welcome to the open heart bible study challenge

OPEN

It is expected that each person in the group will demonstrate a willingness to be open and transparent with other group members, open to accept others as they are and where they are without judgment and criticism, and open-minded when it comes to the exchange of new ideas, new ways, new concepts.  To protect everyone’s privacy, what is shared here - stays here.  This is not a place to promote your group or ministry, however if a connection has been made, you are welcome to exchange email addresses with someone you wish to continue a friendship with after the challenge has ended.

HEART

Romans 10: 10 (NLT) states: “For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” Saving faith is not a state of mind, but rather a craving in our heart - a longing for love that cannot be found in anyone or anything on this planet.  A heart of faith says, “I am hungry for the Lord.”  And He answers ... “I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. (Jeremiah 29: 11-14a NLT)

BIBLE

The best description of the Word of God is found in Hebrews 4:12 (AMP)  For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.  What happened to the two followers of Jesus walking to Emmaus (Luke 24) on the day Jesus was resurrected from the dead still happens today.  In verse 32 they said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 

STUDY

The right way to approach scripture is to “feast” on it.  There will be times to sit down and eat big meals of the Bible.  Other times there will be tough sections which will require additional chewing.  Sometimes you may eat alone; other times with friends.  Just as your hunger drives you to the pantry, the grocery store, or the restaurant, let your spiritual hunger drive you to the Word of God. In Matthew 4: 4 (AMP) ... Jesus replied, “It is written and forever remains written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’” We are starving spiritually if we are only hearing a sermon on Sunday, or going to a prayer meeting or Bible Study once a week.  We need daily bread.  It’s not enough to read the Word, we need to seek to become the Word we read.  

CHALLENGE

What do you really need from God right now?  What blessing do you want from Him?  How badly do you want it?  God will meet you in your anguish, fear and uncertainty, but he may not meet you in the way you expect or desire.  Jacob was scared to death as he travelled back to Canaan because his estranged brother Esau was planning to meet him with four hundred men.  You can read about the night he wrestled with God in Genesis 32.  Exhausted and in pain Jacob stated “I will not let You go unless You bless me.”  He began the night with fear and desperation, but he ended the night of struggle with God’s blessing, a renewed faith, and a new identity.  Are you up to the challenge?  Are you ready for that kind of transformation?