This week we’re giving away THREE copies of Jesus Is: Find a New Way to Be Human by Judah Smith.Ā Judah and his wife, Chelsea, are the lead pastors of The City Church in Seattle, Washington. Judah and Chelsea have three children: Zion, Eliott, and Grace.
I recently had the chance to ask Judah a few questions about his new book:
Margaret: With all the Christian books on the market today, what motivated you to write Jesus Is _____?
Judah: Both in my personal life and as a pastor, I have seen how Jesus changes lives. The gospel is not about rules or ritualsāitās about Jesus. I believe that when people see Jesus for who he really is, he is nearly irresistible. More than anything, that motivated me to write this book. I wanted to present Jesus in a relatable, easy-to-read way that anyone could understand, whether Christian or non-Christian.Ā
Who should read Jesus Is _____ and why?
I think just about everyone should read Jesus Is _____, but different people will get different things from it. For readers who donāt consider themselves Christians, it is an introduction to the gospel, to grace, and to Jesus. For Christians, it is a picture of what grace means for them as well as a reminder that the world around them needs grace too. I have a particular passion for the younger generation, and that was on my mind as I wrote. But really the book is for anyone who wants to know who Jesus is and how that affects their life.
What do you hope will happen in the readerās heart and mind after they finish with the book?
I hope they fall more in love with Jesus. I hope they think more about Jesus than about themselves and focus more on grace than on sin. And I hope they enjoy God more. If as Christians our focus is on our failures and weakness, weāll live in guilt and weāll end up avoiding God. But if we can keep Jesus at the center, if we can understand his love and grace and believe that he is for us, then everything changes. Holiness becomes fun. Christianity becomes exciting. Life becomes fulfilling.
Your sermon āJesus is Loving Barabbasā has gone viral. Do you have a common thread in your books and sermons? If so, what is it?
The common thread is making Jesus the focus of everything. I preach and write about many things, but for me it always comes back to Jesus. The essence of Christianity is not holiness, prayer, or self-discipline, although those things are good. The essence of Christianity is Jesus. And ironically, the more we pursue him, the more natural it is to live in holiness, to pray, and to exercise self-discipline. Ā I canāt tell you how excited I am to spend the rest of my life and ministry just getting to know Jesus better.Ā
Check out the trailer for Jesus Is: Find a New Way to Be Human. (RSS Subscribers, click here to view.)
To win ONE of THREE copies of Jesus Is: Find a New Way to Be Human, leave a comment below. Winners will be selected and announced on Friday.
Congratulations to the winners: Beth P, Laura Hufford, Francis LynnĀ
What one word describes who Jesus is to you during the season of life you are in?
**
Are you looking for a fresh Bible study to unlock the wonders of God this fall? Email us at sampler@margaretfeinberg.com and weāll send you free access to the first full video and PDF lesson of each of Margaretās DVD Bible studies.
Jesus is my closest friend in this season of my life :))
Jesus is the anchor for my life!
Jesus is my security who loves me even when I’m not lovable.
Jesus is my sanctuary where i find peace rest and q uietness.
Jesus completes me! I feel this book will help me in This new season of my life! I am a fan of Judah but more a fan of Jesus! Would love to get it! I live in Puerto Rico. Will be praying for this! š
Jesus is the center!
Jesus is … my everything!
Jesus is ALL!
Jesus is alive!
Jesus is my BOULDER. Hugely big, awesome rock that anchors me.
Jesus is my Teacher!
Hey, his wife has the same name as me…Even spelled the same way! š
Jesus is the power to overcome all fears and obstacles, and being free to worship and love God with my whole being!
Jesus is HOPE.
Jesus is my restorer.
Jesus is my sustenance.
Jesus is my sustainer! He keeps me from falling/sinking/drowning during this season of my life.
Jesus is beautiful.
Everything!
Jesus is my everything … my all-in-all!
Sustainer!
Jesus is my HEALER!
Yes!yes!
Jesus is the grace that covers me so I can boldy stand before the throne of God.
It truly does always come back to Jesus!
Jesus is the reason I don’t give up when things look like they are falling down around me.
Jesus is my stabilizer.
Yes, Jesus!
Jesus is my Beloved. This sounds soo good, Margaret. Thank you for highlighting this book.
Guide!
Jesus IS….
My value and worth are defined by Jesus.
Jesus is EVERYTHING!
Jesus is all-sufficient for any and every need I have!
Jesus is…faithful!!!
I just loved participating in the 40-Day Jesus Is _____ Video Journey. Jesus, to me, is a friend.
Jesus is a life raft to me
Jesus is… here!
Jesus is my hope … the One who makes life worth living.
Hey, Miss Margaret Feinberg! =D You don’t have an idea how delighted I am right now to have found your website and of course about this awesome giveaway! =D =D =D I’ve been dreaming about owning a copy of Pastor Judah Smith’s book “Jesus Is ____” for a couple of months now. =D I’ve already tried looking for it in some bookstores near our place only to get frustrated. I’ve also thought of buying it via online stores, however, the shipping cost is too expensive for me. Therefore, I couldn’t afford it because I don’t hold a paying job at the moment. I’m a volunteer youth leader/worship leader for a small Christian church here in the Philippines of which my father is the head pastor. This giveaway of yours only proves that God really has a way of giving the desires of our hearts, and mine happens to be “Jesus Is ___” by Pastor Judah Smith. =D
Oh and to answer your question, to me Jesus is a “pursuer.” He’s a determined One, chasing after all of us despite our obstinacy.
Muchas gracias for this great opportunity! =D
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