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BIBLE STUDY GUIDE

ATTITUDE IS A CHOICE
In the film, Jackson experiences not only a traumatic loss when his father
dies, but also bullying from his peers. The result is an angry attitude
directed toward others. Lets consider what the Bible says about this kind
of behavior.
1. Six months after his fathers death, Jackson has not moved from
the anger stage of grief. Think back on the film and describe his
behavior at various times that demonstrates an angry attitude.
2. The Bible warns how anger can be dangerous. Read Ephesians
4:26-27 and then think about a time you have felt angry. Did
you follow the scriptures advice? If not, what was the result?
3. Jacksons anger and resentment dissolved when he decided to
follow Christ. Read Ephesians 4:31-32 and then give an example
from the film that illustrates the teenagers change of heart.

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LESSON TO LEARN:
Anger is like a fire that can smolder and then burn out of control.
Such was the case with Jackson whose grief over his dads death turns
into bitterness. He blatantly disobeys his mom, argues with the
school principal and is generally disrespectful, even allowing his anger
to sidetrack his education.
This is why the Bible warns against anger and the danger of letting it
escalate. One example of smoldering anger is Cain who ultimately
murdered his brother Abel (Genesis 4:3-8). Rage not only destroyed
his siblings life, but ruined Cains as well.
In the film, Jackson was well on the way to damaging his life, but he
chose to form a relationship with Jesus Christ that changed his angry
attitude. Its a decision we can make, too.

RESOLVE TO FORGIVE
Several characters in Decision are wrestling with lack of forgiveness, one
to the extent that it has caused a family rift. Following are questions and
scriptures to consider about failure to forgive.
1. Ilenes father has held a grudge for more than 16 years. What
incident occurred years ago that hurt him deeply? What has been
the result of his refusal to forgive?
2. The Bible speaks specifically about forgiving someone when we
feel wronged. Read Luke 17:4 and Matthew 18:21-22 to see how
many times we should forgive a person. Why do the scriptures
tell us to forgive so many times?
3. Think about a time you have been wronged by another person.
Have you forgiven them? Read 1 John 1:9, Jeremiah 3:22, Psalm
103:3-12 and Ephesians 4:32 again and explain why God
expects us to forgive others.
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LESSON TO LEARN:
When Ilenes dad chooses to not forgive his daughter for her
pregnancy and early marriage, he sets up a situation that creates
broken relationships. Grandson Jackson misses out on special
memories with his granddad, Ilene loses support and a connection
with her family as a young mother, and her father suffers from never
being able to ask forgiveness from his now deceased son-in-law. All
is a tragic loss and the result of deciding to hold a grudge.

Forgivenessand loveshouldnt have a limit! We are clearly
reminded in the Bible to forgive others, even seventy times seven.
A forgiving and compassionate spirit brings us peace, besides what
a genuine pardon does for the other person. Choosing to forgive
someone also protects us from creating further problemsoften longtermsuch as broken relationships, as seen in the film. Because God
has forgiven us of our sinsthe ultimate pardonwe must make the
decision to forgive others.

DETERMINE TO TRUST
GOD
When Ilenes husband loses his
life in a tragic accident, troubles
seem to multiply. Lets look at
promises in the scriptures that
encourage us to trust God in all
situations.
1. Financial stress overwhelms Ilene in the aftermath of her
husbands death. Discuss how the following verses bring comfort:
Psalm 46:1, Isaiah 40:31, 43:2 and Psalm 9:9.
2. Besides worries about finances, Jacksons mom has deep concerns
about her son. Explain how these scriptures can bring peace in
the midst of adversity: I Peter 5:7, Matthew 11:28, Philippians
4:6-7.
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3. If you were Ilene, facing the prospect of losing your home,


struggling to put food on the table and facing mounting expenses
such as bills and lawsuits, describe how Matthew 6:25-34 would
make you feel.

LESSON TO LEARN:
When troubles comeand they willdespair, fear and worry can
overpower even the strongest individual. In the film, we see how
Ilene feels crushed by mounting debt, an angry son and grief for her
late husband. This is when Gods Word can bring comfort in times
of adversity. The promises we find in the Bible reassure us that God
cares for us, counts our tears (Psa. 56:8, 11) and supplies our needs.
Although we cant control the future, as Christians we know God is
in control. Still, it takes a conscious decision to let go of our burdens,
give them to Him and then trust.

CHOOSE LIFE
In the film, tragedy strikes and drastically
alters the future for the young family.
Lets consider how God has a plan for us
even when ours falls apart.
1. Jackson is at a crossroads when his granddad challenges him
to choose life instead of feeling sorry for himself. How would
Jacksons life have been different if he had chosen to stay home
rather than live with his granddad for a short time?
2. Ilene is offered an opportunity to seek counseling from Pastor
Haywood. How did her decision to follow the reverends advice
give her a new direction in life?
3. Read Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 8:28 and Jeremiah
29:11. In each scripture, explain how these verses offer
reassurance of life despite adversity and a change in our
plans.
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LESSON TO LEARN:
Life is turned upside down when Jacksons father meets an untimely
death. Plans that the family had made together were no longer
possible. Nevertheless, in the midst of their troubles, God offers
opportunities to give them hope and a new life.
We see this illustrated in the film when Jackson makes up his mind
to live with his granddad. As a result, the teen learns responsibility,
becomes a man when crisis strikes and surrenders his life to
Christa decision that completely changes his life.
In much the same way, Ilene chooses to follow-up on Principal
Fosters wise advice to seek counsel. Consequently, she
returns to reading her Bible and attending church,
allowing God to lead her each day no matter what it
might bring. In spite of the family tragedy, God had
a plan and provided a chance for a new life. For
each person, the decision was theirs to either
take or refuse the opportunity.
Life is about choice. We can either become
bitter or better. If we choose a life focused
on faith, believing God has a plan for our
future, it will be a decision that renews
our heart with strength and joy.
(Isaiah 40:31)

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GO FOR GRATITUDE
The trials that befall Jackson
and his mom after Steves death
leave little room for gratitude.
A host of problems lay in the
wake of their husband and
fathers death. Lets consider
what the Bible has to say
about being thankful, even
when it feels impossible.
1. Overwhelmed by the death of
Jacksons father, both Ilene and
her son cannot see anything positive
in their lives. List the reasonsbesides
the loss of Stevethat give them a right
to reject an attitude of gratefulness.
2. The scriptures speak often about being thankful.
Read the following verses and then note what we can
be thankful for even in times of trouble: 1 Chronicles 16:34,
2 Corinthians 9:15, 1 Timothy 4:4, Psalm 106:44 and Proverbs
17:17.
3. Gratitude is an attitude encouraged in the Bible. Read
Philippians 4:8, Ephesians 5:20, Colossians 2:7 and then create a
list of what Jackson and his mom have to be grateful for even in
tough times. Now, develop your own gratitude list.



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LESSON TO LEARN:
Thankfulness is an attitude of the hearta decision to see what
is good about our lives, rather than what isnt perfect. Certainly,
Jackson and his mom have much to cloud their vision of what is
positive in their world. A family tragedy that brings with it lawsuits,
loss of income, medical bills, funeral expense and a missing parent
who once loved and supported them is only a partial list of their
misery.
However, the Bible reminds us be thankful always. Even in times
of trouble we have a God who loves us and His Son who is a gift to
us. In Ilene and her sons situation, they can still be grateful for their
home, food on the table, a job at the bank, community and church
resources, family who can assist, and a newfound faith.
Developing an outlook of gratefulness is a decision to keep our mind
on Gods blessings. A great way to begin each day is with this Bible
verse: This is the day the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be
glad in it. (Psalm 118:24). Its a perspective of thankfulness for all
God has planned for usa go for it attitude of gratitude!

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ALLOW HEALING
One tragic moment in time changes life for Jackson and
his mom, an event that brings deep, long-lasting grief to
both. Review the questions and scriptures below and
reflect on Gods role in healing a grieving heart.
1. With the death of Jacksons father, his grief is
prolonged. Put yourself in Jacksons shoes and
describe the various changes and revelations in his
life that are creating intense sadness.
2. At the same time Jackson experiences grief, so
does his mother, Ilene. Read the following Bible
verses and explain how these scriptures can bring
comfort to this family: Psalm 22:24, 34:18-19,
147:3, Isaiah 66:13, and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
3. Both Jackson and his mom receive advice from different
sources about allowing themselves to heal from their grief.
Think back on the film and describe the scenes that are a turning
point for each one. Read Ecclesiastes 3:4 and reflect on how this
verse is applicable to Jackson and his mother.

LESSON TO LEARN:
When we are in the middle of lifes storm, particularly the death
of a loved one, it may feel impossible to ever have joy or a normal
existence again. Such was the situation for Jackson and his mom
who once enjoyed a father and husbands love. Now their lives are in
chaos. Jackson is faced with peers accusing his late dad of being a
murderer while facts show an accidental death; and the revelation
that Jackson was the reason for the broken relationship between his
mother and grandfather. Ilene grieves for the life she hadfinancial
security, a two-parent home and a loving relationship with
Steve.
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Extended grieving can turn to depression. However, help from


family, clergy or friends may see us through the darkness. The church
pastor understands Ilenes suffering and reminds her that she doesnt
have to quit mourninggrief takes timebut at some point shell
live life happily again. Jacksons depression lifts when his grandfather
gives him tough love, forcing him to move forward in spite of the
pain.
There are seven stages of grief that eventually bring healing as we
choose to trade hurt for wholeness with help from above. God
promises to listen to our broken heart and bring comfort to our soul.

DECIDE TO FOLLOW
CHRIST
Neither Jackson nor his mom
has been attending church, but
the family heartbreak has each
one reaching out to God. The
following questions and verses
emphasize the need for a right
relationship with Christ.
1. On their hunting trip, Jackson calls out to God when his
granddad has a heart attack. Why do you think Jackson was
willing earlier to listen to his grandfathers talk about faith? Read
Matthew 5:14-16 and I Timothy 4:11-12, 16 and then reflect on
what these verses says to you.
2. At the moment Jackson asked Jesus for a right relationship with
Him, do you think the teenager may have worried that God
wouldnt listen? For assurance of Gods love, read John 3:16-18
and Romans 10:9-13 and explain how these verses apply to your
life.

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3. Jackson and his mom both experience


change and renewed hope when they
accept Christ as their Savior. Discuss
the following scriptures and the change
that a right relationship with God brings:
Ephesians 2:8-10, Galatians 5:22-23,
Colossians 2:6-7 and Philippians 1:9-11.

LESSON TO LEARN:
Jackson and his mom find that life has dealt
them both an unexpected hand with the death
of their loved one. The road ahead is difficult
financial worries, grief, strained relationships.
Strength for the journey is realized when they
both turn to God and commit their lives to Him.
Each finds their way to Christ through other people in their life. For
Ilene, its through her church pastor. For Jackson its through his
granddads Christian example. What they discover is how faith
brings a promise of spending eternity with God and renewed strength
to face each day with Jesus at their side.
Its a second chance at life with the past forgivena new life that
brings deeper faith, peace, love and joy in all circumstances. Its a
decision worth making.

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DECISION

family in despair rediscovers its faith in


this uplifting drama from the producers of
WWJD: What Would Jesus Do? Natalie Grant
(Four-time GMA Dove Awards Female Vocalist
of the Year) stars as Ilene, who struggles to make
ends meet after the tragic death of her firefighter
husband (country music star Billy Dean). When
she begins to lose control of her heartbroken
teenage son Jackson (Michael Rosenbaum), she
reaches out to her estranged father Wyatt (Rusty
Whitener), a farmer, to take in the troubled
boy. Wyatt is a good man but set in his ways,
and Jackson resists Wyatts attempts to instill in
him the virtues of hard work and his Christian
values. Gradually, they form a bond that will
require Jackson to find an inner strength he never
knew he had to avert yet another family tragedy.
This Bible study draws on the themes in the
film and provides an opportunity for personal or
group discussion of such topics as anger and its
consequences; forgiveness is a choice; grief and
healing; the importance of gratitude, and learning
to always trust God. Each topic will reflect on
biblical applications and illustrate how life is a
choice; decisions we make each dayeither positive
or negativehave a lasting impact on our lives.
Decision brings us face to face with the
reality of tragedy and how quickly life can
change. Loss of a mate, a parent, financial
difficulty, as well as unbearable sorrow can
overwhelm in the aftermath. In this study,
we will explore how faith and Gods Word can
bring help for the long journey through grief.
For more downloadable study guides and information
on this film and other faith and family releases, visit:
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