Every person has a story - a life story. Even as we mourn those whose stories ended far too soon, we are jolted into deep, sometimes uncomfortable thoughts:

What about my story?
What's the meaning of my life?

Have you ever stopped to consider how your story weaves together with God's story to become the greater Story of Life?

INTIMACY
From the beginning, relationships have been woven into the tapestry of our lives. God fashioned us as masterpieces that would reflect our Creator's image. We were designed to experience intimacy - loving God and each other.

Your Story>> On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your current desire to know God personally. Why?

God's Story>> In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. - Genesis 1:1

BETRAYAL
But life was forfeited and intimacy marred. How? We turned from the source of Life and chose to live without God. As a consequence, death and a corrupted nature now separate us from God and stain all our relationships.

Your Story>> What troubles you most about life? Why?

God's Story>> The Lord looks down from heaven on the entire human race; He looks to see if there is even one with real understanding, one who seeks for God. But no, all have turned away from God. - Psalm 14: 2,3

ANTICIPATION
Is there any hope for us? Yes, though each one of us in our own way has betrayed God, He did not abandon us. God promised to send a Savior who would rescue us from the consequences of our rebellion.

Your Story>> Have you ever experienced God? If so, how?

God's Story>> Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. -Isaiah 45:22

PURSUIT
As promised, God sent the One who would rescue us. His name is Jesus. The unique Son of God became one of us so that all could see what God was like. He spoke the truth, displayed real love and offered life in all of its fullness - in a depth of life on earth and unending life in heaven.

Your Story>> Who or what has been the most significant influence in your spiritual pilgrimage? Why?

God's Story>> For God so loved the world He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it. - John 3: 16,17

SACRIFICE
The life's greatest mystery was revealed in love's greatest act. Jesus, the author of life, died for us, paying the penalty for all our wrongdoing. How can we be sure? God proved it by raising Jesus from the dead. He is alive today, the rightful ruler over all.

Your Story>> What do you consider the greatest thing anyone has ever done for you? Why?

God's Story>> But God showed His great love for us by sending [Jesus] to die for us while we were still sinners. >>And [God] proved to everyone who this is by raising Him from the dead. -selections from Romans 5:8; Acts 17:31

INVITATION
Now God invites us to come to Him through trusting Jesus. Forgiveness is a free and undeserved gift, received only through genuine faith in Jesus. It opens the door to life in all of its fullness.

Your Story>> At this stage in life do you find yourself moving toward God, away from God, or staying the same?

God's Story>> But then God our Savior showed us His kindness and love. He saves us, not because of the good things we did, but because of His mercy.

>>Everyone who believes in [Jesus] will have their sins forgiven through His name. -selections from Titus 3:4,5; Acts 10:43

According to these selections, what appears to be necessary to have eternal life?

1. Your Story>> Do you need Jesus? Until I admit that I, too, am marred by my own selfish sinfulness, I have little to say about others whose sins touch my life. Jesus claimed to be the solution to our fundamental problem: separation from God caused by our sins. Do you believe that you need Jesus? Do you desire the forgiveness and new life that He offers?

2. God's Story>> Is it true? If you are uncertain, try reading the Bible for yourself. Start with the section called John - an account of Jesus' life, death and resurrection. Ask God to reveal Himself to you through this book. See what you think.

3. Your Response>> How will you respond to God's offer? Will you turn to God in faith, trusting Jesus to forgive your sin and give you new life? If you do, you will enter into a new relationship with God - one that offers comfort and compassion for your grief, hope for a better tomorrow, and peace for an eternity where there will be no more tears.

>>[In heaven] He will wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain. - Revelation 21:4