Favorite Book Friday October 16,2020
Whooooo we’re finally here after I don’t remember how long but we’re finishing “Jesus Is__” by Judah Smith. We’re gonna start a different book next week! Anyway let’s read this final chapter together.
So this final chapter is titled “New Way to be Human”. Colossians 3:1-11 encourages us to think of heavenly things not earthy things since we’re all raised in Christ. We have to put those earthy things to death and put on the new self. What matters about this kind of life is Christ lives in all once is. Jesus gives is a new way to be human. Only Jesus can do this for you. Jesus rose from the dead so we are too. Through Jesus, you don’t have to live this normal life, he has new kind of humanity for us.
So there’s more to Jesus than a Sunday morning or Wednesday night. It’s not “I am who I am by the grace of God” then Monday comes we follow the non-biblical truth of “God helps those who help themselves”. Jesus sounds good but what about on Monday?. I need Jesus every day in every area.
Paul’s letter to the church in Colossae has gone into detail about the love of Jesus and what he’s done for us. His incredible grace. He’s at the center of everything. Our sinful nature died with Jesus and now we’re raised to life with him. The only “do” Paul gives is focus on heavenly things not earthy things. Jesus is seated. Why? The work is complete so you don’t have to strive. Sitting is the position of reigning. It’s all well and all finished. The earth is his footstool and he laughs at his enemies. That should be our position too: sitting at the Savior’s feet. God calls us to sit down. That’s it. Just sit down with him.
We’ll finish up this book on the website! Love you guys!
The enemy would love for us to believe that Jesus’s death and resurrection wasn’t enough for our sin. Especially that ONE sin you can’t shake. Satan wants to be defined and owned by sin. That is a lie from the accuser. Yeah we’re gonna sin against. Jesus knew that but died and rose again for you as me. Judah writes this mind blowing thought, “God sees character shows in me that I don’t even see, and he is not stressed about it.” God knows we mess up but he’s not mad at us. He wants us to draw near. He feels nothing but love and acceptance towards you. Us trying to fix ourselves doesn’t make God love you anymore or any less. We are his first priority not our behavior. He just wants to love you. That’s his top goal and main concern. We don’t have to fight to be righteous. We already are!
Being a Christian is being what you are not of attempting to do the hard stuff. But Jesus gave us a new way to be human. This new nature is a reflection of God’s character. You’re not longer a sinner so you don’t have to label yourself as that. God doesn’t remember your sin. He has forgiven and forgotten them. That’s who you are! It’s the good news if Grace. Sin isn’t so big anymore. That’s not who you are. You’re no longer defined by sin. Sin isn’t who you are so we must get rid of it. The real me if found in Jesus. Jesus in his works that’s completely has redefined what it means fo be human. He gave us a new way do be human.
This book’s conclusion talks about why Judah wrote this book that has changed this little pastor’s world. His prayer for you is that the love of Jesus will consume you, that it will permeate your life and bring color to your existence. There’s nothing like it.
We’re all taking this journey together. We won’t ever truly understand the beauty and majesty of God’s Grace until we get to heaven. Take time and let Jesus just love you.
Judah writes he wants to leave you with one more thing. Don’t let anything stop you from getting right with God. It’s never too late. Salvation is a free gift. All you have to go is receive it. You don’t have to fix yourself up for God. Jesus receive it. All you do is believe. Jesus took your place. It’s who Jesus is: Grace.
If you’re on Instagram you’ll probably never see this but I hope you’re here. This book has been life changing for me. Before I picked this book up for the first time in June, I thought I knew who Jesus was and that was enough. After I finished I was in tears. I now know who Jesus is. He’s given me a new way to be human and a joy that’s indescribable in this dark season. I thank God for inspiring Judah to write this book. His influence in my life as my pastor has made me a better young future pastor, friend and writer. I don’t know where God has called me but he’s called me to be a pastor. All I can do is walk in the Grace given to me for today.
Chapter Highlights
Jesus gives us a new way to be human.
I don’t want to just talk about Jesus, sing about Jesus and preach about Jesus on Sunday. I want Jesus every day in every area of my life.
Make sure you don’t base your obedience on anything other than the finished work of Jesus
Jesus is sitting. He is in heaven, all is well. All is finished.
Our first position as a believer is not walking. It’s not pacing. It’s not marching. It’s not sprinting madly from one activity to the next. It’s sitting.
When we’re born again, we are called to rest in his finished work.
The devil is a liar. Sin is defeated. God is for us, Jesus is with us and his grace is sufficient.
God is telling me he is proud of me, that he is pleased with me and that I am amazing.
God will never accept you more than he does right now.
God is not in a hurry to fix us. Our behavior is not his first priority. We are his first priority.
Jesus gave me a new way to be human. I have a new nature, and it mirrors the God who created me.
The real me is the righteous me, and that me is more real than sin could ever be.
I know it sounds too good to be true. That’s why it’s called Grace. And that’s who Jesus is.
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