Posted on February 7, 2022 Posted By: HCCCategories: journey
Heartland Community Church
THE JOURNEY
All Access: Come and See
By Lisa Zulke
Do you believe a place, a community, can be felt? Can be woven into the fabric of who we are and how we understand ourselves? And in that weaving, can help us make sense of who we are and why we are here? I say, yes, wholeheartedly, yes!
I’ve been a part of the Heartland community for 15 years, and love it today as much as I did the first year I came to understand what this community is about, who this community is for, and why Jesus is continually calling and weaving us all together. It is why I am still here, through all the ups and downs and changes that 15 years can bring. This place and it’s purpose are part of the fabric of who I am.
The heart of Heartland has always been Jesus. Discovering him, and following him with all that we have and all that we are. Because he is our heartbeat, the heart of Heartland is also about making space for everyone…those who know Jesus, those who don’t, those who are discovering Jesus, and those who have been wounded by Jesus’ followers. Even those who struggle with Jesus. And the Bible. And us…his followers.
We see this lived out at Heartland in subtle ways…do you know that if you sign up to volunteer with a team at Heartland, your first experience is a test drive? Literally, a, “Come and see…does this fit? Is this what Jesus is calling you to?” If it doesn’t, we help you find the next test drive, and the next, until you find your spot.
We also see it lived out in big, bold ways, like our vision statement… “making space to build relationships that make Jesus first.” You see, as Jesus calls each one of us he is drawing us toward relationship, not just with him, but with one another in community. To relationships where we let down our guard. Where we wrestle with our doubts. Where we are transparent about the good, the bad, and the hard.
I think this is the reason church and community hurt sometimes… because of this incredible weaving together of our hearts, our calling to follow Jesus, and our desire to bring the hope we have found to our people. Jesus is constantly searching for us, calling to us, “Come and see.” He longs to connect with us, to open our eyes to him, and our ears to his voice. To open our hearts to him, and to anyone who finds themselves far from him.
Jesus is looking for you and for me. And for our friends and family who don’t yet get him. How can we turn up the temperature on our come and see culture? On our come and see hearts? Will you come and be seen by Jesus, just as you are?
Observe, Reflect, Apply: Rewrite the good news from these verses in your own words. How would you describe to someone close to you, but maybe far from God, the kind of access and invitation Jesus brings to us when he says, "Come and see". Take some time considering what you are thankful for as you consider Jesus’ invitation to you.
{bible reading plan: book of hebrews}
For the next few months, we invite you to engage the Bible differently along with us. Each week we will be reading a book from Hebrews 4 times, in 4 ways, as directed below. Instead of daily verses, you are free to engage in the practice outlined below as a "choose your adventure". You might do this all in one sitting, or choose to do an exercise a day. We’d love to hear your feedback, just drop an email to Lisa Zulke.
For an overview of Hebrews, watch this 8 minute video from our friends at The Bible Project.
Read the passage slowly, sitting with it and allowing it to frame and fill your mind. Listen for a single word or phrase that catches your attention. Something you want to ponder further or hold onto.
What word or phrase caught your attention?
"I heard _____________________________________________"
The second time you read the passage, reflect on what you have heard. Use your imagination to put yourself in the story, in the context of this letter to the Hebrew people. If you were in this community what might you THINK or NOTICE? What do you SEE? What do you FEEL? What is the letter saying to your COMMUNITY? What might you and your friends talk about after HEARING this letter? Engaging our senses invites curiosity about what we have read.
"I saw, I felt, I noticed _____________________________________"
The third time you read the passage, listen specifically for a personal invitation. What am I being invited to consider? What am I being invited to do or try? Sit quietly and listen. Pray, asking God for insight into what he wants to share with you.
"I believe Jesus is inviting me to ___________________________"
After the fourth reading, respond to Hebrews 1. Read the chapter again, and noodle on what you’ve experienced and taken note of so far. What are you sensing or hearing from God or about God? Pray, inviting Jesus to nudge you in a decision: what am I going to do with what I’ve heard? How will I act on it? Taking decisive action? Sharing with a friend and discussing next steps? Continue praying?
"I will __________________________________________________"
{extra journey resources}
CLICK HERE to visit The Bible Project site and explore their super simple, super informative Bible videos (and other resources). You can also download The Bible Project App HERE.
CLICK HERE to get the Read Scripture App, from our friends at The Bible Project.
CLICK HERE for more on how to use the observe-reflect-apply approach to getting the most out of your Bible reading.
The Bible App Get the free YouVersion Bible for your phone, tablet, or computer. Experience the Bible anywhere, with options to highlight, save notes, and share what you are reading with others.
The Bible App For Kids YouVersion partnered with OneHope to develop the Bible App for Kids, designing it specifically to engage children with Bible stories on an age-appropriate level. The Bible App for Kids is a free app for Android, Apple, and Kindle devices, available in over 60 languages.
Bible Gateway Provides advanced Bible searching capabilities, which allow readers to find passages in scripture based on keywords, phrases, or scripture reference.
Please visit us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and share what you are learning, questioning or experiencing. We love conversations!
