Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 8
Pablo says non-resistance became a “tremendous testimony” because neighbors watched it lived out, and he connects robberies to church growth (“15 robberies and 15 members…40 robberies…40 members”); how does that calculus confront modern assumptions about safety, success, and “God’s protection,” and what do you think God values in those stories?
Another way to ask: Pablo says non-resistance became a strong witness, and that more robberies led to more church members. How does that challenge what we think about safety, success, and God’s protection, and what do you think God cared about in those stories?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
The transcript confronts the assumption that God’s protection always means avoiding suffering; instead, God may allow danger so His love is displayed publicly and people are drawn to Christ. Pablo’s “robberies-to-members” reflection suggests God values souls and witness more than comfort or a risk-free life.
- Pablo says neighbors and community “watched this and saw it happen,” and that living non-resistance became a “tremendous testimony.”
- He notes even “Protestant people did not practice non-resistance,” so the visible difference gave weight to the witness.
- He reports the striking comparison: “15 robberies and we have 15 members,” later “40 robberies…40 members.”
- He asks, “Does that cost too high?” then answers by pointing to Jesus’ teaching on the value of a soul: “the worth of a soul is worth more than everything…a robbery per soul too much.”
- He says God’s purpose included conversions and church growth: “the success in the conversions…had a lot to do with this.”