Scotland’s Forgotten SUFFERING

19min 56sec
Documentary

The twenty eight years that followed Charles II becoming king in 1660 were brutal for the Church in Scotland. Frequently and conveniently ignored, this was the period of Scotland’s Greatest Persecution. Heavy fines, imprisonment, torture and execution – being faithful to the biblical values of the Second Reformation was literally outlawed.

In a time of increasing hostility to Christian values, there are vital lessons for us today from this awful but heroic period. Travel with us to visit the locations were Scotland’s Christians suffered so much for Christ.

Scotland’s Forgotten Suffering is both moving and stirring but it is important that we learn from it too. What did you learn from Scotland’s Forgotten Suffering about living in the midst of a society antagonistic to Christian values?

bible study

Dig

Deeper

Read Hebrews 11:23-27 and 32-40

What hardships did Moses suffer and what did he have to give up in order to continue to be faithful? (v24-27) Find at least four things.

Where can you see the choice between suffering or sinning stated in these verses?

Why is it short-sighted as well as wrong to choose to sin rather than suffer?

Are there temptations for us today to avoid keeping to God’s requirements in His Word? Could there be some that are less obvious to us?

Do you think we sometimes give into the temptation to avoid plainly asserting Biblical truth because we know that it flies in the face of popular thinking?

Verse 25 makes suffering affliction together with God’s people sound like a privilege. What do you think about that?

Moses suffered in terms of reputation and material prosperity. These things are the main priorities in our society. Do you think our lifestyle and choices mark us out as much different from the people around us? Are there ways that we are tempted to compromise in order not to lose out?

Moses came to the conclusion that there was greater value in suffering for Christ than there was in all the treasures of Egypt. How was that? (v26)

What is it that takes away the fear of man, even the most powerful and threatening? (v27)

How did Moses see the One that is invisible? (v27) How does that strengthen endurance?

How does verse 29 encourage us in situations where the forces against the Church seem so strong while the Church is weak and powerless?

Are there aspects of verse 36-39 that remind you of what the Covenanters suffered? How does it help us today to remember what they suffered?

Having considered what Moses needed in enduring suffering, do you think that the Church today has the right teaching and spiritual attitude that would sustain it if a time of suffering came?

Some people would say that the Covenanters suffered for a less important point of principle. Do you agree? Even if it was a small point of principle do we have the right to compromise the least part of God’s truth?

The video ends with these words: “The Covenanters suffered to preserve a legacy of truth for future generations – including us. But this costly legacy meets with sheer neglect and apathy today. We have not given it up because of persecution but through either indifference or men-pleasing. If their sacrifice is not to be forgotten, we must be prepared to choose suffering over sinning”. Do you agree?

“As the king and head of His church, only Christ can command how his kingdom is to be governed. The trouble begins when the church or state authorities require us to disobey Christ. This is when we have to make the choice that Argyll spoke of; Obeying authorities and sinning or obeying Christ and suffering?”