WELCOME ICEBREAKER

What is your favorite piece of jewelry?

WORSHIP

John 4:23,24
But the time is coming and is already here when true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. The Father is looking for anyone who will worship him that way. For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.

WORD

Read 1 Peter 1:1-9

The background to the text we are using is quite interesting. Peter wrote this letter to circulate to the Christians who were living in the Roman provinces. He did so in light of what had happened in Rome. In the summer of 64 AD much of Rome was destroyed in a fire. The Emperor Nero was believed to have caused the fire. Looking for a way out he chose the Christians to be the scapegoat for this and Christianity became a forbidden religion. During this time Paul was killed by beheading and Peter was crucified upside down. As a result of this persecution many of the believers were scattered and their faith tested.

Question for discussion:

1. What stands out to you in this passage?
2. When have you felt like a stranger in the world because of your faith? What helps you during those times? (Verse 1)
3. Peter describes our faith as precious, why does he say it is worth more than gold? (Verse 7)
4. What proves our faith is genuine in the trials of life? (Verse 7)
5. Discuss what causes our faith to grow and what causes it to weaken.
   1. Galatians 5:6
   2. Galatians 3:11
   3. 1 Timothy 6:12
   4. James 2:26
   5. Romans 10:17
6. Despite the hard times they went through how does Peter describe their outlook? (Verse 8,9)

WORK

As a group please continue to pray for the completion of our building. Also pray for new home groups that are needed.

Leadership Summit for home group leaders will be held on Thursday, January 26 at 7:00 PM.