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In chapter fifteen, Lydia and Nick argue over protecting one’s own reputation while doing the Lord’s work. Who did you side with more and why? When does pursuing a good reputation become detrimental? See 1 Corinthians 15:33, 1 Peter 2:12, and 1 Timothy 3:7–8. Then read Luke 6:6–11. How did Jesus respond to the Pharisees’ legalism? How might this story apply?
In chapter seventeen, Nick thinks, “Why did it seem the only people driven to change things were those who’d been personally affected?” Do you find this to be true? How can we gain empathy for people in situations we’ve not encountered? See Romans 12:15–16, 1 John 3:17, and Galatians 6:1–2.
Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28 NASB). In chapter nineteen, Bernadette stops all her charitable volunteering to attend to her spiritual health. Do you agree or disagree with her chosen path? Ephesians 2:10 teaches that God gives an individualized set of “good works” for each believer. What happens when we take on more than God intended? How can we discern God’s path daily? See Proverbs 3:5–6, 1 Corinthians 13:1–3, Romans 12:2, and Philippians 3:13–14.
In chapter forty-one, Nicholas says that “there are countless children affected by everyone’s poor choices—those of the men and women who make use of the red-light district, and those who refuse to offer real help.” Government laws do provide order, protection, necessary public works, moral direction, and provision for the needy. But consider 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12, James 1:27, and Deuteronomy 15:7–11, and discuss responsibilities the church has relegated to the government that God gave to believers. Why does this happen? Should anything be done about it?
In chapter forty-six, Lydia worries, “Those romance novels had gotten her into trouble, just as Papa always said they would.” Some Christians say fiction isn’t worth reading, and yet Jesus used parables—clearly fiction—to drive home spiritual truth. See Matthew 22:1–14 and Luke 11:5–8. Has fiction imparted or strengthened spiritual truths in your life? Has it been detrimental? What principles do you apply when reading or choosing a type of fiction to read? See Psalm 101:3 and Philippians 4:8.
Also in chapter forty-six, Lydia suspects that she “was making God in her own image . . .” into an idol that would give her whatever she wanted. Jesus taught believers to pray to God, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10a NASB), yet He also commanded believers to ask with audacious faith (Matthew 21:22). Consider Psalm 37:4–6, Matthew 6:25–33, James 4:2–3, and 1 John 5:14–15. How do you hold audacious faith and submission together in your prayer life?
This book deals with a group of people shunned by the church and polite society of the time. Is there a group in your community that your church is not reaching well? Are some sins shrugged off while others are condemned? Consider Ezekiel 33:8, Matthew 18:15–17, Mark 2:17, Galatians 6:1, and James 5:19–20. How should we deal with sinners outside the church? Inside the church? Of all the book’s characters, which one’s approach is most similar to how you deal with unrepentant sinners? What can you do to improve your reach?
Much to her introverted self’s delight, ACFW Carol Award winner Melissa Jagears hardly needs to leave home to be a homeschooling mother and novelist. She lives in Kansas with her husband and three children and can be found online at Facebook, Pinterest, Goodreads, and www.melissajagears.com.
Join Melissa’s newsletter list for news about new releases, giveaways, bargains, and exclusive subscriber content on her webpage or at http://bit.ly/jagearsnewsletter.
Feel free to drop her a note at mjagears@gmail.com, or you can find her current mailing address and a list of her books at www.melissajagears.com.
Books by Melissa Jagears
Love by the Letter*
A Bride for Keeps
A Bride in Store
A Bride at Last
TEAVILLE MORAL SOCIETY
Engaging the Competition**
A Heart Most Certain
*e-novella. Also included in the With All My Heart novella collection.
**e-novella. Also included in the With This Ring? novella collection.
Resources: bethanyhouse.com/AnOpenBook Website: www.bethanyhouse.com
Facebook: Bethany House Twitter: @Bethany House