Hey #JustWrite!! This month's book club read is a timely selection as we are in the month of "new beginnings." The Genius of Jesus: The Man Who Changed Everything by author Erwin Raphael McManus is a book that explores the spiritual and intellectual phenomenon of Jesus through the lens of power, empathy, meaning, beauty, and truth. When we think of geniuses, we think of those individuals that have influenced the masses within the disciplines of science, art, technology, and math. Geniuses tend to go outside of the box, beyond the expected, cultivating the art of being a disruptor within society. In other words, geniuses are interruptions in the world. We know that Jesus was not only an influential figure in history, but He was also very controversial all the way back to His birth. There isn't anyone in history whose birth was conceived by the Holy spirit to His mother without physical contact. In addition to His unique conception, Jesus also was controversial throughout His life from understanding His assignment, performing many miracles, and His crucifixion that changed the trajectory of our lives. Despite what the world says, He is the only person to have lived, died, and remains alive today. How genius of our Heavenly father to orchestrate such an event in HIStory.
The following are three quotes to ponder as we prepare for this month's discussion:
1. "Our job is not to change people; our job is to connect people to Jesus, and it's Jesus' job to change people." Yes. We are to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ (the birth, death, and resurrection of our Savior) that serves to convict, prune, and transform the hearts of those who hear, submit, and abide.
2. "If we keep asking the wrong questions, we are just going to get better wrong answers. The solution to lack of community isn't to give up on the community." Yes, despite what others are saying and doing, we have to show up in love and for a common unity.
3. "I know it sounds crazy, but as soon as Christians start telling non-Christians how to live their lives, we've lost the Christian faith." Yes, our job is to speak in His truth and love with prayer, allowing God to get the glory for the work that is happening through the person and for the person. We are not God.
Join us on Tuesday, August 30 at 6pm as Kimberly Thompson and co-host Wanda Gilliard discuss more in depth "the man who changed everything." We look forward to seeing you.
In His service,
Lequvia Ousley
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