The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips (33 page)

11. John refused to defend himself in court and resigned himself to accepting whatever was in God’s will for his life. What do you think enabled him to have that resolve? Do you think you could be as open to God’s plan for your life, even if it meant taking punishment for a crime you didn’t commit?

12. John disappeared after Andy’s rescue at the planned execution and was never heard from again. Do you think running and hiding was out of character for him? If so, why do you think he did something so uncharacteristic? Do you think he saw this as another part of God’s plan for his life?

13. Andy provided John with the means to go anywhere and do anything. What do you think John did? What do you think he did with his newfound freedom?

14. There are a number of themes in this story that deal with interpersonal relationships and relationship with God. What do you think is the prevailing message of this story?

15. The title of this book is
The Death and Life of Gabriel Phillips
. Why do you think it was phrased in this way? What message is in the arrangement of the words “Life” and “Death”?

About the Authors

Stephen Baldwin, actor, family man, born-again Christian. Through an impressive body of work, Stephen continues to be a popular and sought-after talent in the film and television industry. Stephen makes his home in upstate New York with his wife and two young daughters.

Mark Tabb has authored and co-authored over twenty books. His March, 2008 release,
Mistaken Identity
, debuted at number one on the
New York Times
bestseller list. He also worked with Alec Baldwin on
A Promise to Ourselves
. Mark’s solo titles include the 2006 release,
Living with Less
,
The Upside of Downsizing Your Life
, and the 2004 ECPA Gold Medallion finalist,
Out of the Whirlwind
along with many other titles. Mark and his family live in Indiana.

READ STEPHEN BALDWIN’S

EXTRAORDINARY MEMOIR

In THE UNUSUAL SUSPECT Stephen Baldwin reveals his unbelievable change from a hardcore party boy to a hardcore follower of Jesus Christ. To Stephen, “hardcore faith” is the willingness to put your life and future completely in the hands of the invisible God, obeying His direction to the death. Stephen’s offers brazen observations about the culture at large and the work of the Church in it. The core of his message: “You must be willing to try faith God’s way, not yours, and when you do you will find a life beyond anything you could have dreamed.”

Available in trade paperback wherever books are sold.