Walk Worthy Press: Heaven Sent by Montre Bible

Reading Group Questions

The following list of questions is designed to enhance a group or individual's thinking about or discussing some of the issues we hope you will consider after reading this book. This is designed as a starting point only and is not meant to limit the discussion.

Chapter 1

Early on in his story, Andrew tells us, "I mean, I was a Christian, but not as much as I could be." What did he mean by that? Could you make a similar confession? Why or why not? What would it look like for you to be as much of a Christian as you could be?

Chapter 2

Scripture is clear that God speaks to us through dreams. (See Joseph's story in Genesis 37, 40–41 as just one example.) This story suggests that our dreams—which often seem like nightmares—may also reveal something about darker spiritual realities. Have you ever sensed a spiritual revelation through your dreams? In what way?

Chapter 3

" Our family isn't as simple as you would want it to be, Andy," his mother told him. Isn't that true for most of us? (Granted, none of ours is as complicated as Andrew's would prove to be!) Scripture is rich in stories about what we would call today "dysfunctional" families—whom God still used in powerful ways. (See 1 and 2 Samuel for the stories about King David and his family—a royal mess, indeed!) How have you seen God at work in and through your own family's dysfunction?

Chapter 4

Why was Andrew's mother so upset by his semi-humorous statement about the hellish "friend zone" and girls being the devil? Would such a statement upset you (in the absence of Andrea's extenuating circumstance)? Why or why not?

Chapter 5

" I love God but…" Andrew was wrestling with some tough questions—about his life, his family, and God's role in all of it. When have you wrestled with such questions, and how do you manage to hold on to your faith through the questioning? (See Genesis 32:22-32; Mark 9:14-27, especially vs. 24.)

Chapter 6

All families have secrets, Andrew has already acknowledged. He is learning that his may have more than most. What experience have you had with family secrets, as a child and as an adult? Why do we keep secrets—and what are the pros and cons of them? Consider this question in light of Genesis 29:29 and John 8:32.

Chapter 7

Courtney and Andrew have an animated discussion about reconciling biblical history with what science is discovering. Christians throughout history have engaged in such discussions—among ourselves and with "secular" scientists and historians. Even among Bible-believing Christians, there are a wide variety of approaches and theories to such debates. Do these debates, discussions, and theories interest you? Why or why not?

Chapter 8

Ignorance and knowledge, secrets and truth…Andrew wasn't sure which he wanted. The not-knowing was almost driving him crazy—but he feared knowing would push him over the edge altogether. When have you shared that kind of uncertainty—wanting to know but fearing it at the same time? Have you ever experienced that fear in relation to knowing the things of God? Why or why not?

Chapter 9

In the movie A Few Good Men, Jack Nicholson declares, "The truth? You can't handle the truth!" Andrew is still wondering about that. He feels a bit like the mythological Pandora, who opened the box that released all the deepest and darkest mysteries into the world. Of course, keeping the truth in a box doesn't keep it from being real. As an adult, how do you balance a young person's need to know the truth about his or her past with that child's ability to understand and respond constructively to that knowledge?

Chapter 10

The Nephilim are first mentioned in Genesis 6:4, and the reference is pretty obscure. An entire Christian mythology has developed around them, usually describing them as a race of giants (see Numbers 33:22). In this novel, the Nephilim are portrayed as the offspring of fallen angels—not exactly demons themselves but damned all the same. Hearkening back to the question of biblical history and reconciling it with fact—how do you reconcile the sparse biblical account with this fictional novel?

Chapter 11

Courtney was shocked that the pastor at the church had not even tried to help Andrew and his mother when she fell into convulsions at the funeral. What was your reaction? If your church were to face such a situation, how would your leadership (and you yourself) respond? How can Jesus' ministry to those possessed by evil spirits be a model? (For starters, see Mark 1:21-28; 5:1-20; 9:14-29.)

Chapter 12

" How do I know God's will in my life?" Andrew demanded. He recognized that most of us want to do God's will—but we tend to get sidetracked by our own desires and agendas. How can we discern God's voice (audible or not) from all the other voices in our head? Prayer is a good starting place, as Karen suggests (Psalm 40:8; 143:5-10). Meditating daily on Scripture, such as a section of Psalm 119, is also a powerful tool for seeking God's will.

Chapter 13

" But maybe I choose to be who I want to be," Andrew reflected fearfully. Despite his mother's assurances that his soul was redeemed through his father's blood, Andrew had been forcefully made aware that he had conflicting desires and a powerful gift that could be used for good or evil. Some new Christians believe (naively) that salvation is the end of all temptation. Scripture makes it clear that we continue to wrestle daily with sinful desires (see Romans 7:15-25). How do you experience and respond to this everyday struggle?

Chapter 14

Alluding to Jesus' parable that we know a tree by its fruit, Courtney points out that some trees need fertilizer before they can be fruitful. And, fertilizer is some nasty stuff—the waste and decay of once living things. How have you experienced God's ability to "use crap to make fruit" in your life?

Chapter 15

Andrew was so full of grief, confusion, and fear that his emotions exploded in temper at his best friend. It's a common reaction to intense and traumatic experiences. It's also a good reason for learning how to deal with your emotions before they get to the flash point. How can we minister to people like Andrew? When we are in his shoes ourselves, how can we accept the ministry of others?

Chapter 16

Andrew listened to Tonya talk and a lot of what she said made sense. But, something about her ideas also felt wrong. The fact is, no living human being knows exactly what life after death looks like, so even among Christians, our beliefs will differ. Sift through her beliefs and try to sort out what you agree and disagree with, and why.

Chapter 17

Now Andrew knew the full story—about his mother, his father, and the identical twin he hadn't known existed. He finally received what he had been asking for—knowledge, truth, and a more adventurous life. And, for the first time, he realized just how much he needed God. The question was, would God be able to save his family through the days to come? Can God save you and yours? (See Romans 8:28-39; Jude 17-25.)

Chapter 18

" You don't have to be part angel for your world to turn upside down," Courtney told Andrew. The Bible is full of stories about people's lives turned topsy-turvy…Hagar, Joseph, David, Job, Daniel, Esther, to name just a few. Consider the stories of Mary (Luke 1:26-56) and Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25; 2:13-23) as one case study, told from two sides, and explore what lessons might be learned from how they responded to having their lives turned upside down.

Chapter 19

What do you think about Anthony's explanation about the missing tribes of Israel and the covenant blood being disseminated throughout the world, allowing all people to participate in the covenant? How much of this is biblical history—and how much is biblical fiction? What works in a good book may not be good theology once we return to the real world—so how do you distinguish between biblical truth and myth? (For example, compare Anthony's theory with Paul's teaching in Romans, especially texts such as chapters 2, 4, and 11.)

Chapter 20

Andrew had high hopes for meeting his twin. He figured, not only would he finally have the brother he had always wanted, but he wouldn't be alone in the strange predicament in which he had found himself. The meeting was disappointing to say the least. We hear about it from Andrew's perspective. What do you think Antonio was thinking and feeling?

Chapter 21

Throughout the book, Andrew has acknowledged his lack of control over his angelic gift of empathy. In this chapter, he is finally able to put it to use in a ministering way. Scripture tells us that we each possess different gifts (Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:27-31; 13:1–14:5), and each gift is powerful in its own right. But, the raw talent God instills in each human being can be used for good or ill. What is your gift, and how do you try to cultivate it for God's good purposes and for ministry to others? (See Ephesians 4:1-16.)

Chapter 22

Andrew's friendship with Mack goes way back. It's a relief to share with Mack what's been happening in his family. Even though Mack isn't a Christian (or perhaps because he isn't), he can't really understand or accept what Andrew tells him—but he accepts Andrew himself and vows to have his buddy's back, no matter what. In times of crisis, a good friend who shares your faith is invaluable—but have you ever experienced a time when a non-believing friend is even more accepting, nonjudgmental, and loyal than a fellow believer? Why or why not?

Chapter 23

Repeatedly, Andrew's sensitivity to emotion—his own and others—has kept him on the brink of breaking down. Tears threaten often, but he chokes them back more often than not. In contrast, Antonio is the stronger, more aggressive (and angrier) twin. Their father observes that Andrew's sensitivity is a spiritual gift; Antonion's strength is a physical one. When you meet a man, which gift draws you more—sensitivity (which is rarely considered "manly") or strength? Why?

Chapter 24

Good freedom can only be produced through responsibility, Andrew recalled a teacher saying. What does that mean to you? How does it relate to Paul's teaching about freedom in Galatians 5:1, 13-18?

Chapter 25

More than once, Andrew has asserted just what he tells Courtney: "[Tonya's] not the problem, it's Antonio." Why is he inclined to believe nothing bad about Tonya—even though there are multiple signs (including the instincts of his own father and Courtney herself) that Tonya could indeed be part of the problem?

Chapter 26

" Prayers are not magical spells," Andrew observes. After all, his mother had prayed that he and Antonio would be spared any angelic inheritance. And now, when Andrew was praying desperately for peace in his twin's life, Antonio seemed to be falling deeper into turmoil. How have you experienced such apparently negative answers to prayer? Why do you think we get these negative responses -in Andrew's life and in your own?

Chapter 27

In the course of the novel, Andrew has gone from being a dreamy, oversensitive, vulnerable boy who feels alone in a hostile world after his mother dies to being a focused, sensitized, compassionate young man who is determined to protect his newfound family from demonic attack—or whatever else comes. What effects that kind of change in a person? (Romans 8:38-39; 12:1-2; Ephesians 6:10-18; Philippians 4:12-13)

Chapter 28

" I took a chance. I hugged him. I trusted him." In what ways did Andrew's willingness to embrace Antonio represent a decision to trust his brother? How are trust, faith, and love all tied up together in making relationships possible? How have you experienced the same kind of risk that Andrew took in hugging Antonio—and, for that matter, in sharing his love for Courtney?

Chapter 29

Andrew's story is fiction, of course, and while it may be challenging at times to sort out the truth from the fiction in some parts of the story, Andrew's reflections about Frank (a.k.a., Shariel) are consistent with Scripture. What experiences have you had that make you believe that "angels are all around us, good and bad"? (Ephesians 6:12; Hebrews 1:14; 13:2)