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.