Transformative Power of Faith and Forgiveness

Summary

Growing up, our family cherished the moments spent around the kitchen table, sharing coffee and conversation. This tradition of connection and communication laid the foundation for my spiritual journey and the relationships within my family. My sister Carol, however, faced a challenging path. Despite my efforts to share the love of Christ with her, she struggled to accept Him due to the pain from an abusive marriage. I realized that it was not my words but the Holy Spirit that needed to draw her to faith.

After decades away from Illinois, my husband and I felt called to return, seeing my family as our mission field. I prayed for Carol for many years, trusting that God would work in her heart. Inspired by Romans 10:17, which says faith comes by hearing the word of Christ, I introduced my sisters to the "Open the Bible" study. This resource provided a structured and non-intimidating way for us to explore Scripture together, even over Zoom.

As we delved into the lessons, I noticed a transformation in Carol. About six weeks into the study, she shared that she had forgiven her ex-husband, Bill, after decades of bitterness. This act of forgiveness was a powerful sign of change in her life. When we asked if she had decided to put her faith in Christ, she confirmed that she had. Carol's newfound joy and peace were evident, and it was clear that she no longer felt alone.

The "Open the Bible" study was instrumental in Carol's journey, offering clarity and authority that I couldn't provide on my own. It allowed her to engage with Scripture in a comfortable setting, free from intimidation. I am grateful for this tool and the timing of its introduction into our lives. Carol's story is a testament to God's everlasting love and His ability to draw us to Himself with loving kindness, as described in Jeremiah 31:3.

Key Takeaways:

- The power of family traditions and conversations can lay a foundation for spiritual growth and connection. These moments of sharing and listening can open doors for deeper relationships and opportunities to share faith. [00:48]

- Sometimes, the journey to faith is hindered by past pain and struggles. It is important to recognize that it is the Holy Spirit, not our words, that ultimately draws people to Christ. Patience and prayer are essential in this process. [01:52]

- Forgiveness is a profound sign of transformation and healing. When Carol forgave her ex-husband, it marked a significant change in her heart, demonstrating the power of God's work in her life. [03:45]

- Engaging with Scripture in a non-intimidating and structured way can facilitate spiritual growth. Resources like "Open the Bible" provide clarity and authority, making it easier for individuals to explore faith without feeling overwhelmed. [05:04]

- God's love is everlasting and draws us to Him with kindness. Carol's story is a beautiful example of how God reaches out to us, even from afar, with a love that transforms and redeems. [05:36]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:48] - Family Conversations
- [01:04] - Carol's Struggles
- [01:22] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [02:13] - Returning to Illinois
- [02:26] - Faith Comes by Hearing
- [02:41] - Introducing "Open the Bible"
- [02:57] - Inviting Carol
- [03:12] - Coffee Clutch Reimagined
- [03:28] - Signs of Change
- [03:45] - Forgiveness and Transformation
- [04:18] - Carol's Faith Decision
- [04:34] - Newfound Joy
- [05:04] - The Perfect Tool
- [05:36] - God's Everlasting Love

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 10:17 - "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."
2. Jeremiah 31:3 - "The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, 'I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving kindness.'"

---

Observation Questions:
1. What role did family traditions, like conversations around the kitchen table, play in the speaker's spiritual journey? [00:48]
2. How did the speaker's sister, Carol, initially respond to discussions about faith, and what changed over time? [01:36]
3. What was the significance of Carol forgiving her ex-husband, and how did it relate to her spiritual transformation? [03:45]
4. How did the "Open the Bible" study help Carol engage with Scripture in a non-intimidating way? [05:04]

---

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Romans 10:17 emphasize the importance of hearing the word of Christ in developing faith, and how was this reflected in Carol's journey? [02:26]
2. In what ways did the speaker's return to Illinois serve as a mission field for her family, and how did this impact Carol's faith journey? [02:13]
3. How does the act of forgiveness serve as a sign of transformation and healing in Carol's life, and what does this reveal about the power of God's work? [03:45]
4. How does Jeremiah 31:3 illustrate God's everlasting love and kindness, and how is this demonstrated in Carol's story? [05:36]

---

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own family traditions. How have they influenced your spiritual journey, and how can you use them to foster deeper connections and share your faith? [00:48]
2. Consider a time when past pain or struggles hindered your faith journey. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in those areas of your life? [01:52]
3. Forgiveness can be a powerful sign of transformation. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive, and how might this act of forgiveness impact your spiritual growth? [03:45]
4. How can you create a non-intimidating environment for yourself or others to engage with Scripture, similar to the "Open the Bible" study? [05:04]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt drawn to God through His loving kindness. How can you share this experience with others who may feel distant from Him? [05:36]
6. Identify a person in your life who might benefit from a structured Bible study. How can you invite them to explore Scripture with you in a comfortable setting? [02:57]
7. How can you incorporate the practice of prayer and patience in your efforts to share your faith with others, trusting in the Holy Spirit's work? [01:52]

Devotional

Day 1: The Foundation of Family Conversations
Family traditions and conversations around the kitchen table can serve as a powerful foundation for spiritual growth and connection. These moments of sharing and listening create opportunities for deeper relationships and the sharing of faith. In the context of a family, these interactions can open doors to spiritual discussions and foster an environment where faith can be nurtured. The act of gathering, whether physically or virtually, allows for the exchange of ideas and the sharing of personal journeys, which can be instrumental in one's spiritual development. [00:48]

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you create intentional moments of spiritual conversation within your family this week? What specific topic or question could you bring to the table to encourage deeper faith discussions?

Day 2: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Overcoming Past Pain
The journey to faith can often be hindered by past pain and struggles. It is crucial to recognize that it is the Holy Spirit, not our words, that ultimately draws people to Christ. Patience and prayer are essential in this process, as they allow space for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those who are hurting. Understanding that healing and acceptance of faith are deeply personal journeys can help us support others with compassion and grace. [01:52]

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who is struggling with past pain? How can you commit to praying for them and trusting the Holy Spirit to work in their life?

Day 3: Forgiveness as a Sign of Transformation
Forgiveness is a profound sign of transformation and healing. When Carol forgave her ex-husband, it marked a significant change in her heart, demonstrating the power of God's work in her life. Forgiveness can be a difficult but necessary step in the journey of faith, as it releases the hold of bitterness and opens the heart to God's peace and joy. This act of letting go is not only a personal victory but also a testament to the transformative power of God's love. [03:45]

"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?

Day 4: Engaging with Scripture in a Non-Intimidating Way
Engaging with Scripture in a non-intimidating and structured way can facilitate spiritual growth. Resources like "Open the Bible" provide clarity and authority, making it easier for individuals to explore faith without feeling overwhelmed. This approach allows for a deeper understanding of God's word and encourages personal reflection and growth. By creating a comfortable environment for exploring Scripture, individuals can experience the transformative power of God's word in their lives. [05:04]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can make your Bible study time more inviting and less intimidating? Consider setting a specific time and place to engage with Scripture this week.

Day 5: God's Everlasting Love and Kindness
God's love is everlasting and draws us to Him with kindness. Carol's story is a beautiful example of how God reaches out to us, even from afar, with a love that transforms and redeems. This divine love is patient and persistent, working in our hearts to bring about change and healing. Understanding the depth of God's love can inspire us to trust in His plans and embrace the journey of faith with hope and confidence. [05:36]

"The Lord appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you." (Jeremiah 31:3, ESV)

Reflection: How have you experienced God's everlasting love in your life? Take a moment to thank Him for His faithfulness and consider how you can share this love with others today.

Quotes

Growing up, conversation around the table was a big part of our life. Every time we got together, the coffee pot went on, and the coffee cake was pulled out. We would just stay around the kitchen table, catching up and talking, and we were used to what we called our coffee clutch. [00:36:23]

I would talk to her about the Lord, and she would pray when she needed help, but then not much else. So finally, one day, I talked to her about it again, and that's when she said, "Sandra, I would like to accept Christ, but I just can't," and she got very closed about it. [01:23:94]

I knew it was nothing I could say. I didn't even know why she couldn't receive the Lord, but I knew that it had to be the Holy Spirit to draw her. We lived away from Illinois for probably almost four decades, so when we knew the Lord was moving us back, I said to my husband, "You know, maybe in this last stage of our lives, my family will be our mission field." [01:49:10]

The Lord began to impress on me from Romans that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. We had heard some of Pastor Collins' messages as he was going through the Bible, and that's what first interested me in the Open the Bible story. I knew that Open the Bible story would actually bring the word to my sister with authority and with clarity. [02:26:40]

As we went through the lessons, I could tell she was really enjoying it. It was maybe six weeks or so into the study, she said, "I have something to share with you," and she said, "I've forgiven Bill." Bill was her ex-husband, and you have to understand there were over three decades of bitterness built up. [03:24:73]

The Lord couldn't have given us a better sign that there had been a change in her life. My sister Anita and I were—we didn't know what to say. We said, "You've forgiven Bill?" She said, "Yes," and you know, it wasn't hard. Then the next weeks, we saw other signs that something was different. [04:00:29]

One night, we said, "Carol, we have to ask you, have you decided to put your faith in Christ?" and she said, "Yes, I think I have." There was a new joy and lightness to Carol, and there was a sense I felt that she knew she was no longer alone. [04:21:48]

Open the Bible story was the perfect tool to use. It so lends itself to a Zoom meeting. The questions really dealt with what was shared and the passage that was covered, so my sister Carol didn't have to feel like, "Oh, you have more Bible knowledge than me." It was more comfortable; it wasn't intimidating, and I liked that. [04:57:66]

I'm so grateful for Open the Bible story. It came at just the perfect time. Faith comes by hearing, hearing by the word of Christ. I think Carol, she had to get into the word so that God could speak to her and draw her to himself. [05:23:63]

I love the verse in Jeremiah that says, "The Lord appeared to him from afar, saying, 'I've loved you with an Everlasting Love. Therefore, I've drawn you with loving kindness.'" I think that's Carol's story. [05:38:82]

I prayed for Carol for many, many years. Well, the Lord began to impress on me from Romans that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. We had heard some of Pastor Collins' messages as he was going through the Bible, and that's what first interested me in the Open the Bible story. [02:21:74]

I knew that Open the Bible story would actually bring the word to my sister with authority and with clarity, much more than I could do just on my own, and that's when I mentioned it to my sisters when we got the Zoom account. "Would you like to get together on Zoom?" [02:41:34]

Transformative Power of Faith and Forgiveness

Summary

Study Guide

Devotional

Quotes

Chatbot

Transformative Power of Faith and Forgiveness