True confessions continue, fall study.

Toward the end of Luke's Gospel, in Chapter 24, we read the account of Jesus' bodily resurrection from the dead.  And after this is discovered by Mary; and confirned by Peter, the disciples were perplexed. 

Verse 13 begins, two of them on 'the road to Emmaus' discussing the recent events. 

V. 15-16 "As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognizing him."

To paraphrase, they basically tell this 'stranger' that they are disappointed and confused, they thought Jesus was the Messiah to redeem Israel.  But, sadly, the one they thought was the Messiah to save them was killed 3 days ago, and now, his body is gone.  Some of the women even claimed to have seen visions of angels, who say he is alive.

Jesus responds. (v. 25-27) "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory? 

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself."

Enter our fall study.  Jesus himself tells us that from the Beginning, the stories have whispered His name and told what He was sent to do, so that we may know Him.  A fresh perspective on the Old Testament, instead of just 'life lessons' and 'wise principles' we are going to read about how the Plan has ALWAYS been for Jesus.  I am excited to begin this 10 week study this fall with the lovely Jessica Garret! 

(John 8:58) "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I AM!"

http://www.amazon.com/Promised-One-10-week-Bible-Study/dp/1433526255/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1313371195&sr=8-1 

True Confessions of a Christian nerd.

I cannot remember what movie I am thinking about, but it's some romantic comedy, where the young man has just won the woman he desires.  He is spinning around a busy park, skipping, and singing loudly,
"I'M IN LOVE, I'M IN LOVE, AND I DON'T CARE WHO KNOWS IT!!"

Everyone in the park is looking at him funny and rolling there eyes, maybe getting a few smiles from knowing onlookers.  He doesn't pay attention to where he is going, and he falls into a fountain, and he just doesn't seem to notice!  He is so joyful about the one he loves! 

I once thought I was going to bomb a big test in high school, I winced as the teacher passed the tests back. 

A+  !!!!

I couldn't believe it!  Not only did I not fail, I got an A! 

Well, that is what I felt like, and still feel like when someone mentions Jesus.  My wish is for everyone to experience the real Jesus, because he is pure love and pure joy. 

Be sure, I did not always feel this way.  I was not always a Christian nerd.  Until just a few years ago, I did not understand many things about who Jesus is and why it mattered.


Going back to the test scenario.  I thought I had made....like a D, in life; when it came to God's standards.  I didn't like that, but I thought, I know; I could go back, ask to retake the test, start over and build up my credit again.  I was looking at the possibility of working up to a C or B- at most.  With enough church going, sermon listening, and Communion taking.  I could build myself back up.  I was preparing for the journey, and walked into a women's small group Bible study.  We read the Bible, and the words began to jump off the page and onto my heart.  Verses I either had never seen or heard, or never gave much thought to before.

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works- so that no one can boast. " (Eph 2:8-9)

"As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12)

"But then God our Savior showed us his kindness and love.  He saved us, not because of the good things we did, but because of his mercy.  He washed away our sins and gave us a new life through the Holy Spirit." (Titus 3:4-5)

"Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save everyone who comes to God through him.  He lives forever to plead with God on their behalf." (Hebrews 7:25)

"However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them.  For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent me, not to do what I want.  And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those he has given me, but that I should raise them to eternal life at the last day.  For it is my Father's will that all who see his Son and believe in him should have eternal life --that I should raise them on the last day." (John 6:37-40)

"Sin is no longer your master, for you are no longer subject to the law, which enslaves you to sin.  Instead, you are free by God's grace."  (Romans 6:14)


So, I know, I've told the story before, but I will say it again.  I found out how, like everyone else, I had an "F" by God's standards because God is perfect.  But God had made a way.  Jesus took the test in my place, and passed with flying colors!  Now, when God looks at my test score, He sees Jesus' and His is an A+. 

Since then, the Holy Spirit which is sealed in me (Eph 1:13-14) convicts me of my own sin, gives me peace when things don't go as I planned, the power to forgive others when they hurt me, the wisdom to understand that God is, not other people are, in charge of my salvation and spiritual growth, shows me just how wide and deep God's love is for me and for everyone else. 

And THAT is why I say, I love Jesus!  --- From the weird Christian nerd.