MONTHLY ARCHIVES: June 2016

Conversation Starters: When Opposition Strikes

Posted by Karah

thumb_IMG_9677_1024THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: There was a time when Christians in America only knew about opposition to Christianity from what they heard was happening in other countries. Increasingly, American culture has allowed—and even supported—opposition to Christian faith. How we respond to such spiritual opposition says as much about our faith as our beliefs do. The early church experienced opposition and their prayerful response shows how we can respond when others oppose our faith. Because God is in control, we can be confident in the midst of opposition.

Concept: When Opposition Strikes

Preschool

Jonah

LIFE POINT: God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach to the people. Instead, Jonah got on a ship going somewhere else! Soon a storm came. Jonah told the sailors to throw him overboard. When they did, the storm stopped. God did not let Jonah drown. He sent a big fish to swallow Jonah. For three days Jonah prayed from inside the fish. God directed the fish to spit Jonah out onto the shore. Jonah obeyed God. He went to Nineveh. He told the people they had done bad things to God. The people were sorry for
what they had done. God was glad they stopped doing bad things. God forgave the people.

LIVE IT OUT: Find a missionary that your family could pray for. Invite your preschooler to decorate a card or draw a picture to send to the missionary to thank him for telling people about God.

Kids

Jonah

LIFE POINT: God told Jonah to go to Nineveh to preach to the people. Instead, Jonah got on a ship going somewhere else! Soon a storm came. Jonah told the sailors to throw him overboard. When they did, the storm stopped. God did not let Jonah drown. He sent a big fish to swallow Jonah. For three days Jonah prayed from inside the fish. God directed the fish to spit Jonah out onto the shore. Jonah obeyed God. He went to Nineveh. He told the people they had sinned against God. The people were sorry for what they had done. God was glad they stopped sinning. God forgave the people.

LIVE IT OUT: Think of a family friend that is in need of Jesus. Work as a family to share Jesus with that
person or family. God wants people to tell others about Jesus. You can be an example to your child.

Students

Acts 4:23-31

THE POINT: We can boldly face any opposition because God is in charge. How can we strive for unity in the presence of opposition? What does it look like to demonstrate spiritual boldness in today’s world?
Discuss the following quote:

Opposition is not only evidence that God is blessing, but it is also an opportunity for us to grow.”1 —Warren Wiersbe

LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:

If he or she plans to complete Conflict Management:
• Ask your student to make a list of ways to support your church. Assist them in their efforts to be more
connected in the church, and encourage them as they faithfully serve.

If he or she plans to complete Living with Courage:
• Help your student come up with a list of friends/peers they can talk to about Jesus.
• Pray with your student that God would give them the boldness and opportunity to share, and remind them that you are praying for them daily.

1. Warren Wiersbe, “Search For A Quote,” Christian Quotes [online], [accessed 16 March 2015]. Available from the Internet: www.christianquotes.info/search-for-a-quote/#ixzz3QavM3Q4C


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