingdom first mindset. 1 Peter 5:6-10 1) In anxiety, humble yourself 2) In temptation, resist the devil 3) In suffering, practice patience Life Group Questions: 1) When faced with anxiety, how can you effectively cast those burdens on the Lord knowing how much He cares for you? 2) Was there a time when you were hesitant to bring sin to the light out of fear that others wouldn’t understand? What is a verse that you have clung to when faced with temptation? 3) What is a way that you can help others practice patience in times of suffering? Explain a time where you were shown grace in the midst of suffering.

The Key to a Healthy Church

November 5, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda

As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that humility is key for a healthy church body. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us how church elders and members must serve one another with an eager heart. 1 Peter 5:1-5 1) For the church to work, you must have humble elders 2) Church leaders must serve with humble motives 3) For church to work, you must have humble members Life Group Questions: 1) How have you seen the church impacted in a positive way through our elders? 2) How can you grow in serving one another in humility? 3) Do you find yourself convicted of consumerism? What are ways that your output can be greater than your input?

Living in the End Times

October 22, 2023 • Jonathan Pokluda

As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that we are called to live as though Jesus is returning in our lifetime. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us how we should use our gifts to serve the body of Christ with sacrificial love. If we are truly living on mission for Christ, we wouldn’t have the desire to change how we live our lives on the day He returns. 1 Peter 4:7-11 1) Pray with perspective 2) Love without lamenting 3) Glorify God with your gifts Life Group Questions: 1. As believers we are called to pray with a sense of urgency. How can you improve your prayer life in a way that is others focused? 2. Paul reminds us in 1 Peter to meet the needs of everyone around you with a sacrificial love. How have you shown hospitality to others even when it is inconvenient for you? 3. Each of us have been equipped with spiritual gifts that are essential to the body of Christ. What is a need that you have seen within the church and how can your gift be illuminated in that ministry?