Ever since our review of the gospel on Easter Sunday, I have been intending to write this post. Our discussion this morning motivated me to follow through.
For those of you who were not with us, we deviated from the lesson plan and spent most of our time discussing holiness, especially as it pertains to raising our children with convictions about sexuality purity and integrity. What we did not spend time discussing was the motivating factor, the cross. Our understanding and appreciation of what Jesus has done for us is what motivates us to live holy lives that are set apart from the world.
As for our children, we must (1) set a Biblical standard that we will live by within our homes; (2) Uphold that standard without unnecessary discussion and debate; (3) Conduct ourselves in a manner consistent with the standard; (4) And pray that God would change the hearts and minds of our children and make them disciples of Jesus.
Over the next several weeks in class, we will cover Mark 14 through 16, and I will do my best, by the grace of God, to present the Gospel in a way that motivates us all to a higher standard. In addition, I strongly recommend that you read the following books. Some of them are available from our church library.
1. Living the Cross Centered Life by C. J. Mahaney. If you only read one book, make it this one. It is short and to the point but will still have a tremendous impact on your faith.
2. The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges. Bridges teaches how the Gospel doesn't just save is from hell but is essential for daily progress in holiness.
3. Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges. This is the book God used to correct my doctrinal misconceptions about the Gospel and to draw me to Himself.
4. The Great Work of the Gospel by John Ensor. I loved this book so much, I gave a copy away here on the blog last month. Ensor's experience in the pregnancy center movement motivated him to write this book.
I challenge you to read these four books, along with the Gospels, and the letters to the Romans. the Galatians, and the Ephesians, and pray that God would increase your appreciation of the Gospel and your love for Jesus so that you are motivated to be holy as He is holy (I Peter 1:13-16).
Thanks agaaaaiin! Your words are so dead on true. I'm headed to the library! Katy, you are so gifted! Paige
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to getting into the next two chapters. Thank you for challenging us to dig deeper with the book references.
ReplyDeleteIt's Paula and I was the anonymous at 11:22 am. clicked the wrong profile thingie magiggie!
ReplyDeleteKaty, I'm so glad I found your blog by learning more about my followers! I've been looking for more spiritual writers to fill my day and your words will do just that. Your conviction is undeniable. I am excited to go check out the book by Jerry Bridges you referenced. It's so easy for self-imposed expectations and guilt to stand in the way of the joy of a christ-centered life and the more I learn about grace the more those barriers will disappear.
ReplyDeleteloved the post, brenda
ReplyDelete