Judgment Day – Bible Study

Dr. Jacob Ferrand pays an early visit to the mission, surprising everyone. Before long, it is apparent that he is irritated. What bothers him more, the fact that there is change at the mission or Christy’s method of bringing about the change? Discuss your thoughts on this issue. Now think about changes within your church that may seem unconventional, but provide an avenue to meet people’s needs.

Christy steps out on faith, claiming God’s promises to answer prayer and provide for the mission’s needs. Discover His promises in Philippians 4:19, 1 John 5:14-15, Matthew 7:11, John 14:12-14, and Luke 17:6 and discuss what these verses mean to you. In regards to faith, how do you feel about “helping” God by taking action in the same way that Christy does in the film?

Life is changing in Cutter Gap with the phone lines bringing communication to their doorstep and a new “trade” store opening at the mission school. All has come about because Christy has stepped out on faith, believing God’s promises to supply our needs. However, her requests are assisted by activity on her part, personal letters to people outside Cutter Gap to apprise them of the mission’s needs. To some, like mission director Dr. Jacob Ferrand, this activity doesn’t appear to be true faith. Also, he doesn’t appreciate the fact that energy is being spent meeting the physical needs of the Cutter Gap families, rather than devoting more time to their spiritual needs. Unlike Dr. Ferrand, Christy sees with her heart, realizing that her students need shoes and clothing, plus a way to expand their understanding of the outside world. Believing that God wants these things for the children too, she follows the gentle push in her spirit to take action, the results being an avalanche of goodwill.

As in Christy’s story, God works through individuals to accomplish what needs to be done. Whether it’s providing clothing for children in need, hot meals for the hungry, or shelter for the homeless, it happens through generosity and people with a servant’s heart. Faith isn’t passive. It takes action. The methods may be unconventional, such as contemporary music in church rather than traditional hymns, but the avenue used doesn’t matter. What matters is reaching people with God’s love right where they are, and our believing that He will open the floodgates of heaven. All it takes is prayer, faith, and a heart willing to serve.