A couple of months ago, I wrote about not wanting or needing new friends. Despite the fact that we are called to live in community. The banter between me and God was something like this (notice I’m doing all the talking here):

I don’t need new friends.

I don’t want new friends.

I don’t even want to think about new friends.

I know, I am extrovert. I love people, and I get some of my best energy from those around me.

I’m also an only child.

I got used to being alone as a child.

I got used to doing things my way and being independent pretty early in life.

I don’t need new friends.

I don’t want new friends.

I don’t even want to think about new friends.

But God.

But God again.

But God again because sometimes a new group of friends support and foster my spiritual growth.

Especially on the days they want to talk about Jesus, but I want to talk about my biblical crushes. <Insert eye-rolling emoji here>

One Sunday afternoon, some new friends from bible study and I started talking about our biblical crushes. As the conversation progressed, I told them all about my interest in Paul. He was a writer and a great communicator. His heart was on fire for Jesus. He made several mistakes, learned from them, and never let them grapple him with fear and condemnation.

My biblical crush is on Paul. At the end of my verbal dissertation on all things wonderful about Paul, one of my friends said, “But you don’t even know what he looks like.”

I simply replied, “Look at how he lived his life. Does his physical appearance even matter?” We all responded with a big, “Hmmm.”

Whether or not you agree or disagree on my admiration for Paul, I’m sure you will agree on my need for solid, personal, spiritual growth activities this summer.

Because any girl who has a crush on a man who has been dead for over a thousand years clearly needs some spiritual growth.

Clearly.

 

Enter I Can Only Imagine. A small group bible study based on the hit movie of the same name. This study uses events in the movie and the bible to discuss how a father-son relationship moved from rejection to approval, guilt to forgiveness, brokenness to redemption, and death to eternal life.

All participants can find hope and purpose in this 28-day study of Jesus’s life and ministry. Embark on a journey through the Gospels to discover Jesus’ encounters with broken people. Each day will include scripture, reflective questions, and prayer— all working together to reveal God’s incredible heart for you.

This is all you will need to supercharge your summer.

For more information about the study and to purchase it, click here. You can also receive 10 percent off by entering the code frontgate10.

In our group, we are watching the videos, having really meaningful discussions (forgiveness is HUGE in the study), and celebrating the fact that one of our favorite bible teachers stars in the movie in a role that was critical to Bart’s own spiritual growth and discovering his calling.

 

 

For our group, the issues raised in this movie and bible study are critical. The pain of generational consequences, the wonder of following your true calling, and the struggle for love is something we all face at one point in our lives. The bottom line is clear on this one: 1. See the movie, 2. Get the bible study, and 3. Grow spiritually as a result…with friends.

What are your favorite books, bible studies, or activities that fuel your spiritual growth?