Key Thought : We will all meet opposition in our service to Christ, but we can overcome in His strength.

The Controversy Continues January 23-29, 2016

1. Have a volunteer read I Kings 18:21,30,37-39.

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a. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
b. How is worship a factor in the conflict involving Elijah and the prophets of Baal?
c. Personal Application : What can we learn from the prayers and actions of Elijah that we can apply today? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your relatives states: “Why did Elijah challenge the different religions of his day like that? Shouldn’t he have been more tolerant and understanding of the people’s right to worship the way they want?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read 2 Kings 19:30-35.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
b. Even though God allowed Israel to be distressed because of their rebellion, what prompted him to give them deliverance at that time?
c. Personal Application : How can we learn to trust in the Lord and keep the big picture in mind, even when things seem discouraging, negative, and impossible? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your friends states, “Did God actually step in an send an angel to destroy all those soldiers, or was this just a Bible explanation for an unexpected disease or poisoning that went through their camp?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

3. Have a volunteer read Esther 3:8-11.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. What would have happened if the king’s decree to destroy all the Jews had taken place?
c. Personal Application: Is there anything or anyone you distrust? What are the reasons for your distrust? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : One of your neighbors states, “Do you think anyone would accuse us of being different and disobedient to the laws of the land, where people would seek to destroy us?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Nehemiah 2:16-18.

a. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
b. How did Nehemiah motivate the people to want to start building in Jerusalem?
c. Personal Application: How can we be motivated to revival and reformation in our personal lives and in the church? Share your thoughts.
d. Case Study : Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them. 

(Note : “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

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