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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Home Group (11/29/07)
A Bible and a Brew


Yes, you read it right. He brought a Bible and a Bud to that long ago, first home Bible study. Actually he brought a whole six-pack and finished it by the end of the evening. I remember that particular night precisely, even though it's been about twenty-three years now.

As new believers we had met up with a several other couples in our small hometown. Shortly thereafter we all decided to start a Friday night Bible study. For some peculiar reason the first night happened to be at our house. I had never been to a Bible study, I hadn’t even been reading a Bible very long and here we were having a Bible study in our living room.

I was more than a bit dumbfounded when Dave walked in carrying his six-pack. This was all new to me. What did I know? Who was I to judge him? His wife followed him in carrying her Bible. I knew that Janet had been, “saved” in the past week or so and was simply happy they had both come.

The Lord worked things out that night and continued to do so for many years to follow. Unfortunately, Dave quit coming and eventually left Janet and her “newfound faith.” I continued to pray for his salvation for several years. When I began writing this story I was reminded that I no longer pray for Dave. Since that time I have begun to bring him before the Lord once again.

That Bible study lasted for nine years. We started out with five couples. Others came and went over the years. We used various study books and struggled by as well as we could. Many memories were shared within that original group, both the good and the bad. Life gave us each our own challenges and God gave us friends to share our baggage with. Raising families, financial, emotional, physical and spiritual burdens were all a little lighter because of what that group meant to all of us.

Time eventually took us all in different directions, Alabama, New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Hew Hampshire, Oklahoma, and Nebraska to name a few. I miss those friends. We keep in touch as often as our, “too busy” lives allow us these days. Fortunately we have all been blessed with memories of those early days, as well as grown children, and grandchildren.

I know all of the scripture verses pertaining to the, “Body of Christ” and how we are to meet the needs of each member of the “Body.” I believe, with all my heart, that God knew what He was doing when He ordained the “Church.” I have witnessed and learned, however that the most intimate relationships, are born and nurtured within small group surroundings. Be it a Sunday school class, men’s prayer breakfast, a mentoring program, or any other small gathering of like-minded believers meeting together in The Word of God.

If I had to pick just one group to be affiliated with it would be a “home group.” Preparing and writing this article has rekindled a desire in my heart to be a part of such a group again. Perhaps the Lord is working on a plan already. I certainly hope so. Meanwhile, would you join me in prayer for my old friend Dave? He’s still out there and in need of a Savior.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Clyde Blakely
12/07/07
Wonderful example of how we older "more mature" Christians should treat unbelievers who enter into "our realm" - someone brings beer to a Bible study and is not ridiculed or chased off. Granted, you didn't know better about the beer but your reaction was right (I know I'll probably hear about this one).
Good writing. Good flow.
God bless and keep writing.
Joanne Sher 
12/09/07
Great title - and I can definitely feel your passion for this. Part of me wishes you had focused more on your brew-carrying friend - that was what I was led to believe from the start of this entry. Some of the rest, in my opinion anyway, seemed "extraneous." That being said, this was very well-written and I enjoyed the read.
Dee Yoder
12/10/07
I'm glad your group was not caught up in the condemnation of a man who still needs to ask the Lord into his heart! What a wonderful gift you're giving to him-anonymously perhaps- to have him prayed for. May God grant this prayer for him this new year.
Lynda Schultz 
12/11/07
Your article jogged my memory of all the people who have come and gone in my life — often through those same kinds of meetings and studies — and for whom I no longer pray. A solemn reminder. We also need to be reminded to look beyond the peripherals (the beer) and see the person. Major on the major and leave the minors to God. Good work.