Movies and Grace

Stand By Me; really a 2 hour long prayer. I have Preston to thank for my spiritual attachment to movies. But just seeing what matters to a 12 year old boy and remembering being there myself is so powerful. Then the whole idea of Ace and the older punks driving a car to the same destination that took Gordy and his friends 2 days of struggle to get to is such a picture of instant gratification, and the emptiness in it.
"Suck my fat one you cheap dime store hood." Great words for the enemy. He puts his knife away and walks back to the truck in shame every time.

While we're on the subject, everyone who has the chance should go see Tangled. Talk about a story of pursuit and seeking truth. Phew, might've gotten a little glassy eyed.

In case you're getting worried, God's been speaking to me through more than just movies. Chris Lautsbaugh gave an amazing week of lecture on Grace. He started out by giving us a thorough understanding of OT Law and how God's standard is perfection, so the only way to make it to heaven would be to sacrifice for every sinful thought, motive, or action. Then he went through the extensive process of ONE sacrifice and it was soon very tangible how utterly impossible it is to obtain God's standard.
Then we got the good news: Grace.
Jesus + anything = nothing
Jusus + nothing = everything
We try to make it Jesus plus reading the bible, missions, tithing, going to church, etc. but when we do that, we're actually getting farther from the relationship God desires. We should be doing those things out of relational desire to make our father pleased, not as a means to an end.
Chris explained this by telling us how OT slaves were slaves by choice, it was simply an agreement to live with and work for a person for 7 years for a set salary. There was the option in the legal system for the buyer of the slave to purchase a Redemption Ticket. The Redemption Ticket was bought at the same time the slave was bought and it made the slave free. The catch, however, is that the slave was not only free, but was still supplied with optional room and board and still was paid his salary! Obviously, this didn't happen very often. But thats exactly the analogy Paul uses when trying to explain Jesus to the Church in Rome:

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24.

When this did happen, in almost every case, the redeemed slave would serve their buyer by choice, in love, instead of obligation to a contract.

Yeeyuh.

This weekend has been pretty awesome. Aside from the fact that some people dont understand my introverted side and get offended when I need to be alone.
Figured out our small groups today. Siiiiked about my small group leader Jesse, and all the guys in it.
Other than that we've had no agenda today and its been super relaxing.
Which is good cause I stayed up till 4 skyping last night.
Much needed conversation and wisdom.
Not sure where/ if I'm going to church tomorrow.
Haley got here last night!
During "Welcome to Montana Night." Which was a riot.
Square dancing was the most fun I've had in a long time.
Can't wait to figure out for sure where I'm going on outreach and who my leaders are.
Really tired.
Love you all.
Night.