Scripture

“God created mankind in His own image.” — Genesis 1:27

Before there was striving, there was intimacy. Before fear entered the story, there was trust.

God did not create humanity for distance or performance. He created us for relationship—to

walk with Him, know Him, and reflect His goodness. In the beginning, nothing stood between

God and humanity. There was no shame, no hiding, no need to prove worth.

Yet even today, that original design still echoes in our hearts. The longing we feel for meaning,

belonging, and peace is not weakness. It is remembrance. We were made for nearness.

Every spiritual journey begins here: recognizing that our desire for God exists because God

desired us first.

Reflection

Where do you sense a longing for closeness with God in your life right now?

Prayer

Father, remind me that I was created for relationship with You. Restore in me a hunger for Your

presence. Amen.

Scripture Focus

Genesis 1:26–27

Genesis 2:7

Genesis 3:8

Psalm 8:4–6

Isaiah 43:7

Scripture

“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” -Romans 3:23

Sin is more than wrongdoing-it is seperation. When trust was broken, distance entered the human story. Shame replaced confidence. Fear replaced freedom. Humanity began hiding instead of walking openly with God.

We still live with the effects of the separation. We strive. We preform. We try to fix what feels broken. And often, we assume distance from God is caused by our failure.

But Scripture never says God withdrew. It shows that humanity hid.

Understanding the problem correctly matters because it reveals how deep God’s solution truly is.

Reflection

Where have you been hiding-emotionally, spiritually, or relationally?

Prayer

Lord, show me where separation has shaped my thinking, I invite You into every place I’ve hidden. Amen.

Scripture Focus

Genesis 3:1–13

Isaiah 59:2

Romans 3:23

Romans 6:23

Ephesians 2:1–3

Scripture

“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”-Romans 5:8

Grace is God’s movement toward humanity before humanity ever moved toward Him.

The gospel does not begin with repentance, it begins with pursuit. God did not wait for us to become worthy. He came while we were still broken. Grace met us in our distance and closed the gap.

Jesus is the proof that God’s response to sin was not rejection, but redemption.

Grace doesn’t excuse sin. It overcomes it.

Reflection

Where have you believed you must earn what God freely gives?

Prayer

Jesus, thank You for meeting me with grace before I ever asked. Teach me to receive what You have already offered. Amen.

Scripture Focus

Romans 5:8

Luke 19:10

John 1:14

Titus 3:4–5

1 John 4:10

Scripture

“God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us.” -2 Corinthians 5:21

At the cross, love took responsibility for what it did not cause.

Jesus carried the full weight of sin, shame, and separation-not as a victim, but as a willing Savior. The cross is where justice and mercy meet. Where sin is dealt with honesty and grace flows freely.

When Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), He meant the work was complete. Nothing was lefy undone. Nothing remains unpaid.

The cross assures us that forgiveness is not fragile-It is finished.

Reflection

What burdens are you still carrying that Jesus already bore?

Prayer

Jesus, I lay down what You already carried. Thank You for the finished work of the cross. Amen.

Scripture Focus

Romans 5:8

Luke 19:10

John 1:14

Titus 3:4–5

1 John 4:10

Scripture

“The same Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you.”-Romans 8:11

The gospel does not end with forgiveness, but it leads to transformation.

The resurrection declares that death does not win, sin does not reign, and brokeness does not define the future. Jesus didn’t just die to forgive us, He rose to give us life.

Resurrection power is not reserved for eternity. It is available now. The Christian life is not about trying harder-it is about living from new life.

Reflection

Where do you need resurrection life to renew hope today?

Prayer

Holy Spirit, awaken new life in me. Let resurrection power shape how I live today. Amen.

Scripture Focus

Matthew 28:5–6

1 Corinthians 15:3–4

Romans 6:4

Romans 8:11

Revelation 1:18

Scripture

“When the Holy Spirit comes, He will testify about Me.” -John 15:26

The Holy Spirit applies the gospel to our hearts.

He reminds us who Jesus is. He reveals what Jesus has done. And He teaches us how to live from frace rather than effort.

The Spirit does not replace Jesus, He reveals Him. He doesn’t push us into performance; He leads us into relationship. Through the Spirit, the gospel becomes personal, present, and powerful.

Reflection

How is the Holy Spirit inviting you to rely more on grace than effort?

Prayer

Holy Spirit, lead me into truth and rest. Keep my heart anchored in Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Focus

John 14:16–1

John 15:2

Romans 8:1–2

2 Corinthians 3:17

Galatians 5:22–23

Scripture

“Just as you received Chris Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him.”-Colossians 2:6

The gosepl is not something we move beyond-it is something we live from.

We begin by grace. We grow by grace. And we are sustained by grace. Every day is an invitation to trust again, receive again, and live again from what Jesus has already finished.

The gospel story didn’t end in history-it continues in us.

Reflection

What would change if you lived today fully from the gospel, not toward it?

Prayer

Father, help me live from grace, not striving. Let the gospel shape every part of my life. Amen.

Scripture Focus

Colossians 2:6

Ephesians 2:8–9

Galatians 2:20

Romans 8:1

Philippians 1:6

Does your story include the forgiveness, freedom and love that comes by yielding your life to Jesus Christ? If not, please know that He loves you and desires for you to know Him intimately. He is knocking on your heart’s door, waiting for you to answer. I encourage you to open the door through prayer, confess your need of His forgiveness, and welcome Him in. You will never regret it!

If you would like to talk with someone about your story, please send an email to office@imissionchurch.com and we will connect with you.