“M. Robert Mulholland Jr. defines spiritual formation as "the process of being formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others." Compact and solid, this definition encompasses the dynamics of a vital Christian life and counters our culture's tendency to make spirituality a trivial matter or reduce it to a private affair between "me and Jesus." In Invitation to a Journey, Mulholland helps Christians new and old understand that we become like Christ gradually, not instantly. Not every personality is suited to an early morning quiet time, so Mulholland frees different personality types to express their piety differently. He reviews the classical spiritual disciplines and demonstrates the importance of undertaking our spiritual journey with (and for the sake of) others. This road map for spiritual formation is profoundly biblical and down to earth. In the finest tradition of spiritual literature, it is a vital help to Christians at any stage of their journey. This edition is revised and expanded by Ruth Haley Barton with a new foreword, spiritual practices and study guide, to provide spiritual direction for individuals and groups seeking spiritual companionship for one another on the journey of transformation.”

“When we read Scripture purely from a perspective of facts and information we miss the heart of what Jesus is saying and we miss the transformative presence of God that is represented in Scripture. Jesus is the word of God made flesh. The word of God is alive and powerful to the degree that it cuts through the deepest intentions and motivations of our heart. What would it look like to engage Scripture as if these things were absolutely true? As if it wasn't just a historical book revealing interesting facts about Jesus but as the living revelation of the person of Jesus.”

“We are all being formed by something. The scripture is a library of writings both divine and human, that tell a unified story, leading us to Jesus. But are the words in this strange, ancient book still relevant? Do they still mean anything to us today? To Jesus, the Bible is trustworthy. To Jesus, the Bible has authority. The scriptures were designed to be read for formation. To shape us into the image of Jesus. In this book, we find life. In this book, we find a new way to be human.”

Learn about the Bible and how to read it well: from an introduction to the important differences of the various literary genres compiled within.

Our very own Community Group Leader, Megan Moss created this bookmark to use as a resource for this practice. Feel free to pass along to members of your Community Group as you find helpful.

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