My Life....My Life these past few days...

SCHOOL: I have successfully completed my first semester of Seminary. If you would of asked me that question when I was in college or even before that, I would of never had predicted that I would even pursue a Master's Degree... better yet... a Master's in Theology. My classes this past semester were both fun and challenging. I did very well in two classes, and ok in two. I have made grades that will permit me to continue. :) I have never been a straight A student, more like straight C. One thing that I have made clear is that I am here because God has called me, but more importantly, I am here to learn, and GO. The two classes that I struggled in this semester, I learned alot. I am very confident in the demands that our school expects from us, I respect that, and I am now working even harder than when I got here. I even read books like its my job, and in a sense, it is.

SUMMER SCHOOL: I signed up to take two courses this summer, Contemporary Evangelism, and Old Testament II. My first class (CE) was during the I-Term week. We had lectures from 8-5 Monday through Friday. Old Testament II begins on June 3 and runs through July 3. We will meet on Tuesday and Thursday morning from 8:00-12:15.

CONTEMPORARY EVANGELISM: I want to start off by saying that in 10 years from now, when I am off in the mission field or wherever God wants me, this class will be the one that I remember and will be willing to tell people about. I learned more in one week than I have in my entire life. Dr. Carrigan is in his second semester here at SWBTS, (well i think its only the second class he has taught on campus) this man, let me put it this way.... He pushed all my buttons. He motivated me, inspired me, called me out, respected me, cares for me, honestly and sincerely loves me. The Holy Spirit on the first day of class came at me like a tidal wave. I had just read the book the "The Unchurched Next Door" (which you all should read) and sat in his class and was blown away. When I got out of class that evening, the first thing I did was walk out to my truck and pop the tailgate down, take out my cell phone, and called my Dad. I learned new techniques in sharing the gospel with people. I learned so much! We had two tests that followed the lectures for the past two Fridays. To be honest with you, they were HARD. We had to memorize Verbatim alot of material. This material is what we need to know to be effective disciples of the gospel. I know that is was frustrating to alot of people, but I was taking it like a man, and when it got tough... "GO HARD, OR GO HOME" (a little motto from my childhood) I planted my feet firmly and buckled down and studied. Dr. Carrigan, if you ever read my blog, I want you to know that I am truly blessed by you and God is doing absolutely amazing things through you and your life. I with out a doubt am confident that the kingdom of heaven is more full because of your commitment to our Lord. THANK YOU. (Know Him, Make Him Known....Make a friend, Make a Disciple, who Makes it to Forever)

IHOP: James (brother from OK) and I this past Thursday night went to Ihop for some food, coffee, and the open 24 hours deal. Ihop is located close to the TCU campus, and most of the time is pretty busy. Unfortunately for them this was not the case, fortunate for James and I we sat all alone in one section. Our waitress was Alexjandria, an absolutely wonderful young lady. James is so good with new people, we made small talk, in between the drink orders, and James asked her... "are you a follower of Jesus Christ?" With a great big smile, she said YES. (even if we get to this point with someone, when we here that, most people, shut down and don't care to ask anymore questions) Not us seminary boys, for James and I that is just the beginning. We asked her more questions about when did she pray to receive Christ and where do you go to church, and so on. I am confident in saying that people may claim to be "Christians" but if I don't hear them say, I believe that Jesus is the son of God, who died for our sins and by grace we are saved (to that extent) I honestly don't believe that they are. From her answers to our questions we both after confirming later, that she was holding something back. She told us that she grew up in a Catholic home, goes to a Catholic High School (that does not even practice it) and that she is holding onto to of the Catholicism beliefs. She left and James and I were both talking about it and since I was there to study for a test, I sat out my "wordless book" She came back with our food and James said, you should share that with her. She noticed it first (which was my intention) and I told her what it was. I asked would you like to hear about it? Again, a great big smile and she was like "YES" she pulled up a chair and I began to explain the wordless book to her. The entire time she was very emotional and tears were forming in her eyes. I was confident that she was a believer. What concerned me the most was the fact that she was not actively going to church. So when I got to the green piece of cloth (which stands for growth) I told her that once we are believers we need to come into a covenant relationship with a church, be baptized, pray, study, (Dr. Carrigan's... know him, make him known.) Her expression spoke a million words, or maybe just one, Oh? Confession time, I forgot my Evangelism kit at my dorm room, I wanted so bad to give her a bracelet, or cd, or bible. James was like give her your bracelet off your wrist, I was not cool with that, cause I thought she might not be cool with that. (looking back now, I should of at least offered it) I will follow up with her soon, cause I know that with class starting on Tuesday, I will be studying, reading, and doing what God has called us to do.

CATCH IT: I wanted to share with you some scripture that has really been directing in my life, my walk, my relationship with Christ. My prayer is that you have already read it or heard it, but if not, here ya go.... It is found in Matthew, Chapter 28, verses 18-20. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
The great news from these verses, is that, it is for all...

Please contact me if you ever have any spiritual questions, prayer requests, or anything. I am looking forward to hearing from you. God Bless you all

LIVE LOUD