Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty-Two Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Twenty-Two Scripture - Romans 8:11 - And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit . . .
Day Twenty-Two The Heart of the Matter:

• If you didn't actually stop to probe your heart regarding the questions (What are the areas in which you haven't yet found freedom?  What is holding you back from receiving it?)  in today's lesson, please do so now.  Pray for God's revelation, rather than simply going by your own insights.
• How do you understand the process by which Christ "fits us" for kingdom living?  In what ways can we help - or hinder - that process?
• How has Christ been "fitting" you in your own life?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty-One Scripture

Day Twenty-One Scripture - Colossians 3:4 - When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twenty Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Twenty Scripture - John 15:5 - If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.
Day Twenty The Heart of the Matter:

• On a scale of one to ten (ten being the highest), how compassionate would you say you are?  Why do you think so?
• What does it mean to you to  "be Christ to others"?  Is it difficult for you to do so?  Why or why not?
• Think now of a time that someone else showed the love of Christ to you.  How did that affect you?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Nineteen Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Nineteen Scripture - Ephesians 2:10 - For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Day Nineteen The Heart of the Matter:

• Has Jesus been an affirming presence in your life?  Has he been a healing one?  Describe your experience of the indwelling Christ.
• Think of a time in your life when you pursued something with all your energy, like the friends of the paralytic sought Christ for their comrade's healing.  What motivated your search?  How might your energies be focused more on seeking Jesus?
• Why do you think Jesus so clearly connected physical healing and forgiveness?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Eighteen Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Eighteen Scripture - Matthew 5:7-8 - Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.  Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Day Eighteen The Heart of the Matter:

• Are there any obstacles that prevent you from being more humble or available in your own life?  If so, what are they, and how can they be overcome?
• Why is it so important for Christians to model humility to the world?
• Recall a time when you chose to humble yourself rather than see a reward.  What happened next?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Seventeen Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Seventeen Scripture - John 15:9-11 - As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.  Now remain in my love.  If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love.  . . . I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Day Seventeen The Heart of the Matter:

• What does abiding in Christ mean to you?  In what ways do you practice abiding in him, and in what ways do you not?
• Is worry a constant challenge for you?  If so, what are some steps you can take to overcome it?
• In what ways can we tap into the re-creating force of the Spirit in our lives?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Sixteen Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Sixteen Scripture - Colossians 1:27 - To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Day Sixteen The Heart of the Matter:

• What does the phrase "hidden with Christ in God" mean to you?
• Do you know anyone you would consider alive in Christ?  What characteristics make you think so?
• When you gained new life, what parts of your self were you able to bury with the old?  Take a moment now to thank God for that experience.

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Fifteen Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Fifteen Scripture - 2 Corinthians 4:6 - For God, who said, "let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Christ.
Day Fifteen The Heart of the Matter:

• In what ways do you reflect the radiant glory of God in your life?  Are there areas where you feel a bit "dim"?
• Have you had a personal "Mount Tabor" experience, when God allowed you to see a huge portion of his glory?  If so, describe it.  If not, how do you imagine God might reveal himself to you?
• Are there certain things you think about Jesus that have shaped your life for the better?  How might some of your thoughts about Jesus be keeping you from experiencing the light of the knowledge of God shining in the face of Jesus Christ in your heart?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Fourteen Scripture

Day Fourteen Scripture - Hallelujah!  Salvation and glory and power belong to our God . . . . Hallelujah!  For our Lord God Almighty reigns.  Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory!  Revelations 19:1, 6-7
Day Fourteen is a time to reflect back on the past weeks' reading, scripture and questions.

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day ThirteenScripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Thirteen Scripture - 1 Corinthians 15:2 - By this gospel you are saved . . .
Day Thirteen The Heart of the Matter:

• Have you ever felt that the things you wanted most and the things you thought would set you free have not done so?  How did you react to that awareness?
• Have you ever visited the "far country"?  What drew you back home?
• Can you identify with Paul's statement, "By the grace of God, I am what I am?"  Why or why not?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Twelve Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Twelve Scripture - Luke 24:2-3 - They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
Day Twelve The Heart of the Matter:

• What "stones" in your life has Jesus helped you roll away?  What stones remain?
• Think now of a time you've experienced unexplained hope.  Describe it here.
• Think of a time when you felt more like the grumbling Israelites after Moses' death.  Were you able to see beyond your circumstances and ignite a new hope?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Eleven Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Eleven Scripture - Ephesians 2:8 - For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.
Day Eleven The Heart of the Matter:

• Is it difficult for you to believe that God loves you unconditionally?  Why or why not?
• How has your relationship with your earthly father colored your perception of God as a heavenly Father?
• Are there any areas in your life in which you lack confidence?  Why do you think that is, and how do you think God can help?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Ten Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Ten Scripture - Luke 19:38 - Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.
Day Ten The Heart of the Matter:

• When you think of Jesus, how do you picture him coming to you?  In compassion?  In humility?  In judgment?  Why do you think that is?
• How might things have been different in Jerusalem had Jesus shown up on a horse, ready for battle, rather than a donkey?
• In what areas of your life do you live out Jesus' peace, compassion, or judgment?  In what ways do you not?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Nine Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Nine Scripture - Luke 23:34 - Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
Day Nine The Heart of the Matter:

• Think of a time in your life when you were aware of being guilty of something.  How did you deal with your feelings in those circumstances?
• Have you ever received the gift of forgiveness?  Describe your experience.
• Are you holding on to feelings of guilt and sin in your relationship with God?  If so, have you considered asking God to release you from that burden so you might fully embrace the extravagant love Jesus embodied on the cross?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Eight Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Eight Scripture - John 1:18 - No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known.
Day Eight The Heart of the Matter:

• Has God ever revealed himself to you through hints or guesses?  How has your understanding been shaped by such revelations?
• What is your favorite verse of Scripture?  How does it speak to you with poetry and images?
• How does Jesus' Incarnation offer hope and meaning for your life?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Seven Scripture

Day Seven Scripture - Psalm 100:1, 5 - Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth . . . . For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

There is no "Heart of the Matter" section at the end of this day's reading but it did end with these questions:
Have you been able to develop a regular diet of the Word that can help you grow?  If not, what's standing in your way, and what can be done to remove those obstacles?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Six Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Six Scripture - Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.
Day Six Heart of the Matter:

• How does the Bible fit into your walk with God?
• What stands in the way of you having a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Scriptures?  How could that challenge be overcome?
• How do you think God could use the Bible to help guide, encourage, and esteem you?

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Five Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Five Scripture - Luke 12:32 - Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Day Five Heart of the Matter:

• When you hear the story of the prodigal son, found in Luke 15, how do you feel?  Do you identify with the son, the father, or even the older brother who is challenged by the prodigal's return?  How so?
• Are there any challenges in your life that might be hindering you from coming home to the open arms of the Father?  If so, how do you think you can overcome them?
• Are you more likely to think of God as demanding and punitive, or loving and good?  Why do you think that is?  Give an example of a time you experienced the goodness of God.

Irresistible Invitation ~ Day Four Scripture & The Heart of the Matter

Day Four's Scripture - James 1:17 - Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father . . .
Day Four's The Heart of the Matter:

•  If you were asked to draw a picture of God, what would it look like?
• Of the three affirmations you just read about - God never lets us down, God never lets us off, and God never lets us go - which one challenges you the most?  Why?
• Think of a time in your life when you experienced a consequence of sin.  How did that affect your relationship to God?

Irresistible Invitation ~ The Heart of the Matter from Day One's Scripture; Day Two & Three Scripture

Day One's Scripture - Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Day One's Heart of the Matter:

• What do you feel when you reflect on the first few lines of Genesis?  How does this feeling color your perception of God?
• How could a deeper understanding of the creation story affect your relationship with God?  Does this story challenge any of your previous assumptions?
• Have you experienced moments of incadescent amazement?  If so, how have those experiences informed your understanding of God?

Day Two's Scripture - Genesis 1:31 - God saw all theat he had made, and it was very good.
Day Two's Heart of the Matter:

• Have you been aware of God's presence in a time of darkness and suffering?  Describe your personal experience.
• Have there been times of hardship in your life that, looking back, you are able to recognize as forming your character for the better?  Are you aware of a purpose in those times of struggle?
• Have you given or received a show of love like the one described in the story of Manuel Garcia?  If so, how did that experience affect you?

Day Three's Scripture - John 10:10 - I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Day Three's Heart of the Matter:

• Think about your habits, good and bad.  How have they shaped your life as a whole?
• Have you chosen to "start to become" a new person?  Why or why not?
• What does it mean to you to choose to be in relationship with God?  Do you make it a habit to seek God's company each day?

"Irresistible Invitation" Church-Wide Series Begins!

The ENTIRE Church  will embark on a new 6-week Sunday School study, Irresistible Invitation, that will also correlate with the message delivered during the Sunday worship services. The first message was delivered on Sunday, October 9th and the 40 day daily Bible readings begin today.

Today's scripture is Genesis 1:1 . . . In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

Next Sunday we begin the first class lesson. The books are available through the church for $5.00. They are also available on Kindle at a slightly higher price.