God is Good
Hope Chapel, 5-30-10
by Steve & Robin Smith
Lesson:
We do not serve a tit-for-tat god. He calls us into a relationship to walk with Him, to learn of Him, not to ‘do’ things to curry favor from Him.
Text: John 6:27-29
Ice-Breaker Questions:
- Share your experiences with traveling to another country and experiencing a new and different culture.
- How did Robin’s story of demon possession in India impact you?
Background:
Steve and Robin Smith are missionaries with Truth Seekers International in New Delhi, India. They met and married at Hope Chapel in the mid-1990’s. They have been sent out of Hope Chapel and are supported in their mission by our congregation.
The recently spoke of some of their work to bring freedom and deliverance to the peoples of India from the evils of the caste system and a view of God that Robin called ‘tit-for-tat’ religion. Ultimately this form of religious belief turns God into a giant rabbit’s foot in the sky where we do all the right things in order to get God to do what we want done for us.
They ended their talk with a heart-breaking, but ultimately uplifting story of demon possession and their words and prayers that have begun to free a family from the fears and bondage associated with the death of their 18 year-old daughter at the hands of this evil power.
Digging Deeper:
- Read the text in John 6:27-29 and discuss the meaning of Jesus’ words. How had the Jews fallen into a ‘tit-for-tat’ view of God? How was this expressed in their words?
- How do we tend to treat God like a giant rabbit’s foot in the sky today?
- Do you believe a healthy 18 year-old girl can be killed by demonic spirits? How have you come to your view of demon interaction today?
- Robin noted in her story that neither she nor Steve helped the family cut the (protective) amulets off one another’s bodies, instead instructing the family members to do this for one another. Why was this important?
- Is it helpful for us to learn of such strange practices? Why or why not?
Wrap-Up:
- Pray for Steve & Robin and for this family which is living in fear. Ask God to bring a mighty deliverance for the entire family unit.
- Ask God to strongly support Steve & Robin and their children as they return to India to complete their term.
Outreach/Mission
- As a group take some time to write a note or several notes of encouragement for Steve and Robin. They may be contacted at www.truthseekersna.org.
- Determine to routinely pray for this precious family as they continue their mission.
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