Persecution Around the World Items Needed: 10 index cards or pieces of paper Two bags or jars (to hold the index cards) Paul and Barnabas traveled to many different cities on their first missionary trip. They went to the different synagogues and told the people about Jesus. Many people believed, but many did not believe and gathered a mob to attack and throw large stones at them to try and kill them. Not everyone is happy when others tell him or her about Jesus. Some people may not like it and say or do mean things. Many people are persecuted because they believe in and tell others about Jesus. What does it mean to be persecuted? (To be treated in a cruel or harsh way because of what you believe or do) How were Paul and Barnabas persecuted? (People spoke against them, people tried to kill them by throw large rocks at them, etc.) Persecution of Christians still happens today. Christians are harassed, mistreated, beaten, and even killed in many countries, just because they are Christians. Write each of the following five countries (top countries where Christians are persecuted) on a separate index card or piece of paper. 1. North Korea 2. Iran 3. Afghanistan 4. Saudi Arabia 5. Somalia (From opendoorsusa.org/worldwatchlist) Write each of the following requests on a separate index card. God, please help the believers to have strength when they face hard times. Please help the families of those in prison. Help those persecuted to be filled with love and forgiveness. Please help the persecuted Christians not to give up. Give the church leaders wisdom and courage to lead their people. Put the countries in one bag and the prayers in a separate bag. Each day, pick a country and a prayer and use them as a guide to pray for the persecuted people in that country. Optional: Locate these countries on a world map or globe. Asking for Courage Items Needed: slips of paper How did Paul and Barnabas show courage when they were persecuted? (They went back to the city where others had tried to kill them; they were not afraid of what others might do to them; they still did what was right, etc.) It takes courage to stand up and do the right thing when others are making fun of you or don't like what you are saying or doing. When do you need courage? Write each of the following situations on slips of paper and take turns drawing one. Read each of the following situations and ask: What can you say or do to show courage? You are at a sleepover and some kids want to watch a TV show your parents don't allow you to watch. Some friends start making fun of another girl's clothes. Your teacher said that the world evolved over billions of years. You want to say a prayer at the restaurant, but you're worried about what others might think. You want to invite your friend to church. Say a prayer, asking God for courage to face difficult situations. Isaiah 41:10 Items needed: pieces of copy or construction paper and masking tape Review a Bible verse that can help you have courage! Students are still learning Isaiah 41:10. Write each phrase of the verse on a piece of copy or construction paper. Lay these in a random pattern on the sidewalk. (You may need a piece of masking tape to secure these to the ground.) Take turns jumping from one phrase to (saying the phrase aloud) to the other to complete the verse. Don't forget to include the reference - Isaiah 41:10.

Early Elementary Your student learned about Paul and Barnabas’ last stops on their journey. He or she learned how Paul healed a lame man and afterward stopped the people who began to worship him instead of God. He or she also learned an angry mob stoned Paul and left him for dead, but God continued to use them so others could hear the gospel. Upper Elementary Your student learned unbelievers persecuted Paul and Barnabas. Some of the people of Iconium wanted to stone them. They became aware of the plan and escaped to Lystra. While in Lystra, Paul healed a lame man. The people then began to worship Paul and Barnabas instead of God. They explained God was the only one to be worshiped. HOME CONNECTION Listen to God: Read Acts 14:1-7 These verses remind us that sharing the gospel will often be met with persecution and rejection. Paul and Barnabas encountered strong opposition in Iconium, but they boldly continued to share the gospel message before moving on to the next town. Lead your family in a discussion about sharing the gospel today. How are things different? How are they the same? What can we learn from the example of Paul and Barnabas? Talk to God Believers have experienced opposition and persecution throughout history. We owe it to those who preceded us, as well as to future generations, to understand persecution and to be prepared for it. It may not be prevalent in your neighborhood, but be sure to provide age-appropriate examples of persecution that happens across the world. Lead in a time of prayer for those who are experiencing persecution, as well as for strength for your family as you endeavor to share the truth of the gospel with those you meet. Walk With God Option 1: Throughout history, many Christians have faced persecution for what they believe. We’ve learned of Paul’s experiences with verbal and physical persecution, but what we may not realize is that persecution still occurs today. Persecution is a reality in the life of a Christian, but God’s Word makes it possible to persevere. Read Romans 8:16- 18 together and share instances where you have experienced persecution for your beliefs. Discuss how difficult it can be to stand up for your belief in Christ. Pray that God would give courage in times of persecution, and pray for Christians in countries where they cannot openly profess their faith in Christ. Option 2: Play a game of Two Truths and a Lie. Each family member shares three statements when it is his or her turn. Two of the three should be truthful, and the third one should be a false statement intended to trick another family member. After sharing the statements, he or she selects someone to choose the false statement. Allow each family member to have a turn. Then use the activity as a discussion starter. Satan is no novice in using deception and trickery to get Christians off course. He will stop at nothing to tempt us to get our eyes off the Lord and neglect doing what God wants us to do. God wants us to share the gospel with others even when it’s hard. Challenge family members to ignore the lies and tricks that come from Satan and diligently work to share the good news of Jesus. Pray together for God’s direction for this week. Week 3 June 17, 2012 D6 Family Theme: Persecution The Point: Spreading the gospel is spiritual warfare.

5 Things Father's Do Best From Focus on the Family

Here are five things you may not have known about dads:
This Father’s Day, instead of handing
Dad another tie, thank him for making a
difference in your life — in ways you may
not have known about . . . until now.

1 Fathers teach us empathy
A study by the American Psychological
Association found that children with very involved
fathers are more likely to be sensitive to the needs
of others. Effective dads also helped their children
become more generous and thoughtful too.
2 Fathers give us confidence
Fathers are more likely to challenge their
children to try difficult things by taking safe and
measured risks. Research shows that a man’s more
physical play style — and slower response to help
his children through frustrating situations —
encourages problem-solving and self-confidence
in both boys and girls.
3 Fathers increase our vocabulary
Children who spend lots of time with Dad
are more likely to have larger and more complex
vocabularies. That’s because fathers are more likely
to speak to their children as they would an adult.
This often initiates a vocabulary lesson.
4 Fathers protect us from crime and violence
You’re not likely to find well-fathered boys
in gangs. A father’s affirmation fulfills the need
that makes gang life attractive. Likewise, girls
with good fathers are not as likely to be sexually
active, having already experienced the wholesome,
fatherly love of a good dad.
5 Fathers promote better treatment of women
Find a young woman who won’t be victimized
sexually, emotionally or financially, and we’ll show
you a woman who most likely has a good dad.
Even when a good dad stumbles, if Mom calls him
on it and he responds like a gentleman, the kids
take note.
5 things As we celebrate Father’s Day, we should recognize
that fatherhood is not merely a sentimental role,
but a profoundly important one too.

This week, your student learned that Paul and Barnabas taught about God in the Jewish synagogues. Many people accepted Christ as Savior but others were angry at this teaching. Nevertheless, Paul and Barnabas continued to share the gospel with others until they were run out of town by an angry mob. Help your student memorize Isaiah 41:10a.Listen to God: Read Acts 13:44-52 This passage reminds us that the good news of Jesus resulted in rejection and rejoicing. Nearly the whole city gathered to hear Paul and Barnabas tell about the good news. Many were excited and embraced the message that Jesus was the Messiah. Others were not willing to accept it and actually became hostile about it. This did not put a damper on the zeal of those who rejoiced. These verses tell us that Paul and Barnabas made their way 90 miles down the road to Iconium and the believers left behind lived in God’s joy. Lead your family in a discussion about how the good news of Jesus is received today. How does it affect some Christians and their efforts to share the good news anyway? Talk to God Familiarity with Christianity is not the same as being a disciple of Christ. Challenge your family members to consider this question: Do you know Christ or do you merely know Christianity? It’s not enough to go to church (or a Christian school). We need to experience a growing relationship with the Lord. Lead your family in a time of prayer and ask the Lord to help each one of you know Him in a personal way—not just know about Him. Walk With God Option 1: Do you remember the first time you heard the gospel? Bringing others to Christ should be our top priority in this life. Write a list of verses that tell the plan of salvation (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10, etc.) Discuss how you can share these verses with your neighbors, friends, and family. You could leave tracts on a neighbor’s doorstep, invite a friend to church, or share with someone how God has changed your life. Don’t just experience the good news; share it with those around you. Option 2: Ask family members to name celebrities or well-known people nearly everyone could identify. Select one or two and ask additional questions: Where is this person from? How many siblings does this person have? What kind of food does he or she like? What does he or she do for fun? Even though nearly everyone knows the celebrity’s name, we don’t always know anything truly personal about him or her. Discuss this question: What is the difference between knowing someone’s name, and knowing him or her personally? Challenge your family members to get to know the Lord better this week. Consider a group study of the characteristics of Christ, but also encourage one-on-one time with the Lord and His Word.