INTRODUCTION
IIt can be overwhelming to think about all that's involved in someone from a different faith background embracing Christianity. Going against their friends, family, and upbringing is no small hurdle for many to overcome. Throughout the centuries and even to this day, God orchestrates situations and circumstances to draw people to himself.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Read Jeremiah 17:9. Judy tried to be a better person through achievements and good works, yet her heart still remained selfish, resentful, and complaining. Have you ever felt this tension? Why are our efforts at changing our hearts on our own ultimately unsuccessful?
- Read Ezekiel 36:26. What Judy was looking for, and what the Old Testament prophets were looking forward to, was a changed heart. How have you seen your heart changed, or the heart of someone else changed who has accepted Christ as their savior?
- Read Acts 9:1-2. Saul of Tarsus was a zealous Jew who sought to stamp out Christianity. Judy Reamer was a Jew who looked everywhere, except in Christianity, for the answers to life. What are some of the barriers that can cause Jews to oppose Christianity?
- Read Acts 9:3-18. God intervened in a miraculous way to draw Saul to himself. Is anyone too far from God's reach? Was Judy? How does this impact the way you think about those people in your life who are far away from God?
- How have you seen God orchestrate events to draw people to himself, either in your life or in the lives of others?
THINK ABOUT IT
God used Ananias in the life of Paul. God used Pat Boone in the life of Judy. What roles did they play? What is God's part and what is our part in conversion?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
How can God use you to draw people who are far away close to him?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?" Daniel 4:35