HOME GUIDE | JULY 19, 2020

SUMMARY | Disciples on mission endure persecution. (5:17-42)
Fearing for our lives because of our religious stance is not something we typically worry about within our setting. Sure we can become pressured to think differently but persecution?  In today's study, persecution means someone is treated ill or unfairly because of their religious stance.  Acts chapter 5:17-42, gives us insight into the situation the early disciples faced because of what they were teaching.  Take a few moments to read the story and us the discussion questions below. Consider what it means for Christians today. 
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | 

1. [Children] Activity: Have the children draw what comes to mind throughout today’s discussion. Help them use their words to describe what GOD is doing in this storyline.  
2. [Teens - Adults] What’s standing out at the moment from today’s reading? What questions come to mind? (What is Sanhedrin? What is Pharisee?) 
   
3. [Children - Adults] In your own words, what does it mean to be a BOLD disciple/follower of Jesus? What might that look like at home, work, in a relationship, or at school? (See vs 28-29)
   
4. [Teens - Adults] We see trends, fads, protests, and political movements come and go, this isn’t a new concept. What stands out to you about what the teacher Gamaliel had to say to the council? (vs 33-39)
   
5. [Teens - Adults] Do you believe the Spirit of God was with the disciples in this setting? Did you notice they still had a consequence? What are your thoughts around the persecution they still endured? Also, discuss their response. 

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS | Family Activity from last week
[Children - Adults] For several weeks now we have encouraged a family prayer board. How is that going?   Here is what that looks like: Find a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard, go around the room asking about any concerns or thanksgivings before a time of Prayer.   Leave this paper where you can see it all week, discuss them everyday and see where God might be working in them. [Deu 6]
Additional Resource | Mission and Vision of the West Side Church of Christ: https://www.westsidear.org/mission-and-vision.html