Invited: A Simple Guide for Connecting with God

by Matt Berry

Are you feeling stuck in life?

Somewhere in the middle of the long hours at work, with family life and kids' activities tacked on the end, you've gotten off track. Until now you've dismissed faith as an answer. You're fed up with too-churchy talk and Christians who don't live like God.

But what may interest you is a faith that actually works—one that helps you to see what God is doing and hear God speak for yourself.

- Is God angry at me, or just generally dismissive of my circumstances?
- Does my life matter to God, and what are the ground rules for connecting with him?
- Is prayer only for the hyper-religious (and weird), and is God even speaking today?
- How is this whole "Christian life" thing supposed to work?

Find out for yourself in this guidebook for the modern-day seeker.

Invited: A Simple Guide for Connecting with God combines Matt Berry's down-to-earth "teachable moments" with easy-to-understand truths from the Bible (which are shockingly relevant). You'll learn how to have a faith that is for everyday life—as in like right now.

Here's what you'll discover in Invited: A Simple Guide for Connecting with God:

- What following Jesus can look like in today’s world
- That God wants to connect with you—you’ve already been invited
- A simple-to-apply technique to hear from God when you pray (even a six-year-old can do it!)
- How to overhaul your perspective and start living a faith-filled life
- Questions to help you reflect on where you're at in life, and then take meaningful action
- Access to a free companion video course to be your guide
- …and much more!

This is a faith for you. And unlike all the other things in your life, this is not something you have to earn.

You need a do-over, with answers for the questions that have plagued you. And perhaps from someone like you with nothing to prove who can show you how to live the Christian life with hands-on steps, and in doable way.

You have been invited by God himself into an encounter like never before—and to a life with him—that will finally get you unstuck.

232 pages, Paperback

Published December 1, 2020

About the author

Matt Berry is an author and director of The Jesus Following Network. He also works full-time in the field of Cybersecurity.

His mission in life is to inspire and nurture a lifestyle of movement, freedom and rest in the lives of spiritually inclined people.

He and his wife, Elisa, live in Big Lake, Minnesota, where they are raising their four boys to be world changers—and to not burp at the table.

Reviews

[Twyla Franz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invited is a fresh voice in the conversation about what it means to walk with God and learn to listen and respond as He speaks. Berry shares an easy-to-follow model of what Christian living is truly about. His artful yet accessible language appeals to those who haven’t grown up in church. Practical and inspiring, this book well earns its merit for those curious about a faith-filled life and those dissatisfied with a dry faith.

[Jim And · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew Berry is an ardent, down-to-earth disciple of Jesus. His keen engineer’s mind joins with sharp spiritual awareness to bring us Invited, a practical, uncomplicated manual about how to follow the Master. The author with brutal honesty shares his own struggle to develop from a nerdy, self-doubting church kid into confident, godly manhood. With vibrant prose that avoids religious platitudes, he describes how he was summoned and pulled near by unseen hands, as if in a magnetic field, to a loving God. Following Jesus, the author says, includes responding, reflecting, applying, and obeying. He encourages the reader that hearing God’s voice today is achievable, natural, and simple enough even for a child to commonly experience. Intimacy with Jesus is the will of God for every believer. Walking with the Lord is carried out in mundane daily tasks and relationships. The author reminds us that being a disciple of the Lord requires truly loving others. This will challenge us to change, and we will be enabled to grow if we take simple steps of action coupled with trust in God. The appeal to follow Jesus offered in the book Invited is as relevant and available today as it was for those fisherman beside the Sea of Galilee who heard the Master’s call. I heartily recommend Invited by Matthew Berry to those not-yet-followers of the Lord who are sincerely curious about this topic, as well as to those already-disciples who want to walk more consistently close to Jesus.
James F. Towner, D.Min.

[Anne Warren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has greatly impacted me. I loved the balance of simplicity and depth, making very deep matters extremely relatable. It has an easy flow to it with many real life examples, so it was easy to read, and yet the content was so good that I also found myself mulling over the concepts, praying, discussing them with others, and contemplating God’s desire for relationship with me for days afterward!

One of the best things for me in reading “Invited” was that the Holy Spirit used it to convict me of places in my life where I’ve still been subtly living under the burden of the law, trying to somehow live up to His standards on my own. This book spoke the truth of God’s great love and mercy, His desire for me even when I am not living a “worthy” life. It had such a gentle way of reminding me of the great desire that God has to just be with me. It helped me to release many of the burdens I’ve been carrying and give them over to the One who has promised to uplift and strengthen me through this life. There is no condemnation in this book. Instead, it immerses you in the grace of God, which in turn compels you to live a life of faith in service to this amazing LORD!

I am so grateful to Matt Berry for sharing all that the Lord put on his heart to write. He approaches many topics with humility and vulnerability, opening his own life so that we might see the grace of God more clearly. I would highly recommend “Invited”. It is a life-changing book!

[Ruthie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freely admit that I began reading this book with high expectations. It had been highly recommended to me, and that affected my perspective as I began to read, looking for confirmation, or lack thereof, of this recommendation.
I am in a busy place in life where it is difficult for me to stay engaged with books that are complicated and complex with flowery language and difficult ideas to grasp - even where the ideas are good. This was not that. This was written for ME, a normal person who seeks to be challenged, to grow, to surround myself with people and books and resources who offer practical, real-life direction to growing in relationship with God. This is an interactive book, designed to encourage and challenge the reader to really and truly grow - and to help them do that, both with questions designed to help the reader self-reflect as well as accompanying videos the author provided that helped develop the ideas from each chapter even more fully.
Are you a normal person? Do you wonder about how God thinks about you? What a relationship with him could really look like? Check out this book. Read it, and then re-read it.
My high expectations, going in to reading this book, were met. There are not many books that hold my attention all the way through, during my current season of life, but this one did, and I plan on reading it again.

[Carol Grover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe you will find "Invited" to be a simple, clear, straight-forward experience. Concrete examples and illustrations are sprinkled throughout. But what I love--what draws me to read it again--is when I'm reading along and all of a sudden I am swept into a feeling of wonderful connection with Someone bigger than I, and I realize that He SEES me. One example for me is the phrase, "God is the strong one in this relationship." I mean, obviously. But the truth of it hit me like a velvet brick, bringing relief and freedom to heal me right where I needed healing. God doesn't need me, but oh, how He loves me. What is it like to enjoy relationship with someone who loves you without demanding that you measure up or perform? I dare you to sink your teeth into this book and discover for yourself.

[Cassie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invited is for anyone looking for a deeper connection with God. Matt Berry draws on personal stories as well as biblical stories to help the reader understand God’s desire for relationship with us and what that looks like on a practical and everyday level. We are challenged to reflect on our personal faith and given useful advice for deepening our faith and drawing nearer to God.

Whether you feel distant from God, you are angry with God, you can’t relate to what you’ve learned about him, or you’d like to grow your faith, Invited is for you. After reading this book and implementing the recommended practices, your relationship with God will be transformed.

[Sarah Butterfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up hearing that Christianity is about having a relationship with Jesus, but what does that even mean? What does that look like in our day-to-day reality? Matt Berry shows us the way in this simple guide, drawing on illustrations from the Bible and from his own life experience. This book is a warm hug from above and a gentle whisper drawing us closer to God. It is filled with simple and doable practices for enjoying a relationship with God. And it includes space for written reflection! A must-read for anyone looking to deepen their faith!

[Krista Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you long for significance? Connection and Relationship not based on performance?
Power to overcome and walk in freedom? Rest regardless of circumstances? “Invited” was written with You in mind. It is an invitation for all. The author shares his own heart’s journey with transparency, humor and grace. You will feel as though you have made a new friend. I will re-read this again and again; referring to the thought provoking “Reflect” sections in each chapter. This is such an enjoyable read...I found myself chuckling along with the author. It is simple and yet powerfully transformational.

It would make a wonderful small group “adventure”. So grateful for what I have discovered in its pages that will make a difference in my own life. Love it!!!

[Todd Holcomb]

Beyond theology and ritual there lies a question, "How do I actually experience this life more abundant with the Christ?" Matt's book invites his readers into this question and into the lifestyle that answers it. He does it without tangling his readers up in words laden with old meanings. His invitation is clear, welcoming, and rooted in his own spiritual journey. This personal expression guides the reader through something tangible because they can see it being lived out in the author's own life. "Invitation" is a welcome read.

[Sharon Hazel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it says, an invitation to follow Jesus and how to develop a personal relationship with Him. It is easy to read, with a conversational style, and although scriptural quotes are given, the chapters are not heavy on Biblical text. It is broken down into seven topics covering the basic themes for developing a God centered lifestyle. From the decision to follow Jesus, to making the connection of a relationship, the in dwelling of the Holy Spirit, prayer, faith, obedience, and finally, to loving others. The subjects are broken down in a clear and applicable way.
Each chapter is a mix of personal testimony and the author’s thoughts on the practical aspects of living in a personal relationship with Jesus. Mid way through the chapter there is a ‘reflect’ exercise, with four personal questions, and space for you to write down your answers. The chapter ends with an ‘apply’ section where 4-5 suggestions are given for practical exercises to develop what you have learnt. The author suggests choosing one that suits your personality and the importance of following through.
How this book affected me:
In each chapter I found words that were a challenge and a blessing. The last chapter ‘Loving Others – Becoming Kindness to all people’ is at the heart of the gospel. The author states that today in our society ‘love’ is an often misused word, but kindness comes with no strings attached. The concept developed here fits in with the practical tone of the book, kindness is the day-to-day application of love. The conclusion of the book is our response to the invitation, not an end but a new beginning, to accept and to follow Jesus and start a life-time adventure.
Who would enjoy this book?
This is a book that you could give to anyone seeking faith and wanting to understand and grasp the idea of a relationship with God. It would be particularly suitable for a new Christian or a group of Christians on a discipleship course. I would recommend this book as being useful for group study, and also to generate further discussion of the different styles and ways of connecting in relationship with the Lord.

[Chris Schwind · Rating 5 out of 5]

No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, this book is great to read and is a practical guide
to connect you to God or to deepen your connection. The author Matt Berry makes the content relatable by sharing his stories and challenges. The real world isn't easy but this book gives you a step by step way to connect deeper or reconnect to your spirituality.
You will be drawn in to the stories and it will provoke questions that sometimes we get too busy to ask ourselves.
In the world of 2020 with all of its challenges, you should grab this book and read it by your fireplace or bedside and be "Invited" to rediscover what is important to you and how to chart your own path to deepen your relationship with God. Go grab and read the book today!

[Morgan Liebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a simple "How to" guide for a relationship with God. I know Matt personally and the most important thing I can tell you is that this book is real and not contrived. Matt puts into words what I have seen him walk. You cant find a better guide than one from someone who is already walking the path.

Bryan

[JBrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the great honor of knowing several authors and enjoy reading their perspectives in print but Matthew Berry’s book, “Invited, A simple guide for connecting with God”, connected with me. Most prominently was the occasional views that Matthew gives into his family life as it relates to his walk with the Almighty Creator of the universe. The way his relationship grows with God, often through his children, resonated with me. If you’re looking for a way to experience the heart of God your invitation might be in these pages. I think it’s the kind of book that will connect with you.

[Betty Keen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matt Berry has invited us to meet God in a welcoming, easygoing way.  He guides us there with warm personal stories and backs them with  Scripture.  He asks questions and provides more Scripture to help us on our journey.  Ample space is set up to write our thoughts, fears, and hopes.  Always, we are lifted to our loving Father in Heaven.   We may start the journey with God  on a Sunday morning  in a church building from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.  However, we leave the book firmly holding God's hand and walking along  with Him hour by hour each day of the week. - Betty Keen

[Laura Woolridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

My most important thing is to be close to God and to be used by Him. I find this book both deep and practical to help me take doable steps. Every point is backed up with Scripture and examples.
My favorite chapter is Obedience - the Joy, Not the Burden. I have felt for a long time that the Christian Church has largely missed out due to simply b wanting forgiveness without a willingness to obey.
I like this book very much for myself and also have expectation for it to be highly useful for individuals and for group study.

[Jocelyne Walberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever longed to go deeper with your relationship with God?

This is a down to earth, practical guide to growing your relationship with God. Matt leaves himself vulnerable and real, so we can truly experience what he has experienced. This book helps us find the answers to how we can get on that journey with the Lord.

[Jeff Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book! Matt has done a great job sharing his own journey on how to have a meaningful relationship with God. You will find yourself wanting to give this book "Invited" to your children, teenagers, and new believers. Thank You Matt for sharing your journey! This book is a MUST READ!
I highly recommend it!

[Jared Middleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could choose one word to describe this book: practical. If you're tired of reading books to find yourself filled with head knowledge after you've read, but still in the same place practically, then this book is for you! Matt wades through all the fluff and gets to the nuts and bolts of spiritual formation. Grab a copy of this book and a cup of coffee!

[Sara LePage · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the most well written book on the Christian life that I have ever read. Easy to read, packed full of application ideas, truly simple but powerfully transforming. I will read this again and again to help renew my vision and purpose in God. Excellent for new believers and those who are mature in their faith. A perfect study guide for groups of all ages.

[Tammie Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m reading it now!!
I’m anxious to learn all I can and this book is explaining a lot of the WHYs and WHERE to go (the Bible) on HOW to Follow Jesus.
Everyone needs to read and reference this book.

[Wayne Hedlund · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's not often that you get the chance to write a review for an author that you know very well. I've spent the last number of years ministering with Matt, doing "home group" and this past year starting a new church with him. So, yes, I consider him a close friend and brother.

But this review is not based on my knowing Matt at all! You can often talk to someone and have an understanding how they think, if they are willing to be open and truthful with you. Reading a book they have written is a completely different ballgame. For one thing, you can't interrupt their thoughts and reasoning as you're reading. #2, you have the ability to digest what they are saying at your own pace, to pause and even re- read a passage to be certain you understood what they were saying.

Invited is a much needed message to a large percentage of people on planet earth. This isn't another book to quickly scan and file away on your Christian bookshelf. This is a book to devour and let the message fill you with hope and hunger for a true relationship, a "friendship" with the God of the universe.

Well done, Matthew.


Buy it, read it, buy more to give away!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Invited is an excellent title for this book because it encompasses that very reality: we are invited by our Heavenly Father into a relationship with Him. So often we have an incorrect perception of what that relationship looks like because we have an incorrect view of who He is.

In Invited Matt Berry presents this relationship we can have with God in a conversational easy to understand but still captivating way. This isn’t the kind of book you read once so you can gain information. This is the kind of book you can visit over and over because it will inspire you to really dig deeper into your identity in Christ. It is the kind of book that you pour yourself a glass of tea, cuddle up in your favorite chair, and open the pages.

[Just Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

On Your Journey? Read this Book!

Everyone is on their Life's Journey. How are You Doing in Your Personal Life? Are You Ready to Change? This is one of the Best Reads and I Highy Recommend, Invited by Matt Berry. Meeting Matt many years ago at a Home Gathering where "Open Discussion" was allowed, changed my Life. Matt introduced me to the concept of Life as a "Journey" (referring to living our Life as an Adventure). This concept, literally changed my Understanding and Perspective of my Life.

Get this Book, Read it, Learn from it and Practice what you Learn. This Book is Real Life, with Actual Situations and Circumstances we all Face and Encounter in this Life. Invited is a Real, Down to Earth Book (Life Manual), written from a Christian perspective. :-)

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Church” doesn’t work for a lot of people. At least the way we’ve been doing it for a long time. And 2020 has forced us all to have an honest look at what it means to do church. Matt Berry has given us an important and timely message as we take a fresh look at what it means to follow Jesus. His invitation is not to the religious. It’s to those who might not even step into a church. It’s to those who are hungry and thirsty for something real. It’s to those who are broken and need to be put back together, those who are sick and need a doctor, those who are wandering and need a simple and clear path to follow. I see Jesus in these pages. I know you will too.

[Anna Kettle]

This book is for anyone who feels like they’re stuck in their faith, or perhaps has lots of knowledge about faith but struggles to experience that daily reality of walking and talking with God.

What does it even mean to follow Jesus in the midst of ‘adulting’ in our busy 21st century lives? This book answers that question so practically, with examples both from the Bible & Matt’s own life.

If you want to deepen your relationship with Jesus, then this is the book for you! I can’t recommend it enough!

[MaryBeth Eiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Invited" is a book I wish I had read 10 years ago while trying to figure out how faith played a role in my everyday life. This book offers simple, practical, and doable steps. A great book for all believers...especially new believers or anyone who has struggled to figure out how to connect with God Monday-Saturday. Each chapter includes great reflection questions that invite you to dig deep and look inward. This book is certainly one you can read and ponder alone, but it'd be especially useful to read with a group of friends. Highly recommend!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book Invited is such a good easy to read book. Full of insight and easy ways to connect to God. Matt really helps you to feel invited to follow Jesus walk in his ways connect to him have his indwelling spirit living in you and to obey him .
Matt made me really feel that God really does want me to do all these things and be close to him in all I do a real invitation.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for anyone who wants to deepen their relationship with God and to begin hearing his voice more. It is a practical and easy to understand guide to connecting with God.

[Paul Hasford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome guide on hearing and accepting God's invitation into a deeper relationship with him. I highly recommend this book for everyone!