Gearing up and New Life...

A new semester starts on Tuesday. We're a little past our one year anniversary in Louisville and in the first calendar year of seminary I have finished 40 hours. I have 48 more to go. I finished the summer terms with a 3.75 gpa and am pretty happy with that. I don't have my hopes set so high for this semester, but am cautiously optimistic. Here's a rundown of my classes:

Theology of Worship with Dr. Bruce Ware

Systematic Theology II with Dr. Russell D. Moore (his blog is on our sidebar)

Elementary Greek with Dr. Jonathan Pennington

Intro to Family Ministry with Dr. Randy Stinson

And of course there are new books:

I've already started some of the reading. I was trying to finish a book about an FBI spy during the cold war (amazing story) but it doesn't look like that'll happen. You can check out that book in my "Shelfari" in the side bar. Just scroll down a little. This morning I got up and started the book pictured below. Its for my Theology of Worship class. This is the class I'm probably most looking forward to. I know, you thought it was Greek right? Anyway, if the class is half as good as the introduction and first chapter of Recalling The Hope Of Glory it will be a great semester.

I also wanted to take a second to acknowledge all of the people who have been reading this blog lately. I know you're primarily looking for baby updates...and we promise, as soon as something happens we'll get the info out. But I just wanted to say thanks for taking an interest in our lives. We've had over 100 views a few days this week and what that says is either you have too much time on your hands or you really do care about us. I'm banking on the latter. Not that we ever had much doubt, but its nice to know. Thanks for all your comments on here. They are encouraging to both Shana and I. A lot is about to change for us and we covet your prayers and thank you for your support and friendship - to those of you we know well and just know a little bit.

One last thing. I probably don't know everyone who visits this blog and thats cool. Also, with so many visits to the blog there's a good chance that some visitor may have never heard the gospel or given the chance to know God. Maybe you're just distant from God and its been a while since you've gone to church, read the Word, or even prayed. Maybe you are close to God and are a believer. Take the time to read this and be reminded of what God has done for us! As Shana and I are getting ready to welcome this new life into our world - which is really God's world - have you considered the new life that God is offering to you? The Bible says (2 Cor. 5:17) "If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. The old has passed away and the new has come." Christ died on the cross to bring new life to those who are dead. Because of our sin we are dead and helpless before the Creator of the Universe and he is our judge. Our/Your sin is so radical that it is impossible for you or I to have a relationship with God or hope for eternity on your own. And because of your sin you deserve the eternal wrath of God. Without Christ this wrath remains on you (John 3:36). Only through the work of Christ on the cross, taking God's wrath on himself on your behalf are you able to experience this new life. Jesus made the payment for your sin with his life, death, and resurrection. You can't be good enough or do enough good things in this life to make this new life or heaven possible. If that were the case then why in the world would Jesus have gone through all of the pain and suffering on the cross? Its only by grace you are saved through faith in Christ. Its not of your own doing but its a gift of God. Its not a result of your good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). To receive this gift God has placed before you it requires something from you. Not money. Not any earthly thing. The Bible says that you are to turn from your sin and trust in Christ (Luke 24:47). Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame (Romans 10:11). When you turn away from yourself the Bible calls that "dying" to yourself. When you die to yourself you are then living in Christ. The Gospel of Christ is truly good news that brings new life to all who believe. It is even greater news that that of a new baby. God is giving Shana and I the gift of a new child. God is giving you the opportunity of a new life of your own. Will your turn from sin and trust in Jesus today?

Isaiah 53:3-6

^"3He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. ⁴ Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted.⁵ But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.⁶ We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all."

What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.