You always know a speech or study is coming to an end when the speaker says, And in closing… It’s the simplest way to communicate to the audience the time of learning is almost up.
rebel without a cause
But I refuse to use that phrase. Yes, I’m a rebel. Me and my leather jacket with slicked back hair and cuffed jeans raise a James Dean eyebrow at the notion of, And in closing…
It’s natural inclination to straighten up, pay attention, and catch the last few phrases of the talk. But I refuse to use that phrase. Oh me, oh my, I’m a rebel without a cause 😉
Today is our last study through James. No, I’m not going to chart through verses and explain Greek superlatives as in previous weeks. This week I want to know that we desire to shake off apathy, status quo, and all other excuses we’ve used to justify our behavior as mediocre Christians; to persevere through tough times; to have courage in the face of change.
The tragic tale of our lives is when we don’t speak out God’s faithfulness, we forget how He met us. When we don’t realize our brokenness, we can never heal. When we refuse to share our story, someone else will be used as a conduit of God’s provincial love. As mentioned on the blog and last week in the study, I opened the forum for people to share their story and communicate with others what God has done in their life. Few responded.
Be a rebel. Now is the time to courageously say, No, it’s not the closing of a bible study. It’s the beginning of my life as a changed Christian. Live a changed life. Christianity is more than sitting in a pew, dropping a few bucks in a bucket, and owning a bible. I hope we can earnestly believe that… and act upon it.
See you tonight at 7pm PST! Click HERE to watch live or come on down to be part of our last study 🙂 It’ll be fun to meet you!
love you! I'll be there in spirit…
This study has broken me in ways unimaginable.
I just downloaded the first session from iTunes podcast and am really enjoying it. Blessings on you! -Melanie from Calgary, AB
Honestly, this series has been like no other, B, and I can say that… I've been to all of 'em; but I would be a liar if I said that everything was peachy keen, super-duper, and aaaall-good. The fact remains that through this series God confirmed, even more so, that I wasn't being challenged to change but called- it wasn't/isn't a choice anymore. Although I wanted to "dive in head first", I waded in. Whether that's right or wrong, that's just how I do! I'm still learning to trust, I'm still learning to let go, and I'm still learning to die… to self. Thank God that He extends grace upon grace. Thank God that He is faithful even when I fail (and that's alot). And thank God that He uses others (like YOU) to help confirm that. May precious Jesus bless you, tonight's study, and everyone who attends (physically and electronically); and may we all continue to "look carefully into the perfect law that sets [us ] free…do what it says and [not] forget what [we have] heard (James 1:25).
I am with you! We need to be rebels in today's society. Rebels for Christ.
I have not read all your blogs but I will do so.
Excited! =]
Oh Bianca! This *Scandalous James* message has led me to my MJ "Man in the Mirror" place, and girl you KNOW I've been getting my groove on each week! A changed life, indeed! Monday in week four of the study, my family learned that my Mom's cancer had appeared again in her brain. Becky & I met at CCM the next day & were given the timely reminder to use our tongues to praise God, offer blessings, and spring forth our words as fresh water in all times. On Tuesday of week 5, con todo mi loca familia, we sat in wait at City of Hope, we prayed openly, we spread love, felt JOY, shared Jesus – and ultimately we lived the changed lives that we have in Christ. Through this trial I've shared with so many all God has done!! Going through James at this time has been SO relevant – but not coincidental! XOXO, see you tonight!
I miss you and your speaking and your wisdom and your laughs and jokes. Can we have lunch soon? xoxo
Hi Bianca, i have not yet gotten the privilege to know you or meet you one on one but I feel i have somewhat gotten to know you through your bible studies. This is my second year attending your summer sessions and im just blown away every week! Last year my life changed in some ways after your session, and I AM very proud to say once again the Lord has done it! He has spoken to me through this james series. I am just so schoked how God clearly spoke to me specially today our last study! Yes i was one of those women who was falling into a depression already because of finances. Its amazing how deep i was falling and all along i refused to admit it or try to fix the problem. so many times i tried "fixing it" but yet nothing helped, is as if a purposely chose to leave God out of the picture. But the study slowly turned my attention back to God. I took your advice and first wrote down what God said to me in my journal and then i opened up to a group (something that has always been EXTREMLY difficult for me and after that I pray that tomorrow will be a fresh start so i can start living out like a Christian should be!
Thank you sooooo much bianca God is really using you to impact people's lives! Definitely will keep you in prayers! I hope you dont quit the studies after your married! 🙁 i would sure miss them! Congratulations on ur upcoming wedding and wish you the VERY BEST! ***By the way you have inspired me to later on do a womens bible study at my church also!! thanx! 😉
It's a little bit like you are ownin' up to the underground church in China. You are starting it here. You are empowering it in the lives of people not just in a group that meets but in individuals that will take your seeds 'n plant 'em forming more "underground churches" that threaten to burst through the soil and bloom…becoming no mere seeds anymore. This garden you have created is bustin' at the seems ready to break free. You go ahead girlfriend!! You do your thang…
I am a Rebel in my mind and in my thoughts and hope to send it in the world… I like James Dean…he's the man… 😉
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