Emerald Fire (Christian Romance) (The Jewel Series) (35 page)
Read Emerald Fire (Christian Romance) (The Jewel Series) Online
Authors: Hallee Bridgeman
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In a skillet large enough for the roast, heat the extra virgin olive oil. Place the roast in the oil and brown each side just until browned.
Remove and place in roasting pan. Add about
1
/
2
cup water.
Surround the roast with the vegetables, letting the onions touch the meat. Cover loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake at 350º F (180º C) for 2
1
/
2
to 3 hours. Remove from oven and let cool.
The Dessert:
Barry is very conscious about his diet. Instead of reaching for sugar as a dessert, he is prone to a simple fruit and cheese plate.
6 ounces Brie Cheese
6 ounces Stilton Cheese
6 ounces Gouda Cheese
1 large bunch purple grapes
1 lb. Ripe organic strawberries
4 Bartlett pears
Half of a ripe honeydew melon, sliced thin
Package of "Entertainment" Crackers (variety)
Slice the melon thin.
Artfully arrange the crackers, fruit, and cheese on different platters. Let guests mix and match to their individual tastes.
SUGGESTED
group discussion questions for
Emerald Fire
.
When asking ourselves how important the truth is to our Creator, we can look to the reason Jesus said he was born. In the book of John 18:37, Jesus explains that for this reason He was born and for this reason He came into the world. The reason? To testify to the truth.
In bringing those He ministered to into an understanding of the truth, Our Lord used fiction in the form of parables to illustrate very real truths. In the same way, we can minister to one another by the use of fictional characters and situations to help us to reach logical, valid, cogent, and very sound conclusions about our real lives here on earth.
While the characters and situations in
The Jewel Series
are fictional, I pray that these extended parables can help readers come to a better understanding of truth. Please prayerfully consider the questions that follow, consult scripture, and pray upon your conclusions. May the Lord of the universe richly bless you.
Maxine goes from a horrible foster home environment to one that is obviously very loving and Christ-centered.
1. Do you believe the church, as a whole, does enough to help the "widows and orphans?"
Barry suffered for many years with an unfaithful wife, determined that he could be holy enough for both of them and that one day she would come to God.
2. When should we, as Christians, give up on those we love. Should we ever?
Maxine disregards her sister's cautions about deepening her relationship with Barry because he was currently suffering a crisis of faith. Maxine disregards the conversation and jumps in with both feet.
3. Do you think we should avoid pursuing relationships with people who aren't spiritually steady?
4. 2 Corinthians 6:14 warns us not to become unequally yoked with non-believers, but Barry wasn't a non-believer. He was just struggling. When one person in the relationship is struggling with God, do you think it will typically have an adverse effect on the other person's relationship with God?
Maxine didn't feel the deep conviction Robin felt about God. She was just "doing church" to please the people in her life whom she loved.
5. Take some time to examine your heart. Are you on fire for God, or do you need an influx of the Holy Spirit?
