“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” — Jesus; John 15:18(NLT)

If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you. — 1 Peter 4:14(NLT)

Scott Nickell joins us this week on the podcast for an extended conversation on one of the biggest challenges we face today as followers of Jesus: how do we navigate in the rough waters of a culture and nation that is increasingly and actively resistant to us and our faith?

 

DISCUSSION GUIDE

What’s the craziest experience you’ve had as an away team player/fan?

What makes being in an environment away from home so difficult? Do you think you would handle it well?

Arguably the most controversial verse in the bible to say in today’s culture is John 14:6 where Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” How does this statement help us as Christ followers in conversations with others?

Scott Nickell said, “If we are going to be hated, let it be for the right reasons, not for being big jerks.” Discuss how that can be implemented in your life. Are there any reasons people would hate you outside of your relationship with Jesus?

Where have you seen religious legalism combated? Why do we tend to see our relationship with God as works-based?

What are the big dominos you’ve seen fall in the lives of religious progressives?

Read 2 Timothy 3:1-7. Discuss how you can fight from the “terrible times”. What does it look like in your life?

Scott quoted the book Post Christian, “the great challenge today isn’t to convince people that there’s a god. The great challenge is to convince people, there’s one God.” Do you agree with this in relation to false religions? Why or why not?

Oftentimes we give politicians and governments too much credit for how they rule our lives. How can we remember John 14:6 in corrupt governments?

What else from this episode did you learn or grow in?

What did God/the Holy Spirit speak/prompt/say to you?  What’s God asking you to do?  What does He want to give you?  What does He want you to lay down?

Next Steps 

• Watch Scott’s sermon on How To Be Hated in 3 Simple Steps at https://southland.church/messages/how-to-be-hated-in-3-simple-steps

• Join a Group at southland.church/groups

• Join Fight Club in Georgetown https://southlandchristian.churchcenter.com/groups/georgetown-campus-groups/fight-club 

• Learn more about being a Marriage Mentor - email [email protected]

• Check out the Parenting Podcast and more at southland.church/podcasts

• For any other questions or comments email [email protected]