daddy4ms

I finished Counsel From the Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick last week. I highly recommend this to everyone and especially to pastors, counselors, and teachers. Here are some quotes from 2 of the last chapters (more quotes from final chapter in a later post): we learn not only that our thoughts should linger on the gospel, but also that doing so will change our attitude and mood. For every one look that they take at their sin, they need to take ten looks at God's love for them in Christ. From the gospel we learn who we are and how God sees us. His love for us is to have a powerful effect on our love for others, and it is the only thing that will motivate us to love as we have been called to. The problem with a large majority of these books (Christian parenting or marriage books), however is that they have pointed out the obligations of the gospel without first rehearsing the declarations of the gospel. but gospel-oriented parents give the law to show children their need...

I am thoroughly enjoying Elyse Fitzpatrick's book, Counsel from the Cross . Here are some quotes from chapters on counseling and our sanctification.  So gospel-centered counseling is counseling based on Scripture that defines us as God does and then applies both gospel declarations and gospel obligations to every problem we encounter. When we use the word gospel, indicatives, and declarations, we are referring to those portions of Scripture that tell us what Christ has already done...when we use the terms law, imperatives, and obligations, we are referring to those verses that tell us what our response to this good news should be. We not only cease the evil activity; we also replace it with obedience instead. the obligations of the gospel become a burdensome duty simply because we don't spend enough time remembering what Jesus has already done for us. If the message of the gospel does not inform every thought, word, and deed, our striving to put off and put on will d...

I am continuing Counsel from the Cross by Elyse Fitzpatrick. I enjoyed several chapters on the topic of God's love for us and how it impacts us.  She asks, do you believe God loves you?  Do you?  And then challenges others who think they make "Varsity Christian Squad."  You know those who have no doubt that God loves them because they are so good.  Is that you?  Either extreme misses out on the good news of the gospel for us. Here are some quotes on God's love and our response: Love is the key to every sin problem in our lives both vertically, between ourselves and the Lord, and horizontally, between ourselves and others. What will ignite a white-hot passion in our hearts? Only trusting in God's love for us. Only the gospel annihilates self-condemnation. Only love stimulates love...our love for God and our others is responsive in nature. God places all our transgressions upon his Son, he pours out our punishment upon him, he transfers his pe...