Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Matthew 5:10-12

When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:54-60

And Saul approved of their killing him. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison. Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Acts 8:1-4

How do you deal with the Pressure of Persecution?

1) Be

.

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12

2) Be

.

This Week’s Power Verse

However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. 1 Peter 4:16

3)

instead of

Reveal Answer

.

“Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:28

4) Be

!

2 reasons we’re blessed when we’re persecuted.

• There’s a Great
  Reveal Answer
  !
  “For great is your reward in heaven.”

• You’re in Great
  Reveal Answer
  .
  “…for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

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Ministry Highlights

• Operation Christmas Child

We’re providing Christmas gifts to those in need around the world while sharing the life changing message of Jesus through Operation Christmas Child. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Pick up a box today, fill it with listed items and return your boxes to The Connection Church by TODAY, November 3rd. Find Out How To Pack & What HERE

• Night Of Worship & Fall Festival

Night of Worship is your chance to connect with God and focus on him through worship, prayer, & communion. Night of Worship happens in Buda Wednesday, November 6th at 6:00pm. We will kick off the evening with a Fall Festival with food, face painting, jumpies and a barel train. We hope to see you during this special time as our church family comes together to worship together.

• Red & Green Gathering

Girls of all ages, join us as for our annual Red & Green Gathering, Friday, December 6th. It’s the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season with live performances, a Christmas market, food trucks, giveaways and more! Invite your mom, your sister and your girlfriends. Get your Tickets TODAY!

Connection Group Discussion Questions:

Open it Up:

1. What stood out to you most about today’s message on facing persecution? Did any story or passage especially resonate with you?

Understanding Persecution:

1. Persecution can take different forms, from verbal insults to physical harm. How have you or someone you know experienced pushback for standing up for your faith?
2. Pastor Cole pointed out that “persecution happens because of the conflict between two fundamentally opposing value systems.” Where do you see these conflicting values at work in our culture today?

Responding to Persecution:

1. The ways we should respond to persecution include: being prepared, standing securely, blessing instead of cursing, and being glad. Which of these responses do you find most challenging, and why?
2. Read 1 Peter 4:12-16. How does this passage encourage us to “praise God” even in times of suffering for our faith? What does praising God in persecution look like?
3. Jesus calls us to “bless those who curse you” (Luke 6:28). Can you share a time when you responded to someone’s opposition with a blessing or grace instead of retaliation? How did it affect you or the situation?

Living Faithfully in Opposition:

1. The pressures of our culture can push us to conform or stay quiet. Where in your life (work, family, friendships) do you feel this pressure most? How can you stand firm in those situations?
2. The story of Stephen in Acts 7 and the story of Polycarp from history demonstrates a fearless commitment to Christ. If you were in their place, how do you think you would respond? How can we grow a faith that stands firm even when we’re under fire?

Reflecting on Reward and Legacy:

1. Jesus promises a “great reward” in heaven for those who endure persecution (Matthew 5:12). How does this promise impact your view on the sacrifices or difficulties that come with living out your faith?
2. Think about your own legacy. What would you want people to say about your faith and commitment to Christ? Are there any steps you feel God is leading you to take in order to strengthen that testimony?

Closing Application:

1. If you were put on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? What changes could you make in your life to make your faith more visible?
2. How can our group support each other in standing firm in our faith when we face opposition?