The Maverick Preacher (24 page)

Dear Reader,

I love going to church. The music always lifts my spirits. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Fanny Crosby hymn or “Grace Like Rain” by Todd Agnew, the words and melody speak to my heart.

The sermons speak to my head. Over the years, my husband and I have had the privilege of hearing some of the best teachers and preachers in America, even the world. This book honors those men and women, who have opened my eyes in so many ways. Their words have given me courage. They’ve given me strength. I’ve been humbled and lifted up all at the same time.

Over the years we’ve gone to churches ranging in size from eight members to over eight thousand. As diverse as the settings are, these congregations all share a deep and abiding love of Jesus Christ. Thank you, pastors, for your dedication!

Best wishes,

Victoria Bylin

1. When the story opens, Reverend Joshua Blue is suffering from an ulcer and a guilty conscience. Do you think these afflictions are related? If so, how?
   
2. Adie Clarke is determined to protect her son from his birth mother’s powerful family. She keeps secrets and even lies by hiding the truth. Is she at all justified in this behavior?
   
3. Adie has endured a difficult upbringing. She believes in God but doesn’t trust in his love. Josh sees her anger. How does he counter her bitterness? How does she react?
   
4. In spite of mounting evidence that Josh is her son’s natural uncle, Adie convinces herself that she’s mistaken. Even so, she has twinges of conscience. How does she react as the facts are revealed? Does she show fear or faith?
   
5. In spite of Adie’s reserve, Josh shows her nothing but kindness. Would he have had such compassion prior to losing his sister? How does Josh’s personal suffering affect his feelings for Adie?
   
6. Josh teaches a Bible study on Psalm 139. The last verses are “Search me O God and know my heart, try me and know my anxious thoughts.” What are Josh’s anxious thoughts? What are Adie’s concerns? How do they each handle their worries?
   
7. Emily, Josh’s sister, kept a journal documenting her feelings for the father of her child. Does she have regrets?
   What are the immediate and long-term consequences of her actions?
   
8. How does Josh react to Adie when he finally learns the truth about her son? What enables him to forgive her so quickly? Would you be able to forgive? Why or why not?
   
9. Josh realizes he loves Adie and wants to marry her, but he knows that she doesn’t fully share his faith. Why is it important for a husband and wife to be equally yoked? What problems does Josh anticipate, and how does he propose to solve them?
   
10. While he’s preaching at Colfax Avenue Church on the scripture about the adulterous woman, Josh sees that Adie and Franklin Dean have matching expressions. What do Adie and Dean have in common? How are they alike? Different?
    
11. While reading Emily’s journal, Adie sees herself in her friend’s bitter words. How does she react? Can you recall a moment in your own spiritual journey when God revealed something special?
    
12. Franklin Dean uses his driver, Horace Jones, to harass Adie and her friends. Horace, though, undergoes a major change. What factors contribute to his spiritual awakening?
    
13. The story begins with Adie living in fear. By the end, she’s discovered a faith of her own. What factors contribute to her personal growth? What does Josh do (or not do) that helps her on her walk?
    
14. Having a “life verse” is a modern concept, but Josh has one. It’s Psalm 139. Do you have a scripture you keep tucked in your heart? What is it? What does it mean to you?