Group I- Do We Really Have a Choice

GUIDE AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE ACTIVITY

1. Create a group share your thoughts on the lessons of life and make a short act
the story below. This could be simplified using your own words in the dialogues and
conversations. Be creative and use any props you see around the place.
2. You will be given 5 minutes to share and discuss with the team, 5 minutes to
prepare and 5 minutes to present.
3. After your presentation, reflect on the story and share Gods way of salvation.
You may consider the following keys:
a. Identify a new attitude or a new habit you want to develop in our life, or identify
an old attitude or an old habit you want to eliminate in your life.
b. How would you ask God to do a special work in you?
c. Do you truly believe that people can change for the better?
d. Have you stop befriending someone because of his past mistakes?
e. Have you ever been tempted to give up on yourself?
*Ask for audience participation so they can share their thoughts on the
story, too.
LESSONS FOR LIFE: GOD IS ABLE TO CHANGE APERSON FROM THE INSIDE
OUT. Salvation is not just something that is done for you but something
that happens within you.
Colossians 3:16 says
You have begun a new life, in which you are being made new and are
becoming like the One who made you. This new life brings you the true
knowledge of God.
Though our genes and life experiences have a huge impact on us, arent you glad
that there is a miraculous, powerful God who is able to change even the most
stubborn, damaged, sinful heart? Paul goes so far to say, if anyone belongs to
Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new! (2
Corinthians 5:17). After a change of heart at the moment of conversion, God isnt
finished with us, either. Paul says: We all show the Lords glory, and we are being
changed to be like Him. (2 Corinthians 3:18). With grace, with faith, with the help
of Godly friends, you can say along with Paul: Forgetting the past and straining
toward what is ahead, I keep trying to reach the goal and get the prize for which
God called me through Christ the life above. (Philippians 3:13-14). Because of His
forgiving, life-changing power, Gods ultimate concern with your life is not where
you have been, but where you are going.
Isaiah 1:18 says..
Though your sins are like scarlet, they can be as white as snow. Though
your sins are deep red, they can be white like wool.
God promises to:
1. Give you a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27); (Colossians 3:10)
2. Forgive you (Ephesians 1:7)

3. Guide your path (Proverbs 4:11-12)

ROLE PLAY- Do We Really Have a Choice

I grew up on the south side of Chicago, which can be a rough place for teenagers. I
knew I was destined to be a leader in my neighborhood it was easy for me to gain
followers. I was not just in a gang, I was forming my own! I liked nice things and
having a roll of money in my pocket, so I was an easy sell for some mob
connected guys. They would come to me and tell me which car to steal. They told
me to drive it into Lake Michigan; they would collect the insurance and pay me a
good fee. If I got caught, I would just be a joy-riding teenager and they would
deny ever knowing me.
The money bought me things that impressed my friends and support my drug
involvement. And so we partied. Partying was all I wanted to do. Most of the time,
I used my quick wit to entertain and become the center of attention. The favorite
entertainment was when I did my act, mimicking the most popular TV Evangelists
of the day. I could preach up a storm. The guys would roll on the floor laughing at
my renditions.
My mother was a Jesus-loving Catholic. The more partying I did, the more she
prayed. One night I came in from a party and found Mom with a group of her
praying friends. When she saw the stld tate I was in, she grabbed a bottle of holy
water and threw it on me, and all of those ladies chased me down, laying their
hands on me. They prayed and told the devil he had to go. I thought it was
hilarious and started laughing till I fell on the floor and couldnt get away from them.
One night, one of the guys saw my act and afterwards said, Jorge, theres a
church in Homewood that would give you some great material for your stories.
Lets go over there Friday night. That sounded good to me. My old stories were
getting a little stale.
On Friday night, we slipped into the back pew, and all through the service, I elbowed
my friend in the ribs with a wink signaling a good story for our next party.
I dont know what happened, but all of a sudden, it wasnt funny anymore. The
Preacher was somehow relating to the emptiness I felt on the inside. When he
invited people to come and repent, I came running down the aisle.
My life was instantly changed from the inside out from that moment on there were
no more drugs, no more parties. I kept coming to the Evangelists meetings and
began to bring my friends.
Two weeks later, I enrolled in a Bible College. And I have never looked back.