• Read the scriptures and reflect on the questions below.
• Feel free to journal your responses.
• If you'd like to be connected to personally study with, scroll down to the bottom of the page.

Matthew 28:20b ...and surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

One of the most incredible promises in all the Bible is Jesus' promise to be with his followers always. For anyone who feels alone, misunderstood, worried or rejected, God wants you to know of his eternal promise of hope, healing and peace (in other words Himself!). At Easter we gather and celebrate how God made a way for us to experience this. But before we get there let's prepare ourselves so that we may trust and embrace the promise of God. Pray that this time of preparation is a blessing.

Matthew 7:13-14 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it

Which road would you say you’ve been on? Where do you want to be? Think of significant moments in your life that have impacted your walk with God up to this point. What are some of your memories of church, God and faith? What does the big picture of your spiritual life show you? How important is God in your life today?

James 1:22-25 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Faith in God shows up in how we live. We embrace his promises by being faithful to his commands. That means we trust him so much that we behave by our convictions. [Conviction: a belief held so deeply that we live it out in every area of our lives.] What are the most important commands you know of? How are you doing in following them?

Galatians 2:1-2 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. 

After 14 years Paul is still examining himself. He wanted to make sure that what he believed and taught was the truth. Like Paul we need to make sure we are not “running our race in vain.” We prepare for the promise of Jesus by clarifying our understanding of salvation. What is needed for salvation? How would you explain to a friend how they can be saved according to the Bible?

Hebrews 10:23-25  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

God is faithful, meaning he fulfills his promises. But what about your faithfulness, are you devoted to God? In what ways are you devoted? Do you spend regular time with God? Do you meet together with others who are striving to love, do good, and be committed to God? Do you have friends that you can be real with and get spiritual support from?  

When you look at the big picture of your life with God, which area needs attention: Your conviction, salvation, or devotion? 

You can grow in any of these areas right away to prepare for Easter and transform as a fulfillment of the promise of Jesus.

Here's how:

• Read the Bible
• Pray to God
• Worship God and attend church. [If you are looking for a church you'll always be welcome to join us.]
• Commit to meet with someone who knows God's promises firsthand for a Bible study. If you would like to be connected with someone who will walk with you on your journey, fill out the form below.